Carrying A Round In The Chamber

Carrying A Round In The Chamber

When it comes to carrying a firearm for self-defense, one question sparks endless debate: should you carry with a round in the chamber? Carrying with a round in the chamber means your gun is loaded, cocked, and ready to fire the moment you pull the trigger; no need to rack the slide first. It’s the fastest way to get your gun into action. But speed comes with responsibility, and this setup isn’t for everyone unless you’re properly trained. You owe it to yourself to understand both sides of this argument before making a decision.

Trigger Control

Trigger Control

The trigger is one of the most overlooked, yet most important, aspect of shooting a firearm. A bad trigger pull can turn a perfectly good shot into a miss. At Intuitive Self Protection, we’re not about wasting ammo or hoping for the best. We teach proven techniques that help everyday people shoot like pros. Let’s break down trigger control and how you can improve yours today.

Should You Carry a Backup Gun?

Should You Carry a Backup Gun?

Carrying a firearm is about being prepared for the worst-case scenario. But what happens if your gun malfunctions, runs out of ammo, or gets knocked out of your hands? Some gun owners solve this problem by carrying a backup gun. Is it a smart move or unnecessary weight? Let’s look at the pros and cons.

The Most Common Mistakes Gun Owners Make

The Most Common Mistakes Gun Owners Make

Being in the self-protection business for as long as we have, we’ve seen people make the same mistakes over and over. These are mistakes that could cost them everything in a real-world situation. Owning a firearm is not enough; you must know how to use it, when to use it, and what happens after you do. Let’s get to the three biggest mistakes gun owners make.

Revolvers: Old-School Firepower

Revolvers: Old-School Firepower

Revolvers are like the classic cars of the gun world; simple and effective. At Intuitive Self Protection (ISP), we train shooters of all levels, and revolvers are often a hot topic. Firearms enthusiasts appreciate revolvers as a reliable backup, proving that these classics still have a solid role in modern self-defense.

Ammo: Hollow Point vs Full Metal Jacket

Ammo: Hollow Point vs Full Metal Jacket

You might wonder about the difference between hollow points and full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds. Why does is this important? Because understanding these distinctions could mean the difference between a successful self-defense scenario and a dangerous mistake. At Intuitive Self Protection, we’ve spent years training thousands of responsible gun owners, and we know how crucial it is to choose the right tools for the job. Let’s get into it.

Do I Need a Concealed Carry Permit?

Do I Need a Concealed Carry Permit?

If you’re considering carrying a firearm for personal protection, one of the first questions to ask yourself is whether you need a concealed carry permit. We’re gonna break down the essentials; the differences between open and concealed carry, what state laws mean for you, and how to get the training you need to carry confidently and responsibly.

New Gun Laws Taking Effect in 2025

New Gun Laws Taking Effect in 2025

If you’re reading this, you are indeed a warrior. You made it through 2024, and boy was it a crazy year. As we step into 2025, the legal landscape around firearms is making a shift in a few states. From tightening restrictions to expanding rights, these new laws will impact gun owners, enthusiasts, and Second Amendment advocates nationwide. Read to find out what’s changing, where, and what it means for us, the 2A community.

Post-Holiday Fitness

Post-Holiday Fitness

The holidays are a time for family, fun, and if ya know like I know, feasting. Be it Auntie’s famous pie or that second (okay, third) helping of stuffing, the holiday season is notorious for loosening belts and packing on pounds. But as the New Year rolls around, it’s time to shake off the sugar comas, lace up your sneakers, and get moving.

Let’s talk fitness challenges, a powerful way to recover from all that holiday indulgence and set the tone for the new year. The gym will be packed in January with people going hard and fueled by good intentions but by February, most will have bailed. I already know, you’re not "most people". Let’s go past the quick fixes and make this about building a mindset that will carry you through the year. You’ve gotta keep that momentum going in a sustainable way. Start with manageable goals, celebrate small victories, and gradually level up. Make fitness a year-round priority, not just a post-holiday fix.

