How Important is “Civilian” Training & Fighting Shotguns | SOTG 1318

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During this week’s show Professor Paul and Zach will discuss a recent social media post that went viral for SOTG. How and why might that be the case? 

During our Tech Talk from EOTech Inc, we will consider “thermochromic” coffee mugs and how those work. How are these different from a thermobaric device? 

Language, Context, and Free Speech

The professor and Zach discussed the appropriate use of certain words, emphasizing the importance of context and historical usage in language. They expressed frustration with the "woke" movement's attempts to censor language, highlighting the double standards and the impact on free speech.

Zach mentioned that the first half of their show is open to all listeners, while the latter part, including the grad program content, is restricted to enrolled members. They encouraged listeners to join their mailing list for updates and access to live sessions.

Blackout Coffee Mug Promotion

The meeting discussed the promotion of Blackout Coffee and EOTech thermochromic coffee mugs, which gained significant attention on social media with over 519,000 views. Professor highlighted the pro-Second Amendment stance of Blackout Coffee's owners and shared a video demonstrating the mug's feature.

The group also mentioned the release of three videos commemorating the 10th anniversary of Team Honey Badger and encouraged viewers to explore the Student of the Gun website and social media channels. The conversation ended with a brief mention of an upcoming discussion on fighting shotguns during the Student of the Gun homeroom.

Fighting Shotgun Characteristics and Options

The professor discussed the characteristics of a "fighting shotgun," emphasizing that it should be a 12-gauge repeating gun, such as a pump or semi-automatic model, with an 18-inch barrel and a cylinder bore. He explained that while double-barrel shotguns are popular for hunting, they are not ideal for self-defense due to legal restrictions in some countries.

The professor also noted the rising cost of ammunition, particularly for smaller gauges like 20-gauge, and highlighted the availability of more affordable options like the MAC 1014 Breacher compared to high-end models like the Benelli M4.

Home Defense Shotgun Recommendations

The discussion focused on shotguns for home defense, with the professor recommending a simple, reliable 12-gauge pump-action shotgun loaded with buckshot from reputable manufacturers like Federal, Winchester, or Remington.

He emphasized that such shotguns should be basic with a short barrel, no sporting features, and no duck plugs, and suggested practicing with birdshot before using buckshot for defense. The professor also noted that in the U.S., shotguns are used more as fighting tools than in other nations, citing their effectiveness in law enforcement for over 125 years.

The conversation ended with an invitation for viewers to join the grad program by signing up at studentofthegun.com.

Leadership and Continuous Education

The meeting focused on leadership lessons, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience and continuing education. The professor shared anecdotes from military training and state-mandated firearms programs to illustrate how individuals sometimes underestimate the value of ongoing education. 

Importance of Experience in Fitness

The professor discussed the dangers of relying on enthusiasts for tactical advice, emphasizing the importance of experience and education. They also covered the topic of fighting fitness, mentioning that an email was sent out to promote a live show.

The professor shared the story of Sybil, a client of Matt Reynolds who regained her quality of life through strength training, particularly deadlifts. They stressed the significance of maintaining muscle mass for longevity and improving quality of life, even into later years.

Exercise Benefits for Aging Muscles

The professor discussed the importance of regular exercise, particularly weightlifting, for maintaining muscle mass and bone density as people age. He explained that gravity plays a crucial role in muscle strengthening and that a combination of stress and recovery is necessary for muscle adaptation.

The professor emphasized that older adults, particularly men, should focus on leg strength to prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of hip fractures, noting that many elderly individuals who break hips do not survive the year.

Combat Veterans and Social Media

The professor expressed frustration with modern combat veterans who act as if they are the first to experience combat, thanks to social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. He compared their experiences to historical combat veterans, emphasizing the importance of civilian training and the need for practical knowledge in real-life situations.

The professor also criticized a specific influencer's advice against using shotguns for home defense, highlighting the priority of stopping a threat over preserving drywall.

Home Defense Rights Discussion

The meeting focused on a passionate discussion about home defense and the importance of citizens having adequate tools and training to protect themselves. The professor emphasized that civilians should not be disadvantaged and should have access to the same weapons and training as the military, citing historical examples like the American Revolution.

He criticized certain influencers and veterans for undermining civilians' rights to self-defense, arguing that citizens need more advantages rather than fewer. The conversation ended with a brief Thanksgiving message and reminder about an upcoming Best Of Student of the Gun episode.

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TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE

• Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Spike’s Tactical
• PUT Blackout Coffee into those mugs! www.studentofthegun.com/blackout  
  • Use Code: STUDT20
• [0:23:30] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com
  • TOPIC: EOTech has coffee mugs, and you can get an SOTG Coffee Mug at ShopSOTG.com
• [0:35:21] SOTG Homeroom - SOTG University
  • TOPIC: What makes a “Fighting Shotgun” such?
  • Shotgun Ammo: The Problem with No. 4 Buckshot for Home Defense www.shootingnewsweekly.com
  • FIRST TEST: Benelli M4 EXT Defensive Shotgun shoot-on.com