Are You Making These Deadly Mistakes When Modifying Your Defensive Carry Gun? Follow These 7 Rules

[@XrayMike17plus1]

Thank you, Tom. It's incredibly rare to find an attorney with your background and 2A knowledge who's willing to contribute so openly to the community.

[@CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

Indeed. Combine that with his willingness to take the time to produce these useful videos and he is definitely an emerging voice for our community and I am glad to have him here.

[@XrayMike17plus1]

@rickmurillo6857 LOL, Maybe he just doesn't like you. Maybe he's justified in that.

[@mikethefireman6696]

Rule #7 can't be stressed more than enough. Not just on the firearm, but vehicles and clothing too. Best strategy is to be the Silent Guy in the room.

[@rbm6184]

MiketheFireman True. If you want to stand out with a personalized Gucci gun or a pimp gun, you will but that is not a good thing like you think it is. Draw attention to your gun and it can not only invite thieves but also unwanted attention in court and elsewhere. The less attention you draw the better. If you want a work of art and many guns are then use it as a showpiece or range gun but not for self defense.

[@garrettlundy3959]

“Dress like Carlton Banks not Will Smith”. But it applies to guns too. 😂

[@tamadrummer001]

This is the second video I am aware of you asking about whether to make a video about weapons mounted lights. I am super interested in hearing what you have to say about it.

[@limitlessluis]

Agreed to most if not all of what was discussed in this video. Me: I have a weapon mounted light. Why? Explained by experts - better to have to identify target than to shoot the wrong person at night say like a family member arriving late at night even though it might “give away your position”. Weigh your pros and cons. Positively identifying the assailant/s is CRUCIAL. Trigger - I have a drop in trigger group from a reputable company installed with the majority of factory heavy springs retained - about 4-1/2 to 5 lbs pull. The trigger kit integrates an over-travel stop and reduces pre-travel slightly making it more predictable and safer for me as a shooter. Practice, practice, practice! And last but not least: Yes! TRITIUM night sights! Ended up with $150 quality sights after research into budget aftermarket night sights. Passed on fiber optics even though they are brighter than anything else in the day. Daylight visibility is fine, it’s the nighttime when we need to have a heightened ability. High-Vis bright orange front and blacked out rear, all three with the radioactive glow-in-the-dark vials. Been doing my homework and absolutely, if ever involved in a justified defensive shooting we need to be aware the prosecutor will throw anything and everything at the jury! Set yourself up for success in court! Cheers! 😎🇺🇸

[@hey1010101010929384]

Much love seeing such a good representative of 2a knowledge as someone from the Milwaukee/Wisconsin area.

[@markpaulin884]

Thank you for your videos and supporting the 2nd Amendment

[@whiplash8277]

Would love to see a video on prosecutors vs. defensive firearms usage with an up caliber setup, specifically running a .357 Sig barrel in a .40 caliber handgun.

[@gilbertvargas4757]

I appreciate your professional and thoughtful perspective. Thank you for taking the time to support our community

[@armeddiver]

Tom, thank you for the video. Like others have said, I wish more attorneys would come online to either provide advise. Before I start let me give you a little background. I was in law enforcement for over 43 years before completely retiring in September of 2019. My wife is currently an AUSA and a former Miami Dade State Attorney. With the exception of my Sig M17, all of my striker fire guns have modified triggers [and] I did the work myself in all the guns. Now that we have set the stage here are my "rules concerning firearms modification." 1. Train, train, train. 2. Practice, practice, practice. 3. I know that a life threatening situation is going to be high stress, but if you continually, remember [and practice] the four basic principles of firearms safety to the point that you do not think about it, you will greatly reduce the possibility of a negligent discharge, because you will have trained yourself not to have your finger on the trigger until you are actually ready to destroy the target. Bottom line, no one should be carrying a gun for self defense unless they are training and practicing. A flip side to heavy weight triggers. When my wife was prosecuting cases in Miami the weight of the trigger pull was a significant piece of evidence, especially in cases related to domestic violence, and heat of the moment situations, because it went toward intend. If the gun required 12 lbs to pull, as in the case of a double action or a striker fire Glock with a 12 lbs New York trigger, then she would argue that it showed the assailant's intent because they had to pull so hard to make the gun discharge, which could truly be the difference between Murder One or Involuntary manslaughter. I am commenting and liking the video to help push the algorithm so more people can see this video. To me it is hugely important that actual legal experts provide this information rather than KZbin sh**house experts like myself. Again, thank you for the video.

