Training

Instructor Network Spotlight: Michael Howe (Southern Minnesota)

By Jacob Paulsen / January 3, 2026

Meet Michael Howe, a Southern Minnesota firearm instructor who recently joined the ConcealedCarry.com Instructor Network. Learn his training philosophy, focus on safety and lawful self-defense, and find classes near you.

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Red Dot Myths: 5 Common Misconceptions About Pistol Red Dots

By Jacob Paulsen / December 30, 2025

Red dot myths continue to hold back concealed carriers. We break down five common handgun red dot misconceptions and explain what actually matters for defensive use.

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3 MORE Lessons From Concealed Carry Renewal Classes

By Jacob Paulsen / December 22, 2025

Three more lessons from concealed carry renewal classes: outdated or ultra-small guns, overconfidence without skill awareness, and why most carriers are curious about pistol optics but haven’t made the switch.

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When Showing Your Gun Goes Wrong: Key Lessons from CCW Safe’s Defensive Display vs. Brandishing Training

By Jacob Paulsen / December 17, 2025

Learn the critical difference between defensive display vs brandishing from CCW Safe’s legal experts. Real cases, legal principles, and survival rules.

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New Video Series: Competitive Shooting Primer Now Available for Guardian Nation Members

By Jacob Paulsen / December 2, 2025

Exclusive 9-part video series: Riley Bowman’s Competitive Shooting Primer now available for Guardian Nation members. Learn USPSA fundamentals, stage strategy, target transitions, and movement techniques from expert instruction

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What Four Recent Doorway Shootings Teach Armed Homeowners

By Jacob Paulsen / November 18, 2025

Real-world analysis of four recent doorway shootings and the critical lessons for armed homeowners. Learn when deadly force is justified, why you shouldn’t shoot through doors, and how our Door Ambush and Complete Home Defense courses can help you make the right decisions.

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The Hex Drill — A Guardian Pistol Curriculum Favorite

By Jacob Paulsen / October 22, 2025

Train shooting while moving, target transitions, cadence control and situational awareness with the Hex Drill — a 6-position Guardian Pistol Curriculum workout (min. 27 rounds).

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Motor Learning and Firearms Training: Why Good Reps Matter Most

By Dan Brady / October 14, 2025

Former Marine and firearms instructor Dan Brady breaks down why completing bad repetitions during firearms training can harm performance. Learn the difference between training, practice, and testing—and why understanding motor learning is key to building real defensive skill.

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Revolver Fest 2025: A Weekend of Training, Tradition, and Top-Tier Instruction

By Jacob Paulsen / October 14, 2025

Revolver Fest 2025 brought revolver enthusiasts to South Carolina for three days of elite training, demos, and community hosted by American Fighting Revolver. Here’s my firsthand recap and takeaways from the event.

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Vigilance & Fellowship: Church Security Digital Round Table

By Jacob Paulsen / September 30, 2025

Join ConcealedCarry.com on October 9th, 2025 for the Vigilance & Fellowship: Church Security Digital Round Table. Learn from experts Steve Moses and Chris Matlock as they share strategies to protect congregations from targeted violence. Free for Guardian Nation members.

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Prepared Isn’t Paranoid header image showing the #BoulderStrong memorial outside King Soopers in Boulder, Colorado, with a Road Closed sign, flowers, crosses, and a passerby.

Prepared Isn’t Paranoid. It’s Love With a Plan

By Mitch Goerdt / September 30, 2025

Aisle seven, ordinary Tuesday. Fluorescent hum overhead. The checkout dings. Laura Ashley’s list is dialed for what the kids will actually eat. I push the cart. Izzy rides the front…

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The 3 Most Common Safety Violations At The Gun Range

By Jacob Paulsen / September 26, 2025

Discover the three most common gun range safety violations—unsafe reholstering, poor muzzle direction, and lingering fingers—and how to avoid them.

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2025 Guardian Conference: A Milestone Year of Training, Community, and Excellence

By Jacob Paulsen / September 25, 2025

The 2025 Guardian Conference concluded this past weekend in Oklahoma City, marking five years of bringing together some of the nation’s top defensive firearms instructors and dedicated students committed to…

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Range bag ear protection

5 Things Missing From Your Range Bag That Tell Me You Aren’t That Serious

By Jacob Paulsen / September 2, 2025

Walk into any shooting range on a busy Saturday, and you’ll see them everywhere: shooters with expensive guns, premium optics, and all the latest tactical gear. But peek into their…

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The Ultimate Guide to Safe Dry Fire Practice

By Jacob Paulsen / August 28, 2025

Prevent dry fire negligent discharges with this comprehensive safety guide. Equipment recommendations, procedures, and mindset tips for safe firearm training at home.

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