Category Archives: Gear

SOLO INTERVENTION OF THE LONE “ACTIVE KILLER” : FANTASY OR REALITY? [PART ONE]

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This post started out in draft (many months ago) as a review of the Panteao Productions video by Paul Howe, “Civilian Response To Active Shooters.”  (Click on the image to read some of Paul Howe’s background).

        I was a bit uncomfortable some might think I had strayed from my lane as I have no military combat experience, and neither my training nor my life or death experiences resemble Paul Howe’s.  Thus, I changed this post to pose and (hopefully) answer the title question. I think a better term to describe the dynamic incidents addressed is “active killer,” so I use that term instead of the universally used term “active shooter.”

I know Paul Howe only by reputation, his videos, and the material he and others have posted on the internet about his classes and training facility, CSAT.  If I had a training “bucket list,”  a week or two at CSAT would be on it.  Real operators I know respect him, his abilities, and doctrine.  Paul’s video provides basic insight into civilian mindset, gear, and tactics appropriate to intervene in an active killer incident.  Obviously, a safer intervention tactic would be simply to have Paul Howe with you and let him do the heavy lifting.  You would stay out of the fight, help with the evacuation of innocents, and provide direction to sworn first responders (most importantly, describing the armed and qualified civilian responder who already entered and was in response mode).  Unless you are Mrs. Paul Howe, that’s fantasy. Continue reading →

Safariland QLS Hits The Two Year Mark- Review

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A couple of years ago, I really wanted to get my holster away from my body a bit more, particularly when wearing a heavy winter coat.  I found that a lot of times, my front sight would snag on the coat pocket on the way up.

So, I did my research and chose to go with the Safariland Quick Locking System versus a simple stand off.  At the time, I didn’t realize how beneficial that would be.

I do not have a take home car due to not living in the county that I work, so I have a 10 minute commute to work each day.  When I purchased my new Toyota 4Runner, I noticed that the holster was wearing on the leather.  So, I started taking the holster and pistol off when in my own vehicle.  Thus it has saved on the wear and tear on the leather.  Extra added bonus, to say the least.

Some of my coworkers have been hesitant about the connection systems, but I have had zero problems from it.  One of the neat features is that you can have multiple attach points and use the same holster in many functions, IE a belt attachment, a drop leg attachment, etc.

I have found this piece of gear to be very durable.  The locking mechanism is as strong two years later, as it was the first day I attached it to this holster.  I’ve encountered zero problems with it, and have nothing but praise for the system in the context I use it.

Check it out at www.safariland.com.

NICE KNIFE . . . BUT IS IT LEGAL?

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I used to cut out magazine articles and advertisements from in flight magazines with a large pocket knife in full view of other passengers and the airliner’s crew.  That was decades ago.  Pocket knives are no longer considered a gentleman’s tool; they are weapons subject to detailed criminal laws.

Ask someone who regularly carries a handgun about their home state’s law on open or concealed carry, about the law of a neighboring state, or the law in states where they travel regularly.  They likely know the law fairly well.  Now, ask them about the folding knife hiding behind their exposed pocket clip.  It is likely they either do not know their state’s law on knifes, or if they know something, it is incorrect or incomplete.  LEOs believe (mostly incorrectly) that some Federal or state law exempts them from limitations applicable to ordinary citizens.

Knife laws vary state to state, and can be more complicated than one might suspect. Federal law on domestic or imported automatic-opening (commonly referred to as “switchblade”) knives?  Less likely to be known correctly.   How about fixed knives carried on the belt in a sheath?  Carrying a knife on an Indian reservation?  On Federal land other than the District of Columbia? Blades concealed in belt buckle or otherwise disguised?  Carry based on a concealed weapon/firearm permit/license? In a reciprocity state? When in interstate travel? Continue reading →

In Praise of the Paddle (Holster)

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Many people who regularly carry a concealed handgun in street clothing find it necessary to take the weapon off and put it back on as part of their routine.  Some IWB and OWB holsters accommodate that rather well with snap closures (when used with a perfectly matching belt).  But, despite providing increased concealment and thus more choices in cover garment, not everyone likes an IWB holster, and the OWB snap closure holsters can be rather pricey and many of the sought-after makers have long turnaround time.