[@davepaul1657]

In this tumultuous time of great sorrow and trials unending I am comforted by the fact that I am now a knowelegable card carrying shooter who never ever dreamed of bearing this huge responsibility but thanks to brave souls like you I carry on confidently. My first day owning a firearm was tough. The mind blowing realization of what I had just purchased really sent me into an overwhelming thirst for knowledge of the laws of the land. Thank you May the Lord bless you my friend

[@martymonaco1255]

Dave, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, goes thru the same feelings when they purchase and/or carry for the first time (several times for me!). I was definitely one of them. It is a huge responsibility but, I, for one, commend you for taking that step with the rest of us who really care about our safety and ALL those around us. The good guys, that is! Your gun will become just a part of you and you will feel naked without it. Thanks and welcome to the community of responsible Americans!!

[@CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

@Dave Paul, Welcome to the family. It is a daunting responsibility but it sounds like you have the right mindset for it. This is a journey, I wish you luck with yours.

[@ericsfishingadventures4433]

Yeah if you weren't born and raised around firearms it is quite the unique experience. Glad you're choosing to be able to protect yourself and loved ones. And God bless you back.

[@roynichols4745]

You are absolutely correct. When I took my ccw class in the end during qualifying I was amazed at just how many could not shoot. I took mine with a .40 M&P. I try to train all the time, since I joined the USCCA I found peace of mind, and a world of knowledge with the premium platform. Keep up the great work.

[@coyote520]

USCCA really does an amazing job with their training and resources. I am a proud member, and I am trying to spread the word, and more people to join. We all need to stand together.

[@rbm6184]

Roy Nichols Yes the best and most expensive gun and ammunition in the world is no substitute for good marksmanship. Same for guns with high capacity where all the ammo in the world is no substitute for good marksmanship. Practice and train. Lay off any kind of stimulants be it caffeine, tranquilizers, alcohol, drugs, or any narcotics. You can't shoot effectively or accurately if you got the shakes or are drunk or doped up. You need your motor skills.

[@lanceanderson6410]

Thanks To. Please talk about weapon mounted lights vs handheld. Please talk about weapon mounted lasers.

[@johnjalad3590]

I would like you to comment on ammo legality. And will having your own hand loaded ammo for self defense? What problems could be addressed.

[@rudyg528]

Tom, thanks again. Keep up the great work and once again you should think of opening an office in the Illinois NW suburbs

[@XrayMike17plus1]

Agreed on trigger. A compromise between heavy and light allows you to take up the travel to the 'Wall' and hold there with less fear of unintentionally breaking the shot. It also allows 'riding the reset' back to that same pre-break spot when maintaining readiness for a follow-on shot if so required. Too light of a trigger makes that hazardous. Around 4 to 4.5 lbs with a clean break is my preference.

[@joeythemechanic2504]

And I say again Thank You Tom and you are so right about the triggers my significant other has a P365 SAS single action and a G3C SA/DA with night sights the difference between them are likable but as a both are great but me myself would go with the G3C I don't think a mistake could be made with either but I trust the SA/DA HOLESTERING but trust the P365 on the Draw more it's weird. But we use the dry fire system at home but at the range you're not aloud to so it's done off the pick up from the station and inserting clip racking the slide just incase it's not on her at home or unloaded. And train our kids with the system to and the THE BEST PLACE I'VE EVER COME ACROSS THE USCCA!!!!! For training and teaching plus some of our own tools. But I got my badges waiting on my other to finish hers so we can go to class or I'm going without her lol but will take my daughter with me. Thanks again!

[@encinobalboa]

Excellent, excellent advice. Practice at range and at home with snap caps is very important. Get used to picking up and handling a tool. Learn how to keep finger off trigger. Learn how to build grip quickly and easily. Learn how to find the wall and ride the wall. Learn where the break is. Learn where the reset is. The most important practice is safety, even at home with snap caps. All this takes time and many repetitions. Eventually, these skills will develop and become second nature.

[@XrayMike17plus1]

As you've opened the door , Tactical Hive's youtube Channel has a lot of pistol fundamentals subject matter. Certainly, there are othes however they are a great starting point.

