STREAMLIGHT® LAUNCHES WEDGE RECHARGEABLE EDC LIGHT

January 20, 2021

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 20, 2021 – Streamlight^® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, introduced the Wedge™, a USB-C rechargeable everyday carry flashlight with a thin, compact design for deep pocket carry. Featuring an intuitive rotating thumb switch, the Wedge provides two modes: 300 lumen Constant On mode and 1,000-lumen momentary THRO™ (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output) mode.

“With its unique ergonomic design, the Wedge sets a new standard for EDC pocket lights,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “It’s both slim and flat so that it can be carried comfortably, features a reversible pocket clip and allows for full concealment in a pants pocket. It’s the ideal EDC light, whether for patrol duty or tactical maneuvers, outdoor uses, or automotive, industrial and DIY jobs.”

On the THRO momentary setting, the Wedge delivers a 35-second burst of 1,000 lumens and 3,000 candela over a 110-meter beam distance. In Constant On mode, it provides 300 lumens, 1,200 candela, a beam distance of 69 meters and a 3-hour run time.

The Wedge uses a 1500 mAh Lithium Polymer cell battery that recharges by plugging a USB-C cord into the light’s waterproof rear socket. Red and green LEDs indicate charging status.

Made from rugged anodized aluminum, the Wedge measures just 5.46 inches long and 1.0 inch high, and weighs 3.3 ounces. The new light is IPX7-rated for waterproof operation to one meter; it also is impact-resistance tested to one meter.

Available in black and coyote, the Wedge has an MSRP of $149.95 and comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

About Streamlight
Based in Eagleville, PA, Streamlight, Inc. has more than 45 years of experience making tough, durable, long-lasting flashlights designed to serve the specialized needs of professionals and consumers alike. Since 1973, the company has designed, manufactured and marketed high-performance flashlights, and today offers a broad array of lights, lanterns, weapon light/laser sighting devices, and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive, and outdoor applications. Streamlight is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. For additional information, please call 800-523-7488, visit streamlight.com or connect with us on facebook.com/streamlight; twitter.com/Streamlight; instagram.com/streamlightinc; linkedin.com/comp any/streamlight-inc./; and youtube.com/streamlighttv.

Floodlight and Fat Guy – How I learned to AIWB

January 19, 2021

I’ve been a slow adopter of appendix carry. Not because of some conceived danger, but because of comfort. I’ve carried some small guns appendix and found that comfortable, but I’m a fan of full-sized carry guns. I didn’t just find carrying a full-sized weapon appendix uncomfortable, I found it downright painful. After listening to tons of peer pressure and holster advice, I settled on a Phlster Floodlight IWB. I’ve heard nothing but good things over tons of various channels regarding Phlster holsters and figured if I was going to do this, I might as well do it the right way.

The Floodlight is not just an appendix holster, it can be worn strongside IWB should you feel the need to. The Floodlight is also a quasi-universal holster designed to accommodate a weapon light. Two models exist, one for the TLR-1 and one for the Surefire X300. Phlster describes how the holster works as such:

…many features are smoothed, radiused, and regularized to accommodate the different shapes, sizes, and dimensions of this wide array of firearms.

The Floodlight seems to squeeze in the majority of firearms I own that are service sized pistols. Since I’m talking full-sized pistols that accommodate a light, I might as well go really big. By that, I mean Glock 17 with TLR-1, with KE Arms Comp, and Aimpoint Acro. It’s about as big of a handgun as I can go.

The Big Guy Conundrum

I’ve heard big guys have a problem with appendix carry, and that was initially what I chalked it up too with me. I made that my excuse and figured I’d lose weight and then look at appendix carry. That turned out to be half true. I lost 65 pounds, but I’m still a big guy, both height and width wise. At 6’5’’ and 280 pounds, I’m still well into that big guy title.

Once the Phlster came in, I started working to find a means to make it work. I scoured forums, searching for those big guys who carry AIWB. That’s when I realized being a big guy with a beer gut didn’t really matter. My discomfort came from a combination of not knowing how to wear an appendix holster correctly and poorly made appendix holsters.

The biggest way I found to increase comfort was to adjust the height of the gun. I went with a higher height and found the pain that was dug into my thigh completely gone. I also implemented a slight reverse cant that pushed the bottom of the holster a little more inwards that made it even more comfortable.

Then I broke a cardinal Marine Corps rule and moved my belt to the left side of the zipper. My actions broke the precious gig line. I found that this allowed me to properly tighten my belt, kept the buckle from pressing on the holster, and kept my pants from sagging. That’s what I did to improve comfort. What having a good holster does is completely different.

This worked for me, and the point you should take away get an AIWB rig you can adjust and tailor. Try various heights and cants and see what makes the carry experience comfortable.

The Phlster Floodlight and Comfort

My Phlster Floodlight came with a modwing that pushes the grip into the body for better concealment, but there seems to be increased comfort too. There is no twisting, movement of the grip back and forth to rub you raw.

The Phlster is also super smooth with no edges to pinch, poke, and prod when worn. The design provides plenty of room to adjust height and cant and to add a wedge or not. The design is brilliant and doesn’t tell you how to wear your holster, allowing you to pick and choose the right way for you to handle it.

The Phlster Floodlight does the basics right for making a comfortable holster and then allows you to customize it for your needs for comfort, access, and concealment. This accommodates a wide variety of different body types and allows the end-user to fit the holster to their individual comfort level.

The Phlster team is smarter than I and seemed to realize that carrying a gun is a personal experience. It’s an experience that should be tailored to the individual user.

Popping and Locking

I’ve been carrying my Phlster Floodlight for two weeks with 19 rounds of 9mm, a TLR-1 HL, an Aimpoint Acro, and KE Arms comp. Not only does the Floodlight accommodate all this, but it makes carrying it comfortable. This includes driving, sitting, typing at the computer right now. The same goes for walking and living life as it comes. I can’t say I’ve forgotten I’m wearing the Floodlight, but I can tell you know it’s far from uncomfortable. I’ve worn it day in and day out at home and around town. I wake up, slap it on, and it stays there until I shower before bed.

