Skip to main content
Tactical Dad

Tactical Dad

By Matthew Cooke, Charter Tactical

The world we live in is is becoming increasingly dangerous and being a 33 year old husband of a beautiful wife and father of 2 incredible children, it has never been more important for me to be equipped and prepared to protect my family. I'm a newbie in the world of guns, knives and survival but I am excited and actively learning my new protective survival skills and documenting my marksmanship along the way.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Save someone's life from bleeding out with our first aid kit trauma kit.

Tactical DadApr 25, 2023

00:00
11:58
Save someone's life from bleeding out with our first aid kit trauma kit.
Apr 25, 202311:58
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Tactical Knife.
Mar 26, 202309:00
The Tactical Backpack Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Shopping.
Mar 25, 202305:58
From Combat to Camping: Tactical Gear for Every Adventure.
Mar 24, 202304:18
 Unpacking the Military Gear Arsenal: A Deeper Look into Tactical Gear and Ammunition Loadouts.
Mar 20, 202313:41
9mm vs .40 S&W: Breaking Down the Differences 101.
Mar 16, 202310:58
Get to Know Your Ammo: A Basic Guide to 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP

Get to Know Your Ammo: A Basic Guide to 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP

So Ill stick to my 9mm ammo for stock piling and ill go have some fun with the .45ACP haha

  1. 9mm: The 9mm is a popular cartridge for handguns due to its low recoil and high magazine capacity. It is an excellent choice for target shooting and self-defense, and is widely available and affordable.
  2. .40 S&W: The .40 S&W was developed in the 1980s as a compromise between the 9mm and .45 ACP cartridges. It offers a balance of stopping power and recoil, making it a good choice for self-defense and law enforcement applications.
  3. .45 ACP: The .45 ACP is a large, heavy cartridge known for its stopping power and terminal ballistics. It is a popular choice for self-defense, law enforcement, and military applications, but has more recoil and lower magazine capacity than other handgun cartridges.

It's important to note that there are many other handgun cartridges available, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the firearm. Beginners should seek advice from experienced gun owners or firearms professionals before making a decision on which cartridge to use.

Would love it if you took a look at our tactical gear: https://linktr.ee/chartertactical

Mar 15, 202315:08
Tactical Gear 101: A Beginner's Guide for Civilians

Tactical Gear 101: A Beginner's Guide for Civilians

I LOVE having tactical gear everywhere for my everyday lifestyle now!

So before I was into tactical gear I would always need something like a better backpack, more compartments, multitool, knife or first aid things at some point throughout most days. Whether one of those items or not I always needed something that the world of tactical gear covered anyway. 

Anyway here are just a few items that would help for personal protection and outdoor activities such as hiking, walking or camping.

So many more to talk about in the future,

Have a great day,

Matt

Mar 09, 202309:12
Getting started with the Smith & Wesson 9mm EZ M&P Shield A beginner's review of this top-rated firearm
Mar 06, 202305:48
Expert tips for controlling your gun & the arc of movement with your gun With OSS Tactical

Expert tips for controlling your gun & the arc of movement with your gun With OSS Tactical

An aspect of shooting that many (including me prior to this) don't even consider is the movement we will have naturally as we hold a pistol and pull the trigger. We are not robots, or machines, we are human beings with a pulse so it is natural for us to have a slight movement that translates into a dispersion of shots that increases the further away from the target we are. 

Example: Shooting at 3 feet the dispersion of shots is going to be pretty tight, but the same movement from 25 feet will translate into a much bigger dispersion of shots. 

