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Articles by Dave Spaulding
OWB Comfort and Convenience: The Paddle Holster is Back
When I entered law enforcement in the mid-1970’s, cop dramas were popular on network television. I watched my share of these programs which focused mostly on the investigative side of law enforcement. The backstory of any investigation can be more dramatized than the day-to-day routine of patrols, which are just that…routine. But there were those moments when the excitement level would ratchet up and it was this not knowing what would happen from minute to minute that made me love the job.
Ultimate Rifle Versatility: Trijicon’s MRO SD and 3X Magnifier
I first became interested in the AR-15 platform in the mid-1990’s. Prior to that, I was a member of my former agency’s SWAT Team and was issued an HK MP5. M4-style carbines are now at the forefront as they can be effectively used for everything from up close out to hundreds of yards. At one point, I owned more than a few AR platform rifles, but I have narrowed things down considerably.
Ritchie Leather: Old World Craftsmanship for Modern Times
When I entered the police academy in 1976, synthetic holsters were completely unknown. The first time I saw a molded Kydex holster was the mid-1980’s when former FBI Agent Bill Rodgers brought his line of Kydex front-break rigs to market. Admittedly, I liked what I saw but it didn’t make me want to forsake leather rigs. I have never left leather holsters, they offer a “take me home” look, smell and feel that Kydex and Bolatron just can’t match.
Modern Riflery: Create Your Own Combative Carbine
While I don’t consider myself a “rifle guy,” I believe every American should be a rifleman. The concept of every citizen having a rifle, and knowing how to use it, might be the ultimate homeland security. Thus, four to five times a year I break out my AR-15 and practice. When I took an interest in the AR in the late 90’s, I bought several and started a training journey.
Situational Pistolcraft
sit·u·a·tion – siCHəˈwāSHən.: a set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; a state of affairs. The location and surroundings of a place. Drawing, shooting and reloading fast are nice skills to have, but I feel it is safe to saythey seldom win fights. Having them does offer confidence that helps overcome fear, but they are not the biggest factor in achieving victory. What wins the fight is the ability to recognize what is actually transpiring and quickly adapt to the rapidly changing situation.
Tactical EDC: Benchmade’s Redoubt and Claymore Folding Knives
A folding knife clipped to a trouser pocket has become ubiquitous in our society. While there are some locales that restrict the knives and how they’re carried, in most regions of our country, a knife clipped to a pocket is perfectly fine and causes very little concern. I’ve carried a pocket knife as far back as junior high school and no one cared. Times have changed unfortunately. There are scores of models, styles, and designs of knives and they’re carried for a wide variety of reasons.
Staccato C Review: The Do-All 9mm 2011?
/stəˈkädō/ adjective 1. performed with each note sharply detached or separated from the others. "a staccato rhythm". adverb Advertisement 2. with each note sharply detached or separated from the others. "I find arpeggio playing is easily done staccato". “Detached or separated from the others.” In other words, something unique or different. In the final years of my training company, I could not help but notice the increasing number of high capacity 1911-style pistols I was seeing in class.
AIWB: A Frank Discussion on Carrying Forward of the Hip
When I graduated from the basic police academy in the mid-1970’s, my first act was to buy my off-duty gun. Concealed carry for citizens was non-existent at that time, so having the ability to carry a handgun 24/7 to protect against possible attackers seemed like a real advantage. As years went by, I came to realize the off-duty gun was more for my protection, and my family’s protection, than it was for preventing crime.
Spaulding: Why so worried?
After reading Rebecca Plummer’s letter to the editor (Times Argus, May 15), there is little doubt she is clearly threatened and triggered by the thought of even a possible alternative approach to how we move forward addressing the failing public education system in Vermont.
Impact Expansion Bullets: The Better “Hollow Point”?
The topic of handgun stopping power is immensely popular both online and in print media. I cannot be critical of those who follow the topic as I was once fascinated by it as well. So much so that I made it the subject of my thesis for my master’s degree in criminal justice administration. This effort resulted in a network of people I was able to draw upon to keep track of which rounds/calibers were actually working in the street, and which were not.