I’m not saying the Floodlight is the only option for proper appendix carry, but hell, it’s the best I’ve ever used. It’s a buy once, cry once affair, and you can see the difference the investment makes. Thanks to GunMag Warehouse For supplying this holster for test and review, check ’em out for all your Phlster needs.

STREAMLIGHT® LAUNCHES TLR-7® SUB WEAPON LIGHT

Keith Finch

January 19, 2021

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 19, 2021 – Streamlight^® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ultra-compact and low profile TLR-7^® sub, a weapon-mounted tactical light with an ergonomic on/off position rear switch. It is available to fit select GLOCK^®, SIG SAUER^®, Smith & Wesson^®, Beretta^®, Springfield Armory^®and Heckler & Koch^® railed subcompact handguns.

“The latest addition to our popular line of TLR-7 weapon lights is an extremely compact and low profile model that can be mounted on railed subcompact weapons,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “Like other models in the line, it has a high power LED that provides extreme brightness for maximizing visibility and targeting capability in personal defense and other tactical situations. And its rear switch on the left and right of the trigger guard allows for ambidextrous operation.”

The new light is available in three different models to fit the GLOCK^® 43X MOS/48 MOS and the GLOCK^® 43X RAIL/48 RAIL, with slim mounting rails; the SIG SAUER^® P365^® and the SIG SAUER^®P365^® XL; and select 1913 short railed subcompact handguns including the Smith & Wesson^® M&P^® M2.0™ Subcompact, Beretta^® PX4 Storm Compact/Subcompacts, Springfield Armory^® XD-E™, Springfield Armory^® XD-S^® and Heckler & Koch^® HK45 compacts.

The TLR-7 sub features an LED that delivers 5,000 candela and 500 lumens over a beam distance of 141 meters. Its custom TIR optic produces a concentrated beam that provides both extensive range as well as optimized peripheral coverage. It offers two lighting modes, LED only or LED strobe, each with a run time of 1.5 hours. The light is energized by a single 3 Volt CR123A lithium battery.

The new TLR-7 sub features a one-handed, snap on and tighten interface that keeps hands away from gun muzzles when attaching or detaching them. The light also includes a Safe Off feature, locking it so it cannot be turned on accidentally. Each model of the TLR-7 sub features a specialized clamp system for mounting to rails, using the provided key kit.

Constructed with 6000 Series machined aircraft aluminum with a black anodized finish, the TLR-7 sub weighs 2.39 ounces and measures 2.51 inches in length. It features an IPX7-rated design, making it waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes, as well as impact-resistant construction.

The TLR-7 sub has an MSRP of $225.75, and comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

All Rights Reserved. GLOCK^®, SIG SAUER^®, M&P^®, Beretta^®, Springfield Armory^® & Heckler & Koch^® are registered trademarks of GLOCK, Inc., SIG SAUER, Inc., Smith & Wesson, Beretta, Springfield Armory, Inc. & Heckler & Koch. Streamlight has not sought endorsement of this product from GLOCK^®, SIG SAUER^®, Smith & Wesson^®, Beretta^®, Springfield Armory^®, Inc. or Heckler & Koch^®.

About Streamlight

Based in Eagleville, PA, Streamlight, Inc. has more than 45 years of experience making tough, durable, long-lasting flashlights designed to serve the specialized needs of professionals and consumers alike. Since 1973, the company has designed, manufactured and marketed high-performance flashlights, and today offers a broad array of lights, lanterns, weapon light/laser sighting devices, and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive, and outdoor applications. Streamlight is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. For additional information, please call 800-523-7488, visit streamlight.com or connect with us on facebook.com/streamlight; twitter.com/Streamlight; instagram.com/streamlightinc; linkedin.com/comp any/streamlight-inc./; and youtube.com/streamlighttv.

The Tavor 7: Light Placement

Keith Finch

January 19, 2021

Let’s talk light placement on Tavor Rifles, as I’ve seen the topic pass a few times.

The T7, and to a lesser degree the X95, are a different geometric beast than the Z-15, ACE, or most “conventional rifles.” The T7 especially exhibits this, it is a deep bodied rifle. This “tall” geometry and resulting handguard means we must reshape our thinking away from the concentric handguard design we can wrap our hands around. This compounds the already limited front space on bullpups, because they are bullpups. This also, conveniently, sums up most arguments against the Tavor design. They just don’t gel with the shape.

But back to lights. I have found three methods of light placement that workout well on the T7.

Tape Switch: This is my least preferred method simply due to hand comfort, the same reason I run BCM Mod3 grips and matching shorty VFGs on most platforms. But it is likely the most workable of all three solutions for most users.

Mounting the light in an out of the way space and using a tape switch at roughly 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock positions allows use of the rail space economy and a way to activate the light with both your support hand and your shooting hand, if swapped.

The downside of this method is mostly the environmental vulnerability. Tape switch wires are more vulnerable to snagging, the wire interfacing egress is more vulnerable to moisture and dirt intrusion, and tape switches and their wires usually wear out much faster than their host lights. No, these should not deter you from trying a tape switch, they are just factors you need to note for your maintenance needs.
12 O’Clock Mount, Mirrored Switch: This method works well with two particular and popular light body styles. The Surefire X300U A/B and the Streamlight TLR7A/8A/9 (and the announced today 10)

These lights feature a mirrored left/right switch that activates for both momentary and constant on with upward and/or forward pressure from your thumb (which would be downward and/or forward pressure from your thumb or trigger finger on a handgun)

While the T7 design makes it more difficult to reach over the top rail and press down, into the rifle, for a light activation, it lends itself handily to upward and forward activations. The activation is mirrored so firing from the off/support shoulder and with your hands swapped is a mirrored use your light, along with the rest of your body position.

