Lessons from Modern Gunfighter Lance Thomas

An ordinary citizen fights back.
Interview with Lance Thomas • Real Gunfighter Lance ...
American Handgunner Article by Masaad Ayoob on Lance Thomas fmgpubs.com/product/american-...
Music - Twilight Train - Dan Lebowitz - KZbin Music Library
Music - Delta - Track Tribe - KZbin Music Library
On Choice of a Defensive Firearm: Choose the firearm that meets YOUR defensive needs and is legal for your state or local jurisdiction. Just because I like revolvers for concealed carry doesn’t mean you have to too. Become your own best trainer.
You can contact Greg at [e-mail]
According to the Bible - we are to live at peace with all men as much as it is possible.
Personal defense of one’s self and of others is a last resort when there is no other option.
Self Defense Continuum - Avoid, Escape, De-escalate if possible, and if all else fails - RESIST
DISCLAIMER: All state and local laws were followed in making this video. Jeff Cooper’s rules of firearms safety were followed. Ear protection was worn. Firearms were cleared of ammunition when holding and exhibiting them.
These videos are strictly for documentary, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Imitation or the use of any acts depicted in these videos is solely AT YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. These videos are intended for lawful firearm owners who comply with federal, state, and municipal laws of the jurisdiction in which they live. Any opinions stated by the creator are the creator's alone and are not that of any representative body or of KZbin. KZbin and the creator are not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your firearms resulting from attempting anything shown in any of our videos. The creator does not endorse any specific products and this video is not an attempt to sell you a good or service. The creator is not a firearm store and DOES NOT sell or deal in firearms. Such a practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws. The creator DOES NOT sell parts, magazines, or firearms. These videos are free to watch and if anyone attempts to charge for this video notify us immediately. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.

[@marciocumpiancumpian2075]

Bom dia e bom domingo meu amigo. Essa história de hoje ,nos mostra a responsabilidade do homem e sua mentalidade de combatente. Que nós nunca precisemos estar nessa situação um dia,mas se estivermos, que Ele nos ajude na pontaria . Deus abençoe sempre as Américas 🇧🇷🤝🇺🇲. Obrigado por compartilhar seu trabalho.

[@LionquestFitness]

Good point. I am pinning this and translating this for others to read. "Good morning and good Sunday my friend. Today's story shows us the responsibility of man and his mentality as a combatant. May we never need to be in that situation one day, but if we are, may He help us with aim. May God bless the Americas 🇧🇷🇺🇲 always. Thank you for sharing your work."

[@mikereese15]

Fascinating story

[@marciocumpiancumpian2075]

@@LionquestFitness Thank you Grag, I keep fighting with my Google translator, it is of great value to always remember what makes a person have the right attitude.

[@fbweaver63]

bem dito, amigo.

[@tylermorrison7051]

Another great presentation, Greg. Here's a shout out to our gun brother-in-arms, Paul Harrel. Despite his health, he's offering some upcoming seminars (in Oregon). Check out his YT community posts for more info.

[@LionquestFitness]

Thanks for posting that. Paul Harrell has always been tops in my book and is a true gentleman.

[@kyrozudesoya1829]

@@LionquestFitness I thought I'd heard that they'd caught the cancer early and he was just going away so he can do chemo....did that change?

[@LionquestFitness]

@@kyrozudesoya1829 I don't know. There is an update from his brother on his channel.

[@kyrozudesoya1829]

@@LionquestFitness I see, thanks for the reply!

[@johnelder4273]

​@@kyrozudesoya1829Paul has Pancreatic cancer which, lacking intervention from the good Lord, is likely a death sentence. Say a prayer for Paul.

[@PatRMG]

Thanks for the presentation!

[@LionquestFitness]

Hi Pat! I was debating whether to do the shooting with my 640 and 642 when I saw your last 605 video. Taurus for the win.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

The Lance story is terrific. Thanks for sharing it (I learned a lot).

[@LionquestFitness]

If you learned something I did my part! Thanks Santee.

[@oldcop18]

John Wayne has a famous line in “The Shootist” where he tells Ron Howard’s character that he’s won so many fights b/c he’s “willing”. My experiences, all w/my issued revolver, underscores this. While I never had time to do anything but react, I did not want to lose the fight and stayed in it until the suspect was down for good. I’m in my late 70s & need a cane to get around, but I still do my best to always be aware of my surroundings. Good video Greg, I always learn something from your work.

[@dangerman007]

"Room Temperature Challenge" 🤣 I love hearing about Lance Thomas. So many positive things to get out of his story: Determination not to be a victim, never giving up, constantly adapting and self-improvement. I love the warrior spirit.