Front Sight Focus: Myth or Mandatory?
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases. I've studied armed conflict my entire adult life. My quest began unexpectedly as I went through the basic police academy in 1976. Most of my basic firearm training was spent preparing for the Practical Pistol Course (PPC), which consisted of “realistic phases,” such as prone at 60 yards, kneeling at 50 yards, and hip shooting at 5 yards.
A History of Carry: 40 Years Armed
It was 1976 when I entered the Sheriff’s Academy and each recruit purchased their own gear including leather and firearms. I knew nothing about guns, beyond what I had seen on television, so I purchased a book entitled “The Law Enforcement Handgun Digest” by Dean Grennell. The book seemed quite comprehensive, discussing everything from service revolvers to chemical agents. I read the book cover to cover three times, but I selected my first service revolver on the basis of what someone else had.
Weapon Lights on Handguns: Essential or Unnecessary?
The majority of time I spent on patrol was on the night shift. Before I had school-aged children, I liked the freedom of being a night owl and sleeping in the next morning. My wife was the same way, so working the 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. shift fit our lives perfectly. In the winter it was dark the majority of the shift and in the summer, it was just the opposite.
Spaulding: Socialism comes to Montpelier
While disappointing, it’s not totally unexpected the Montpelier City Council’s Housing Committee would vote unanimously to pursue restricting residents’ right to rent their homes to whomever they want. They would accomplish this socialist goal through a city ordinance. After all, Burlington has done it, so we should as well. Perhaps the city, in its infinite wisdom, should see how that’s working out in Burlington, especially on compliance.
Thoughts On Improving Holsters & Magazine Pouches
Have you ever looked at a piece of carry gear and wished it had this or that feature? I have seen a lot of gear over the last 45 years, and I know I have. In truth, it hasn’t changed that much. A real step forward in holster design was the Roy Baker Pancake Holster, basically two round pieces of leather sewn together to create a pouch with a belt slot on each side instead of a single loop on the rear. The design pulled the gun closer to the torso making it flatter and more concealable. The trade off?
In Praise of Federal Ammo: One Lawman's Take
1981. Attending my regular department handgun qualification, I was surprised when I was issued a different .38 Special duty ammo than I’d been accustomed to. For the previous four years, we had always used a particular brand and I wondered, “Why the change?” Something was up and all I knew was I had to get to the bottom of it. I had read about ammo testing in some of the gun magazines and figured I ought to conduct my own.
Proper Combative Pistol Grip (And A Whole Lot More)
Years back, while attending an international law enforcement training conference, I sat with a number of firearms trainers and listened to them debate the correct grip for the semiautomatic pistol. One advocated thumbs locked down while another pushed for thumbs up. One even made the case for the thumbs being held away from the frame, so they wouldn’t apply undue pressure on the side of the gun, pushing the muzzle off target. I sat quietly and didn’t get involved for several reasons.
Spaulding: Armchair psychologist
In her commentary “For the love of Trump,“ Bronwyn Fryer seems to think she has Trump supporters pegged as having psychological burdens of cognitive dissonance by “knowing“ Trump is damaged and thinking he is Jesus reincarnated. She states these are false beliefs and his supporters aren’t smart enough to know otherwise — spoken like a true bigot.
Hierarchy of Combative Firearms Training
According to my Webster’s Dictionary, training is defined as “to instruct so as to make proficient.” Instruct means “to teach, educate or inform,” while proficient means “highly competent, skilled.” Thus, combative handgun training, in my mind can be defined as follows: Teaching a person to be highly competent and skilled in the use of a handgun for personal defense. How much skill do you need to proficiently take care yourself? Who knows?
Spaulding: Whose values?
There is no doubt after reading John Snell’s commentary that his disdain for Hobby Lobby is visceral, so visceral he can’t even see the positive opportunities Hobby Lobby’s appearance at the Berlin Mall provides for so many citizens of central Vermont. I suspect John Snell has never been inside the new Hobby Lobby. The employees are positive, happy, engaging and enjoy the opportunity to work for this corporation and receive a paycheck.