Downsides to this method are primarily switch vulnerability related. The activation switches are in a location they can be bumped on, there are methods to mitigate this risk though. Secondarily this will result in a somewhat occluded sight picture depending upon your optic choice as the light will sit in about the same position as a front sight and will have a higher profile than that sight (folded). I did not find either of these to be a significant problem, just vulnerabilities to account for in choosing a method, just like the tape switch.
Support Side Mounted, Offset Up: My preferred method and the one that is pictured. It works with Modlites, Surefire Scouts, and Streamlight ProTac series lights.

Using an offset mount, the light is held at about the 10 o’clock to the handguard (2 o’clock for lefties), in a position where my support thumb can activate the momentary/constant tailcap comfortably. The tailcaps offer the most environmental resistance to water and debris and are crowned to help prevent negligent activation.

I can shoot this and work the light from both shoulders, most easily by only switching shoulders and not switching my hand placement (something I prefer not to do unless I am going to be shooting or holding off/support shoulder for an extended period) and activation can still be done by reaching across the top rail to the tailcap.

The weakness of this setup is using it off your support shoulder, with your hands swapped. It is doable but requires the most movement from your hand to reach the switch. While your hand is across the top rail you will also partially occlude your sight picture, though not to an useable level. With a magnified optic, either fixed power or dialed up, you will probably not see your hand, I don’t with the Elcan set to 4x.

So, there you have it, the three most comfortable and functionally ambidextrous ways I have found to run lights on the T7, and by extension deep bodied rifles in general. I run a very similar setup on my X95, but as an SBR my thumb tucks behind the charging handle where on the T7 there is plenty of space in front of it.

Of final note, yes there will be a little carbon build up on the lens of longer bodied lights in the shown configuration, with the stock muzzle device. Changing the device and/or adding a suppressor will eliminate it entirely if you don’t like wiping the lens every now and then.

Thank you for coming to my LED talk.

Let’s Revisit This: GLOCK Lubrication

Anna Martinez

January 18, 2021

GLOCK Perfection. The GLOCK is a widely known and trusted gun. It has proven its ability to perform under strenuous circumstances. One of these circumstances are incorrect operator care.

In case you don’t want to read the whole article here is a break down of what to do and what not to do..
Before doing any of this…CLEAR THE GUN.
You will need to pull the trigger to remove the slide…CLEAR THE GUN.
Now that you have CLEARED THE GUN remove the slide, barrel, and recoil spring

[Editor’s Note: For those unfamiliar with the phrase ‘Clear the gun’ (Yes, I do get emails asking. No, those folks should not “know better,” they are asking to learn and should feel welcome to do so of myself or any of my authors) it means that you must assure that the gun is EMPTY of all ammunition. All brass, bullets, powder, and primers should be out and away from the gun before continuing with any maintenance.

When in doubt on a phrase, part name, location, etc. The internet search engine is your friend. We are from the Internet, and we are here to help.]

YES (DO’s)

Holding the firing pin safety down shake the slide up and down, you should both hear and see the firing pin moving freely in and out of the firing pin hole. If it does not move freely or moves slowly there may be excess lubrication inside the firing pin channel. Strip the gun down. Depending on if it is a type of lubrication that turned sticky you may want to use a type of solvent or CLP to wet it down and then dry. If it is just overly lubricated take a dry cotton swap and dry it out ensuring that you didn’t leave any of the swab.
Ensure that the breech face and extractor claw are free of any obstructions.
Ensure that the tip of the firing pin has no debris.
Ensure that the firing pin safety moves in and out.
When lubricating anywhere on a Glock go by the “one drop” rule of thumb. Only use one drop at a time for the place you are lubricating.
Ensure that the slide stop moves freely up and down.
Function Check

NO (DO NOT’s)

Do not put lubrication down the firing pin channel.
Do not squirt lubrication everywhere on the gun as you would AR type rifles and such..
Do not put the gun away after using solvent without proper lubrication.
Do not forget to dry the gun after cleaning with lubrication.

Lubrications

When referencing lube in this article it will mean any lubricants designed for use on firearms. I lean towards CLP (cleaner lubricant preservative) and brands such as G96 or Radcolube. These are all used in the Military as they meet the set specifications. I also like to use a bottle that allows a straw to be inserted. This really helps with applying one drop at a time.

Applying CLP to the inner slide rails using “one drop” from a bottle with straw inserted.

Out of the Box

The first thing that you will notice when unboxing a Glock pistol is a type of coppery grease that is on the rails of the slide. Leave it there. This is a “high-temperature, factory applied lubricant for new pistols. It should be allowed to remain until it naturally wears away to assure long-lubrication of this area.” –Glock Armorers Manual

Before first firing, run a clean patch through the barrel and repeat until clean. Always going with the rifling, as the bullet would travel.

Look for any large residue on the breech face and under the extractor claw. If there is any, you can use a CLP wet brush with the muzzle down to wipe away. Ensuring that none of your lubrication enters the firing pin channel.

Helpful Hint: One thing that is seen that can affect the end users experience when firing their Glock are dry rails. Help the gun out. Put one drop of lubrication on the inside of each rail and let it drip down the entire rail or cycle the gun a few times after assembling. This will also spread the lubrication.

Post Firing Cleaning

Before lubrication and storage, use a dry cotton swap, brush, or pipe cleaner and wipe the caked on carbon off of the slide and frame. Don’t scratch, just wipe. Use dry due to the fact that lubrication is not wanted on every part of the gun that needs cleaning. The only place you may want to lubricate when cleaning is inside the barrel. Run a wet bristled brush through the barrel and then a dry patch.

Caked on carbon that can be removed with a dry cotton swab.

Now that carbon is removed, lubricate.

Where to Lubricate..One Drop Method

the outside of the barrel, barrel hood and lugs, and the ridge where the barrel hood rubs against the slide
entire length of slide cut rails
exterior surfaces of the inside of the slide(less is more)
right rear corner of the frame, where the rear of the trigger bar touches the connecter

These Glocks are life saving devices and meant to run..The one time I have seen them not want to run is when an operator used an improper type of lubrication inside of the firing pin channel thus seizing the firing pin. That is why it is so vital to always check the firing pin for free movement. Less is more with these Glocks. If you are weary of an operator tell them to use dry tools.

