Home Defender Magazine - Spring 2014

FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLD
MAR/APRIL 2014
U.S. $8.99 DISPLAY UNTIL: 4/8/14
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Engaged Media By Beckett
GW-HD-MAR_APR 12/27/13 2:37 AM Page US_C1
Copyright 2014, TNVC, All Rights Reserved
WWW.TNVC.COM
Booth 6502
Fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, terrorism, nuclear/biological/chemical, destruction, panic.
These disasters present lethal challenges in daylight. They are compounded by darkness. Are you ready?
TNVC is the only place to obtain all the necessary low light and no light gear to not only survive, but endure and
prevail when disaster strikes. Dont be caught in the dark!
NIGHT VISION THERMAL LASERS LIGHTS HELMETS MOUNTS
HD_1401_C2 12/25/13 9:54 PM Page C2
HD_1401_3 12/25/13 9:47 PM Page 3
24 EXPERT ADVICE
Industry professionals review nine
personal-safety items.
BY TORI TELLEM
30 SECURITY SQUARED
Use common household items as
force multipliers to bring down
an attacker.
BY ABE ELIAS
36 TRIAGE 101
Knowing how to apply basic first
aid can mean the difference
between life and death.
BY LARRY SCHWARTZ
46 AUTOMOTIVE ACCESS
Dont let your car render you
vulnerable against bad guys!
BY TORREY KIM
51 COVER AND CONCEAL
Sometimes taking cover is the
way to survive a home invasion.
BY BRIAN C. SMITH
62 EXTREME ESCAPE
Bulletproof panic room: A safe
haven in an emergency.
BY SCOTT CONDITT
88 SWIFT AND SOLID
Which brings down an attacker
better, accuracy or speed?
BY CHUCK TAYLOR
100 SHOTGUN LINGO
Before you shop for a shotgun,
make sure you know the language.
BY KM LEE
105 PERFECT PROTECTION
If youre looking for a great
firearm for home defense, consider
the .357 Magnum.
BY KM LEE
108 PIECE PRESERVATION
An easy guide to taking care of
your firearm.
BY KM LEE
113 ACTION ANSWERS
Everything you need to know
about basic handgun design.
BY KM LEE
124 BUYER BEWARE
A comprehensive guide for
first-time gun purchasers.
BY LARRY SCHWARTZ
THREAT STOPPER
Introducing Rugers new addition
to its lineup: the LCRx.
BY WES PARKER
66
14
FEATURES
24
105
18
4 HOME DEFENDER SPRING 2014 WWW.GUNWORLD.COM
CON
HD-1401-004-005-TOC.EPxxx 12/27/13 12:40 AM Page 4
SPECIAL SECTION: MARTIAL ARTS
72 INTRO
74 SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
Eight valuable tips to help you
select the right martial arts school.
BY MICHAEL DANGONA
80 TRESPASSER TAKEDOWN
Learn how to deal with an
attacker using these empty-handed
combat moves.
BY MICHAEL DANGONA
6 FIRST WORDS
8 NEWS, QUICK TIPS
12 NEW PRODUCTS
130 LAST SHOT
BUYERS GUIDES
18 BATONS
40 .22s
56 TASERS
66 HANDGUNS
94 SHOTGUNS
118 UNIQUE ITEMS
THE COVER
Photos: Matthew Romeika
Model: Carissa Risucci
Designer: Eric Knagg
COLUMNS
80
118
94
46
88
WWW.GUNWORLD.COM SPRING 2014 HOME DEFENDER 5
TENTS
HD-1401-004-005-TOC.EPxxx 12/27/13 12:40 AM Page 5
I want to win. At
everything. I want
to hit the bulls-
eye, score the
tie-breaker and
trump your ace.
But more often
than not, I get my
butt handed to
me on fine-bone
china. Example: I
am not a born marksman. Yes, Im
out plinking on the practice range.
No, Im nowhere near my mark. But
Ill be back next week. Once upon a
time, that annoyed me; now, it
makes me smile. Why? I define suc-
cess on my terms. I have figured out
what is important and how good is
good enough.
Vince Lombardi said, Winning is
not everything, but wanting to win
is. Winning is the by-product of
relentless effort. Gutting it out. In
America, its called grit. Just about
every dictionary I have defines grit as
a tenacity of spirit and courage in the
face of danger. Knowing this serves
me well raising my daughterthere
is power in having a tenacity. I teach
her that it breeds courage and feeds
improvement. (She looks at me like
Im nuts, but, someday, shell thank
me.) Remember the over-talented
kids in high school who excelled
effortlessly, then went on into obliv-
ion? If you are not driven to succeed,
if you stay in bed, then guess who
wins? Mebecause Im there early.
With doughnuts. In the immortal
words of Woody Allen, Eighty per-
cent of success is showing up.
The idea that success comes with
some born talent is so last millen-
nium. Being the tallest, strongest and
quickest, studies say, isnt
the whole megillah. But its taken
more than 50 years for grit to get its
due. Apparently, researchers can
quantify the true value of grit. For
better or worse, weve been measur-
ing IQs since the mid-19th century.
Holy hominy, Batmannow we can
measure grit!
Researchers say the influence of
grit on success is huge. Thats why
the worlds biggest failure, Thomas
Edison, was also the worlds most
successful inventor. Grit is how your
cousin became an online trading
whiz and how your mom can out-
tweet you. The idea that they were
born better at these things is dubi-
ous; the fact that they achieved their
goals is called scoreboard.
In 2002, Angela Duckworth, Ph.D.,
created the Grit Scale survey, which
ranked levels of perseverance. Could
people wait for a later, greater reward
over an immediate, mediocre one?
She measured the importance of
this, talent and brains on success in
life. Survey says: Grit wins.
Grit, says Dr. Duckworth, entails
working strenuously toward chal-
lenges and maintaining effort and
interest despite failure, adversity and
plateaus. Her studies suggest that
our most important trait is achieving
talent, not over-valuing being born
with it.
Grit is ultimately about taking
responsibility. And thats what home
defense is all about.
SPRING 2014
EDITORIAL
Group Editor: Doug Jeffrey
Editor: Barri Segal
Managing Editor: Elise Portale
Art Directors: John Bernikow
Contributors: Scott Conditt, Michael DAngona, Abe Elias,
Torrey Kim, KM Lee, Wes, Parker, Larry Schwartz, Brian C.
Smith, Chuck Taylor, Tori Tellem
ADVERTISING
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Home Defender 2012 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights
reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in
whole or in parts is strictly prohibited.
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This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the
understanding that information presented is from
various sources from which there can be no warranty or
responsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality,
completeness or technical accuracy.
THE AIM OF AIMING:
HOW GRIT TRUMPS TALENT
By Barri Segal
FIRST WORDS
TENACITY BREEDS COURAGE
AND FEEDS IMPROVEMENT.

HD-1401-006-EDIT.EPx 12/27/13 12:47 AM Page 6
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You may have heard about positive outlooks in hiring and
the national economy this year, but unfortunately, violent
and property crime rates have had the opposite result.
According to the Department of Justices latest report,
Criminal Victimization, 2012, violent and property crime
rates increased for the second year in a row.
The report, which was released in October 2013, notes
that the overall violent crime rate (including rape or sexual
assault, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault)
rose from 22.6 victimizations per 1,000 people in 2011 to
26.1 in 2012.
Likewise, the overall property crime rate (including
household burglary, theft and motor-vehicle theft) increased
from 138.7 per 1,000 households in 2011 to 155.8 in 2012.
Residents in urban areas once again experienced the
highest rate of violent crime, the report notes, but which
cities had the highest risk is not specified.
To read the complete report, visit www.bjs.gov.
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ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT
OF JUSTICES LATEST REPORT ... CRIME
RATES INCREASED FOR THE SECOND
YEAR IN A ROW.

