COVID 19

Well, this shit escalated quickly.  First, we thought of Kung Flu as a strange virus where we saw China do what well what we know China to do but rarely prove.  Now, we have a global pandemic caused by the Novel Coronavirus.  With the amount of confirmed cases increasing daily, it has caused people to be out of work, the stock market crashing and fears of martial law.  However, it's not a total loss as we have gained valuable insight into the collapse.  Granted that's probably because the collapse is actually happening.  Based on some of my own experiences as well, this needs to be a wake up call for many people who think they're prepared.  Whether it's for SHTF of the Boogaloo, the realizations is that most of us aren't ready.

Now one of the more obvious reactions to this pandemic is of course mass panic.  It's only naturally for those who would be uninitiated to these sorts of things would freak the fuck out.  The usual joke for most in the prepping community (thanks to the Rodney King Riots probably) is that looters would go for the fancy TV's and all the other useless bullshit.  Well this time around the hoarding item of the day appears to be toilet paper.  People all over are rushing to get as much TP as possible.  It's gotten to the point where people are fighting each other for it.  Luckily we haven't gotten to the point where the stores are no longer open and everyone gets desperate.  For now, we are still left wondering what will happen when people get desperate for things more important than things to wipe your ass with.

Since everyone is freaking the fuck out, there have been increased calls for government intervention.  Yet another thing to be expected.  People screaming for the government on all levels to come in and save them and I can't argue with that point.  I mean protecting the citizens is one of the main purposes of the government.  Well, at least it's supposed to be.  However, it appears that everyone wants the government to take over everything and just throw money at the problem and that's just what it's doing.  Forcing small businesses to close, social distancing (which I can do on my own thank you very much), closing schools, mandatory testing checkpoints and even cordoning off entire cities.  They're even arguing right now over a "stimulus" package to give every American $1,000.  While yes free money is cool.  Only problem is that the money has to come from somewhere so we all know how this goes.  If this governmental overreach keeps getting invited upon us by the masses then COVID 19 could lead to the totalitarian super state that we all fear.

Martial law is almost in inevitability at this point.  Many places have already seen the National Guard show up.  People have been freaked seeing tactical vehicles rolling down the street.  On the flip side of that, you have people begging, even demanding full on martial law.  Beyond the constitutional quagmire that such and action creates, the military is not equipped for such an action.  They can't conduct law enforcement (hence using civilian police on installations now) they suck at humanitarian missions.  They only thing they are good at is killing people and breaking shit (note I didn't say winning wars) so it's only a matter of time before they start doing that shit here.

The 3%er fuckers are all over the place on this one.  Around here however, their dependence upon bureaucracy has held them back hardcore.  They've literally spent more time arguing over the fact that not everyone has the chosen uniform and everyone posting links to what pants and shirt are the best.  When it came to an actually plan, the only word passed was protect people and restore order.  Yes, the most vague mission imaginable.  No such discussion on how that will be done just that it will be done.  No mention of working with government at any capacity.  More than likely they'll just present themselves to the national guard who will make dig graves or just shoot them because they'll be kitted out and fully armed.  However, anything will be hard for them to do because they don't all have the right uniform.

Of course, with everything going on there's a good chance the Boogaloo will actually happen.  Only problem is that based on all the conversations going on, it's sadly apparent that most are not prepared for the current situation.  Even worse, some have expressed desires to just raid and become marauders.  So that means a bunch of people who follow philosophies based upon the nonaggression principle are gonna instantly piss all over it.  If you're gonna Boog you have be prepared for all aspects of it.  That includes having the supplies and infrastructures that you think you're just gonna take from others.  If you don't know how to grow food, treat wounds, sew clothing, build shit in general then you're not ready to Boogaloo.  Most likely, someone is gonna come across your dead body and just strip you of anything useful then comment on how you're dressed like an idiot.

As far as we know, this virus is only going to get worse.  I'll be honest, I'm not all that afraid of it.  What I am afraid of is all the idiots out there who are panicking and buying all the toilet paper and begging for the military to drive down Main Street.  What make the situation worse is that while our government is using the situation to take more power, those who would oppose them are more concerned elsewhere.  One is arguing over fashion decisions while not even having a clear mission.  The other has been so focused on the action side of the situation that they haven't really focused on a way of supporting their habit in a practical and realistic manner.  The only thing that I know for sure is that the future is gonna get very interesting and if you're not prepared for it you probably won't get to find out just how interesting.  Oh well, at least we can all agree that the memes have been entertaining.

Duty Holsters

Before I begin let give credit to twitter user Gregory M. (@NotGregoryM) because he sought out my knowledge on this subject.