From Glock..

https://us.glock.com/en/OWN/Caring-for-your-GLOCK

Magpul’s FMG-9 Masterpiece Returns – FDP-9/FDC-9

Keith Finch

January 18, 2021

It.

Is.

Back.

As the finale of Magpul’s “Magpul Week” came to a close, the 10 products listed were topped off with the return of the coolest gadget of 2008. The FMG-9 was a folding Bond Gadget type of coolness that just screamed two things, interesting engineering, and fun for the hell-of-it. It brought the total to 11 items.

Now thanks to a partnership with ZEV the FMG-9 is coming to life for 2022. The FDP/FDC will emerge as a commercial product.

Not only is this a cool throwback to the early skunk works style innovative days of Magpul, it is a fulfillment of past hopes. Not promises, just hopes. And with this fulfillment comes another that I want to voice.

Will this also mean a return of the Masada? Could I run a Masada with a Masada as backup?

Not the ACR, not the disappointment that the mishandled project became.. that finally landed at an alright product, way too late and already surpassed…

(Yes, I own one. Yes, it’s an alright functional product… now. Yes, Bushmaster and Remington crashed and burned in the 4th Quarter of development and release on the ACR so badly that the Detroit Lions called to see if they wanted to try out)

… I am talking about the Masada. Something that Magpul could absolutely pull from the darkness and deliver a rifle worth competing against with the likes of H&K, FN, SIG, LWRC, LMT, IWI, and KAC.

But that is purely fantasy at this point… but… so was the FMG-9 until a few short days ago.

Mmm.. waffles.

But back on the topic at hand. The FMG-9’s triumphant return in a commercial format is a move the company can capitalize on. If the product performs. In the case of the ACR, Magpul had largely divested themselves from the final item and only produced the contracted parts. In this case Magpul is a full partner in the release with ZEV. It isn’t a hand-off, it’s a joint effort. I think it will pay dividends, and if it does we could see more returns and updates.

Heritage Barkeep First Look

Caleb Giddings

January 18, 2021

Today we’re taking our first look at the Heritage Barkeep single action revolver from Heritage Manufacturing. This is a first of its kind revolver from Heritage that’s designed to evoke memories of a common modification done to Colt Single Action revolvers in the 1800s. The gun’s barrel would be cut down from 4+ inches to 3 or less, and the ejector rod would be removed. This made the modified gun much easier to slip in a pocket or under a bar top. That’s where Heritage gets the name “Barkeep” for this handy little 22 Long Rifle revolver with an old west flair.

Heritage and design history

Heritage Manufacturing has been making revolvers in the United States for decades. The guns they build are slightly smaller versions of the classic Colt Single Action Army, but only chambered in rimfire cartridges. Additionally, all Heritage guns feature a unique safety, which keeps the hammer from contacting the firing pin when the gun has six rounds in the chamber. Older single action revolvers like Colts and faithful reproductions leave the firing pin at rest on a primer if the gun is loaded with six rounds, so they were commonly carried with the hammer over an empty chamber for maximum safety. Modern single action guns like the Ruger Vaquero solve that problem by using a transfer bar safety. The Heritage Barkeep, and in fact all Heritage guns solve this problem by using a manual safety to the left of the hammer. This manual safety blocks hammer from hitting the firing pin; however Heritage still recommends you only load the revolver with five rounds.

Old West Appearance

The new Heritage Barkeep certainly ticks the boxes in the appearance category. The little gun has a certain old west flair that’s aided by the simulated color case hardened frame finish and the wood scroll grips. Heritage has stated that the single action Barkeep comes chambered in 22 Long Rifle, however their 22 Magnum cylinders will drop in as well. If you happen to be like me and have a large stash of 22 Magnum on hand, this little revolver will give you an excellent option to turn some of that ammo into smoke and noise. Plus, since it’s 2021, 22 Magnum is officially cheaper than 9mm, so not only is this more affordable to shoot than a different gun, it’s also a lot more fun.

But can you shoot it?

Speaking of shooting, how does the little Barkeep shoot? Well, it’s certainly not going to win any bullseye matches, but that’s not the point of this gun, is it? The point is to look good and be fun, and it accomplishes that. With a fixed front sight post and open gutter sights in the frame, the Barkeep certainly keeps the traditional Colt-style sight set up. Compared to a more faithful clone of the Colt design, the Barkeep’s fixed open sights are more useful, thanks a wider rear notch and a more defined front sight post. According to my Lyman digital trigger pull gauge, the trigger breaks at a very pleasant 2.5 pounds, so getting workable accuracy out of the gun shouldn’t be a problem.

Customize your gun!

The new Heritage Barkeep has a number of options for customization. The multitude of grip options deliver classic western styling when paired with the simulated case hardened frame finish. Plus, the new Heritage Barkeep is faithful to the original “barkeep” modification by deleting the ejector rod. But don’t worry about getting empty casings out of the gun. They thoughtfully provided a punch with a nice wood handle to quickly pop the empties out, much in the same way someone would have in the 1800s.

More to come!

Keep your eyes here for more content about the Heritage Barkeep. Our next article will be a range trip, where we take advantage of that stash of 22 Magnum I’ve got sitting around and put some holes in paper.

An American Tale: The NRA Goes West

Keith Finch

January 18, 2021

By now I am certain many of you readers have read or heard elsewhere one of two tales

The NRA is BANKRUPT!
The NRA is Moving to TEXAS! To Escape New York’s Oppressive Regime

The first headline I saw was from the Wall Street Journal, and it actually covered both. Depending upon which media source you saw first and which way they lean politically on the topic of firearm also largely shaped the headline you first saw.