Gunfight On Fremont Street: O.K. Corral Part 1
BY PGF 2 minutes ago Interesting history of the O.K. Corral gunfight, by Dave Spaulding: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. Includes photos and historical artifacts. Check it out and remember, the core issue is gun control. Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and Doc Holliday had a date with destiny October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona. Attempting to disarm local cowboys at the O.K. Corral, the ensuing gunfight on Fremont Street gained legendary status in Old West lore.
30 Rounds In 30 Seconds: O.K. Corral Part 3
Martha King was shopping in the butcher shop on Fremont Street. She looked out the store window and saw four armed men walking west. She knew the Earps by sight, but not their names and she didn’t recognize Doc Holliday. According to her later testimony, King said they walked four abreast in a “stately” manner with Doc on the inside closest to the store, Virgil and Wyatt in the middle, and Morgan was on the opposite side. Wyatt and Virgil were slightly ahead.
"Here They Come!": O.K. Corral Part 2
Cattle rancher (or rustler, depending on the day) Tom McLaury had wanted to sleep in, run some errands and then relax with his brother Frank McLaury and Billy Clanton when they arrived in town. He knew Ike Clanton had acted like a fool the night before, but thought everything ended well in an all-night poker game. Tom awakened, however, to discover Ike was even more drunk than before, illegally armed, and had gone around town threatening the Earps and Doc Holliday.
Gunfight On Fremont Street: O.K. Corral Part 1
Please understand I do not consider myself to be a historian. I’m a fan of the Old West and a serious student of the “combative application of the handgun.” I grew up in the late 1950s through the 1960s watching Westerns on television. Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill Cody were part of American culture due to shows of the same name.
Pelvic Shots: Fight Stoppers or Self-Defense Fiction?
Like most of you reading this, I take my personal security seriously. When it comes to including something into my battery of skills, I choose wisely. I am not much for fads or trends, I want stuff that has been proven to work over a long period of time. I apply what I call a “Three S Test” to any skill, tactic, technique or piece of gear I am considering for inclusion. It looks like this: Simple: Is the tactic, technique, skill or piece of kit SIMPLE to do or use?
Spaulding: A broken record
As we move into the 2024 presidential election cycle, readers of The Times Argus Weekend Edition can, once again, rely on Walt Amses’ commentary to be critical of conservatives, those on the right, white Christians or those he calls the “MAGA nation.” A latest commentary (March 18-19), conveniently minimizes the current bank, transportation and public school failures by simply saying conservatives blame all these failures on “Woke” ideology.
Survival Guide: Dave Spaulding Rules of Conflict
Following proven operational rules and guidelines is a sound practice and, over the years, I have developed some of my own. I should note, while title has a “tactical” ring to it, these rules can be applied to many situations in life — not just fighting. I can’t claim to be the originator for many of these, simply the author and steward of this distilled list which draws from many sources but has been refined through my experience.
Operation Blue: The Program That Trains Cops to Stop Terrorists
Terrorists have struck in New York, Orlando and San Bernardino. They were confronted by American law enforcement officers who stopped the threat. As more of these attacks occur, it’s no longer just the military at the tip of the spear. American police officers need a level of training that goes beyond routine in-service firearms programs. They need direct-action-style training in which the police officer takes the fight to the terrorist and does not wait for backup and hope for de-escalation.
Spaulding: Movin' on
While it is disappointing but not totally unexpected, Montpelier Police Chief Brian Peete, after more than two years in that position, is leaving Montpelier for Kansas. His last day is expected to be Dec. 31.
Spaulding: Censorship at the top?
In my earlier Times Argus commentary July 27, I criticized Publisher Steve Pappas for holding back on publishing many articles from the New York Post in October 2020, which exposed salacious and incriminating information found on Hunter Biden’s laptop (clearly implicating President Joe Biden’s deep corruption). This story was buried yet, for almost more than the five years prior to that, Publisher Pappas chose to publish numerous AP stories incriminating Donald Trump.
