"Have Gun, Will Travel... Wire Paladin, San Francisco." The simple but direct message on Paladin's business card (played by actor Richard Boone) was that if you needed help--and had the money--he would take care of your problem.

Real life has become increasingly complex since the "Golden Day" of television. In the days when black hats were worn exclusively bad guys, it was easy to pick out the villain (at least on the big screen or on the tube). Nowadays anyone can be a potential assailant, and we must live by the rule, "Be polite, but have a plan to protect yourself from everyone you meet." And while we realize that plan should begin with training, the question for many is where to go.

First, define what type of training you need. In the January/February issue of S.W.A.T. you will find articles critiquing a wide range of courses--from basic pistol courses to defensive courses designed specifically from women, and from tactical tracking operations to high-speed evasive driving. There are also articles from noted experts on subjects from weapon evaluations to gunsmithing, and the proper use and manipulation of mechanical safeties.

If you've been looking for a magazine which cuts to the chase and offers truly informative content, if you want more than what's "new and cool," and have a desire to find out what works (and what doesn't) your search is over.

Have gun, will travel? No thanks. We'll take responsibility for ourselves.