From Roy R: I received my flashlight order. Not sure what size batteries it takes. Doesn’t look like AA or AAA. Help?

Answer: It takes AA batteries. I recommend using Panasonic Eneloop batteries. You can buy them on Amazon and they can be recharged numerous times.

From Sambulo K: What about cops knocking on doors with no warrant or due cause – not just once, but periodically. What can you do?

Answer: If you didn’t commit a crime or didn’t call the police to respond to your home then they shouldn’t have any reason to knock on your door and you don’t have to open the door to them if you don’t want to. (You can just talk to them through the door like you would a delivery person or anyone else.) If you feel like they are harassing you then I would record all of your interactions with them on your phone and meet with the supervisors at the police department to voice your concerns.

From Ben W: Regarding Tactical Pen refills: I use either a Parker pen refill or a Fisher Space pen refill. The Fisher refill is pressurized so you can write upside down, underwater and, yes, in low orbit.

Answer: These are all great options as the Tactical Pen can use different brands of refills. And, as Ben mentioned, the Fisher Space Pen refill is the most dependable choice. (Especially, if you will be going into space.)

From Mike S: I’ve heard you mention the FBI’s firearms qualification test before. I found several variations on the internet and on YouTube, but they all seem different from one another. Do you have an authoritative source for the stages of this test? I couldn’t find it on the FBI’s website either… I’d love to try and pass it!

Answer: After reviewing roughly 200 shootings involving FBI agents the bureau learned that 75% of the incidents involved suspects who were within three yards of agents when shots were fire. Since most shootings occur at such a short distance the FBI changed their qualification course a few years ago to make it more representative of the types of shootings agents are involved in. The specific FBI qualification that I recommend doing is only 60 rounds and encompasses five different stages including varying distance and timing. To find an accurate explanation of the qualification I use I would do an internet search such as “FBI Qual, 60 rounds, 5 stages.” There are plenty of different websites that explain each stage of the qualification. This is a great way to practice your shooting skills since we know most shootings occur at a distance of three yards or less.

From Kathie B: What replacement/backup batteries do you recommend for smaller tactical flashlights I ordered and where would be the best place to get them? I have been gratefully impressed with the products I have already ordered from you and look forward to seeing what else you may have to offer in future…

Answer: I recommend using Panasonic Eneloop batteries. These can be purchased on Amazon and can be recharged up to 2100 times. In addition, these batteries maintain up to 70% of their charge after 10 years (when not it use) and include battery detection technology, meaning they automatically shut off when charging is complete. I use these batteries in many of my electronic devices and they are incredibly dependable.

From Charles Z: I am looking for quality night vision goggles. Do you sell any or is there a type you can recommend?

Answer: The thing about night vision goggles is that they are very expensive, and the ones available on the civilian market are nothing like the ones worn by the U.S. Military. A quality pair of goggles will cost at least $2,000 but there’s no doubt they can provide a tactical advantage. One I would check out is the Armasight Vega Gen 1. These sell for a little over $2,000 on Amazon but they are quality goggles. These goggles are rugged, compact and built with the highest-grade optics. For hands-free use these can be worn on a flip-up head mount or optional universal helmet mount, both of which have a built-in mechanism that will automatically turn the unit off when it is flipped up.

From Tony L: I know you addressed this problem before but I did not quite understand the solution. Is there a way to communicate with someone located on the other side of the country in another state when there is no telephone or cellphone service? Is it with radio that requires a license? What kind of radio?

Answer: The number one way I recommend communicating during a disaster is with a satellite phone. I have personally used a SAT phone in remote parts of the world and I can tell you that these are the best way to stay in touch. In addition, HAM radio is a great option because with a repeater you can reach across the country. If you are going to use a HAM radio you do need a license and you would need to tell your family in advance what frequencies you can be reached on and what times you will be listening such as every hour on the hour or every quarter hour. Plus, you would need to carry a repeater guide for your area with you at all times since it’s not typically programmed in the radio like a typical radio does.