Reality Check: Possible vs. Plausible

In this informative video, Reid Henrichs of Valor Ridge discusses equipment selection based on what's plausible vs. possible. There is an entire industry out there designed to separate you from your money based on fantasy rather than reality.
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DISCLAIMER: The materials available through this channel, Reid Henrichs, or Valor Ridge(including any show, episode, guest appearance, etc. appearing within) are for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The opinions expressed through this video are the opinions of the individual author.
FAIR USE: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with the intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.
IMPORTANT: All shooting is done on state-approved firing ranges by trained professionals. Our videos are produced in a safe environment by highly trained professionals with decades of experience. These videos are strictly for educational and entertainment purposes only. Imitation or the use of anything demonstrated in my videos is done AT YOUR OWN RISK. Do not attempt to replicate the actions featured in our videos without the proper training, licensing, and medical professionals present.
We are not attempting to sell you the items featured in this video. We are not instructing our viewers on how to modify firearms, accessories, or otherwise change their basic legal function. All firearms and accessories are legal products commonly available in stores all across the United States. Our videos are for entertainment purposes only. We are not a gun shop and DO NOT sell or deal in Firearms. Such a practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws. I DO NOT sell parts, magazines, or firearms.

[@ReidHenrichs]

If you would like to support this channel, consider becoming a member on my Patreon for monthly newsletters and other benefits. www.patreon.com/reidhenrichs

[@johnburnett5377]

You need to flip your flag around.

[@wiscopyro]

If I remember correctly you are a Torah observant man and I am too, I have questions about self defense in relation to Exodus 22:2-3

[@wiscopyro]

@@troy3456789 I asked for Reid's feedback, thanks but no thanks for all of that. Have a nice day though

[@2dAnglicoSix]

@@johnburnett5377ww

[@user-pr3ho5pz4m]

Reid is the voice of reason and common sense mixed will real life experience.

[@WinStoNs_Mith]

Thanks Reid. I can’t express how valuable being a Patreon member of Reid’s is worth. I highly recommend everyone join. You won’t regret it, I promise. God Bless you all!

[@11b4life.]

Words of truth from a man I highly respect...been to Valor Ridge 3 times and will continue to go.

[@mikeyob4271]

I'm jealous.

[@mikeyob4271]

Life is not fair...LOL

[@11b4life.]

@@mikeyob4271 no my friend life is not fair, but I believe life is what you make it. If you want it bad enough you will find away to make it happen. I give you my word on my sworn oath as a soldier if you go to Valor Ridge and train with Reid...the money you spend is a paltry sum to the knowledge you will gain.

[@shootshellz]

You flunked out the first two times?

[@TheZebra1three]

I was in the army years ago. We never had optics, live fire at night and we had to hit our targets. We did with our M16's.

[@mattr918]

Skill beats cool stuff all day.

[@user-bf9zv6ts2k]

Big factor with the whole Irons vs. red dot/magnified optic is that those of us who spent time in the military or LEO's most likely did so in our late teens and early 20's. I had eyes like a Peregrene Falcon in my 20's, but as I age, I find myself not being able to pick up the front sight in low light or reduced light situations. To each their own, but old eyes and irons aren't a great mix for me. YMMV

[@jonfisher9185]

As a mechanic, I have a tool box full of tools that only do one thing.

[@CompletePandemonium]

Yes sir. Absolutely outstanding advice. I was told a very long time ago "keep it light, keep it simple". It is still my motto today.

[@alpha13dylan]

I agree. I think it's far too easy to get a false sense of security by carrying alot of extra gear that may not be necessary.

[@elijahanderson6736]

The new trend of retro rifles is not just because they are "cool." It's because they are LIGHT and easy to handle. What's old is new. Enjoying the frequent uploads!

[@johnniewasr5740]

Retro weapons are as the designers intended.

