As I have mentioned before in previous articles, I believe competition is an excellent way to push my training to the next level. While it certainly has limitations as to how “realistic” it can be, I can’t think of a better way to add to your training the anxiety of shooting under time pressure and being accountable for your accuracy. (As an aside, our friends at Gun Nuts Media have an excellent article on competition vs tactical training recently posted to their site.) Continue reading
Author Archives: Tim Lau
Photo of the Day: TangoDown iOCover
A few years ago, Aimpoint introduced a smaller, lightweight version of their proven red dot sighting system. Called the T-1, it was designed to be just as durable and reliable as its bigger brothers, with just as impressive battery life to boot. The only thing missing was some bump protection. Former 10-8 Forum Member Joe Chen had the brilliant idea to develop a cover similar to the Aimpoint Factory Rubber Cover for the Comp M series sights. Originally a Kickstarter project, it grew legs and the bright minds at TangoDown were charged with production. Today, the iOCover is cheap insurance to protect your already tough T-1 from bumps and bruises.
SOURCE: http://www.tangodown.com
Photo of the Day: 1911 Main Spring Housing Checkering
Here’s some progress on my latest project. After fitting the grip safety, I chased the very crude machine cut checkering by hand with a checkering file. The key to good cosmetics and functional checkering is to ensure each diamond comes to a point. This MSH was blasted and cold blued after the hand work to prevent corrosion during the build process.
Review: Grayman Knives Satu Folding Knife
The Grayman Satu Folder shown above is not a small knife. It is shown here alongside an Emerson CQC-10 for comparison.
If you’re anything like me, you have a fetish for sharp pointy objects. Around Christmas time last year, I received a Grayman Satu Folder to evaluate alongside the various knives I have used for everyday carry. For those not familiar with Grayman Knives, they are handmade in the USA using premium materials. The blade is ground from Crucible Materials Corporation’s excellent CPM S30V, a corrosion resistant steel known for its toughness and edge holding. This model features dual solid titanium scales, as well as a titanium pocket clip.
RAVEN VANGUARD 2: 15 MONTHS LATER
Left: Raven Concealment’s Vanguard 2 for Glock pistols. Right: A pre-production Vanguard 2 for M&P pistols.
Back at SHOT Show 2012, our friends at Raven Concealment unveiled the latest incarnation of their Vanguard Holster. For those not familiar, the original Vanguard was a minimalist holster design that eliminates the bulk of traditional holster designs, but still provides the safety of a holstered pistol. The original design was essentially just a trigger guard cover with a paracord lanyard to act as a static line. Continue reading
PHOTO OF THE DAY: OLD SCHOOL GLOCK 19
A 2nd Generation Glock 19 with the original Novak replacement rear sights that were meant to be used with the stock front. Thankfully, we have come a long way.
A week ago, I asked my good friend and dyed-in-the-wool 1911 guy, Dean Caputo, if he would be interested in shooting a Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) match with me over the weekend. I try to make it a habit of inviting my buddies to shooting events as it is another excuse to turn it into a social endeavor as well as a training opportunity. Much to my surprise, Dean said, “Yes!” I was even more shocked to discover the guy who owns countless 1911s and turns his nose up to the plastic guns actually owns a Glock 19 or two. So I gave him the details of the match and planned to meet on Saturday.
Trigger Reset and Prepping the Trigger
Much ado has been made of the Smith and Wesson’s M&P having a less distinct reset than what many 1911 and Glock shooters are used to. This particularly bothers those who have been trained to “shoot to reset” between shots. This has never particularly bothered me and here is why:
For those who are not familiar (or may need a quick refresher), most basic pistol courses teach shooters to “reset” the trigger between shots as part of the follow through process. I look back to my Basic Academy training way back in the day, which taught shooters to hold the trigger to the rear, realign the sights, and then slowly release the trigger until they feel a distinct click. Then they can begin preparing for the next shot. Continue reading
PHOTO OF THE DAY: SIRT PISTOL IN LE TRAINING
K-9 Handler and Firearms Instructor S. Sharpe uses a SIRT 110 PRO training pistol while giving in-service training to a group of police officers. Photo Credit: S. Sharpe
Most shooters understand the SIRT Training Pistol from Next Level Training is an excellent training tool for dry practice away from the range. What many don’t realize is that there is a universe of training potential for the SIRT on the range as well. By integrating the SIRT into live fire training, you can help mitigate the flinch response and focus on trigger control. A 3 to 1 ratio or so (three reps SIRT to 1 rep live fire) will develop trigger control drills while still keeping you honest with recoil management. Try it and you’ll see great results.
