# self reliance (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 4 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover self reliance. Page: Feed: --- ## [Dry Practice Safety Protocol](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/dry-practice-safety-protocol) _2026-08-11 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ The only thing more unpopular than dry practice is dry practice safety. With a couple dry practice articles in the pipeline, however, I would be remiss if I didn’t cover this. I do a huge volume of dry practice, so the chances of a mishap are pretty big. Every single day I unload my gun, draw it and pull the trigger a bunch, then reload it. One moment of inattention and a round is going through… ## [Hve we reached ‘Peak Attention Economy’?](https://stevesammartino.com/2026/08/10/hve-reached-peak-attention-economy/) _2026-08-10 · Steve Sammartino · Steve Sammartino_ It’s not your imagination – we want our time back. Ask anyone who truly understands investing what the most valuable asset is and they’ll tell you Time. It’s the only one you can’t buy more of!... \[ READ POST \] The post Hve we reached ‘Peak Attention Economy’? appeared first on Steve Sammartino . ## [Irons vs Optics: Why Pistol Optics is the Clear Winner](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/11932) _2026-08-04 · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ Well, pistol optics are the clear winner…at least for me. Over the past four years or so I have gradually made the switch to pistol-mounted optics for all my serious handguns. This wasn't exactly a comfortable switch and it has only been “final” for about the last two years. Since I've committed, though, there is no way I would go back. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Today I want… ## [ChatGPT won’t take your job, the robots will](https://stevesammartino.com/2026/07/30/chatgpt-wont-take-job-robots-will/) _2026-07-30 · Steve Sammartino · Steve Sammartino_ It’s time to shift our focus to Physical AI If your job is manual – this video says the robots are coming for your job. There is nothing you can do about it, and your government is... \[ READ POST \] The post ChatGPT won’t take your job, the robots will appeared first on Steve Sammartino . ## [Defensive Shotgun Upgrades & Accessories](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/defensive-shotgun-setup-upgrades-and-accessories) _2026-07-28 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ In the last couple of articles in this series on defensive shotguns I talked about not using birdshot and straw man arguments against the shotgun . In the next article, I talked about choosing the right shotgun for you . That last one actually started out as this one… and I got sidetracked, but we’re finally here. Today I’m going to discuss defensive shotgun setup, once you’ve chosen your shotgun.… ## [The Bubble we had to have](https://stevesammartino.com/2026/07/22/the-bubble-we-had-to-have/) _2026-07-22 · Steve Sammartino · Steve Sammartino_ Why the AI business model doesn’t compute Bubbles are a good thing. When they burst, they help us recalibrate what we are doing and why. New players and ideas get a chance to emerge. The... \[ READ POST \] The post The Bubble we had to have appeared first on Steve Sammartino . ## [Bodyguard 2.0 Upgrades: XS Sights & Citizen Response Beavertail](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/upgrading-the-smith-amp-wesson-bodyguard-20) _2026-07-21 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ With attending the police academy , transitioning into a new job, and getting the book out , I fell out of the habit of weekly posts here. At times over the last 18 months I’ve felt completely task-saturated. Regardless of the reason, this was unfair to my readers. It also had the doubly negative effect that most the things I was excited to write about fell by the wayside. I was recently reminded… ## [Training Elevated: DADBODD Visual Shot Timer](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/training-elevated-dadbodd-visual-shot-timer) _2026-07-14 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ One of the most impactful training class I have ever taken was the first Cognitive Conclave ( full review here ). In this class Erick Gelhaus, John Hearne, and Lee Weems trained students to a higher standard. Rather than just doing scripted drills over and over, they came up with training methods that forced students to think, and shoot well while doing so. Unfortunately, rolling a lot of those… ## [Defensive Shotgun Selection: Which is Right for You?](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/defensive-shotgun-setup) _2026-07-14 · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ This article began as a quick piece on setting up your defensive shotgun. As I got into the part about picking out your shotgun, I realized I had a lot more to say on the topic than I thought, so I decided to break this into two articles. Today we are going to talk about defensive shotgun selection: which make and model is the right one for you? I will try to give you all the ins and outs as I see… ## [Smith & Wesson Revolvers Don’t Have a QC Problem](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/smith-amp-wesson-revolvers-dont-have-a-qc-problem) _2026-07-07 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ If you follow revolvers at all, mentions of quality control (QC) problems with S&W revolvers are unavoidable. In blog posts,YouTube videos, and in social media posts, everyone is griping about Smith’s QC problems. I have a different theory - maybe a different complaint is a better way to put it - about Smith & Wesson revolvers. In my opinion, Smith & Wesson revolvers don’t have a QC problem.