RISE IN
PROPERTY CRIMES
NEWS, QUICK TIPS
HD1401-008-011-NEWS.EPxx 12/27/13 12:50 AM Page 8
THE LIGHT OF DAY
You lock up your house tighter than a drum when you go to
sleep, but you arent as concerned during daylight hours, when
burglars would have to be awfully brazen to attempt a break-in
while visible. This may just be the wrong approach if the latest
FBI data is any indication.
According to new statistics that the FBI recently posted on
its website, out of 2.1 million burglaries in 2012, fewer than a
half million (428,411) occurred at residences during the night.
However, a startling 830,518 burglaries occurred at residences
during the day.
Why might this be? While the FBI doesnt offer any opinions
on what may have caused these results, chances are high that
burglars know youre home at night but that your house is
temptingly vacant during the day. In addition, many people
dont set alarms during the daytime, making your home easy
pickings when the sun is shining.
TIP: Keep your home armed with a security system during
the day, and if you live in an area where burglaries are common,
consider getting a video surveillance system that you can
monitor remotely via the Internet. In addition, having a dog
in the house that will bark at intruders while youre away is
another great deterrent.
UNSCRUPULOUS MOVERS
Even if you cast a cautious eye to every person
who rings your doorbell, chances are high that
you would readily open your door for a moving
company that youve hired and happily invite
them into your house with access to your
belongings. But moving fraud is on the rise, and
the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
has offered the following tips for people who are
moving to ensure that they dont fall victim to
this growing trend:
Dont hire a mover that offers a too-good-to-
be-true, lowball offer over the phone without
seeing whats in your home. A common scam is
that theyll load your items into their truck and
then demand more money before theyll deliver
or unload them.
Never pay the moving company a large
deposit or full payment prior to the move.
Avoid companies that dont have a local
address or information about licensing or insurance.
Ensure that the moving company has an actual name.
If you call and they say, Movers, chances are that they
could be unreputable.
If the movers show up at your house in a rental truck
or a company-marked truck, thats cause for suspicion,
the government says.
The movers that you hire should also give you a copy
of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, a
booklet that federal regulations require them to give to
customers. If your mover raises any suspicions, then move
on to another company rather than give them access to
every possession in your home.
Source: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, www.protectyourmove.gov
To read the FBI statistics, visit www.fbi.gov.
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NEWS, QUICK TIPS
BURGLARY TEST
You may get them on your house all the timestickers
and flyers advertising everything from a new pizza joint to
a lawn care servicebut what you dont know is that
some of these advertisements are just a ploy to find out
how often youre home.
Police departments in scores of cities across the
country have reported that burglars will post fake flyers or
stickers on your front door or mailbox advertising bogus
services. If you dont remove the item from your property,
the burglar will assume youre out of town and will rob
your house.
TIP: To avoid falling victim to this type of scheme, make
sure you remove all flyers, stickers and advertisements
from your property each day. If youre going out of town,
ask a neighbor to monitor your home and remove any
such flyers.
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THE COMPLETE IDIOTS GUIDE TO HOME SECURITY
Co-author Tom Davidson has 27 years of law enforcement experience in the
FBI, Indiana State Police and the London Metropolitan Police Department.
Hes written two popular police training manuals on hostage/crisis negotiation
and workplace/school violence and is an in-demand speaker on crime preven-
tion programs. He is a practicing attorney and certified police Master Instructor
as well as a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Now, Davidson has written the definitive guide for the beginner looking to
fortify his or her house and learn about home security. In his book, Davidson
clears up confusion in a number of categories, including how to choose a
home security system, which inexpensive measures can help protect your
home and exactly whats legal and whats not in the area of nanny cams and
general monitoring devices. In todays world of gated communities, security is
more sought after than ever. With solutions from basic to advanced, Davidson
covers a wide array of home security options in an easy-to-understand format.
For more on The Complete Idiots Guide To Home Security, visit
Amazon.com.
THE COMPLETE HOME SECURITY GUIDE
Have you done a home security risk assessment of your house? If not, you
could be leaving major vulnerabilities available to a criminal whos eager to
gain access to your safe place.
Thats one of the many tips in Gerard Honeys new book, The Complete
Home Security Guide, which walks you through how to perform a home risk
assessment and what steps you should take after youve completed it. The
book also outlines how to protect yourself from burglars and violent criminals
who might want to harm you and even discusses what types of insurance you
should have.
Honey explores in-depth which types of shrubs and landscaping can make it
easier for a burglar to gain access to your home as well as those that make it
impossible for burglars to climb up and get through your window.
Get this comprehensive book to find out how to securely and intelligently
keep burglars out of your house and protect your possessions.
For more on The Complete Home Security Guide, visit Amazon.com.
BOOK
REVIEWS
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INNOVATIVE ITEMS
FOR HOME DEFENSE
NEW PRODUCTS
>>>>>>>THIS JUST IN
COOL NEW STUFF TO
PROTECT YOUR HOME
FENIX
PRODUCT: FENIX RC40
WEBSITE: www.fenixlight.com
MSRP: $370
SPECIFICATIONS:
Power: 3,500 lumens, 1.5 hours
Battery: 7800mAh / 7.4V rechargeable Li-ion
Dimensions: 11.77 inches by 2.12 inches by
4.25 inches
Weight: 2.88 pounds (including battery)
Digitally regulated output
Anti-roll, slip-resistant design
Dual switch
Premium Type III hard-anodized
anti-abrasive finish
Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with
anti-reflective coating
Included accessories for 100V~240V AC
and 12V car charging
DEFINING FEATURES: The Fenix RC40
features a rapid scan beam, delivering a
combination of throw and overall coverage.
The 3500-lumen output throws 710 meters
with a 90-degree beam for maximum close-
range coverage. Advanced power solutions
allow long periods of use, and Cree XM-L LEDs
have a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: 3,400
lumensbright! Its our show-stopper. Comes
with batteries, docking station, charge it AC or
DC, and it comes with a great battery indicator.
Ming Chiang, product representative
ZIP
PRODUCT: THE ZIP .22 LR
WEBSITE: www.zipfactory.com
MSRP: $200
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: .22 LR
Barrel Length: 5.25 inches
Frame: 5.9 inches
Weight: 0.95 pounds
Height: 3.1 inches
Width: 1.2 inches
DEFINING FEATURES: The ZiP .22 LR is a futuristic
weapons system where the arrangement of the
components enables compactness. Multiple platform
enhancements allow attachment of ZiP to other
weapons. The ZiP form factor enables the NP ZiP-Action
and five safeties, including a cross-bolt trigger safety, a
sear safety, no winding trigger bar and a striker block,
which stays closed for most of the trigger travel.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Its extremely
compact ... Because theres no slide, you can devote
the entire top of the gun to different rail sets.
Douglas Donnelly, CEO and inventor, ZiP
HD1401-012-013-NEWPRODUCTS.EP 12/27/13 12:52 AM Page 12
TRIJICON
PRODUCT: TRIJICON RMR
WEBSITE: www.trijicon.com
PRICE: $440-$591 (online sellers)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Dual-Illuminated, adjustable LED
Patented housing shape
Easy adjustable windage/elevation
True-color multi-coated lenses
Parallax-free
Waterproof up to 66 feet
DEFINING FEATURES: The Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized
Miniature Reflex) sight is a miniature
red-dot sight, made from 7075-T6 aluminum to MIL-spec
standards. Its patented shape absorbs shock and diverts
stresses away from the lens. Available in LED, adjustable
LED or dual illuminated versions. Dot sizes range from 3.25
to 13 MOA. The RMR illuminates in any lighting condition.
VENDORS COMMENT: We added a mount for the RMR
to integrate into the dovetail of the pistol. Then you look
through it. One sight plane. Theres a red dot. Its that
simple. Josh Varner, engineering supervisor
BARSKA
PRODUCT: LOADED GEAR AX-50
HARD GUN CASE
WEBSITE: www.loadedgear.com
MSRP: $55
SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight: 2.8 pounds
Outer Dimensions: 11.25
inches by 3.5 inches by 10 inches
Inner Dimensions: 10 inches by
2.75 inches by 8.75 inches
Warranty: 1 year limited
Aluminum case
Open-cell pre-perforated cubed
foam and egg crate foam padding
PRO EARS
PRODUCT: PRO EARS ULTRA SLEEK
WEBSITE: www.proears.com
MSRP: $39.99
SPECIFICATIONS:
Thin, light cups for extended wear
Adjustable headband and ProForm ear cushions
Hard hat adaptor
Dielectric construction
Simple height adjustment requires no tools
Snap-in ear cushions
DEFINING FEATURES: The Pro Ears Ultra Sleek are passive ear
muffs made to protect your hearing. Features include ProForm
leather ear cushions and a soft headband. Three levels of noise
attenuation are offered. All Ultra Series products are dielectric
construction. Pro Ears technology
allows the shooter to hear all
sounds. These earmuffs
balance comfort, noise
attenuation and sound.
MANUFACTURERS
COMMENT: When
we design a product,
[there are] three
things we pay at-
tention to: perform-
ance, quality (which
we judge by reliabil-
ity) and comfort.
Gary Lemanski, Pro
Ears president and CEO
DEFINING FEATURES: The Loaded Gear AX-50
with combination lock is an ideal storage case for
handguns. It comes with a combination pin code lock
and features reinforced corners and molded-in
bumper protection. Inside is a layer
of customizable foam plus two
layers of egg-crate foam case-liner.
The interior is also lined with foam.
The AX-50 has a locking hinge to
ensure that the case stays open.
VENDORS COMMENT: What
makes this perfect for long-term
storage is its got a very durable
exterior and a very soft interior,
crush-proof handles and a purge
valve. Ryan, Barska gear expert
HD1401-012-013-NEWPRODUCTS.EP 12/27/13 12:52 AM Page 13
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HD1401-014-017-COVERSTORY.EPx 12/27/13 12:55 AM Page 14
RUGERS NEW LCRx GETS THE JOB DONE
BY WES PARKER
THREAT-
STOPPER
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uying a firearm can be an intimidating process, but
as with most things in life, preparation and research
make for an informed decision.
Home Defender had an opportunity to take a closer look at the
lightweight Ruger LCR familynamely its newest model, the
compact LCRx. In fact, the LCR revolver was so revolutionary at
the time of its launch in 2009, it has been awarded three patents.
B
VIVE LA DIFFERENCE
The LCRx differs from the rest of
the LCR lineup because it utilizes an
external hammerthat means dou-
ble action like the regular LCR mod-
els but with the option to fire single
action as well. And if youre seeking
a concealed weapon thats easy to
use, youre in luck with the LCRx.
Theres the expected from a
Ruger LCR product: a smooth,
non-stacking trigger pull, which is
accomplished via the patented
friction-reducing cam. What does
that mean?
The trigger-pull force on the
LCR builds gradually and peaks
later in the trigger stroke, resulting
in a trigger pull that feels much
lighter than it actually is, Ruger
explained. This results in more
controllable double-action shoot-
ing, even among those who find
traditional double-action-only trig-
gers difficult to operate.
THE FACTS
Other tidbits worth knowing:
Theres a polymer fire-control
housing and an aircraft-quality
aluminum monolithic frame. To
keep weight down, the stainless
steel cylinder is fluted. It also has
Ionbond DiamondBlack finish to
SPECS
Barrel length: 1.875 inches
Overall length: 6.50 inches
Height: 4.50 inches
Weight: 13.50 ounces
Width: 1.28 inches
Twist: 1:15
MSRP: $529
RUGERS
OTHER
PLAYERS
For personal defense,
also check out the con-
cealed carry LC9/LC380 or
LCP in 380, which is even
smaller. If size doesnt
matter when it comes to
your home defense, con-
sider the SR series pistols:
SR9, SR40 and SR45.
MORE IS BETTER
Customers have been asking for a traditional double-action
version of the LCR with an external hammer for optional
single-action shooting. We were listening and have added a
crisp single-action mode to the already smooth double-action
LCR. Chris Killoy, VP of sales and marketing, Ruger
CONTACT INFO
Web: www.ruger.com
Phone: (603) 865-2442 (for shotguns, revolvers, 22 Chargers
and all rifles except PC4/PC9 carbines)
Phone: (928) 541-8892 (PC4/PC9 carbines and all pistols
except the 22 Charger)
maintain durability. To help reduce kick
(a.k.a. recoil), Ruger utilized the Hogue
Tamer Monogrip. And thanks to the grip
peg, you can install various grip styles.
The LCRx, as with the other LCRs, has
replaceable, pinned ramp front sights
and a fixed, U-notch integral rear sights.
The LCR line includes the LCRx as
well as the double-action .38 Special
+P, .357 Magnum, .22 Magnum and .22
Long Rifle.
THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT
If youre in the market for a home
defense firearm, give the LCRx a look; it
might just be the perfect blend of form
and function that meets your needs.
HISTORY
Strum, Ruger & Co. has been making firearms since 1949; the
Ruger is founder William Ruger. The companys products cover
everything from self-defense and hunting to law enforcement,
military and much more.
I
f youre in the market for a home defense weapon
that is silent, never jams, misfires or runs out of
ammunition, then perhaps you might be interested
in a bludgeon, bat or baton.
Do you want something techie and tricked-out,
like a combination walking cane/stun gun/flashlight?
Or maybe youd prefer something like Grandpas
trusty old blackjack? Or perhaps you really just need
a flashlight and it would be extra handy if it were also
a persuader.
As your weapon of choice or an addition to your
arsenal, its an investment that wont break your
bank. Keep in mind the laws in your community as
your application of these items may determine their
legality. Baton defense courses are available online,
on DVD and, very possibly, in your town.
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THE SWING
OF THINGS
BLUDGEONS, BATS AND BATONS CAN
BE VALUABLE ADDITIONS TO HOME
SECURITY ITEMS
BATONS
BUYERS
GUIDE
HD1401-018-023-BGBATONS.EPx.CX 1/1/14 9:52 PM Page 18
SPECIFICATIONS:
Voltage: 1,000,000 volts
Adjustable Length: 32 to 36 inches
Built-in, rechargeable NI-MH battery
Capacity: 250 pounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Zap Cane features an adjustable
walking cane, ultra-bright LED flashlight and a stun gun
with an unheard-of million-volt charge that will knock
down any attacker! This cane has a weight capacity of
250 pounds and is adjustable from 32 inches to 36 inches.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: The Zap Cane does workI
use it myself. It is an effective device. We stand behind all
our products. Court Ryan, founder
SPECIFICATIONS:
Power Settings: 200 lumens,
100 lumens, Defensive Strobe
Length: 16.25 inches
Diameter: 1.5 inches
Weight: 0.45 pounds
Batteries: Four AA (included)
DEFINING FEATURES: The Nebo PROTEC BAT-Lights
CREE XRE LED produces 200 lumens of white light. The
LED is recessed, protecting it against drops. Utilize its three
lighting modes: 100-percent light, 50-percent light and a
defensive strobe. The body is water-resistant, made of
aircraft-grade anodized aluminum. For maximum comfort
and flashlight control, the light features a bat-shaped
design with a non-slip grip. Keep the BAT-Light handy
with a base-attached lanyard (included).
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: If youre looking for a nice light
that will double as a self-defense weapon, then this would
be a great product. Josh, product demonstrator, NEBO-TV
NEBO TOOLS
PRODUCT: PROTEC BAT-LIGHT
WEBSITE: www.nebotools.com
PRICE: $39.99
SECURITY PRODUCTS OF
AMERICA
PRODUCT: ZAP CANE - 1 MILLION VOLTS
WEBSITE: www.securityproductsamerica.com
MSRP: $79.95
HD1401-018-023-BGBATONS.EPx 12/27/13 12:58 AM Page 19
SPECIFICATIONS:
Retracted Length: 6.38 inches
Expanded Length: 15.75 inches
Diameter: 0.862 inches
Locking System: Friction Loc
DEFINING FEATURES: The ASP P16 Baton is an Every Day Carry
(EDC) baton made with ASP materials using proprietary manu-
facturing techniques and finished with ASP coatings. The P16 is
concealable. It features a 4140 striking surface, aluminum middle
shaft and precision-machined handle. The grip is Crosstec,
knurled with micro grooves. The rings use Snap Loc clips. The
clip adjusts along the handle to enhance concealment.
VENDORS COMMENT: You can easily conceal this in your pocket or
in a waistband. The tapers of the design will lock the baton open
with minimal effort. Andy Skoogman, marketing director
SPECIFICATIONS:
Voltage: 7,500,000
Power: 260 lumens; High/Low/Emergency functions
Type III aluminum alloy
Guard Dog Concealed Inner Stun Technology
Luminous push button
Instant on/off safety switch
Enhanced aluminum reflector
100,000-hour bulb life
Rechargeable battery (includes wall and car charger)
DEFINING FEATURES: The Guard Dog Titan Metal Baton is an
18.5-inch, heavy-duty club and emergency glass breakera
combination metal baton, tactical flashlight and concealed
stun gun. The body is Type III aircraft-grade aluminum and
the handle grip is rubberized. The 260-lumen tactical flash-
light has three light settings: high, battery conservation and
strobe. The light allows for everyday use or as a defense de-
vice. The front end features Guard Dogs exclusive Concealed
Inner Stun Technology. The stuns blast a loud shock with a
push of a button.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: You can be confident the Titan
will keep working even after repeated abuse.
Yasir Sheikh, president
SKYLINE USA
INCORPORATED
PRODUCT: GUARD DOG TITAN
METAL BATON
WEBSITE: www.guarddog-security.com
MSRP: $134.95
ASP
PRODUCT: P16 CLIP-ON BATON
WEBSITE: www.asp-usa.com
MSRP: $40
BATONS
BUYERS
GUIDE
HD1401-018-023-BGBATONS.EPx.CX 1/1/14 10:09 PM Page 20
SMITH & WESSON
PRODUCT: SMITH & WESSON 26-INCH EXPANDABLE BATON
WEBSITE: www.guardian-self-defense.com (online seller)
MSRP: $64.99
SPECIFICATIONS:
Retracted Length: 6.5 inches
Expanded Length: 16 inches
Rounded impact point
Heavy-duty black steel construction
Rubberized ridged handle
Heavy-duty nylon pouch
DEFINING FEATURES: The United Cutlery Night Watchman 16-Inch
Impact Baton is easily carried and deployed with a flick of the wrist,
providing the carrier with an immediate deterrent. The baton
features a rounded point that focuses pressure to an attacker
without cutting. The Night Watchman measures 6.5 inches when
closed and 16 inches when expanded. Made from heavy-duty black
steel, it features a rubberized, ridged handle for maximum control.
VENDORS COMMENT: Its virtually impossible to take out of your
hand. Great baton, great quality. Alex Weller, owner, Dragon Impact
SPECIFICATIONS:
Hardness: HRD46-47
Overall Length: 26 inches
Handle Length: 9.7 inches
Shaft Length: 16.3 inches
Weight: 1 pound, 1.8 ounces
Handle Grip: Thermoplastic polyester
elastomer
DEFINING FEATURES: The Smith & Wesson
26-Inch Expandable Baton is a heat-
treated steel, collapsible baton. The grip
is raised textured rubber. The end cap
has a Smith & Wesson logo raised on the
top and engraved on the side. The in-
cluded ballistic nylon holster allows the
baton to be carried in several tactical po-
sitions. Smith & Wesson steel batons
come with a lifetime warranty.
VENDORS COMMENT: This is a telescopic
steel baton. Open by flicking and close by
hitting a solid surface, like the floor.
Lisa, video product demonstrator,
Guardian Self Defense & Security
UNITED CUTLERY
PRODUCT: NIGHT WATCHMAN 16-INCH IM-
PACT BATON
WEBSITE: www.unitedcutlery.com
MSRP: $34
BLADESUSA
PRODUCT: BJ-S BLACK
JACK SLAPPER
WEBSITE:
www.amazon.com/bladesusa
PRICE: $12-$17.99
SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight: 2 pounds, 7 ounces
Thickness: 1.125-inch handle, 2.1875-inch tip
Injection-molded, heavy-grade polypropylene
DEFINING FEATURES: The Brooklyn Smasher has the
look of any other baseball bat but can be used as a
self-defense tool in an emergency. Keep one behind
the front door and use one behind home plate. They
are priced comparably to good wooden bats but will
last longer.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: I make my own baseball
bats out of super-high-strength poly. What kid, let
alone an adult, wouldnt want an unbreakable bat?
Lynn C. Thompson, president
COLD STEEL
PRODUCT: BROOKLYN SMASHER
WEBSITE: www.coldsteel.com
MSRP: $47.99
SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight: 10 ounces
Steel lining
Leather hand strap
Heavy-gauge leather
DEFINING FEATURES:The BJ-S Black
Jack Slapper heavy-duty leather slap
(aka slapjack) is a well tested
self-defense weapon used by police
everywhere. The BJ-S is used to distance
yourself from assailants. Its a police-
styled, leather slapper with a steel lining.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Used by
police and law enforcement personnel
all over the world, its a proven per-
suader. Jani Rashi, product tester
UNITED STATES
EXPANDABLE
BATON LAWS
Many states have laws regulating the possession
and use of expandable batons, which may also be
referenced by a variety of other names. Laws for
expandable batons can sometimes be unclear, and
some places have prohibited offensive weapons laws
that allow expandable batons only when used for
defense. Some laws list clubs, billy clubs or bludgeons
as illegal, which means you can risk prosecution for
carrying an expandable baton. The states listed below
have laws you should be aware of before you buy your
next home defense weapon:
California
Connecticut
Hawaii
Kansas
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Jersey
Nevada
New York
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Washington, D.C.
Washington
Wisconsin
BATONS
BUYERS
GUIDE
Source: legal.idtac.com
SPECIFICATIONS:
High-strength aluminum
High-intensity beam
Half-turn, cam-action focus
Self-cleaning
Spare lamp
Water resistant
DEFINING FEATURES: A heavy-duty flashlight that dou-
bles as a bludgeon, the MagLite 6-Cell D light is de-
signed to last a lifetime. The cam-driven beam moves
easily from spot to flood by turning the head. O-rings
keep the MagLite water resistant. The light features
an anodized finish inside for corrosion resistance and
to prevent battery damage. The reflector is computer
designed to achieve maximum brilliance.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Where Im from,
MagLites are the Cadillac of flashlights.
Ana Schneider, sales representative
SPECIFICATIONS:
Power: SST-90 LED; 30W; 60,000 hours
Output and Runtime: 2,200 lumens (80 minutes), 700
lumens (9 hours) and strobe mode (150 minutes)
Max throw: 1,000 meters
Battery pack: 6 x 18650 (7.2v, 6.6A)
Length: 13.23 inches
Bezel Diameter: 3.93 inches
Weight: 3 pounds, 7 ounces (with battery pack)
Color: Black, hard-anodized finish
Mil-spec: MIL-STD-810F
Anti-shattering, anti-scratch, anti-reflective coated lens
Advanced digital power management
Weatherproof
DEFINING FEATURES: The Olight SR90 Intimidator features pho-
tonic lattice (PhlatLight) technology, which creates true surface
emission from the source, enabling bright, uniform light. Ther-
mal management is critical in high-power LED applications and
this light has the lowest thermal resistance of any LED. This al-
lows higher current densities while maintaining a low junction
temperature, meaning brighter and longer lifetimes. PhlatLight
LEDs have passed rigorous environmental and mechanical
stress tests and have been qualified for use in extreme current
applications. Failure rates are very low and the median lifetimes
for LEDs are more than 60,000 hours.
VENDORS COMMENT: Its the brightest light we stock. The
brightest light on the market at 2,200 lumens. Weve been
using this guy a lot. Marshall Hoot, Goinggear.com
MAGLITE
PRODUCT: S6D016 HEAVY-DUTY 6-CELL D
FLASHLIGHT
WEBSITE: www.maglite.com
MSRP: $50
OLIGHT USA
PRODUCT: SR90 INTIMIDATOR
RECHARGEABLE LED FLASHLIGHT (K90)
WEBSITE: www. olightusa.com
MSRP: $349.95
NINE POPULAR SELF-DEFENSE
ITEMS: SAFETY GURUS WEIGH IN
BY TORI TELLEM
EXPERT
ADVICE
emember the whistle? Seems like it used to be the safety item,
especially for women.
Everyone walked around looking like a referee because you never
knew when youd need to draw attention to yourself or someone in your
personal space. But things have graduated well beyond whistles.
These days, theres a significant market dedicated to personal defense
items. We talked to experts in the safety industry to get their thoughts on
the most popular defense weapons (aside from firearms) to help you
gauge which one (or more) might be best for you. But do check your
states laws regarding each item. For instance, in some places, owning
pepper spray is legal, but using it is not.
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HD1401-024-029-DG ITEMS.EP 12/27/13 1:01 AM Page 24
STUN GUN
WHAT IT IS: It puts out an electric
shock without permanent damage.
WHERE YOU CAN GET:
www.amazon.com sells stun guns. We
saw one on there that puts out 6.8 million
volts. Also, check out the buyers guide in
this issue on page 56.
ABOUT WHAT YOULL SPEND:
You can spend less than $100 or more
than $500.
LIKES: Robert Siciliano, a personal
security expert at ww.besthomesecurity-
companys.com, notes that a stun gun
can fit in your hand or be carried on your
belt and, when used properly, has good
stopping power. Amy Graves of Bond
Arms explains, its fairly inexpensive and
ATF does not require paperwork. And if
you touch the person while stunning
them, the electrical current will not pass
back to you.
According to Ali Haskenkamp of
Damsel in Defense, you need not actually
touch the person with the stun gun to
have it be effective:
If someone is trying to break in and has
his hand on the door handle, you can put
the gun to the handle on your side of the
door and it will shock him right through
the handle, Haskenkamp says.
DISLIKES: Graves points out, Stun
guns do not have far range capabilities;
they are meant for close-range self-de-
fense, and if the assailant has a more
powerful weapon with a longer reach,
long arms or is large in stature, the
possibility exists that the victim could be
overpowered if relying solely on a stun
gun. And battery life: users must ensure
the battery has ample power in it and
carry extra batteries on their person.
Graves adds that it may not be
ideal for a scenario in which there are
multiple attackers.
1
2. STUN BATON
WHAT IT IS: Similar to a stun gun, the baton discharges
an electric shock.
WHERE YOU CAN GET: You can find on www.ama-
zon.com. Also, check out the buyers guide in this issue
on page 18.
ABOUT WHAT YOULL SPEND: Less than $100.
LIKES: I suggest a baton because you get distance,
explains Jordan Frankel of Global Security Experts.
DISLIKES: Similar to the stun gun, there are range
issues, battery concerns (some use rechargeable
batteries) and the disadvantage that the weapon must
actually have direct contact with the attacker. Its also
rather large.
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3. TASER GUN
WHAT IT IS: Overseas, its nick-
named chili water. Its a spray that
irritates the eyes, causing tears and
possibly even momentary blindness.
WHERE YOU CAN GET: Its read-
ily available online or by brick and
mortar, such as Big 5.
ABOUT WHAT YOULL SPEND:
You can find it for less than $10.
LIKES: First of all, its cheap.
Second, it can be used on
multiple attackers.
Graves likes its versatility.
Pepper spray comes disguised
as lipstick, pens and even walking
weightsallowing it to be withdrawn
at a moments notice or held in the
hand, she says. And unlike stun guns,
pepper spray may be used from
distances of 8 feet or further, up to
20 feet.
DISLIKES: It could easily get on
you if theres interaction with the
intruder, and Siciliano says it can
blow back on you in the wind.
That means youll have the same
symptoms as them and its more
challenging to get to safety quickly.
Pepper spray may include a lock-
ing mechanism, which requires that
the user practice disabling it quickly,
Graves explains. Panicking during
an attack without having adequately
practiced how to unlock the safety
mechanism and discharge the spray
can leave a person more vulnerable.
WHAT IT IS: It is a weapon that emits an
electro-shock. When the current comes in
contact with the body, the muscles basically
become weak and limp.
WHERE YOU CAN GET: You can check out
www.taser.com. Also, check out the buyers
guide in this issue on page 56.
ABOUT WHAT YOULL SPEND: About $300.
LIKES: Graves explains that it will shock
your attacker for 30 seconds, allowing you to
drop the device and easily get to safety.
Also, she adds, A taser has a direct-contact
stun gun back-up capability built into [it] in
case of a misfire, missed target or if the at-
tacker is too close.
DISLIKES: Its an aggressive weapon that
can be used against you, so make sure you give
yourself some space from the attacker, such as
10 feet or more.
Both electrode barbs must hit their target for
the taser device to be effective, Graves says.
And it can be a more expensive option.
4
PEPPER SPRAY
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WHATS IN
PEPPER
SPRAY?
Pepper spray is also
known as OC (oleoresin
capsicum) spray; oleoresin
capsicum comes from the
same plant chemical that
makes chili peppers hot,
its just a lot more concen-
trated. Manufacturers
mix this with water, glycol
and a propellant (like
nitrogen) to conform to
legal requirements.
Source: news.discovery.com
5
WHAT IT IS: A personal/panic alarm. Some even
come with a built-in flashlight.
WHERE YOU CAN GET: Haskenkamps company,
www.mydamselpro.net/kampdefense.
ABOUT WHAT YOULL SPEND: As little as $10.
LIKES: This safety item is mainly about drawing
attention to yourself if youre in trouble or discourag-
ing a bad guy from coming near anything grabbing
attention; no perp likes a crowd of eyes on him.
If youre being followed, or think you might be, set
off the alarm because once you do, the person will
likely stop following you, Frankel notes.
Its also good for kids to have as their personal
defense tool.
DISLIKES: Simply put: It does not incapacitate
the assailant, Graves says.
DEFENSE ALARM
CONTACT THE EXPERTS
Jordan Frankel, Global Security Experts,
www.globalsecurityexperts.com
Amy Graves, Bond Arms, www.bondarms.com
Ali Haskenkamp, www.mydamselpro.net/kampdefense
Robert Siciliano, www.besthomesecuritycompanys.com
I SUGGEST A BATON BECAUSE YOU GET DISTANCE.
JORDAN FRANKEL, GLOBAL SECURITY EXPERTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALI HASKENKAMP
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALI HASKENKAMP
KUBOTAN
WHAT IT IS: From the martial arts
world. Its about hitting certain pres-
sure points, bones or soft tissue
strike locationsto take someone
down more effectively than with your
bare hands.
WHERE YOU CAN GET:
www.mydamselpro.net/kampdefense
ABOUT WHAT YOULL SPEND: As
little as $10.
LIKES: Its small in size, easily dis-
guised, reusable and fairly inexpen-
sive, Graves notes.
DISLIKES: It requires direct con-
tact and skill, Siciliano says.
7
6. BASEBALL BAT
WHAT IT IS: Louisville Slugger, etc.
WHERE YOU CAN GET: Any sporting goods
store or pretty much any store that is a super-
store, such as Target.
ABOUT WHAT YOULL SPEND: $20 and
more. We know someone who bought a very
lightweight one (a consideration for self-de-
fense) and spent around $300, later finding the
same one at Ross for $40.
LIKES: If youve got an MLB-swing on you, it
could take down the intruder.
DISLIKES: As Siciliano puts it, its large,
bulky, aggressive and can be used against you.
Potentially lethal.
Also, its hard to hide and requires close
range for use. Frankel says that hed rather have
a weapon that allows him distance from the
intruder than one that means hell have to go
into battle.
THINGS HAVE
GRADUATED WAY
BEYOND WHISTLES.

KNIFE
WHAT IT IS: A tool for cutting. Check out tactical knives
for self-defense; they fold.
WHERE YOU CAN GET: Pretty much anywhere. You can
also order online from brands such as Gerber, Schrade,
SOG and CRKT.
ABOUT WHAT YOULL SPEND: You can get them for
cheap, or you can spend more than $100. Your choice.
LIKES: You dont really need instructions for use, but
DISLIKES: this potentially lethal weapon requires a
certain amount of skill or training to use effectively,
Graves notes.
Frankel views opting for a knife as a last resort.
8
WHAT IT IS: A handheld capture device
usually used for animals. It launches a net from
what looks like a flashlight.
WHERE YOU CAN GET: For starters:
www.net-gun.com, www.ebay.com or
www.amazon.com.
ABOUT WHAT YOULL SPEND: Prices can
range from a couple hundred dollars to up-
wards of $1,000.
LIKES: Frankel is a fan of it: It shoots a giant
net. It covers the person in net material and
gives you an opportunity to run past him. Its a
great distraction device. Its basically like get-
ting wrapped up in fishnet, and the more they
move, the more entangled theyll get.
Graves adds, Net guns are not classed as
firearms by the ATF, and you do not have to
complete a background check or paperwork.
DISLIKES: What if it jams? And it is likely on
the very upper end of your budget.
9. NETGUN
PHOTO COURTESY OF FAMARS USA
SECURITY
SQUARED
HD1401-030-035-DG EVERYDAY.EPx 12/27/13 1:04 AM Page 30
ow do you feel safe in your home?
One good way is to know youre
capable of defending it.
As the economy grows worse and
unemployment rises, more people turn
to crime, and scarily enough, a common
form of crime is home invasions.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
So what do you do when your house is
suddenly broken into? Many people
imagine that they will have time to get
their firearm or the baseball bat theyve
been saving for an emergency like this,
but with time being a critical factor in a
home invasion, there wont always be the
opportunity to go get a weapon.
Because its impossible to carry some
kind of weapon with you at home at all
times, a great way to feel safer is to learn
to be creative and effective against an
attacker with whatever is at hand.
FORCE MULTIPLIER
Any item you use to increase the
effectiveness of your attack or defence
is called a force multiplier.
Mick Chambers, a fifth-degree black
H
USING EVERYDAY ITEMS AS FORCE MULTIPLIERS
CAN BRING AN ATTACKER DOWN
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ABE ELIAS
The sternum is an excellent
target that can effectively
disable your attacker so you
can get away. A kubaton on
a keychain makes a good
force multiplier.
belt and yoshinkan aikido
chief instructor at Roninkan
Dogo in Kansas, says, A force
multiplier within the context
of personal self defense is
defined as the use of any tool
like a flashlight, kuboton (a
pressure-point self-defense
device) or even a spatula to
strike at a nerve, pressure
point or vital area of your
attacker. By using a tool in this
manner, you apply a greater
force than you would if you
were empty-handed.
What makes a good force
multiplier? Something hard,
for one thing. Look for a rigid
object, as you dont want it to
flex under the force of the
blow. Remember this: The
less surface area your item
has, the more effective the
force multiplier will be. If the
item you choose has a large
surface area, the force you put
into your strike will be dis-
persed over that area. There
are many items that serve as
excellent force multipliers
right in your home. Take a look
around and youll likely see an
umbrella, a laptop, a spatula,
a broom handle the choices
are myriad.
Using a force multiplier is
After you knock the wind out of your attacker, push him to the ground using the same force multiplier.
ANY ITEM YOU
USE TO INCREASE
THE EFFECTIVENESS
OF YOUR ATTACK
OR DEFENCE IS
CALLED A FORCE
MULTIPLIER.

