Defense Matt Graham – Judgement, Guns & Taking Ownership Recoil Staff February 12, 2015 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Matt Graham of Graham Combat recently wrote a great post on his Tradecraft blog: Taking Ownership. “People want to carry guns without recognizing the bigger responsibility – just like having kids – that comes with it. It’s not a simple choice. I’m more impressed by people like you that know what they don’t know and then seek out a way to find that knowledge than by those who hide behind their false sense of identity. And like parenting: there are no absolutes. You just have to take it as it comes, follow a set of principles, and make the best choice you can at the time. People see carrying a gun as a task and it’s not. It’s deeper. They want if “A” then “B”, almost like teaching someone to drive. But guns are exponentially more complex because there aren’t any rules – which is where most people get hung up, especially in force on force. You have to be able to function outside of rules because the whole dynamic isn’t governed by rules. It’s chaos. So how do you manage chaos? You follow a set of principles (which can also change) and make the best choice you can.” You can read the rest of the article – and Matt's principles – right here on Graham Tradecraft. Photo credit – JM Disspain Photo Art. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