… ## [Reach prospects with real signals (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/VLDwhLiGRxva) _2026-07-07 · **Sponsored**_ Find prospects talking about your problem and get context-backed moments to engage ## [The one skill kids need right now](https://stevesammartino.com/2026/07/06/one-skill-kids-need-right-now/) _2026-07-05 · Steve Sammartino · Steve Sammartino_ Can be learned at home, and not via formal education. Listen to Steve read this post (7 min audio) The one skill kids need now, in the AI era, can’t be provided at school,... \[ READ POST \] The post The one skill kids need right now appeared first on Steve Sammartino . [Listen](http://stevesammartino.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Blog-Kids-skills-entreprneurship-July2026.m4a) ## [Straw Man Arguments Against the Defensive Shotgun](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/straw-man-arguments-against-the-defensive-shotgun) _2026-06-30 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ I like guns. As such, I like reading articles about guns, watching videos about guns, and listening to podcasts about guns. I especially like shotguns, so I consume quite a bit of content about shotguns. As such, I run across at least some content that is unfavorable to the defensive shotgun. Oftentimes the titles of these articles or videos is along the lines of “shotguns suck for home defense”… ## [The AI Mini Me](https://stevesammartino.com/2026/06/29/the-ai-mini-me/) _2026-06-28 · Steve Sammartino · Steve Sammartino_ No One Is Talking About This With AI Agents: Who Will Own Them? Smart employees will build their own AI agents—little digital twins they bring to the job and take with them when they leave.... \[ READ POST \] The post The AI Mini Me appeared first on Steve Sammartino . ## [Dry Practice Gear: Ready Up Gear Dummy Ammo](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/ready-up-gear-dummy-rounds) _2026-06-23 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ Some readers may know that in 2019 and 2020, I committed to dry practicing 10 minutes a day. I missed a few days each year, but for the most part I dry practiced every day for two years. This year I decided to do it again. I’m almost halfway through the year, and I’ll update you at the end of the year. For now, I’m going to tell you about one of the tools I use to aid my daily dry practice… ## [DON’T DO IT: Birdshot For Defensive Use](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/dont-do-it-birdshot-for-defensive-use) _2026-06-18 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ There are a lot of pearls of “wisdom” in the gun world. People like thinking they know some archaic secret. The more that “secret” goes against the conventional wisdom, the more appeal it seems to have. I thought the issue of using birdshot for defending against human beings was a dead issue. Apparently, it is not. This post will discuss why you should NOT employ birdshot for defensive use. This… ## [A Practical Guide to Digital Self-Reliance, Part 4: Data Ownership](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/dhs-data.html) _2026-06-12 · VHS Overdrive_ Thoughts on data backups, data ownership, and how I built my backup solution. ## [AAR: Level 1 Venomous Snake Handling Course](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/aar-level-i-venomous-snake-handling-course) _2026-05-10 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ A couple weekends ago I attended the Level 1 Venomous Snake Handling Course put on by The Rattlesnake Conservancy . This was a little outside my normal lane of training…hell this is one of the more esoteric classes out there for “tactical” guys. My buddy Adam categorized this as one of my “most interesting man in the world” classes. In any case it was a truly fascinating! Let me tell you about it!… ## [AAR: NTOA Hostage Rescue Tactics Class](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/aar-ntoa-hostage-rescue-tactics-class) _2026-05-03 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ I recently spent a week at the NTOA Hostage Rescue Tactics class. This after action review gives my thoughts and opinions on the class. My agency paid my tuition, lodging, and other costs to attend this class. Other than receiving a membership subsequent to attending, I have no affiliation with NTOA. This review was not coordinated with NTOA in any way, and I received no financial incentive for a… ## [Buy Once. Cry Once: GoRuck MACV Boots](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/buy-once-cry-once-goruck-macv-boots) _2026-04-17 · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ It’s time for another edition of Buy Once, Cry Once . I got a lot of positive feedback from my last installment about Self Reliance Outfitters’ water bottles . I want to keep this series very tightly focused on only the most rugged gear…but I’m finally back with another one! I make my living on my feet, so I feel qualified to recommend a pair of boots, so this time we are focusing on GoRuck MACV… ## [Comfrey: Identification, Uses, and Benefits](https://practicalselfreliance.com/comfrey-symphytum-sp/) _2026-04-17 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ Comfrey (Symphytum sp.) is one of those old-fashioned homestead plants that seems to do a little bit of everything. Herbalists… The post Comfrey: Identification, Uses, and Benefits appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [Home of the Agentic Pull Request (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/GaIiUMfTNHTD) _2026-04-17 · **Sponsored**_ CLI-first, TUI-ready toolkits and a moshscript installer — join the waitlist ## [Basic Soapmaking Recipe for Beginners](https://practicalselfreliance.com/beginner-soapmaking-recipe/) _2026-04-15 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ Cold process soap made from scratch produces a gentle, nourishing bar that feels noticeably different from anything you can buy… The post Basic Soapmaking Recipe for Beginners appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [A Practical Guide to Digital Self Reliance, Part 3: Communication](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/dhs-communications.html) _2026-04-15 · VHS Overdrive_ How to use open protocols to reclaim the social internet from social media. ## [AAR: Dialed-In Training’s “Intermediate Pistol”](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/aar-dialed-in-trainings-intermediate-pistol) _2026-03-29 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ Last weekend I had the immense good fortune of attending Dialed-In Training’s “Intermediate Pistol.” These classes are rare, and this was one that had been on my wishlist for a long time. I finally got the chance and jumped at it. Despite almost having to cancel at the last minute, it all worked out and I got a ton of good information out of this two-and-a-half day class. Disclaimers : Justin… ## [A Practical Guide to Digital Self Reliance, Part 2: Identity](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/dhs-identity.html) _2026-03-16 · VHS Overdrive_ How to get started building your digital identity away from big social media platforms by learning your first HTML and setting up your own personal website. ## [A Practical Guide to Digital Self Reliance, Part 1: Foundations](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/dhs-foundations.html) _2026-03-09 · VHS Overdrive_ An introduction and practical first steps into digital self-reliance - owning your digital presence. ## [Dehydrating Limes (Dehydrator and Oven Instructions)](https://practicalselfreliance.com/dehydrating-limes/) _2026-02-12 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ Drying limes at home is a simple way to preserve citrus wheels for flavoring teas, cocktails and garnishing baked goods. … The post Dehydrating Limes (Dehydrator and Oven Instructions) appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [Dehydrating Grapefruit (Dehydrator or Oven)](https://practicalselfreliance.com/dehydrating-grapefruit/) _2026-02-11 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ Drying grapefruit at home is a simple way to preserve grapefruit slices for pantry storage. Once dried, grapefruit wheels can… The post Dehydrating Grapefruit (Dehydrator or Oven) appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [Homemade Natural Tick Repellent (That Works!)](https://practicalselfreliance.com/natural-tick-repellent/) _2026-02-10 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ Natural tick repellants can help keep ticks away during tick season (March to November), and there are a few homemade… The post Homemade Natural Tick Repellent (That Works!) appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [Canning Chili con Carne](https://practicalselfreliance.com/canning-chili-con-carne/) _2026-02-09 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ Canning Chile Con Carne is one of the most satisfying pressure-canned meals you can tuck into the pantry, because it’s… The post Canning Chili con Carne appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [Mountain Man Medical’s Chest Seal Trainer](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/mountain-man-medicals-chest-seal-trainer) _2026-02-07 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ After my recent appearance on the Concealed Carry Podcast , Jacob Paulsen and I were talking about medical training. He mentioned an interesting new product: the M ountain Man Medical Chest Seal Trainer . It is a non-stick, silicon mat that permits chest-seal use and reuse in a training environment. I had the opportunity to use it with two groups of students, and here’s what I found. Disclaimer :… ## [Ship everywhere from one CLI (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/igPNyUdudbXd) _2026-02-07 · **Sponsored**_ One codebase, hosted runners, encrypted credentials, and automated submissions across stores ## [Winter Storm Preparation](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/winter-storm-preparation) _2026-02-02 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ As I sit here in the immediate aftermath of a winter storm, preparing for winter weather emergencies is on my mind. This is the second one in my area this year. For both I have been on standby with my law enforcement job, and for the last one I was able to come in and work some EMS shifts, as well. This time though, I’ve managed to stay at home, relax, and enjoy myself. Had I not been prepared… ## [Dry January: Observations on a Strong Month](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/dry-january-a-strong-month) _2026-02-01 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ One of my goals for 