GOOD FORCE
MULTIPLIERS
Umbrella
Spatula
Laptop
Kubaton on a keychain
Remote control
Phone handset
Pen
Bath brush
Book
Rolled-up magazine
Broom handle
one of the best ways to
improve your chances of
surviving a confrontation. To
properly use a force multi-
plier, you must exploit some
of the more vulnerable spots
on a persons body; keep in
mind, youre looking to dis-
able your attacker long
enough to get to safety. The
best areas to exploit include
the nose, just under the chin,
collarbone, solar plexus, groin
and knees. What makes these
spots so important is that
they tend to be areas where a
mass of nerves converge into
one area, and striking them
not only causes pain but
can also disrupt the normal
function of a persons
muscles, circulatory system
or respiratory system.
THE SPOTS
First, lets look at the
collarbone: You are taking
a force multiplier, thrusting
it into the soft tissue just
behind the collarbone and
pressing down. The nerve
cluster in that area will
cause a great deal of pain
when force is applied. It will
also disrupt nerve function
to the arm on that side of
Driving the handle of a spatula into the trapezius area will cause a great deal of pain. Once you have struck the muscle, continue to
apply pressure and push your attacker back to knock him off balance.
HD1401-030-035-DG EVERYDAY.EPx.CX 1/1/14 9:54 PM Page 33
Here is an off-balancing technique that uses the attackers
momentum against himself.
the body. If someone is trying to
restrain you, applying pressure
to that area will help you
weaken his grip and allow you
to break free.
Hitting an attacker in the
sternum will disrupt his respira-
tory system, and if he cant
breathe, he cant do much of
anything else. The sternum is
located where both your left
and right rib cages meet in the
center underneath your chest.
To get a better idea of where
it is, run your thumb down
from the center of your
collarbone, straight down
your chest; when you hit the
lower part of your ribs, youve
reached the sternum.
Behind, above and to the side
of the knees is the route for a
number of nerve pathways.
When these pathways receive a
solid strike, you can deliver a
shock to the nervous system to
Use your laptop to fend off an attacker: Drive the edge up under his chin and it will likely strike a major nerve center and
cause him to lose balance.
BE CREATIVE
AND EFFECTIVE
AGAINST AN
ATTACKER WITH
WHATEVER IS
AT HAND.

cause pain and subsequent
lack of muscle control. A good
strike to the kneecap can
cause a great deal of pain and
impede a persons mobility
significantly. You can deliver
the blow with an object or
even just a good, solid kick.
ACT NOW
The goal is to stay alive and
get awaythe safest way to
avoid being killed is to not be
there. Dont stop to think about
what you are going to do; once
you move to strike at the in-
truder, do it. Hesitation will only
give him time to defend him-
self. Practice striking these
areas with average household
items, so when the time comes,
the response will just flow.
Abe Elias has been a survival instructor since
1993. He is an avid hunter and gun enthusiast
and regularly participates in firearm shooting
sports events.
Here, a homeowner is using a simple spatula to apply pressure to the attackers
radial nerve, forcing him to let go. If he still hangs on, gain more leverage to
force him to his knees.
FORCE
MULTIPLIER
MUSTS
Harder than flesh
Rigid
Smaller surface area
AREAS TO
TARGET
Nose
Under the chin
Collarbone
Solar plexus
Groin
Knees
HD1401-030-035-DG EVERYDAY.EPx.CX 1/1/14 9:54 PM Page 35
any home defenders are so
focused on protecting their loved
ones and their property that they
may be forgetting something else thats
life-threatening.
Oftentimes, many neglect to think
about what to do when the situation is
over and someone other than the bad guy
might be injured.
For our own good and that of those
around us, we all need to know the
basics of first aid for a variety of medical
emergencies. And, more importantly, we
all need to have the necessary kit
and experience to use it before we
have to. As a former Boy Scout, I
trained extensively in first aid, and
its a mighty useful skill should a dire
situation arise.
FIRST RESPONDERS, NOT DOCTORS
Knowing how to respond to a medical
emergency can mean the difference
between life and death.
Read this carefully: The most
important skill one can have is the ability
M
FIRST-AID BASICS: KNOW WHAT TO DO
IF SOMEONE GETS WOUNDED
BY LARRY SCHWARTZ
TRIAGE101
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The SWAT-T is a multi-purpose tool for your trauma kit, as it can
serve as a tourniquet, compression dressing and, in a pinch, an
occlusive dressing for a sucking chest wound.
The Pocket Direct Action
Response Kit (D.A.R.K.)
gives you the minimum
set of tools you need in a
package small enough to
fit easily in your pocket or
on your belt.
EVERY HOME SHOULD HAVE
AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT

WHEN TO USE A
TOURNIQUET
A tourniquet is for use only when you cannot
stop serious bleeding by other means and the
person would die due to loss of blood.
In most cases, a compression bandage, like an
Israeli bandage or a SWAT-T compression band
will apply enough pressure to stop bleeding.
Products that have materials in them to
speed up clotting, such as QuikClot, should be
packed into large or deep wounds to stop serious
bleeding from hemorrhaging.
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to provide a person the initial
aid that will to keep things from
getting worse while you wait
for trained medical personnel
to arrive. Unless someone has a
medical degree or is a certified
Emergency Medical Technician,
no one should try advanced
lifesaving skills, such as using a
large-gauge needle to equalize
the pressure in a tension pneu-
mothorax or setting a broken
bone. Instead, the layman should
apply a dressing to seal the
punctured lung or splint the
broken bone until
help arrives.
PUTTING YOUR KIT
TOGETHER
Every home
should have an
emergency med-
ical kit, and youd
be smart to stock
more than one.
Your kit should have a two-part
design: Part one is for basic first
aid for things like cuts, abrasions,
insect bites and burns; part two
should be a trauma kit that in-
cludes materials to stop arterial
bleeding, sucking chest wounds
and non-arterial penetration
wounds.
A well thought-out example of
a trauma kit is the Direct Action
Response Kit (D.A.R.K.), available
from Dark Angel Medical. It con-
tains the supplies you need to
address the three major bleeding
issues that are common in
trauma: a tourniquet for hemor-
rhage control, a pressure bandage
for moderate- to severe-bleeding
control, a hemostatic agent to
stop bleeding, occlusive seals to
stop air leaking into the chest
cavity from a sucking chest
wound, trauma shears for cutting
away clothing and a nasal airway.
PREPARED AND PRACTICED
If youre serious about home
defense, its likely you have a plan
that youve practiced with your
family. The same should go for
first aid: Run drills on how to
handle a gunshot wound, an
arterial bleed or a punctured lung,
on others and yourself.
As speed is a factor in a critical
injury, emergency medical skills
need to be practiced regularly.
So, make sure you hone your
GET AN
EMERGENCY KIT
American Red Cross: www.redcrossstore.org
Dark Angel Medical: www.darkangelmedical.com
ITS Tactical: www.itstactical.com/store
PerSys Medical: www.ps-med.com
Chinook Medical: www.chinookmed.com
You need to know what to do
before the EMTs get there.
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SOME TRAINING
OPTIONS
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org/take-a-class
American Heart Association: www.heart.org
Dark Angel Medical: www.darkangelmedical.com
PerSys Medical: www.persysmedicaltraining.com
BE PREPARED TO:
Evaluate the injury/injuries and triage the wounds
to know what to deal with first.
Understand and treat the person for shock.
Clean and dress gunshot wounds.
Stop arterial or lesser types of bleeding through the
use of pressure dressings, hemostatic (clotting)
agents and, if necessary, a tourniquet.
Clear an airway and perform CPR on adults, youths
and infants.
Identify and treat for inadvertent poisoning.
Treat a punctured lung, also called a tension
pneumothorax.
Stabilize and bandage a broken bone on any part
of the body.
skills to stop an arterial bleed or give CPR.
TRAINING
Getting professional training in how to handle
a medical emergency is ideal. Always look to the
experts and you cant go wrong.
Local community colleges and universities are
a good source for non-credit classes on emergency
first-aid skills and EMT-certification classes. The
American Red Cross offers a wide range of first-aid
and emergency-response courses, as does the
American Heart Association. Classes that focus
more on trauma and how to use your medical-
emergency/blowout kit are taught by a number of
companies around the country.
IN CONCLUSION
So, now that you know what you need to do, go out
there and do it! Start making those phone calls and
sign up for a basic first-aid and CPR course, get some
trauma training, build or buy your first-aid and trauma
kits and start practicing with them. Should an emer-
gency arise, youll be as ready as you can be.
Larry Schwartz is an experienced outdoorsman and former Boy Scout
who has been writing and teaching about being prepared for different
situations for more than a decade.
CPR training is something
that everyone in your family
should take and practice.
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W
hen you think of a rifle that works for
home defense and is also a practical
survival firearm, then think .22.
More and more shooters are including .22s in their
personal arsenals, and at current prices, its a great
gun for newbies to build an arsenal upon. Many
quality rifles are available for less than $500
significantly less than their full-caliber cousins.
Ammo costs add up and shooters ultimately get
more bang for their bucks with lower per-round
costs. And dont forget the added benefits of less
noise and recoil.
These lightweight, versatile features have found a
market, giving many new shooters reasons to own a
.22. With demand surging, theres no doubt that .22s
are going to be around and available for quite awhile.
Whether its about economy, comfort or whatever,
manufacturers hear you, as you are about to see.
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THE TRUSTY
.22
STARTING AT $175,
YOU CAN BOLSTER
YOUR HOME DEFENSE
PLAN WITH A RIFLE
.22
BUYERS
GUIDE
HD1401-040-045-BG22.EP 12/27/13 1:12 AM Page 40
MOSSBERG
PRODUCT: MVP FLEX
WEBSITE: www.mossberg.com
PRICE: $949
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 5.56mm and .223 REM
Barrel Length: 18.5 to 20 inches
Overall Length: 35.75 to 38.5 inches
Weight Empty: 6 pounds
Capacity: 11 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Mossberg MVP FLEX features a
patent-pending MVP drop-push bolt design and accepts
AR magazines. Also patented is the Lightning Bolt Action
adjustable trigger system. The design is compatible with all
FLEX buttstocks, allowing for easy stock swapping.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: FLEX is a system of tool-less
locking connectors that allow you to switch out stock with
using any tools. Linda Powell, director of media relations
BERETTA
PRODUCT: ARX160 .22LR RIFLE
WEBSITE: www.berettausa.com
MSRP: $595
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 20 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Beretta ARX160 .22LR is the
civilian twin of the battle-tested ARX160 used by the
Italian military. Its design makes for a perfect training
platform. Its ambidextrous, with a two-position safety
lever. It also includes Picatinny rails (aluminum and
polymer), telescopic and foldable stock and adjustable
flip-up sights.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Its an exact replica of the
military version, deployed by several armed forces around
the world. Len Lucas, manager
HD1401-040-045-BG22.EP 12/27/13 1:12 AM Page 41
CZ-USA
PRODUCT: CZ 512
WEBSITE: www.cz-usa.com
MSRP: $465
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: .22 LR and .22 WMR
Barrel Lengths: 18.5 inches
Weight Empty: 7.8 pounds
Capacity: 5 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The CZ 512 features a modular design
needing only a coin as a tool for field maintenance. The
action is an aluminum alloy upper receiver securing the
barrel and bolt assembly, plus a fiberglass-reinforced
polymer lower half, housing the trigger mechanism and
magazine. Dual guide rods allow smooth operation. An
integral 11mm dovetail allows easy mounting of accessories.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: .22 magnums historically
have not worked in a semi-automatic platform, especially
the rifle platform. Technology changes, manufacturers get
better. If theres one company thats going try it and stand
behind their products, its CZ . Patrick Hayden, Kentucky
Gun Co.
WEATHERBY
PRODUCT: VANGUARD SERIES 2 GH2
(GIRLS HUNT 2)
WEBSITE: www.weatherby.com
MSRP: $749
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: .22-250, .223, 7mm-08 REM;
.243, .308 WIN
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Capacity: 4 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 GH2
(Girls Hunt 2) features a creep-free, adjustable, two-
stage trigger. The stock is lightweight, composite Monte
Carlo. The finish is matte bead blasted and blued with a
cold-hammer-forged barrel. An adjustable length-of-pull
stock spacer is also included.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: When we talk to people
who use our products, theres something magical it still
carries a mystique. Ed Weatherby, president
.22
BUYERS
GUIDE
HD1401-040-045-BG22.EP 12/27/13 1:12 AM Page 42
STURM, RUGER & CO.
PRODUCT: 10/22 TAKEDOWN
WEBSITE: www.ruger.com
MSRP: $399
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 10 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is available
in a wide range of styles. Ruger has produced 10/22 rifles
since 1964. Today, the 10/22 is still Americas most popular
.22 rifle. The 10/22s birchwood pistol-grip stock features a
tapered forend with no barrel bands. The extended maga-
zine release frees the 10-shot rotary magazine. Also features
a positive, push button, cross-bolt manual safety. The barrel
measures 18.5 inches and is blued and hammer forged.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: If you want to do some real
precision shooting, its a great rifle for thatand theres
a model for everyone in the family. Ken Jorgensen,
director of media relations
SIG SAUER
PRODUCT: SIGM400 PREDATOR
WEBSITE: www.sigsauer.com
MSRP: $1,384
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 5.56mm NATO
Overall Length: 35.8 inches
Capacity: 6+1 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The SIGM400 Predator is compact
with the Magpul buttstock and a suppressor-ready
threaded barrel. The handguard free-floats and the trigger
design is Geissele. The barrels have a matte finish. With an
ambidextrous mag release, the ergonomic design features
a BCM Gunfighter charging handle and a Hogue grip.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Very, very comfortable grip, in
all weather conditions. Im very excited about that grip.
Jarrod McDevitt, product manager
HD1401-040-045-BG22.EP 12/27/13 1:12 AM Page 43
.22
BUYERS
GUIDE
MARLIN FIREARMS
PRODUCT: MODEL 60DLX
WEBSITE: www.marlinfirearms.com
MSRP: $200
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 14 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Marlin 60 Deluxe semi-automatic
rimfire is an entry-priced rifle. It features a 19-inch Micro-
Groove rifled barrel with a crossbolt safety. The automatic
last-shot bolt hold-open is patented. It has a blued finish
and a walnut stock with checkering. The adjustable semi-
buckhorn rear sight works well with the ramp front sight.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: At this price, its the most
popular .22 in the world. John Trull, marketing represen-
tative
SAVAGE ARMS
PRODUCT: MODEL 64 F
WEBSITE: www.savagearms.com
MSRP: $175
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 22 LR
Capacity: 10 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Savage Arms Model 64 F is de-
signed for accuracy and economy. The sights are visible
and easy to adjust. The safety is on the same side as the
bolt handle. The stock is synthetic. The top of the receiver
has a weaver rail, making it extremely easy to mount a
scope.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Savageso easy, even the
boss can do it. Stan Pate, Team Savage
HD1401-040-045-BG22.EP 12/27/13 1:12 AM Page 44
DPMS FIREARMS
PRODUCT: PANTHER DCM
WEBSITE: www.dpmsinc.com
MSRP: $1,129
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: .223 REM
Capacity: 30 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The DPMS Panther DCM offers
improved accuracy using free-floated handguards plus
a stainless 1:8 inch twist barrel chambered in .223
Remington. The upper and lower receivers are made of
aircraft aluminum, the lower has a two-stage semi-auto
trigger group. The upper receiver has an A2 fixed
carrying handle.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Its my pick, with a great, ac-
curate sight picture, Aaron Glass, sales representative
SMITH & WESSON
PRODUCT: M&P15-22 PERFORMANCE CENTER,
FIXED STOCK
WEBSITE: www.smith-wesson.com
MSRP: $769
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 10-round detachable magazine
DEFINING FEATURES: The Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Per-
formance Center features a match-grade precision barrel
and chamber with a two-position, receiver-mounted
safety lever. The magazine release is recessed and the rifle
features an ambidextrous design. The upper and lower re-
ceivers are made of a lightweight, high-strength polymer
with integral steel inserts. The hand guards are high-
strength polymer quad rail.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Our engineers pulled out all of
the stops to develop the ultimate .22LR platform.
Tom Kelly, vice president of marketing
HD1401-040-045-BG22.EP.CX 1/1/14 9:55 PM Page 45
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BY TORREY KIM
YOUR CAR COULD INCLUDE EVERYTHING A THIEF
NEEDS TO EASILY GET INTO YOUR HOME
AUTOMOTIVE
ACCESS
HD1401-046-050-TRACK.EPx 12/27/13 1:16 AM Page 46
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ouve installed ultra-
secure locks around your
house, contracted with a
home security agency for protec-
tion and even got a dog to alert
and protect you from invaders.
But if youve only focused on
your house and yard, then youve
forgotten to lock down a very
important aspect of home
securityyour car.
Believe it or not, vulnerabilities
in your automotive security
strategy could be the same as
leaving the keys to your house sit-
ting on your porch. Thats because,
in this day of technology, many of
us have configured our cars to in-
stantly access our homes.
Home Defender talked to
Atlanta-based security consult-
ant James Lee to get tips on how
you can secure your car and
therefore ensure that your home
stays sealed from predators.
GARAGE DOOR OPENERS
Your garage door opener may
give you a lot of convenience to
enter your house, but you should
be sure you dont give thieves that
same route of entry. For years
now, burglars have been checking
for unlocked cars in driveways
and simply pressing the garage
door opener to walk into your
house and clean it outregard-
less if youre home at the time.
Leaving the remote control to your
garage door in an unlocked car is like
handing your keys directly to a thief.
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TIDY UP
Your car could be a magnet for
thieveswho could find your
garage door opener or address
once theyre in itif you have a
lot of potentially valuable items
in plain sight. Criminals who look
in your window will have their
interest piqued if they see
electronics or even chargers
(which can signal that electronics
are somewhere in the car).
Therefore, you should remove
any chargers, CDs, loose change
or prescriptions before you get
out of the car, Lee advises.
If you leave your car in the
driveway, be sure to lock your
car and keep your garage door
opener out of sight, Lee says.
You can either put it into a
console or the glove box.
Even better would be to
bring it into the house with you
every time you get out of the
car, Lee says. For women,
this would mean keeping
the opener in your purse,
and for men, the briefcase or
a pocket.
This advice applies not
only to parking your car in
your driveway but to parking
anywhere.
Thieves who see your
garage door opener promi-
nently clipped to your visor
while youre parked in a public
area could very easily just
check to see if your car is
unlocked, and if so, grab the
opener, Lee says. Your home
address is probably on your
registration in the glove box,
and the burglar already knows
you arent home because your
car is parked elsewhere.
With the opener and your
address now in the hands of
the thief, youve given him
everything he needs to access
your home.
Worse yet, there are some
thieves that have access to an
electronic device that can
open dozens of types of
garage doors. Burglars have
been known to drive around
neighborhoods just pressing
the button on these universal
SECURE
YOUR KEYS
Not only does your car make your
home vulnerable, but the opposite is
true as well. If a criminal accesses your
house and youve left your car keys
hanging in your kitchen or in a bowl near
the door, he can just grab them and drive
your car away. Keep your car keys in your
purse, briefcase or by your bedside when
youre sleeping.
If you have your keys with you when a
home invader strikes, the panic button
on your key fob can set off an alarm that
will alert your neighbors.
REMOVE ANY
CHARGERS, CDS,
LOOSE CHANGE OR
PRESCRIPTIONS
BEFORE YOU GET
OUT OF THE CAR.
JAMES LEE,
SECURITY CONSULTANT
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YOUR CAR CAN HELP
Just as you use your home alarm to protect you in case of invaders, you
should use the alarm on your car if youre ever faced with someone at-
tempting to hurt you or enter your home. If you keep your keys near your
bedside or in your pocket or bag (as recommended) and youre near your
car, you can always press the panic button on your key fob and your alarm
will sound to alert neighbors or passersby that youre in trouble.
garage door openers. Whichever
garage door responds to the
opener is the home that the
thieves will rob that day.
To ensure that you dont fall
victim to someone who has one
of these remote devices, you
should always keep your garage
locked separately from your
home, so if a thief were to access
your garage, he could only steal
whats in there and instead of ac-
cessing your entire home, Lee ad-
vises. If you have a power switch
that can shut off electricity to
your garage door, always turn it
off at night. In addition, if you
have a door that goes from the
garage to the main home, keep
that door locked at all times. The
inconvenience of having to use a
key to go from your garage to your
house outweighs the risk of giving
burglars free rein of your home.
UNIVERSAL CAR KEYS
Unfortunately, garage doors
arent the only things that
thieves are using to access your
belongings. Criminals can now
use universal remote buttons to
unlock any car with keyless entry,
but at least you dont have to
worry about your car being driven
away just yet.
Criminals cannot use these
devices to start your car, Lee
says.
They can, however, use them to
unlock your car if it has an elec-
tronic unlocking feature on your
key fob. In other words, if you have
a button on your key that allows
you to remotely unlock your car,
youre vulnerable to this growing
technology that criminals are
using nationwide.
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The technology that thieves
are using to access cars al-
lows them to get into your car
and take everything out of it,
including your garage door
opener, address, laptop, GPS
and anything else you have in
there. This could easily give a
thief access to your home. So,
even if you have your car
locked in your driveway, its of
utmost importance that you
dont have anything in your
car that could help a thief get
into your home.
TRACKING DEVICES
If youve seen movies where
stalkers track the location of
the person they want to harm
by placing a tracking device
on their car, you should know
that this technology is readily
available to criminals in your
area. These devices are about
the size of a flip phone and
typically cost about $150.
Because the cost is on the
high side, anyone tracking
your movements to monitor
when youre away from your
house would only do so if they
perhaps knew you and were
confident that you had ex-
pensive things in your home.
If you suspect that someone
might be tracking your move-
ments to know when youre
home (to infringe on your
personal safety) or to monitor
when you go out (so they can
steal from you), search your
car and look for a small box
that may have a blinking light
on it. If you find such a device,
take it to an electronics con-
sultant or store so the signal
can be traced back to the
owner, Lee says. This way, you
can find out who is tracing
your movements and report it
to the police.
Torrey Kim is a freelance writer living in
North Carolina.
GPS?
If you keep a GPS unit in your car so
you can map your way to various loca-
tions, keep in mind that it could be ex-
actly what a thief needs to head to your
house and steal your belongings.
In 2009, two thieves in New York
broke into cars and stole the garage door
openers and GPS units that they found.
They then used the GPS devices to make
their way to the residences and clean
out the homes.
Considering how easy it would be for a
thief to press HOME in the saved ad-
dresses section of your GPS and then
make their way inside with your garage
door opener, you should go to great
lengths to protect these devices. Keep
your GPS out of sight if youre parked
somewhere (put it in your glove box or
console), and do not save your home ad-
dress as HOME. In addition, use this
articles first tip to secure your garage
door opener.
Taking your GPS out of your
car could be crucial to a
thief that needs to find
your house and break in.
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HD1401-051-055-INVASION.EPx.CX 1/1/14 9:56 PM Page 51
oure in bed. Its late at
night and you hear noises
that sound like someone is
in the house. In between freak-
ing out and trying to keep your
cool, you quietly dial 9-1-1 and
hope youre not over-reacting.
What now?
STRATEGY
The next thing that inevitably
comes to mind is how you
should proceed to defend your
home and your family. Should
you retrieve your weapon and do
a search of the house before the
police arrive, or should you re-
trieve your weapon, take a posi-
tion of concealment and wait for
the intruder to step within your
firearms sights?
As a retired captain from the
Chicago Heights Police Depart-
ment, I feel the best thing to do
is the latter. Because you live in
the house, you know its floor
Y
The best-case scenario in a home
invasion: 9-1-1 operators are at the
ready for any emergency.
HD1401-051-055-INVASION.EPx 12/27/13 1:19 AM Page 52
plan and surroundings, giving you
an advantage over the intruder.
However, if you venture out, you
might accidently create some
noise or indication that you are
moving about inside the dwelling,
which could alert the intruder to
take a position of concealment
and possibly ambush you in your
own home as you walk in his di-
rection. Therefore, its essential
that you quietly and covertly take
a position of advantage that can
protect you and your loved ones.
COVER VS. CONCEALMENT
Concealment and cover can
play an important role in main-
taining your familys safety during
a home invasion. Concealment
refers to structure that will hide
you but provide no protection
from bullets. Cover is the struc-
ture that will not only hide you
but will provide you protection if
the invader is firing at you.
Unfortunately, many of us are
limited to what is useful as cover
within our homes, as hiding be-
hind a wall wont protect you
from flying bullets. That said,
some homes do contain things
that can be used for cover, such
COVER OPTIONS
Brick or cinder-block wall
Cast-iron tub
Old-style refrigerator
ITS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU QUIETLY AND
COVERTLY TAKE A POSITION OF ADVANTAGE THAT
CAN PROTECT YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES.