Anti-gun places cheered at the top of their lungs and cackled triumphantly that the NRA was “broke…” then they would quietly quantify the second and crucial fact that the NRA was using the filing to leave NY for TX. Texas, a far friendlier state to gun owners, gun organizations, and their tax payers, than New York is.

The NRA is not out of money.

Far from it. Despite the infighting and internal turmoil (some of it quite deliberately actuated by New York’s hostile Attorney General) the NRA and by extension the ILA are still the 800lb Gorilla of gun rights lobbying. That isn’t to say there aren’t some 500-600lb Gorillas, especially at the state levels, doing good work but the NRA still holds the big stick.

https://www.nraforward.org/questionsanswers

The NRA posted a FAQ page to detail their plans for the move. While there are various changes we would like to see and perhaps still will, and the page is light on details, it is clear that this was a strategic move not one of desperation. Despite what anti-gun politicos and talking heads of the media may say, this was a move years in the making and it had rumored before to various more pro-gun venue locales.

In short:

The pro-gun side of things is having internal discussions that are much needed in order to progress the NRA/ILA. They are aware of the work that they need to do to begin moving forward. New York is going to use this as a political victory, no matter how hollow it is.

If you are worried about losing the ILA, regardless of how thrilled you are with recent work, the ILA is not gone.

3 Ways to Get Kids Shooting

Travis Pike

January 18, 2021

It’s post-Christmas, and many of you may have purchased your son or daughter a firearm of some type for Christmas. Of that group, some of those kids might not have a real interest in shooting. I don’t believe in forcing my hobbies on my children, but I think of guns the same way I feel about cars. Kids should learn the basics of a firearm, including how to operate it safely, to clear it, and even to shoot it with a small degree of skill. The question is, how do you make it less of a chore, and how do you get kids shooting and enjoying it?

Children don’t learn well when there is no interest in the subject. Look at my math grades from 6th grade. I didn’t have an interest in the subject. From my own experience, I’ve found three successful ways to get kids shooting. My son had very little interest at the beginning of this year, but by the end of 2020, he was spitting lead like a champ and ringing steel.

Kids Shooting – Safety is Always Paramount

Safety is always critical and shouldn’t necessarily be skimped out on for the sake of fun and interest. I would never force my kids to shoot, but I will force them to learn and understand gun safety. That way, as they grow into young adults should they encounter a firearm, they will know the proper way to handle it. Enforce safety, but also remember they are kids. Explain why the safety rules exist and break them down one at a time.

Heck, do the old Marine Corps thing and make them repeat the four rules before every range trip. Keep those rules fresh and at the forefront of their thoughts. Without further ado, let’s look at three ways to get your kids shooting.

Video Games

Yep. Video games. Some of you may roll your eyes, but games like Fortnite use quasi-realistic guns and open up a chance for discussion. When I saw my son was wielding a SCAR in the game, he was fascinated to know I actually had one he could see and handle. I speak as someone who gained their gun interest from PS1 games like Syphon Filter and SOCOM US Navy SEALs. Games can build a small interest and a bit of curiosity that could get your kids shooting.

Obviously, many gun games are rated mature and not appropriate for kids. However, some games like Fortnite minimize violence while incorporating quasi-realistic guns.

Simulated Projectile Poppers

I didn’t know exactly how to categorize BB guns, airsoft guns, and Nerf guns into one category outside of calling them simulated projectile poppers. This was a big step forward in getting my son interested in shooting. It started with Nerf guns and shooting each other around the house. Then some Nerf started making Fortnite-themed Nerf guns that were semi-automatic and battery-powered.

Now my son had a semi-auto Nerf rifle that was magazine-fed with sights and all. It fit perfectly in my AR 15 case, and even had a rail on the top for optics. Before you knew it, I was setting up Sage Dynamics printable targets hidden around the house and timing my son as he began ‘clearing’ the house with his Nerf gun. It was tons of fun for both of us.

Nerf guns are super fun and allow your kids to just focus on the fun aspect of shooting. The darts are harmless and can be used indoors. Nerf and other companies make a variety of targets, including moving targets.

Then we moved into BB guns, but airsoft guns could also be an option, and we started shooting more outdoors. My son got really into hitting my rifle gong with his classic Red Ryder BB gun. He got to the point where he was ringing steel at 20 yards with his little bb gun.

BB guns are a little more dangerous than Nerf guns and have a little more impact with every shot. These air guns provide a little more danger and can be a little more intense but more fun. They also present an easy way to begin serious safety work since, unlike a Nerf gun, they aren’t made to shoot others with. BB guns deliver more satisfaction and call for more accuracy than a Nerf gun, and can get kids shooting outdoors more. They are the logical stepping stone to introducing the “harmful if misused” lessons of firearms, you can show that the targets take appreciable ‘real’ damage that won’t come from Nerf or Airsoft.

Cool Guns And Cool Targets

I learned how to shoot on a Marlin Model 60 that was older than I am. I don’t regret that, but if someone offered me an M&P 22 over the Marlin Model 60, you wouldn’t be able to feed me enough 22 LR. Now more than ever, kid-appropriate rimfire rifles and pistols exist in crazy degrees. Umarex, in particular, makes M4, HK 416, Uzi, MP5s, and more in 22 LR.

Rimfire is a great route to take, especially if the stock is adjustable for smaller frames. Even if you just drop a Ruger 10/22 into a stock that’s adjustable, it can be a big comfort difference. Comfort is critical to accuracy, and accuracy is critical for kids shooting and having fun. A bunch of misses because the gun is too big will create frustration and eliminate the fun factor.

Getting a cool and fun gun is a surefire way to get kids shooting. Just as important as that is the target. Punching paper is fun, but I grew up popping soda cans. That was fun because they reacted. Nowadays, purpose-built reactive polymer targets cost nothing and are available everywhere. They can spin, ding, and move in various ways that are amusing and fun for kids to shoot.

Pew Pew

Getting kids shooting is the first step, and it might be the only step you’ll take. I will consider it a substantial success if my son knows gun safety and can operate a firearm competently. If he wants to be a nerd like me, that’s great too. If not, at least I know I’m sending him into the world knowing how to change his oil, how to cook a meal, how to budget, and how to handle a firearm safely.

