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Articles by Rich Grassi
‘Horseplay’ and Quick Draws: It Isn’t Always Cops, But It’s Cops Far Too Often
Photo: Marijan Murat/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images In an effort to remind folks of things that should have been drilled into them long ago, it’s time to once again dust off the Four Rules sign and point at it. Many years ago, a pair of police officers engaged in a quick-draw contest against each other with “empty” guns. Reminder: Rule Number 1 is All Guns are Always Loaded. It’s never a good idea to quick-draw against people who don’t present an imminent threat of deadly force.
Determining the Real World Maximum Effective Range of Your Defensive Handgun (and You)
Lots of people on social media seem to have grave concerns as to the “maximum effective range” of certain defensive handguns. Comments are typified by fantasies about the distance at which the legal concept of self-defense is no longer available, with some definitions of “practical range,” and the imagined effectiveness of various caliber/cartridge/bullet type combinations at various distances.
The Long and Winding Roads to Carry Gun Safety Confidence
I always seem to be outside the mainstream. Back in the day, when agencies and officers were stampeding to plastic striker-fired guns, I was carrying — per department edict — a ‘traditional’ double-action semi-auto pistol. I also suffered through our guys training with them. When I finally made the move to the modern, lower-cost, easily maintained, reliable and long-lasting guns, I was uncomfortable with the (partly) cocked striker and no real countermeasures.
The Under-Appreciated Importance of Getting the Fit Right
You’ve read it, you’ve watched it, you’ve heard it, and you’ve likely said it; “This (enter gun model here) feels good in the hand.” It likely feels better there than other places it could be, but what does that mean? Like many, I’ve written and uttered those miserable words before myself. A gun just feels good when you pick it up. But the “feel” experienced in the gun shop, the armory, or elsewhere matters less than two other factors. Accuracy and time.
Like All Four Gun Safety Rules, Rule #2 Is There For a Good Reason
The number of times I’ve seen – in person and on video – people manipulate a handgun with their non-dominant hand in the vicinity of the muzzle can’t be counted. My loss of recall could be age-related or maybe it’s just despair. I’ve watched people I know — who definitely know better — clear their pistol and move to lock the slide back with a portion of their hand in front of the muzzle. Wait…he “cleared” the pistol, so he knows it’s unloaded…right?
Gun Review: Springfield Armory’s New Echelon 4.0C Compact 9mm
It had to happen. or so it seemed. If you name something 4.5F, naturally a 4.0C will follow. Or so I’d hoped. The Springfield Echelon was great and I had no complaints with the 4.5F – the compensator version of the Springfield Armory service 9mm pistol. Both worked well, were more accurate than they needed to be, had great ergonomics, so… no complaints. But I’m retired from service. A full-sized service pistol would see little use in my world. What I needed was a compact Echelon and here it is.
Is a Flashlight Part of Your EDC Gear?
Sadly, I spend some time on social media. A bit of it, like this, is job related and causes me to think. That can be dangerous depending on the site. I was ready to reject this out-of-hand, but maybe there’s something to it. The comments (never – I repeat never”read the comments) showed some serious thought, not at all like the typical online nonsense.
Should You Carry Your Pistol Cocked And Locked?
Many are wary of carrying their pistols in Condition One — cocked and locked — but is that fear based in reality or merely perception? Condition One: Round in chamber, hammer cocked, safety on. Condition Two: Round in chamber, hammer down. Condition Three: Empty chamber, hammer down. While at a media event in Arizona late last year, I was asked about the difference in perceptions about various handguns and their conditions of readiness.
The Post-Recall Ruger Mark IV
Everyone who owns the excellent Ruger Mark IV 22 pistol should be aware of the safety recall – and should be in line to get their guns updated. A Ruger Mark IV Target has just made the trip back from the recall, making it a good time to take it to the range and see what's changed. There are certain guns in the line that were found to fire if the safety lever was moved only part-way between "fire and safe" and the trigger pressed then released.
American Handgunner
By Rich Grassi (Excerpts from the 2017 American Handgunner Personal Defense Special Edition) These days, burglars seem to be less concerned about breaking into an occupied dwelling than they did in the past. Doesn’t sound very smart, does it? With the rise of the new “gun culture,” things are changing.
Gunsite Academy's COO Ken Campbell Talks Facility's History, Influence
Gunsite. The mere mention of that word garners respect across the firearms industry, and with good reason: it’s the gold standard against which all other training schools are measured. Founded back in 1976 by the late, great Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper under the name “American Pistol Institute” as a way to teach his Modern Technique of the pistol, Gunsite Academy today offers a variety of pistol, carbine, shotgun, general rifle and long-range rifle, CQB and other classes.
SMITH & WESSON SD9 9mm
The SD9 from Smith & Wesson combines appealing elements of the company’s Sigma and M&P series in an extremely affordable package. I don’t know what it was, but there was something about Smith & Wesson’s SD9 (Self Defense 9mm) pistol that appealed to me from the first time I saw photos of it. The SD pistols (SD9 and SD40) were obviously well thought-out. The frame shares a similarity to the S&W Sigma pistol in terms of grip angle, though it feels slimmer.
Wilson CQB Tactical LE .45ACP 1911 Pistol Review
Over the years Wilson Combat has made the CQB in a range of formats. Originally a full size, 5-inch, 1911-style pistol with refinements, it has varied across a range of sizes and intended purposes within the original concept. Designed as a shooter’s gun, it’s no “safe queen.” Coated with the durable Armor-Tuff rust and abrasion-resistant finish, the CQB is listed with night sights, a clean, firm trigger, easy-to-reach safety and, of course, Wilson’s magnificent magazine.
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