[@Salkehatchie]

I agree with 90% of this video. My only retort is magnification is important when IDing targets at distance. Carrying 7 mags on body is enough, but you should carry more in a pack. We are civilians and won’t have a resupply like Mil/Leo in the examples discussed in the video. You can always dump the pack if you get a fight. Home defense and nation defense rifles should be slightly different because they’re different scenarios and both are likely right now. Thanks Reid. Always enjoy the content.

[@ddaverr]

Like he said, context. Home invader, battle belt with 8 mags isnt needed. Little EMP action over the US, best have what youre saying.

[@davidh7398]

I agree with you. My thoughts exactly. Well said.

[@ScrappyXGC]

LOL Had to deal with looters after a hurricane, they'd shot a home owner a few blocks away. So I was on night watch w/ one spare mag in my pocket, 60rnds 5.56 and 21rnds .45ACP, easy peasy, I made them leave. Asked if I'd heard anything by a deputy that morning after, told him I heard something and ask around for him. Guessing the looters went to the hospital. 🤷‍♂No power, no landline, no cell, you become 911.

[@jamesr792]

@@ScrappyXGCI do so love a good story of a citizen taking care of business. Well done sir!

[@ScrappyXGC]

@@jamesr792 I appreciate that JamesR. Shots close to 100y (maybe more or less) under starlight with irons not even knowing front post, just muscle memory. Ass in a wet ditch. First shot, muscle memory got co-witnessed in that muzzle flash. Heard glass break and BOOM... and on. What does 2" left matter at that distance 🤷‍♂ They didn't head the flashes of light. Pretty sure no one died that night or the investigation would have been more than just a deputy driving by. 😂Didn't wake my wife up. She was sleeping on the floor in a closed up house. I know she would have responded with a whole mag dump. Don't ask how many rounds into targets, I'm not going to say. I'm glad you're thinking about what may have to be done. Between the looters being at the house, I knew what would ballistically happen there, I knew what my backdrop was in them running to the vehicle -- no, no territory, the run from the front door to the vehicle -- they hit the vehicle, that was on, I'd maybe hit a truck. I didn't shoot the guy dragging the other guy (may be chicks, don't care), that was in the nono zone. Malaysian ammo works just fine 👍I do love my neighbors too. It's weird the people I was protecting, thought it was weird how after the hurricane had passed their stormdoor had gotten broken 🤬I think I bit my tounge half in two. Protect yourself so you can protect others James GO MAN GO! Prey on the predators.

[@tightwad]

When I build a house I don't bring my entire toolshed w me. Determination trumps gadgets every time. Great message Reid

[@KikiRevenge]

I don't know about EVERY time. I'd rather take a 1000 yard shot with a good scope gadget than iron sights with determination.

[@shootshellz]

You can lift a toolshed?

[@anangryranger]

Quite true.👍You are exactly on point. Fewer "moving parts" means less to go wrong or fail. At 73, I'm not going to be able to run 'n gun like a man of 25. Sure, I did three tours in Vietnam, and spent 28 years as a peace officer. But that was decades ago. And yes, I've been in firefights, and armed conflicts. But I'm old now. Yet with age comes wisdom. Though primarily a pistol caliber levergun and revolver guy, you'll find one, yes, one stock standard AR15 M4 clone carbine among my older weapons. That AR is set up with the standard f2 front sight and the carryhandle rear sight. A two point sling, the old style "large oval" M4 handguard .The only thing I changed was the grip, adding a Magpul MOE K2, for an easier grip with my old hand. And no plastic striker fire autoloaders in 9mm, but a pair of 1911A1's in 45 Auto. I keep things simple, direct, with no fancy contraptions or " tacticool" toys. Just what's needed to accomplish my goal.

[@SN00PICUS]

My Grandpa taught me to keep it simple. Everything you said rings true with what he taught me and it makes sense as you both seem to have a similar background. I still carry his 1911 that I learned to shoot with 35 years ago when I was shooting tin cans in the back.