Why I Got the Vaccine

DRGO

January 15, 2021

(from antiguaobserver.com)

[Ed: We at DRGO are physicians first and civil rights activists (a very close) second. Vaccination against disease is one of the great triumphs of public health. We are 100% behind the campaign to immunize against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). That, along with all those recovered from the illness, will lead to population immunity, ending this terrible pandemic and returning our world to us. Dr. Brodale’s We Are at War! is a good companion piece.]

I received the Moderna COVID vaccine this week. I’m happy about it and I’d like to discuss why.

Why am I posting this here on a gun site? Because there are many people in our firearms community who have an admittedly reasonable mistrust of the government and anything that comes from it. Recent events have not helped that mistrust. With so many people of my personal acquaintance who are hesitant, I wanted to speak my piece.

A few days ago when I posted a video of my vaccination to social media I was confronted by someone who wanted to know why, who proceeded into the standard anti-government spiel and then presumed to admonish me that I should “know better”.

I blocked that guy because:

1) I just did not have the mental energy that evening to put together a reasoned rant for one random dude on the internet. And,

2) If you want to spread your pet conspiracies have at it, but do it on your own durn page, not mine.

I am first and foremost a medical professional and a responsible adult. I make decisions that I feel are best for myself, my family, and my patients and I am not answerable to random internet denizens for those decisions.

Now that I have had time to ponder and put together reasonable sentences, I am ready to discuss why I chose to be vaccinated. Bullet format would probably be the most organized way to do this:

I am a physician. I have a duty to my patients to care for them to the best of my ability. As part of that, I have a duty to do my best to make sure that “I” do not pass communicable diseases “to” those patients. Likewise, if I catch a communicable disease “from” my patients and become myself incapacitated I cannot continue to serve my other patients.

I have a duty to myself and my family as well. My family did not sign up to be exposed to every disease that my patients may bring to me. I have to do my best to protect my family, as well as make sure that I remain healthy enough to continue to be a breadwinner for the household.

I follow the existing science as best I can. The science on a completely new virus is unavoidably a changing and evolving thing. Recommendations made in March may not hold true anymore now. Research published in the early days and originally thought promising may have turned out not to be so as follow-up studies brought us more information. But through all that, vaccination remains a gold standard for prevention of viral infections.

Operation Warp Speed did not allow for slapdash science. What it did was pump money and resources into a system which is usually bogged down by lack of investment, financial risk, and bureaucratic roadblocks.

I am a pediatrician. I also have a Master of Public Health degree. I vaccinate children every day of my professional career. I am very pro-vaccine. I have gotten a flu vaccine every year for over 30 years. Getting a COVID vaccine was simply part of that logical progression and mindset.

In fact, I would have even signed up for the early vaccine trials if I had known how to do so and if they would have taken me with a mild autoimmune condition and a latex allergy. As it is, I am following along with post vaccine follow-up so that even more data can be collected about potential side effects for those who may come after me. And I still have a booster dose yet to go. As hesitant as I normally am about giving out my personal cell phone number to a government entity, I did it anyway because I felt that gathering additional data post-vaccine was that important.

Perception of risk is important to address as well. I have had people ask me about everything from passing out to Bell’s Palsy. While it is true that there have so far been a handful of severe reactions, that handful has been spread out over millions of doses. That’s not a very large risk profile. Reactions such as Bell’s Palsy can even occur after a head cold, and they did not occur in the vaccine trials at a rate which was above what would normally be expected in the population anyway. To illustrate that, someone in the placebo group got it.

You have to look at that against the risks you take every day without even thinking about it. For instance—what is your risk of dying every time you sit behind the wheel? You probably don’t want to know. But even if you did, would you stop driving?

Dozens of my fellow physicians and healthcare personnel whom I know personally have taken both vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna. A handful have had their second doses by this point as well. None of them have reported that they had anything but a sore arm or felt “off” for a few days. Their experience seems to bear out the evidence from the trials.

Finally, I wanted to demonstrate for those in my circle who are hesitant, that I am unafraid of this vaccine and I don’t believe any of the patently false conspiracy theories which circle around the internet and social media. I wanted to try to be a leader about this.

So here I am. I have made my decision based on facts and the way I have always lived my life. If you choose not to take the vaccine, that is your decision and your right. But I urge that your decision be based on the facts– not on fear, mistrust of the government, suspicion of the CCP, doubts about vaccines in general, or because aliens.

Thanks for listening.

—’Dr. LateBloomer’ is the pen name of a female general pediatrician (MD, MPH, FAAP) who also writes at GAT Daily. She enjoys competitive shooting sports, including IDPA, USPSA and 3-Gun. Evil semi-automatic firearms are her favorites.

All DRGO articles by ‘Dr. LateBloomer’

John Wick… Dundee?

Keith Finch

January 15, 2021

tony-wittmann-58 — Image via New York Post

GAT Readers, I am a cat person.

Dog too, but currently I just own that furry little bastard. I, like most pet owners/pet parents, would contemplate causing egregious and sudden harm to person(s) who threaten my pet, as much as they threaten me. I love the furry creature who lives with me, and will be actively working against someone inside my house who would threaten my pet (and me, by being a threat inside my house).

*Disclaimer: Yes, pets are generally considered legal property and thus not subject to personal protection coverages of the law.*

But there are limits. Tony Wittman certainly crossed a few of those limits and simultaneously proved that the gun control within the Australian countryside is working out… well… about as well as we think it is.

Armed ex-soldier allegedly storms animal shelter to get cat back

Not exactly the purr-fect crime.

An ex-Australian soldier in full tactical gear allegedly burst into an animal shelter with an assault rifle and tied up a worker in a failed bid to get his kitty back, according to a report Wednesday.

