Thinking with a Gun in Your Hand: Interview with John Hearne

This video introduces the Casino Drill and its 'Mega Suck Edition' variant, developed by Tom Given and John Hearn, respectively. These drills are designed to integrate cognitive load and decision-making into standard pistol practice, moving beyond purely technical execution. The Casino Drill involves shooting numbered targets sequentially with specific round counts and reloads, while the Mega Suck Edition adds a dice-rolling element to dictate the firing sequence, increasing mental challenge. The goal is to improve a shooter's ability to perform under pressure and maintain accuracy when their cognitive load is high.

The Cognitive Conclave, developed by Eric Gelhouse, John Hearn, and Lee Weems, focuses on enhancing decision-making skills under stress, moving beyond simple 'shoot or no-shoot' scenarios. The training integrates classroom instruction with live-fire drills, emphasizing cognitive processing, muzzle discipline, and accurate shot placement over pure speed. Participants engage in complex scenarios involving 'don't shoot' targets, movers, and tactical anatomy to improve real-world outcomes.

This video features a panel of firearms instructors and legal experts discussing the nuances of self-defense terminology, specifically the difference between "shoot to kill" and "shoot to stop the deadly threat." They explore how societal perceptions, media influence, and legal definitions can impact jury decisions. The discussion also delves into the importance of understanding human performance under extreme stress, the psychology of criminal behavior, and the critical role of concealed carry insurance in covering legal defense and potential appeals.

Instructor Mike discusses the practical considerations of choosing between revolvers and semi-automatic firearms, particularly for women, emphasizing the impact of stress on performance. He highlights the challenges of recoil management with short-barreled revolvers, the limitations of low round capacity, and the difficulties of reloading under duress without speedloaders. The instructor stresses the importance of training for human performance under stress, focusing on gross motor skills and big-picture threat assessment rather than precise aiming at paper targets.

This video from Kit Badger introduces Sage Dynamics' Vital Anatomy Targets, designed to enhance firearm training by focusing on critical areas for threat neutralization. Instructor Ivan explains the importance of aiming for the Central Nervous System (CNS) in the head for immediate incapacitation, and the heart/aortic arch in the torso for rapid cessation of threat. The targets provide anatomical realism, helping shooters understand the physiological effects of precise shot placement, moving beyond traditional bullseye training. The availability of these targets as free printable PDFs is highlighted as a significant benefit for accessible, ongoing training.

This entry details the FBI's ill-fated adoption of the 10mm Auto and the Smith & Wesson Model 1076, exploring the historical context, technical challenges, and the subsequent shift to .40 S&W. It highlights the critical role of ballistics testing, the evolution of handgun cartridges, and the impact of law enforcement procurement decisions on firearm development.

This guide details the 'Cruiser Ready' condition for home defense shotguns, as explained by Chris Baker. It prioritizes safety by keeping the chamber empty while ensuring rapid deployment. The method involves a loaded magazine tube, empty chamber, unlocked slide, and safety off, with a recommendation to load one round less than capacity to preserve magazine spring life.

This review provides an in-depth look at the Chiappa 1892 Alaskan Takedown lever-action rifle, highlighting its unique takedown feature, performance, and potential drawbacks. The expert assessment notes the rifle's smooth action and crisp trigger, while also pointing out cosmetic defects and suggesting practical modifications for improved handling and ergonomics. It's presented as a packable option for various outdoor applications.

This guide details essential shotgun reloading techniques for defensive scenarios, as demonstrated by Chris Baker of Lucky Gunner Ammo and Darryl Bolke of Hardwired Tactical. It covers proactive 'topping off' and emergency reloads using both 'brass down' and 'brass up' methods, emphasizing consistency and reliability under stress. The Remington 870 is used as the primary example firearm.