Thanks for listening, 

Matthew

Mar 04, 202312:27
Get Locked and Loaded: Learn Basic Pistol Skills with Our Comprehensive Training Class.
Mar 02, 202313:57
The Best Defense is Good Gear: How to Choose Quality Tactical Gun Accessories.
Feb 28, 202308:47
Drawing Your Firearm: Mastering the Mechanics for Safe and Effective Use.
Feb 27, 202310:16
The Secret to Becoming a Better Shooter: Dry-Fire Drills
Feb 26, 202304:48
The Mindset of a Marksman: Cultivating the Right Mindset for Improved Gun Shooting.
Feb 25, 202307:47
The best gun belt brands are manufacturing in China. The Complete Guide to Choosing a Gun Belt for Concealed Carry and Everyday Use.
Feb 24, 202315:33
The BEST Self Defense Ammo: Choosing Self-Defense Ammo. A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide.
Feb 23, 202314:44
Ammunition Demystified: Breaking Down the Jargon and Confusion for Novice Shooters.
Feb 22, 202313:55
 From .22 to 12 Gauge: The Top Ammunition Types Every Gun Owner Should Know.
Feb 21, 202310:42
Inside the Barrel: Exploring the Basics of Gun Bore and Rifling.
Feb 18, 202314:22
The .223 Wylde Chamber: Balancing Accuracy and Versatility.
Feb 17, 202311:01
Constitutional Carry: What It Means for Gun Owners and the Debate Over Second Amendment Rights.
Feb 17, 202308:54
Ammunition Breakdown: Exploring the Technical Differences between .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO.
Feb 16, 202308:50
The Surprising Truth About 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington Ammo Differences, plus Why I Choose Remington 77grain HPBT for Home Defense.
Feb 15, 202312:04
From Special Ops to Civilians: How I Transformed My Combat Loadout.
Feb 14, 202311:60
Firearms 101: A Beginner's Guide to Selecting the Right Gun.

Firearms 101: A Beginner's Guide to Selecting the Right Gun.

If you listened to the podcast me and my firearms instructor did a few episodes ago you can probably skip this one. I am regurgitating that he said for video so people who just watch on our YouTube channel get the information too. 

What to consider when buying a new gun:

Your physical limitations for sure are important but Tim mentioned something I did not even think about, which was how often are you going to train your malfunction clearance procedures? Because if you are not proficient with that then go get a revolver!

Listen to learn more.

Feb 13, 202312:32
From Combat to Survival: A Soldier's Account of Standard Equipment in the Field
Feb 13, 202308:04
Armed and Dangerous: How to Pick the Right Gun for Your Safety and Protection
Feb 12, 202312:23
Maximizing Your Readiness: The Right Amount of Rifle Ammunition for Your Loadout.
Feb 09, 202309:19
Castle Doctrine in Georgia: Understanding Your Right to Self-Defense.

Castle Doctrine in Georgia: Understanding Your Right to Self-Defense.

Being a Georgia resident, and owning guns I place a large emphasis on protecting my family and home. With that being said it is super important to understand and know the laws that surround the use of guns and protection.

I chat briefly here as a series of videos that will cover in depth the castle doctrine and stand your ground.

If you are an expert in law or know these laws extremely well I would love to talk to you on the show. 

The more people that know more the better in my opinion!

Feb 06, 202305:16
Hit The Bullseye: The Best Shooting Targets to Improve Your Skills.

Hit The Bullseye: The Best Shooting Targets to Improve Your Skills.

I was at the range doing some practice before me and my wife had lunch the other day, and I forgot my own targets so I had to buy targets from the store. They cost me $1 each!! I was shocked because I buy in bulk and they cost me approx. 7-11 cents. You can imagine how shocked I was handing over my credit card. 

Anyway with that in mind I realized that having a gun, ammo and a safe is super important but having targets is also super helpful and depending on how you buy them can be expensive or cost effective. 

Have fun, shooter ready.




Feb 04, 202307:24
Unpacking the Differences: 5.56 vs .223 Rifle Ammunition.

Unpacking the Differences: 5.56 vs .223 Rifle Ammunition.

It was super interesting to me to learn that more people are buying rifles, especially the AR15 platform thus leading to more rifle ammunition sales. This brings in some confusion for new folks as there are 2 very common types of rifle ammunition. These two are the 5.56x45mm and .223 Remington.

The 5.56x45mm and .223 Remington are both intermediate rifle cartridges commonly used in military and civilian firearms. However, they have some differences:

  1. Chamber pressure: The 5.56mm NATO cartridge has a higher chamber pressure than .223 Remington.
  2. Ammunition dimensions: The 5.56mm NATO cartridge is slightly longer than the .223 Remington cartridge, and its case is also thicker.
  3. Ballistic performance: The 5.56mm NATO cartridge has a higher velocity and energy compared to the .223 Remington cartridge.
  4. Weapon compatibility: It is important to note that not all firearms chambered in .223 Remington can safely fire 5.56mm NATO ammunition. Before using 5.56mm NATO in a .223 Remington chamber, it is important to check with the manufacturer.

