Looking to add some elegance to your intense workouts? Our Ciao Bella Workout of the Day (WOD) combines strength, balance, and agility for a full-body challenge that’s as graceful as it is tough. Perfect for all fitness levels, this WOD will help you build muscle, improve coordination, and enhance overall fitness.

What’s a WOD?

A Workout of the Day (WOD) is a structured workout designed to target multiple muscle groups and boost overall fitness. The GRIT program at the Academy of Self Defense in Santa Clara offers these dynamic workouts to keep our community motivated and progressing. Today’s Ciao Bella WOD mixes traditional strength training with functional movements, ensuring a well-rounded exercise session.

Today’s WOD: Ciao Bella

Prepare to engage every muscle group with these eight distinct exercises. Here’s what you’ll be doing:

1. 8 Deadlifts: Focus on your posterior chain with this classic move. Keep your back straight and hinge at the hips. Use a barbell, dumbbells, or any household item with weight.
2. 8 Bent Over Rows: Strengthen your back and biceps by pulling weights towards your lower ribs. Maintain a strong core to protect your lower back.
3. 8 TRX Pistol Squats: Challenge your balance and leg strength by performing single-leg squats using TRX straps. If you don’t have TRX, try assisted pistol squats using a chair.
4. 8 Plank Kickouts + Shoulder Taps: From a plank position, kick one leg out to the side, then tap your opposite shoulder. This dynamic move works your core and shoulders.
5. 8 Russian Twists: Sit on the floor, lean back slightly, and twist your torso from side to side. Use a weight or a household object for added resistance.
6. 8 4 Punch Sprawl + Kick: Perform four punches, drop into a sprawl (similar to a burpee without the push-up), then add a front kick. This high-energy move blends cardio and coordination.
7. 8 Single Kettlebell Swings: Swing a kettlebell from between your legs to shoulder height. Switch hands after each swing for a balanced workout.
8. Turkish Get-Ups (TGUs): A full-body exercise that combines strength, mobility, and stability. Perform each rep slowly, ensuring proper form.

Modifications and Equipment Alternatives

• Deadlifts: Use a resistance band or bodyweight if weights are unavailable.
• Bent Over Rows: Substitute with resistance bands or water bottles.
• TRX Pistol Squats: Perform regular squats or use a chair for support.
• Plank Kickouts + Shoulder Taps: Simplify by performing shoulder taps from the knees.
• Russian Twists: Do the move without added weight for an easier option.
• 4 Punch Sprawl + Kick: Modify by removing the kick or doing a slow burpee.
• Single Kettlebell Swings: Use a heavy book or any safe, weighted object.
• TGUs: Practice without weight to master the form first.

Tips for Maximizing Your Workout

1. Warm Up: Engage in 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretches to prepare your body.
2. Form Matters: Focus on executing each movement with proper form to avoid injuries.
3. Steady Pace: Maintain a consistent pace and take breaks if needed.
4. Stay Hydrated: Keep water on hand and sip throughout the workout.
5. Cool Down: End with a cooldown routine, including static stretching to aid recovery.

Share your Ciao Bella WOD experience on social media and tag us. Let’s inspire each other to stay committed to our fitness goals!

Are you ready to embrace the strength and grace of the Ciao Bella WOD? Sign up for a free trial class at the Academy of Self Defense in Santa Clara or join our community for more exhilarating workouts. Visit our website to start your fitness journey today!

Okay, I know it seems like it’s all Taurus or Rossi news lately, but they dropped a lot of stuff just ahead of the NRA Annual Meeting. This time it was the Executive Grade 692 revolver chambered in .357 Magnum.

The Executive Series guns are hand assembled and fitted at the Taurus plant in Georgia and are the premiere guns in the Taurus lineup. Like the other Executive Grade guns, the new 692 features a gorgeous satin finish and premium walnut grips. They have tuned triggers and slick actions as well. I haven’t shot one yet, but the ones I’ve handled at SHOT have been impressive.

The 692 comes with a 3-inch, full under lug barrel complete with compensator. It has an adjustable rear sight and brass insert front. It has a seven-shot capacity cylinder and if that isn’t enough, it also comes with a spare 9mm cylinder. The Taurus switch cylinder design makes it easy to swap calibers with just the push of a button.

The Executive Grade 692 is a classy and functional looking build, and the fact that you can shoot .357 Magnum, .38 Special and 9mm is an added bonus. You may need the option to shoot the cheaper ammo after all since it does carry an MSRP of $1106.99.

SHTFPreparedness may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.

Perhaps you’re new to the industry and would like to learn how to bow hunt, but you’re not sure which one is better, the crossbow or the bow.

Experienced archers have their own opinions and advice when choosing between a crossbow and the traditional compound bow.

Due to personal preferences, it can become confusing for the inexperienced to choose between these two types of weapons.

Crossbow Explained

A crossbow is a bow that sits on a longer frame, similar to a gunstock. It has a built-in mechanism that holds the drawn bowstring. A trigger mechanism releases the string, shooting a small arrow at an intended target. 

We refer to these small arrows as crossbow bolts. Over time, the crossbow has advanced, now using additional materials to increase its accuracy. 

