The other day I asked if I should go back to carrying this 45. I got some great answers in the comments. Here are my thoughts.
When I carried this gun it was for work. Things have changed. I'm retired. I haven't got a job anymore and I don't need to deal with violent people all day long. Obviously, I'm still running Practical Defense Systems where I teach, I manage our rental properties, and I make videos for GunGuyTV. None of which puts me in harm’s way on a daily basis. My needs have changed.
Back in the day, I needed a big gun because I was dealing with bad people for a living. I don't do that anymore. I also avoid places where bad people congregate. So, I don't really need to carry a big gun for that either.
I love the old Colt and I take it to the range a lot. It's an old friend. If I ever again need to be in harm's way, I'll take it with me in a heartbeat. But, not today or even most days. I carry my M&P Shield or my Taurus Model 85 most of the time.
Times have changed. My needs have changed. The tools have changed. I guess one size doesn't fit all.
In the first half, attorney Sean Maloney from Second Call Defense joins me to explain the lessons gun owners can learn from what happened to Kyle Rittenhouse.
In the second half, I discuss a home invasion case from Oceanside California in which the homeowner successfully defended himself.
July 4th is a day of national significance. If you're going to a celebration, keep that in mind and set yourself up for success.
Here's a short list I follow (I made a graphic for you to make it easier):
1. Have an egress plan and a shelter-in-place plan. Those aren't mutually exclusive. Knowing when not to move can be just as important as knowing how to leave.
2. No plan survives first contact. Expect adaptation, not perfection. Always have alternatives. If Plan A or Plan B becomes unsafe, you're not starting from scratch under stress.
3. Remember that other people have agency too. Traffic, crowds, accidents, police activity, weather, terrorism, or a drunk driver can all change the situation through no fault of your own.
4. Preparation expands your options. It doesn't guarantee success, but it gives you more choices when circumstances change.
5. Your backup plan shouldn't be elaborate. My grandpa used to say, "The more bends you put in the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain." Keep it simple.
Here's an ...
Trump Just Made Virginia REGRET It's AR-15 Ban.
Jul 3, 2026 ✪ Members first on July 3, 2026
Virginia’s new AR-15 ban is already facing serious problems. Between court injunctions, confusion over who can enforce the law, questions for gun owners and FFLs, inheritance and family-transfer exceptions, a massive pre-July 1 buying surge, and a new DOJ lawsuit challenging the law, Virginia may have created a much bigger Second Amendment fight than it expected.
In this video, we break down what the injunction does and does not do, whether State Police or local law enforcement can enforce the ban, how FFLs may handle the risk, why the law does not simply erase existing AR-15s, and how the Trump DOJ lawsuit could turn Virginia into a major test case for AR-15 bans nationwide.