[@LionquestFitness]

Me too.

[@jackbauer9077]

Thanks for the content! I’ve heard about lance, he had a crazy life/gun battles for a small business owner. Here lately I’ve been carrying 2 snubs. Been carrying my S&w 640 and my new Ruger SP101. Tonight I just put in the wolf spring kit, made trigger feel great! Also added XS dot sight with green ring. Really liking the sp101, going to test it tomorrow make sure it’s still 100% reliable and know where the sight hits. Also going to test some hollow points to make my decision on what I plan to carry. Having fun or two easy to access around house is a good idea, not all in one spot, also when going to ATM I like to have one out and handy while doing my money moving incase unwanted visitors.

[@LionquestFitness]

Sound preparations.

[@kyrozudesoya1829]

I put a wolf spring in my 3 inch SP101 and that definitely made it easier for DA, might be my favorite revolver I own.

[@jackbauer9077]

@@kyrozudesoya1829 yeah it’s becoming my favorite revolver, I love my 640 and 649 S&w, they have better triggers out the box, but the sp101 handles the .357 so much better.

[@yuvgotubekidding]

Lance Thomas: “There are things in this life that are more important than what we own, and that is the principle in which we live by.” Amen. 👍🫡🇺🇸

[@Steve-1955]

Thank you for another Fine video.

[@shootinitstraight4162]

Thank you for more nuggets of knowledge! 👍

[@LionquestFitness]

How have you been my friend!

[@marcthomas2482]

God bless Lance Thomas!

[@LionquestFitness]

I often wonder if he is still alive. I also speculate the irony if Lance was alive and had a KZbin channel under every one's nose. Not about self-defense, but about collecting firearms. BTW - has anyone seen anything from I Carry One recently? 🤔

[@joe1940]

A few years ago I had a job driving a tractor trailer making deliveries mostly to gas stations and liquor stores. Sometimes I'd go into some rough areas in places like Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit. You'd be surprised by how many of these store owners are carrying or have a shotgun tucked away up under the counter. As crime rates continue to rise across the country I suspect we'll hear more stories like this one about Lance Thomas.

[@joegilbert7661]

Always good to learn from your experiences. Thanks Greg!

[@sombra6153]

Most excellent video. What I know about Lance Thomas comes from reading Mas Ayoob’s articles. It’s ironic that LA and CA have done everything they can do to make sure that business owners like Mr. Thomas don’t have a chance to remain in business but okay if they suffer worse outcomes. Mr. Thomas first overcame the notion, “it won’t happen to me.” I remember trying the NY reload once from an ankle holster with a BUG while behind cover. I determined it was faster to reload my primary than to draw a second gun. A second gun from a support side draw or pocket holster, however, changes the equation.

[@LionquestFitness]

Good observations.

[@timscarborough7575]

After action reports always good. He kept evolving. Glad to hear he is still alive! Looking forward watching that interview.

[@johnc.4719]

Great story. It makes me think, and analyze my carry setup.

[@cleondubois1270]

Greetings Greg; It doesn't hurt to review "Lance Thomas" periodically. It's a good message whether we're LE professionals or people like Lance. It's a great responsibility to legally carry, own and hopefully never have to legally use the firearm. PS; I've been dry firing my 605 with snap caps & the trigger is getting smoother.

[@LionquestFitness]

Very good advice and points to remember.

[@3Pillers]

👍 great interview with Lance - seven times down, eight times up.

[@LionquestFitness]

There is a lot to be absorbed there.

[@Jleitte]

Thanks for getting me to rethink my carry positions. I now carry, and cross-draw, and I like it better than appendix and strong-side. Even at nearly 75 years old and retired LEO, I can still learn.

[@LionquestFitness]

Being a life time learner is probably why you're still around. I strive to do the same.

[@redesert_boy8202]

Always important to realize learning is a lifelong experience as well as training with continuous improvement. Understanding Human Performance characteristics like situational awareness and in this case adapting for better p.reparedness. Thanks Greg, nothing wrong with that New York reload either.

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍Thanks Greg, great job as always.

[@pedroemilio7592]

Thank you for the video Greg. One day you could talk about plastic revolver ( ruger lcr, sw bodyguard, thank you

[@LionquestFitness]

Had a Taurus Polyprotector. It was a great point and shoot gun. However, it came from the factory out of time, the sight broke off drawing from a holster, and had light primer strikes. I gave it to a friend who shot it until it fell apart. A lot of people swear by the LCR. I shot one once in .22. Appeared to be a good gun. Didn't like the way the gun sat in my hand, but could get used to it. S&W polymer framed revolver? No thanks. They have enough problems with their aluminum airweights not holding up over time and shooting.

