COURT TRUTH: Firearm Modifications in Carry Guns

[@zachw2323]

Bottom line the prosecutor can BS , lie all he wants just to get you behind bars. Even though he knows full well that you protected your life and your family's life. This is pure evil

[@truckpilot01]

You, Sir are correct and that's unfortunate.

[@anraegodley-cooper6321]

NAILED IT

[@leemitchell3020]

It depends on where you choose to live. Rural communities the farther away from large urban areas are mostly still normal but the kids in school is who they're working on.

[@jamestyrer907]

It is also unethical.

[@oklahomahank2378]

The next step is to accept that, and knowing it is true, ask “How does this affect my decisions?” It’s no use just saying that. We live in the real world. The response should be to make sure your actions are defensible.

[@robertgehret7615]

I moved from California to a very gun friendly state, was very happy for the first two years carrying. Then decided to get a ccw license so I could travel thru different states. That got me interested in the different laws which I quickly realized DID NOT NECESSARILY PROTECT ME! I have joined USCCA and have subscribed to your channel. You are doing a great service! Thank you!

[@AshGreen359]

USCCA is good but they're is a limit to how much they will pay and almost anyone can exceed it Edit: I stand corrected, there isn't a defense limit anymore. As of October 2021 I may have to actually consider this one now

[@johncox2865]

@@AshGreen359 And, your point is?

[@zavierdesine4405]

​@@AshGreen359 Actually, you may want to check the USCCA policy again.

[@AshGreen359]

@@zavierdesine4405 There's this kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZOok4KAgsl-aZI

[@CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

Glad to see your journey as a responsibly armed citizen is going well!

[@lostsoul1]

Tom, The more real stories you share, the better armed our thoughts are, if we are ever in a bad situation. Thank you , for your time , and willingness to help us.

[@charlesreediii5083]

I was a Police officer for 23 years, I will never modify my EDC. I carry off the shelf ammunition that I trained with as a Police Officer, I agree the prosecution will use every tactic in the book. Awesome video.

[@waylonsmith5419]

And the prosecution will even use all of that against you. The system is corrupt, that's what we need to be fixing

[@MK-zf2sz]

Thank you for talking about the "games" the prosecution can and will play against you, and how it's entirely legal to do so. That they can freely choose 12 anti gun people, and their bias is admissable in the justice system, is nothing less than terrifying.

[@JTEllis]

As a retired police officer and still a firearms enthusiast I am very familiar with the CJ system. As a subscriber to your channel, I believe your videos offer good information for those who carry firearms. I have always been a firm believer in trigger modifications. I recall an FBI police firearms instructors course I attended where the subject of trigger modifications along with other modifications to duty firearms was covered. The instructor, an FBI agent, was quite animated on this topic. While it was obvious he thought some often seen modifications were excessive, he advised caution regarding trigger modifications. I paraphrase his comment, 'there are gunsmiths and there are gun plumbers, make sure a gunsmith works on your triggers.' That was before the days of youtube and drop-in parts it is still good advice. If you do it yourself, make sure it is done right. And don't overdo the add on upgrades either. Keep your gun close to the way it came from the factory, too many accessories will give a prosecutor the impression you were waiting for the chance to shoot somebody.

[@tommerphy1286]

@modifications; you can have it done by the factory. Upon order. As for choice of defensive machine. This Guy. is absolutely correct about light and putting the v to the blade. At night the other one is got the same problem. so 3things rule feet flat profile shoulder pointing to him when you see yours Parallel with shoulder and ground drop the hammer. At night close one eye . Weapon? The one made for defense against men only. 1911acp with no jam ammo.fmj only.

[@tommerphy1286]

@ number 1rule ... A gun is always considered LOADED TO AVOID HARM . Unloaded guns (assumed) are the ones that harm or KILL!!!. BY accident. It doesn't cost anything to always check and be safe. 2) you can't get to Carnegie Hall, unless you practice practice practice practice. Stay safe and alive.

[@THall-vi8cp]

The Armed Attorneys also talked about this. Great points. If I were to have my carry trigger modified, I would ensure it done by a competent gunsmith. I would not do it myself. My Beretta's DA pull is 12 lbs. The last thing I want to do is yank the trigger on that first shot and miss.

[@AttyTomGrieve]

Love berettas! Great choice.