Pros

• Crossbows are beginner-friendly for those learning how to bow hunt and shoot more accurately than other types of bows.
• There are crossbows with better quality draw weights and kinetic energy than compound bows.
• Once you cock the bow and nock a crossbow arrow, crossbows are fire-ready. A crossbow stays fire-ready, even if you don’t load it.
• Crossbows are compact, allowing you to hunt in the bush and tight spaces, such as a deer stand.
• Once you cock the crossbow, you have less strain on your joints and muscles. To aim and fire, you do not have to hold its string like you do with a compound bow.
• Crossbows are disability-friendly and easier to manage.
• Your physical abilities don’t limit your ability to draw weight with a crossbow.
• Crossbows have a similar feel and action to shotguns and rifles, making it an easy transition between the diverse types of equipment if you would like to learn how to bow hunt.

Cons

• Crossbows require double the amount of draw weight as a compound bow.
• A hunter must treat a cocked crossbow like the loaded weapon it is. Crossbows can missfire.
• A crossbow has a slower reload system than a compound bow.
• A crossbow is noticeably heavier in comparison to a compound bow due to its additional parts.
• Crossbows are noisier when they release due to stored-up energy in their limbs.
• After each hunt, always unload a crossbow. To unload the crossbow, you must use a specific device known as a crossbow diffuser.
• There are inconsistent state regulations regarding the crossbow. Some states may limit the draw weight or require a valid explanation for its use.

Bow Explained

When drawing the bowstring with a compound bow, cables and pulleys bend the bow’s limbs.

The stiffness of the drawn bow makes the compound bow more energy efficient because it loses less energy due to limb movement during a shot.

The concept of “let-off” allows the user to draw their bow easier and hold their draw longer as they aim to shoot. This simple draw-and-hold position is one of the advantages of the compound bow.

Pros

• Although you need a release aid, compound bows don’t require a particular device to load an arrow.
• Compound bows are quieter than crossbows as their longer limbs release the stored energy more gradually.
• Pulling the string gives the compound bow a mechanical advantage over crossbows.
• The compound bow is quicker to reload than the crossbow—no cranking or cocking is required.
• Compound bows are lighter than crossbows.

Cons

• It would help if you had the physical stamina and strength to use a compound bow. 
• The compound bow does not stay in a ready-to-fire position. It only works for as long as the hunter can hold the bow and fire each arrow.
• Compound bows are longer from axle to axle, making them difficult to shoot in thick bush.
• A compound bow isn’t beginner-friendly and requires a lot of skill and practice before mastering the art of using it.
• A compound bow isn’t disability-friendly and will limit those who have a physical disadvantage.

Crossbow vs Bow: Which One is Better?

It is a personal choice, and you should look at it from the hunter’s perspective and the prey’s perspective. A hunter owes it to their target to make a quick, clean, and humane kill.

Whichever option allows the hunter to achieve this goal should be the critical factor in choosing which bow to use. The crossbow’s most prominent advantage over the compound bow is its accuracy and ability to maintain a loaded, fire-ready condition.

Crossbows are beginner-friendly, and you can quickly learn how to bow hunt with this weapon. Physically disadvantaged individuals can also use them without any limitations.

Similarly, younger hunters, or anyone who has difficulty drawing the weight on a compound bow, should consider whether they are ethically capable of hunting with one.

The same goes for the hunter who does not have the time to devote to compound bow practice. These are excellent examples of hunters who would benefit more from a crossbow than a compound bow.

The crossbow may not be as fast while loading, but it has more kinetic energy and has the familiar feel of a shotgun or rifle. Though faster when loading, you may lose out on a shot with the compound bow, but it is lighter and quieter than a crossbow.

Compound bows also don’t have a unique loading mechanism, which is another advantage for anyone who wants to learn how to bow hunt. However, the compound bow isn’t beginner-friendly, nor is it easy for anyone to use if they have a physical disadvantage.

Hunters with physical disabilities or who have had neck, back, or shoulder injuries may find it challenging to practice shooting a compound bow regularly enough to become proficient.

Because such conditions make it more difficult for the hunter to ensure a clean kill, a crossbow is a much better ethical option. That same hunter could quickly become very proficient with a crossbow with much less practice time and be able to make a quick, clean harvest.

Depending on your hunting requirements and capabilities, and provided you keep the limitations and advantages of both bows in mind, both bows are excellent choices when you want to learn how to bow hunt.

Similarities and Differences Compared

The crossbow and compound bow are two different weapon systems that hunters use to shoot arrows at a target.

If you’re a beginner learning how to bow hunt or a professional hunter, it is essential to know the difference between these two pieces of equipment.

Knowing the difference between these two bows will help you choose the right equipment for your hunting purposes.

Compared to firing a crossbow, the string on a compound bow shoots the arrow more than double the distance. A crossbow must have double the draw weight of a compound bow to shoot at the same speed.

Therefore, the crossbow requires additional parts to produce the same power as a compound bow. These parts make the crossbow heavier and noisier, as it must absorb more shock than the compound bow.

1. Speed

Speed and kinetic energy determine the range and effectiveness of your shot.