Opinion: Sports wagering a good bet for Kentucky
Dave Spaulding, Opinion contributor Published 9:22 a.m. ET Feb. 14, 2020 Always Dreaming, far right, runs to victory in the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby May 6, 2017 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. (Photo: The Enquirer/Kareem Elgazzar) Kentucky has a long history of gambling. Horses are part of our culture. We have a billion-dollar lottery and bingo at our churches.
Tips & Techniques: Sticking Glock Mags
by Dave Spaulding - Friday, July 26, 2019 Everyone who has shot a Glock has experienced it: You’re shooting a string of fire, the slide locks open and you go to perform an emergency reload only to find the magazine stuck in place—it can be quite frustrating. How can you fix it? Clean your gun differently. Many Glock magazines stick due to solvent or lubricant in the magazine well. To avoid this, clean the polymer frame with a baby bottle brush, dry scrubbing the dirt and debris out.
Tips & Techniques: Three A’s Of Defensive Pistolcraft
by Dave Spaulding - Tuesday, July 23, 2019 There is no way to know how a close-quarter pistol fight will unfold. At the risk of sounding cliché, it will be “what it is, and nothing else.” While there have been any number of witty quotes regarding gunfighting over the last century and a half, my in-depth study of the subject has led me to believe that the outcome can often be explained by what I call the “Three A’s.” Forewarned is forearmed.
10 Essential Skills You Need to Win a Gunfight
The great Bill Jordan once said: "There is no second-place winner in a gunfight." Even if you take nothing else away from this article, I ask that you train to win any gunfight that you become involved in, not survive it, but win it. There is no other option. At one time, I bought into the notion that if you get into a fistfight, you should expect to get hit. If you get into a knife fight, you should expect to get cut.
Nigeria to Begin Manufacturing the Polish FB Beryl M762 Rifle
The FB Beryl is an assault rifle made by Polish company Fabryka Broni in the city of Radom. The Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) has reached an agreement with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to produce Beryl M762 rifles in Nigeria for the Nigerian military. PGZ is the holding company for Fabryka Broni. According to IHS Jane’s, a memo signed by PGZ president Jakub Skiba and DICON director general Major General Bamidele Ogunkale outlines a three-phase technology transfer.
Operation Blue: The Program That Trains Cops to Stop Terrorists
Terrorists have struck in New York, Orlando and San Bernardino. They were confronted by American law enforcement officers who stopped the threat. As more of these attacks occur, it’s no longer just the military at the tip of the spear. American police officers need a level of training that goes beyond routine in-service firearms programs. They need direct-action-style training in which the police officer takes the fight to the terrorist and does not wait for backup and hope for de-escalation.
Zero Tolerance's $1 Billion 0101 Smart Knife Features Cloaking, Voice Activation
While the 0101 Smart Knife sounds epic, we’d first like to note that this is an April Fool’s effort from our friends at Zero Tolerance Knives. If the billion-dollar price tag didn’t tip you off, maybe all the other bells and whistles would have. Billed as a “digital wonder,” the Zero Tolerance 0101 sports a blade that is deployed via a voice activation system. “Just get a good grip on the knife and say, ‘ZT open,'” the product page reads.
Black Dawn's BDR-556-3GLW
There are a lot of ARs on the market right now, but they are far from equal, and it is always a pleasure to find one done right. Black Dawn‘s new BDR-556-3GLW, a lightweight AR built for 3-Gun matches, certainly qualifies as a high-quality, purpose-built rifle that delivers the goods without breaking the bank. When it comes to 3-Gun rifles, weight and reliability are two major considerations.
Dry Fire Training - the 2 x 2 x 2 drill
This article was first published on Nov 28, 2011. The price of ammunition has doubled since I retired from law enforcement and while the supply shortage has ebbed, the price has not receded and I doubt it ever will. Because of this, I remain a supporter of dry fire training as many combative pistol skills can be mastered without ever firing a shot.
Firearms Training or Trends?
I often scratch my head at the current state of combative firearms training in the United States. In times past, fixed-location schools and traveling instructors were former military or law enforcement professionals or successful competitive shooters who wanted to share hard-earned experience to help good guys and gals prevail in armed conflict. Sure, they wanted to make some money doing it, but for most it was love of the craft that drove them.