[@tylermorrison7051]

​@LionquestFitness I don't speak from experience with having owned polymer revolvers, but the LCR (for example) felt like a tinker toy in my hands. I like a revolver with a little weight to it.

[@LionquestFitness]

@@tylermorrison7051 I shouldn't have been so negative with a legitimate request, but the Polyprotector really soured me on Polymer revolvers.

[@tylermorrison7051]

@@LionquestFitness I have no experience with either, but I'd take the LCR over the Poly-Protector.

[@carlosmorris4510]

​@@tylermorrison7051 I like the .357 Mag model of the LCR snub nose over the .38 Special one; a little more weight... The .38 Special only snub nose LCR was way too light for my liking. My 3" SP101 is much heavier - but more to my preference. The LCR's have exceptional triggers though.

[@dano1956]

Good morning Greg, great video. Have a safe and blessed week buddy. Keep you in our prayers. Dano

[@LionquestFitness]

Thank you Dano!

[@kylewood8327]

Excellent video…gotta say one thing about lances experience’s, I guess the robbery community never got the memo that if you try robbing this dude you’re gonna get shot! Normally I’m not a fan of keeping guns stashed around the house, would rather carry on my person. Which I do..but I did break down and bought a wall lock box for the upstairs movie room closet. My Ruger Security Six loaded with .38 +p’s sits ready for action at moments notice.

[@LionquestFitness]

Not a bad plan.

[@dakidsbac777]

U have no idea how much I LOVE this channel. You have taught me so much, especially about revolvers. I never heard of Lance Thomas, but now cuz of u, am fascinated by his story. I have been owning firearms now for 5 years, so I'm still new to this. I watch u all the time and absorb all your knowledge. Ty. Ray

[@LionquestFitness]

Thanks man!

[@jamesunderwood1710]

Thanks again for another great video

[@markedman3990]

Thank you Greg....always a pleasure to watch your videos. You present information most other channels don't focus on. You're a great shot & a great story teller. God bless u and your family.

[@LionquestFitness]

Thank you very much.

[@michaeldimartino1004]

This video really emphasized training, fitness and situational awareness. I know that you have emphasized these things in the past, but today’s video shed some new light on these things. Once again you’ve shown us it’s not only about marksmanship.

[@LionquestFitness]

Thanks.

[@CyborgZeta]

I've watched the video on Lance Thomas several times. The part about him keeping firearms in specific locations so he'd always have one within reach in a dangerous situation always stick with me. Something I've considered for my home, for sure, although never actually implemented. On a side note, I acquired myself a Taurus 327 recently. I'm really intrigued by the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge. If you ever get your hands on a revolver in that cartridge, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@LionquestFitness]

I sure will.

[@TheJHMAN1]

I bought one a couple months ago, had to replace the front sight with a higher one, as 327 and 32H&R shot 6-8" high at 10 yards. Now its right on. The .327 with those hard rubber grips beat up my hand, 32H&R is just fine. Replaced the grips with slightly larger ones. I have owned and shot lots of .32 caliber hand guns, in snub nose revolver you get 6 shots in stead of 5. I think you will enjoy your 327 the trigger gets better as you break it in.

[@CyborgZeta]

@@TheJHMAN1 Good to know. I plan to primarily shoot .32 S&W Long and .327 out of it; the former for practice, and the latter for defence. I'm not going to bother with .32 H&R since the ammo is even harder to come by than .327 (I don't reload). I plan to try Critical Defense and Hydra-Shoks, and if .327 has too much recoil for me, I'll just give the Taurus 327 to my mom. I can load it with .32 S&W Long wadcutters, and she'll have a low recoil pop gun.

[@terrybarnes0712]

Great video Greg i have listen to Massad talking about Lance Thomas God bless you from Kentucky

[@LionquestFitness]

Than you Terry!

[@lessage760]

Thank you sir great vidio hope all is well there

[@LionquestFitness]

Thanks Les! Just been busy with work. It's that time of year.

[@UncleDanBand64]

I found about a 15 minute interview with Lance on the Justice Files. The interviewer was definitely a left leaning anti-gun type. At the end of the show he ask him if he felt safer? He cooly paused and said he just wanted to feel alive😂

[@tomcarr4630]

Excellent info, Greg! Will be going to those links.

[@bobhartman2571]

Thank you, Greg.

[@LionquestFitness]

Glad you liked it Bob.