Emergency Readiness

Emergency Readiness

Some would say we’re living in the best of times and the worst of times and with all that’s going on, maybe it even looks like uncertain times. Every day, the news cycles churn out stories of cyber threats, power grid vulnerabilities, mysterious drones, potential viral outbreaks, and rising tensions (including nuclear) on the world stage. It’s enough to make anyone feel uneasy. But here’s one thing for certain, fear gets you nowhere. Preparation, on the other hand, puts you in control. Having a solid emergency plan is common sense. If nothing bad ever happens, great! But if something does, being ready could be the difference between chaos and calm. Preparation is only half the battle. The other half? Keeping your cool. In high-stress situations, fear can cloud judgment and lead to bad decisions. Focus on facts, think logically, and avoid getting swept up in hysteria. Remember, most emergencies are temporary.

Check out these tips to get you ready for whatever comes your way:

Solo Road Traveling

Solo Road Traveling

For some, solo travel is not just a Point A to Point B situation. It’s a way to get out of the daily grind, clear your mind, and rock out to your favorite tracks as loud as you want. It doesn’t matter if you’re hitting the open road for the holidays or carving out time for yourself during the rest of the year, traveling alone can be an incredible way to recharge. Regardless of the reason, being solo also means you’re your own backup. No one’s going to have your six, so you’ve got to take safety seriously. Here are just a few tips for riding solo.

Your Holiday Safety Checklist

Your Holiday Safety Checklist

The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for family, joy, and celebration, it’s also prime time for criminals. Crowded stores, distracted shoppers, and late-night errands create the perfect conditions for thieves and opportunists to strike. While holiday safety precaution do apply to men, this is more so a female focused blog. Please forward this to all your female friends and family but guys, take a read because it applies to you as well.

Pairing Empty-Hand Skills with Gunfighting

Pairing Empty-Hand Skills with Gunfighting

Despite the emphasis on firearms skills to defend oneself, most deadly encounters don’t start out deadly. Most of the time, they kick off as a shove, a grab, or a punch. It’s raw, chaotic, and up-close. If your first instinct in a fight is to go for your gun, you’re already behind. Why? Because you’re in the thick of it; your hands are occupied, you’re defending yourself, and the threat is right on top of you.

That’s where most people fail. They train to shoot, shoot, shoot, but they never address the gap between a physical altercation and a gunfight. And that gap? It’s what could cost you your life.

Suppressors and Silencers

Suppressors and Silencers

Let’s clear the air: suppressors and silencers are technically the same device, but the term "silencer" is a misnomer that Hollywood made famous. They don’t magically make your gun whisper-quiet like in the movies. What they do is reduce the sound and muzzle flash when you fire, making them a practical addition for some firearm owners.

So, why would you want one? What are the upsides and downsides? And what should you think about before deciding if a suppressor is right for you? Let’s get into it.

Honoring Veterans Day

Honoring Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a time to hit pause and recognize the people who put everything on the line for our country. It’s not just another holiday or a day off work; it’s a reminder of the sacrifices our military service members have made and continue to make. On November 11th each year, we honor the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present.

Kids and Gun Safety

Kids and Gun Safety

It’s not uncommon to hear people say they learned how to shoot before they were 10 years old. The same people probably have taught or plan to teach their own kids how to shoot. Teaching kids about gun safety is a super important responsibility for any gun-owning family. Whether or not you intend for your child to handle a firearm, building their understanding of gun safety can help prevent accidents and instill respect for the serious nature of these tools. Here are some things to consider when it comes to gun safety education with your children.

Truck Guns: Purpose, Preparation, and Practicality

Truck Guns: Purpose, Preparation, and Practicality

So, why a truck gun? For many, the appeal of a truck gun boils down to enhanced range, stopping power, and accuracy that simply isn’t possible with a standard concealed carry. Farmers, ranchers, and those in rural areas often keep a rifle or shotgun in their vehicle to handle pests, predators, or situations where a longer-range option is in order. Even urban drivers might consider a truck gun for a little added peace of mind on the road. If you choose to have one, be clear on why you want it and where you’ll use it. It’s not just another “cool” gun; it’s a tool.