[@CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

Thank you for the well laid out information. Your detailed breakdown of the differences in pistol actions is appreciated and will undoubtedly enlighten many folks. Others have noted, and I agree, that this video was less technically focused on legalities and gave you a chance to share with us some of your training and firearm knowledge. Although I will offer up a friendly debrief comment: At 7:26 you did say that most striker fired pistols don't come with a safety and at 7:33 you mentioned that most striker-fired pistols don't any any kind of safety. I expect you meant a reference to external safeties. A Glock does have three safeties. But yes, other then your finger depressing the trigger safety, there is no other action the user has to take to complete a shot. I hate to see you perpetuate firarms inaccuracies when 99.9% of your videos are amazingly spot on. As far as other giggles, I did love the trigger warning at 6:20 "for some of you striker fired aficiandos out there.." I did LOL... Thank you for your diligence in defense of our rights.

[@carllatimer6335]

Thank you Tom, absolutely informative as always. The only modification I intended to make to one of my EDC Firearms is changing the sights. You also brought up a excellent point with striker fired pistols, when holstering I always visually check to be sure I’m not snagged on my shirt! Thanks again for providing quality information in a concise easy to understand format.

[@ETmyAz]

More than likely won't help your situation but if you have matching dark color front and rear iron sights and especially on a short slide, I've noticed a little touch of metallic silver Sharpie marker on the edges of the front sight helps the eyes to differentiate very minor left/right movements. Specifically for aiming at greater than average distances but sometimes just being able to better gauge slight movements can make a difference.

[@marcwinnig]

Great to see you in this great (atypical) role. I always assumed you were knowledgeable in this area as well. Just a refreshing change from the legal-focused content we know and love. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@renegade501]

I've carried CZ 75s on and off duty for over 25 years. The only mods have been switching out for tritium sights and flatter grips. The long double action pull for the first round has literally been a life saver in extremely tense confrontations.

[@machadoross]

I carry the accushadow for on and off duty. Haven't put any mods on it but wouldn't mind putting a red dot on it

[@josephnoll2754]

Thank you for providing insight on the methodology used in court case.

[@DwnRange]

Recent subscriber and retired NRA Instructor - couple tips/information for you sir. 1 - Gock trigger "Safe-T Blok" - this is a polymer trigger "insert" which actually is adjustable for different models (9mm, 10mm, 45acp) and it slides into and sort of "locks" into the trigger guard, (with a protruding feature behind the actual Glock factory trigger). This makes it impossible for the Glock trigger to have am ND while holstering or drawing the pistol, ya can't even depress the the Glock center trigger safety or even cycle the slide, but the protruding feature is easily pushed out using the trigger-finger when drawn or left static there until needed and generally easy to retrieve off the ground, pavement or carpet at the exact spot where the shooter decided to actually use the firearm. Or simply placed in your pocket in an non-self defense scenario, I have used one for decades now, it does not interfere with holstering and was relatively inexpensive to purchase. (I'm so old let's hope they still make them) 2 - Your the attorney and I'm just an old retired pistol instructor, but you should know this - you'll never find me using a pistol mounted light on my carry weapon - Why? There are 50 states and some of them carry serious felony penalties for "pointing a firearm" at people, so where is your firearm pointing when you are using your firearm mounted light in a dark environment? Don't set yourself up for charges by being stupid, KNOW the laws in your state, as you have stated many times, and "search" with a flashlite from your "off-hand". Nothing wrong with having illumination on your varmint rifle as I do here at the farm - but an armadillo diggin up the yard or coyotes dinning on my sister's dogs at 4am ain't gonna sue me for lighting them up and doing them in on farm property. Love your channel sir and IMHO you are generally spot on with everything you pass on so keep up the good work and I'll just shut-up.

[@PJ_Perry]

Glock has the Striker control device now perfect for fixing that reholstering negligence discharge.. mabe a good video idea .. keep up the good work 💯

[@donaldanderson7410]

I’m in Cali where we’ve lost several legal battles, but to be fair, we’ve won a few lately. “Armed Scholar” and “Reno May” are my current heroes. Glad to have you sir. Be safe

[@kubikariYOU]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@percyfaith11]

Tom I suggest a video exploring the various legal services plans, such as CCW Safe, that are available to help defend against criminal and civil prosecution resulting from a defensive use of force.

[@otishohimer9146]

Good video Tom

[@AttyTomGrieve]

Thanks 👍

[@_bigbenbenny]

Thank you for all these recommendations. Regarding wrapping mounted lights, I've heard arguments for both sides, and will appreciate your perspective on the topic.