Tony Wittmann, 44, was allegedly so mad when workers at the Lost Dogs’ Home in Melbourne told him he needed to wait a day to pick up the pet, he’s accused of threatening a 23-year-old female worker with the gun in the facility’s parking lot, according to ABC Australia. – New York Post

Yes, Mr. Wittman mounted a failed tactical extraction of his cat from an animal shelter. A shelter he could have picked up his cat from the following day.

“On this occasion, he’s acted to get back possession of a cat, which he was only going to be without for possibly 10 hours.” -Senior Constable Jo MacDonald, Melbourne

The 44-year-old Wittman was discharged from Australian Army service for “failing to render efficient service.” which I am assuming is a similar situation to the US Armed Forces ‘Failure to Adapt’ to military life, conditions, etc. Some people are not mentally fit to work in military conditions, they are not independent enough or able to complete the tasks, both tactical and logistic, that a military unit needs to function. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are otherwise unsuitable for work in general, but the military does take a certain level of fortitude for success.

Wittman has been charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, and armed robbery. He will also not get his cat back, so perhaps he should have saved the John Wick antics for something more drastic than a business day delay in retrieving the pet.

The Real Point

Wittman had an AR-15, or something described as, “something a SWAT team in the movies would use.” As opposed to SWAT teams in real life using, I suppose. The worker was a 23-year-old woman who works at a pet shelter, her experience with firearms is likely limited to entertainment media.

Anyway, just more proof that all gun control in the Outback seems to work oh-so-well, right up to the point it doesn’t. It is impossible to remove a technology like auto-loading rifles from circulation. There will always be non-compliant elements, and the more likely that element is to become a problem the less likely they would comply in the first place. Making a ban and removal most effective on the people least likely to be a threat while leaving the greater likely threats as uncaringly non-compliant.

Can we imagine how bogus an assault weapon ban would be here? How porous and ineffective?

I can, and it is a laughable state of make-believe that grows in the field of naïve good intentions.

The Holosun 507K – The Best Micro Optic

Travis Pike

January 15, 2021

Who thought Holosun would become an industry leader? Sure they’ve made some decent red dots, but no one would call them an industry leader. At least no one did until the Holosun 507K premiered. The mini red dot market is crowded, but the micro red dot market is relatively small. Micro red dots being the little fellas small enough to outfit the most diminutive of guns. Like the Glock 48/43X MOS, the Hellcat, and of course, the SIG P365. Holosun’s 507K is the pack leader of micro red dots.

The Shield RMSc started this category and SIG followed with the Romeo Zero. However, after lots of testing, both of these optics lack the durability necessary for a defensive-oriented pistol. The Holosun 507K has proven time and time again to be the most durable of these micro red dots. After doing a fair bit of research, I snatched up a 507K and quickly attached it to my SIG P365 hybrid design. (It’s an XL slide on a standard P365 frame.)

The 507K X2 – Specs and Rundown

Sadly I couldn’t find a 507K V2, which features the larger buttons. The X2 is the newer model post-Trijicon lawsuit that features much smaller buttons. It is what it is, unfortunately. The 507k X2 gives users a few innovative features.

This includes the multiple reticle system that grants the 507K a 2 MOA reticle, a 32 MOA ring, and a combination of the two. People living with Astigmatism love the 32 MOA reticle as it appears clearer. The 507K X2 comes with 12 brightness settings. Ten are for daylight use, and two are for night vision use. The optic is submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes with an IP67 rating.

The battery will last 50k hours on setting 6. The battery tray is hyper convenient and located on the side of the optic. As far as I know, this is the only micro-optic that utilizes a side-loading battery instead of a bottom loading design.

Let’s Shoot It

Red Dots on pistols are a brilliant solution for increasing your abilities. A red dot makes a handgun easier to shoot accurately, easier to shoot fast, and easier to shoot at longer ranges. With that in mind, I zeroed at 25 yards initially. I set up with a bench and used a somewhat supported position to ensure proper zero. I had to make a few adjustments, but it didn’t take long.

I zeroed with the 2 MOA red dot because it obscured less of the target. The 507K sits ultra-low on the gun, and the mechanical offset is even more minimized than other pistol mounted optics. The optic sits low enough that a small notch in the rear of the sight acts as a backup iron sight that aligns perfectly with the front sight of the P365.

The little 2 MOA reticle sounds too small for a handgun, but it works. The dot is quite crisp, and focusing on the target makes it easy to see the dot. If it feels too small for speed, swap to the big ole 32 MOA circle or circle and dot reticle. They are massive but clear and easy to see and find for those speedy close range encounters.

Speed and Accuracy

Guns like the P365 force you to remove the rear sight to mount the optic, and it’s nice to have a backup rear sight built into the optic. Once I was zeroed, I started experimenting with shooting at various ranges for both speed and precision.

My lovely girlfriend got me a set of steel targets for Christmas that includes a small 4-inch gong. At 25 yards, I was able to ring that 4-inch gong enough times that it looped over the top of the hanger. That’s quite precise for such a little gun. The 507K completely eliminates any issues with the short sight radius attached to compact pistols.

From a speed perspective, I ran the ole El Presidente drill. The drill works like this. You start with your back to three targets when your timer rings to turn, draw, and fire two rounds into each target. You reload and then fire two more rounds into each target. The goal is to land under 10 seconds.

My best time with iron sights is a slow 8 seconds or so with a subcompact pistol. After a run or two to warm up, I landed a solid 6.7 second El Presidente drill. I stopped after that because I wanted to go out on top. (Of my personal record, not the near three-second times the pros are getting.)

I used the 32 MOA reticle for this drill and did find it to be an awesome choice for target transitions. All I have to do is look at the target and put the dot on it. Target focus is way more natural than sight focus, and a red dot is all about target focus.

The 507K In and Out

I blasted through several hundred rounds of varying power levels. From snappy 124 grain NATO loads to softer shooting 115-grain FMJs. I even had some 147-grain subsonic JHPs, so variety was the name of the game. Regardless of the recoil and round selection, the optic never flickered or fluttered. The reticle stayed put and zeroed without issue as well.