[@alm4132]

There is a Beretta hammer spring for the DAO 92 series that smooths and lightens the initial DA pull....a stock factory upgrade to your DA/SA Beretta that is a drop-in.

[@THall-vi8cp]

@AI M I would do mods myself on any gun that is not a carry gun. Doing the mods myself on a carry gun could open up an avenue of attack by a prosecutor if I am ever forced to shoot in self-defense. For that reason I would rather just pay a gunsmith to do it, no matter how simple.

[@mickbrentar784]

This was a great video Tom. It’s great to see the perspective of the argument a prosecutor may leverage to a jury that’s already stacked against the defendant.

[@bagayasa001]

Yes please discuss WML pros and cons. I have one on my EDC, and it would be good to know the pitfalls of having one to balance out the pros (like not shooting an innocent in the dark, although I also carry a hand held anyway). Would also like to see you do one on red dots for those of us with "not so young eyes" Thanks!

[@nathenstoneburgh7298]

Ditto on WML and Red Dot

[@GmanGSW]

Tom, thanks for the great 2A legal content and real court anecdotes that you bring to those of us who often carry concealed and, ultimately, got "self defense liability insurance." I'd appreciate even more real court anecdotes, if you don't mind, in another video. Thanks and have a good weekend!

[@sadinnj2694]

Awesome content, as always! I look forward to your video about OK mods. To that end, there are "modular" guns out there that have evolved over the years. An example of this is the Sig P320 (yeah... the one that magically discharges in cops' holsters). Over the years, it started with a curved trigger, but in newer versions, they put in things like a flat trigger or a even a skeletonized flat trigger. There are different frame shapes as well. Now, what if you had an old P320, but now modified it using Sig's own parts to look and act like a currently-sold version (e.g., you swapped a curved trigger for Sig's flat trigger - no other trigger mods. Maybe you swapped out the old frame for the newer XFrame because it is more ergonomic in your hand). Your gun would effectively be the same as a factory-sold model, but you modified it yourself. Where does that leave you?

[@carllatimer6335]

That was an absolutely amazing explanation of the facts surrounding what you’re jury trial could likely look like and be made more challenging for your Defense Attorney without careful consideration on Trigger modification. Thank you Tom for your always clear and concise wisdom! I have a Glock and Sig Sauer which I’d like to improve the factory triggers. I’ll be waiting for your next video with the seven rules for modification 👍

[@rnash-shannon9304]

First of all Mr. Grieve, thank you for these videos, they are the closest thing to a public service for this community that I can think of. And yes, I think that a video or two outlining how prosecutors use their bias in the courtroom, examples from real life, would be of immense value. What their legal strategy was, and what specifically worked for them, and what did not. For example, the painting of someone as a gun nut because they conceal carry, or they took a training class etc. Or the actual evidence in a case that was real that maybe led to a conviction in an actual self defense encounter that was clearly justified, but the prosecutor used every trick in the book, and even though they were innocent, they still lost. Those types of examples would be very helpful. Thanks

[@sammyfl7]

Tom, this is exactly what's needed. The real life situations, what other people have experienced, what to expect.... all of this is very important so we can understand what we could be facing. Thank you!!

[@AttyTomGrieve]

Thanks Sam!

[@waylonsmith5419]

The real problem is these attorneys are some of the people that could help effect change to end this corruption from prosecutors....but they make too much money off of it. Just like dems and Republicans....they are all in on it

[@svbarryduckworth628]

If you own a firearm that is more than a few years old and if you train with it regularly odds are that it has needed some work and the replacement of parts especially springs -which have a finite lifespan in operation. Sometimes these spring replacements may change the trigger feel slightly. Then again the trigger will change as the weapon breaks in and changing and modifying it may actually make the gun safer to bring an older well-used gun back closer to factory specs.

[@jamesbell7220]

Tom. Thank you! Your channel is indispensable for everyone - for gun newbies, for gun owners experienced and highly trained in all aspects of defensive pistol, and of exquisite importance for everybody from the persuadable middle to gun antagonists.

[@tedk2814]

I just purchased a Glock 27 and its so smooth compared to what I used to have. I have no immediate intention on modifying it, even the factory sights are adequate for me. Love the channel, it is so interesting to see things from the inside and not like it is in Hollywood. Great job....