Both bows use feet per second, also known as FPS, to provide you with an average shooting speed. A foot-pound of kinetic energy (FPKE) is an accurate measurement for the power of a shot, depending on the arrow’s weight. 

Combining speed, FPS, and FPKE gives you a good idea of which bow will be best for the type of animal you want to hunt. The compound bow consistently has the fastest speed, hovering around a maximum of 350 FPS.

However, the crossbow and some more inexpensive crossbow models measure between 350 and 400 FSP, making this bow the fastest shot between the two.

2. Range

There are two types of ranges: overall and adequate. The compound bow has an overall range of 100 yards and an acceptable range between 30 and 60 yards, depending on the archer. 

The crossbow with less accuracy, can shoot up to several hundred yards, making this bow the better option for range.

3. Shooting speed

When learning how to bow hunt, shooting speed refers to how fast you can shoot multiple shots with your bow. It helps if you always strive to kill with the first shot.

However, if your first shot is a miss, is a crossbow or a compound bow better for getting that second shot off to get the kill?

After many reviews, the compound bow is considered ideal for its shooting speed due to the ease of reloading and shooting multiple shots. 

4. Accuracy

When you aim with a crossbow, you have the advantage of using less effort to hold the draw when you cock the bolt. An added benefit to this bow is its high-powered scope.

The crossbow’s disadvantage is its weight and bulkiness. These features make it challenging to aim unless you have the bow resting on a flat surface. 

The compound bow is lighter in weight and easier to hold, but it can cause fatigue. Fatigue can cause accuracy issues as you must keep the draw while simultaneously aiming at your prey.

However, the compound bow has an anchor point on every shot, which increases accuracy. Both the crossbow and compound bow rely on accuracy and aiming, based on personal opinions from multiple experienced hunters.

5. Safety

During the shot, the primary safety concern with a crossbow. Always make sure of your fore-grip hand that you have no fingers or part of your hand in the way of the bowstring. 

Secondly, a cocked crossbow is much narrower than during and after a shot. No obstructions should be in the way of your crossbow’s limbs and cams. It is best not to walk around with a loaded and cocked crossbow, as this is a significant safety issue.

Uncocking your crossbow can also be risky. Only when you are ready and in control to take aim and fire does the compound bow have an arrow on the bowstring.

Although there are safety concerns when using a compound bow, this is the safer option. Experts recommend that you get your bow inspected by a certified professional before the start of each hunting season. 

An expert will check the wear and tear on your bow and ensure it is safe. Well-maintained bows are safe and avoid any potential harm due to a mechanical malfunction. Additionally, ensure that all your arrows are in good condition, with nothing broken or bent out of shape.

6. Portability

If you are going on a hunt that requires sitting most of the time, using a crossbow won’t make a difference to your comfort or the portability of the bow. 

You won’t feel its weight or bulk because you’ll be in a resting position most of the time. However, if you are going on a hunt that requires walking, the compound bow will be better to use as it is lighter and easier to handle. 

Advancements made to the crossbow make it lighter and easier to manage, but the compound bow is still the better option for portability.

7. Maintenance

The crossbow and compound bow require regular maintenance and lubrication. Both bows require a close inspection before use, as well as regular bowstring waxing.

Any bowhunter should regularly take their bows for professional inspections to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Always keep your bow and equipment in a safe storage space during the off-season to ensure their upkeep.

In this instance, the crossbow requires more attention than the compound bow, as it has more parts to clean.

8. Noise

Although you can buy extra parts to make your crossbow quieter, the compound bow is much more silent when out in the field.

Final Word

When it comes to hunting and learning how to bow hunt, it all depends on your area’s regulations and personal preference. Read your local hunting laws to see if using a crossbow is legal in your state.

If a bow is legal to use in your state, it is up to you which bow holds the most appeal—the crossbow or the compound bow. So, consider where you’ll be hunting, the type of game you will be targeting, and your current physical status.

Practice, become proficient, and you will improve your chances of a successful hunt with whatever bow you choose.

Former president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump spoke to an exuberant crowd on Saturday at the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association in Dallas and promised to continue his unwavering support of the Second Amendment over the next four years.

Before the speech, Trump was endorsed by the NRAs Political Victory Fund, which called on members to elect Trump and defeat President Joe Biden in November.

“It’s a true honor to be here today to receive the endorsement of the proud American patriots at the NRA,” Trump said. “In 2016 we got that endorsement and … we’ve got it again, and we’ve lived up to everything I’ve said. We’re under siege, but they didn’t move us an inch. We have to stand strong.”

Concerning the upcoming election against Joe Biden, who has made lawful gun owners the enemy during his presidency, Trump promised an overwhelming victory.

“The NRA has stood with me from the very beginning, and with your vote I will stand strong for your rights and liberties,” he said. “In four more years in the White House we’re going to do things like nobody can believe to turn our country around. We’re going to, quite simply, make America great again! We’re going to win this election at levels that nobody’s ever seen before.”

However, Trump said winning the election will require all gun owners, like those in the NRA meeting audience, to get out and cast their vote for freedom.