My approach has been to use the often maligned paddle holster.   I have used paddle holsters for concealed carry, training classes, and competition.  Naysayers usually have concerns with the paddle, including that it is bulky, does not provide a stable platform, comes loose on the draw, is susceptible to a “gun grab,” ruins trousers or underwear, or is uncomfortable when compared to an OWB belt holster.  After some 20 years running numerous paddle holsters as well as OWB and IWB customs, the only meaningful drawback I have found with the paddle is the likely increase in “print” when carrying concealed.  Many paddle holsters work well for belts of varying widths where a slotted OWB will not.  (I use 1-1.75 inches wide belts). Continue reading →

SHOOTING STEEL, DRAWING BLOOD

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If you shoot nonreactive (fixed) steel targets regularly where frangible ammunition is not required (it rarely is) or the steel has been shot a great deal (it usually has), you likely have been hit by ricocheting bullet or jacket fragments. My experience suggests one is usually hit from the shots of others, and to a much lesser extent from reactive steel.  (Ricochets also occur in indoor ranges when shooting paper targets, due to walls, floors, and metal objects downrange, or backstop integrity issues). Ricochets can be large, sharp, and travel at sufficient velocity to pierce skin and draw blood, sometimes even through a layer of clothing.  A bullet or jacket fragment can become embedded in an open wound at skin level or deeper, and can cause most types of wounds; laceration, incision, avulsion, or puncture. A puncture wound (also referred to as penetrating trauma) is the type most likely to do damage beneath the skin and require professional medical attention even though superficial bleeding is stopped.  I have seen each of those type wounds, and one likely arterial and two venous bleeds caused by fragment ricochets. Continue reading →

First Look- The Apex Tactical FNH SCAR bolt handle

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Now comes the “in the white” prototype of the new Apex Tactical Specialties line of bolt handles for the SCAR 16s/17s line of rifles.

The design was a request by some .mil customers who wanted a bolt handle that would clear all the optics they were issued.  Based upon their needs, we developed a couple of versions designed specifically around the EoTech and Elcan.  The above picture was decided as the best compromise for clearing the optics with gloves on, all the while giving positive control of the bolt handle.  Some OpSpec students have been running these bolt handles for the last year in classes and we have over 15,000 rounds to test for wear and issues.

The yet to be named project should be to market around the NRA show, or slightly before.

Stay tuned!

Bushnell Elite Tactical – ERS

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Riflescope, glass or precision optic; there are just as many terms for the tubular magnifiers that sit atop your prized weapons as there are manufacturers and options for these pricey items.  Quite a few have come and gone throughout my locker over the years, but a handful have stayed based on use, repeatability, glass quality and overall ruggedness.  The few hours I had at SHOT this year I was talking with Darryl Bolke about optics and he said I needed to see the new offerings from Bushnell.  Evidently the look on my face made Darryl respond with, “Seriously, you need to believe me on this one.”  Hearing that from a trusted friend, I followed and we met the Director of Military and Law Enforcement Sales, Tom Fuller.  An hour later, with an exchange of business cards, I had arranged for two of their new production scopes to be sent my direction when they came off the line. Continue reading →

Airsoft and Indoor Training

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As this week’s weather pattern drops most of us into the single digits or below for daytime temps, it is easy to bypass training outdoors.

A good quality airsoft gun has a lot to offer as it comes to individual training.  A couple of years ago, I bought a bunch of airsoft stuff for a project known as “MST” that Randy Lee and I have been working on for about 5 years.  It has mainly found a home on a shelf in my closet until recently.  I’ve started using it to grab 10-15 minutes here and there of basic dry fire style practice.  I can do it in my garage.  About all it requires is safety glasses and a cardboard box backstop. Continue reading →

SHOT Show 2014 Highlights

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So we have another SHOT Show under our belt, and I thought I would share some of the products that we were most excited about. This is not intended to be a summary of all the notable introductions at the show, but rather the products that caught our attention at the show.  Continue reading →

First Look- GrayGuns P-Series Internal Extractor

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For many years, the internal extractors in later model SIG P-Series pistols have been somewhat problematic.  The problems have been largely hit and miss, but were evident in some of the X5 pistols, as well as the P220 and others fielding the internal design.  SIG eventually switched out to the short external extractor, and currently to a long external extractor.

My mentor, Bruce Gray at GrayGuns, INC has been working on the problem for several years and has finally come up with a “fix” for the reliability issues with the internal extractor guns.  As can be observed in the video, the new extractor cleans up ejection and extraction, making it consistent and reliable.  The process involves fitting the new extractor to the individual pistol and tuning it for reliability.  The turn around time is about 10 days, and the cost for the modification is $200.