Seeing how I've already done an article on finding pistols, maybe I should give an overview on what holsters one should use to carry that pistol.  I will only cover be covering duty holsters which are worn on a belt and carried in an overt manner such as military and law enforcement.  I won't cover conceal carry options simply because I can't hide my favoritism towards the inside the waistband options offered by G-Code.  With that said, all of this is only my opinion.  Whether or not you choose to acquire any of these options is your choice only.  In regards to this very specific issue, I prefer to present you some options and allow you to make your own decisions.  Except when it comes to nylon.  You use a nylon holster you're asking for problems.  All options presented will be make from kydex and for a duty holster that's the way to go.

The first option I present to you also happens to be my personal favorite (note I said personal favorite not the best out there,  That's your choice to make.) duty holsters.  Those would be the option presented by Safariland.  If you are observant, you will notice that most holsters used by military and law enforcement happen to be made by Safariland.  They offer plenty of options in regards to styles of retention and whether or not your pistol has a flashlight mounted to it.  Their locking systems provide a excellent retention into the ejection port of the pistol to provide a smooth and consistent draw and re-holstering.  They also provide an additional quick change system that allows you to either swap out different pistols on your kit or swap your holster to different loadouts.  As for flaws, if you order directly from Safariland you are looking at long lead times as holsters are made to order as to your personal specifications like finish, color and draw hand.  Another flaw is more obvious.  Safariland holster are some of the most expensive on the market.  Depending on set up, you could be spending upwards of $250.  If you're fortunate enough to have a more common pistol, you might get lucky and find what your are looking for on eBay at a much reduced price.  If you are looking for a holster for your pistol, this is the first company I am sending you to.

Another acceptable option comes from a company know as G-Code.  They are another company that has many of their products used by law enforcement and the military.  These holster primarily use the tension of the kydex to ensure the retention of the pistol.  However, like other companies they offer options with a cowl for additional retention.  These cowls use a push button thumb drive system to shoot the cowl forward and allow you to draw the pistol.  They also have a quick attachment system to allow to swap out the holster.  A system they I personally (again subjective) find to be superior to they system provided by Safariland.  They even have adapters available for the holsters of other companies to be attached to their mounting systems.  My dislike in the system comes from its primary retention point being the tension created by the holster.  You can adjust the tension but, you have to find that sweet spot between having a smooth draw and keeping the pistol in the holster.  This require the user to be completely consistent on their draw strength in order clear the pistol from the holster.  With the systems with the cowl, you can use the thumb drive as a leverage point.  If you have the light bearing option though, no matter what you do there is just too much tension to ever get smooth draw without and adequate anchor point for your holster.  Needing to be consistent and your draw strength and motions isn't necessarily a bad thing.  However, if anything in you or your kit isn't perfectly set, you will have problems in your draw.  In a world where slow is smooth and smooth is fast, if the smooth part is out of whack you might be having a bad time.  Another flaw is that unless you have a commonly used or modern pistol, they won't carry a holster for you.  This means if you want to use their pistol, you have to be more generic and up to date in regards to your choice of pistols.

One of the other options available to shooters come from a company called Blade-Tech.  They are similar in many ways to G-Code in that they utilized a thumb drive system and offer proprietary mounting systems.  However they do offer more options than G-Code in regards to the pistols they make holsters for.  My dislike for them actually come to the style of thumb drive for the cowl holsters.  To activate the thumb drive instead of pushing down like a button, you actually have to push at tab inward towards your body in order to activate the cowl.  I always found it to be a pain in the ass and made for very inconsistent draws.  In regards to price they are right in between those of G-Code and Safariland.  However, I find both of them to provide superior products to Blade-Tech.

Definitely a bargain bin company, Blackhawk in attempting to improve their reputation with the Omnivore holster.  This also has a thumb drive system that locks into the accessory rail of the the pistol (kinda) or the tactical light if you have chosen that option.  The draw of this pistol however, is that it is designed as a 1 size fits most holster enabling multiple different makes of pistol being able to use the same holster.  If your pistol has a light, this is achieved by locking onto the light itself instead of the pistol.  If you don't have a light, the pistol requires and additional component that mounts to your accessory rail and that locks into the pistol for retention.  With that comes the flaw of the pistol.  You should have to mount anything onto your pistol in order to mount it into your holster.  With such a system they attempt to make a jack of all trades and as the rest of the saying goes, master of none.  Also this pistol like it's predecessor, has a fatal flaw.  In order to holster most makes of pistols, the opening needs to be much larger than necessary.  In some cases, you can even reach into the holster and actually manipulate the trigger while the pistol is in the holster.  In my opinion, this makes the pistol incredibly unsafe for any use beyond carried on the range.  This is not a pistol for duty use.

No!!! Just fucking no!  The Blackhawk Serpa is a holster that should not be used period.  The locking mechanism is in the trigger guard and activation on the draw increases you chances for a negligent discharge.  Nobody in their right mind would ever recommend anyone use this pistol.  Most competent instructors and range owners won't even allow them to be used anymore because their history of being dangerous.  The only people I ever see use these holster nowadays are idiotic 3%ers and the JuSt As Gud crowd (granted they are often one in the same but fuck it whatever).  If you value your legs and balls (or ovaries, we're equal opportunity haters here) DO NOT USE THIS HOLSTER!