[@soonenough938]

I would love to see a video about legal pros and cons of a weapon mounted light. Really enjoyed this video, thank you for putting this content together!

[@THall-vi8cp]

Not sure about any legal pros, but Massad Ayoob pointed out in one of his videos that if you use a weapon-mounted light there is a risk of brandishing charges if you use it to search an area, because it is likely you'll point your weapon at an innocent person in the process - a huge no-no. His recommendation was to use a separate light for searching and switch to the weapon-mounted light when you find the actual target.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

@@THall-vi8cp The legal pros of being able to positively identify your target from non-target bystanders is pretty obvious, I'd think. Another positive aspect is improved shot accountability through improved visibility and aim granted by a WML. Additionally, you (er, your lawyer) could argue that you retain better muzzle control and shot discipline due to the recoil reducing effects of the WML's weight at the front of the gun.

[@THall-vi8cp]

@The Kash Connoisseur No doubt, but as soon as a witness says you came around the corner and pointed your gun at him, you're likely to be hit with brandishing charges. In CA that's a misdemeanor and loss of a carry permit for ten years. (It's actually a wobbler, so some overzealous DA could charge it as a felony.) If you want an example, look at Grandmaster Jay. He had a light on his AR and used it to illuminate a couple of LEOs. He's now rotting in prison for brandishing his firearm _at_ law enforcement. Massad's advice was not to refrain from using weapon-mounted lights at all, rather to carry a second light in your other hand and once you've identified the correct target, drop it and engage. Your weapon-mounted light will take over and provide the benefits of illumination and muzzle stabilization.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

@@THall-vi8cp The key is to not live in California, obviously. In most other reasonable states (lets not talk about New York please) as long as you can articulate a reasonable fear of death or grave injury, you're justified to have that gun out. There's exceptions to everything, but we can't let exceptions make the rule. You're likely to get in far more trouble for accidentally killing an innocent person due to low visibility than you are for shining your WML at them seconds before you shoot and kill the actual threat. I have seen Massad's video(s) on the subject, but thank you for offering your own brief synopsis. As you indicated, even he advocates for the use of WMLs when appropriate, which is what I'm doing as well. Please note, I never said you should have your only light be on your gun, and I've yet to speak negatively about handheld flashlights. So I'm not sure why you're pushing back there.

[@halwade3978]

Great job! Keep them coming. Your talks leave us with a much different perspective on things that may aid us if we find ourselves in the defensive use of a firearm!

[@budm9982]

Very interesting, Tom. None of what you said about prosecution jury selection and arguments surprised me but sure brought to light the need to be judicious in firearm modifications. I had already made up my mind to not modify my EDC, having purchased one with a very nice factory trigger and sights. Certainly I would not even consider adding graphics or slogans to my EDC. Most range guns that I own and shoot for accuracy have upgraded or worked triggers, sights, optics but for EDC, factory is best. As is JHP ammunition. It is more responsible in my opinion to use JHP ammo to reduce the chance of pass-through of intended target.

[@CJLiveFromTheOutdoors]

Excellent video! I asked this question in your comments a few days ago. It's nice to see you taking feedback from your viewers. Great analysis. Thank you for walking us through thr good, the bad and the ugly. In the end I agree with your assessment that efforts to make your use of your firearm safer, more consistent and accurate are worth considering. Thank you, sincerely, for the effort and diligence you put into these videos!

[@kwamesha3477]

Again, great job Tom. Please keep these videos coming.

[@AttyTomGrieve]

Thanks, will do!

[@jimwhalen6769]

Tom, thank you for your take on this subject! I have resisted upgrading the trigger on my G19 because of this subject! Now I may revisit this. Thanks again!

[@MC_Reds_Mark]

Tom, Great information about what really happens at a trial. I am really interested to know your thoughts on weapon mounted lights. Thanks!

[@rogerpeterson7581]

I was shocked at the prosecutor in the Rittenhouse trial making a big deal out of Kyle using FMJ .223 ammunition. I wish the defense attorney would have called him on that. Military can't use hollow points. That's the most basic there is for an AR 15. Until you told us in this video, I had no idea prosecutors used unethical tactics like this.

[@waylonsmith5419]

The entire thing was corrupt. If the system wasn't....that prosecutor would be in jail....yet...he's still a prosecutor

[@mattbrown5949]

LOL😂.

