Gun Ownership, Castle Doctrine & Instructor Pedigree (The Craig Douglas Interview)

Published on February 16, 2026
Duration: 72:43

Craig Douglas, founder of Shiv Works, emphasizes the importance of evaluating firearms instructors based on their motivation to 'do something' (serve others) versus 'be somebody' (seek personal glory). He advises looking for transparency, demonstrable skill improvement in students, and effective information conveyance. Douglas also highlights the value of instructors who are multi-modal problem solvers, possessing skills in shooting, fighting, and verbal communication.

Quick Summary

Craig Douglas, founder of Shiv Works, advises evaluating firearms instructors by their motivation: 'do something' (service-oriented) versus 'be somebody' (self-aggrandizing). Look for transparency, demonstrable skill improvement in students, and effective information conveyance. The ideal tactician combines shooting, fighting, and verbal skills.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Craig Douglas and Shiv Works
  2. 00:13Craig Douglas's Background and Shiv Works' Mission
  3. 01:34Thoughts on Second Amendment and Gun Ownership
  4. 03:04Guns as Unique Tools: Rights vs. Responsibility
  5. 05:03Student Demographics and Expectations for Training
  6. 10:03Shifting to Castle Doctrine and Use of Force
  7. 17:00Perspective on Firearms Equipment and Innovation
  8. 25:09Evaluating Firearms Instructors: Pedigree vs. Performance
  9. 33:36Citing Sources and Giving Credit in Firearms Instruction
  10. 39:42Drill Training vs. Scenario Training: Immersive Experiences
  11. 51:15The Evolution of Holster Design and Carry
  12. 63:02The Genesis of Shiv Works: Holsters and Training
  13. 68:05Challenges of Making a Living in Firearms Training
  14. 69:00Early Training Encounters and Shared Philosophies
  15. 71:50The Unique Experience of Shiv Works Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two main categories of firearms instructors?

Craig Douglas categorizes firearms instructors into two main archetypes: those who want to 'be somebody,' motivated by self-satisfaction and personal gain, and those who want to 'do something,' motivated by a desire to serve others and provide valuable training.

How should one evaluate the effectiveness of a firearms instructor?

When evaluating a firearms instructor, look for transparency, their ability to demonstrably improve your skills, and their effectiveness in conveying information. It's also beneficial to see if their students report measurable improvements and positive outcomes from training.

What is Shiv Works known for in firearms training?

Shiv Works, founded by Craig Douglas, is known for specializing in 'worst day of your life' tactical problems. Their training focuses on close-quarters violence, within-arms-reach scenarios, and developing multi-modal problem-solving skills.

What skills should an ideal tactician possess?

According to Craig Douglas, an ideal tactician should possess the handgun skills of a USPSA Grandmaster, the fighting skills of a UFC fighter, and the verbal agility and social literacy of a stand-up comic, enabling them to solve problems through various modalities.

Why is instructor transparency important?

Instructor transparency is crucial because it allows potential students to make informed decisions about their training. Instructors who are willing to share information freely and demonstrate their methods help build trust and ensure students know what to expect.

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