{"id":126916,"date":"2020-04-07T20:07:30","date_gmt":"2020-04-08T00:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=126916"},"modified":"2020-04-07T20:07:30","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T16:42:42","slug":"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\/","title":{"rendered":"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0312-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126918\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0312-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0312-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0312-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0312-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0312-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0312-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Sometimes you have to go full primitive.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welcome back to the crash course in arming yourselves! We have had some excellent interaction in the comments section, largely from our collective GunsAmerica brain trust. And I have gotten several good reports of sharing from my contacts across the various social media platforms. Keep the opinions coming, and let&#8217;s keep helping our noobs. Hopefully, after this crisis passes, we can keep most of them over here on #TeamLiberty.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other episodes in this series:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/clay-survival-foods-covid-19-crisis\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">Clay on Survival Foods for COVID-19 Crisis (How to Avoid Eating Your Pets)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/clay-staying-fit-and-sane-during-quarantine\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">Clay on Staying Fit and Sane During Quarantine<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/clays-gun-buying-guide-noobs\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-for-noobs-part-ii-holsters-slings\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part II: Holsters &amp; Slings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iv-sights\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part IV: Dinosaur Tech and Space Age Sights<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0318-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126919\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0318-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0318-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0318-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0318-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0318-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0318-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Not at the same time. Maybe. Your mileage may vary.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We had a hard call this week on which column comes next, and ultimately decided to go ahead and hit flashlights and edged weapons. We still have a great many other things to share with our noobs, such as rifle sights and training. But with supply lines dwindling, we thought perhaps the last bit of arming was a better choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flashlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most frequent questions I have gotten over the last week is, \u201cWhat flashlight do I need?&#8221; And perhaps the question one should be asking is \u201cDo I need a flashlight for my weapon?\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0322-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126922\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0322-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0322-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0322-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0322-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0322-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0322-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Weapon-mounted Surefire. Pricey, but nice to have.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under normal conditions, say prior to March of this year, I would have told you that a light was a necessary addition to any home defense gun. In civilized society, you have to identify that a threat meets various criteria before it can be engaged, which is very much location dependent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In one state I lived in, even a home invader could not be shot, unless said invader presented a clear and present danger to your own life. And even if you live in a Castle Doctrine state, it&#8217;s still generally a good idea. It would be bad form to accidentally smoke your neighbor with Alzheimer&#8217;s because he thought your unlocked back door was his unlocked back door, and he is rifling through the pantry looking for his French Press.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, these are not normal times.  Also, a quick caveat with respect to flashlights in a combat zone.  You have probably seen the videos of cool-guy-door kickers with million-dollar rigs windmilling flashbangs around whilst handing out the justice, white lights a-blazing. And I will admit, a flashlight has a place there. But, and it is a big <strong>BUT<\/strong>, that is a very specific mission set, and is premised on the idea that you have overwhelming forces with you. Speed, surprise, and the fact that you brought 25 friends outweighs the negatives of the flashlight. And the whole thing is going to be over in 15 seconds.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0325-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126925\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0325-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0325-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0325-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0325-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0325-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0325-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Military-grade Steiner Mk4.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In those same kinds of units, there is something called a \u201cwhite light negligent discharge.&#8221; As in, if a white light is activated prior to being inside the target, it is treated the same way as firing a shot into the floorboard of a Humvee. You are fired. Right now! Because a white light in a street fight is a very good way to get yourself killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0324-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126924\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0324-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0324-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0324-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0324-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0324-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0324-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Mk4 alternate view.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a combat situation, which I sincerely hope none of us find ourselves in, a flashlight is a beacon broadcasting \u201cPlease shoot me, I&#8217;m over here.