CARBINE SLINGS: BATTLE OF THE 2-POINT SLINGS

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(top) Blue Force Gear’s Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS), (bottom) Viking Tactics (VTAC) Padded Adjustable Sling

I am often asked what type of sling I prefer. That’s easy. I tell them that for the educated end-user, the Two Point Adjustable Sling is the answer. It requires a bit of training to realize its potential, but it really is a do-everything-acceptably-well sling. Larry Vickers’ article on sling selection is likely the best, well-reasoned article on sling selection I’ve seen. Once that is settled, the next question is, which sling should you choose?

The two most popular choices on the market: the Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS) by Blue Force Gear, and the Viking Tactics sling. It is no surprise that the designers of both slings come from the same top tier military special operations unit. Both are of excellent quality, but have somewhat differing characteristics that may affect your choice in slings.

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Geissele Reaction Rod – Review

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The New GEISSELE Reaction Rod quickly and easily holds any AR type rifle chambered for the 5.56 x 45 cartridge.

I spend a lot of time behind my rifles, which means I spend a fair amount of time building, cleaning and maintaining my rifles.  Anything that I can find that has the potential to help make my life easier or that saves time, I am willing to give a try.  I read about the Geissele Reaction Rod and about how the AMU’s armorers were using something like it several months ago and had been waiting for it to be released ever since.  Santa was good to me and I have been working with this new tool for the past few weeks. Continue reading →

Low Light Training – One Part of the Equation

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Co-workers on an indoor, square range working flashlight techniques on two dimensional targets.

Killing all of the lights on an indoor range and working various combinations of handgun / flashlight techniques is helpful in building a foundation for working in low light. It is the first step in low light training.  There should be a progression from static training in handling the light, then the light with a pistol, carbine or shotgun together on up through reduced light force on force evolutions.  One of the events should include a comparison of what you can see and what your equipment allows you to see compared to what your co-workers experienced. Continue reading →

I AM THE POLICE FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR- (I never train anymore)

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We all know “that guy” (Not the one in the picture, if you do know him, you know he’ll kill me for accusing him of not training).  I’m talking about the  guy that goes to firearms instructor school, has all the answers upon graduation, and never trains again.  He is the “INSTRUCTOR” (It says so on the back of his red polo shirt, and the red hat he bought from Gall’s).  The scope of this article is not about him, or the folks you know like him (or her).  This installment is about the reality that I and many other instructors have found that the police instructor doesn’t get to train as much as we’d like to after getting in the position.  If at all. Continue reading →

CARACAL F 9mm Pistol Range Days, 2501-5500 rounds

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Over the course of several days I have been able to add another 3000 rounds to the total count for the Caracal F.  I started this process by giving the gun a thorough cleaning and another dousing with Frog Lube.   I was making no attempts to monitor accuracy as this was strictly a function test.

Overall, the gun has been running incredibly well.  Some have even said that they are quite surprised at how well the gun works.  I chalk that up to a certain amount of brand snobbery and pre-judgement based on where the gun is manufactured.  Once we got through all that nonsense things began to settle down with most shooters looking at this with an open mind.  All five of the shooters I had helping me with this cycle of the testing said they will be buying one in the near future. Continue reading →

SHOT 2013 ROUNDUP – PART ONE

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Every year SHOT Show brings the excitement and anticipation of new products, training, and advancement of the firearms industry. Sadly, this year’s show was somewhat overshadowed by the current political climate and the untimely passing of John Novekse. However, all of us remain hopeful that we as a nation will pull together and examine the gun control issue logically, rather than fall for the play on emotions by those who wish to promote their personal agendas.

Nevertheless, Hilton and I endeavored to find the latest and greatest gear to share with you here. In no particular order: Continue reading →

Helium Whisper™ / Split Minus – New Weights and Measures

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Blue Force Gear came onto the scene in 2004 and continues to find itself making gear and kit that is constantly pushing the extremes of what they can get out of ideas, materials and the ever changing market in tactical items.  From the Vickers Combat Application Sling to plate carriers and pouches that can house a proverbial village; if you are looking to hold magazines, armor, tourniquets or a can of Skoal, it is likely built by Blue Force Gear.