Smith & Wessons M&P10 7.62mm Rifle – First Impressions
Smith & Wesson’s M&P10 rifle features fully ambidextrous controls including magazine release, bolt catch/release, and selector lever.
At SHOT Show 2013, Smith and Wesson introduced their new line of 7.62mm / 308 caliber rifles, which feature fully ambidextrous controls, compatibility with SR-25/M110 pattern magazines, and an attractive price point. At about 7 3/4 pounds unloaded, the rifle (dubbed M&P 10) is extremely lightweight and handy. After a cursory examination at SHOT, I knew I had to get my grubby hands on one and try it for myself. Continue reading
PHOTO OF THE DAY: LaRue PredatAR 7.62
A couple years ago I extensively tested LaRue Tactical’s PredatAR 7.62 rifle for a feature article in Soldier of Fortune magazine. This was one of the nicest semi-automatic rifles I’ve ever had the pleasure of shooting. Despite the thin profile barrel, the rifle shot sub-MOA with Black Hills 168gr and 175gr match. I eventually added a BattleComp BABC which made the rifle very pleasurable to shoot, despite its light weight. It is no wonder why LaRue has such a long waiting list…
Enter the Dagobah System with Next Level Training
Mike Hughes shows us his “Progressor” Drill. It was actually quite a bit drier this time than last…
Those of you who have followed our articles know we are big fans of the SIRT Training Pistol developed by our friend Mike Hughes at Next Level Training. While we are always excited to check out that new piece of gear to improve our performance and maximize training potential, one of the lessons I have learned from Mike is that you don’t need fancy equipment to train effectively. Continue reading
MAGPUL’S 20LR M110/MK11 7.62 MAGAZINE
Since the introduction of the PMAG in 2006, Magpul Industries has set the standard for reliable polymer magazines for the M16 platform. Prior to the PMAG, the best the market had to offer were from Thermold and Orlite, which were marginal at best. The use of polymer for magazine bodies have definite advantages in weight savings and durability, as seen in our Magazine Drop Test. The PMAG has earned itself an excellent reputation among end users, many of whom prefer the polymer PMAG over USGI aluminum magazines. While I believe aluminum USGI magazines have their place, the current generation PMAG is an excellent choice for a duty magazine.
TRAIN ANYWHERE WITH PANTEAO PRODUCTIONS
Paul Howe demonstrates to low ready position on the Panteao website.
I’m a training junkie, and though I love going to the range, real life (along with bills) gets in the way. And with the rising cost of ammunition and guns, the number of formal courses I am able to attend each year has dwindled down to just a couple. I would love to train with all of the top tier instructors out there, but there simply isn’t enough time and money for me to do so.
A few years ago, our friend Fernando Coelho started Panteao Productions and set a new standard in training videos. Gone are the days of monotone instructors speaking into a VHS video camera on a tripod. Coelho employs a video production crew that makes Hollywood-grade films. Panteao takes care to make sure that the videos are not only instructional, but entertaining enough to keep your interest. Continue reading
WHY CARRY A GUN?
I frequently hear co-workers tell me they do not carry a gun away from work for various reasons. These reasons range from simply being lazy or the gun being “uncomfortable” to stating that they wouldn’t want to involve their family in something so they leave the gun at home. Despite Emeryville (CA) Police Chief’s claim that guns aren’t a defensive weapon, the National Crime Victimization Survey and National Survey of Private Ownership of Firearms indicate that Americans use firearms to defend themselves between 108,000 to 1.5 million times a year. Additionally, according to the NCVS, resisting violent crime with a firearm is the most effective form of self defense resulting in the least amount of injury to the victim, including resisting with pepper spray, mace, hands/feet, or even being completely compliant. Continue reading
Review: Talon Tactical Cobra Belt
MSW’s model Sam shows off the Talon Tactical Cobra Belt!
If you’re like me, you’ve bought your share of belts. Like holsters, I have a bin full of belts that I’ve bought, worn once, and will likely never wear again. Some are too flimsy, others don’t fit quite right, and others are a pain to don and/or doff. Still others fray too easily, and don’t last long. Don’t get me wrong, there are quite a few good belts out there. For example, the Brass Monkey Performance Competition Belt is the centerpiece of my range gear and holds all of it together.