&#8221; Even inside your house, flipping that light on to get a perfect shot on one target, may get you wasted from the flank. Won&#8217;t a light blind the bad guy? Marketing says so, reality says maybe. If they brought friends, and happen to be standing in anything but a cluster, a flashlight is a really bad idea.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0329-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126927\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0329-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0329-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0329-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0329-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0329-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0329-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Streamlight TLR-2 (This one happens to be IR only).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So do you need one? It certainly doesn&#8217;t hurt. But for once, I am going to say that you don&#8217;t need some military-grade, endorsed by Omega Force, moon torch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flashlights can get ludicrously expensive, like this one for a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.surefire.com\/illumination\/weaponlights\/handgun\/x400u-a-ultra-green-led-weaponlight.html\" campaign=\"SureFireGreenLaser\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\"> princely $799.00.<\/a> I have recently had very good luck with some much cheaper alternatives. INFORCE builds an excellent one<a href=\"https:\/\/inforce-mil.com\/products\/\" campaign=\"InforceFlashlight\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\"> for less than $100 <\/a>that has proven to be quite durable. Streamlight also makes some excellent products, such as this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.armsunlimited.com\/Streamlight-TLR1-HL-800-Lumen-Tactical-WeaponLight-p\/69260.htm\" campaign=\"StreamlightWeaponlight\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">800 Lumen light for $123<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0323-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126923\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0323-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0323-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0323-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0323-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0323-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0323-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>INFORCE, an excellent bargain-priced light.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, you don&#8217;t need anything too fancy. Strobe mode is the latest fad, and is absolutely useless. The more lumens the brighter the light, but anything past 200 lumens should be good enough for indoors. Try to avoid a specialized battery if you can, though many choices today are CR-123 only. And I much prefer weapon-mounted to handheld, as it is easier to use. But also don&#8217;t forget this. It wasn&#8217;t that many years ago that the most high-speed ninjas in the world used a D-cell Maglite hose clamped onto the end of a rifle.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0321-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126921\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0321-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0321-400x267.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0321-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0321-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0321-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0321-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>CR-123 batteries. An expense to avoid if you can.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we need to look at a solution for people that either don&#8217;t want a gun or live in a place that buying one is no longer an option. It turns out, two weeks ago was the best time to buy a firearm. Or 10 years ago, if you also wanted to be competent. So, what else is on the menu?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Edged Weapons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This bit actually came from a line of questioning on social media, and I am going to get lambasted over it by some of you. But I stand by my answer, and if you hear me out, I think you will agree it is a reasonable alternative. An edged weapon, preferably a damn big one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0320-683x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0320-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0320-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0320-100x150.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0320-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0320-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0320-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0320-scaled.jpeg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption>Spyderco Genzow, always in the author&#8217;s Go Bag.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now don&#8217;t start thinking I&#8217;ve lost my mind. And hold the mockery until the end of class, please. I&#8217;m a gun guy, through and through. I would take a Cobra Arms Derringer in. 22LR over a Hattori Hanzo in 99.9 percent of all lethal force confrontations. But I also have the benefit of being trained prior to the crisis.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a noob, with access to nothing but a pistol, a sword might actually be a better alternative. At a 3-foot sword range, new shooters can and do miss. A lot. We&#8217;ve all seen it. I also cannot imagine the first round I ever fired being in life or death situation. That is absolutely horrifying to contemplate.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SEE ALSO: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/prepping-101-bowie-knife-vs-kukri-vs-whats-fighting-knife\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">Bowie Knife vs. Kukri Knife \u2013 What\u2019s Your Fighting Knife?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference really comes down to two things. First of all, your little caveman brain can at least rely on similar motions to swing a sword\/machete\/ax. If you have used a golf club, baseball bat or hammer, you at least have some kind of muscle memory. The same cannot be said for a device that throws a projectile at supersonic speeds via a controlled explosion that you hold in your hands and in front of your eyeballs. To the primate brain, that might as well be dark magic, which is why we have to learn to overcome it. A pistol might still work at contact range, but you might also drop it after the first round.