Tag: firing

Concealed Carry, Gear and Equipment

Do Glocks Have A Safety?

Mark Schneider

Engineered Safety: The Glock “Safe Action” System

Gaston Glock revolutionized the firearms industry with no prior experience in gun design, founding Glock Ges.m.b.H. and introducing the Glock 17 in the 1980s. This innovative pistol, with its lightweight polymer frame and simplified design, surpassed traditional firearms in durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, becoming a favorite among military, law enforcement, and civilian users worldwide. Glock’s story exemplifies the power of innovation, showing how a fresh perspective and determination can challenge and change established industries. His approach not only transformed gun manufacturing but also serves as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit and cross-disciplinary thinking.

Over the years, Glock has expanded its lineup to include a wide range of calibers and generations, catering to diverse user preferences and operational requirements. Beyond the original 9mm Glock 17, the company now offers models in .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .380 ACP, 10mm Auto, .357 SIG, and .22 LR, among others, providing options for both heavy-duty use and more compact, concealable carry. Each new generation of Glock pistols—spanning from Gen 1 to the latest iterations—has introduced enhancements in ergonomics, reliability, and safety features. These include modular grip designs, improved trigger mechanisms, reversible magazine catches, and integrated rail systems for accessories. With each generation, Glock has refined its designs based on user feedback and technological advancements, solidifying its reputation for producing firearms that meet the evolving needs of military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters worldwide.

Glocks 3 Safety Mechanisms

Glock pistols are renowned for their innovative “Safe Action” system, which integrates three independent safety mechanisms to ensure the firearm operates safely and only fires when intended. The first is the trigger safety, a small lever incorporated into the trigger itself, which prevents the trigger from moving rearward unless deliberately engaged by the shooter’s finger. The second, the firing pin safety, mechanically blocks the firing pin from moving forward to strike the primer of the cartridge until the trigger is fully depressed. Finally, the drop safety ensures that the firing pin is only released if a direct rearward action is applied to the trigger, preventing accidental discharge if the gun is dropped or subjected to impact. Together, these mechanisms work seamlessly to provide an additional layer of safety, making Glock pistols exceptionally secure while maintaining readiness for quick and reliable firing.

Glock Gen 5 Trigger Safety

Glock’s design minimizes accidental discharge through its “Safe Action” system, which includes multiple integrated safeties that activate only when the trigger is deliberately pulled. This makes unintended firing extremely unlikely, underscoring Glock’s dedication to user safety.

In conclusion, Glock’s innovative approach to firearm design, characterized by the integration of polymer frames, a simplified internal mechanism, and a pioneering safety system, has significantly influenced the modern firearms industry. The development of various calibers and generations of Glock pistols, alongside the unique “Safe Action” safety system, underscores the brand’s commitment to reliability, durability, and user safety. This blend of innovation and practicality has cemented Glock’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of firearms, trusted by military, law enforcement, and civilian users around the globe. Gaston Glock’s legacy is not just in the creation of a pistol but in the enduring impact of his vision on the standards of firearm design and safety.

Shooting Techniques

The Captain Crunch Warm Up Drill For Pistol Shooting

Mark Schneider

Captain Crunch Drill: A Warm-Up Shooting Drill for Accuracy & Reload Practice

Whether you’re a concealed carry holder, security guard, or just sharpening your skills at the range, the Captain Crunch Drill is a simple but effective way to warm up. This close-range pistol drill focuses on shot placement, reload proficiency, and mental discipline—all without a shot timer.

Let’s break down how it works, why it’s valuable, and how you can use it to elevate your training routine.

🔧 Setup & Equipment

This drill is designed to work at 7 feet, using a custom 5-circle target labeled 5 through 1. Each circle corresponds to how many rounds you’ll fire at it.

What you’ll need:

  • Semi-auto pistol or revolver
  • 2 magazines or speed loaders
  • 15 rounds total (Mag 1: 10 rounds / Mag 2: 5 rounds)
  • A Captain Crunch target (download below)
  • Eye and ear protection

🎯 Captain Crunch Drill Instructions

The drill is not timed—your goal is deliberate accuracy, not speed. Follow this sequence:

CircleRoundsInstructions
55Fire 5 rounds into the “5” circle
44Fire 4 rounds into the “4” circle
33Fire 3 rounds into the “3” circle
Reload–Reload with your second magazine
22Fire 2 rounds into the “2” circle
11Fire 1 round into the “1” circle

Pro Tip: Focus on smooth trigger press, sight alignment, and solid fundamentals. This is a perfect warm-up for a more intensive session or qualification test.

✅ Optional Scoring System

Use the optional scoring system to measure improvement:

  • 15/15 hits: Excellent
  • 13–14 hits: Good
  • 11–12 hits: Needs Improvement
  • 10 or fewer: Slow down and try again

💪 Why This Drill Matters

  • Builds accuracy under discipline – Smaller circles mean smaller margins for error
  • Simulates a realistic reload – Forces a mid-drill reload that keeps your fundamentals sharp
  • Calms the mind – It’s a great transition into “training mode” without burning a lot of ammo

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Captain Crunch Drill is one of the easiest ways to train effectively with minimal time and ammo. It’s also ideal for CCW holders, new shooters, and instructors looking to teach fundamentals without overwhelming students.

Add it to the start of your range sessions and you’ll quickly see improvements in precision, reload transitions, and overall control.

📥 Download the Drill + Target

Concealed Carry, Legal & Law

Should I Fire A Warning Shot When In Danger?

Mark Schneider

Over the years of doing private security and my short time educating students in firearms, I often hear about people talking about “warning shots”. A lot of people believe it is the best policy to shoot a warning shot(s) to scare off a threat before using deadly force. They also believe this is a lot more humane before seriously injuring someone or taking someones life. The military will use warning shots while in the theater, but that is per their rules of engagement. That is the only time I have ever seen them used.

In the civilian world, we don’t have “rules of engagement” but rather Local, State and Federal laws we have to follow. Here are the reasons you NEVER fire warning shots.

  1. No where in any local, state or federal laws, allows you to fire warning shots. You actually might get charged with reckless endangerment or more if you do so.
  2. It is extremely dangerous to fire warning shots. Either if its in the air, close by the threat or in the ground, you have no idea where those bullets are going to land.
  3. If you feel your life or a third parties is that much in danger of serious bodily injury or death, you should be shooting at the subject in order to stop the threat.
  4. If you fire warning shots and if it ever goes to court, this action will be used against you. Either the prosecutor or defense attorney are going to argue that this action proves that either you or the third party were ever in imminent danger. If you were in that much danger, you would be shooting at the subject in order to stop the threat. They are going to argue how reckless this act was and how you put the public in danger.
  5. Firing warning shots will also prove just how under trained you are in firearms and how you lack knowledge in local, state and federal laws. This proving you shouldn’t be a gun owner.

Below I am going to link to news articles of citizens getting in trouble with the law for firing warning shots or shooting recklessly in the air.

Marrisa Alexander fired warning shot during altercation with husband.  

Austin man arrested for firing  gun into the air to scare neighbors. 

Man arrested for firing warning shots into the air to scare thieves.

How a warning shot got a man 20 years in prison.

There are many more cases or news articles that I could link to. I could almost spend all night doing this. There is this misconception in society that it is okay to fire a warning shot(s). I don’t know if this comes from watching too many shows, movies, news or listening to your “Uncle Mike” who claims to be a gun expert. Overall do NOT fire warning shots. You might face severe consequences if you choose to do so.

(Disclaimer:) This article is only an opinion of a firearms instructor and should not be considered legal advice. For legal advice or questions, please contact your local 2nd Amendment attorney.