[@anangryranger]

@@stevexracer4309 Roger that! When I'd go out with a squad or platoon, while scouting out ahead, I could often tell where the column was by the antenna of the RTO.😬😁

[@DogBeast221]

“Don’t mess with old people. The term “life in prison” is less of a deterrent.”

[@anangryranger]

@@SN00PICUS Thank you for the kind words. Does indeed sound like your grandfather and I are of similar backgrounds. And I am a firm believer in what the 1911A1 can do. It never failed to do the job, wether in the jungle, the streets, or the woods of East Texas, where I retired to. Take good care of your grandpa's pistol.👍

[@jamesr792]

If it works, it works! No point in gilding the lily!

[@samuelclayton4405]

Reid you are absolutely Spot On. I am 65. In my youth I served as an Infantrymen and a Lawman. I was 30 when I stopped making a living with a gun. I have made the same arrangement many times.

[@patrickbrophy5310]

Wish I could like this a million times! Reid is once again spot on!👍🏻

[@kellydaniels8992]

Thanks! An Olé school 0351 myself. You are helping numerous. Please keep the Good fight going. God Speed and God Bless,,,,,,, Semper Fi,,,

[@Jason47-74]

Last year I went to Ukraine and I wished I would’ve paid more attention to certain details, but I saw most soldiers armed with iron sighted AK-74 rifles, a couple of fixed stock AKMs, RPDs’, Makarovs’ and one iron sighted AR-15 with what looked like a 12” barrel. Also a significant amount of the population appeared fit. Seems like a lot of the fighting isn’t done with small arms, but obviously it has occurred.

[@DogBeast221]

Why were you there?

[@Jason47-74]

Hello, I wanted to go visit my wife’s homeland and being a Christian I travelled with other Christians to help bring medical supplies, food and other items to the people affected by war and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Being a gun enthusiast, I was fascinated with seeing select-fire Cold War era versions of semi-automatic only firearms we have access to in the states.

[@DogBeast221]

@@Jason47-74 bless you! May the Power of Prayer triumph over the Hell that is war.

[@PhDarien]

I taught the exact same thing when I was instructing firearms as well. I did have extra BS at times and people wanted it without knowing why.

[@markbenge563]

So true Reid and well said buddy. Mark from Tennessee. Good to see you again buddy. God bless you and your family and all Americans in this crooked time together Amen. 👍👍

[@samhinnant4416]

Get your capability to a level where the gear that will help you makes sense. There's nothing wrong with having quality gear as long as your training is maxed out so you know how to maximize the use of that gear.

[@MM-uy9hd]

Outstanding! Very sensible and practical advice from an expert. Everyone should listen to this.

[@garywatkins5533]

Man your rock solid advise on simplicity,,,,,,is so simple and true!!!! I learned my lesson with a B.A.D. lever. I guess it's good for some,,,but,,it was the most stupid accessory for me!! I gave it to somebody who wanted one. Just illogical FOR ME!!

[@tightwad]

BAD levers are great idea but 99.9% of us aren't in Mogadishu. But I do love my AMBI Sharp's LIVEWIRE Bolt Release just to avoid that awkward lefthanded release.

[@hbarwickjr]

Thank you Reid! Good information laid out as usual with common sense advice.

[@BlueCollarEats]

If you look at Reid and what he teaches - he reflects this in his classes and media content. Little in the way of “stuff” and tons of depth in the needs of our time nationally and training wise it’s depth over width. Actually a life lesson buried there too!

[@larryjohnson1966]

Great video. Thanks for the information. Keep it simple works for me. Weapon, reload or two, mental preparedness. All you need.

[@SS-yx3oz]

Thank you for the Tips ,Reid! God Bless 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

[@garymyersgarym6434]

Grate video Reid as usual to the point and correct simple is always better. More gear is not better, training is the key.

[@jackieeastom8758]

At 64,I’ve learned that KISS is a great rule for life! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with us!

[@williampinner1893]

Thanks Reid. Common sense as usual. Keep up the good work.

[@stevecasey7479]

My tupperware of shame dates back to the 90's.