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, even in recent memory, these types of weapons have been used with reasonable success by absolute amateurs. Back in November, I was actually on the Jesse Kelly Show to discuss this man using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nydailynews.com\/news\/crime\/ny-michigan-man-replica-battle-ax-intruder-rick-and-morty-20191110-wkolyqez55du3ghncsab6y35my-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">battle ax to fend <\/a>off a home invader. If you take a look at the video (see below), I think we can agree he isn&#8217;t exactly a modern-day Viking Berserker. And nearly a decade ago this absolutely untrained <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbcwashington.com\/news\/local\/hopkins-student-stops-kills-thief-with-samurai-sword\/1845515\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">John Hopkins chemistry student killed an intruder with a Samurai sword<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is a regular dude dangerous with a knife? Maybe not at the Steven Seagal fantasy level. But maybe he works at Benihana&#8217;s and knows that blade like a carpenter knows his hammer. You never can tell. I think it is a fair assessment to say that while there are no professional knife fighters in the world, plenty of amateurs get it right every day.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0326-683x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\" class=\"wp-image-126926\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0326-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0326-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0326-100x150.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0326-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0326-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0326-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0326-scaled.jpeg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption>Not my first choice, but it does beat just hands.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have to go with an edged weapon, in this case, I would say get a big one. The more standoff, the better. A super-sized blade is also going to make a supersized wound, which is a lot more reliable than even a large knife. <\/p>\n\n\n<p>The only thing you need to balance is keeping it small enough to wield indoors. Smaller also means faster handling. The right answer is not a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.swordsoftheforge.com\/scottish-claymore.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">Claymore <\/a>or hand-and-half sword, but something more like a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coldsteel.com\/products\/swords\/historical-swords\/improved-1917-cutlass.html\" campaign=\"ColdSteelCutlass\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\"> boarding cutlass<\/a> or wakizashi if you prefer an Eastern style. Both of those are smaller versions of a battlefield sword, specifically designed to be used in close quarters. If I was in the market for a sword right now, I only trust one brand. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coldsteel.com\/products\/swords\/historical-swords\/improved-1917-cutlass.html\" campaign=\"ColdSteelCutlass\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Cold Steel<\/a>. The owner might be a little bit of weirdo, but he makes things to be used. If you watch the TV show \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.history.com\/shows\/knife-or-death\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">Knife or Death<\/a>,\u201d you know that a staggering number of \u201ccombat grade\u201d swords will shatter the first time you try and use them. Food for thought.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>Also, don&#8217;t rule out the American classic tomahawk, available at any Home Depot. They just happen to call them &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homedepot.com\/p\/Vaughan-14-oz-Steel-Shingler-s-Hatchet-with-13-in-Hickory-Handle-SH\/305237795?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-305237795-_-N\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"clays-covid-19-gun-buying-guide-noobs-part-iii\" title=\"Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; Broadswords\">roofing hammers<\/a>&#8221; there.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That covers us for this week. I hope you don&#8217;t have to, but don&#8217;t ever forget: it is better to have a weapon and not need it than need a weapon and not have it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><strong>***<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/\" campaign=\"SHOT2020_BuySellGA\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! All Local Sales are FREE!<\/a>***<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;  <\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Finally, we need to look at a solution for people that either don&#8217;t want a gun or live in a place that buying one is no longer an option. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":126918,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,226,234,892],"tags":[132,586,844],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-126916","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gunsamerica-authors","8":"category-clay-martin","9":"category-columns","10":"category-columns-home-defense","11":"tag-buzz","12":"tag-column","13":"tag-home-defense"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Clay\u2019s COVID-19 Gun Buying Guide for Noobs Part III: Flashlights &amp; 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A multi-service, multi-decade sniper, he\u2019s also a seasoned 3-Gun competitor and a Master-ranked shooter in USPSA Production. When he\u2019s not writing about firearms and tactics, Clay is the author of the novel Last Son of The War God, a gritty story about dispensing justice the hard way. Follow him on Twitter @offthe_res or visit his website at Off-The-Reservation.com. Experience:\u2013 U.S. Marine Corps Infantry, Scout\/Sniper, and Recon Marine\u2013 U.S. Army Green Beret, 3rd Special Forces Group (ODA Comms SGT, Intel SGT, SFAUC Instructor)\u2013 Competitive Shooter \u2013 Master-ranked in USPSA Production, experienced 3-Gun competitor\u2013 Tactical Instructor \u2013 Extensive background in teaching carbine, pistol, CQB, and survival skills\u2013 Author \u2013 Fiction and non-fiction works on warfare, survival, and American resilience\u2013 2A Advocate \u2013 Defender of the Constitution and vocal proponent of gun rights\u2013 Outdoorsman \u2013 Idaho-based hunter, adventurer, and father of feral children and dogs","sameAs":["http:\/\/Off-The-Reservation.com","https:\/\/x.com\/https:\/\/x.com\/wayofftheres"],"gender":"Male","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/clay-martin\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/IMG_0312-150x100.jpeg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=126916"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":186580,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126916\/revisions\/186580"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/126918"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=126916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=126916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=126916"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=126916"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=126916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}