There you have it everyone.  Just a few suggestions on holsters.  If you don't believe me or think I'm full of shit that's okay.  I don't claim to be an expert, just a guy whom some people think knows his shit.  I won't go into how you should wear your holster because most of that is just a matter of preference and is more of a try it out and see what works.  That's what I think you should do with as much gear as possible.  If you buy something and you end up not liking it you can always sell it to somebody.  Hence Safariland holsters being on eBay.  Just find something that works for you.  Except when it comes to Blackhawk.  Stay away from that shit.  If you use it you deserve to shoot yourself in the leg you fucking moron.

Reliance on Certification

Throughout my years in the military, tactical and prepper communities, I always saw this unnecessary reliance upon certifications.  Everything from not being able to do something to not being able to use a piece of gear all because of what I came to realized was just some arbitrary piece of paper.  Well, here's a secret that I have learned and I'll give Pat from Uncensored Tactical (year I refer to him a lot but he happens to give examples and often be an example in himself that proves my fucking point) some credit here in that certifications DO NOT FUCKING MATTER!!!  In some cases, certifications are merely a check in the box or a barrier to entry.  Other times they create a false sense of authority that make the holders believe they have a seat at the table.  In all reality, certifications just feed bureaucracy and create false prophets.

There is no greater check in the box than that of the NRA certified instructor.  In most cases these guys are just the creepy Fudd brass goblins at your local gun range.  In other cases they use their minimal firearm expertise as a means of collecting money from new and unsuspecting firearm owners whom they teach their bad, out of date and in worst cases unsafe firearms practices for money.  If they're not teaching you dangerous techniques like Lucien Black of Voda Consulting (the NRA eventually revoked his credentials) they will teach you outdated techniques from the 80's like Iron Sight (they're also crazy cultists too but more on that another time).  In most states, you actually have to pay these fuckers money because taking a firearms safety course in a requirement for receiving your pistol permit.  Thanks NRA, your "fight" for gun rights created a barrier to entry that also funnels money to your bullshit organization.

Unnecessary certifications also extends to equipment.  One such certification that I've recently found to be unnecessary is the NIJ certification.  This certification acts as a rating system for ballistic protection equipment like helmets, vests and plates.  I know many people (myself included at one point in regard to helmets) that will not trust equipment unless it has been NIJ certified.  Only problem is that most of the good equipment is prohibitively expensive.  That cost is because testing for NIJ certification costs upwards of $40,000.  This creates yet another barrier to entry as new companies with potentially better offerings can't compete as they can't get passed that expensive certification process.

If you're that concerned you can do what I did.  I bought a plate without certification, duct taped it to a tree stump and unloaded on it.  The plate suffered no penetration so I went and bought myself a set.  If you're uncertain about certain items, it might be worth the investment to make a smaller purchase and find out for yourself if a larger investment is worth it.

Something recently popping up withing my local circles of the "Patriot" movement has been this hard on they have for FEMA certifications.  Guys have found ways to use their connections within their respective counties to get sent to various FEMA certification courses using tax payer resources.  Yes, that means the money your government has stolen went to some retard 3%er getting a FEMA certification.  The claim by most in the movement is to enable them to go where places in order to help in disaster relief where they would normally be denied entry.  Others have told me it would be a means of making use of state resources to get them and their personnel out of dodge in their SHTF situations.  In reality, I don't think the state will give a fly fuck what certifications they have, if they aren't part of a state agency they won't be going anywhere special.  They will be treated like every other civilian volunteer because that is still all they are.  My other concern is that because they have be come so reliant and hold these certifications with such reverence that it makes me wonder who's side they will take if the Boogaloo actually happens.  So Goons, that means you might want to consider them in your threat assessments.

Yes, some people actually take ZERT certificates serious.  While the Zombie Eradication Response Team does provides a use, some people fail to realized that it's nothing more than additional marketing.  ZERT, is probably the biggest example of certifications don't make you an expert.  It reminds me of when I first entered my local 3% group.  There was this one guy who constantly tried to inject himself in as an expert yet was obviously a fucking idiot.  He constantly tried to take charge and run shit.  His only qualifier was that he had a ZERT certificate.  Yeah, this guy tried to act like some bad ass because he went to a zombie school. 

Now, I don't those of you who have certification to think that it's bad that you have them.  I'm just saying that when it comes to the purposes of SHTF and the Boogaloo that they don't matter.  Having the knowledge and having the experience are what really matter.  All certificates do are create barriers to entry and false experts.  If bureaucracy breed incompetence then, certifications validate it.