[@grahamfinlayson-fife73]

If the question is will the prosecution use this against me, the answer is always yes. The important question is, will the jury hold it against me?

[@rogerkaywilliams4862]

I built what I call my “Glockish 19” from an 80% frame and spent a long time working out the bugs. I learned probably more about building and modifying it than most Glock Armorers as I had to figure most things out myself because the Glock Armorers didn’t know. I have a feeling that a prosecutor would have a field day with me and my “homemade” pistol!. It would be interesting to hear you talk about 80 percenters. Thanks Tom for your willingness to educate.

[@Travelers1357]

Thanks again. Your commentary is very educational to us. Plus, it’s free legal advice 😊

[@eddcurry1245]

Thanks again for factual real world trial issues posted in this and other videos.

[@Mass.Effect]

Growing up and leaning to shoot... ALL firearm's had very light (Hair Trigger) single action trigger's and that is what I now prefer. I bought a Taurus G3 which had a SA/DA 6 pound trigger pull, I replaced it and switched it to a S.A.O. and reduced the pre-travel about 70% and trigger pull weight to around 4 pound's and also removed the useless trigger safety and instead can de-cock the sidearm for safety! I have no regret's...it definitely increases my accuracy with the lighter trigger!!

[@danalamb8398]

I hear your real stories and believe me I wouldn't want to hear that if I was on trial.

[@JettaRedIII]

Great review and advice. The only mod that I have done or will do is put on better sights and a flat-face trigger shoe. And the only way I will smooth the trigger is, as you said, dry fire and firing at the range.

[@SP5780]

Thank you for this very informative video. I am an FFL and concealed permit holder and I didn't know this! Great info. Keep it coming!

[@ripkenny655]

I definitely want to see the video with the modified trigger because I have Glocks and I upgrade my triggers cuz it is a lot better and smoother like you said

[@jeffholm3503]

Very realistic assessment of the consequences when modifying one's trigger. Like anything you say to the police, it can and will be used against you in a court of law. My G19 has an Apex trigger kit and a 4.5# Ghost connecter (it measures at 4.5#). However, the connecter included with the Apex kit measures at 4# which for me is too light for carry so I don't use it. I feel confident carrying this modified pistol because the trigger pull, reset and flat shoe are very very similar to my stock P365XL and P365. And my attorney could demonstrate this with "expert" testimony at trial. And I would get on the stand and articulate the how and why of any modification made. So be prepared to do the same in court and subscribe to USCCA or another reputable carry coverage unless you have money to burn. In my case I purchased the P365XL as an EDC replacement for the modified Glock. Just trying to stack the deck in my favor...

[@johnjanoscrat8000]

Great subject, Tom. Can't wait for your 7 rules for gun modification video. All the best. "The JJ" SW Penna.

[@Reviews4fun1]

At this point trigger modification has become common practice. So common that there’s an entire industry supporting modification and personal customization at home. It has become “common use.” I’ll take my chances.

[@CJ-ty8sv]

So the moral of the story is, "buy a used pistol from a pawn shop for your EDC and do all the modes you want, that way if the POS Prosecutor trying to pull that BS, you can / you're lawyer can play dumb and say that you had no idea that that wasn't stock since it was like that when you bought it"

[@25N77]

Very thought provoking. Thank you for this video and your time. I just replaced my SW factory with an APEX this past week. I’ve got about 150 rounds on that new trigger. I cannot go back to factory.

[@kilonine]

This is an interesting subject. I think it would be cool to set up a mock trial where I could take an honest look at what would happen in my circumstances. Granted I'm not the average person when it comes to these things, but still, it would be an interesting test.

[@menegene4129]

Personally I'm happy with anything that isn't the trigger on the old M9s the Army had before the M17s/18s. Been very satisfied with my CZ P-07; DA pull is enough to substitute the safety and the SA is just smooth and awesome (I train almost exclusively on DA pull when dry firing on the Mantis X). So no need to modify the trigger, but I did switch factory sights for a blacked out rear and fiber optic front(red). Next best thing to a dot, plus I got myself an O-Light Baldr-S for Christmas. Wife got the free mini light 😉

[@robertf6523]

first.. I think.. /shrug whatever lol But: why.. in a country that the judicial branch is *supposed* to operate on a premise of innocent until proven guilty.. is it that the prosecutor (the one pressing for a guilty verdict).. gets to go first in jury selection?

