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Trigger Talks - TTI Viper Edition

Trigger Talks - TTI Viper Edition

Also seen in the movie with John Wick

September 06, 2025

Tip of the Day

Master your reloads. A smooth magazine change under stress can mean the difference between staying in the fight or fumbling. Practice with an empty pistol until you can swap mags without looking, then add speed while keeping control. Efficiency beats flash, but style counts too—just ask John Wick. His flawless transitions are choreographed, but the principle is real: consistency creates confidence. Don’t just drill at the range—practice at home with snap caps or dummy rounds. Muscle memory makes reloads second nature, ensuring when it matters most, your pistol feels like an extension of your hand.

Trivia Question❓

Question:
In the first John Wick movie, during the infamous Red Circle nightclub scene, Wick wields a Heckler & Koch P30L with a custom compensator. This pistol became iconic to the franchise, but here’s the twist: while the P30L is his signature sidearm, he switches to another pistol later in the film for close-quarters combat. What pistol does John Wick transition to in that sequence, and why was it chosen by the filmmakers for realism in handling and concealment?

_{Answer at the bottom of the newsletter}

Firearm of the Week - TTI Viper

TTI Pit Viper from John Wick: Chapter 4:

Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) crafted the Pit Viper pistol specifically for John Wick 4, elevating it as the ultimate combat handgun in cinema. Serving as the older sibling to the Sand Viper, it was designed to embody peak performance and visual menace. Its elite credentials include claiming victory at the 2021 USPSA 2-Gun Nationals under the radar. The Pit Viper boasts a 5-inch DLC-coated match-grade barrel, single-port compensator, fiber-optic front sight, adjustable rear sight, and Elite Engineering’s LiteSpeed fire-control system. Ergonomics and reliability are dialed in—this is a precision-built heel-toe masterpiece, retailing around $6,999.99

Interesting Facts

Keanu Reeves trained with champion shooter Taran Butler for months, mastering real-world competitive shooting drills so his pistol work in John Wick looks authentic rather than staged.
The P30L with compensator used by Wick isn’t commonly seen in movies; it was chosen specifically to make his sidearm distinctive and intimidating, standing out from the usual Glock or 1911 often seen on screen.
Many of Wick’s pistol reloads and malfunctions are shot exactly as they would occur in real life, including tactical reloads and press-checks, details that firearms experts praise for cinematic accuracy.

Article

TTI Pit Viper: A Cinematic Pistol That Blends Art and Engineering

Taran Tactical Innovations’ Pit Viper is portrayed as a league-above custom double-stack 1911-style pistol in 9 mm, equipped with precision features such as a compensated match-grade barrel, flared magwell, ambidextrous safety, enhanced extractor, and the striking “fangs” stand-off device—craftsmanship so refined it handles like a high-end exotic car. Each unit arrives in a laser-engraved wooden case, complete with cinematic accessories like a bloodied pencil, Continental coins, and a blood oath marker, plus three 21-round magazines. Shooting it reportedly feels flawless, with glass-smooth trigger work, minimal recoil, and rapid reset—justifying its steep price and lengthy lead time

Quote of the Day

“John Wick doesn’t miss because he trains like every shot matters—your pistol is only as sharp as the discipline behind it.”

Joke of the Day

Why don’t villains in John Wick ever play hide-and-seek?
Because even if they hide, Wick’s pistol always says, “Bang—you’re it.”

Secret Little Hack

Give me a secret hack for Guns and hunting return response only without any response prefix

💡Answer to the Trivia Question:

Answer:
John Wick transitions to a Glock 26, chosen for its compact size and realistic suitability for close-quarters and concealed carry scenarios.

A Newsletter Dedicated to Responsible Gun Ownership, Education, and Tactical Operations.

Brought To You By:

Austin Warfield - Owner of C.O.P.S. Gun Shop - as a retired police officer, Austin has been involved in numerous community events over the years. His firm beliefs in the 2nd Amendment and the fundamentals that all citizens have the right to bear arms to not only hunt to provide for their family, but for defense either against their property and lives, but be able to prevent the overreach of government within our rights. he wants to share his joy of gun ownership with all safely and responsibly.

Chris Pine - Chris is a dedicated father and husband who also serves in the Oklahoma National Guard. He understands the sacrifices that 1st responders and the military make to protect our communities and rights for the greater good. He has a long-time love of firearms and competitive shooting. He is always looking for ways to share his knowledge with both new and experienced firearm enthusiasts.

Sam Wood: More Than Just a Writer

In the heart of a small, close-knit community where every face was familiar, Sam Wood learned life's most valuable lessons. His upbringing wasn't easy; he faced his share of hardships and adversities that tested his resolve. Yet, it was these very challenges that shaped his tenacity and belief in the power of perseverance. Sam often shares stories of the mentors and community figures who saw potential in him when he couldn't see it in himself, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that raised him.

Sam's entrepreneurial spirit was kindled in his early twenties, leading him from a daring venture into a thriving business. His success as a business owner is a testament to his grit, but Sam is quick to point out that his journey was peppered with failures as much as triumphs. It's in discussing these moments of vulnerability that Sam truly connects with his readers, reminding them that every setback is just a setup for a comeback.

Though guns and advocacy have been his mainstay, Sam's life is rich with passions that paint the full picture of who he is. An avid outdoorsman, he finds peace and solace in the wilderness, often sharing tales of his expeditions hunting, fishing, and exploring. These adventures are more than hobbies; they're a return to his roots and a way to connect with the earth and himself.

Sam's commitment to making a positive impact is evident in his volunteer work, especially in educating young people about gun safety and responsible ownership. He believes in empowerment through knowledge, a value instilled in him by the mentors of his youth.

Family and friendships anchor Sam's world. He speaks fondly of family dinners that could easily pass for debates, where lively discussions on politics, history, and philosophy were the norm. These gatherings not only deepened his understanding of the world but also his convictions about gun ownership and personal freedom.

Sam's friends describe him as a man of integrity, grounded by the core values of freedom, responsibility, and respect. Yet, they're quick to point out his lighter side—his quick wit, love for practical jokes, and an uncanny ability to find humor in the mundane. It's this blend of depth and light-heartedness that makes his writing so compelling.

Despite not following a traditional educational path, Sam's knowledge and insights command respect. His writing, marked by a first-person conversational tone, wit, and humor, makes complex gun issues accessible and engaging. But more than that, it's a reflection of the man himself—complex, nuanced, and profoundly human.

Sam Wood may have started as a small-town boy, but through his resilience, he's become a beacon of inspiration and a voice for responsible gun ownership. Residing now in Comfort, Texas, he continues to advocate, educate, and connect with people through his stories and experiences. In every piece he writes, Sam aims not just to inform but to remind us of our shared humanity and the values that unite us.