[@dknollRX7]

My favorite is the gun “experts” who say you need a WML on your pistol to extend beyond the barrel for “stand-off” so your gun doesn’t go out of battery for all of those times you hold somebody at gunpoint with the barrel against their body.

[@samhinnant4416]

I have a weapon light on my Pistol to ID who I'm fixing to shoot. That's what a weapons purpose is.

[@jamesr792]

I mean…it’s a bonus function and all…but if I’m using my handheld light and eyes/neck correctly and lighting up potential threats, I probably won’t need my pistol OR weapon light, will I?

[@AllWriteSoft]

Great Message Reid!!! That two-point harness is a must. Just ask Kyle about when he was in Kenosha.

[@justanothergunnerd8128]

Excellent friggin video - gotta take a class with Reid and the crew - love the philosophy.

[@cliffkirby8570]

Very good points you've made.... Funny I have a rifle that has some fancy stuff on it and I have rifles with just the bare minimum.... And I have asked myself in an emergency which one would I grab. The struggle is LOL. I'm leaning more towards the bear minimum.

[@DogBeast221]

KISS: I like your approach, Marine.

[@doejohn8674]

Excellent advice, as always!

[@melgillham462]

K.I.S.S one of my favorite adages and a phrase that pays in the long run. 👍

[@RTK_GOON]

God bless you sir

[@hazegrayprepper4396]

Excellent video, Reid. I keep my setup simple as well. So many in the 2A community are quick to ridicule others about their setups. This is detrimental to those who are new to owning firearms, who can get easily discouraged because of that. Keep doing your thing. Maybe one day I'll sign up for your classes and make the trip to Tennessee to attend it.

[@evilisfun9935]

Tupperware of shame. 😂😂😂 I am guilty of that. Never heard it put that way before.😂😂😂

[@jffcody]

Best advice I have ever heard. Thank you!

[@seanbrando_7456]

I've noticed you touch on this topic often but really dive in every couple years......trust me it is needed. No matter how much I try to push out that tactical trendy consumer noise sometimes a little bit gets through. I've been focused on ammo, bomb proof optics and just doing drills and putting in work on the range. I have an old Eagle plate carrier and a Haley chest rig I found on E-bay. Would I rather have a Crye JPC ? Sure.....and one day I'll upgrade but I know my kit and basic is best sometimes. Now is not the time to experiment with gear- things in the world keep getting weirder and I would rather have ammo and skill than the latest hotness made of nylon. Thanks again Reid. It's nice to know their are honest people trying to keep us all grounded. Lord know's the "industry" doesn't even try. They just want to sell more "upgrades".

[@kman8176]

Thank you. Very true and honest.

[@puppetguy64]

Thanks Reid, Semper Fi

[@ManuelMartinez-xy2zo]

Awesome video Reid thank you for helping people like myself out who are trying to learn

[@billbbobby2889]

Thank You and great explanation. Practicality is everything.

[@mithrandir1313]

Exactly!! A shoulder rig with 2 spare mags and a hand-held light attached. If a bump in the night occurs, you can put that on first, then if you have time you can put on yer pants. (Easier toilet use and while driving). IMHO

[@gpa7243]

Good information. The bin of useless gear I can identify with and I laughed. Everyone in this game has that bin maybe even 2 bins, or in some cases a room full of it. Wife might say a house full but don’t listen to her. Hey after 40 years a guy collects stuff.

[@davidfaria6194]

Glad you’re back, making some videos

[@jamesr792]

I love your no-bullshit approach and your reliance on training instead of technology and toys. It’s a nice foil to the shiny-kit syndrome to which I tend to be prone. KISS is the way to go. Also, while I do have a chest rig ready to roll, guaranteed I’ll be grabbing my rifle right off the bat and my rifle alone.

[@septor-og6hi]

Very good advice. 👍🇺🇸

[@johannsen4171]

When you mentioned being in LA during Katrina the first thing I thought of was Reid is not the kind of guy to take people's firearms away, what was it like and did you take firearms away from people ?