[@m118lr]

…it’s a RUSE. A farce..even a BAD joke.

[@chicagomike2111]

Excellent video.. Superb job Tom.. Thanks! But you slayed me when you said the 7 mod ideas will be in a future video..🤣😂

[@AttyTomGrieve]

It is currently scheduled to release Sunday. Even if I tinker with that release schedule, it is soon! Both of these vids have sat in my "Ready to go" hopper for... I am not even sure... a month?

[@historyandhorseplaying7374]

As a former police officer, I can’t imagine how effective “they’re hollow points, so they’re cop killer bullets” or “he carried 14 rounds, so he’s a heartless killer” would work. I would say “well, I carried hollow points and well over 14 rounds on a daily basis as a police officer… did that make me a heartless cop killer..?” Or, “but someone with a knife can’t hurt you at 15 feet” would be responded with “well, according to my training and experience……”. I’m sure such statements would be objected to by the commonwealth attorney, but, they’d be true. In other words, I’m wondering if having law enforcement experience would be a net positive, or negative, in a SD situation, legally.

[@l.e.cowley]

I have always heard never change your trigger. Thanks for the information, priceless!

[@alm4132]

Most quality firearms are upgradable with factory parts, not a problem or even noticeable by attorneys. Glocks, not so much.

[@dougbourdo2589]

A number of former LEO co-workers went with Smith & Wesson "Ladysmith" model pistols as their off-duty personal defensive pistols figuring "How could it look like I was a "Gun Nut out looking for trouble" by carrying a Ladysmith?"

[@PierceThirlen2]

The trigger of a Sig P365 series pistol is often gritty and grabby right out of the box. The main culprit is that the trigger linkage bar is made from a piece of stamped steel and it is the ROUGH edge of the steel that contacts the sear and striker safety lever. You would cringe if you saw how rough it is from the factory!!! Polishing this rough edge eliminates the majority of the grittiness. The amount of trigger force required depends on the tolerances of the sear spring and the trigger return spring. I have measured the required trigger pull force before and after polishing and it is unaffected. If you pull in the middle of either the stock Sig curved trigger or the stock Sig straight trigger the pull force required is between 7 and 8 lbs. If you pull at the tip of either trigger it is between 3.5 and 4.0 lbs depending upon the tolerances of the springs.

[@martymonaco1255]

Loved the video! Good pespective on the courtroom and jury. I have arthritis in my hands (mostly) and I'm strongly considering changing out the trigger in my Hellcat. I would be gambling whether this will affect me in a court should I need to use my weapon but, it may save my life or my loved one's life.

[@traillesstravelled7901]

Outstanding vid timing. Another channel just did a survey on this subject.

[@MrSoonermadman]

Great video man! I will tell you that I have changed the actual trigger shoe on my carry Glock 19 from a factory shoe to a red aluminum apex shoe, the bar and the connector are still factory. This was done for cosmetic safety purposes. Safeties on glocks are the trigger, it still has a safety on the red shoe but I use it for the wife. She knows a little bit about firearms but I have taught all the family that that red trigger is the danger zone. Before you touch that red (shoe), make sure you are ready to send a round. I know this probably doesn’t make sense to most but it does in my household.

[@mhicaoidh1]

A few years ago, I did a deep dive into gun modifications being brought up at trial, and the only time I could find where it was even an issue is when the defendant claimed the shooting was an accident (or the gun malfunctioned) ... which called the condition of the firearm into question. Even then, the facts of the case were that the shooter was negligent, and the enhanced trigger wasn't a significant factor to the case. There's also a difference between the prosecutor/judge/jury being ignorant of firearms and bullets (cop killer hollow points and military grade FMJ) and a modification to the firearm. Also, it would be fairly easy to have an expert witness correct the record on gun modifications to the jury's understanding.

[@stephenpowroznik6917]

Any legal advice on appropriate lawyers and/or CCW insurance options for those of us in NY, NJ, Ca, etc.? Such insurance is illegal in NY. A video on those of us behind enemy lines would GREATLY be appreciated.

[@paulis7319]

I’d love to hear about mounted optics such as red/green dots and lasers, and mounted lights. I put tritium front/rear sights on my pistol and love them, but I feel like a red dot would be more precise since it’s a sub-compact.