1 If you dial 9-1-1 from a landline,
the dispatcher has access to your
name, address and telephone
number, even if you cant speak.
2The police are required to respond
to all 9-1-1 calls, even if you dial and
hang up (they will call back) or say
nothing and keep the line open.
3The operator may ask you to stay
on the line until police arrive, so call-
ing from a cellular phone will give
you the freedom to move and hide.
4If you must whisper into the
telephone, speak slowly.
5Inform the police operator if you
are armed.
6Give a brief physical description
of yourself to the dispatcher.
7If the police enter your home and
approach your location, place the
firearm on the floor or table in
front of you and follow the police
officers verbal instructions.
8Immediately tell the police
officers your name so they can
identify you as the resident.
9If you can, give the operator a
brief description of the intruder and
mention if he has a weapon.
10If you are in an area with loud
background noises, you can muffle
the background noises by pressing
the phone against your cheek
while talking.
11 Program your automatic-dial
phones to call 9-1-1. Its difficult to
push even three buttons when
youre panicked and your hands
are shaking.
11 QUICK 9-1-1 TIPS
as a brick or cinder-block wall, a cast-iron tub or
even an old-style refrigerator (new ones will not do
the trick).
Depending on your homes floor plan, conceal-
ment may be your only option. Concealment gives
you an advantage over the intruder and could very
well save your life.
There are two kinds of concealment positions:
standing and lying down. In a standing position, you
should position yourself with limited exposure into
the doorway with your weapon trained toward
where the intruder would enter. A lying down or low
concealment position puts you below the normal
eye level of an intruder and would most likely pre-
vent him from detecting you immediately.
THE PREFERRED CHOICE
The best-case scenario during a home invasion is
for 9-1-1 to respond to your call immediately and do
what they do best: protect you and your family.
Sometimes, that doesnt happen, though, and you
need to be ready to do it yourself. Learning the best
places to conceal yourself in the event of a home in-
vasion will go a long way toward making you feel
safer and in control.
Brian C. Smith is a retired captain from the Chicago Heights Police Depart-
ment and former police chief. He has earned approximately 14 firearms
instructor certifications from the National Rifle Association and the Illinois
Law Enforcement Standards Training Board for a variety of weapons.
CONCEALMENT
STANDING: enables you to hide and
keep your weapon trained toward where
the intruder would enter.
LYING DOWN: most likely prevents the
intruder from immediately detecting you.
UNFORTUNATELY, MANY
OF US ARE LIMITED TO WHAT
IS USEFUL AS COVER WITHIN
OUR HOMES

S
tunningly popular may or may not describe
your high school experience, but its on target
with todays stun gun market.
Whether by civilians or police, all stun gun use is up.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than
15,000 police and military agencies use them. The
demand has resulted in a huge market of ultra-high-
voltage persuaders. If you need non-lethal defense
for close quarters, stun guns are about as basic and
reliable as you can get. The low amperage
shock wont terminate anybody; at 5 to 8
milliamps, no one is getting killed and you
can still effectively drop an attacker.
Stun guns are not considered firearms,
but laws for carry and use of stun guns may
vary from state to state, so always be sure
and check with local law enforcement. Do
your homework; there are many
makes and models to choose
from and there are many rules
and regulations to followjust
like prom night!
SHOCKING
NEWS
STARTING AS LOW AS $23, STUN GUNS CAN BE AN
EXCELLENT NON-LETHAL METHOD OF HOME DEFENSE
TASERS
BUYERS
GUIDE
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ALFONSO
PRODUCT: ADOLFO UWS
STUN GUN FLASHLIGHT
WEBSITE: www.menseffects.com
(online seller)
MSRP: $39.99
SPECIFICATIONS:
Volts: 2,500,000
Input Voltage: 6VDC
Weight: 9 ounces
Length: 9.75 inches
High-frequency output
LED flashlight
On/off switch for safety
Rechargeable
DEFINING FEATURES: The Adolfo UWS Stun Gun Flash-
light is a stun gun mated to a super LED flashlight. It
delivers a high-voltage electrical arc of 2.5 million volts,
neutralizing your assailant without physical harm. Safe
and easy to operate, it weighs only 9 ounces and comes
with a belt case, a charger and a prong cover.
VENDORS COMMENT: It comes with a cover so you dont
accidentally stun yourself. Its 300,000 volts of power
to disable any attacker or animal without permanent
injury. Bill Giddens, product tester, Menseffects.com
UNITED CUTLERY
PRODUCT: SHOCKLIGHT STUN GUN FLASHLIGHT WITH SHEATH
MSRP: $91
SPECIFICATIONS:
Light: Six LEDs
Voltage: 1,000,000
Dimensions: 8.6 inches by 5.8 inches by 2.3 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Rechargeable (wall charger included)
DEFINING FEATURES: The United Cutlery
Shocklight is a flashlight with six ultra-
bright LED bulbs and a stun gun with a
1-million-volt chargeenough to stop
an assailant. It appears to be a simple
flashlight, until its too late.
VENDORS COMMENT: This 1,000,000-volt
charge will knock down any attacker. And
if they try to take it from you, the strap
comes off and the stun gun will no longer
work, so it cant be used against you.
Bud K., CEO, Budk.com
STUN MASTER STUN GUNS
PRODUCT: STUN MASTER LIL GUY STUN GUN
WEBSITE: www.stunmasterstunguns.com
MSRP: $24.95
SPECIFICATIONS:
Light: LED, 120 lumens
Voltage: 7,500,000
Dimensions: 3.75 inches by 1.5 inches
by 0.75 inches
Weight: 1 pound
Colors: Black, pink and purple
Rechargeable (wall charger included)
DEFINING FEATURES: The Stun Master Lil Guy is a
7,500,000-volt stun gun/flashlight plus a free nylon
holster. This stun gun is small enough to conceal in
your hand. It features a 120-lumen LED, a built-in,
retractable charger, unbreakable prongs and a
rubberized non-slip grip.
VENDORS COMMENT: Its one of our more popular
devices. It looks like a cell phone, small and compact
and it is deceptive. Owen Hemsath, product
tester, Stungunprotection.com
SKYLINE USA
PRODUCT: GUARD DOG DIABLO
WEBSITE: www.guarddog-security.com
MSRP: $99.95
SPECIFICATIONS:
Light: LED, 160 lumens
Voltage: 4,500,000
Length: 6.75 inches
Concealed inner shocks
Type III aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
Shock-proof durable body
Anti-roll body
Ultimate glass-breaker
Enhanced reflector system
Swift, one-handed operation of all functions
Includes nylon carry case
Fully rechargeable battery
DEFINING FEATURES: The Guard Dog Diablo is a
tactical flashlight and a stun gun. While the bright
160-lumen light is effective on its own for self-
defense, the 4,500,000-volt stun gun is powerful
enough to drop an assailant. The Diablo has a
Type III aircraft-grade aluminum alloy body plus
an emergency glass-breaker face that works for self
defense, too. The light is rechargeable and the bulb
life is 100,000 hours.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Our patented 160-
lumen flashlight with our Inter-Stun Technology
thats 4.5 million volts. Yassir Shiekh, president
TASERS
BUYERS
GUIDE
SPECIFICATIONS:
Batteries: Lithium ion rechargeable/replaceable, 7.2v
Power: Integrated 3W, 160 lumen, LED
Dimensions (without cartridge): 5.9 inches by 3.54
inches by 1.18 inches
Integrated laser
A/C recharging adapter
One non-conductive training cartridge
One multi-target pepper powder cartridge
One Dart Pro cartridge
International PAL plug adapter
Nylon holster
DEFINING FEATURES: The PhaZZer Enforcer Conductive
Energy Weapon (CEW) is a less lethal self-defense
weapon. The Enforcer shuts down after the third 5-second
application or when total exposure to the body exceeds 15
seconds. The shut down circuit overrides by recycling the
safety switch to disarm, then quickly switches back to
armed mode. This creates an awareness during situations
and will limit liability. The Enforcer contains a recharge-
able/replaceable 7.2-volt lithium ion battery system that
produces 3,000 5-second shock deployments, adding up
to substantial savings.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Very effective for crowd
control and disarming multiple attackers.
Steve Abboud, international sales representative
PHAZZER ELECTRONICS
PRODUCT: PHAZZER ENFORCER
WEBSITE: www.phazzerstore.com
MSRP: $630
UNITED STATES
STUN GUN LAWS
The states and cities listed below have laws regu-
lating the possession and use of stun guns. These
laws can sometimes be unclear, so do your research.
Carrying a stun gun in these areas risks prosecution.
STATES WHERE STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED:
CITIES WHERE STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED:
ANNAPOLIS, MD
BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
CHICAGO
DENSION/CRAWFORD
COUNTY, IA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PHILADELPHIA
CONNECTICUT
HAWAII
ILLINOIS
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
RHODE ISLAND
WISCONSIN
Source: www.stungunlaws.org
RUNT STUN GUN
PRODUCT: PINK RUNT RECHARGEABLE
STUN GUN 4.5 MILLION VOLTS
WEBSITE: www.runtstungun.com
PRICE: $64.95
SPECIFICATIONS:
Voltage: 4,500,000
Weight: 2 pounds
Recharging pack included
Nylon belt loop holster
DEFINING FEATURES: The Pink RUNT Stun Gun incorporates
the latest micro-technology to deliver maximum protection
from a palm-sized package. There are two voltage levels. It
can be carried in your hand or pocket. To wear it like a
pager, a heavy-duty nylon belt loop holster is included.
VENDORS COMMENT: Hit your assailant anywhere5 to 10
seconds will put them down about 20 minutes. Mark
Randall, owner, Mrantech.com
YELLOW JACKET
PRODUCT: YELLOW JACKET
IPHONE 4/4S CASE
WEBSITE: www.yellowjacketcase.com
MSRP: $99
SPECIFICATIONS:
Voltage: 2,500,000
Dimensions: 5.6 inches by 1 inch
Weight: 4.6 ounces
Durable PC and ABS Hard Plastic
DEFINING FEATURES: The Yellow Jacket is a high
voltage stun gun that doubles as an iPhone case.
It has two safety features to prevent accidental
discharge yet is easily deployable. The Yellow
Jacket holds a rechargeable battery that doubles
the life of your phone. A durable PC and ABS hard
plastic case protects the phone from damage.
VENDORS COMMENT: It matches everything that we
teach in the krav magause you environment. Since
you have your phone with you all the time, use your
phone. Master Benson, krav maga instructor and
Yellow Jacket product demonstrator
TASERS
BUYERS
GUIDE
SECURITY PRODUCTS
OF AMERICA
PRODUCT: MINI STUN GUN 650,000 VOLTS
WEBSITE: www.securityproductsamerica.com
MSRP: $44.95
SPECIFICATIONS:
Voltage: 650,000
Batteries: Three CR123A lithium
Carrying holster included
DEFINING FEATURES: The Mini Stun Gun produces
a 650,000-volt wake-up call, enough to drop an
assailant and give you time to flee. It is powered
by three CR123 lithium batteries and comes with
a carrying holster. Thanks to its small size, the
Mini Stun Gun provides a voltage jolt attackers
dont see coming.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Our goal is to
provide all our customers with peace of mind.
Protect yourself and dont be a victim.
Court Ryan, founder
CHEETAH
PRODUCT: CHEETAH CYCLONE STUN GUN
WEBSITE: www.buycheetahstunguns.com
MSRP: $44.95
SPECIFICATIONS:
Voltage: 2,500,000
Battery: rechargeable
Dimensions: 4 inches by 1.5 inches
LED flashlight
Clip-on leather case
On/off master safety switch
Blaster trigger button
Curved design
DEFINING FEATURES: The Cheetah Cyclone Stun Gun
sports a curved handle with finger grooves and a
no-slip grip. The Cyclone emits 2.5-million-volts
and is also a bright LED flashlight. It can be easily
recharged with a slide-out plug.
VENDORS COMMENT: Its great for two reasons: If
its taken away, the wrist strap stays with your
wrist and the gun is rendered useless. Second, if
you keep it around the house, you keep the wrist
strap separate from the gun and then your loved
ones cant hurt themselves. Mike Kasminoff,
owner, Stungunsplanet.com
ne way to survive a home invasion is to actually
escape the home.
But where do you go?
How about into a DefenderVault bulletproof
panic room? That ought to do the trick.
THE COMPANY
Survive-a-Storm Shelters, located in Thomasville, Ga.,
makes tornado shelters, yes, but it also manufactures
bulletproof panic rooms, above-ground safe rooms and
community safe rooms, as well. These precision-engi-
neered, ultra-hardened shelters and ballistic-rated panic
rooms are hotter than ever, according to Matt Williams,
the companys executive vice president of marketing, sales
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HOME INVASION: A BULLETPROOF PANIC ROOM
COULD BE YOUR WAY OUT
EXTREME
ESCAPE
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The DefenderVault maximum
fortress bulletproof panic room.
HD1401-062-064-VAULT.EPxx 12/27/13 1:26 AM Page 62
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and government affairs.
Five years ago, if you would
have told me that we would
be building these, I would
have laughed, he says. I just
couldnt have seen it. But
there is a dire need for both
the bunkers and panic rooms
that we build. And we are
ending the year with the
throttle wide-open.
The importance of Survive-
a-Storms product is not lost
on Williams.
We are in the business of
saving lives, he says. Its
that simple.
There has been an increase
in attention that home inva-
sions have received through-
out the past couple of years,
and Williams has noticed.
Its unfortunate that peo-
ple wait until after a tragedy
to prepare, Williams says.
THE PRODUCTS
Survive-a-Storms commu-
nity safe rooms comfortably
accommodate up to 100
peoplemore if folks are
willing to get a bit cozy with
each other. The shelters are
made of -inch steel with
massive structural supports
that span the rolled-roof
design. They contain bench
seating, overhead lighting,
restrooms with drinking
fountains, exit signs and even
auxiliary generators.
The same technology used
by Survive-a-Storm in its
community safe rooms has
also found its way into the
companys line of residential
above-ground and under-
ground shelters.
Somewhere along the way,
though, Lucas Stewart, the
companys owner, joked that
WHY TO INSTALL
A burglary occurs once every 14.2 seconds
in the United States
More than two million burglaries are
committed every year in the U.S.
The average financial loss per crime
exceeds $2,000
The nationwide typical police response
time is 10.5 minutes
An average interaction between criminal
and victim is 90 seconds
Source: www.fbi.gov
THE SPECS
These shelters meet NIJ Level II bullet
resistance
Available in 4-by-4-foot, 6-by-6-foot
and 8-by-8-foot configurations
Options include a Sargent &
Greenleaf digital lock, gun racks and
a concealed 8-by-4-foot underground
compartment
Interior paneling provides NIJ Level II
bulletproofing material.
An above-ground DefenderVault
combined with a Survive-a-Storm
shelter hidden beneath the floor.
The DefenderVault can be outfitted
with an array of advanced controls and
monitoring systems.
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HD1401-062-064-VAULT.EPxx 12/27/13 1:26 AM Page 63
he was going to install one at
home to protect the family
from intruders. Upon reflec-
tionand with a little bit of R
and Dthe company identi-
fied a need in the market for
tornado shelters that double
as panic rooms.
Williams led me to another
area of the factory to show
me an intimidating black
shelter dubbed the Defender-
Vault, which incorporates a
Kevlar-type material that
lines the interior. The Defend-
erVault is a Spartan but
extremely effective and
expandable safe-room
solution for those who are
equally concerned with the
risk of violent windstorms as
they are with the risk of
armed intruders kicking in the
door in the dead of night.
Hardened panic rooms are
not just for the super-rich,
Williams says. In their basic
configurations, these bullet-
proof shelters range in price
from $7,000 to $15,000or
about 50 percent more than
comparably sized tornado
shelters, while providing the
additional peace of mind in
knowing that your family is
protected from both natural
and human perils.
Scott Conditt is a photographer/videogra-
pher/sometime journalist specializing in cap-
turing rare moments with interesting people
in unique locations. He believes everything
looks more fascinating through the lens.
CONTACT INFO
www.survive-a-storm.com
(888) 360-1492
$7,000 to $15,000
What you can expect to pay for a
DefenderVault bulletproof panic room.
THE UPGRADES
Enhanced ballistics ratings against
high-caliber rifle fire
Security systems
Power generation
Surveillance
Home automation controls
This bulletproof
panic room is fully
stocked with bug-out
gear just in case!
PHOTO COURTESY OF SURVIVE-A-STORM SHELTERS
HD1401-062-064-VAULT.EPxx.CX 1/1/14 9:57 PM Page 64
Home Defender
Home Defender is now available
on Apple Newsstand, Google
Play and Kindle.
Home Defender is devoted to bringing you the latest news and
product reviews to keep you, your family and your home, safe.
Plus, easy and proven self-defense methods.
Download the FREE APP and get a 1-year subscription (4 issues) for only
$13.99 and save 61% off newsstands!
You can also purchase single issues for only $4.99.
Nowat your ngertips...
For questions on downloading this app contact 800-764-6278
HD_1401_65 1/6/14 3:20 AM Page 65
PIECE
PROSPECTS
SORTING THROUGH THE HANDGUN HAYSTACK
HANDGUNS
BUYERS
GUIDE
I
n a perfect world, a person would have the right
gun for the right job all the time. Whether we
suffer from shortages or abundances, there are
always new and improved handguns coming out.
And chances are, the market has just the perfect
choice for your needs.
Manufacturers offer models featuring extensive
mixing and matching of components, and if you still
cant find it off the shelf, you can likely find a way
to modify whatever it is to whatever you want. As
technology forces more intense competition through
improvement and replacement, creating your perfect
handgun is on manufacturers to-do lists.
Fortunately, the handgun market is nothing if not
responsive to the needs of its customers. Read on to
find the one that works for you.
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 9mm, 9mm+P
Action: Rotating-barrel locked-breech
Sights: Low prole, dovetail windage
Weight: 18.5 ounces
DEFINING FEATURES: The XR9-L Platinum Edi-
tion features an aircraft-grade aluminum frame
and a proprietary nickel-chrome finish. The cus-
tomizable trigger is natural stainless steel, and the
grip is Zytel, which is available in Olive Green, Black
or Action Red.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Its
actually my original design, my favorite
design! Arnie Boberg, owner/CEO
BOBERG ARMS
CORPORATION
PRODUCT: BOBERG XR9-L
LONG PLATINUM
WEBSITE: www.bobergarms.com
MSRP: $1,399
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: .45 ACP
Capacity: 8 rounds
Action: Single-action trigger pull
Sights: Fixed low-profile night sights,
Three-dot/cocking shoulder
Weight: 28 ounces
DEFINING FEATURES: The Super Carry Pro has a
match-grade barrel machined from solid steel. It
features single-action trigger pull, two external
safeties and a comfortable design. The sight sets
are premium fixed, adjustable or night sight,
mounted in dovetails.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT:
The Super Carry Pro was designed to be an
ideal carry gun. Dwight Van Brundt, sales
and marketing
KIMBER
MANUFACTURING
PRODUCT: SUPER CARRY PRO
WEBSITE: www.kimberamerica.com
MSRP: $1,596
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 38 Spl +P
Capacity: 5 rounds
Action: Double action
Sights: Adjustable three-dot
Weight: 13.5 ounces
DEFINING FEATURES: The Ruger LCR is a light-
weight, small-frame revolver with a uniquely
smooth trigger and highly manageable recoil. Its
built around a high-strength, stainless steel cylin-
der, monolithic frame and a patented friction-re-
duction cam. The grip is a Hogue Tamer Monogrip.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: It
becomes a viable alternative for those
who want to carry the LCR for self defense
but may have trouble with recoil.
Dave Spaulding, Ruger product expert
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: .45 ACP
Action: Single action
Sights: Black post front, adjustable rear
Weight: 40.5 ounces
DEFINING FEATURES: The SW1911 PC has a
stainless steel finish, slide serrations and a 5-inch
barrel. The grip is G10 custom wood. The SW1911
PC represents a step up from standard models,
introducing competition specifications and fea-
tures.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: This guy, right
out of the box, is ready to go. Doug Koenig,
Smith & Wesson pro shooter
HANDGUNS
BUYERS
GUIDE
SMITH &
WESSON
PRODUCT: SW1911 PC
WEBSITE:
www.smith-wesson.com
MSRP: $1,539
RUGER FIREARMS
PRODUCT: RUGER LCR
WEBSITE: www.ruger.com
PRICE: $529
COLTS
MANUFACTURING
COMPANY LLC
PRODUCT: COLT 01980XSE
WEBSITE: www.coltsmfg.com
PRICE: $1,001 - $1,025 (online sellers)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: .45
Capacity: 8 rounds
Sights: Novak carry with dots
Weight: 36 ounces
DEFINING FEATURES: As with all Colts, the 01980XSE features the
foundation of the receiver, slide, barrel and slide stop all being forged.
Front- and rear-slide serrations are standard, as are Novak sights. The
beavertail grip and enhanced cut below the trigger guard allow for a
secure grip. The safety lock is ambidextrous.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: If youre going to shoot a lot, forging is
much more durable. Our frame is forged. Our slide is forged. Our barrel
starts as a forging. Our slide stop is a forging. Those are all the parts that
take the most abuse. Tim Loony, manager, Colt Custom Shop
SIG SAUER, INC.
PRODUCT:
P938 BLACKWOOD
WEBSITE: www.sigsauer.com
MSRP: $809
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 9mm
Capacity: 6 rounds
Action: Single action only
Sights: SIGLITE night sights
Weight: 16 ounces
TAURUS USA
PRODUCT: TAURUS 22PLY
WEBSITE: www.taurususa.com
MSRP: $282
SPECIFICATIONS:
Sights: Fixed front
DEFINING FEATURES: The Taurus 22PLY
is a new design featuring a polymer frame
and weighing just more than 11 ounces.
Blowback action and the tip-up barrel are
incorporated while loading and chamber-
ing the first round. The Taurus sports a
blue steel finish and polymer grips.
I believe weve only just begun,
because good simply isnt
good enough. Mark Kresser,
president, CEO
DEFINING FEATURES: The SIG Sauer P938 offers a 9mm
cartridge in a platform like the P238. The single-action-only
trigger and full-sized night sights are usually found on larger
pistols. The safety is ambidextrous. The slide is stainless steel
and the anodized alloy frame is black and hard-coated. The
grips are Hogue Blackwood.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: We basically took
the .238 and upped it up to a 9mm-caliber pistol very
concealable. Works pretty much like a 1911. Good for an ankle
gun. Scott Kenneson, senior instructor, SIG Sauer
HANDGUNS
BUYERS
GUIDE
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 9x19, .40
S&W (9x21 on request)
Capacity: 9x19 and 9x21, 15
cartridges; .40 S&W, 12 cartridges
Action: Single action,
double action
Sights: Triangular/trapezoid shape
Weight: 1.78 pounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The
just-released Steyr Pistol L-A1
features a longer barrel and improved
balance to improve shooting
performance. A choice of 9mm and
.40 S&W is available. The trigger
way is approximately 0.2 inches (con-
stantly). The grip is synthetic black.
The L-A1 was introduced at a 2013
industry event. Available in either
9mm or .40 S&W, it has many of the
features of our earlier pistols, along
with several new ones. Erwin
Derntl, director of U.S. sales
STEYR
MANNLICHER
PRODUCT: STEYR PISTOL L-A1
WEBSITE: www.steyrarms.com
PRICE: $499(online sellers)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers:
9mm
Capacity: 8-shot maga-
zine (10-shot available)
Barrel Length:
3.5 inches
Overall Length:
6.75 inches
Sights: Contrast, three-
dots, fully adjustable
rear sight
Weight: 29 ounces
DEFINING FEATURES:
The Hi-Point C-9 Model 916
features a frame of high-
impact polymer with a
durable black powder coat.
The thumb safety is de-
signed for quick on/off. An
extra rear peep sight and
lifetime warranty are also
included. The entire gun is
American-made, parts and
assembly.
MANUFACTURERS
COMMENT: It has a
lifetime unconditional
warranty. Very rugged, very
reliable, at a price-point
nobody can match.
David Kiwacka, marketing
representative
MKS SUPPLY LLC
PRODUCT: HI-POINT C-9 MODEL 916
WEBSITE: www.hi-pointfirearms.com
MSRP: $179
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 9x19
Capacity: 15 rounds
Sights: Three-dot
Weight: 1.63 pounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The P30
pistol series is completely redesigned
regarding its grip. The grip shells are
exchangeable and in combination
with the exchangeable back strap,
this gun adapts to any size hand. The
standardized Picatinny
rail at the front of the frame
gives maximum flexibility in regard
to accessories.
You have the ability to change not
only the backstrap with four different
sizes, we have the ability to change
the side plates to adjust the thick-
ness. Bob Tarter, program manager
HECKLER &
KOCH USA
PRODUCT: P30
WEBSITE: www. heckler-koch.com
PRICE: $777 (online sellers)
GLOCK
PRODUCT: GLOCK 19 GEN4
WEBSITE: us.glock.com
PRICE: $570-$620(online sellers)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 9mm
Capacity: 15 or 10 rounds
Sights: Polymer, windage adjustable
DEFINING FEATURES: The GLOCK 19 Gen4
introduces design changes to a popular pistol.
The modular backstrap lets you customize the
grip to adapt to the shooters hand. The new dual
recoil spring assembly increases the life of the
system and a reversible enlarged magazine catch,
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SPECIFICATIONS:
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hen it comes right down to it, your
entire home defense strategy can be
for naught if just one security loophole
gets exploited and an intruder gets the drop on
you. Youll stand a good chance of fixing that
loophole later if you can deal with an on-coming
assailant now.
That doesnt mean you have to be Jet Li or
martial arts fighter Ronda Rouseywhile intruder
situations may require contact, that doesnt
necessarily mean fighting; it could also mean
disarming, subduing, disabling, fleeing or hiding.
Learning how to realistically judge the
danger in front of you and assess
your ability to respond
W
IS YOUR EXPLOITABLE
WEAKNESS YOU?
ALWAYS HAVE AN EMPTY-HANDED
OPTION UP YOUR SLEEVE
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HD1401-072-073-MA INTRO.EP 12/27/13 1:31 AM Page 72
UNFORTUNATELY, DOWNLOADING
KUNG-FU DIRECTLY TO YOUR BRAIN LA
THE MATRIX IS STILL A FEW YEARS
DOWN THE ROAD.