[@cmike22000]

Agreed, love those sks slings! Simple, functional, etc.

[@richardturk7162]

I'm a big fan of keeping it simple.

[@JackalopeGhost]

Been a... Don't want to say "follower" or "fan" but I guess protégé of yours for as long as you've been teaching. I think you started out with Tactical Response, if I'm not mistaken. I don't think I've ever had a hard disagreement with you on anything aside from a few things that were low on the threshold of even reaching out or commenting to disagree with you on. Thank you for making videos still and sharing your thoughts on things. It's honestly refreshing to have someone as level-headed and honest about stuff. One who focuses on software rather than hardware. Appreicate you and thanks again.

[@dougcobb8114]

There has been some great invasions, such as small red dot sights on sub-compact pistol...

[@timunderbakke8756]

While there is nothing wrong with old irons, there’s also nothing wrong with modern optics. I understand shooting irons, but I’m faster and more accurate at distance with the red dot

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

I agree 100%. Even the most highly trained and physically fit soldiers can get too overburdened by gear. Look at what Christian Craighead had on him in Nairobi. Not too much, not too little and he went to work and got it done.

[@audi_kid]

Great video thank you 🇺🇸🤙🏼

[@sethblack5309]

I like the idea of being master of basics 1st before adding extra stuff.

[@garymyersgarym6434]

Grate video Reid as usual to the point and correct simple is always better. More gear is not better, training is the key. 9:42

[@thespaminator]

Best video on the subject in a very long time.

[@79dogface]

100% correct Reid.

[@parunbelhomme]

I needed this reminder. 🙏🏾

[@LJClark1000]

K. I.S.S. Keep it Simple Stupid . This approach has kept me from over complicating my load out for years.

[@williamwalker1277]

Reid, you're dead on it. Back in the seventies and eighties I bet I have spent thousands of dollars on different things for my rifle to different plate carriers to all kinds of ( junk)stuff. Now I have open sites, a good light and a good sling and my rifle shoots just as well as it did with all the other stuff on it...

[@williamnichols1615]

Thank you for sharing Brother!

[@ihaveastoma3869]

i always called this “Probability vs possibility “ everything is a numbers game

[@mikelekston698]

This is such a great advice. Thank you Reid, you have such a great wealth of knowledge that you share about history, every day practical life, & h onesty. You are one of the good guy i love on team freedom. Keep up the good work & educating the masses.

[@Holden-McGroin]

Glad to see you putting out more videos lately!

[@packer492]

Amen

[@woodwoman9130]

Thanks sir!🇺🇸👍❤️

[@juliereyes5704]

Good reminder to myself. KISS

[@red9man2130]

EXCELLENT ADVICE! AS for a Handgun for me at least a good Browning Hi-power,CZ-75 or a 1911. Reid hit it out of the park again.

[@johnjeffries6207]

Great video. Thanks

[@SnakeBitBob1982]

Excellent advice

[@dpete8995]

Thanks Reid… good stuff…

[@sureokk]

I'm tired. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. I want to hope again.

[@charlesmckinley29]

Pray while you are working out in the morning and may that help you sleep better night! 🙏

[@aharris87]

Always good information. Keep it up sir.

[@charlesmckinley29]

Thank you Reid.

[@aregularjoe6781]

Great video! Great advice!

[@bryanst.martin7134]

I have been subbed and all bell note was on, and this is the 1st video from you in a year. YT sucks.