[@mooserhodes1]

Great stuff as usual!

[@LionquestFitness]

Thank you!

[@133rip]

Nice holster. I have several.

[@frankbutta9344]

Staging Firearms: My father was a family practitioner, and one of his partners staged a DOZEN pistols throughout their large Philadelphia office. Their assistants all carried, but one doctor held out until last year. There was a fatal shooting in the alley next to their office building, and that doctor ran out and bought a 642.

[@LionquestFitness]

Good story!

[@UncleDanBand64]

I am trying to get that called the Texas reload. Get with the program.

[@LionquestFitness]

From hence forward it shall be known here as such.

[@UncleDanBand64]

@LionquestFitness Well, since New York has went so left, they should not have anything self-defense containing their moniker.

[@Moss500.]

I got a 856 stainless steel and in your trend I named it after a western movie Bandolero!

[@LionquestFitness]

Cool name.

[@ThecrazyScotsman]

Determination something most are lacking these days. Good video my friend

[@LionquestFitness]

Ain't that the truth.

[@la_old_salt2241]

And most are intimidated by those of us who do have determination. We are said to be "toxic". Right...

[@LionquestFitness]

@@la_old_salt2241 I guess I'll be toxic and they'll have to like it.

[@la_old_salt2241]

@@LionquestFitness Yep!

[@bates.k.r.]

Good video

[@DanTheWolfman]

Sound video Greg. Did you see I did a vid on all the FBI data on .38?

[@LionquestFitness]

I saw the release announcement, but it never showed up in my feed. I'll check it out.

[@marcoscustodio6255]

Good to see you. Nice video, lots to learn from it. Thank you. Since I have been watching your videos, I have been inspired to improve my skills as a shooter and also physically.

[@LionquestFitness]

That is excellent!

[@LionquestFitness]

What is even more frightening if this happened today is that Lance would have been picketted and harassed by BLM and Antifa, had his shop burned down, and probably criminally charged by a Progressive prosecutor.

[@marie-noellebaechler1433]

Thank you very much for this video and for your demo shooting. That was very interesting

[@LionquestFitness]

Thank you!

[@marie-noellebaechler1433]

You are very Welcome.

[@marie-noellebaechler1433]

And the interview of Lance Thomas is both very interesting and quite frightening

[@UncleDanBand64]

I never heard of him but, that is probably the most self-defense of anyone. Amazing, I must check out the interview with him.

[@LionquestFitness]

That article from Massad Ayoob was definitely worth two bucks to American Handgunner. He details all four shootouts.

[@UncleDanBand64]

@LionquestFitness Yeah, I followed that link and saw it was to purchase a pdf. Being a Texas tight wad I Google until I found the video I watched. The man looked incredibly fit and confident. Also what struck me, he worked out his own training a scenarios that he would be defending. Imagine that, he didn't some bearded foul-mouthed instructor telling him you will die if you don't attend my class. They should make a movie about this man.

[@LionquestFitness]

@@UncleDanBand64 LOL - God bless the bearded, tatted up instructors. They have their own niche. But you are right. He worked his training and strategies out on his own.

[@fbweaver63]

great shooting and set-up. i loved the ny reload, too. a lot faster than a speed loader. thank you for the lesson about lance thomas, training, and mindset. what's interesting about crack, and political intrigue, is that cocaine was a rich man drug in the disco days before the sandinista/ contra affair. a lot of air america planes covertly left arkansa (when clinton was governor) for central america with non-existent guns for the contras. these planes, that didn't exist were now empty and very close to colombia...then crack came out that was dirt cheap by the rock and dumped on our inner cities. history is very interesting when read between the lines.

[@LionquestFitness]

Whew, I was going to mention in another post how our own CIA was funneling cocaine through an airport in Mina Arkansas from South America to Los Angeles. Our own government started and fueled the explosion of gang violence and drug use during that period.

[@fbweaver63]

yeah, the whole iran/contra affair blew up when that hassenfus guy was shot down. do you remember the miami vice episode when the old banker told tubbs and crocket their finances and talked about all the money owed to the banks from their friends in latin america that only had one commodity to pay it back with? money and power rule the world.@@LionquestFitness

[@LionquestFitness]

@@fbweaver63 Sadly true.

[@ironmikehallowween]

Very good video

[@LionquestFitness]

Thanks.

[@Fudmottin]

I think I would also be investing in body armor for that job!

