Owen McPhillips, Firearms Instructor

06/09/2025

I’m a fan of Barnes TAC-XPD.

Whatever you choose, run at least a full magazine of it through your carry gun before trusting it with your life.

03/22/2024

Actions speak for themselves regarding proper grip

01/11/2024

Maximum carry pistol weight and size depends on where, how, and for how long you’ll be carrying it.

I can go all day with a P365 in any carry mode, or a full size steel 1911 OWB at 3 o’clock on a sturdy belt.

That same 1911 is good for maybe 6 hours IWB at 4 o’clock, and only an hour or so AIWB if I never sit down.

A lightweight commander expands that time by about 50%.

Concealed carry is a multifaceted compromise between concealment, comfort, ease of access, firepower and fashionability, and everyone must rank those factors according to their own preferences.

I’ve been that guy who insisted on comfortably carrying a full size, major caliber pistol at all times, and was willing to commit any fashion crime to accommodate that. That means oversized shirts and shoot-me-first vests in the summertime.

I’ve also been that guy who wants to show off his gym results, which means correctly fitting untucked t-shirts and a P365 carried AIWB.

09/05/2023

https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/practice-x-drill-to-reinforce-pistol-skills-heres-how/387863

Simple pistol drills are good, and they're even better when they teach or reinforce a number of skills. This drill does just that, working on accuracy, speed, changing speeds and target acquisition.

03/28/2023

Anyone interested in training which satisfies Nebraska or Colorado requirements for a concealed handgun permit, please contact me via Messenger, or Lester Beall of Pleasant Creek Arms, to be placed on a contact list.

When enough people express an interest, those on the list will be contacted to determine the best date for the next class. All classes will be conducted on Saturdays beginning at 9 am Mountain time, and you will always have at least two weeks' advance notice.

The Nebraska class runs all day, includes lunch, a written test and range qualification, and is priced at $100.

The Colorado class is a half day, classroom only, and is priced at $50.

03/08/2023

On April 1, 2023, I will be presenting a Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit class at Pleasant Creek Arms in Benkelman, NE, beginning at 9:00 am Mountain Time. Cost is $100, and includes lunch on site. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the host, Lester Beall, at (308) 340-4954 prior to the end of March 20th.

Colorado residents may fulfill their state’s training requirement by attending merely the morning portion of this class (minus Nebraska laws, written test and range qualification). Cost for this is $50.

Nebraska and Colorado friends, please share this.

EDIT: This class is CANCELLED due to insufficient participation.

09/20/2022

My next Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit class is scheduled for November 26th at Pleasant Creek Arms in Benkelman. Due to space constraints, class size is limited to 10.

Contact Lester Beall at the number provided to enroll.