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A PRIMER ON USE OF DEADLY FORCE (PART TWO)

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In Part One, I defined deadly force, explained my lecture framework, and provided an overview of when such force might lawfully be employed. To summarize, if you: can (mentally and physically able, and have the appropriate equipment); may (act within the law, and agency policy, if applicable), and; should (exercised sound judgment, reasonably deciding deadly force is necessary), or simply must (to avoid your own likely death), deadly force is properly used to defend against imminent and otherwise unavoidable death or great bodily harm.  It is also lawfully used in situations specifically enumerated by state statute, for example, to intervene in the commission of a felony involving force (threatened or actual injury).   State law may treat situations of self-defense, defense of persons to whom some duty is owed, or defense of strangers differently.  LEO’s have further dimensions of analysis specifically for arrestees and escapees, and generally, because of the constitutional prohibition on the use of “excessive” force.

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Realistic Expectations: A Basic Armorer Course

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10-8’s good buddy William showing a student the finer points of a 1911 at a 10-8 1911 Diagnostics and Operations Course in Austin, TX.

Often times I hear phrases similar to, “When I get done with this class I am going to build the most bitchin’ (fill your favorite iteration of a black rifle/carbine). But teaching you how to “build” this weapon is not what most basic armorer courses are about. Rather than teach how to build a weapon from the ground up most manufacturer armorer courses send you away with the basic knowledge of how to keep your department or agency weapons up and running and in good serviceable condition.

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BLUE FORCE GEAR HELIUM WHISPER RECEIVES NSNs

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I know we’re a little late, but in case you didn’t hear, Blue Force Gear’s lightweight Helium Whisper pouches have received National Stock Numbers. Here’s the official press release!

SAVANNAH, GA—January 7, 2013—Blue Force Gear® announced today that seven of their Helium Whisper™ backed pouches received National Stock Numbers (NSNs).  These Patent pending Helium Whisper pouches fulfill an immediate SOCOM Load Carriage System Contract and can be purchased by government customers with access to DLA.

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FIRST LOOK: GRAYMAN KNIVES SUB-SAHARAN

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Grayman’s 5-inch Sub-Saharan is small enough to be practical, but can take on big task

This is for all you knife guys (and gals) out there. A few years back, Cameron Hopkins introduced me to Mike over at Grayman Knives. He spent some time showing me various knives from his catalog, and the first impression I got was: these knives were designed to be used. Hand ground from high carbon 1095, these knives come with a toothy edge that is perfect for practical use. High carbon 1095 is a tough steel with quite a bit of abrasion resistance which means it holds an edge quite well. Unfortunately, due to its low chromium content, it is susceptible to rust. Thus, Mike coats the Sub-Saharan in KG Gunkote, an excellent polymer type finish that is exceptionally resistant to corrosion. Just keep the exposed edge coated with a good rust inhibitor (like FrogLube) and you are good to go. Continue reading →

THE M4 BOLT: GAS RINGS

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In my Three Day Patrol Carbine Course, I cover quite a few topics, specifically concentrating on end user needs.  Maintenance is always covered. I like to clean quickly while being thorough. During cleaning, it’s important to check key areas to ensure your platform will continue working for you.

Make no mistake, I like a quality carbine/rifle.  It’s my life, so I don’t take short cuts.  No matter which make/manufacturer you choose, you need to care for your weapon no matter which manufacturer you choose. Continue reading →

CARACAL F 9mm Pistol – Range Day 1001-2500 Rounds

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Today the Caracal ran a large variety or ammunition and added another 1500 rounds to the total round count.  It is now up to 2500 rounds and has had one failure to extract issue. This was with the 147gr Federal FMJ and was the first round I fired with that ammunition.  After that, the remainder of the 200 rounds ran flawlessly.

The day also included a mixed bag of defensive ammunition with at least 100 rounds of the following loads:

115gr Honrady Critical Defense

115gr +P Corbon DPX

124gr +P+ Hydra Shock Federal Premium

124gr +P T-Series Winchester LE

124gr +P Speer GDHP

147gr Speer GDHP

The start of the day and a sampling of the rounds to be fired.

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