More information can be found at www.grayguns.com.

Made In The USA: Thorlo Socks

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Socks are an often overlooked but important piece of kit.  The importance of high quality and application specific socks cannot be overstated, whether you are military, LE, hiker, hunter, urban walker, runner/jogger, competition shooter, or stand protective post or at a workbench for extended periods.  I have been trying different socks for some 30 years. Continue reading →

Rustick Knives

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Happy to be back from overseas, I figured I really needed to catch up on some stuff I’ve been playing with. During deployment, my platoon decided to do a unit knife. Platoon knives have been something I have done in the past and have seen other units do that usually seem to go over well if there are no issues with the purchase. A little apprehensive on where to go, I was recommended Jack Stottlemire of Rustick Knives from a friend and decided to give him a call. Besides being a ex-marine (a gentle jab at Jack), Jack was awesome to do business with. Now for anyone looking to do a unit order, sometimes its just easier to make a executive decision. Just a gentle recommendation because getting twenty operators to make a decision on something is next to impossible. So after my best efforts of getting a agreement, and failing, I made a executive decision and placed an order.

 

Jack retired as a Sergeant Major in Special Operations after twenty six years in the US Army and Marine Corps. He is the man behind the knives and uses all his military experience in designing and producing his blades.

 

We decided (or I decided) on a smaller fixed blade with a small of the back kydex sheath. Counter to popular belief the vast majority of operators do not carry large bowie style cleavers hung upside down on their shoulder strap like something Arnold would do in the movie Commando. For me personally I find a small folder and a good multi-tool ideal for 99 percent of what I do at work. For those in the know, a small fixed blade comes in handy for jobs one might not think of using a knife for – like sifting through dirt or other substances looking for contraband, popping open locked cabinets, opening up loop holes from a hide site, or any other number of unforeseen tasks one might encounter. I find a 4” blade to be ideal with a fairly thick blade giving me a nice tough tip to use. That was exactly what we ended up with from Rustick. The G10 texture of the handle is perfect for work with gloves, he also offers more extreme handle textures I look forward to trying on future purchases. The knife is hefty and made for work with a subdued cerakote job on the blade to limit rust and shine. The feedback across the board form all my guys has been awesome with everyone in agreement we made the right choice for our order.

I urge any blade fans or someone just looking for a 100 percent US made hard use knife to go check out Rustick Knives. Jack is a one man shop with no website, so you have to look him up on Facebook. It is worth the effort and you don’t need an account to access his page and look at his work.

 

https://www.facebook.com/RustickKnives

Second Look: Talon Tactical Cobra Belt

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About a year ago I received a Cobra Belt from Mike Benedict at Talon Tactical, who recommended his belt for everyday use. For my initial impressions, check out my original review of the Cobra Belt. I’ve worn this belt every day for approximately a year and compared to most nylon belts I have worn, the webbing has held up remarkably well. It is still stiff enough to support a pistol and spare mag pouches. The black coating on the buckle has held up pretty well. The black buckle with black webbing goes with most casual wear.

If you’re looking for a nice gift to give this Christmas, check out the Cobra Belt from Talon Tactical.

First Look: 87 Industries Pinned Gas Block Kit

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87 Industries Gas Block Kit comes complete with the gas block, set screw, cross pin, gas tube pin, and hex wrench.

Our dedicated followers know that a pinned gas block is cheap insurance that your gas system won’t leak or come apart at the worst possible moment. Popular extended hand guard systems don’t make it easy to check if your set screws or gas block is loose, and a cross pin is the most reliable way to ensure your gas block is snug. However, for end users that don’t have access to custom fixturing or a mill, pinning a gas block on your own build can be a hassle. Enter 87 Industries.

They offer a Pinned Gas Block Kit which is set up so that the end user can install a pinned gas block with nothing more than a vise and a drill press. The owner tells me that it can even be done with a steady hand and a hand drill in a pinch. The kit includes a drill bit, tapered cross pin that eliminates the need for reaming, Loctite 262, set screw to hold the block in place during drilling, and allen head wrench. The gas block is made of very tough 17-4 Stainless finished with black oxide. The block works with .750″ diameter barrels.

I will be installing one of these with a drill press on a future build, so stay tuned.