The SAF Personal Firearm Defense DVD series - feedback, comments, questions

[Green Lantern]

(Since I know the host, Rob Pincus, posts here sometimes..)

I just got my latest addition, "Advanced Pistol Handling." Great stuff! Made me feel kind of dumb though, to realize that I haven't really practiced near enough with my WEAK HAND, and one-handed operations. Better to realize it now than later, I guess...!

-Was glad to see some stuff done with the revolver - I don't own one YET, but I imagine lots of other people do. Thus, I doubt I'm the only one that would enjoy see more revolver stuff in the future.

-Are there more detailed plans on how to build the "Politically Correct/Poor Man's Reactive Target" that was demonstrated?

-Finally, I noticed that in some of the demonstrations, it looked to me like you were using full-sized Glock mags in a medium-frame Glock pistol. Was this just a "supply issue," or done for a more practical reason? I do own one mag with a +2 extension, with the idea of using it for my spare mag...er, if I could ever get into the habit of carrying one...:embarassed:

Guess that's about it for now. Thanks for making these DVDs!

 

[Rob Pincus]

Hello, Green. Thanks for the feedback and questions you are one of the first people I've heard from who has received the first 3 videos of the series, so I am glad to know that it is getting out through SAF!

-Was glad to see some stuff done with the revolver - I don't own one YET, but I imagine lots of other people do. Thus, I doubt I'm the only one that would enjoy see more revolver stuff in the future.

I actually carry a revolver at least as much as an auto, so I wanted to include those demos. Given that most viewers will use semi-auto's primarily, we aren't going to do a revolver specific DVD in the series, so you will see revolver info sprinkled throughout.

-Are there more detailed plans on how to build the "Politically Correct/Poor Man's Reactive Target" that was demonstrated?

Not formally, but if you have any specific questions, I can answer them.

-Finally, I noticed that in some of the demonstrations, it looked to me like you were using full-sized Glock mags in a medium-frame Glock pistol. Was this just a "supply issue," or done for a more practical reason?

Personally, I very rarely have carried the shorter spare mags for Glocks. When carrying the 23, I will have the "appropriate" mag in the gun and any spares would be full size. Depending on the editing process, it may or may not look that way in any given segment. Also, from a logistics standpoint, at Valhalla, all our our spare magazine supply was full size mags so that they could be used in all size Glocks.


Thanks again for subscribing to the series! I'm heading to Florida next week to tape 3 new DVDs for the series, including the first two titles for the non-firearms branch that will be available this spring.

-RJP

 

[Fred Fuller]

Rob still talks too fast . Or Southerners just hear too slow, maybe?

Watched the newly arrived issue this weekend with a friend who taught kickin' and shootin' for Uncle for a few years (who is right now on his way back to Afghanistan) . Even he saw some stuff he was impressed with- some of it would be like teaching an old dog new tricks to get him to change his evil ways, but he admitted there were definitely some things there to think about. High praise, coming from that old mongoose.

So far all the DVDs have been keepers.

lpl/nc

 

[Byron Quick]

A Glock 29 is my truck handgun. I use Glock 20 magazines in it. The magazine pokes out a bit but so what? It might be an issue if I carried it like that but it lives in the truck.

 

[Rob Pincus]

Thanks for the additional feedback, Lee. We thought about slowing down the playback on the DVD's sent to certain zip codes, but it wasn't logistically efficient . Glad you're enjoying the series!

Good to hear from you Byron, still hoping to get on a range with you sometime.... I'll be teaching in GA in Feb and in Florida several times in 2008.

-Rob

 

[strambo]

We thought about slowing down the playback on the DVD's sent to certain zip codes, but it wasn't logistically efficient

That's funny right thar, I don't care who ya are!

 

[Green Lantern]

Given that most viewers will use semi-auto's primarily, we aren't going to do a revolver specific DVD in the series, so you will see revolver info sprinkled throughout.

Fair enough, I can imagine that many people might feel 'gypped' if they got a revolver-exclusive DVD.

I understand Rob fine - though coincidentally, I'm occasionally told that I talk too fast...