[@brandyhouston2105]

Thanks for making the video. 😎

[@armeddiver]

Reid, Great video. I am old (69) and have tailored my combat/training gear to an AR15 (300 BLK) with flop up irons, a red dot, a MagPul MS4 sling and a Surefire weapons light. I don’t own a helmet and can not see that I will ever have a need for one. I do have two plate carriers. One has 12” Guard Dog Ceramic IIIA plates that are very light. My other plate carrier has 11”x14” AR500 IIIA soft plates, which is just a little bit heavier than the Guard Dog plates. I know neither set of plates are protection from 5.56 rounds or larger, but the real purpose of the plate carriers is to hold 3 mags, a first aide kit where I can get my hands on it, and an attached backpack. Bottom line, they offer some protection while also allowing a way to carry the gear I need rather than using a chest rig and separate back pack. I would love to take a course with you, but Valor Ridge is a little far for me. I live in Cleveland Heights, OH.

[@Citizen-by9vw]

Good video. Thanks, Reid

[@martyp5976]

Si, great content as always!

[@walkercustoms]

Thank you

[@donpanzer5348]

The best operator can make bad equipment good. The best equipment can't make a bad operator good.

[@seanwhite304]

I run Micro Chest Rig . 4 carbine mags and 3 pistol mags in total . I do not plan on having to do CQB so plate carrier really isn't needed. I do have one but I never use it . Tried and true IMO trumps the latest and greatest whiz bang 3000.

[@randybicker907]

Absolutely!

[@Brett235]

This is the very reason I have never done videos here on KZbin. I have no professional experience in firearms instruction and certainly no experience in combat tactics, so everything I know and understand is from my own experience and is possibly wrong so I don't want to misinform anyone.

[@williamneal7210]

It's been many months since I've seen one of your vids come up in my feed...gotta wonder why...certainly can't be YT, right? Good to be hearing you again.

[@farmerwayne1404]

Good stuff, Mr. H !!

[@endofthelongestline1]

I prefer the low cash omperators. Seems they are the most skilled and know how to prioritize.

[@theshamelessifidel]

I love your videos, good job!

[@brotherscoobs]

K.i.s.s. I have always appreciated you're approach Reid A simple.rifle setup that you practice with and know inside and out is, imo, all you need...emphasis on practice with and know inside out

[@joefinn67]

Love your posts

[@sombra6153]

The KISS principle regarding iron sights is also worthy of mention. My irons are currently backup irons. One of the best rear folding sights was a GG&G, which wasn’t t fancy but held the closest to an A1 rear peep sight - easy to pick up under stress. I was at an indoor match a few years back where irons were required. I had been shooting with irons on outdoor ranges in daylight but a red dot for everything else. I mostly held my own but got beat out by a guy using a range rental M&P22 because my rear backup sight and my corrective lenses didn’t want to get along and I lost some time in the last round. Not the iron sights from the M16A1 of my youth, which I might have shot better with then if I’d listened to instructions better. I prefer LVPOs for a lot of reasons, but they add weight to a carbine. A Burris LVPO, Scout Light, Vickers sling and a full Magpul tips my scales at just over ten pounds with an otherwise slick 16 inch.

[@manondemaagd4019]

Hi Ried, I got an old hockey trick to keep your glasses from fogging up. Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and a few drops of dawn dish soap. Spray your glasses, then let it dry on the surface. After that, just wipe them clean and it should help you see clear. I recommend doing it every time you go shooting.

[@nickturner8927]

Spot on brother, simper fi

[@MtnBadger]

It's time someone said this. I was a combat munitions specialist/expert marksman and the fanciest I get is an MOE forgrip (instead of the stock grips shown here), pop-ups, maaaybe a Holosun, a light and a tourniquet on my sling with two mags taped together. And that's "geared up." I can do with less and definitely don't need more as I'm not operating on night missions with a team needing an IR strobe/laser/super-duper Roger ranger outfit. 😅 The quicker we learn to be proficient with less, the faster we learn we don't need more. Gear for the purpose, not the cool factor.

[@pogveteranar9415]

Great video, I don’t dislike optics but I don’t understand this whole move towards only using optics.

[@13ECHO20]

Everyone should be trained with iron sights. AT 58, my eyes are not as good as when I was 20 and in the army. If I need to shoot over 100 yards I will need optics. (I frequently hit the range.) The biggest thing is TRAINING. Train with what you have and will use.