“One thing I’ll say, and I’ll say it as a friend, is we’ve got to get gun owners to vote,” Trump said. “If gun owners would vote, we would swamp them at levels that nobody has ever seen before. I know you’re a rebellious bunch. Let’s be rebellious and vote this time. If gun owners vote, there’s nobody that can beat us—nobody.”

About Biden, Trumps said the current president will say anything to get elected, like telling truckers he used to drive a truck or pilots he used to fly planes.

“I was going to say that he’s full of bullshit, but I don’t want to use bad language because there are a lot of young (people in here),” Trump, an avid golfer, joked. “So, I don’t want to do that!

“Biden’s biggest lie of all is saying he’s a 6.2 handicap golfer. This guy couldn’t break 200.”

Trump also said Biden is doing everything he can to keep from making public appearances and to avoid speaking live.

“He actually challenged me last week so I think we’re going to debate,” Trump said. “He can’t walk from that step to this podium. He can’t put two sentences together. Even his challenge for the debate took him seven shots. They have seven different clips.”

Unlike Biden, who when talking about the Second Amendment often rambles on about deer and kevlar vests, Trump has a better understanding of the right to keep and bear arms.

“We need the Second Amendment for safety,” he said. “Forget about going hunting and all the things you do—we need it for safety. Because you know the bad guys are not giving up their guns. The bad ones are not giving up their guns.”

Trump also spoke about independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and warned NRA members that he’s no friend of theirs.

“RFK Jr. is radical left,” Trump said. “Don’t think about it. Don’t waste your vote.

“We need a conservative person with common sense, and this guy is radical left. He calls you a ‘terrorist group.’ You can’t vote for him. He’s got no policy on anything. He calls you a ‘terrorist group,’ and I call you ‘the backbone of America.’”

Turning back to Biden, Trump said if the current president were to win in November, things would get worse, not better.

“We can’t take a chance on Joe Biden winning,” Trump said. “He’s the worst president in the history of our country by far.

“Under crooked Joe Biden, everything you stand for is under threat like never before. Our Second Amendment, which is largely why you’re here, is under siege. Our Constitution is being run through the shredder, our borders have been obliterated and inflation continues to rage. Our country is going to hell. Gangs and ruthless criminals are terrorizing our streets. And crooked Joe Biden has us teetering on the edge of World War III.”

In the end, Trump said NRA members can be the difference on who wins and who loses this fall’s election.

“For more than 150 years the NRA has been defined by men and women like all of you—loyal, hard-working citizens who believe in defending your families, your communities and your country,” Trump said. “It’s time for a president who will replace weakness with strength, turn poverty to prosperity and vanquish Joe Biden’s corrupt tyranny with a great restoration of American freedom. We have to do that.”

A joint resolution of disapproval introduced on Wednesday in the U.S. Senate seeks to block the Biden Administration’s Final Rule that outlaws  most private sales by changing the definition of who is “engaged in the business” of selling firearms.

The measure was introduced by Texas Sen. John Cornyn, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis and 43 other Senate Republicans. According to the sponsors, the Final Rule violates the Constitution in trying to require anyone who sells a firearm to register as a federal firearm licensee. 

“This rule is proof that the Biden administration is a dishonest broker, and Congress must hold it accountable for its actions in favor of its gun-grabbing liberal base over the Constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans,” Sen. Cornyn said in a press release announcing the legislation. “We will fight this lawless rule tooth and nail to ensure the God-given right to keep and bear arms is preserved and this flagrant distortion of congressional intent of our landmark mental health and school safety law is struck down.”

Sen. Tillis is equally concerned, calling the Final Rule “outrageous” and an “overreach.”

“It is outrageous that the Biden Administration decided to take a good faith effort to curb the mental health crisis across our country and turn it into an unconstitutional attempt to restrict firearms from law-abiding American citizens,” Rep. Tillis said. “This overreach is exactly why Republicans don’t trust this Administration, and it will set back any attempt on future bipartisan legislation as long as President Biden is in office. I encourage my colleagues to support this CRA we introduced and immediately overturn this ridiculous regulation.” 

Calling the Final Rule an attempt by the Biden Administration to force “universal” background checks when Congress won’t pass such a measure, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has announced that it strongly supports the resolution.

“The rule ignores Congress’ requirements left unchanged by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) that a dealer is one who devotes time, attention and labor to dealing in firearms as a regular course of trade or business through the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms,” Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel said. “All Congress changed was that the conduct need not be for purpose of earning a livelihood, just that it is predominantly to earn a profit. The Biden administration has repeatedly shown its willingness to run roughshod over the Constitution to attack the fundamental rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.”

Georgia Rep. Andrew Clyde is leading the effort to pass the resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The ATF’s ‘engaged in the business’ rule represents President Biden’s latest attempt to institute universal background checks, advance the Left’s radical gun control agenda and infringe on Americans’ Second Amendment rights,” Rep. Clyde said. “Private citizens simply shouldn’t be forced to jump through unelected, anti-gun bureaucrats’ unconstitutional hurdles to engage in lawful firearms transactions. I look forward to leading this critical CRA in the House, and I urge my colleagues in both chambers to support our measure to stop the Biden Administration’s tyranny in its tracks.”