successfully is the basis all martial
arts or empty-handed techniques.
Start smart. We have done the ini-
tial research and detailed
various options so you can see how
the different levels of commitment
and competence best match your
needs. Yes, the time it takes to get
the basics down is an initial invest-
mentunfortunately, downloading
kung-fu directly to your brain la
The Matrix is still a few years
down the road. The time it takes to
get competent at basic self-defense
is not unlike learning to shoot or
taking a dog through an obedience
program. You can complete a
decent level of supervised self-
defense faster than you think.
Who knows? There are many great
reasons to never stop learning,
and becoming conversant with a
variety of self-defense techniques
gives you a huge advantage over
those who only rely solely on
firearms. Learn how these areas of
defense complement each other
and how to make that work for you,
ensuring you never lack some form
of personal protection.
HD1401-072-073-MA INTRO.EP 12/27/13 1:31 AM Page 73
SCHOOL OF
HARD KNOCKS
By Michael DAngona
EIGHT STEPS TO HELP CHOOSE THE
RIGHT MARTIAL ARTS CLASS
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ever underestimate empty-hand techniques
as a way of bringing down an attacker.
If youre caught without a weapon and cant
defend yourself, youre rendered helpless against an
invader, plain and simple.
Adding these techniques to your overall self-
defense plan is a very smart idea.
Clearly, the best place to learn unarmed self-
defense skills is a martial arts school. That said,
schools vary widely in quality and disciplines, so
dont just walk into the nearest location and sign up.
Follow this guide to help you choose the right path
on which to begin your martial arts journey.
DEFINE YOUR OBJECTIVE
The martial arts community is vast and di-
verse. Many frequently refer to martial arts as
karate or MMA when, in fact, there are dozens of dis-
ciplines and hundreds of smaller independent styles
and systems.
Your first decision is to determine what your per-
sonal goals are for joining a martial arts school.
Some people lean toward the health and fitness,
others use it as an outlet for their competitive nature
and train to win competitions while still others look
toward the philosophical side of the martial arts to
benefit them in their daily lives. In this case, the goal
is clear: You want to learn hand-to-hand combat
techniques so that you wont be left without any
form of personal protection in the event that your
firearms may be unavailable to you.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
A quick search of martial arts schools in
your area should reveal an extremely long
list of possibilities. Write down several options,
preferably schools close to your home for conven-
ience. Then, go online and research the martial art
styles you found. The background information
should give you some indication if it focuses mainly
on self-defense. Be cautious if you go to a particular
schools website for information; many martial art
schools will list self-defense in their programs to
entice new students when, in reality, their particular
style may not fit the bill. Arm yourself with knowl-
edge beforehand and you wont be easily misin-
formed.
WATCHTHEN,
TRY A FREE CLASS
A martial arts school may look good on
paper or your computer screen, but now is the time
to visit it in person. Its important to see how a
packed class operates: Go at the beginning of the
week, the typical time when the most students take
classes. Grab a brochure and have a seat. There is no
need to get into a great discussion with the owner or
head instructor about what you are there for until
you see if you even like the school.
When youre observing, be mindful. Notice if warm-
up exercises take up nearly half the class, which indi-
cates that self-defense is not the priority. Warm-ups
should take no longer than 10 to 15 minutes, and the
MYTHS
A popular myth in the martial arts world revolves
around the creation of the black belt. Many people believe
that when a master began his training, his belt was a crisp
white color, and, after years of practice, it turned black
with dirt and grime. In reality, the belt rank system was
developed in the late 1800s by Judo founder Kano Jigoro.
It began as only white and black and later evolved into a
full-color ranking system that many schools use today.
The idea that a black belts hands are registered as lethal
weapons is one of the oldest and totally false miscon-
ceptions in martial arts.
PHOTO BY THINKSTOCK
N
1
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majority of class time should be
spent on techniques.
Take note of the instructors
teaching style and decide if its for
you. Is he or she stern and strict or
mellow? Does he or she explain
demonstrations in detail or en-
courage you to learn as you go?
People will be attracted to a dif-
ferent style of teaching based on
their own personalities, so its im-
portant that you feel comfortable
with the approach your prospec-
tive instructor takes.
Finally, if you like what you see,
ask for a free trial class. You dont
buy shoes without trying them on
and you dont purchase a car
without test-driving it, so choos-
ing a martial arts school should
be no different. Only when you
are in it can you really see if its
something to which you want to
commit your time and money.
If the school doesnt offer a free
trial class, its time to move on.
This is a red flag, and this type of
school will likely pressure you into
signing paperwork before you
even get out the door.
READ PAPERWORK
CAREFULLY
When you do find a
school that meets all your criteria,
the next step is to officially sign
up. Here is where you have to be
very careful. There are several op-
tions that martial arts schools
may offer you. Some will give you
the choice to pay month-to-
month and leave anytime without
further commitment while others
will give you a contract for a set
number of months with a less ex-
pensive, per-month payment rate.
ANY KNOWLEDGE YOU GAIN IN CLASSES WILL GIVE YOU
A GREAT ADVANTAGE OVER THOSE WHO RELY SOLELY UPON
THEIR FIREARM SKILLS

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However, with a contract, you will
have to pay for the set number of
months whether you go to class
regularly, semi-regularly or not at
all if you happen to lose interest
and quit. Be sure that if you sign a
contract for which you will be
able to meet all payments
throughout the life of the deal. It
is a legally binding agreement. If
you fail to pay, the school has a
right to take action to get its
money, which could include col-
lection calls and, ultimately, court
action. A martial arts class is not
worth a drop in your credit score.
It may seem clich, but read the
fine print! Dont rush through the
sign-up process by skimming the
contract and signing without hes-
itation or having asked important
questions. Beyond the portion of
the paperwork that discusses
your financial obligations, there
are equally vital areas that you
need to understand. There may
be an automatic renewal clause
near the end of the contract,
which can lock you in for another
year or more. If you dont cancel
with them before a predeter-
mined amount of time (usually
30 days before), your contract
will renew at the current terms,
even if you decided long ago that
you wouldnt be continuing. Other
clauses you may encounter that
must be read thoroughly include
test fees, equipment charges and
class promotions. Some schools
charge for every test ranking (and
increase the costs with each ad-
vancement) while others require
you to buy only their brand of
equipment and uniforms. Even
advancing to a new class, once
tested, can cause you to dish out
more cash if they require a differ-
ent color uniform or gear when
your rank status changes.
Remember, schools can charge
whatever they want for a variety
of things. If you dont like the
terms of the contract, dont sign
it. If you sign without fully under-
standing your responsibilities and
later find out about all the hid-
den extras that you must pay for,
youll be very sorry. Take your
time, ask questions and if you feel
comfortable with everything, sign
on the dotted line!
PUT IN YOUR TIME
Nothing happens
overnight. If you want to
become proficient in empty-hand
self-defense techniques, you
have to put in the time to train.
This requires you to attend
classes on a regular basis, usually
two to three times a week. When
you are in a class, make the time
count. Keep the intensity of your
techniques always at a high level.
Stay focused on the class and
dont let outside sources distract
you. Turn off your cellphone, forget
about any problems you had a
work that day and utilize your
training time to the best of your
ability. You get out what you put in,
so give it 100 percent. With only
about four to six hours a week to
study your martial art, dont waste
that precious time chatting to new
WEAPON
WORK
No matter what self-defense
martial art you pursue, make sure
before you begin that they work
on weapon techniques in class
both offensive and defensive
tactics. You may have to defend
yourself against a knife, a broken
bottle, screwdriver or even a
firearm if the situation arises,
and you need to be prepared!
5
friends, taking excessive water
breaks or getting into the habit of
coming late and leaving early.
Keep in mind, when it comes a
point when your martial arts train-
ing becomes a chore and you con-
stantly look for reasons to skip
class, its time to end it.
TO TEST OR NOT TO TEST
A large majority of mar-
tial arts schools offer test-
ing to earn a rank in their
particular martial arts style. Test-
ing can be optional or required
depending on the school, and
most charge a testing fee (which
you would know if you read all the
initial paperwork See No. 4).
But if you are there to mainly
learn self-defense, do you need to
test? Probably not, but there are
many good reasons to go through
the testing process. Testing al-
lows you to set goals for yourself
without doing any work on your
part. Each testing level can repre-
sent a stage you have to reach,
which encourages you to under-
stand the material completely as
well as execute it well. Testing
also gives you the opportunity to
perform your techniques under
pressure. No matter how many
times youve performed certain
techniques in a relaxed class
setting, when youre under the
microscope during a test, you
will probably get nervous. This
gives you a taste of what it
would be like to defend yourself
in real-life situations.
ADDING THESE TECHNIQUES TO
YOUR OVERALL SELF-DEFENSE PLAN
IS A VERY SMART IDEA.

6
CROSS TRAIN
Once you are attending
classes regularly, if you
have any additional free time, try
cross training in other martial arts.
No matter what you hear in the
media today, there is no such thing
as the ultimate or the best martial
art above all others. Few styles
cover all aspects of self-defense
and if they claim to, it is most likely
superficial training at best. Focus
on your initial choice, but be open
to attend other classes that cover
more specific topics of self-de-
fense in greater detail. Your martial
arts school may offer other styles
within their own facility or you can
try classes at your local gymnasium
or community center. For example,
you may want to expand your
ground fighting skills, so take a few
grappling classes. Or if you want to
learn how to strike with greater
force, look into boxing. It cant hurt
you to explore other options and
create a more rounded curriculum.
Just dont spread yourself too thin;
always maintain your foundation
while pulling additional techniques
from other arts to create your own
all-encompassing self-defense sys-
tem.
NEVER STOP LEARNING
There is no such thing as
knowing it all. In the martial
arts world, black belt is an achieve-
ment and not a final destination. If
you do follow through and are able
to reach this rank, it doesnt auto-
matically signify you learned every-
thing you need to know.
You may have the fundamentals
deeply engrained within you, but
the experience and proper mindset
may not be there to back it up.
Some people who obtain a high
rank in martial arts sometimes let
it go to their heads. Understand
that a black belt is just another step
in your journey. Keep your attitude
in check, dont broadcast your
skills and let the surprise be on the
one who underestimates you by
thinking that if you are unarmed,
youre harmless.
THE WRAP UP
Whatever your hand-to-hand
combat goal may be, remember
that any training you go through
and any knowledge you gain in
classes will give you a great advan-
tage over those who rely solely
upon their firearm skills. Both areas
of defense complement each other
perfectly, so when you put them to-
gether, youre never without some
form of personal protection.
Michael DAngona is a freelance writer and
experienced martial arts instructor. He is versed
in many forms of armed and unarmed combat and
holds black belts in Aikido and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. He
owns and operates the Red Phoenix Martial Arts &
Self Defense Academy in Coral Springs, Fla. For more
information, visit www.redphoenixaikido.com.
ONE ON ONE
If its financially feasible for you,
consider taking private lessons
with your instructor to comple-
ment your group training. One
private class is equivalent to the
information obtained in three to
four group classes. Work on test
material, areas in which you need
a little extra help or something
entirely new that isnt offered in
regular daily classes!
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A MARTIAL
ARTS CLASS
IS NOT WORTH A
DROP IN YOUR
CREDIT SCORE.

ou may think you can handle
yourself pretty well, but if faced
with a deranged, unpredictable
assailant who felt no pain, could you
defeat him?
While it may sound like Im describing a
character from a horror movie, unfortu-
nately, these types of attackers exist in
our everyday world, and the possibility of
a confrontation with one of them is not
out of the realm of reality. To get the
skinny on what to expect from a mentally
unstable or substance-driven individual,
we spoke to Dr. Brian Markoff, associate
professor of medicine at New York Citys
Mount Sinai Hospital.
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HOW TO HANDLE AN ATTACKER THAT IS
MENTALLY UNSTABLE OR UNDER THE INFLUENCE
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DANGONA
TRESPASSER
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HD1401-080-087-MA MANIAC.EPx 12/27/13 1:37 AM Page 80
An intoxicated man
breaks a beer bottle
and threatens
physical harm.
Traditional striking
techniques may have
little effect on a
drunken man.
WHAT DRIVES THEM
Often, a crazed maniacs actions are con-
trolled by outside forces in the form of illegal
drugs, excessive alcohol or a chemical imbal-
ance within their brains. These substances
and conditions affect their bodies in ways
that can neutralize your most trusted self-de-
fense techniques. What worked for you in the
past may have little or no effect, leaving you
open for injury or worse.
It should go without saying that if you
are armed and your life is in danger, by all
means, draw and fire. In the absence of a
firearm or other weapon, however, you can
employ a number of empty-hand defensive
tactics that could very well save your life.
Read on for tips on confronting three very
deadly scenarios.
DRUGS: WHAT YOU MAY FACE
A guy under the influence of drugs
may be one of the most dangerous at-
tackers you face. His heart and blood flow
may be pumping very hard as a result of the
drugs, thus increasing his speed and reaction
time (think of it as large doses of caffeine in-
gested all at once), Markoff says.
He likely wont feel your strikes and may
even break his own joints to escape from any
lock you may attempt to secure on him.
Amphetamines, cocaine, crystal meth,
steroids all produce behaviors that exhibit
characteristics such as high aggression, in-
tense anger, high tolerance or reduced reac-
tion to pain and the inability to think
rationally and logically, Markoff says.
This is a very volatile combination and ex-
treme caution must be exercised when facing
these seemingly indestructible adversaries.
Typically, desperate drug users will feed
their fix by stealing or robbing to get cash to
continue their habit. This can result in you
being the victim of a home invasion, armed
robbery, or snatch and grab.
Markoff cautions that someone loaded
1
with steroids pulsing through his bloodstream can
produce extraordinary amounts of strength, aggres-
sion and ferocity.
And if you happen to be in the wrong place at the
wrong time, all of this could be aimed at you.
Various techniques that can be used to take down a drunk
attackers foundation.
WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO:
One possible solution is to destroy the attackers
foundation. Attack the knee or ankle joints with the
intention of breaking and crippling their mobility.
Either stomp down as hard as you can, bending the leg
inward, or shoot your foot straight into the knee joint
to hyperextend and hopefully break his knee. This
should end his movement immediately. The attacker
may not feel the pain, but the broken joint will not
function and should stop any further attacks until
help can arrive or you are able to run away.
Striking a knee joint properly when a crazed person is
charging you is not as easy as it sounds. If you are un-
able to accomplish this or even have fear of trying it, at-
tempt to secure a chokeeither respiratory or vascular.
If you can redirect his attack, let him step past you
and get behind him; a choke may work to end the con-
flict fast. A respiratory choke will cut off the air to his
lungs and cause him to pass out. Place your forearm
across his throat and roll your radius bone downward
while simultaneously pushing his head forward with
your free arm. You should be able to choke him out
within seconds. By kicking out his legs or pushing his
hips inward, you essentially hurry the process and
make him choke himself.
A vascular choke is similar, but in this case, you
squeeze the neck to stop the blood flow to the brain,
which will also cause the attacker to pass out. It is
highly recommended that you take a few self-defense
classes to get the feel of applying chokes.
IF FACED WITH AN
ATTACKER THAT FELT NO PAIN,
COULD YOU DEFEAT HIM?

An advanced leg sweep will take down an unbalanced
drunk attacker with ease.
EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL: WHAT YOU MAY FACE
Alcohol is a depressant and therefore
lowers inhibitions; it can also make the per-
son feel invincible, Markoff says. When someone
becomes violent and feels as if he cant lose, this is
because any conflict or interaction, no matter how
small, can escalate into an all-out brawl with very
serious consequences.
Add to that the fact that alcohol dulls nerve re-
ceptacles in the body and youre faced with an
irrational person who feels little or no pain.
2
WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO:
The fact that a person under the severe influence of
alcohol can feel little or no pain eliminates a great
number of techniques needed to control or incapaci-
tate him. Wrist locks, arm locks and strikes to his body
will gain you few results and most likely will just irri-
tate and enrage him further. Avoidance, if possible, is
your first objective. If you have the ability to flee or
leave his general area, do it. But if you are cornered or
attacked by a group of intoxicated troublemakers,
you have no choice but to fight. Luckily, alcohols side-
effects can also benefit you. The more a person
drinks, the slower their reaction time becomes. Also,
their equilibrium is constantly challenged, as they try
harder and harder to maintain normal balance. Ex-
ploit these two areas. Stay mobile and move con-
stantly. The drunk attacker will try to lock in on you to
land a punch or grab, but with a slow reaction re-
sponse, he most likely wont succeed. Keep your dis-
tance and continue to knock him down to the ground
or into obstacles nearby. He should tire or fail to get
up, allowing you the opportunity to leave the scene.
Throwing in a few strikes as you move may serve only
as distractions, but the next day, when the alcohol
wears off, the pain will set in as a reminder of his irre-
sponsibility with alcohol the night before.
Continued on page 87

THE MENTALLY UNSTABLE
PERSON POSSESSES
SOMETHING EQUALLY
DANGEROUSEXTREME
UNPREDICTABILITY.
DR. BRIAN MARKOFF
BUT THE NEXT DAY,

WHEN THE ALCOHOL
WEARS OFF, THE PAIN WILL
SET IN AS A REMINDER OF
HIS IRRESPONSIBILITY
WITH ALCOHOL THE NIGHT
BEFORE.
A man on steroids smashes a sliding glass door. Redirect
the attackers punch and move behind him. Lock him into a
respiratory choke until he passes out!

Redirect an attackers grab and use his oncoming force to take him down!
WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO:
The first and most important safety measure you
must follow is always be alert and be ready for any-
thing! If aggressively confronted by a noticeably dis-
turbed individual, dont do anything that will irritate
or escalate his current condition. Try and talk slowly
and raise your hands casually up in a nonaggressive
manner. This will hopefully keep him at ease while set-
ting your arms up in a position of readiness if the need
to act arises. Also, if in a crowded room, try and keep
some form of barrier between him and yourself. This
could be a piece of furniture or a window or anything
that will give him pause if he makes a move for you. If
an unavoidable physical conflict begins, try and keep
some fighting distance between yourself and him. As
the attackers unpredictability will come out during a
fight, he may attempt to scratch your eyes, bite you,
pull your hair or perhaps even head-butt you until
youre bloodied. Conventional fighting rules will not
apply to a violent, mentally disturbed person. If you
have the opportunity, apply joint locks to restrain your
opponent and secure him.
MENTAL INSTABILITY: WHAT YOU MAY FACE
The mentally unstable person is not
necessarily superhumanly strong, outwardly
aggressive or devoid of pain receptacles but
possesses something equally dangerousextreme
unpredictability, Markoff cautions.
Based purely upon a physical appearance, someone
with mental issues may take the form of a teenager, a
middle-aged woman or perhaps a senior citizen. You
just dont know, which makes a confrontation all the
more dangerous and surprising for you. You need to
notice any quirks or odd behavior that could lead to
violence by a possible attacker in order to be fully
ready to defend yourself. Also, you can never let your
guard down once they have calmed down or begun to
talk logically again. In the blink of an eye, their intent
can change and they can hit, kick, bite, scratch or
even use some nearby makeshift weapon against
you. Although hurting you may not be their primary
objective, you must be alert and know how to
neutralize any surprising situation.
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Continued from page 83
An incorrect choke can be reversed on you with
disastrous results.
The proper way to apply a rear choke.
SWIFT
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HD1401-088-093-MA ACCURACY.EPx 12/27/13 1:45 AM Page 88
f you happen to be the victim of a
home invasion, the speed with which
you shoot can mean life or death. But
all the speed in the world wont help you if
you miss your target.
Speed is important, of course, because
you need to get your attacker before he
gets you. However, some feel that under
stress, speed can cause the shooter to
waste precious seconds by shooting
wildly and missing the target.
Many feel that extreme accuracy is
everything, trumping not only speed but
even stopping power; however, there are
plenty of situations in which a well placed
bullet has failed to stop an attacker.
So, whos right and whos wrong?
In this case, there is no right and wrong
because both conceptsspeed and
accuracyare the way to go.
DEADLY ACTION DUO
As anyone who has actually seen
deadly action will tell you, for the best
results, both speed and accuracy are
needed in aggregate. Speed is critical
because, in the vast majority of cases,
engagement ranges are short (the
I
KEEPING ACCURACY AND SPEED IN BALANCE
CAN BRING DOWN AN ATTACKER
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHUCK TAYLOR
The most effective
tactical shooters have
long realized that speed
and accuracy must be
kept in proper balance
to the size of the target
theyre trying to hit as
their eyes see it.
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average with handguns is 7 to 10
feet), meaning that engagement
times, too, are short. To have the
best chance of winning the typi-
cal handgun encounter, you must
quickly bring your weapon into
action and shoot quickly.
However, shooting more quickly
than you can hit produces misses
and peripheral hitsneither of
which reliably neutralizes an at-
tackerso sufficient care to place
your shots appropriately is
needed. Poor shooting at high
speed is common and occurs be-
cause speed is disproportionately
emphasized and accomplishes
little except to waste ammunition
and amplify your tactical, criminal
and civil liability.
A CLEAR AND VISIBLE TARGET
Still, especially when handguns
are involved, tactical situations
can vary greatly. What if the two
or three quick hits into the
thoracic area fail to stop your
One example of when the balance of speed and accuracy emphasizes speed: the arms-length encounter. Here, Taylors students
practice gaining standoff distance from their attacker as they present their own weapons and engage.
THE TARGET
Shooting for the head gets the job done. Aim for the
cranio-ocular (brain and eyes) area, where a single
shot is nearly always lethal.
SCENARIO
SOLUTIONS
Adversary is partially concealed behind cover or is
using a hostage: Go with the cranio-ocular shot. If he
sees you aiming at his head, he still has to first stabi-
lize his head before taking action, giving you the shot.
Adversary is in extreme close contact: Speed is
critical in this situation, pure and simple.
assailant? Different trainers espouse different
follow-up solutions, including shooting for the
knee, femoral artery or pelvis. I, however, advocate
shooting for the head.
Of the various follow-up protocols, the head is
the only one that presents a target thats clearly
visible, making it the least difficult to hit. And, from
a stopping-power standpoint, its also the most
definitive. Yet, just hitting the head itself is not
enoughthere is a specific area of the head that
must be targeted: the cranio-ocular (brain and
eyes).
On a typical human, as viewed from the front,
the cranio-ocular region is approximately 4 inches
wide and 3 inches high, which makes it a smallish
target. In order to hit it, there is only one solution:
Slow down. A single hit in the cranio-ocular area is
Another instance where speed is critical: the close encounter, in which the shooter has no space behind him in which to step. Here,
he must decide whether to use physical or deadly force and, if the latter, do so rapidly without exposing his weapon to the attacker.
nearly always both lethal and
incapacitating, making it the
best option in the event of a
failure-to-stop situation.
For these same reasons, its
also the best target when your
adversary is partially concealed
behind cover or is using a
hostage. Some opine that the
cranio-ocular shot isnt feasible
because the attacker will see you
aiming at his head and attempt
to dodge the bullet. However,
there is no credibility to that
claim because, in order for him to
execute any form of action, the
head must first stabilize, thus
giving you the shot.
Other tactical scenarios
include those in extreme close
contact, in which speed is,
without question, critical. But
if the target is some distance
away, the requirement for
accuracy can only be success-
fully met by slowing down.
COMPLEX PROBLEM,
SIMPLE ANSWER
So, the answer to this seem-
ingly complex problem is actually
simplefor best results, speed
Examples of situations in which the shooter must slow down to get best results: cranio-ocular shot due to failure-to-stop, target
partially behind cover or hostage situation, multiple targets and shooting from a moving vehicle.
FOR BEST
RESULTS, SPEED
AND ACCURACY
MUST BE EQUALLY
BALANCED TO
THE SIZE OF THE
TARGET YOURE
TRYING TO HIT.