2026 was to complete “Dry January,” a month with no alcohol. I drink a bit of bourbon and an occasional beer, and this seemed like a good time to reset my relationship with this very powerful and addictive drug. I was 100% successful with Dry January. I didn’t drink a drop of alcohol between January 1st and January 31st. This article contains affiliate links. Using these links… ## [Nighthawk IOS System Review: BEST 1911 Optic Cut](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/nighthawk-ios-best-1911-optic-plate) _2026-01-19 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ I was not an early adopter of pistol-mounted optics. The older I get, the more benefit I see, however. My vision is still pretty good. Still, I find it frustratingly difficult to shoot as well with irons as I did just a few years ago. After working with the Sig P365/EPS Carry at a five-day Tom Givens class , I'm sold. Last year I sent my EDC 1911 back to the Nighthawk mothership to have the… ## [2026 Goals, Training & Otherwise](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/2026-goals-training-amp-otherwise) _2026-01-01 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ Happy New Year, everybody! I always look forward to writing up my yearly training goals. I have a lot of classes I want to take and instructors I want to train with. Each new year is a new opportunity to do that. There are also some non-training things I want to accomplish, like reading more books (always more books!), teaching a few classes, etc. Here’s a look at what I want to get done in 2026.… ## [2025 - Year In Review](https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/blog/2025-year-in-review) _2025-12-26 · justin carroll · Swift | Silent | Deadly_ It is incredibly how quickly time flies the older you get! I can hardly believe it is time to write another one of these. I like putting out some goals at the beginning of the year, and reporting back at the end. That really helps me to hold myself accountable to achieving them. Let’s take a look at my goals for 2025 , and see how I did at living up to them…and what else I got up to. This article… ## [Newton Pippin Apples: The Longest Keeping Apple](https://practicalselfreliance.com/newton-pippin-apple/) _2025-09-01 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ Newton Pippin apples are an heirloom variety known for their incredible storage life and rich, complex flavor. With the right… The post Newton Pippin Apples: The Longest Keeping Apple appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [You Are Not Alone](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/youarenotalone.html) _2025-08-20 · VHS Overdrive_ Talking about all the reasons that I don't like generative AI, and why I won't use it. ## [Hawthorn Syrup](https://practicalselfreliance.com/hawthorn-syrup/) _2025-08-10 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ Hawthorn syrup is a delicious herbal remedy for heart health, and it’s also delicious in drinks and desserts. Hawthorn berries… The post Hawthorn Syrup appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [Why I Don't Use AI](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/whynoai.html) _2025-08-07 · VHS Overdrive_ Talking about all the reasons that I don't like generative AI, and why I won't use it. ## [Rose Hip Syrup](https://practicalselfreliance.com/rose-hip-syrup/) _2025-08-01 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ Rose hip syrup is easy to make with just two main ingredients: rose hips and sugar (or honey, if you… The post Rose Hip Syrup appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [St. John’s Wort Salve](https://practicalselfreliance.com/st-johns-wort-salve/) _2025-07-29 · Ashley Adamant · Practical Self Reliance_ St. John’s Wort Salve is a time-honored herbal remedy for nerve pain, bruises, burns, and wounds. With its brilliant yellow… The post St. John’s Wort Salve appeared first on Practical Self Reliance . ## [What the Hell is an Anti-Ad?](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/antiads.html) _2025-07-02 · VHS Overdrive_ A short explanation of my craziest idea yet: Anti-Ads. ## [My Moves Towards Intentional Offline Living](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/offlineliving.html) _2025-05-26 · VHS Overdrive_ How I made the concious decision to unplug from the engagement machine, and started doing more things offline. ## [Gaia Online, Forum Culture, and the Old Web](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/forumculture.html) _2025-03-01 · VHS Overdrive_ A short musing about recovering my old Gaia Online account, and forum culture in general. ## [The Internet as a Socialist Ideal](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/socialistinternet.html) _2025-03-01 · VHS Overdrive_ Making the case for why we should return to the simplicity of the old way of engaging with the internet: browsing and creating away from the shackles of social media. ## [The Death and Return of Anime Counter](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/animecounter.html) _2025-03-01 · VHS Overdrive_ A story of the tiniest element of a web page that I used to have, how much it meant to me, and what happened when I found it again. ## [The Return of the Humble Link Page](https://vhsoverdrive.neocities.org/essays/linkpage.html) _2024-09-23 · VHS Overdrive_ Talking about how personal web pages used to link together and form the backbone of the early web, and how we should go back to doing that.