[@flyboy8752]

A great drill that helps me cover most of what you recommend is the dot torture drill.

[@flyboy8752]

And you can print the targets off at home.

[@308dad8]

This video right here, yes! You brought an answer and not just a question! Glad to see it! I agree I don’t modify anything. I will fix things, and I have one that needs a great deal of fixing as accuracy is nowhere near what it should be. My eyes may play a small part in it but it’s not like I’m the entire problem when 2 other revolver seem to love being shot. Some guns if I carry them I have to carry handloads or they won’t shoot worth a damn and I don’t want to lob shots all over the countryside. What’s the liability for hand loads for defensive ammunition in my gun? And will I load developed to get reasonable accuracy so as not to miss my attacker and hit someone hiding in a blind spot an effective defense? What happens if my gun is loaded to go to the range and so loaded with my range ammunition (I like shooting cast bullets for cost) and I end up having to defend myself?

[@robertbridges517]

When taking Mas Ayoob's LFI-1 course, Mas used a Glock 30 with a NY-1 trigger with its heavier pull. This still kept the pull short. He was able to still best two state police pistol champs with their Glock 17s during the course and kept his $5 bet. I find the NY-2 too heavy but upping the weight to the NY-1 is easy to master. With the dull black finish of the Glock, any attempt to use the slide as a reference in stress fire is useless if one has "older" eyes. I was lost in the very low/no light scenerio.... tritium is now my best friend. This is a timely presentation. What runs on the range may be totally wrong on the street. Also... training.... a Texas state trooper was killed in a gun battle. He was big into IPSC. There were three assailants... double tap, double tap..dead. It should have been single, single, single...wash and repeat.

[@billhoppe2991]

Thank you. Great content.

[@richardmarshall159]

Thank you. Rick

[@jonpalmer2766]

Great tips

[@williambaker4417]

Good advice as always.

[@GmanGSW]

Tom, thanks for the great info and keep up the great work! I do need to practice more with my weaker hand. I practice dry firing about 3-4xs/week and I've seen improvements. In reference to triggers, I try to use what my local "Law Enforcement" uses in their firearms, which is 4-5 lbs in their ARs and I've put 4-4.5 lb triggers in mine.

[@Tigrebleau1]

Important information in a great presentation (he is a lawyer, after all). Thanks for this and your other videos.

[@nvkulk]

Great channel

[@jcfindley380]

I have to say, fantastic video and I expect you to be a rising star in the GunTube-averse. Next, HK LEM triggers are IMO the best of all worlds. Long long take-up, smooth light pull, crisp break, with a short reset.

[@lavida57]

Thank you for trying to keep people safe.

[@hansolo6401]

Thanks for all your advice on this channel. Would love to hear the stuff about WMLs. Everyone who carries should educate themselves by watching this channel

[@bcj128]

Great video! Wish we had someone like you here in CA that can argue facts / tactics / safety in our gun cases…

[@YouLookinAtMe-Bro]

Appreciate your insight Tom. I'd love to see a video on lights and lasers.

[@biggunshop9637]

Yes, please do a white light video thanks!

[@brotein_mancakes]

Great video series. Thank you. I would also love to hear about potential legal considerations for any other type of mods. You mentioned lights, but also grip modules, barrels, and mag upgrades (like changing out magazine internals to go from factory 10 rounds to 12 or 15 etc…).

[@scuddrunner1]

Agreed. The bad guys, usually more than one have 30 round clips and you legally have 10 bullets to defend you and your family.

[@eddcurry1245]

Good points

[@CherryCoke-qi1kz]

Thanks for some great and logical data points.

[@scott78731]

That was excellent, especially about the different triggers and unintentional discharges when holstering. This is about defensive shooting, not a Navy Seal or a SWAT team member or a LEO or a competition shooter. Double action triggers are deliberate, so time to think and not a hair trigger in stressfull situations. I want to mention the S&W 5906 and 4006. They have a decocker which is also a safety, unlike Berettas. Holstering is safe when decocked. The first shot is double action, single action after that. They also have a magazine safety. Revolvers are great defensive handguns, such as the S&W Model 19.

[@mjohnstonflying]

Thank you. What about milling your slide for red dots? What about porting?