In summary, the 5.56mm NATO cartridge is generally considered to be a more powerful round than the .223 Remington cartridge, but it is important to use the appropriate cartridge for your firearm to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Feb 03, 202308:36
Armed and Accessorized: My Favorite Pistol Range Bags for Maximum Functionality.
Feb 02, 202314:11
The Perfect EDC Gun Belt: Designed for Tactical Shooting and Everyday Use.
Feb 01, 202312:30
Take Your Rifle Shooting to the Next Level with Mantis Blackbeard.
Feb 01, 202312:07
AR-15: An Ideal Home Defense Weapon.

AR-15: An Ideal Home Defense Weapon.

In our last podcast Tim at OSS Tactical mentioned how an AR15 was a great platform for home defense and so I wanted to share my take on that and also go a little into why it is a great choice for home defense. There are many other reasons why but I am sticking to only the reasons I know currently. 

If you have any other reasons why or why not this is a great weapon of choice for home defense i would love to know more!

The AR-15 rifle is one of the most popular firearms on the market today, with its lightweight and ergonomic design making it a great choice for home defense. This semi-automatic rifle is reliable and accurate, with low recoil allowing for quick and accurate follow-up shots if necessary. The AR-15 also has a high magazine capacity, allowing for more rounds to be available for defensive situations.

Jan 31, 202310:13
Master Shooter Tim Owens Reveals the Four Fundamental Rules of Gun Safety

Master Shooter Tim Owens Reveals the Four Fundamental Rules of Gun Safety

In this episode I talk with my firearms instructor and Expert Shooter Tim Owens who is the owner of OSS Tactical. Tim has a decades worth of knowledge having served in the military and taught as an instructor to many police departments in the US. To this day Tim gets on me about gun safety as you can never be too careful with a firearm. Tim also shares 1 rule that trumps all when you have a gun in your hand, because at the end of the day if it is in your hand then you are responsible for it.

This podcast is full of knowledge bombs so tune in and enjoy!

Gun safety refers to the rules and procedures that should be followed in order to prevent accidents or misuse of firearms. These rules are designed to help protect the user and those around them from injury or death. Some of the basic principles of gun safety include:

1) Always assume that a gun is loaded, even if you think it is not.

2) Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, away from other people or objects that could be damaged or destroyed if the gun were to discharge.

3) Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

4) Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

5) Use appropriate safety equipment, such as ear and eye protection.

6) Store firearms and ammunition separately and securely, in a locked cabinet or safe.

It is also important to familiarize yourself with the specific safety features and handling procedures of any firearm you use, and to follow all laws and regulations related to firearms.

Jan 29, 202317:21
Unlock Your Shooting Potential: Become an Expert Shooter with Speed and Accuracy

Unlock Your Shooting Potential: Become an Expert Shooter with Speed and Accuracy

If I know anything it is how to get good at movement skills, and guess what? Pulling the trigger and handling a gun is movement. So, I can help you get good. Really good! 

I said I would link that other podcast that goes hand in hand with this one, so here it is: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/glbeTCcNSwb

Improvement in movement means improving motor skills, both big and small, fine and gross - whatever you want to call them (they are all motor skills). So knowing just a little about motor skill learning would totally help you. 

A motor skill is a function that involves specific movements of the body to perform a certain task. These tasks could include walking, running, or riding a bike. In order to perform this skill, the body's nervous system, muscles, and brain have to all work together. The goal of motor skill is to optimize the ability to perform the skill at the rate of success, precision, and to reduce the energy consumption required for performance. Performance is an act of executing a motor skill or task. Continuous practice of a specific motor skill will result in a greatly improved performance, which leads to motor learning. Motor learning is a relatively permanent change in the ability to perform a skill as a result of continuous practice or experience.

Jan 28, 202309:56
Home Defense with an AR-15: What You Need to Consider.
Jan 26, 202313:37
Home Security 101: The Basics of Keeping Your Home Safe.
Jan 25, 202311:10
The AR-15 101: A Beginner's Guide to the Most Common Parts.

The AR-15 101: A Beginner's Guide to the Most Common Parts.

