Andy Loeffler, Author at Personal Defense Network

Pistol Reloads, Blue Guns, and Brain Function

November 7, 2016 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Handguns.

Beretta M9 and its blue pretender showed that even an obvious weight difference would not reliably prevent stress-induced confusion. Photo: authorEditor’s Note: Repeated student errors in defensive handgun classes sent the author on a mission to understand why these mistakes were happening, and what we… Read More

Military Combat Concepts for Personal Defense

January 18, 2016 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Family Self Defense.

We’ve all heard it said that some people see the world through “rose-colored glasses.” Read More

The Great Gun Caliber Debate

June 9, 2015 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Self Defense Firearms.

In self-defense circles, the great caliber debate has raged on forever. Read More

Alternate Concealed Carry Clothing Options Revisited

February 24, 2015 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Equipment and Accessories.

Members of and regular visitors to the Personal Defense Network tend to be folks who take their personal protection seriously. Read More

Defensive Visualization Tools

July 24, 2014 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Defensive Training Concepts.

B-27 target (left) suggests human opponent but without specific form, making it perhaps easier for us to visualize the details. Photo: author First, the good news: there is a powerful resource available to you … right now … free of charge … that can greatly… Read More

Glock Model 42 in Perspective

May 19, 2014 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Handguns, Self Defense Firearms.

Glock Model 42 is a great choice when paired with modern defensive ammunition. Photo: author Like the majority of those reading this, I did not have the opportunity to attend the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show this year. And although not among the… Read More

Controlling the Variables

December 13, 2013 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Defensive Training Concepts.

Although this holster is advertised as being the proper fit for this gun, the thumb break is clearly able to compromise the position of the thumb safety. Good gear selection is a big part of controlling variables. Photo: authorI’m not the most detail-oriented or… Read More

Reloading a Revolver

September 24, 2013 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Handguns, Self Defense Firearms.

Although I still teach a lot of classes at Black Wing Shooting Center in Delaware, Ohio, my role has evolved to include planning and administration of our training programs, as well as executing those plans. Consequently, I have become more interested in things such as instructor development and the standardization… Read More

Welcome to the Family: Integrating New or Alternate Carry Guns

April 30, 2013 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Defensive Issues, Personal Defense.

There are many things that I like about my job. Teaching at Black Wing Shooting Center, handling new guns and gear, and learning from courses, articles, videos, podcasts and blogs by some of the best in the business. Heck, I’m lucky enough to put an article of my own up… Read More

Defensive Detour: Coping With Limited Mobility

February 22, 2013 By Andy Loeffler & filed under All Articles, Defensive Issues, Personal Defense.

Life throws us the occasional curveball. Circumstances beyond our control can compel us to change the way we do things, and these changes can manifest themselves in any aspect of our day-to-day activities, including our self-defense strategies.My family and I recently encountered one of these curveballs. Although… Read More