[@johnp9807]

It occurs to me that a modified trigger is only relevant when the possibility of an unintentional discharge. If the defendant’s position instead that each round fired was intentional and necessary, the operation of the trigger seems irrelevant.

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

5:20 The MythBusters did a tests and determined that at 21 ft, a person with a blade can close the distance and stab you before you have a chance to get off even draw your gun and a single shot.

[@mcmelonmaster]

I'd like to know how a weapon light and night sights affect a court case. Subbed.

[@arnief2034]

Thank you Tom! Great video. Please keep up the great work.

[@AttyTomGrieve]

Thanks, will do!

[@matthewkidwell4334]

Your video series is OUTSTANDING!! ELOQUENT, INTELLIGENT, CLASSY. BRAVO SIR.

[@b.a.lineman7582]

Interesting as usual… I carry a single stack 9mm with a stock trigger and night sights. Said trigger and I have become well acquainted over the years and many rounds. I feel like it’s quite nice. Eleventeen times better than my Glock build trigger ( upgrade is on the way ). Not likely to ever carry the Glock for a lot of the reasons covered. Also if my carry gets put in jail for a while, won’t hurt my feelings too bad . I have 2 more just like it. Right in the holster it goes. They’re fairly inexpensive and reliable.

[@jefife750]

From a career LEO that has spent substantial time in court…GREAT VIDEO! A must watch for anyone that carries.

[@mindyourbusiness4101]

In other words keep the tacti-cool gadgets for range guns. Self defense, keep it stock or close to stock. If you make changes, be smart about it and think on how big brother will make it look to a jury that doesn't know anything about guns at best or simply hate guns and the people who own them.

[@rogerpeterson7581]

Although I'd really like to change the trigger in my Shield 1.0, I'm not going to. I just want everything possible in my favor. By training with it a lot, I don't notice the effort to pull the trigger much anymore. I also have a Ruger P95D. It's double action and the first round is very difficult to get an accurate shot. I've trained myself to pull the hammer back as I'm drawing my pistol. I realize it may take a millisecond longer but I want to be as accurate as possible.

[@alm4132]

Best way to upgrade your S&W trigger is to buy a Walther.

[@JackBlaguar]

Weapon mounted lights - Good subject, and I've had my share of discussions with those who disagree with the practice, and discussed practical pros and cons. How all that plays in court is what I'd like to hear your take on.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Weapon mounted lights would be a great video subject!

[@drewryan6320]

Would love to hear about red dots, WMLs and extended controls.

[@carnakthemagnificent336]

New subscriber, and thanks for your videos, Mr. Grieve. I lived in CA as a conservative Republican for decades, and served on probably five juries, answered any questions, and was never dismissed, (but no gun cases.) Question: As a prospective juror, if a DA asks me whether I own and practice with firearms, am I required to answer? Can I not say that I consider that my private business?

[@bopapa_1979]

Topic suggestion: 1. What is the rule of law? 2. How does it apply to 2A cases? 3. Does the government follow it?

[@jcnikoley]

The problem you’re going to run into as a defendant, is the psychology of firearms when sampling the general public. This includes the Judge. If you have a judge that is knowledgeable about firearms, they would not allow a prosecutor to put the gun on trial. That is rare.

[@_Nanigashi]

It's not about triggers, but Chicago PD and prosecutors routinely label ballistic-tipped HP rounds as "armor piercing" in press releases. (I don't know if they do the same in trials.) I suspect (but can't prove) that they've confused (possibly deliberately) ballistic tipped bullets with "Teflon-coated" bullets (which also aren't armor piercing, but have that reputation).

[@Jmn973]

Best (2) things you can do to your stock trigger: Get training (real training, not a simple CCW class), and shoot a lot while you practice your training.