[@frozenninja4030]

Thanks, Tom. Yours are some of the better vids on USCCA channel and glad to give you a sub here.

[@XrayMike17plus1]

In Wisconsin, we have winter - at times... make sure your choice of cloves allows safe access to the trigger within the trigger guard, allows feel of the trigger, and again the trigger is not so light as to increase risk of an ND when simply positioning your finger. Magpull Patrol gloves work well as do Mechix .5mm and Pig gloves. Some compact carry pistols have tight finger clearance within the trigger guard. This can be a big deal.

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

Excellent Mr Grieve . I agree with everything you’ve said here; everything. Good job. As a licensed professional full time gunsmith with 35+ years practice and experience, I agree. We actually do more putting guns back to exact factory configuration than changing systems for CCW customer use. Which is understandable because we won’t do 95% of the changes customers come in wanting. Customers see on KZbin, read or hear from ‘expert buddies’ what they should do to their firearm. All the work we do is meticulously documented, tested, and for the last several years various photos taken. Testing is also documented as well as empty brass attached to completed files Work Order. Every part, every operation as well as Notes related to general information becomes part of our work record. For people concerned, these are our business records and only shared if legally requested, which has only happened once. Customers and non- licensed people should think twice about working on any firearm especially carry weapons. Several of your points recommended Practice, and we couldn’t agree more.

[@AttyTomGrieve]

Thank you for your feedback and insigts!

[@thomasbrandon5111]

Ammo wise I always s recommend using the ammo the local PD/SO issue/carry

[@nuknfutts1691]

I agree and preach almost everything you mentioned except for one thing, your opinion on a weapon light. Yes, you may not need one in carry outside the home but I've read so many news stories of family members shot making unannounced or surprise visits home because of dark conditions. I stress an off weapon light so that the firearm can be kept pointed in a safe direction but this does take bit of extra training and practice since you will basically be gripping the firearm with only one hand. Most quality weapon lights are bright enough to not have to point directly at the supposed threat while still being able to maintain a two-handed grip

[@paulis7319]

Tritium sights I absolutely agree with! As for the weapon mounted light? I have one on my AR-15 rifle in case I need to take care of a wild hog or other dangerous animal at night so I can see what’s behind it before pulling the trigger. I love beef but don’t want to shoot a cow. 😂

[@billhonrath7489]

Another awesome video. Your videos are among the best on the internet, right up there with the great Massad Ayoob, and that is saying a lot! Thank you Tom!

[@MrStan1221]

Thank you Mr. Tom for the video as always very informative.

[@revv45acp71]

Thank you Tom. You are a blessing to the 2A.

[@guardianofgoblins682]

Thanks for the informative video again Tom I just recently started watching your videos as of last night not counting the ones where you're discussing stuff on USCCA I have a few questions on the subject of modification of firearms as my pistol is a konverted pietta 1860 with fresh springs and home loaded bullets what is the repercussions of something like that in court

[@mortykatz2236]

Great job this is why I’m a USCCA member

[@michaelwaite1352]

Great info , good to have somebody on our side for a change.

[@AttyTomGrieve]

Thanks Mike!

[@Osprey1994]

I haven't modified any triggers because I haven't felt the need to. I started out on a 19.5, and I actually think my example has an exceptional trigger after all these years. As for my carry piece, both FCU's I have are stock, and I see no reason to change anything besides the shoe itself, although the 365 flat shoe seems fine so far. I don't have a stock slide, but that's because Sig has yet to offer the slide I am looking for and the Christmas offering from this company was worth a try. Internals, however, are stock. Sights are Dawson Precision blacked out back up irons, red dot is an EPSc, and yes I have a TLR7 sub. Testing was done with 124 nato spec ammo, 500+ rounds so far with no hiccups on this slide. I am quite happy with the performance of the current configuration.

[@DavidN23Skidoo]

A great trigger modification is a GripMaster next to your computer to exercise your fingers. I got one after a hand injury and continue to use it.

[@AndiRose21]

Fabulous content. Thanks. There are points I didn't consider.

[@timlewis994]

I agree 100%. Especially when you say the practice offhand shooting. After i developed multiple sclerosis I can only use off hand because my dominant hand doesn't work anymore. Glad that I practiced that every time

[@graywind4326]

Very good summary. You are way more knowledgeable than the average attorney. So you must be a shooter.

