SafeMind LLC

18/07/2025

The internal investigation, and report, found that the rifle that killed Detective So was improperly stored.
Folks, this is simple. An AR15, and variants, are NOT drop safe. This is why "patrol car/cruiser ready" condition exists.
If you store your rifle in a vehicle, or in any "ready" condition, this is the process.
Charge gun with charging handle
Return charging handle to forward position
Place rifle selector switch to "safe"
Insert magazine

This is one case when a round in the chamber is not appropriate as these rifles have a free floating firing pin and the inertia created by dropping the gun can allow the firing pin to contact the primer. This is also one reason why military/NATO 5.56 cartridges have such hard primers as military guns will be dropped and treated in a less gentle manner. The same rule goes for shotguns.

This death is horribly tragic, yet completely preventable.

Your Defense is Personal

https://www.azfamily.com/2025/07/18/report-reveals-policy-violations-led-accidental-shooting-death-scottsdale-officer/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLnsc1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5U1d5elhaVWt4TmtUT3BqAR5XNBFwsnIirtZiRQjkE_GwG0_mZDnSJPWuR4RBZVRcRRLFral1HcUilaZylQ_aem_cdMiA1fmnOmjPHhBL1ZbVw

Investigators noted that if either policy was followed, “it would have made the accidental discharge of the gun far less likely or impossible.”

18/07/2025

I first met Mac about a year ago at our Thursday night Cactus Match. He was brand new to action pistol shooting and I introduced myself, as I do with anyone that is new. Having only been involved for a couple of years I knew how important it was to see a friendly face as there is enough stress.
Well, like many of us he was struggling. New pistol, new gear, new rules, it's a lot so I offered to help where I could.
Since then he's been coming out for regular one on one training, and he's been putting in the dry fire, as well. The results, he's moving up the charts, from a couple of DQs and low in the rankings, to now achieving in the 70s of possible points in Limited Optics. His mechanics and manipulations are solid and vision is improving. Most importantly, his confidence is solid, which leads to more success.
Strong work, Mac. I'm proud of you!

Your Defense is Personal

11/07/2025

I've heard all of the excuses of why people don't properly secure their fi****ms at home:

-I don't have kids in the house.
What happens when someone breaks in (that's why you have a firearm for home defense, right?) and they find your gun and you walk in on them your gun is now their gun?

-My kids are too young and won't be able to find/fire the gun
Dude, seriously? Kids, by nature, are curious and inquisitive. They learn by doing and figuring stuff out. Your 18 month old can, and will, find whatever you have tucked away in your panty drawer, top of the closet, under the bed and will tug, pull, yank, press, chew and slobber all over that trigger until it goes bang.

-My kids "grew up around guns and know better". I only need to reflect on my youth and all of the stupid things I did despite "knowing better". That pre-frontal cortex ain't developed until kiddo is in their 20's and he (yeah, he) will have a propensity for doing really stupid things despite how many times you've told them not to.

-If it's locked up I won't be able to access it fast enough.
You need to practice accessing your secured firearm. Just like you need to practice drawing from the holster. It's part of the process and, if I was a betting man, I'd bet that you aren't practicing enough of either (not many are) and that even if the pistol was on your pillow it would be a challenge to get done what you need to get done when you need to get it done.

My kid has, quite literally, been exposed to fi****ms since birth, as one would when they grow up in a house with a dad that teaches this stuff. However, I also don't have any fantasies about what she is capable/not capable of. Thus, all fi****ms, unless secured in a holster on my body, are locked up at all times. Easy for me to access? Yes. Easy for someone else to access? No.

Is the risk worth it?

Your Defense is Personal

The father of a toddler who suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in Phoenix on Wednesday night has been arrested.

07/07/2025

Here's the latest writing on how Search and Rescue works and how to not become a customer.

Your Defense is Personal

link in comments

A Mountain Rescue Story

06/07/2025

One of the key factors when violent criminal actors select their prey is inattentiveness.
If you are distracted by your phone, kids or something else, it allows those who want your resources, or you, to close the distance and accomplish their task.
Not only is this young lady completely clueless about her surroundings, as she's fully immersed in her phone, she walked through a crosswalk while cars were driving though, having no idea how close she was to getting hit.
Put the phone away, take off the headphones and be aware of your surroundings.

Your Defense is Personal

02/07/2025

While not personal defense related, this is about how to not become a "customer" of Search and Rescue, part one.

Your Defense is Personal

A Mountain Rescue Story

21/06/2025

This article reflects what I see regarding the demographics of my students. Just under half of my students are women, most first time shooters and "gun curious". Some of those bring their husbands or boyfriends along as good training is a prerequisite for them before purchasing a firearm.
The next fastest growing demographic that I have join me on the range comes from my left leaning friends. Organizations such as the The Liberal Gun Club, et al, strongly support the 2nd amendment and our right to keep and bear arms and are equally as vocal regarding the need for proper training.
I do hope that with these shifts we will see fewer anti-self defense and anti-gun politicians trying to impose their will over those who wish to enjoy their inalienable right of self defense.

Your Defense is Personal

https://www.seattletimes.com/life/culture/in-western-wa-women-hit-the-gun-range-for-safety-and-community/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK_2sdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETE2bmY3S0c4dHJqSW9vOW95AR4LDxJoy6UqC3L6BoV_DKuLglsnJfrbjI2HogbgsW4JhYxtVu-g4qFTp8Hy_w_aem_K6JpFwhN5zSZnaRAmdCQmg

American women are buying more guns than they used to. In Washington, ranges are hosting female-only shooting courses, where women fire guns and make friends.

16/06/2025

There are no "safe" neighborhoods.

I'm by no means victim shaming, but you are solely responsible for your own safety and security. Even when, especially when, you are out with your kids have a force multiplier tool and the training, skills and mindset to use it.

Your Defense is Personal

Peoria police were called to a shooting near 83rd and Sweetwater avenues on Thursday evening. Here's what we know so far.

04/06/2025

Getting reacquainted with an old friend.
The first time that I shot the hero of two world wars (and two conflicts, one unresolved) I was serving Uncle Sugar. At that time few non-REMFs or officers carried the pistol but, as a sniper we would tuck one away because getting into a face to face gunfight isn't fun with a 30 some inch bolt gun.
I've been putting a lot of work into my competitive shooting and after a disaster of a weekend I decided to start having fun again. Thus, the 1911.

Your Defense is Personal

04/06/2025

This is the result of what are known as "big boy rules" in the LE and military training community.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, this can be through having very specific, non-negotiable processes in place and, equally important, checking your ego at the door.
ANY training that requires bringing fi****ms into play, that isn't specifically managed as a live fire exercise requires redundant physical and procedural controls to ensure that no weapons of any kind are within the training area.
I'm curious to learn about how this failed so tragically.

Your Defense is Personal

26/05/2025

All of my students are special but sometimes I get to work with some that are especially valuable
This morning I taught a family Stop the Bleed class. We spend a fair amount of time in the backcountry, in remote places and I want to make sure that we all have the skills, knowledge and training to provide any necessary medical care.
Has your family taken CPR and Stop the Bleed?
If not, why not now?

Your Defense is Personal

26/05/2025

Sometimes I have the opportunity to