Today’s gun control politicians are making it clear. It’s not just guns they despise. There are two other primary obstacles to civil disarmament that they loathe.

One is the Second Amendment itself. The other, well, it’s you – the gun owner.

It wasn’t that long ago when President Barack Obama lambasted gun owners who refused to roll over to his gun control agenda. Stumping for his first election to The White House, he told fundraisers at a San Francisco event of smalltown Pennsylvania voters that were left behind, especially by the political elites.

“And it’s not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations,” President Obama said in 2008. Interestingly, it was former U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), later Secretary of State, who rebuked him.

“I was taken aback by the demeaning remarks Senator Obama made about people in small-town America,” she said. “His remarks are elitist and out of touch.”

Of course, that was before she labeled half of America “a basket of deplorables” in 2016 when she was making her second run for the Oval Office.

“You know, to just be grossly generalistic, you could put half of Trump’s supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right?” former Secretary Clinton said. “The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic – you name it. And unfortunately there are people like that. And he has lifted them up.”

Those were also a whole lot of gun owners who couldn’t buy into her gun control agenda – which included banning the Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR), the most popular-selling centerfire rifle in America.

‘Poor Souls’

Fast forward to 2024 and senior Democratic Members of Congress are repeating the same epithets. These were also same politicians who were the vanguard of President Obama’s, Secretary Clinton’s and President Joe Biden’s gun control agendas. Turns out, insulting and dismissing gun owners as “lesser” Americans is a popular attitude among Blue State elites.

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was rebuked as an “elite” at an Oxford Union debate on April 25 when she said that certain Americans are “poor souls who are looking for some answers.” Their biggest sin, according to the Speaker Emeritus, is not bowing to the orthodoxy of the gun control elite.

“These poor souls… are looking for some answers,” Rep. Pelosi said. “We’ve given them to them, but they’re blocked by some of their views on guns… they have the three Gs: Guns, Gays, and God.”

Rep. Pelosi didn’t think that was enough. She said, “cultural issues cloud some of their reception of an argument that really is in their interest.”

Did you catch that? Gun owners who reject a politically-driven gun control agenda aren’t thinking in their own self-interests. After all, every other gun control idea – especially the most recent overreaching of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to run roughshod on the separation of powers to write criminal law in the place of Congress – isn’t a bad idea in her mind. She believes President Biden’s big government abuse of the rulemaking process is good for voters. They’re just not bright enough to see it for themselves.

What makes it more insulting, Rep. Pelosi was making that argument at the Oxford Union, a debating society that’s held at Britian’s Oxford University. She trashed American voters on an overseas stage that pitches itself to hosting internationally prominent individuals across politics, academia and popular culture. That stage has hosted President Ronald Reagon, Mother Theresa and Albert Einstein. It has also hosted former Secretary of State and Climate Envoy John Kerry, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Stacey Abrams and deposed and murdered former Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

Forgot “the People”

That’s rare air for a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. She’s not alone in her ideas. Rep. Jerry Nadler (R-N.Y.) last week thought he was a tad smarter than the Founding Fathers, including James Madison, who wrote the Second Amendment, and the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark Heller decision, that upheld the Second Amendment as a right belonging to the people, not the government.

“The Second Amendment reads – quote – ‘A well-regulated militia being necessary for the security of a free State, the right to bear arms shall not be infringed,” Rep. Nadler said during a hearing last week. “It is clearly a right, the Founding Fathers, the Framers were opposed to standing armies. They thought that those were instruments of tyranny and that, militia what should be had and the Second Amendment was the guarantee – was framed as a guarantee that you could have a militia, a well-regulated militia, being safe in the security of a free state.

“That was the understanding for 200 years until the radical Supreme Court in the Heller decision upended 200 years of Constitutional interpretation and said that Second Amendment has nothing to do with militias,” he continued. “It’s a personal and basically unlimited right. The Supreme Court was wrong in that decision.”

Except, that’s not what the Second Amendment says. He cherry-picked the parts that support his big-government and gun control agendas. Madison – and the U.S. Supreme Court – must have collectively rolled their eyes at his continued ignorance to the Bill of Rights. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) wasn’t about to let him off the hook.

“Apologies to Ranking Member Nadler if this isn’t what he stated but I think he might have left out some key words when he read the Second Amendment, and I’ll read it here,” Rep. Massie explained. “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. And I’m not sure if I heard him say ‘the people.’ Which applies to all of the people as we well know, and I yield back.”

It’s insulting to American citizens when Members of Congress intentionally leave “the people” out of the rights they are endowed with by their Creator. It’s insulting to voters when elite politicians disregard them as “bitter clingers,” “deplorables” or “poor souls” who can’t be trusted to think, act and vote for themselves. Worse than that, it is breaking faith with the very “people” these elites are elected to represent and protect their rights from an overreaching government.

Those poor souls – the more than 100-plus million gun owning homes in America – and the industry that provides the means for exercising their Second Amendment rights know that no one is buying the gun control they’re selling.

 

—Mark Olivia, NSSF

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As summer rolls around, the likelihood of seeing more heatwaves affecting the nation increases.

Being ready for the worst is a wise decision if you live somewhere that already experiences higher temperatures than most.