[@chrismicklich7831]

Tom, what is your opinion on lasers. I installed Houge laser grips on my 1911. I shoot with and without them each range day(once a month). I have a year's worth of time on them and have not had to adjust the laser since initial zero. I am confident they are reliable but wonder how that would be viewed worst case.

[@victorcoleman949]

Lasers are like weapon mounted lights, they work both ways (allowing threats to see where the laser/light coming from, that's bad). Also, any shakiness in your hands will be magnified by a laser. My advice, get a red dot.

[@firey5]

Ok, Tom, I PROMISE that the message in the video was crystal clear to me. Aside from that, the other thing that stood out was the USP was the first DA/SA you mentioned, even before CZ. Am I detecting a fellow fan here?

[@fretworkpeddler]

Excellent video! Thanks for making this.

[@MrMe1280]

I have always carry factory. At best I've added day glow sights but that's it. I won't even carry my custom built g19 it's a 3lb timney trigger and it's crazy light and too easy to pull. I like my sig p365 x for edc. Save the race guns for the range.

[@stevec9704]

Thanks for your videos Tom, great information. I would like to know if modifying a magazine, say a single Stack, adding an extra round or two is something that shouldn’t be done or is generally ok? I have a few and typically adding an extension that has one extra round gives me a better hold and grip for better shots, but I have always wondered, god forbid, I had to use it, if it would be used against me legally?

[@AttyTomGrieve]

I added it to the pile, thanks for tuning in Steve!

[@mattgriego4716]

You always bring such great content this is a great one for everyone to hear. Keep it going.

[@johncox2865]

Tom, you seem to be speaking more quickly in this video than you normally do. This is real info that must be digested. I mean, you’re stuck on Full Auto. Shorter bursts, please! (Yes, I slowed it down.)

[@IsaiahSh]

I would like you to go into weapons mounted lights. Been on the fence about them.

[@bobstorey645]

Wonderful video! I would like to know your thoughts on “red dot” sights. Thanks for all you do!

[@darrylshelton5297]

Tom, great video really concerning the bad things someone can get into by modifying their trigger before they become an expert with their carry handgun. I've taken some excellent classes by guys with real world gun fighting and expert knowledge of overall marksmanship and they'll tell us; "Look become an expert in your stock firearm before you've decided what and why you've selected that modification. Then practice with the take-up travel and trigger reset until you have that muscle memory down pat." Get excellent advice from instructors who have that "real world experience", not just someone who has taken a USCCA or NRA Insructor course and 1) you can't adequate articulate what your body and brain is doing at the point where you may think you're about to "have to" pull your weapon and use it", 2) become an expert in you're stock trigger's take-up travel, where the shot breaks and "what is the trigger's rest and how to effectively use it" because each gun is different and 3) can your attorney justify to the jury the modification you chose. Personally, I never make modifications to my triggers. They come from the factories like they are for a reason. It's better for you to have adequate muscle memory than a trigger modification you're attorney has difficulty explaining to a judge and/or a jury. And, yes Tom, like you said most bad things requiring the use of deadly force happen in low-to-no light situations ~ then I'd benefit using that type of video. I should also get some actual training on this subject. Nevertheless, awesome video that reminds me to practice more both dry-fire and range times live firing ~ paying close attention to trigger travel take-up and rest.

[@matthewwise3360]

Would love to see a vid covering weapon mounted lights.

[@GretaWardFireFly]

Ditto! I can't imagine using one as a private citizen ...

[@jameswheeler10472]

Tom, any thoughts on laser sights and how that mod may be viewed?

[@TomRolfson]

Tom, if you keep doing these super informative videos you will be a 3M subscriber channel in no time. And yes, I'd love to hear/see a video on flashlights. I once saw a guy pointing his firearm with flashlight at his engine along Bluemound Rd (almost in front of your office) - I just cringed at all the wrong and dumb things he was doing. I ALWAYS carry a flashlight and have them on home defense guns but have been considering putting one on my EDC for benefits before and after firing that first round in low light.

[@BenUnderwood-vn5cp]

The only modifications I was thinking about were the sights. Making sure they are accurate and maybe adding a red dot. I have never, and I'm not going to start now, playing around with the trigger mechanism. I will keep it clean. I think the manufacturer knew something when designing the trigger for the firearm.

[@dtmelanson]

Excellent information. Thank you.