I can't wait to get around to practicing some of the one-handed techniques laid out in the latest DVD. Especially the "boot-heel slide release." That was bad-a**, I bet that Hollywood will pick up on that soon (if they haven't already)! I don't know if I trust my coordination enough to try it in a REAL situation, though...

One of the other simple, yet important things that I realized after watching this one was the need for consistency, namely NOT relying on a slide release as not all pistols HAVE them!

 

[Rob Pincus]

GL,

Its funny you bring that up..... we debated showing it at all because out of context it is definitely a hollywood move. It came from the close quarters training we do (mostly with mil/le) and the contact shooting block. We always force students to go through reloads and fix malfunctions "in role" during those exercises, so when they are in contact with a mannequin (live fire) or role-player (sim) and end up at slide lock, they have to go through the one handed reload process. You can imagine the same procedure you saw, without most of the options for getting the gun back into battery presented, being more difficult without boot option. After exposure to the concept and comfort with it, we've seen students use it in full speed high-Gear'd close quarters ambush sim scenarios. As you noted, the consistency of not relying on the slide lock/release sometimes demands some creativity to solve the problem. The mechanics over it are pretty reliable as long as you don't over think it: fully extend the arm, bring the boot straight up to the hand... not for everyone and certainly not for every-time, but it is an option for unorthodox situations.

-RJP

 

[BHPshooter]

I'm shocked to learn that there are 3 DVDs in this series... I only have "Shooting in Realistic Environments," and I thought it was awesome. It looks like I'll have to get the other ones on their way to my mailbox.

Wes

 

[Rob Pincus]

Thanks for the interest, Wes! If you're not subscribed, they are available at the icestore.us website, along with the Tactical Pistol Training Tips DVD that was recently done for S.W.A.T. Magazine. The latter one has some overlap with the drills and information in the series, but it also has several unique segments and it is also currently available FREE with a subscription or renewal to S.W.A.T. Magazine.

-RJP

 

[achey]

so if you guys are talkinig about the "Advanced pistol handling" dvd being out I am going down to the mail box right now and wait for it. I haven't seen mine yet. By the way Rob you folks put together some really well done videos.

achey

 

[So Flo]

I received the Combat Focus Shooting and Home Defense Tips DVD the other day as an unsolicited deal...and I sure am glad I did!
This was a great introduction to Rob's training and I look forward to receiving the others in the series.

Rob, you noted you will be doing some training in Florida in '08. I would like to know where I can track your schedule in order to see if I can attend one of your sessions.

Nice work!

 

[Rob Pincus]

Thanks, So Flo and Achey. The planned FL courses at this time are all in Orlando, the current schedule is HERE.

 

[Rob Pincus]

Just finished taping 2 days of video at the Cubic facility in Orlando.. went very well. Got the first two non-firearms branches done with Mike Janich (Stick & blade) and finished content for Extreme Close Quarters Tactics and Two Person Tactics.... even did a Bonus Section on Colonel Boyd's OODA Loop. All material should be released during calendar year 2008!

-RJP

 

[sdj]

The INTRO DVD from Valhalla...

... was excellent. I watched the entire introduction CD twice, and the bonus material twice, too. The lighting and camera work is excellent, and the instructors clear and articulate. I subscribed to the set, and look forward to when the remaining DVDs arrive.

I found the demonstration of projectile penetration especially interesting.

In the bonus section there's a presentation on pistols. The presentation is balanced and realistic.

Excellent job.

Bravo.

Looking forward to seeing the rest of the DVDs, incorporating lessons learned into training, and getting to a Valhalla course.

Regards,

SDJ

 

[Rob Pincus]

Thanks Much, SDJ... I am glad you appreciated the presentation and the content!

Be sure to check the schedule at the new site and I look forward to seeing you at a class: www.icetraining.us

-Rob

 

[Revben]

Hey Rob Pincus are you out there?

I have been attempting to subscribe to the Valhalla DVD series for personal firearm defense, but the website appears to have been disabled. Is the series still available?

 

[Rob Pincus]

Hey REv... yeah.. long story on the "Valhalla" site... The concise version is here: Valhalla Timeline.

Thanks for your interest in the DVDs.. you can find them all at the I.C.E. Training Store.

-RJP