[@michigunsanta8680]

I’ve taken all those lessons and used them except the gym. 🤷‍♂️👌😏😅

[@Graydog-sx6le]

I tend to carry revolves as a rule. I have at times thought of carrying a little more firepower. This video comes at a time when I am considering some different carry options. Gives me pause to ponder what I might need. Thanks for the good video.

[@LionquestFitness]

Analyze and prepare. I also train with semi-autos should I see the necessity for higher capacity.

[@Graydog-sx6le]

@@LionquestFitness revolvers are so easy to carry. That’s my main calculus for carrying one.

[@LionquestFitness]

@@Graydog-sx6le Easy to carry, easier to conceal, more conducive to point and shoot, and possibly more court defensible.

[@williamanthony5021]

GREAT TO VIEW YOUR VIDEO S. BE WELL STAY SAFE GOD BLESS YOU WILD BILL IN MASSACHUSETTS.🎉❤

[@edwardpetty5401]

Watched the video on Lance Thomas. I agree with his reasoning.

[@LionquestFitness]

Absolutely.

[@johnelder4273]

Great video and story. Lance made a decision to act and formulated a plan. In his first shooting the second criminal seemed caught off guard by his aggression. It has been my experience that even when I didn't make the best possible choice in a confrontation that immediate and aggressive action was a pretty good choice. Most criminals/assailants are caught off guard by aggression from their intended "victim". Of course I could just be lucky and the good Lord protects fools. 😂

[@LionquestFitness]

Maybe a little of of both.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Great vid Greg. As always. I had heard this account before and at the end you reminded me who it was - Massad. Yep. I think I would have moved my business to another location after the second incident lol

[@LionquestFitness]

Ultimately, for his safety and the safety of his customers, he had to. Especially after getting word that one of the LA gangs was going to do a drive through on his shop after he'd shot on of their members.

[@livincincy4498]

I like revolvers. With attacks on civilians being commonly performed by groups of 5-6 or more it makes me wonder about multiple “ reloads “ or higher capacity. You can easily loose your gun if hit in a gun fight. You might need to shoot one handed. You might need to shoot with your non dominant hand.

[@LionquestFitness]

All things to consider.

[@Ds_Drums]

Cool video. Nice job with the shooting portion then storytime was fun too. Happy Sunday and thanks.

[@LionquestFitness]

Thank you!

[@carloparisi9945]

This guy had more guts than a T-rex

[@LionquestFitness]

That's for sure.

[@mrbottomfeeder]

🔥🔥👍👍🔫😎

[@T.A.B.Videos]

👍👍

[@petermonck5448]

💯👍😎

[@fujmilla]

Mika’s pocket holster? Looks like mine. They are great

[@LionquestFitness]

I've got two of them. I really like them.

[@thealsatian4232]

That was the same time that I was a police officer in Houston. Crack made things crazy.

[@EricDaMAJ]

"To crawfish" is slang for to retreat from a position. It is American English as a verb, "to back out," in reference to the creature's movements. A crawfish swims/walks backwards when threatened or attacked. - Quora _“For 11 long years Saddam Hussein has sidestepped, crawfished, wheedled out of any agreement that he had made._ - President George W. Bush, Sept 5, 2002

[@LionquestFitness]

Thanks for looking that up. I was wondering about that. Also, you're the first to comment on those vintage ads I've been putting at the end of the videos. I think they are fascinating.

[@telesniper2]

I don't understand why he didn't wear body armor, especially after getting shot early on in the many gunfights he was in.

[@LionquestFitness]

Good question. One reason that can be surmised is that back then body armor wasn't readily available other than to law enforcement and it was very bulky at the time.

[@thebluesrockers]

Greg, you're pretty badass with those revolvers, but a true badass can pop two Viagra, and do 20, no handed pushups!" hahaha Just joking with you. I hope everything is going good in your personal life. I've gotten better with my shooting but not badass good. However, I'm still working on it. Peace.. Joe

[@anonymousf454]

I remember that story. Dude didt take shht from no one.

[@tshep2az]

Aim small miss small

[@LionquestFitness]

Yep

[@tywatts7834]

How many people you killed mr gunfighter

[@LionquestFitness]

What kind of sick question is that?

[@freeman7296]

I bought pocket watches from him years ago - via mail order - and he was a bit of a cheat.... what I got didn't resemble the condition he noted in his catalog - and then, made BS comments about why...if they were close to the description, his excuses might have been right...but they weren't

[@LionquestFitness]

Interesting.

[@mikepond8898]

"Room temp challenge". Funny, but please don't start looking like a hobo.

[@BOHEMIANHUNTINGCLUB]

👍👍

[@LionquestFitness]

Good morning to the friends of my friend Batjac JW!