[@ericsfishingadventures4433]

Love the videos! I'm perfectly fine with little to no modifications on a firearm. Maybe a nice red dot, sights that co witness and 13+ rounds. I'd prefer 15+.that's just me. It all depends on what works for you and making sure you're training works for you.

[@duke88nuke]

I'm with you on the tritium over weapon mounted light for home defense.

[@MikeNoyes]

I was hoping you'd go into firearm factory configurations that might make the defense case weaker like: silencer threads, speed magwells, moon clips, shotgun door breaching attachments, etc. Competition firearms e.g. 940 JM PRO, P320MAX, FN 15 Competition.

[@MikeNoyes]

I'm under the impression the closer your firearm looks to the old Colt/S&W .38 (blued), Glock 9mm, Remmington 870 Police, the harder it is for the prosecution.

[@dandyjones1185]

What a great channel! Thanks Tom

[@noonespecific9463]

I seriously watched a short here on KZbin of a guy with a modified Glock, he called it a binary trigger, it fires a round when depressed and then fires another one on reset, I bet the prosecutor would have a field day with that one!

[@dhgoody]

Hey Tom, What about other mods besides triggers? Specifically, what is a prosecutor going to try to do if you put on a red dot sight, or grip tape specifically made for the grips of the firearm model you use to carry with? What about cerakote or other finishes done to help preserve the metal? Thank you for your videos.

[@sa1911a1]

The commie bastards WILL use EVERYTHING against you....EVERYTHING. This is why you have carry insurance like U.S. Lawshield which I think is better than uscca.

[@johnhalpin1847]

Excellent video correct on 99% points, unusual for me to completely agree with someone on youtube. 1 issue was worrying about bumping into something resulting in pulling the trigger, finger should not have been on trigger until you ID the threat and ready to shoot. This hopefully reduces the chance of startle effect or sympathetic muscle response.

[@AttyTomGrieve]

Thanks John! It's unusual for me to agree with someone who writes a paragraph on youtube that i agree with too! Haha I realize this will sound strange, but as much as i am the "internet" to you, you are to me!

[@smokeyvaldez]

Great teaching segment

[@TriggerHappy007]

Thanks for the video Bud. I like this guy! Makes sense

[@davidinc.6351]

Thanks Tom. If u go ou do get a chance to read this I was wondering your thoughts of a fabric tape (camo version cause it’s what I had) if the reflective metal on red dot housing. For some reason the slightest light reflection makes my eyes want to wander to it so I put the tape on and it helps a lot. Is this a bad idea that could be construed wrong? Either way love your videos. This info just as important as any grip or trigger pull techniques anyone can teach.

[@hmmm2183]

What about those of that build / Assemble our own guns (IE… AR 15, less the “crap”) using Mil-spec component. Given that assembling a AR15 can range from pinning a factory lower to factory upper to building it from a pile of parts by different manufacturers. My guns look and function factory because the labeled components all come from one manufacturer and triggers work within mil-spec function type & weight

[@jamesbell7220]

Tom! ALL your videos are uniquely outstanding: crisp, concise, and yet with all crucial detail included; no-nonsense practical. Yes, please, a video on the use of lights, whether mounted or handheld; or more exactly, the calamitous misuse of mounted light and handheld light. Another suggestion for a video on the differences between training and practice. Also, the difference between bullseye competence and defensive combat competence is so vast that they are incompatible skill sets.

[@JARG]

You make several good points.

[@stuartrollings602]

Excellent overview, felt like I was in a classroom session ! Thank you for your professional delivery and experience! Great stuff to consider! Always wondered why some guns come with crummy sights and or triggers…so critical to the process of shooting correctly. Thanks again!

[@peterthomas6941]

Would like to hear more about the use of lights. Understand both sides, but what are some of the potential pitfalls from a legal perspective

[@MarksBlues]

Great video Tom. How about a situatuion where the user of the modifided firearm has taken years of online training, armorer level on several platforms of firearms. Also I have a hadicap that requieres the modifications for me to be proficient and very accurate. And of course to safely use it. I practice pretty much daily with dryfire, and range time as often as possible. I am also a USCCA member and love your work with them. They offer very good training online as well as top notch instructors, something I have on my to do soon list, the in person instruction and training. "The body can't go where the mind hasn't been", to quote Steve M. w/USCCA.

[@XrayMike17plus1]

You forget the venerable Walther P99AS. Striker fired DA/SA with a de-cocker. Admittedly, often overlooked.