and accuracy must be equally balanced
to the size of the target youre trying to hit.
The balance will vary, depending upon the
targets actual physical size or if its some
distance away, thus appearing smaller. Either
way, the basic dictum applies, and to
whichever degree the balance is upset
either to the speed or accuracy sideresults
quickly deteriorate.
Some will say that utilizing this thesis
gives your opponent too much time to get
you, but remember this: He has exactly the
same problem to solve and therefore has
no advantage.
Of the two elements, shooting too quickly,
sacrificing accuracy and/or shot-placement
in the process, is the most common error.
As you can see, there is simply no better
way to guarantee hits on your target(s) than
to balance accuracy with speed.
The author of more than a thousand published magazine
articles, Chuck Taylor serves as an adjunct professor of police
science, a court-recognized expert witness and the first
Four-Weapon Combat Master. He also holds NRA Expert ratings
with light rifle, high power carbine and high-power rifle.
Hostage situations also require extreme care in
shot placement but must be executed quickly as
well. In such instances, sufficient time must be
taken to guarantee an instantly incapacitating
and usually lethal cranio-ocular hit.
SPEED
PROS
AND
CONS
PROS: When engage-
ment times are short,
the best chance of
winning is by shooting
quickly.
CONS: Fast shooting
can produce misses
and peripheral hits.
You can waste ammu-
nition and amplify
your tactical, criminal
and civil liability.
Discover the
world of rearms at
your ngertips.
www.facebook.com/gunworldmagazine
Find us on
Taylor often utilizes targets like this one to
emphasize the proper balance of accuracy
and speed in solving the tactical problem.
SHOTGUNS
BUYERS
GUIDE
F
or many people, the shotgun is a symbolthe
mere sight of it screams home defense!
That seems like a good investment already.
Not only that, but when it comes down to bang-
per-buck, it is usually one of the first defensive
weapon purchases the average person can afford.
That is the ticket for manyyou can get into Gen-
eral Seating for cheap or spend your inheritance on
Front Row Center and really enjoy the show. Thats
your call.
From the convincing end, your gate-crasher cant
tell the difference between a Mossberg and a
Mannlicher. Peruse this list of shotguns and find one
to defend your castle.
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SHOTGUN
SHOWCASE
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT CHOICES FOR
YOUR HOME DEFENSE NEEDS
HD1401-094-099-BGSHOTGUNS.EPxx 12/27/13 1:48 AM Page 94
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 12-gauge
Capacity: 16 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The SRM Model 1216 features an effi-
cient ergonomic design and a detachable magazine, hold-
ing 8, 12 or 16 rounds of either 2.75- or 3-inch shot shells.
The semi-automatic action self-feeds following the
rotation of the magazine. The action is roller-delayed.
Picatinny railing combines with the handguard rail, giving
a broad range of mounting options. Also features
ambidextrous controls.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: More rounds, fast reloading
makes this semi-automatic shotgun stand alone in
home defense. Throwdown? Not anymore. Andy
Miller, operations
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 4 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Marlin Model 1895 Lever-Action
.410 Shotgun is built around an 1895 frame with a
22-inch barrel, a folding open rear and a green fiber-
optic front sight. The cylinder-bore barrel fires 2.5-inch
.410 shells only. The stock is walnut with cut checkering.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: The Marlin Model 1895
Lever-Action .410 Shotgun was made for Cabelas.
The .410 does not have a full-length magazine and is
chambered for 2 -inch .410s, but it is still very useful.
John Trull, sales representative
CABELAS
PRODUCT: MARLIN MODEL 1895
LEVER-ACTION .410 SHOTGUN
WEBSITE: www.cabelas.com
(exclusive)
PRICE: $443 (online sellers)
SRM
PRODUCT: SRM MODEL 1216
WEBSITE: www.srmarms.com
PRICE: $2,399-$2,700
(online sellers)
HD1401-094-099-BGSHOTGUNS.EPxx.CX 1/1/14 9:58 PM Page 95
SHOTGUNS
BUYERS
GUIDE
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 5 and 6 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Mossberg 500 6- And 8-Shot 20-Gauge
Shotgun is a continuation of the long-lived 500. The 20-gauge
pump action has positive steel-to-steel lock-up, non-binding
twin-action bars and includes an anti-jam elevator. Exposed
metalwork has a non-reflective matte blue finish while stocks
and forends, constructed of durable synthetic, features a matte
black finish.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: The great thing about 20-gauge,
lighter and less recoilthis one also has a six-position,
adjustable stock, which makes it ideal for any size shooter.
Linda Powell, director of media relations
Barrel Lengths: 18.5 inches
DEFINING FEATURES: The Benelli M4 Tactical
Shotgun is an Auto-Regulating, Gas-Operated
(A.R.G.O.) semi-automatic. It is the U.S. Joint
Services official combat shotgun. It includes a
Picatinny rail for mounting and ghost-ring sights
for quick acquisition. Originally designed for the
Marines, the M4 was extensively tested.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: One nice thing about
a Benelli shotgun is you dont have to be a very
good shot, the Benelli seems to aim by itself.
Tom Knapp, legendary trick shooter, The
Shooting Star (19502013)
BENELLI
PRODUCT: M4 TACTICAL SHOTGUN
WEBSITE: www.benelliusa.com
MSRP: $1,899
MOSSBERG & SONS
PRODUCT: 500 6- AND 8-SHOT 20-GAUGE
WEBSITE: www.mossberg.com
PRICE: $493
CHIAPPA
PRODUCT: CHIAPPA TRIPLE THREAT
WEBSITE: www.chiappafirearms.com
PRICE: $1,600(online sellers)
SPECIFICATIONS:
DEFINING FEATURES: The Martial Pistola 11 Inches,
Fabarms new pump-action shotgun, measures only 23
inches with an 11-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with
cylindric choke. The frame is machined from a block of
aluminum alloy; All external metal parts are protected by
a matte black finish. The frame is hard-anodized, the bolt
is hard-chromed. The pistol grip and handguard are
made of reinforced polymer.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Its a virtual hit in the UK.
People are pre-sold before they arrive.Mike Mansfield,
sales representative
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 3 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Chiappa Triple
Threat three-barrel shotgun is a unique
design that simplifies firing three
rounds in a home defense situation.
There is an individual choke for each
barrel. With a single trigger, rounds can
be fired in rapid succession. Overall
length is only 28 inches when using the
pistol-grip feature.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Three
barrel shotguns are not new, theyve
been around 100 years, were just the
first ones with a production model
with the single trigger, its proven to
be very fastfaster than we ever
imagined. Ron Norton, president
FABARM
PRODUCT: MARTIAL PISTOLA 11 INCHES
WEBSITE: www.fabarm.com
PRICE: $1,100-$1,200 (online sellers)
HD1401-094-099-BGSHOTGUNS.EPxx.CX 1/1/14 9:59 PM Page 97
SHOTGUNS
BUYERS
GUIDE
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 6+6+1
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 12- and 20-gauge
Capacity: 4+1
DEFINING FEATURES: The Stoeger Double Defense
side-by-side shotgun has a traditional break action
and is easy to load and deploy. Good for tight
quarters. Available in 12- or 20-gauge, the Double
Defense is chambered for 2
3
4-inch and 3-inch
shells. The front sight is green fiber-optic. Two
Picatinny rail accessory mounts are included.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: The fast, single-trigger
design makes the Double Defense shotgun ideal for
home defense when trouble calls.Keith Heinlein,
product manager.
STOEGER INDUSTRIES
PRODUCT: DOUBLE DEFENSE SHOTGUN
WEBSITE: www.stoegerindustries.com
MSRP: $499
KEL-TEC
PRODUCT: KSG
WEBSITE: www.keltecweapons.com
MSRP: $990
DEFINING FEATURES: The Kel-Tec KSG allows pump-
action feeds from either the left or right tube. The
pump includes a rail for mounting. The top Picatinny
sight rail accepts many optics or sights. Built-in for-
ward and rear sling loops and a basic sling are in-
cluded. The receiver is hardened steel. The grip and
stock assembly is Zytel and is easily disassembled.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: We are in the process
of trying to develop a quick-release choke adapter for
the threaded barrel for this gunstay tuned. Chad
Enos, salesman
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 12- and 20-gauge
Capacity: 4 rounds
DEFINING FEATURES: The Weatherby PA-08 is a special light-
weight edition with injection-molded synthetic stock avail-
able in Proveil Reaper grey and adorned in a camo/skull
pattern. With an 18.5-inch chrome-lined, fixed cylinder-bore
barrel, the Black Reaper is perfect for close quarters and
home defense situations. All metalwork is matte black. The
front sight is a blade white dot.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: WBY-X seems to have struck a
resounding chord with those who want to express their indi-
viduality ... While the look of WBY-X rifles and shotguns is
anything but traditional, they actually continue Weatherbys
long tradition of innovation and distinctive looks. Mike
Schwiebert, director of marketing
WILSON COMBAT
PRODUCT: WILSON COMBAT
BORDER PATROL
WEBSITE:
www.wilsoncombat.com
MSRP: $1,135
SPECIFICATIONS:
DEFINING FEATURES: The Wilson Com-
bat Border Patrol features the com-
panys Scattergun Technologies. In
use by U.S. Border Patrol for daily
service, the barrel is an 18-inch cylin-
der bore with a 3-inch magnum
chamber. The buttstock and forend
are synthetic Speedfeed. The follower
is high-visibility and non-binding.
WEATHERBY
PRODUCT: PA-08 BLACK REAPER
WEBSITE: www.weatherby.com
MSRP: $449
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: A lot of the quality that we build into the guns
stems from Bill Wilsons passion for building high-quality, extremely
accurate handguns. Over the years, weve been adding parts and upgrading
parts and creating new parts ... we constantly work to try to make the quality
where Bill wants it to be. Vic Tibbets, shop manager
hotguns are often recom-
mended as being the basic and
best choice for home defense,
especially for those who are not
shooting enthusiasts.
Regardless of your level of experi-
ence in handling firearms, its impor-
tant for you to grasp the basics of
shotgun vocabulary so you can better
understand how your home defense
shotgun operates and so you
can ask the right questions and find
the correct answers when you invest
in one.
Here youll find basic shotgun
terminology that can help you to
establish a good grasp of what the
home defense shotgun is all about.
S
SHOPPING FOR A SHOTGUN?
LEARN THE JARGON!
BY KM LEE
SHOTGUN LINGO
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HD1401-100-104-GA GLOSS.EP 12/27/13 1:54 AM Page 100
BARREL
The tube through which
the shot pellets are projected
into flight.
BIRDSHOT
Smaller lead
pellets used for
hunting birds.
Because of the
tiny size of
birdshot used for upland game,
such loads may not offer suffi-
cient penetration for home de-
fense use at longer ranges. This
photo shows both birdshot and
buckshot.
BORE
The interior of the barrel.
BREECH
The area at the rear of the
barrel plus the action area
immediately behind.
BUCKSHOT
Buckshot is the term for
larger-sized lead pellets often
used in police, military and
home-defense shotshell loads.
BUTTSTOCK
The rear portion of the shotgun
grasped by the firing hand and
extending to the shoulder. Some
shotguns feature a rear grip in lieu
of the buttstock to shorten the
shotgun for easier handling in
tight quarters.
CHAMBER
The rear portion of the barrel
that accepts the shotshell when
the shotgun is loaded.
CHOKE
In shotguns, choke refers to the
slight amount of constriction built
into the final portion of the
muzzle end of the shotgun
barrel to control pellet pattern
diameters at different distances.
Important for bird hunting
purposes, differences between
chokes for shotguns in home
defense use are negligible.
DOUBLE-BARREL SHOTGUN
A shotgun that has two barrels
placed either side by side or one
on top of another. Double guns
may have one trigger that fires
both barrels (one at a time),
or two triggers, one for
each barrel.
BUCKSHOT
TIDBITS
Buckshot comes in various
sizes, ranging from 0.24-inch
diameter for No. 4 buck to 0.36-
inch diameter for 000 buck.
SHOTSHELL
PAYLOAD
Generally speaking, shotshells
feature a payload of between
and 1 ounces; the smaller the
shot size, the more numerous the
pellets in a given load.
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EJECTOR
The device that throws the
empty case clear of the shotgun
after firing. Not all shotguns, par-
ticularly lower-priced double
guns, have ejectors.
EXTRACTOR
Shotguns lacking ejectors
feature an extractor that lifts the
rim of the shotshell out of the
chamber for easier grasping
and removal.
FIREARM
A weapon
that uses
internal
combustion
to send a
projectile
into flight.
FIRING PIN
A pin with a rounded tip that is
driven by spring action into the
primer of the shotshell, causing
the gun to fire.
FOREND OR FORESTOCK
The wooden or plastic portion
of the shotgun located in front of
the action and below the barrel,
used to grasp and help support
the shotgun during firing.
FPS
An abbreviation for feet per
second, the common unit of
measurement used in the U.S. for
bullet velocity.
GAUGE
The gauge of a shotgun defines
the diameter of the barrel. Gauge
is determined by the weight of a
sphere of lead that will fit exactly
in the bore of the shotgun barrel.
So, in a 12-gauge shotgun, 12 balls
will make up 1 pound, each meas-
uring about 0.729-inch in diame-
ter. A 20-gauge barrel, in
comparison, is smaller (more lead
balls to the pound) and measures
about 0.615-inch in diameter.
HAMMER
The spring-loaded component
that gives the firing blow to the
firing pin. Although a few
single- and double-barrel guns
feature external hammers for
manual cocking, most shotguns
have internal hammers or strikers.
HULL
The empty case that holds the
components in a shotshell:
primer, powder, wad and shot.
MAGAZINE
The portion of a repeating
shotgun where multiple rounds
are stored, ready to be fed into
the breech and fired. Most pump-
action and semi-automatic
shotguns feature a magazine
tube fitted below the barrel.
MAGNUM
A descriptor used to identify
a shotshell that is longer and
develops higher velocities and/or
carries a heavier payload of shot
than a standard shotshell of the
same gauge.
PRIMER
The component of the shotshell
containing the tiny amount of
detonating charge used to ignite
the gunpowder within the shot-
shell; it is press-fit into a pocket in
the head of the shotshell.
PUMP-ACTION
Also called slide-action, this is
the type of shotgun action that
uses a sliding mechanism to
eject the fired (or live) round from
the barrel chamber and insert a
fresh round.
RECEIVER
The portion of the shotgun
that contains the operating
mechanism. The trigger, barrel(s)
and stock are components of the
shotgun that attach to the receiver.
RECOIL PAD
A pad that attaches to the
buttstock to soften the effects of
recoil when firing the shotgun.
RIFLING
The longitudinal spiraling
grooves inside the bore of the
barrel that impart the spin to
a shotgun slug in flight to keep
it stabilized. Although some
shotgun barrels are rifled for use
specifically with slugs, most are
smoothbore.
RIM
The flange around the base of
the shotshell used by the ejector
or extractor to remove the
shotshell from the breech.
SIGHT
The parts used to align the
gun on target. Some shotguns
incorporate a front and rear sight,
while others feature only a front
bead sight or perhaps a second
bead placed at about the mid-
point of the barrel.
SAFETY
A movable button or thumb-
piece on a shotgun that, when
engaged, prevents it from firing.
SHOT
In shotgun terminology, the
pellet fired from a shotgun. Most
often made of lead but some-
times of steel or other composite
metals for waterfowl hunting,
shotgun shot can range in diame-
ter and weight, from the tiny No.
12 shot that measures 0.05-inch
in diameter to 000 buckshot,
which measures 0.36-inch
in diameter.
SHOTSHELL OR SHELL
An assembly comprising a hull
with a primer, gunpowder, wad
and pellets.
SLUG
A shotgun slug is a heavy,
single-piece projectile used in
place of birdshot or buckshot in
a shotshell load. A shotgun slug
is typically far more massive
than a pistol or rifle bullet. One
common bullet for the .357
Magnum, for example, weighs
158 grains, while a .223 rifle
bullet will weight 55 or 62 grains.
The lightest common 12-gauge
shotgun slug, in comparison, is
the 7/8-ounce slug, which
equals about 383 grains.
STOCK
The wood or plastic portion of
the shotgun grasped by the hands
during firing. Shotgun stocks are
almost always two-piece.
TRIGGER
The finger piece in a shotgun
that fires it when pulled with
sufficient force.
TRIGGER GUARD
A loop surrounding the trigger
to protect it from being actuated
accidentally.
KM Lee is a lifelong shooter, and for more
than three decades, he has been an active
participant in all aspects of the shooting
sports, including match competition, hunting,
reloading and more.
BUCKSHOT
VS.
BIRDSHOT
For home defense, buckshot
loads are generally preferred
because the tiny pellets in
birdshot loads rapidly lose
their energy and the ability to
penetrate reliably for stopping
an intruder. Birdshot loads can
be effective in close quarters,
however, and will penetrate
less through wallboard given an
errant shot.
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f you want to take care of
business and put an intruder
down, the .357 Magnum revolver
is a perfect choice, end of story.
IDEAL PLATFORM
During those frightening occa-
sions in the middle of the night
when a loud noise makes you jump
out of bed and reach for your home
defense weapon, you really need to
keep things simple. Between the
disorienting fog of sleep and the
fight-or-flight adrenaline rush, you
are definitely not at your best at
that exact moment. So the home
defense gun should fall readily to
hand and be compact and light,
I
.357 MAGNUM REVOLVER:
AN OUTSTANDING FIREARM FOR HOME DEFENSE
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY KM LEE
PROTECTION
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PERFECT
MAGNUM
PROS
Compact
Light
Easy to operate
Powerful
Lots of load options
FIRING A DOUBLE-
ACTION REVOLVER IS
ABSOLUTELY INTUITIVE:
POINT IT AND SQUEEZE
THE TRIGGER TO SHOOT.