Preparation is the key to surviving a heatwave, including having a backup plan for lost power, access to clean drinking water, and having an emergency disaster kit ready. 

You should prepare your house for extreme conditions by installing weather stripping, insulation, a home generator, and window coverings.

Being ready for a heatwave now is the wisest course of action, especially in light of the changing climate and the threat of rising temperatures in the future.

We’re here to help you get ready for hotter temperatures and ensure that you and your family are safe, no matter the conditions outside.

Increased Number of Heatwaves in the World

The thought of living through a heatwave isn’t something that most people had to worry about in the past, but today, it’s a more likely threat.

According to the EPA, data analyzed from 1961 through 2019 shows that heat waves are significantly increasing in frequency, average length, number of days between them, and highest temperature recorded.

A high-pressure system that pushes down during a heatwave traps the air, preventing rain. It also ensures that the warm air stays on the ground and has nowhere to escape, causing a dramatic rise in temperature until the system clears.

We can classify a heatwave as a period when temperatures exceed the usual average for your area, despite the lack of an official definition. This could be just for one day or last for a few, and you may notice a rise in the temperature of up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit during this period.

Common Issues with Heatwaves

A heatwave is more than just a hot day; it can cause a variety of other problems, such as death and serious illness, so preparation is essential.

During a heatwave, there are many serious side effects and consequences that can occur, including:

Ill health

The most concerning side effect of a heatwave is its damage to our health, and when your body temperature rises to 103 Fahrenheit, you will likely develop heatstroke.

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion can make you feel confused, quicken your pulse, cause you to lose consciousness, cause you to stop sweating, and even lead to death.

Blackouts

A blackout or energy disruption is common during a heatwave due to higher energy consumption and the strain that the heat puts on the system.

Sometimes, the town may cut the energy supply during a planned power outage to reduce the risk of further damage.

Water Shortages

During a heatwave, increased water consumption could potentially lead to a water shortage in your town.

In this type of serious situation, there may be a planned disruption to the water supply, and you should receive a warning, but it can still catch some people by surprise.

Emergency Services are Under Strain

Emergency services will experience strain due to the higher rate of medical emergencies, such as people suffering from heatstroke.

If you require medical assistance, there could be an extended wait time during a heatwave.

6 Tips for Getting Prepared

A heatwave is a natural disaster like any other, and it requires thoughtful planning to make sure you’re prepared.

Here are some simple tips to follow to ensure your household is prepared for rising temperatures.

1. Know the Weather

Staying up-to-date with weather forecasts so that you know when there’s a warning of a heatwave is essential and the responsible thing to do.

Those who live in areas affected by heatwaves or with warmer summers should prepare their home in advance for upcoming events.

2. Have a Survival Kit

Whether you live somewhere that experiences heatwaves or not, every home should have a survival kit.

In this kit, you’ll keep emergency supplies like food and water, first aid, filtration, sanitation, and shelter in case you need to leave home suddenly and survive on your own.

Pack extra supplies during the winter to meet the additional requirements of surviving a heat wave, such as more water and moisture-wicking clothes.

3. Prepare Your House

If you live in an area where heat waves are common, you should prepare your home with weather stripping, insulation, and window treatments.

Some preparation before summer starts will pay off significantly when it gets warmer.

Many homes also invest in a generator due to potential issues with energy supply, and if you can afford one, it’s a smart buy for all kinds of natural disasters.

4. Stay Hydrated

Aim to drink more water than usual during a heatwave, but without overdoing it.

The recommended daily intake of water is around eight 8-ounce glasses, and during the summer, an extra two glasses.

In a heatwave, you should have at least 10 8-ounce glasses of water to keep hydration up.

5. Know How to Treat Heatstroke

Take some time to learn what to do if someone develops a heat stroke, as well as how to treat them.

In order to treat this condition, you should immediately cool the person down in a cool bath and place cool clothes on them, but avoid giving them any water or drinks.

Call 911 and ask them to rest while they wait for emergency services to arrive.

6. Beating the Heat

As heatwaves become more intense and more likely to occur, being prepared is the only defense we have against them.

With some carefully planned supplies and a home that’s ready to protect itself from rising temperatures, you’ll be better equipped to beat the heat and survive with no negative effects.

FAQs

Prepare your home for a heatwave, one of the more extreme weather conditions, with minimal effort.

Read on for some commonly asked questions about survival preparedness to ensure you’re prepared for all types of weather.

SHTFPreparedness may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.

Today, law enforcement and soldiers are the most common users of the military tactical vest.

The tactical vests are popular with law enforcement and the military, but they are also used for hunting, paintball, fishing, and survival.

We narrowed down the best tactical vests on the market.

Best Tactical Vests Reviewed

Let’s dive into the specifics and review each tactical vest individually.

1. Winner: OneTigris DOOM Tactical Vest

This is as tactical as it gets. OneTigris is a brand you’ll see a lot on Ammo Atlas, and it’s for products like this. Built with 500D cordura nylon and molle webbing, it’s as durable as they come.

Equip yourself with multiple add-ons through the loop panel and extra-long section for hooking on other items. With comfortable straps, you won’t feel the cordura digging into your shoulders.