Skill Drills: Mad Half Minute
The Mad Half Minute drill is the creation of Special Forces veteran Mike Pannone of CTT Solutions and is designed to test a shooter’s ability to move, take an accurate shot and then move quickly again. In addition to the usual, one spare magazine and a good pair of shoes with support. NRA bullseye target. There are three firing points with the two outer positions being five yards from the center; target is 10 yards from the center position.
15 in 10 Drill - Handguns
Created by former Special Forces veteran Mike Pannone of CTT Solutions, the 15 in 10 Drill tests a shooter’s ability to draw effectively and deliver multiple shots accurately at varied distances. It has become one of my regular practice drills because I like how it makes the shooter focus on effective use of essential skills. Other than the usual, you’ll want a spare magazine/speedloader and pouch if your gun holds fewer than 15 rounds. Shot on an IPSC target with A and C zones.
A 9mm Takeover? | Down Range TV
Is it true the FBI has found a 9mm cartridge that “matches the wound ballistics of the .45”? There has been a great deal of talk about a “9mm takeover” on the internet/blogosphere and, of course, anything you hear on the internet is correct, right? Like the insurance TV Commercial says…”anything printed on the internet has to be the truth.” Let’s take first things first…over half of what is printed on the internet is complete and utter bullshit.
What Should I Practice?
One of the more common questions I receive from readers or students is, “What should I practice?” It’s a legitimate question, especially with skyrocketing ammunition prices… if you can find it! Recently, I was at the local Wal-Mart buying some Winchester White Box 9mm ammo (the cheapest I could find at the time and there was only one box) and paid $29.23 for 100 rounds.
Combative Fitness: Do you have it?
Photo Credit: Panteao Productions I teach “the combative application of the pistol” which is more than just shooting. Trainers and students are in a moment of time when many shooters have confused how well they can shoot a popular range drill with how well they can fight. A reality check here people…how fast/accurate you can shoot the El Presidente’, 2x2x2, FAST or any other popular drill is not necessarily and indicator of how well you will perform in armed conflict. Do you need to be a good shot?
Ruger SR-556E and Ruger Mini-14 Tactical
Sturm, Ruger & Company has long been associated with sporting and recreational firearms. Many Americans think of Ruger as the guns bought at the local hardware store and used on the farm, ranch or the local gun club. And while this is true, Ruger also manufactures firearms that have been used in conflict around the world. A great example of this is the early Mini-14.
JARD J16 5.56mm
The standard charging handle found on the AR-15 has always been a bit of a conundrum for some. Some like its location, using it as a felt index by placing their nose against it to obtain consistent eye relief for sighting, while others hate that they have to pull the gun away from their face to load or clear a stoppage. Regardless of which camp you belong to, I think we can all agree that it is good to have options.
STAG ARMS 8TL
The allegiance of people to certain brands has always interested me. We’ve all seen it, a person decides a particular brand (it could be cars, crackers or guns) is “the best” and forever after, no matter what happens or how low it sinks in quality, they stand by their favorite brand as though it could never do wrong. Recently I was riding in a car with a good friend who just happens to work at a large gun distributor.
Wiley Clapp Ruger .357 Mag Revolver Review
The flat black Novak rear sight is more than just a novelty—it helps pull the eyes to the fiber optic front sight for quick and easy acquisition. Wiley Clapp is a grumpy old curmudgeon who is, undoubtedly, the smartest man I know in regards to handguns. While attending a writer event at Gunsite several years ago, I was riding back to the hotel with him when I initiated a discussion on the Browning Hi-Power.
Ruger LCR-22
Advocating the use of a .20-caliber bullet for personal security is fraught with peril. Of all the trainers whom I respect, none consider a .22 or .25 a serious “manstopper.” But it’s easy to find reports of aggressors being stopped by the lowly .22. In some of these cases, it only took one shot to end the threat. In others, it took several shots. Does that differ from other handgun bullets?
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