HD1401-105-107-GA 357.EPx 12/27/13 1:57 AM Page 105
easy to operate and powerful
enough to stop an intruder with a
single shot. That perfectly de-
scribes the double-action .357
Magnum revolver.
If youre going to have only
one weapon on hand for home
defense purposes, a double-
action revolver truly stands out
as the logical choice. Firing a
double-action revolver is ab-
solutely intuitive: Point it and
squeeze the trigger to shoot.
Theres no magazine to insert,
slide to rack or safety to switch
off, as with autoloading pistols.
The option of hammer-cocking
the revolver to yield a shorter and
lighter trigger pull returns better
accuracy, but such precision is
rarely needed in the close quar-
ters of home defense situations.
A revolver can hold five, six or
seven rounds, which should
serve well enough for home de-
fense. Double-action revolvers
can also be had in varying sizes
and weights with different barrel
lengths to better fit the specific
owner; however, be aware that
lighter, short-barrel .357 Magnum
revolvers will deliver more felt re-
coil and muzzle blastsome-
times at dazzling levels with
2-inch snubbies. So a medium-
to large-framed revolver with a
4- to 6-inch barrel is the better
choice for home defense.
Additionally, in the rare event
of a failure to fire, a revolver
requires only another trigger
squeeze to fire the next round in
the cylinder. Autoloading pistols,
in comparison, can be much
more fussy about ammunition
and can suffer failures to feed
and eject a cartridge that will
require time and two hands to
clearnot what you want to
deal with during that dark,
nighttime emergency.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
Its true that recent years have
seen a near-universal transition
by law enforcement agencies
away from double-action re-
volvers toward autoloading pis-
tols with high-capacity
magazines. But remember, were
not law enforcement personnel
here, just average citizens with
average needs; were not busting
felons for a living.
That simplifies our needs and
moves things downscale. Case in
point: Lets get back to that five,
six or seven rounds that a revolver
holds. Over the years, various
studies have cited an average of
2.7 to 3.6 shots fired by police in
gunfights. Of course, many such
events take place at longer
ranges than those found in the
home and often in settings with
multiple assailants. Law-enforce-
ment types must prepare for the
worst-case scenarios that profes-
sional criminals can concoct
much more complicated and
dangerous scenarios than the
IN REAL-WORLD GUNFIGHTS,
THE .357 MAGNUM HAS BEEN
SHOWN TO BE AS EFFECTIVE
OR MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE
MAJORITY OF OTHER HANDGUN
CARTRIDGES.
HANDGUN CARTRIDGE
COMPARISONS
Cartridge Bullet Muzzle Velocity Muzzle Energy
.22 LR 40 grains 955 fps 81 foot-pounds
.32 ACP 60 grains 970 fps 125 foot-pounds
.380 ACP 90 grains 1,030 fps 212 foot-pounds
.38 Special 158 grains 755 fps 200 foot-pounds
9mm Luger 115 grains 1,175 fps 341 foot-pounds
9mm Luger +P 115 grains 1,288 fps 399 foot-pounds
.357 Magnum 158 grains 1,235 fps 535 foot-pounds
.40 S&W 180 grains 950 fps 361 foot-pounds
.44 Magnum 240 grains 851 fps 384 foot-pounds
.45 ACP 230 grains 1,350 fps 970 foot-pounds
.45 ACP +P 185 grains 839 fps 360 foot-pounds
45 Colt 225 grains 960 fps 460 foot-pounds
HD1401-105-107-GA 357.EPx 12/27/13 1:57 AM Page 106
typical home-invasion loser typi-
cally instigates. Such statistics
make that five, six or seven
rounds sound plenty good for
John Q, you or me, no? And thats
exactly why the double-action
.357 Magnum revolver served so
well over a decades-long span
with law enforcement agencies
all across the country. Also, vari-
ous analytical studies performed
on the effectiveness of assorted
handgun cartridges used in real-
world gunfights have found the
.357 Magnum to be as effective or
more effective than the majority
of other handgun cartridges.
VERSATILE LOADS
Another great advantage the
double-action .357 Magnum
revolver holds over many other
handguns is the extreme abun-
dance of load options available.
Because the .357 Magnum
cartridge only differs from the
.38 Special cartridge by being
1/10 inch longer in case length,
a remarkable range of cartridge
loadings with differing bullet
weights and types can be sent
down the barrel at varying
velocities. For example, a mild
.38 Special wadcutter target load
functions perfectly in a .357
Magnum revolver, yielding
extreme accuracy with barely
more felt recoil than a .22 pistol.
Its easy to step up the power
(and level of recoil) by advancing
to Cowboy Action loads and then
a standard .38 Special load,
extra-pressure Plus-P.38 loads,
midrange .357 Magnum loads
and then full-house .357 Mag-
num loads. Various bullet
weights ranging from 95 grains to
200 grains can be chosen as well
as the full range of bullet types
from lead to plated lead, FMJ to
soft point and hollow point or
even multi-ball loads. All will
function and fire without any
feeding or ejection problems
thanks to the revolvers inherent
design advantages, something
that simply cannot be said of
autoloading pistols.
In short, this huge variety of
options allows the .357 Magnum
revolver to function as an accel-
erator pedal of sortsyou
choose how fast or slow you
want it to go. Autoloading
handguns, in contrast, function
more like an on/off switch
because full-throttle loads
promote dependable functioning.
THE WRAP-UP
Put it all together and you have
quite a convincing argument for
naming the .357 Magnum revolver
as one pretty perfect choice for
home defense.
THE HOME DEFENSE GUN
SHOULD FALL READILY TO HAND
AND BE COMPACT AND LIGHT, EASY
TO OPERATE AND POWERFUL
ENOUGH TO STOP AN INTRUDER
WITH A SINGLE SHOT.
TYPICAL .357 REVOLVER

SIZE OPTIONS
Model Barrel Length Capacity Overall Length Empty Weight MSRP
S&W 60 3 inches 5 rounds 7.5 inches 24.5 ounces $759
Ruger FP100 4.2 inches 6 rounds 9.4 inches 40 ounces $759
S&W 686 Plus 6 inches 7 rounds 11.9 inches 43.9 ounces $849
.38 SPECIAL/.357 MAGNUM
LOAD PROGRESSION
Cartidge Bullet Muzzle Velocity Muzzle Energy
.38 Special Wadcutter 148 grains 710 fps 165 foot-pounds
.38 Special +P 125 grains 975 fps 264 foot-pounds
.38 Special +P 158 grains 996 fps 342 foot-pounds
.357 Magnum Midrange 125 grains 1,220 fps 415 foot-pounds
HD1401-105-107-GA 357.EPx.CX 1/1/14 10:00 PM Page 107
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HD1401-108-112-GA CARE.EP 12/27/13 2:07 AM Page 108
f youre going to stake your life on a
piece of equipment, youd better make
sure its ready to perform the moment
you need it.
Such precautions hold true especially
with the home defense handguna gun
that refuses to function due to neglect
could get you killed. Follow along to find
out how you can keep your gun the well
oiled machine its intended to be.
STURDY STUFF
Fortunately, handguns are well
engineered pieces of machinery that are,
in general, built to withstand conditions
that are much more severe than they will
encounter inside the average home. A
handgun is not a fussy or delicate tool.
Obviously, plenty of guns have gone to
war and have endured terrible hardships
only to come up firing. And handgun care
and maintenance is not a complicated
procedure; rather, it is a quick and
simple process that is easily performed
after every practice shooting session
and/or upon monthly inspection.
BE WARNED
Before we launch into details, here are a
couple of important precautions that
must be followed. First, before beginning
your maintenance routine, be absolutely
certain the gun is empty and all ammuni-
tion has been removed from the work-
bench or table. Next, consult the owners
manual for your gun and be sure you un-
I
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HANDGUN
YOUR LIFE MAY DEPEND ON IT
PIECE
PRESERVATION
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A GUN THAT REFUSES TO FUNCTION DUE
TO NEGLECT COULD GET YOU KILLED.

derstand the cleaning instructions and/or
the takedown procedures if your gun of
choice is an autoloader.
With that handled, whether your home
defense handgun is a double-action
revolver or an autoloading pistol, there
are three basic areas requiring attention:
the barrel, the mechanism and the
outer surfaces.
PISTOL BARREL: INS AND OUTS
When a cartridge is fired, it leaves
behind a carbon residue from the burnt
gunpowder plus small amounts of
unburned gunpowder and metal fouling
either lead or copper, depending on bullet
GET YOUR KIT TOGETHER
Assembling a cleaning kit to care for your home defense hand-
gun is neither difficult nor expensive. Almost every gun shop and
sporting goods store offers a pistol-cleaning kit for a very modest
cost. Basically, you need a cleaning rod, bore brush, cloth patches
(an old T-shirt can be converted into a wealth of patches!), a jag
to hold your patches and bore-cleaning fluid. Q-tips, a toothbrush
and a Hoppes BoreSnake can also be handy to have around when
its time to clean your handgun.
type. Most modern ammunition is non-corrosive
and does not produce rusting. (Some foreign-made
military surplus ammunition may be mildly corro-
sive, so check before purchase.) These non-corro-
sive deposits make cleaning simple.
First, wipe out the bore with a cloth patch mois-
tened with bore cleanermany different commer-
cial cleaners can be readily found at gun stores and
big-box stores that sell sporting goods. Hoppes No.
9 is a long-time proven, classic bore cleaner. Next,
dip a matching-diameter bore brush into the bore
cleaning fluid and run it through the barrel.
Most revolvers, along with fixed-barrel autoload-
ers, must be cleaned from the muzzle end, so take
care not to scrape the cleaning rod against the
rifling lands at the crown of the barrel. Also, take
care not to bang the brush against the recoil shield
as the brush suddenly pushes free of the revolvers
barrel. With autoloaders that have been field
stripped, the barrel can be taken in hand and then
cleaned from the breech end. Next, run a few dry
patches through the bore until they come out clean,
and inspect the interior of the barrel; a borelight
comes in handy here. If you see lead deposits
clinging to the lands and grooves of the rifling, addi-
tional brushing is indicated because more lead will
build up at these spots upon further firing, causing
accuracy to decay. A thin plating of copper deposits
may persist, but they are not harmful. With re-
volvers, think of the cylinder as an extension of the
barrel; clean each chamber and both faces of the
cylinder, paying close attention to the little crevices
below the ejector star, where crud can gather.
As a bore-cleaning option, Hoppes BoreSnake
can be used in lieu of the cleaning rod, bore brush
and patches; its an ingenious all-in-one alternative
for cleaning the gun bore, and its impossible to mar
the crown of the barrel when in use. Finally, when
... BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR MAINTENANCE
ROUTINE, BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE GUN IS
EMPTY AND ALL AMMUNITION HAS BEEN
REMOVED FROM THE WORKBENCH OR TABLE.

AREAS OF
CONCENTRATION
Barrel
Mechanism
Outer surfaces
everything is clean, the barrel bore and the
revolvers cylinder can be lightly lubricated with
an oily patch. Also, wipe down the exterior of the
barrel with an oily cloth.
NOOKS, CRANNIES AND CRUD
The mechanism of a pistol is rather straightfor-
ward to clean: Simply wipe down everything that
looks dirty when the autoloader is field stripped or
the cylinder is swung open on the revolver.
The breech area in particular is prone to catching
bits of carbon, unburned powder and shaved lead,
STRIP IT!
Just as every car owner should know how to check
their engine oil level and change a tire, every person
who owns an autoloading handgun for home defense
should know how to fieldstrip the gun and reassemble
it correctly. Were not talking about taking apart every
single piece of the gun. Rather, were referring to the
ability to take the gun down to its component assem-
blies for routine maintenance and inspection.
Modern designs such as the Glock and SIG Sauer au-
toloaders feature takedown levers that make it sim-
ple, quick and convenient to disassemble the gun.
Such simplicity takes much of the onus out of gun
maintenance chores, thereby eliminating one more ex-
cuse to not care for your guns properly.
and this crud can gum up the
works. With revolvers, the area
around the forcing cone of the
barrel and the underside of the
top strap seem to be crud
magnets. A toothbrush can be
very helpful for gentle scrubbing
and a Q-tip can be very handy for
getting into all hard-to-reach
areas. With autoloaders, wipe
down the frame rails and lubri-
cate with oil or lightly grease the
surfaces as per manufacturer
recommendations.
LUBRICATION,
WIPEDOWN, STORAGE
During reassembly of your
autoloader, you can give the
receiver and slide a light spray of
aerosol oil to place lubrication in
those hard-to-reach areas. A
short shot of oil to the crane and
cylinder areas of a revolver is
likewise a good idea. Be aware
that many general-purpose spray
lubricants use a carrier and other
chemicals mixed in with the oil.
When the carrier evaporates,
the film left behind can grow
thick and gooeybad enough
to gum up your action over time.
So, its better to stick with
aerosol oils made specifically for
gun applications.
Next, holding your handgun by
the grip, wipe down the metal
exterior of your handgun with an
oily cloth. The skin on your hands
exudes a slightly salty perspira-
tion, and a fingerprint left unat-
tended on blued metal can leave
a permanent rusted-in mark if
you dont care for your handguns
exterior surfaces. If you have a
stainless steel handgun, be sure
to still wipe it down; popular
terminology notwithstanding,
stainless steel can indeed rust,
given the right conditions.
You can now put your
clean pistol away, but do not
store it in a holster, a fleece-
or cloth-lined gun case or one
lined with foam rubber. These
materials can trap moisture
against the surface of the pistol
and cause rusting. A hard plastic
case or a smooth wooden shelf
or drawer are more preferable
storage locations.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As you can see, cleaning and
caring for your home defense
handgun is not complicated,
difficult or expensive. Take the
time and spend the effort to
take care of your home defense
insurance and it will be ready
to go whenever the time or
situation arises.
EXCEPTION TO THE RULE
Pistols chambered for the .22 rimfire cartridge are not necessarily the
primary recommendation for home defense. That said, many households
use a .22 as the home defense gun simply because it is the only one on
hand! For .22 owners, the guidelines for cleaning handguns run a bit of a
different path. Nearly all modern .22 rimfire ammunition feature soft lead
bullets that contain a lubricating film. That means that when you are firing
your gun, these bullets actually lay down a protective layer within the bar-
rel bore. Therefore, its only necessary to clean the bore of a .22 barrel three
or four times a year.
The bore may collect some leading, so try to peer into the barrel or take a
close look at the end of the rifling near the muzzle to see if lead is building
up. If not, simply clean your .22 pistol barrel and action by wiping down the
breach area, chamber face and loading ramp to keep it free of crud and
shaved lead.
THERE ARE THREE BASIC
AREAS REQUIRING ATTENTION:
THE BARREL, THE MECHANISM
AND THE OUTER SURFACES.

