If you’re LE, this is a must read periodical. Now online bi-monthly, and issues can be downloaded. Available on smartphones and tablets too. McKenna’s “Officer Down” lessons learned feature returns.
Here’s a link to the first issue: http://plego.info/policemarksman/current-issue/
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
Bruce Gray’s Artistry in HK’s
By Darryl Bolke
Most of “my circle” of friends in the firearms world knows that I am an unrepentant fan of HK firearms. I have been a dedicated user of Heckler & Koch service pistols for over 25 years. While I love 1911 pistols and big bore revolvers with all my heart, I am most often found carrying an HK pistol of one variety or another. In the world of HK the names of the premier HK gunsmith’s is a short list………with one name-Bruce Gray. Others can work on them, but only one that I know of has been synonymous with high-end gunsmithing on them (especially with the P7 series) is Bruce Gray. I remember coveting a long slide P7M13 back in the late 80’s when they graced the HK catalogs. It has taken a lot of years, but finally in December I secured not one, but two Gray Guns, Inc. HK pistols.
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
S&W Model 28-2, “Highway Patrolman,” 4 inch. Classic “N” frame, .357 magnum, unpolished blued, used by local and state police. In production 1954-1986. Stocks by Ahrends. Extreme duty fixed U-notch rear and front sight by Cylinder & Slide.
S&W Model 66-2. Classic “K” frame, .357 magnum, 2.5 inch stainless, introduced in 1982. In service with the Department of Treasury, including U. S. Secret Service, Customs Service, and ATF. Stocks by Ahrends.
The 18 drill is one of my old standby’s. 18 yards, 18 rounds, 18 seconds, 18 inch aiming area. Sound pretty simple?
This is a carbine drill that is shot from three positions- standing, kneeling and prone.
To set up for the drill, the shooter loads three magazines with six rounds each. One is inserted into the gun and the gun is charged. The other two are placed somewhere on the body for two emergency reloads. The shooter starts in the standing position, facing the target, safety on, gun in low ready. On the tone, the shooter fires six rounds standing, performs an emergency reload, and goes to the kneeling position. From the kneeling position, the shooter then fires six rounds. The shooter performs an emergency reload, and then goes prone. The shooter then fires his/her remaining six rounds. Time stops on the last round fired.
We score it as all or none on the target. The run has to be “clean” with all 18 rounds inside the aiming area. Usually we shoot this on the B21 target with all hits to be inside the “coke” bottle (a little more generous than a true 18 inch circle) or anything in the “Down One” or “C” zone on a IPSC or IDPA target. The “Down One” or “C” zone is larger than 18 inches, but with a little ingenuity, you can make the scoring work with just about any target, by adjusting the target area to fit.
Alessi DOJ-S
I know that many of us have made the switch to Kydex Holsters and support gear. And while Kydex certainly has it’s place, I for one still like the look and feel of quality leather holsters and accessories. While I’ve owned quality holsters from several makers, I’ve come to the conclusion that you’d be hard pressed to surpass the quality of Alessi Holsters. The workmanship fit finish and leather quality are second to none. While I own several Alessi products, in OWB, IWB, and Ankle Holsters, this review is focused on the DOJ-S. Continue reading
Colt CQBP displayed at SHOT Show.
Colt was recently awarded their first pistol contract on a 1911 pistol since the early 1950’s. The United States Marine Corps awarded Colt Defense a $22.5M contract for the 45 caliber pistols slated for elite special operations units. I was contacted in November to develop a Program of Instruction (POI) on the pistol, now called the M45 CQBP. Accordingly, I made arrangements with Greg Rozum of Colt to work on the pistol. Continue reading
I first heard the term “Cruiser Carry” many moons ago when I was in the Academy. “Cruiser Carry” at that time was used to describe the condition of our Remington 870’s when stored in our police cars.
Then came the Patrol rifle. We in the firearms training community adapted “Cruiser Carry” to the rifle. There are a few different versions of “cruiser carry” but here is what we currently teach around here. Continue reading
Dave Spaulding needs no introduction. A been there done that (for real, and for a very long time) instructor recognized by students and colleagues as one of the very best. I expected top notch instruction and some novel technique pointers from his new video (available online via Panteao Productions subscription, the premier online training gig, or for purchase in DVD format), and got more than expected. For me this is a strong two thumbs way up way to spend two plus hours. You will want to rewind often or watch it twice start to finish. Continue reading
RS-Regulate AK300 base with AKM mount and AImpoint Comp M3
RS Regulate AK Optics Mount
By Darryl Bolke
The AK-47 platform has made some huge inroads in the last decade as a more mainstream primary rifle system for many American shooters. It is also becoming one of those systems that you need to learn to run even if it is not your normal issued rifle for either military or L/E shooters. While the AK system is usually a robust and reliable rifle (especially in true military issued form rather than “assembled” rifles), it is lacking in many areas for efficient use. One of the biggest shortcomings of most AK’s is that they are essentially equipped with a rough pistol sighting system. Continue reading
Deeper thumb grooves, larger mag releases, a flatter front strap and wider finger grooves are just a few of the improvements you will see on the Lone Wolf Distributors Timberwolf frames.
I carried a Glock pistol in one form or another for more than 21 years and have to say they always worked for me. Coming from the PSD world, all I cared about was if it worked when I pressed the trigger and would the shots go where I pointed them. After that I never gave a lot of thought to things like grip angle or texture unless they became a problem. It wasn’t until I started using Gen 3 Glock pistols that I discovered how slippery my older guns had become. The polymer had deteriorated with age to the point that guns simply were no longer useful. This left me with an abundance of perfectly serviceable Glock upper assemblies and no hope lowers. Luckily Lone Wolf Distributors (LWD) solved this issue for us. Continue reading
Does one “weapon” fit all? Does one “weapon” fit most? I am not exactly sure? Actually I am leaning towards “no” but I am open to suggestions. Then the Colt CM901 enters into the market and it is engineered to be able to shoot the intended 7.62 NATO chambering down to the 5.56 NATO round via the different uppers it can accommodate. With a separately built and supplied sleeve the CM901 can accept complete upper receivers of different or the same calibers and can run them with little interruption.
Patrol rifles are steadily becoming the mainstay of the modern police arsenal. From time to time, the conversation of chosing a police patrol rifle comes up. And some folks have some interesting thoughts on the modern police patrol rifle, and what should hang on it. Folks have all kinds of ideas ranging from a full auto rifle chambered in a piston driven 6.8, to hanging on a 2-16 Nightforce scope, two lights, a PEQ, weather vane, Iphone attachment (let’s face it EVERYTHING revolves around ITunes these days), gerbil ball, bipod, monopod grip in case the bipod fails, a suppressor, one of those window hanger thingies to hold a Monster Absolute Zero, and two Surefire 60 round magazines taped end to end for good measure. Continue reading
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.