[@tamadrummer001]

Super interested in hearing your take on weapons mounted lights. Personally right now I am in the camp that using said weapons mounted light can be a catastrophic failure if you aren’t going to pull the trigger and put down what you see when the light goes on. If it’s just a neighbor or an innocent person and I just blazed them with a light and a hot pistol, I’m toast. At least that’s what I think the outcome would be. If I’m wrong, please make the video and help me and so many others make better decisions

[@joshuas6015]

I have weapon mounted lights as well as just plain flashlights. If (hypothetically, as I live in a decent area and have no "real" experience) I identify a threat with my flashlight having a weapon light allows me to drop the flashlight and draw the gun, maintaining good visual on them and use both hands on my gun. If just a neighbor, cat, etc. then the gun stays safely pointed away/holstered.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

It's not that having a WML is bad, it's more that having ONLY a WML is bad. Have a handheld light for investigating strange noises and non-threats, and have a weapon light for when you identify a threat and need to maintain positive target ID while keeping both hands on your weapon. While I'm no lawyer, I'd assume that you'd be in bigger legal trouble for mistakenly shooting an innocent person than you would be shining them with a WML seconds before you find and stop the actual threat. But as with most things in life, things vary based on circumstances.

[@libbywakefield6202]

Yes Tom. I would really like to study these court cases. I just found your website. I want to pass on your knowledge to my son and others.

[@Rambo2018]

Very Informative. Would love to hear some actual stories of self-defense prosecution.

[@mikefarmer4748]

Question: Attorneys on both sides with offer statements that they know are untrue or otherwise inadmissible. They know there will be an objection and that it will be upheld. But once it's out there it can't be unheard by the jury. Regardless of the judges instructions todisregard, the jury is still aware of it. Why aren't these intentional wrongs punished? Up to disbarment.

[@samtrevino]

Seems like it would be an interesting research project to obtain court transcripts across the U.S. in county, state, and federal courts of what prosecutors have said on the record about ammunition and firearms.

[@MrSegraves1]

I stone to polish my triggers, sears and hammers. That's it. I've found just getting rid of the tooling marks and making things smooth tends to make for a very good trigger without need change springs. It also tends to lower the trigger pull simply because parts slide easier (ie. akin to firing 1000s of rounds a wearing things in). I didn't choose this approach because I'm concerned some prosecutor might not like my mods, rather I just do it because it seems to be all that I've ever needed to get a good trigger that's enjoyable to shoot. Bonus points that nobody is likely to notice anything has been modified on the trigger. Now, I need to point out that I only own single action semi-autos (Sigs and Colts) and double/single action revolvers (S&Ws). As such, I'm already dealing with relatively decent triggers to begin with. A striker fire pistol could be a different animal to wrestle with. Ultimately, as has been pointed out, it's unfortunate that no matter what you do/don't do it's going to be a fight. Carry "cop killing" hollow points or "military" jacketed rounds, either way, it's possible the prosecutor is going to damn you for your choice. But as an instructor pointed out, at least you make it to the trial. "Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6."

[@JSSmith-to9pd]

Real examples are always a good thing to hear.

[@YOUneedJESUS1]

All great info to know. Keep it coming.

[@TheRealSwampOperator]

What I've learned from you Tom, is by the time you prosecutors and judges get through being lizards and leaving your slime all over everything, there isn't one single semblance of justice to be had in this country.

[@FirearmFanatic3006]

So I’ve never modified the trigger on any of my carry guns for this exact reason. However, Glock just came out with their “performance trigger”. I am also a GLOCK Certified Armorer and installed this “performance trigger” into my Glock 19 myself. Since this is in fact, a better than stock trigger, but it’s not exactly “aftermarket” as it’s made by Glock, and was “professionally” installed by a Glock Certified Armorer… how do you see this situation playing out in court? The rest of my G19 utilitizes bone stock parts.

[@johnschofield9496]

Thank you, Tom. This is information I have been aware of for some time and accordingly I ended up with a Shield plus which has both a very good stock trigger and night sights. Two boxes checked. It's sad that prosecutors often make their living either openly lying or at best steer the jury one way or the other with half truths, innuendos, and suppositions. I often wonder how they can sleep at night

[@derekp7269]

Thank you for the insight. One of my CCW is a CZ P07 I sent to Cajun Gun Works to have them install their personal protection package on it. I kept the receipts. Even though I could've done it I figured it'd be better since it's one of my carry pistols that I had a gunsmith do the work. CGW did a perfect job btw. The P07 is smooth as ice & I shoot it great.

[@mjohnstonflying]

Great video, cant wait for next week. What about milling for a red dot? What about porting?

[@ericmilles3347]

Thanks again, Tom! I had never even considered many of the points you brought up. Love the channel and I am thankful for your online counsel.