It’s an abrasive material, hence why it’s good for tactical vests, but OneTigris made it as comfortable as possible for long-term use.

With that comfort comes adjustability. Regardless of your body type, this vest can find its home on your shoulders. Adjust it separately to meet your midsection and shoulders, giving you a custom fit every time.

Finally, the design aimed to make this relatively lightweight, weighing only 2 lbs. When it comes to mobility, OneTigris stands out as the best tactical vest due to its meticulous attention to detail.

Pros

• Very adjustable to fit multiple body shapes
• Long panels allow you to hold additional patches.
• Padded straps don’t tear into your shoulders.
• Detachable breathability padding ensures optimal airflow during gameplay.
• The top handle for hanging up when not in use.

Con

Product Information

• Material: 500D Cordura Nylon
• Size: Adjustable to fit most
• Weight: 2 pounds
• 500D Cordura® Nylon construction
• There are 3 by 6 patch panels located at the front and back.

2. Runner-Up: Condor Tactical Vest

Condor’s take on the tactical vest brings a slew of alternate benefits over your more traditional model, which is what makes them stand out.

First, you get a hydration pouch to store a bladder in. While it doesn’t include the bladder itself, this is more than you find on most vests.

Internal mesh pockets give you the option to hold onto smaller items that you wouldn’t want to slip out of an external pocket.

There are five of them, and while they’re relatively small, they serve their function well. The most crucial feature is its multicam construction, which ensures a robust and comfortable design.

As a result of that design, the chest plate is removable and adjustable, allowing you to contour this vest to your body shape and size.

Your external pockets act as magazine pouches. There’s nine in total, each equipped to fit a 5.56 mag.

When faced with an urgent situation, you can maintain focus on the target and swiftly replace your magazines without blinking. Everything is easily accessible from your point of view.

Pros

• Built-in magazine pouches (5.56 x 9)
• For close-quarter storage, there are five separate internal mesh pockets.
• The hydration carrier slot does not include the actual pouch.
• Heavyweight webbing for modular attachments
• Padded shoulder straps

Con

Product Information

• Material: Nylon
• Size: Adjustable
• Weight: 2.35 pounds
• Adjustable waist
• Built-in hydration carrier

UTG 547 Tactical Vest

As a budget-friendly option, UTG also made this ultralight at just two pounds.

In reality, wearing this makes you feel like Batman: you get a full pistol belt, durable design, and plenty of pouches. Those pouches include a few for pistol mags, and some for rifle mags on the opposite side.

Utilize the shoulder radio pouch, cross-draw holster, and the built-in sniper shoulder, which reduces stock recoil. Every square inch of this vest has been optimized to be useful, but still be accessible from the wearer.

All too often, you get bulky vests that are stiff as steel and bolster almost no accessibility. To combat that, UTG made this vest out of 600D polyester.

That’s points for durability, but still allows you to maneuver and glide through tactical situations with ease. It’s not body armor, but it’s going to protect you against a lot.

As a final note, everything is adjustable. The shoulders, the chest plate; it’s all moveable so you can get the perfect fit for mobility and tactical use. You’re not going to be very useful if you can’t move around easily.

Pros

• 600D polyester construction withstands excessive abrasion
• Built-in sniper shoulder for better recoil protection
• Pistol and rifle mag pouches
• Reinforced drag handle
• Heavy duty back panel webbing

Con

Product Information

• Material: 600D Polyester
• Size: Adjustable
• Weight: 2 Pounds
• One Year Limited Warranty
• Hydration Bladder Compatible

4. Best Ultralight Option: YAKEDA Tactical Vest

Ready to get loaded for bear? YAKEDA is your ultimate companion. Crafted out of 600D polyester and mesh, it’s designed to be comfortable while also being protective.

That’s rear-resistant and lightly abrasion-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about minor scrapes or cuts along the way.

YAKEDA includes an extra-large belt with a durable buckle to hold everything up, as well as adjustable sizes ranging from small to quadruple extra-large—that’s probably the most one-size-fits-all solution that we’ve ever heard of.

However, it’s not just about the vest; it’s about what you can do with it. On the right, there’s a series of five shotgun shell holsters, and on the left, there are three detachable magazine/flashlight pouches.

That doesn’t include the additional magazine pouch, draw holster, and multiple utility pouches. You’re like a one-man army when you walk around in this vest.

Pros

• Vast waist adjustment range
• An extra durable buckle allows you to hang onto all your gear.
• Shotgun shell + detachable mag/flashlight pouches
• Suitable for various situations
• Indeed, it features hook-and-loop closure.

Con

Product Information

• Material: High-density fabric
• Size: Adjustable
• Weight: 3.55 pounds
• Reinforced rescue pull handle
• Velcor for personalized labels

5. Best Adjustable Option: Marmot Tactical Vest

As we come to a strong finish, we leave it to Marmot. This vest speaks for itself.

First and foremost, the design manages to be breathable while still having a 600D polyester construction for durability and anti-abrasion.

The zippers are high quality, and you’re going to need them to hold up all the stuff you can pack in this vest.

You can control shotgun shell holsters, removable tactical pouches, and even a side holster right above your belt.

