Wednesday Wisdom: 8 July 2026

Medal of Honor: Sergeant Grant Frederick Timmerman

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as tank commander serving with the 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, 2d Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 8 July 1944. Advancing with his tank a few yards ahead of the infantry in support of a vigorous attack on hostile positions, Sgt. Timmerman maintained steady fire from his antiaircraft sky-mount machine gun until progress was impeded by a series of enemy trenches and pillboxes. Observing a target of opportunity, he immediately ordered the tank stopped and, mindful of the danger from the muzzle blast as he prepared to open fire with the 75-mm, fearlessly stood up in the exposed turret and ordered the infantry to hit the deck. Quick to act, as a grenade, hurled by the Japanese, was about to drop into the open turret hatch, Sgt. Timmerman unhesitatingly blocked the opening with his body, holding the grenade against his chest and taking the brunt of the explosion. His exceptional valor and loyalty in saving his men at the cost of his own life reflect the highest credit upon Sgt. Timmerman and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

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The Army has Another New Rifle, The XM8 Carbine

The Army is about to roll out a smaller carbine as part of its new, multi-billion-dollar rifle system. A slightly shorter and lighter carbine version of the M7 rifle, the Army confirmed, is now close enough to fielding that it has been given its own name: the XM8.

Troops tapped for early testing of the new carbine should start to get their hands on the first XM8s as soon as October, an Army spokesperson told Task & Purpose. The XM8 shares internal firing components with the Army’s new M7 rifle, firing a 6.8 x 51mm round.

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Pistol Caliber Carbines: The Best or Worst of Both Worlds?

Why do pistol caliber carbines even exist? We’ve got a plethora of AR, AK, and other carbines chambered for intermediate rifle cartridges like 5.56 NATO, 7.62×39, and 300 Blackout. They are affordable and come in all shapes and sizes. They have proven, time and again, to be more effective on target than anything chambered for a pistol cartridge. What good is a PCC other than as a range toy? If you’ve already decided to use a long gun, why would you get one chambered for the weaker cartridge of a pistol? Pistol caliber carbines are the worst of both worlds. They are feeble and anemic like pistols but carry the size penalty of a rifle.

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Lubrication and Ammunition: How Oil Affects Cycling

There are two camps in the lubrication debate: people who run their guns practically dripping wet, and people who barely touch them with oil. Both camps experience malfunctions and blame the ammunition. In reality, how you lubricate your firearm directly affects how ammunition cycles through it. Here's what actually matters.

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The Problem with “Anchor Shots”

I recently attended a class where someone mentioned that (what was described as a “well-known”) force on force trainer was teaching “anchor shots” in their classes. In this video, Massad Ayoob address the concept of anchor shots — and why it is both legally problematic and ethically unsound. While the idea is sometimes discussed in theoretical or tactical conversations, strict legal standards and responsibilities govern real-world use of force. The notion of intentionally delivering a specific type of shot outside of justified necessity can quickly cross legal boundaries and lead to serious consequences.

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In Addition to Anchor Shots: Think Before Shooting--Fleeing Suspects

Suspected Burglar

This article recounts a burglary incident and shooting that happened in German Township, Ohio in 2019. Richard Winegardner’s unoccupied home has been burglarized numerous times over the last few months; however, this time it happened while Winegardner was home and in the shower. Winegardner calls 911 while he is confronting the person in his house and simultaneously providing the dispatcher information. It seems that the suspected burglar at some point decided to flee and Winegardner apparently gave chase, ultimately firing numerous shots at the burglar’s SUV. The news reports that police found the SUV with the back window shot out, bullet holes in the interior, and the rear bumper.

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SIG’s Full-Size 1911-X Blends Classic Design with Contemporary Feel

The SIG Sauer 1911-X full-size is a great example of a modern production 1911 done correctly. It blends traditional styling and handling with SIG’s modern design and practical upgrades. The result is a pistol that feels classic but offers modern features like optics compatibility, accessory rail support, and enhanced reliability.

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The Best (and Worst) Quick Access Safes for Rifles and Shotguns

Secure storage devices for keeping a single home-defense carbine or shotgun close at hand are tough to come by, especially if you want something both small and affordable. I decided to set a limit of $400 for this batch of gun safes. If you’re willing to spend more than that for a small quick-access storage solution, you might consider looking into the “incognito” storage options like shelves, cabinets, and other furniture with hidden compartments. Whatever your budget happens to be, before you go safe shopping, be sure to read the article linked below about avoiding gun theft.

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Gun Theft Happens: How to Reduce Your Risk

One concern we all share as responsible gun owners is keeping our guns out of the wrong hands. That can range from children who aren’t ready to handle the responsibility of gun safety to violent criminals looking to arm themselves.

Criminals gain access to firearms in several ways, the two most common being vehicle break-ins and residential burglaries. While guns are sometimes stolen from gun stores (often by driving a car into the building) and by robbing someone known to be carrying a gun, today we’re focusing on how the average armed citizen can avoid the theft of an unattended firearm. Here some ways you can protect against unauthorized access and loss of a firearm.

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Hackers Abuse DocuSign API to Send Genuine Looking Invoices

Cybercriminals have started leveraging DocuSign’s API to send fraudulent invoices that appear shockingly authentic.

Unlike traditional phishing schemes that rely on poorly crafted emails and malicious links, these attacks use legitimate DocuSign accounts and templates to impersonate well-known companies, making them difficult for users and security systems to detect.

Traditional phishing attacks often involve fake emails that mimic trusted brands, tricking victims into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information such as passwords or banking details.

While email filters and anti-spam measures have become more adept at identifying these attacks, the new tactic of using trusted services like DocuSign makes detection significantly more challenging.

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Review: Heritage Manufacturing’s Badlander Double Barrel Shotgun

Heritage Manufacturing Co. jumped on the coach gun bandwagon in 2024 with the release of the Bandlander series. In late 18th century England, Richard Bolton developed a double-barrel, 10-ga. "scattergun" designed with the challenges of defending a moving coach from galloping highwaymen in mind. These defensive double-barrel shotguns, or "coach guns," continued to evolve and eventually migrated to America, where they became a fixture in the settlement of the Old West. In those days, a second person often rode up top next to a stagecoach driver to fend off horse-mounted bandits with double-barrel shotguns. It's where the term "riding shotgun" originated.

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