[@jackhammer8563]

Just say, "jury nullification" immediately when you're called in for jury duty and you'll be dismissed immediately.

[@robertscudder311]

I have a Taurus G2C 40S&W. I did mod the trigger on it because, frankly, the factory trigger sucks! I did a galloway precision trigger. Reduced travel is 25%. Reset is much shorter. About the same a my Glock 43. Maybe slightly better. Trigger pull weight remained about the same. Used this trigger because it retained the safety blade. I didn't want to eliminate the blade because I am not a fan of manual safeties when carrying. It looks about the same as the factory trigger unless you were some sort of expert on Taurus triggers. Improved the firearm substantially. Normally I don't like the idea of modding carry gun triggers. I think the trigger pull being slightly heavier is a good thing. It makes the pull very deliberate and less likely to accidentally discharging when under stress. This trigger didn't change the pull weight tho. It just made the gun better and retained the safety. I also have a S&W Shield Plus carry gun. Would not mod that trigger. It is awesome.

[@TomRolfson]

Thanks Tom! Another great video that I will call a "must view" for my friends & students. BUT, I will also tell them all of my three friends who've been killed in home invasions in SE WI. Good middle-class people, not affiliated with drugs, gangs, gambling. One a total random crackhead who kicked in the door and killed one of my best friend's parents, and the other a guy who dated one of my biz partners who couldn't take her breaking it off w/attitude: "If I can't have her, nobody will." stabbing her in the heart one time in her living room.

[@jp2578]

Very informative. Interested in information about weapons mounted light on concealed carry firearm.

[@rsl82568]

Ammo cost is high. I have a S&W Shield 9mm, and a S&W SD9VE. So I Bought a C02 BB Pistol that has the same Trigger pull. When I do have enough ammo I take out my Handguns and find out my Shooting is good with the Handguns. I practice at 10 yards. I still have to shoot my handgun for recoil follow up practice.

[@lonegunmanx1824]

I would love to hear more stories from actual trials.

[@nomadicobserver4224]

Would like to see a video on weapon mounted lights.

[@GaminYoon1]

Thanks for the informative videos you make!

[@Lumpschlevot]

I am glad he ended by acknowledging that trigger modifications make a safer defense weapon. I was starting to think I was watching a scared strait movie....

[@sudilos1172]

I wonder what the percentage of self defense cases were lost due to a “modification”. I think there was one. Without some sus inscriptions on the weapons.

[@buckhorncortez]

Jury selection is a joke. I had to fill out a 12-page background form when I was selected for jury duty, and it included listing organizations you belong to - so, I listed the NRA. I was used as a pawn by the DA to waste an objection from the defense attorney for three jury pools. Each time I was selected by a prosecuting attorney as one of the 12 jury members and was always disqualified. My status became totally obvious the day I was selected for a murder trial. I was seated in the front row of the jury box right next to the defense table. The prosecuting attorney started questioning the jury. Unlike the other jury members, I was never asked a question. Then the defense attorney started asking questions. Again, I was never asked a question. Then they questioned five of the alternate jurors. We went back to the jury waiting room, and in about an hour they listed the juror numbers selected for the jury - of course, I was not listed. This scenario repeated itself on two other occasions. After the third jury appearance, I was let go for the remainder of my jury duty. The jury is a total game for both the prosecutor and the defense attorneys.

[@timt8029]

I really like my Shadow Systems DR920 elite. Pretty good trigger out of the box.

[@HitManJavi02]

I hate it. My XR920 and MR920 bof are God awful. Hate the reset on it. Wanted A Johnny Glock Trigger now I’m scared to even do that. I stay in A stand your ground state. Crime rate has gone up since we became A open carry state.

[@mtthwpnn]

Thank you for your work with the USCCA. I've always enjoyed your viseos, be they solo or Q&A with Kevn Michalowski

[@ericsfishingadventures4433]

Valuable information as always!

[@drumbum353]

I am very interested in a weapon mounted light video, as a guy who works night shift in a very meth happy city. (It is dark most of the time that I am out and about)

[@ThatLalalaChickx]

Good info. I keep things simple with my daily carry only. Everything on my G19 is stock with just a light. Have witness first hand on jury duty how stupid a state attorney can be. Would love to hear more on these things. Thank you again.