The Pros and Cons of Having a Training Partner

This video demonstrates how to quickly load an AK-47 magazine using a cutaway magazine and a mag pump loader. The process involves indexing the magazine into the loader and using a lever to feed rounds, with the loader automatically orienting each cartridge. The cutaway magazine allows for a clear view of the internal mechanics during loading.

This guide, based on instruction from Geauga Firearms Academy, emphasizes that consistent range visits alone do not guarantee improvement. Instead, it advocates for a structured approach centered on dry fire practice to build fundamental skills. The range serves as an evaluation tool for habits developed at home, with a strong focus on mental control and correcting physical errors like 'turtling' and flinching.

This video from GUNBROS features host Roman demonstrating a competition to see if a speed loader is truly faster than manual magazine loading. Using 17-round Glock 9mm magazines, the host found that manual loading was quicker for him, suggesting speed loaders are more beneficial for reducing hand fatigue than increasing raw speed for experienced shooters. The analysis concludes speed loaders have their place for endurance or specific scenarios, but the 'speed' moniker can be misleading.

This video details the El Presidente drill, a classic pistol training exercise developed by Jeff Cooper in the 1970s. The drill emphasizes accuracy, speed, and fundamental shooting mechanics, incorporating elements like turning, multiple target engagements, magazine changes, and target transitions. The instructor, Pat Mac, demonstrates the drill at a relaxed pace for warm-up, focusing on smooth execution and feeling the firearm and ammunition, before gradually increasing speed. He also discusses common mistakes and the importance of objective self-critique during practice.

This guide details the fundamental handling and live-fire procedures for the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380, as demonstrated by an experienced shooter. It covers safe magazine loading, chambering a round, safety engagement, and live-fire execution at an outdoor range, emphasizing proper technique and firearm cycling.

This video from Palmetto State Armory explains the distinctions between different types of 5.56 ammunition. It covers training rounds like 55 and 62 grain Full Metal Jacket for range practice, match grade ammunition (69-77 grain) for tighter groups at distance, and hunting rounds (soft points, polymer tips, bonded) designed for expansion on impact.

Lucas Botkin, founder of T.Rex Arms, shares his expert insights on optimizing carbine builds based on extensive round counts. He details his philosophy on barrel length versus optic choice, preferring red dots for shorter barrels and magnification for longer ones. Botkin also discusses preferences for muzzle devices, foregrips, lights, lasers, and triggers, emphasizing reliability and simplicity for high-volume use.

This video details a critical incident during a firearms class where a custom-built pistol, featuring numerous aftermarket parts, experienced unintended discharges. The instructors meticulously troubleshoot the issue, identifying tolerance stacking and specific magazine fit as the likely culprits. They emphasize the importance of testing aftermarket components and the potential pitfalls of combining non-OEM parts.

This video discusses the practical considerations of Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs) with firearms instructor Nick Young. Key takeaways include the benefits of SBRs for suppressor use, the legal complexities involving ATF travel paperwork, and the potential reliability issues and increased violence in shorter-barreled platforms. The discussion also touches on the importance of proper buffer systems and the tendency for 'Franken-guns' to fail in training.

Hwansik Kim explains his 'No Friction Grip' technique, developed to maintain control in adverse conditions like sweaty hands or rain. The method emphasizes specific pressure points, particularly using the support hand's index finger on the trigger guard and the top knuckles of the support hand on the firing hand. This technique aims to minimize reliance on grip enhancers and provide consistent control through recoil by creating a stable platform without excessive friction.