Once again I found myself in a conversation with a group of guys talking about rifles and there were way too many words of gun parts I did not know so I had to become much more familiar and knowledgeable with at least the most basic parts.

Here they are:

  1. Barrel
  2. Handguard
  3. Bolt Carrier Group
  4. Lower Receiver
  5. Stock
  6. Pistol grip
  7. Trigger
  8. Magazine
  9. Sights or Optics.
Jan 24, 202308:16
The Different Parts of a Gun: A Breakdown for the Novice Shooter.

The Different Parts of a Gun: A Breakdown for the Novice Shooter.

I found it super helpful for industry conversations and to accelerate my understanding by learning the most common parts of a handgun/ pistol and I think every new gun owner should do the same. 

An Overview of the Key Components of a Firearm" is a comprehensive guide to understanding the basic parts of a gun. The article covers the major components of a firearm, including the barrel, chamber, trigger, and magazine, as well as their individual functions. It also provides an introduction to the different types of guns, such as handguns, rifles, and shotguns, and their specific components. This guide is designed for beginners and those interested in gaining a better understanding of the mechanics of a firearm. It provides a clear and concise explanation of the key components of a gun, making it easy for readers to grasp the basics of firearms.

Jan 23, 202307:50
Step-by-Step Instructions for how I Load and Fire my Pistol.

Step-by-Step Instructions for how I Load and Fire my Pistol.

Let me clear: I am not a professional shooter, nor am licensed to give professional advise and instruction. This information is my opinion alone. 

Now up to hundreds of hours in dryfire practice and god knows how many hours in live-fire practice, I have loaded a magazine, my pistol and shot it a few times to say the least. 

Here is a short step by step on how I load my started entry level 9mm pistol. I think you'll find it rather helpful if you are new to this. 

If you have a gun you'll need a high quality, but normally priced gun belt. I have you covered, so go check out our 2ND AMEN Gun Belts - click here.

Loading and firing a pistol safely and effectively requires knowledge of the specific gun you are using, as well as proper technique and safety protocol.

First, make sure your pistol is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Check the chamber, magazine, and any other areas where ammunition may be stored to ensure it is empty.

Next, insert the magazine into the handle of the pistol and ensure it is securely seated. Some pistols will have a release button that must be pressed in order to insert the magazine.

Next, pull back the slide (or barrel) to chamber a round of ammunition. Make sure your finger is off the trigger and the gun is pointed in a safe direction while doing this.

To fire the pistol, grip the gun firmly with both hands, line up the sights on your target, and pull the trigger while keeping a steady aim. Some pistols will have a safety mechanism that must be disengaged before the gun can be fired.

It's important to remember to keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and to always be aware of your surroundings. Always wear eye and ear protection when handling firearms and never point the gun at anything you are not prepared to shoot.

When you are finished firing, always make sure the gun is unloaded and the magazine is removed before storing it.

This is a brief overview of loading and firing a pistol, and it's always recommended to seek professional training and instruction before handling a firearm.


Jan 20, 202305:49
Avoiding Common Mistakes: A Beginner's Guide to Shooting a Pistol.

Avoiding Common Mistakes: A Beginner's Guide to Shooting a Pistol.

Let me be clear: I am no expert, I am not a professional shooter and this is not professional education, this information is my opinion only. 

Shooting a pistol: Clearly I had mistakes, and probably still do as I'm no expert pistol shooter. However, my instructor found some problems with my stance and my grip. A few hours later and I had them straightened out with a much greater understanding of some common mistakes and helpful tips. Here they are!

  1. Improper grip: Not gripping the pistol firmly enough or using the wrong grip can affect accuracy and control.
  2. Flinching: Anticipating the recoil of the pistol can cause the shooter to flinch, which can negatively impact accuracy.
  3. Not using proper sight alignment: Aligning the sights properly is essential for accurate shooting.
  4. Jerking the trigger: Pulling the trigger too quickly or abruptly can affect accuracy and control.
  5. Breathing technique: Holding your breath or breathing incorrectly can cause movement of the gun and affect accuracy.
  6. Not controlling the trigger: Not maintaining steady pressure on the trigger can result in an unintentional discharge or an inaccurate shot.
  7. Not keeping your arm extended : Not keeping your arm extended or not keeping the arm in the same position while shooting can affect accuracy.
  8. Not maintaining a steady aim: Moving the pistol or not keeping the sights on target can cause shots to be off target.
  9. Not cleaning the gun: A dirty gun can malfunction and affect accuracy and safety.
  10. Not being familiar with the gun: Not being familiar with the gun's safety features, how it operates, and how to maintain it can affect performance and safety.

