Training Tips

One of the most common mistakes armed citizens make is assuming that practice equals preparedness. Shooting occasionally at the range—or even completing a basic permit class—can create a false sense of confidence. In reality, winning a defensive encounter requires structured, progressive training that prepares the defender for stress, chaos, and decision‑making under pressure. Training to…

When using a firearm for self-defense you don’t have the luxury of relying on instincts. Many gun owners use the terms instinct and intuition interchangeably. They are two very different engines driving your performance. Understanding the distinction can be the difference between a controlled, legal response and a tragic mistake. Instinct: The Primal HardwiringInstincts are…

On a recent Saturday morning, I was running a list of errands. The list wasn’t very long and what should have only taken about 20-30 minutes turned into over an hour of frustration. Between incompetent drivers and long waits at the ATM and drive thru it reminded me of my thoughts when I first first…

Recently I attended Ed Monk’s seminar on Active Shooter Threats. While it was a church security team based seminar, the focus on stopping the killer quickly applied to all active shooter incidents and even violent encounters as a whole. Active killer events unfold in minutes—sometimes seconds. Historical reviews repeatedly show that once the attacker is…

How Boondocks Firearms Training Academy Continues Colonel Jeff Cooper’s Legacy When you talk about modern defensive firearms training, one name stands above the rest: Colonel Jeff Cooper. Known as the father of the modern pistol technique. Cooper revolutionized how shooters approached personal defense. In 1976, Cooper founded Gunsite Academy in Arizona, creating the first training…

By Paul Bird and Jeff Williamson Far too many people only hit the range when the weather is perfect—sunny skies, mild temperatures, and no football game to miss. In Mississippi, that might give you three or four good days a year. But if the only time you train is under ideal conditions, you’re building skills…

When it comes to home defense, few firearms are as iconic—or as misunderstood—as the shotgun. Its reputation for raw stopping power and intimidation is well-earned, but myths surrounding its use can lead to dangerous misconceptions. One of the most persistent myth is that you don’t need to aim a shotgun. Shotguns offer several advantages in…

In past “Tactical Mental Training (TMT)” posts we review real-world preparedness situations that demands situational awareness, mental conditioning, and the ability to respond under stress. The tragedy involving Iryna Zarutska underscores this. She was attacked in a public space, surrounded by others, yet the suspect—who had 14 prior arrests and a documented history of mental…

One of the unique aspects of Boondocks Firearms Training Academy is the quality of our instructor cadre. Ten years ago when Boondocks officially opened, the original mindset was to recruit the best of the best instructors from the surrounding areas and then provide the opportunities for them to expand their knowledge. These select group of…

Recently, my family and I wrapped up an epic road trip that included over 3,800 miles, 15 states (mostly in the Northeast), and Canada. I knew that several of the states had very strict gun laws, and if we planned to cross the border, a handgun was going to be a “no-go,” so I opted…