SAFETY FIRST
1. Make absolutely sure the gun is empty and all ammunition has been
removed from the workbench or table.
2. Consult the owners manual for detailed cleaning instructions and
takedown procedures (if you own an autoloader).
o you have any idea about the evolution of
that gun youre pointing at a criminal?
After the Chinese invented gunpowder in the
ninth century, the invention of firearms was inevitable.
Although its impossible to pinpoint the exact date
when the first handgun was created, suffice it to say
theyve been around for centuries in a variety of de-
signs as expansive as the human imagination.
Describing the entire assembly of handgun ac-
tions over time would be nearly impossible, so
weve narrowed things down to manageable pro-
portions by focusing on the two handgun types
most commonly applied for home defense use.
Read on for some brief descriptions of both and a
short analysis of the pros and cons.
DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER
Double-action revolvers are so named because a
single pull of the trigger cocks and drops the ham-
mertwo actions with one trigger pull. A revolver
uses multiple chambersfive, six, seven or even
more in the case of .22 rimfire revolverswithin a
D
FIND OUT WHATS WHAT IN BASIC HANDGUN DESIGN
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ACTION
ANSWERS
HD1401-113-117-GA ACTION.EP 12/27/13 2:14 AM Page 113
SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
PROS/CONS
PROS: holds lots of ammunition at the ready (plus more in a
quick-change second or third magazine).
CONS: more complex; harder to load and operate; sensitive
to ammo.
DOUBLE-ACTION
REVOLVER PROS/CONS
PROS: dependable, not ammo sensitive; simple and intuitive
to operate.
CONS: usually holds fewer rounds compared to an autoloader;
slower and more difficult to reload in stressful settings.
The Beretta Tomcat, a pistol
with a blowback action, offers
the bonus of a tip-up barrel
that allows the first round to
be easily inserted directly into
the barrel to ready the gun for
firing, so the user doesnt have
to rack the slidewhich can
be difficult for someone with
limited hand strength.
cylinder that rotates to align
with a single barrel. To open
the action, double-action re-
volvers incorporate a release
button that, when either
pushed or pulled, allows the
cylinder to swing out from the
frame. The open cylinder al-
lows access to load cartridges
into the chambers, either
singly or as a complete group
via speedloaders that can
hold an entire cylinderful of
cartridges for quicker reloads.
The action of the revolver is
closed by pushing the cylin-
der into the frame until it
locks in place.
When the trigger is pulled
back, the cylinder revolves to
a new chamber, and the
hammer travels simultane-
ously toward the cocked
position. Continuing to pull
the trigger will result in the
cylinder stopping on a new
chamber and locking in place
before the hammer drops to
strike the firing pin. Pulling
the trigger again repeats the
process to fire the double-
action revolver.
As an alternative, pulling
back on the hammer will
lock it into a fully cocked
mode. Now a much lighter
and shorter squeeze of the trigger will
fire the gun. This single-action firing
mode potentially allows for significantly
improved accuracy thanks to the superior
trigger pull.
To unload the double-action revolver,
actuate the cylinder release, swing the
cylinder out and push on the ejector rod.
Pressing the rod ejects all cartridges
loaded or emptyfrom the cylinder si-
multaneously.
Revolvers have served well in police de-
partments all across the country and mili-
tary organizations the world over for
decades. Although most agencies nowa-
days have adopted semi-auto pistols to
increase magazine capacity, for home de-
fense use, the revolver still serves with
distinction for many reasons.
It offers terrific dependability; if a car-
tridge fails to fire, another squeeze of the
trigger brings the next round up in the
cylinder in an instant. The revolver is not
ammo sensitive; it willingly digests all
kinds of different bullet shapes and load
levels. And once loaded, a revolver is sim-
ple and intuitive to operate; no safeties,
magazines or slide releases to fuss with
just pull the trigger when its time to do
business.
On the other side of the equation, the
revolver usually holds fewer rounds at the
ready compared to an autoloader and is
slower and more difficult to reload in
stressful settings.
SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
The design of the semi-auto-
maticor self-loadingpistol incor-
porates a mechanism powered by
the recoil of the previous shot to
cycle the action. Ammunition is
stored and fed into the action via a
magazine, which can be fixed in
place in the gun but is most com-
monly detachable and usually in-
serted inside the grip. After a round
is fired, the empty case is ejected
and a fresh cartridge is picked up
from the magazine and fed into the
chamber of the barrel automatically.
This allows another shot to be fired
as soon as the trigger is pulled again.
With a semi-automatic pistol, one
round is fired each time the trigger
is pulled.
To load the semi-automatic pistol,
remove the magazine and feed car-
tridges into it. Next, reinsert the
magazine into the magazine well.
Then, actuate the slide release if the
slide is locked open or pull back and
release the slide without hindering
its motion in any way. A round is now
chambered and the pistol can be
fired, with one shot for every pull of
the trigger. Most modern autoload-
ers feature an action that locks open
automatically when all of the am-
munition in the magazine has been
expended. Also, many semi-auto-
matic pistols incorporate external
safeties to help prevent accidental
discharge. Obviously, a loaded mag-
azine can be inserted into the pistol
without racking the slide to chamber
a cartridge. In such a case, the pistol
is not fully loaded and is not ready
to fire, but can be readied at a
moments notice.
Because of its inherent design,
the semi-automatic pistol is more
GLOCKS NEW-GENERATION
AUTOLOADER
Although the Glock line of autoloading pistols now seems old news to
many gun enthusiasts, this innovative option introduced in the early
1980s kicked off a new wave of designs and heightened popularity that
still run amazingly strong today. The polymer-framed, striker-fired Glock
Safe Action pistol is manufactured with only 34 component parts,
significantly fewer than most others. That simplicity and efficiency of
design extends to the controls of this innovative semi-automatic pistol,
which does away with the external hammer and thumb safety.
Glock pistols are equipped with a fully automatic safety system con-
sisting of three passive, independently operating, mechanical safeties,
which sequentially disengage when the trigger is pulled and automati-
cally reengage when the trigger is released, making for simple and easy
use. The trigger safety is a lever incorporated into the trigger; when it
is in the forward position, it blocks the trigger from moving rearward
so the pistol cannot fire. The trigger safety and trigger must be fully
depressed at the same time to fire the pistol, yet its a very intuitive and
natural action. The firing-pin safety and drop safety are unseen internal
parts that automatically reengage after firing.
The Ruger .357 Security Six, an older .357 revolver.
Many older .357 revolvers can be found used and in
excellent condition, sometimes for excellent prices
as todays trends lean toward auto-loading pistols.
complex and requires more
knowledge and practice to load
and operate. Reliable functioning
of the semi-automatic pistol is
dependant on certain internal
parts meshing smoothly together,
so most manufacturers and gun
experts recommend a break-in
regimen including 100 to 300
rounds or more, using the exact
home defense load of choice.
Semi-autos can be sensitive to
the specific configuration and
power level of the ammunition
used. One load of a given bullet
weight may function perfectly,
for example, while a load with
the same weight and bullet
shape from another manufac-
turer may cause jams. Also, all
magazines to be used in the gun
must be tested at length; slight
variations or deformations in the
magazine may cause jams. And
clearing a failure to feed or eject
requires two hands and close
examinationnot a great com-
bination if youre in the middle
of a home defense situation.
Many semi-automatic pistols
also incorporate thumb safeties
and de-cocking levers along
with the standard slide release
and magazine release; a profu-
sion of controls some folks
find confusing.
But for all of that, the ability of
the semi-automatic pistol to
hold lots of ammunition at the
ready plus more in a quick-
change second or third magazine
makes it the clear choice among
many people.
KM Lee is a lifelong shooter, and for more than
three decades, he has been an active participant
in all aspects of the sport, including match com-
petition, hunting and reloading.
THE CLASSIC 1911 ACTION
Although the design of the 1911 semi-automatic pistol is now more than
100 years old, it is now experiencing a greater rise in popularity than ever
before. As a result, more gun manufacturers than ever are building varia-
tions on the 1911 theme. In many ways, the 1911 represents the prototypical
autoloading pistol: powerful yet controllable with a great stopping car-
tridge in .45 ACP, capable of accuracy in the extreme and quick to reload
should the situation require it.
At the same time, its heft and recoil can deter some potential owners,
and its not the best choice for new shooters or those who cannot commit
to putting in the time, effort and expense to master the weapon. It can also
be intimidating in terms of the physical controls and operational proce-
dures with its single-action-only operation mode that requires the pistol to
be loaded and fully chambered with the hammer cocked and the thumb
safety applied to be fully ready to go. Its a very aggressive-looking state
known as condition oneor cocked and lockedthat will simply make
some people too uncomfortable while others will
delight in all that it represents.
P
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This SIG Sauer
P220 is field
stripped, which
takes about
10 seconds to
accomplish on
this model.
Devoted to bringing you the latest news and product reviews to keep you,
your family and your home, safe.
Find Ever]thing ]ou heed to Know aoout how to protect ]our
famil] and ]our home
learn simple perimeter defense tips
Discover the most effective camera securit] s]stems
0et the latest tips on the oest guns for home defense
Plus, learn some of the easiests and proven self-defense
methods.
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
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BLOWBACK VS. LOCKED-BREECH ACTIONS
Semi-automatic pistols can be divided into blow-
back and locked breech categories according to their
mechanism for operation. Blowback operation uses
the resistance of the recoil spring and the mass of
the slide to slow down the opening of the breech
until the bullet has left the barrel and breech pres-
sure has dropped to a safe level. The fired case ejects
from the chamber, and then the force of the spring
pressure sends the slide forward to automatically
feed the next round from the magazine into the
chamber; the pistol is ready to fire again. This
method of operation is entirely suitable for smaller,
low-powered calibers, such as the .22 rimfire, .25 ACP,
.32 ACP and .380 ACP.
More powerful calibers, such as the 9mm Luger, .40
S&W and .45 ACP, operate at higher pressures and/or
with heavier loadings, therefore requiring some form of
locked breech to slow down breech opening. An un-
locked blowback action in these calibers would require
such a large and heavy slide and stiff spring as would
make the firearm unwieldy.
The exact method of locking and unlocking the bar-
rel is accomplished in a wide variety of ways. One very
common method is Browning tilting-barrel design,
based either on the swinging link and locking lugs, as
used in the 1911 pistol, or the linkless cam design used
in the Browning Hi-Power. Other designs include the
locking block design found in the Beretta 92 and the
toggle bolt design used in the German Luger.
Regardless of the specific method used to lock and
unlock the barrel, during the recoil phase, the barrel
moves back in the frame a small distance, quickly stop-
ping, and then the slide continues rearward, compress-
ing the recoil spring and performing the extraction and
feeding process automatically. As the slide returns for-
ward, during the last portion of its travel, it locks into
the barrel and pushes the barrel back into battery; the
semi-auto pistol is then ready to fire again.
UNIQUE
BUYERS
GUIDE
O
nce upon a time, a flashlight just need to be a
flashlight. Perhaps, today, it will need to be a
flashlight/stungun/cam with Bluetooth, USB
and Wi-Fi to stream your confrontations to Facebook.
Keeping an eye on technology has become a two-
eyed job. Products sometimes transition from military
to civilian use instantly. Whats unique and unheard-of
today is so yesterday tomorrow. Are you impressed
with computer-assisted driving? Wait until you see
continuously computed aiming and firing. Technolo-
gies outside of the traditional home defense market
are making themselves at home and developing syn-
ergy. Ergonomic designs continue to make managing
power more manageable. Modifications to the up-
grades of the last revision of absolutely everything is
always on the horizon, and unlike last century, better
mousetraps are being invented on a regular basis. And
probably financed with crowdfunding. The prototypes
can be 3D printed on your desk while you eat lunch.
Your future great home defense innovation could even
be featured in the pages of this magazine someday!
Check out some of these unique defense items
ranging from just $154 to a whopping $41,047 and
see if theres something thats perfect for your home.
T
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BEATEN
PATH
UNIQUE HOME
PROTECTION ITEMS
FROM $150 to $41,000
HD1401-118-123-BGUNIQUE.EPx 12/27/13 2:20 AM Page 118
WEBLEY & SCOTT
PRODUCT: COMMEMORATIVE 12-POUND
FIELD CANNON
WEBSITE: www.webley.co.uk
MSRP: $41,047
SPECIFICATIONS:
Caiber: 50mm smooth bore
Breach: Interrupted thread system
Barrels: Proofed for 2 pounds of shot driven
by pound of black powder
Trigger: Lanyard
Carriage: Steel plate fabrication, traditional hot-
closed steel rivets
Wheels: Crafted in English Oak and Ash by
the wheelwright to Queen Elizabeth II
DEFINING FEATURES: Webley & Scott is celebrating their
nearly 200th year of gun-making heritage with a
junior version of a British 12-pound field cannon. Built
specifically for the re-enactment market, each cannon is
made individually. The wheels are built by the Queens
wheelwright, and every gun is proofed in Birmingham,
U.K. This gun was a common 3-inch caliber naval gun in
British service from 1894 through 1945. The barrel is
made from forged alloy steel bar with a 50mm smooth
bore. Once loaded, the cannon is fired by lanyard. The
Webley & Scott Classic 12-pound Field Cannon is made
in conjunction with T.W. Chambers & Co.
VENDORS COMMENT: Its been specially commissioned
and, yes, its for sale for anyone who wants one with a
shotgun license. Paul Garrity, marketing representative
ALEPH OBJECTS, INC.
PRODUCT: TAZ 2 3D PRINTER
WEBSITE: www.lulzbot.com
MSRP: $2,395
SPECIFICATIONS:
Usable Print Area: 11.7 inches by 10.8 inches by 9.8 inches
Top Print Speed: 7.9 inches per second
Print Tolerance: 0.0039 inches in X and Y axes;
Z axis depends on layer thickness
Layer Thickness: 0.003 inches to 0.0138 inches
Supported Materials: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA and
wood filaments
Overall Dimensions: 26.8 inches by 20.5 inches
by 20.3 inches
Weight: 24.25 pounds
Power Requirements: 110 to 220 VAC
DEFINING FEATURES: The TAZ 2 is LulzBots top-of-the-line
3D printer. TAZ requires minimal maintenance and prints
fine layer heights at high speeds. It comes with self-lubri-
cating bushings and is also very quiet. TAZ can print
with PLA, PVA, high-impact polystyrene and wood fila-
ment. With add-ons, you can print with nylon. While it is
currently illegal to print plastic firearms, the applications of
3D printing in home defense could be substantial. Tens of
thousands of free designs are currently available on the
Internet, including hard-to-find replacement parts for
certain firearms and a variety of self-defense items.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: At Aleph Objects, were
continually evolving our LulzBot 3D printers to not only
meet marketplace needs in real time but to raise industry
standards for 3D printing as a whole, Jeff Moe, president
and founder
DARKSIDE SCIENTIFIC, LLC
PRODUCT: LUMILOR ELECTROLUMINESCENT
COATING SYSTEM
WEBSITE: www.lumilor.com
MSRP: contact for quote
SPECIFICATIONS:
Practical and durable electroluminescent (EL)
coating technology powered by electricity
Can be controlled during application to almost
any surface and shape
Aftermarket customization available
Training to apply LumiLor is available for
qualified businesses
Primary market applications available to
manufacturers
DEFINING FEATURES: Coat anything with LumiLor and,
with a flip of a switch, any surface coated with glow
with electroluminescent (EL) light. Turn it off and it looks
like your traditional paint job again. Darkside Scientifics
electroluminescent coating can be used in aftermarket
automotive customization as well as customization of
anything in the primary market. Paint the driveway to light
when you get home at night. Paint an alarm on a wall.
What you can coat with LumiLor is up to you.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Essentially, it is possible to
animate a paint-job ... LumiLor excites the imagination in
people when they realize what they are seeing The revo-
lutionary capabilities will really develop when designers
and engineers reimagine what objects can be transformed
into a lamp. It is mind boggling to consider the possibilities.
For those customers who want to be the first to benefit
from this, now is the time to come and talk to us.
Scott Smith, VP of sales and marketing
UNITED CUTLERY
PRODUCT: UNITED M48 KOMMANDO TACTICAL
SURVIVAL HAMMER
MSRP: $154
SPECIFICATIONS:
Hardness: HRC 46-47
Handle Length: 9.7 inches
Shaft Length: 16.3 inches
Weight: 1 pound, 1.8 ounces
Handle Grip: Thermoplastic polyester elastomer
DEFINING FEATURES: The M48 Kommando Tactical
Survival Hammer is 37.375 inches long, made of cast
2CR13 stainless steel. The black, oxide-coated head can
pummel almost anything with its five penetrating
strikes. The handle sports a defensive hammerhead
and a curved spike. The handle is 30-percent fiberglass
and nearly indestructible. The axe head is attached with
metal bolts. Includes a rubber knob on the end of
the cane.
It can be used as a walking staff or it could be used to break
the arm of an attacker.
VENDORS COMMENT: With a 37.375-inch overall length, its
great as a walking staff, all in all, a great weapon/tool.
BudK, owner, Budkcatalog.com
UNIQUE
BUYERS
GUIDE
CHIAPPA
PRODUCT: LITTLE BADGER SINGLE SHOT
RIFLE .22LR
WEBSITE: www.chiappafirearms.com
MSRP: $155
SPECIFICATIONS:
Capacity: 1 round
DEFINING FEATURES: The Chiappa Little Badger single-barrel
foldable rifle is extremely light for comfortable carrying. It
folds to 16.5 inches, approximately half its total length of
32 inches. The rear sight is adjustable. Included acces-
sories: nylon carry-bag and a special cartridge holder.
Around the barrel is a mini-quad rail for mounting acces-
sories.
VENDORS COMMENT: Its got a wire stock thats adjustable,
so it can be used for both youth size and the big dudes. The
rifle breaks down to 16.5 inches and comes with a nylon
bag. Ron Norton, president
SWISSMINIGUN
PRODUCT: SWISSMINIGUN C1ST
WEBSITE: www.swissminigun.ch
PRICE: $7,000and up
SPECIFICATIONS:
Available Calibers: 2.34mm rimfire
Weight: 0.7 ounces
Capacity: 6 rounds
Stainless steel
Leather holster
24 live and 24 blank cartridges
Cleaning set
One-year guarantee
DEFINING FEATURES: It looks like a toy, but the SwissMiniGun
C1ST is the smallest revolver in the world. Its a fully
functional firearm thats unfortunately banned in the U.S.
At 2 inches long and weighing under an ounce, the C1ST is
a collectors item. Making the gun requires skilled master
craftsmen, all trained jewelers and watchmakers. Only 100
guns are custom-made each year, including a special
model made of 18-carat gold.
U.S. gun laws prohibit firearms that can slip by unde-
tected at airports and require that working guns come with
a barrel thats at least 3 inches long. Needless to say, the
C1ST has been banned in the U.S. and the U.K. In the
meantime, the company is working on a second gun that
would meet U.S. standards.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: We are producing in very
small quantitiesperhaps 25 gold guns and 100 steel
guns a year, and there is a six-month waiting list to get one.
We will make whatever the customer wishes for. The most
expensive version we have sold cost 30,000 and was
covered in diamonds and came with a gold chain.
Paul Erard, owner
FLIR
PRODUCT: FLIR BHS-XR THERMAL
BIOCULAR CAMERA
WEBSITE: usd.flir-direct.com
PRICE: $7,139
SPECIFICATIONS:
Digital zoom: 2x/4x
Resolution: 640x480 pixels
Power: Four rechargeable AA NiMH batteries
Silent operation
Covert, eyebrow-style light shield eye-pieces
One-touch video recording
Video and image (JPEG) storage on SD card
DEFINING FEATURES: The FLIR BHS-XR Handheld Thermal
Camera is a security professionals most trusted tool. The
camera features 2x and 4x digital zoom and a bi-ocular
design, putting less strain on the operators eyes. The
completely silent operation and specially designed eye
pieces ensure the operators complete camouflage in
darkness. All video and images can be recorded on an
SD card.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Whats unique to the BHS
unit is that it has lenses a 35mm, a 65mm and a 100mm
lens You can see over a mile away. Highly adaptable.
Mike Chaffee, director of business development
UNIQUE
BUYERS
GUIDE
BATTLE MUG
PRODUCT: BATTLE MUG
WEBSITE: www.battlemug.com
MSRP: $189
SPECIFICATIONS:
High-Strength 6061 T6 billet aluminum
M1913 rail interface system
Rugged construction
Alcohol resistant
Made in America
DEFINING FEATURES: The Battle Mug project started
when some old Army buddies sat around and con-
templated what they should do with their old M4
carry handles. They were either hard-drinking gun
guys or hard-shooting beer guys, so a tactical beer
mug seemed a likely combination. Built to military
specs, the Battle Mug features a M1913 rail system,
allowing the operator to mount a standard issue M4
handle and any other accessories deemed necessary,
such as tactical lights, lasers or holographic sights.
You can order the mug with additional logo or text
engravings for customization. The Battle Mug is
protected by four U.S. patents.
MANUFACTURERS COMMENT: Each and every item that
Battle Mug produces is made in America by Americans.
This commitment means that we seek out hard-work-
ing, American, small/family businesses to partner with.
Each one of our partner/providers [is] family owned
(most over multiple generations), which means every
sale we make helps support an American family and
their workforces pursuit of the American Dream.
Joe Lundberg, owner
Front
back
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American Tactical Imports ............ 3, 131
Barnes Bullets Inc........................... 49
Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc. ............ 103
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. ....... 132
Tactical Night Vision Company...... 2
By LARRY SCHWARTZ
THE JOURNEY OF A FIRST-TIME GUN PURCHASE
BUYER
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ts here. Come on down
and we will do the
paperwork.
That was the text message that
I had been waiting a week to read!
My new Smith & Wesson
M&P40 had arrived at my friendly
FFL. A two-month process was
coming to an end, and I would be
able to pick it up two days before
Marylands new handgun regis-
tration laws went into effect. I
had beaten the Oct. 1 deadline!
Due to all the things going on in
my area in respect to crime and
the economy, I had been thinking
for several months about adding
some sort of firearm to my home
defense plan. A small financial
windfall had come my way, so I
began looking into what was in-
volved and what I needed to do
above and beyond the legal re-
quirements for gun ownership.
Little did I know how involved the
process would be!
THE RESEARCH BEGINS
Fortunately, I am a hunter
safety instructor and belong to a
great gun club, which would prove
to be a real blessing as I had
friends who were gun owners.
They were able to give me solid
advice based on actual experi-
ence without the shoot what I
shoot mentality. The first thing
everyone told me, which an
internet search confirmed, is that
I needed to determine what I
wanted a gun for, as that would
determine what kind of gun I
needed if I needed a gun at all.
Many people just assume that
they need a gun to protect them-
selves without thinking about
what goes into responsible gun
ownership; if other non-lethal
options like pepper spray or a big
dog might also address their
needs; if they would even be able
to pull the trigger on another per-
son if it came down to that in a
home invasion scenario; and the
legal challenges they would likely
face if they did pull that trigger.
This is what my research
revealed:
Although effective in many
situations, a dog or pepper spray
didnt meet my needs for a variety
of reasons.
Because I hunt with a bow and
arrow, I wanted something that I
could carry as backup for hunting
bears or as protection against the
coyotes, feral dogs and mountain
lions that I occasionally run into
during my time afield.
For home defense, I wanted
something that was easy to use,
especially in close quarters as our
home doesnt
have wide hall-
ways or big
rooms.
It had to be
something that
was not too expensive to practice
with on a regular basis as I knew
the importance of being profi-
cient with whatever tool I would
be using in a home defense situa-
tion, be it a gun, flashlight, cell
phone or baseball bat.
I had to enjoy using it because,
if I didnt, I wouldnt practice with
it enough.
It had to be a simple and reli-
able design to use and reload be-
cause I didnt want anything that
might fail me or be too compli-
cated to use in a crisis situation.
THE DECISION
Based on these criteria, I
decided that I would get either
a pistol or a short-barreled
shotgun to augment my existing
home defense planincluding
new, more secure windows,
stronger doors and better
exterior lightingshould some-
one actually get into the house.
I decided the pistol would come
first because I did not want to
bother with the new gun laws
going into effect in a few
months, and I could always
add the short-barreled
shotgun later.
I
SEEK OUT SOMEONE WHO CAN TEACH YOU
PROPER GUN SAFETY AND HOW TO USE WHATEVER
KIND OF GUN YOU ARE LOOKING TO PURCHASE ...

KEY ADVICE
Make sure to try a handgun before you buy one. It
is important to see if your new gun fits you well.
WHERE TO
BUY?
Let us count the places:
Gun shows
Gun shops
Big box stores, such as
Walmart or Bass Pro Shops
Online
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WHICH ONE?
Before I began looking at
which pistol to eventually
get, I first needed to see
what pistol I was allowed to
own in my state. Each state
has different gun control
laws in place and its
important to know them
before making a first firearm
purchase. Things that vary
from state to state include
barrel length, number of
rounds in a magazine, differ-
ent cosmetic and functional
characteristics of the gun
and whether it can be fired
in semi-automatic or auto-
matic mode. No need to try
and buy something you
cannot legally possess or
use where you live or work.
I determined that my
choice would be a semi-auto
pistol that was made in the
United States, purchased
from an established maker,
could handle additions like a
light or laser and would have
a good maintenance reputa-
tion. I started my search by
asking friends at the gun
club I belonged to what they
would recommend based on
their experiences. I could
have gotten the same kind
of advice by going to my
local shooting range or
online, which were the next
steps I took in doing my
research. Finding a local
indoor range was also
important to me, as I wanted
to make sure I had a place to
practice regardless of the
weather or temperature.
Although there are a num-
ber of gun shops within an
hours drive of where I live, I
found my time was best
spent online looking at differ-
ent gun shop websites to see
what was available. Not only
could they sell directly to me
and have it shipped to my
FFL, but they also had a
wider variety of models than
the local gun shops, provided
more choices on the different
options available for each
model and showed me how
much different pistols cost.
The best part? I could do
this all from the comfort of
my home without driving all
over the state or making a
dozen phone calls.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
The best piece of advice I
received, which I am passing
on to you, is to make sure to
try before you buy. Just like
buying a car, you really need
to see if your new gun fits
you well.
I was able to shoot a few
friends guns, but the best
bang for my buck that I found
was a morning spent at a
local indoor range, which had
a variety of rental guns that
you could use. I was able to
test drive several guns from
SOME BASIC
TERMINOLOGY
ACTION: the moving parts of your gun,
basically how you load and fire it. Different
kinds of actions include muzzle loading,
breech loading, single shot, automatic and
semi-automatic.
BALL AMMUNITION: a solid bullet with a
rounded or pointed tip.
CALIBER: the size of a bullet measured in
hundredths of an inch; a .45-caliber bullet
has an outside diameter of 0.45 inch.
DOUBLE ACTION: a type of trigger;
pulling the trigger does two things, load
another bullet and fire the gun.
GAUGE: the size of a shotgun shell
measured by the number of lead balls that
fits in the guns barrel to make a pound; for
a 12-gauge gun, it would take 12 balls the
size of the barrel to make a pound.
HOLLOW-POINT: like ball ammunition,
but the tip is hollowed out, making it ex-
pand more on impact.
MUZZLE: the business end of your gun; it
is where the bullet comes out.
PISTOL: the gun you normally see in the
military or police departments; it is often
semi-automatic and the bullets are fed
from a clip or magazine in the handle.
REVOLVER: the six-gun of the Old West;
it has a cylinder that revolves to feed a
new bullet for each shot.
SAFETY: a mechanical device on your
gun that can keep it from firing; as it is
mechanical, it can fail and you should not
trust it to always work.
SINGLE ACTION: a type of trigger;
pulling the trigger does a single thing, fire
the gun.
MANY PEOPLE ASSUME THAT THEY NEED A GUN TO PROECT
THEMSELVES WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT WHAT GOES INTO
RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERSHIP ...

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different manufacturers, with all-steel frames or
polymer frames and in calibers ranging from 9mm to
40cal to 45cal. It was time and money well spent,
and at the end of the day, I knew what felt good in
my hand and, more importantly, what I could shoot
fairly well and felt confident with.
I came away knowing that I wanted a Smith
& Wesson M&P40, a polymer-framed pistol
chambered in S&W .40 caliber, which is popular
with many police departments around the country
and has ammunition that is readily available. I could
also find regular ball ammunition for practice and
hollow-point ammunition in the same weight and
muzzle velocity that I could use at home.
WHERE TO BUY IT
There are many places where you can buy your
new gun: gun shows, local gun shops, big box stores
WHERE TO TRAIN
Just because you own a firearm now does not
mean you know how to use it safely or effectively in
the situations you expect to use it in. Everyone
should take a basic firearms safety course, and then
get additional training for the situations you expect
to be in. Although a web search will give you a vari-
ety of courses taught by a variety of different people
and organizations, the following are some basic
courses offered by the National Rifle Association
(NRA) that you should consider:
NRA Home Firearm Safety Course: does not
include actual shooting
NRA FIRST Steps (Pistol, Rifle or Shotgun)
Orientation: includes limited shooting
NRA Basic (Pistol, Rifle or Shotgun)
Shooting Course
NRA Basic Personal Protection In The
Home Course
For more information, visit
http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx.
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like Walmart or Bass Pro Shops and online. Each has
its own advantages and disadvantages.
Of the lot, I feel that gun shows can be the most
risky, as they have individual sellers there whom you
dont know anything aboutlikewise for the back-
ground of the guns they are selling. Local gun shops
give you the ability to get your hands on the gun you
will buy, but they may not have much in the way of
variety or may not have what you are looking for. If
not actually putting your hands on the gun before
you buy it doesnt bother you, then the online stores
are likely your best bet; they may have a better price
and their stock is normally more extensive than the
local gun shops or even the big box stores.
Make sure you pick the option that gives you
the highest comfort level and buy your new home
defense tool.
LEARN HOW BUY
Im fortunate because I already knew how to
shoot a handgun from my time in the service. If you
dont have that kind of experience, you should first
seek out someone who can teach you proper gun
safety and how to use whatever kind of gun you are
looking to purchase. Then, develop a decent amount
of proficiency with your chosen firearm so that you
can do a reasonable comparison between the differ-
ent models you are looking at. You cant tell what
works best for you if you cant even hit the target
consistently. Your local gun range should have staff
that can provide this kind of basic training or can di-
rect you to someone who can.
IN CLOSING
So, youve decided that adding a gun to your
home defense plans makes sense and you have it in
hand now. You have begun a new journey in your life
as a home defender, one that brings with it legal
issues to consider and the responsibilities that go
with owning a gun. The next steps are to get the
training you need to learn how to use it and to then
practice with it on a regular basis.
Larry Schwartz has been writing and teaching for more than a decade about
preparing for the unexpected in the field, at the range and in the home.
FIVE BASIC
SAFETY RULES
If you are going to be using a firearm of any sort,
you need to know and internalize the basic rules of
firearm safety to keep yourself and those around
you safe. There are many lists that address this, but
this one from the International Hunter Education
Association (IHEA) summarizes them well:
1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Never
assume that a firearm is unloaded. Living this rule
will help you follow the others and will help you
avoid mistakes like thinking you have shot all rounds
in your magazine or someone having loaded your
weapon without your knowledge.
2. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at
all times. This means to never have the muzzle
pointed at your body or anyone elses body or direc-
tion. The safe direction may be in front of you, to
your side, at the floor or behind you; it is different for
each situation. Also, remember the next rule when
deciding what direction is the safe direction.
3. Be sure of your target and what is beyond your
target at all times. Nobody wants to go through life
having shot their child, spouse or neighbor because
they thought they were a bad guy. Also, nobody
wants to go through life having shot someone in the
next room or behind a piece of furniture because
they didnt check what was beyond their target.
4. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard and
off of the trigger until ready to shoot. In a stressful
situation, such as a home invasion or mugging, just
thinking about doing something like pulling the trig-
ger can make it happen. A stumble can do the same
thing if your finger is already on the trigger, so keep
it outside the trigger guard until just before you are
ready to shoot.
5. A fifth rule that I and most other instructors
would add is to always check the gun when it is
handed to you to see if it is loaded. Dont depend on
the person who is giving you the gun to have made
sure it was not loaded or to tell you that it is loaded.
That is your responsibility!
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LAST SHOT
ARMS IN THE HANDS OF
CITIZENS MAY BE USED AT
INDIVIDUAL DISCRETION IN
PRIVATE SELF DEFENSE.
JOHN ADAMS

HD1401-130-LAST SHOT.EP 12/27/13 2:25 AM Page 130
HD_1401_C3 12/25/13 9:55 PM Page C3
The 100% American-made Ruger
American Rifle
is another engineering
innovation from Americas leading rearms
manufacturer. It is available in a variety of calibers and
in both standard-size and compact models. Compact
models feature a shorter length of pull and a shorter
barrel for a reduction in overall length of more than
ve inches. The Ruger American Rie
combines the
rugged reliability of Rugers past with the award-winning
ingenuity featured in so many of Rugers products.
ARMS MAKERS FOR RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS
.
STANDARD
42''
COMPACT
36.75''
RUGER.COM/AMERICANRIFLE
2013 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 070213
Power Bedding
Integral Bedding
Blocks for Outstanding Accuracy
Ruger Marksman Adjustable

Trigger Provides a Crisp
Release with a User-
Adjustable 3-5 lb. Trigger Pull
One-Piece, Three-Lug Bolt
with 70 Throw Provides
Ample Scope Clearance
HD_1401_C4 12/25/13 9:57 PM Page C4

Home Defender Magazine - Spring 2014

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TYPICAL .357 REVOLVER

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