The utility belt, which has a highly durable buckle to keep everything from dragging down on you, completes the set.

In short, it’s a pretty amazing vest. It gives you a tactical advantage over whatever stands in your way. Everything is lightweight and easy on your collar, but the pads don’t do a whole lot for your shoulders.

Use your radio pouch to keep in touch with your team while remaining fully prepared for what lies ahead.

Pros

• Multiple sub-pockets for smaller pistols.
• Six shotgun shell slots are on the right breast pocket.
• The 600D polyester mesh construction is breathable.
• Modular webbing velcro
• Molle system

Con

Product Information

• Material: 600D Polyester
• Size: Adjustable
• Weight: 2.78 pounds
• 500D Cordura® Nylon construction
• There are 3 by 6 patch panels located at the front and back.

FAQs

Wrap-Up

The immediate benefit of wearing tactical vests is the easy access to all your gear, conveniently located on your chest.

You can easily access your ammunition, radio, and sidearm as soon as you need them. Your sidearm will be one of the biggest advantages of a tactical vest.

Your weapon is easily accessible and securely strapped inside the holster. The sidearm, safely secured out of your way, rests on your chest.

Another American tourist was arrested at Howard Hamilton International Airport in Turks and Caicos on Monday after ammunition was allegedly found in their luggage during a routine security check, according to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police and Breitbart. This latest arrest brings the total number of Americans facing charges for ammunition possession in the British territory to five.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police did not disclose the name or gender of the person arrested, but NBC 10 Boston reported that the tourist was a woman. This arrest occurred as U.S. tourist Tyler Wenrich was in court facing similar charges. Wenrich was detained on April 20 after Royal Caribbean security discovered two bullets in his bag when he reboarded the ship following a day excursion on Grand Turk.

Wenrich’s case is progressing quickly. His father reported that the judge had received an expedited timeline for the case from the chief justice, with written arguments due within seven days and oral arguments and a plea hearing set for next Tuesday. Sentencing could occur by May 28.

Three other American men, Michael Lee Evans of Texas, Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvania, and Ryan Watson of Oklahoma, are also facing charges for possessing ammunition in Turks and Caicos. Evans was arrested in December, Hagerich in February and Watson in early April. Each has claimed the ammunition was brought into the country by mistake.

The penalties under Turks and Caicos’ strict guns and ammunition laws are severe, with the potential for 12-year prison sentences, though judges can consider exceptional circumstances. All five detained Americans insist the incidents were innocent mistakes, yet the legal system in Turks and Caicos is treating these cases with utmost seriousness.

For U.S. travelers, this series of arrests underscores the critical importance of thoroughly checking luggage for prohibited items before flying to foreign destinations or avoiding foreign destinations altogether.

Are you ready to ignite your fitness journey and experience a workout that challenges every muscle in your body? Look no further than today’s Workout of the Day (WOD) at the Academy of Self Defense in Santa Clara—dubbed the “Full Spectrum Burn.” This all-encompassing routine is designed to enhance your strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, all while keeping you energized and engaged.

What’s in the Full Spectrum Burn? The Full Spectrum Burn is a comprehensive, full-body workout that involves three intense rounds of eight different exercises, combined with jump rope intervals. This workout is not only great for building muscle and burning calories but also perfect for improving overall athletic performance. Let’s break down what you’ll be doing:

Workout Structure:

• 20 KB Swings: Perfect for boosting your posterior chain strength.
• 20 Box Jumps: Increase your explosive power and leg strength.
• 20 Oblique Crunches (each side): Target your core, specifically the oblique muscles.
• 20 KB Glute Bridges: Strengthen your glutes and improve lower back health.
• 20 Decline Push-Ups: A challenging variation that enhances upper body strength.
• 20 TRX Rows: Work the back muscles, improving posture and core stability.
• 20 OH (Overhead) Walking Lunges: Boost leg and core strength while improving balance.
• 20 Triceps Dips: Focus on the arms, particularly the triceps.

Between each round:

• 100 Jump Ropes: Keep your heart rate up and improve coordination and stamina.

Customize Your Workout This WOD is scalable to different fitness levels. Beginners might opt for lighter weights or fewer reps, while more advanced athletes can increase the kettlebell weight or add more rounds to push their limits. No TRX or box? No worries—substitute with bodyweight rows and step-ups to maintain intensity.

Tips to Maximize Your WOD For the best results with the Full Spectrum Burn, focus on maintaining good form throughout the workout to prevent injuries. Hydrate well and consider a dynamic warm-up to get your muscles ready for the action. Post-workout, don’t skip the cool-down—give your body a chance to recover with some stretching.

Get Involved Ready to take on the Full Spectrum Burn? Grab your gear and join us at the Academy of Self Defense! Don’t forget to share your workout pics and progress using #GRITWOD and #AcademySelfDefense. Let’s build strength and resilience together!

Join Us Feeling inspired? Join our GRIT fitness program and be a part of our thriving community at the Academy of Self Defense. For more information and to sign up for a free trial class, visit our website at academyselfdefense.com.

Don’t miss out on our special group fitness classes this weekend in Santa Clara. Come and experience the power of community and shared fitness goals!