Shop 2ND AMEN Tactical Gear Here.

Jan 20, 202310:13
Become a Sharpshooter: Simple Strategies to Improve Your Shooting Skills.

Become a Sharpshooter: Simple Strategies to Improve Your Shooting Skills.

Going deeper on Challenge Point Theory for shooting skills. Chellenge point is a phenominal concept that can really hel[p guide your shooting practice or lessons if you are an instructor.

Shop 2ND AMEN Tactical Gear here for quality tactical everyday products at the best prices.

Practicing for shooting involves more than just going to the range and firing off some rounds. To truly improve your shooting skills, you have to put in the time and effort to learn and master the fundamentals of shooting. This includes getting comfortable with your stance, grip, trigger squeeze, sight picture, and follow through. It also involves learning about recoil control, learning about windage and elevation, and understanding the different types of ammunition and their effects on your shooting accuracy. With consistent practice and repetition, you will see drastic improvements in your shooting skills.

Jan 19, 202309:37
Master Your Shooting: Expert Strategies to Take Your Shooting to the Next Level.

Master Your Shooting: Expert Strategies to Take Your Shooting to the Next Level.

I am no expert when it comes to the technical aspect of shooting guns, but I am an expert at how to learn movement i.e. motor learning.

Shop 2nd Amen Tactical Gear here for the best deals.

Shooting practice is an essential element of any shooter's skill set. It involves honing the fundamentals of good shooting such as proper stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger squeeze, and follow through. By consistently practicing and repeating these fundamentals, shooters can take their shooting skills to a higher level and better their accuracy and precision. No matter what level of shooter you are, shooting practice is a necessity for achieving success.

Jan 19, 202312:06
The Ultimate EDC Gun Belt for Women: Style, Safety and Comfort.
Jan 18, 202309:07
The Pros and Cons of Soft and Hard Rifle Bags: Which is Right for You?
Jan 18, 202310:28
Law Enforcement's Best Friend: The Ratchet EDC Gun Belt.

Law Enforcement's Best Friend: The Ratchet EDC Gun Belt.

After speaking with a police officer I learned what he was looking for in a gun belt and our 2nd Amen EDC Gun Belt checked all the boxes! So much so that he took one to test before he buys the whole department one. 

Get your EDC Gun Belt, Ratchet style gun belt here:

Smooth EDC Gun Belt design - click here

Textured Tactical Gun Belt design - click here

An EDC (Everyday Carry) gun belt is a belt specifically designed to securely hold a firearm and other everyday carry items. These belts are made from durable materials and often feature a ratchet-style closure, which allows for easy and quick adjustments to the belt's size, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. EDC gun belts are often worn by law enforcement and other professionals who need to carry a firearm on a daily basis. They are also popular among individuals who carry a firearm for personal protection. These belts are usually wider and stiffer than regular belts to provide enough support to carry the weight of firearm and accessories. Some EDC gun belts are also equipped with a quick release mechanism to make it easier to draw the firearm in case of emergency.

Jan 17, 202308:49
The Ins and Outs of Gun Shows: What Attendees Can Expect.

The Ins and Outs of Gun Shows: What Attendees Can Expect.

Before my first gun show I was nervous and a little intimidated. Turns out its the safest and friendliest place ever IMO. 

Shop quality tactical gear and be prepared here.

At a gun show, you can expect to see a wide variety of firearms and related merchandise for sale, including rifles, shotguns, handguns, and ammunition. You may also see hunting and outdoor equipment, holsters, magazines, and other accessories. Gun shows often feature vendors and exhibitors from the firearms industry, as well as private individuals selling their own firearms. Some gun shows may also have educational seminars, such as concealed carry or gun safety classes. You can also expect to see a large number of people, including other gun enthusiasts, collectors, and those looking to purchase a firearm for personal protection or hunting. It is important to note that laws and regulations regarding the purchase and sale of firearms vary by state and local laws, and it's important to be aware of them before attending a gun show.

Jan 17, 202311:16