The Benchmark Battery: A Simpler Path to Long-Term Success

"If you chase two rabbits, you won't catch either." Most shooters and athletes fail because they try to improve everything at once. Today I discuss building "Benchmark Battery." It's a simple, rotating system for building strong performance over the long haul.

Today’s episode is a practical, no-hype guide to choosing a handgun that actually fits your life. Justin and I walk through the REAP framework (Reliability, Ergonomics, Accuracy, Portability), why “cool” guns can become support nightmares, and what realistic accuracy standards look like for regular people. We also dig into the 1911 question (what it’s great at, and why it’s usually a rough first handgun), the caliber/stopping-power debate, and why pistol red dots are quickly becoming the new default. If you’ve ever asked “What pistol should I buy?”—this one will save you money, frustration, and a lot of internet arguments.

From cars that drive themselves to infinite workout plans, we are drowning in "help." But instead of making us better, these options are often acting as a crutch. I call this Abundance Atrophy. It turns out, pursuing the "best" gear often hides a lack of fundamental skill. Whether it's marksmanship, fitness, or music, the path to mastery isn't found in adding more complexity—it's found in executing the boring basics with savage precision.

"Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance." It’s been a quiet summer, but recent events have forced a reflection on the purpose of The Everyday Marksman. In this episode, I revisit some history lessons as a bit of inspiration from grumpy old men who refused to stand down. We discuss why nobody is truly free of the obligation to be ready, and how to train to be a "Dangerous Old Man" willing and able to stand up for your community.

Back in April, I launched "Project Hoplite," a 25-week program to prepare for a Spartan Race Super 10k. My "why" for this journey boils down to doing hard things for my family, my career, and my own capabilities. Now, six weeks in, I'm sharing the first update: how the gains are going, and the lessons learned from pushing the limits. See how the needle is moving!

Recently, I mentioned that I was going to run in a Spartan Race Super 10k at the end of October 25. To train for success, I've organized a 25-week training program covering all aspects of physical success for the event. This is the first part of a series of posts where I'll share how training is going, and lessons learned as a 40-something guy attacking Tactical Fitness in a way I haven't really tried before.

Let's take a look back at Q1 of the year and where I'm at with several projects for myself and the site. There's a lot of content coming, and I'm having a blast digging into pistol shooting. Let's get started.

Here at the end of the year, it's time to look back across 2024 and grade myself on how I've done (pretty mediocre, to be honest). I'm also setting the main targets for 2025, which ties back directly to what you can expect next year.

A bit of an off-the-cuff musing about the current state of the second amendment legal world. I've been in this debate for a long time, and I think we've got a lot of momentum behind us- but I also think there's some serious risk in the future. The debate is not over, not by a long shot.

At the start of October, I went to a Project Appleseed Pistol Clinic to get a refresh on my pistol skills and see what the new program was all about. I came away both satisfied with my performance and appreciating the hard work that the Appleseed folks put into developing this new curriculum. Let's dig in!