The small buttons are very tactile and easy to reach with the off-hand thumb. That’s somewhat important if you plan to swap reticles as necessary. The smaller buttons are arranged horizontally, and the only real issue is turning the optic off. It’s tough to hit the + and – buttons at the same time while holding the gun. The good news is I don’t see many issues with having to turn the optic off quickly.

This little fella weighs 1 ounce, so it’s tough to say it weighs you down. It’s super small but quite useful for its size. Micro-optics are a growing category of pistol red dots. There might be a dozen new micro-optics by the end of 2021, but as of now, the Holosun 507K is the pack leader.

It’s light, small, low profile, as well as durable, precise, and easy to use. The 507K will increase your effective range, speed, and ultimately effectiveness with your teeny tiny pistol.

Impeachment

Keith Finch

January 14, 2021

So… it happened… again.

President Trump has been impeached from office twice and will be removed from office… at the end of his normal term with a very uncertain likelihood that the Senate will vote to convict. This method of holding the President to account for his actions (or lack of actions) in countering the DC election certification protest turned riot certainly feels like a dog and pony show, doesn’t it?

What happens if he is convicted? Well, he’s already out of office at that point and he would not be allowed to seek re-election or another office. He also wouldn’t get his $200,000 retirement pension, which since Trump donates his presidential salary is just cutting funding to a charity of Trumps choice. I am sure he would feel thoroughly chastised in that event.[/sarc]

This begs the question, why do it?

Is barring a re-election campaign worth that much spend in political capital, especially if the Senate doesn’t convict and Trump ends up with a usable pile of capital himself? President Trump uses ego and cult of personality to great effect and that, combined with the political leverage a 2nd non-conviction, would leave him in a much more influential position than he will already occupy even if convicted.

There is also the mashup position Trump’s presidency and conduct have left the GOP in, probably most accurately described as “disordered” if I were to give it one word. Which begs the question of, if a formal ruling by conviction is necessary for Trump to not hold office again at all, a position GOP Senate members are likely well aware of but would leave them with the bigger pile of leverage and influence.

So again, why?

My guess is, as much as this had to do with the optics of formally chastising President Trump, it was more practically the earliest opportunity to flex the Congress and see who would do what and for what reasons on a contentious and emotionally charged issue. This is going to give the oncoming Biden Administration an accurate picture of a stress tested Congress and his options within it legislatively.

Under the guise of holding President Trump accountable, and as sincere or insincere as each individual House and Senate member’s contribution was/will be on that actual account, a portrait will be drawn immediately of how this Congress is going to work under the subsequent issues to be raised during the Biden/Harris administration.

It also signals all the virtues and provides propagandist ammunition.

So, call me crazy, but for every valid reason to use impeachment as the method of account against President Trump that may, could be, or has been raised.. I think this is an intelligence gathering and sensing session, far more focused on Congress and its future actions than Trump and actions past.

Biden and the Democrats’ Platform

DRGO

January 14, 2021

HRguncontrolbills — Submitted Gun Control Bills

(from scopeny.org)

[Ed: This is a thorough overview of what this election appears to be bringing us. Though it was written prior to November 3 for SCOPE-NY’s bulletin Firing Lines, its prescience is less important than the reality facing us now. Thanks to SCOPE-NY, fighting on our behalf in New York state, and its president, Tom Reynolds. Minimally edited for DRGO.]

Joe Biden has said that he is the Democrat Party. Taken directly from the Democrat platform in a section called “Healing the Soul of America”, below is Joe Biden’s platform on gun control.

Democrats / Joe Biden will:

End online sales of guns and ammunition (5 times as many people die from alcoholism as from non-suicide gun shots but you can still buy liquor online. Don’t address problems – just make political points.)

Close dangerous loopholes that currently allow stalkers, abusive partners, and some individuals convicted of assault or battery to buy and possess firearms (Let those same stalkers, abusive partners and assaulters out of jail – without bail – so they are free to threaten people again and be released again, if caught again. Wasn’t the movie Groundhog Day about something like this?)

Enact universal background checks (No transferring of a gun to a legally allowed relative without government permission. Also, see the Charleston Loophole, below.)

Adequately fund the federal background check system and close the “Charleston loophole” (Currently, the FBI has 3 days to do a NICS check or the sale can proceed. Democrats want at least a 30 day waiting period. Great way for “The Swamp” to kill gun stores. But the FBI would never abuse its authority…would it?)

Prevent individuals who have been convicted of hate crimes from possessing firearms (The definition of “Hate Crimes” will soon be changed to criticizing anything the Democrats like.)

Ban the manufacture and sale of assault weapons and high capacity magazines (Democrats’ ultimate goal is to expand the definition of an Assault Weapon to anything that assaults their snowflake feelings.)

Incentivize states to enact licensing requirements for owning firearms (Use tax dollars to bribe the states. If the government can license a constitutional right then it can also refuse to license a constitutional right.)

Incentivize states to enact extreme risk protection order laws that allow courts to temporarily remove guns from the possession of those who are a danger to themselves or others (Use tax dollars to bribe the states while ignoring about half a dozen Amendments to the Constitution.)

Pass legislation requiring that guns be safely stored in homes (Another of those pesky Constitutional Amendments [#4] to be ignored. If you are being assaulted, just call a time out so you can unlock your weapon.)

Gun companies should be held responsible for their products, just like any other business, and prioritize repealing the law that shields gun manufacturers from civil liability (Will politicians be personally responsible for criminals out without bail who then commit more crimes? Will Sanctuary Cities’ politicians be personally responsible for illegal aliens who commit crimes in their cities? Will car companies be responsible for vehicular assaults? Will liquor companies will be responsible for drunk drivers?)

Taken as a whole, these steps would eventually lead to no one legally owning a gun (except Democrat politicians, their friends and those protecting Democrat politicians). In fact, gun violence by criminals would undoubtedly increase since criminals don’t obey any of these laws and they would know they face disarmed citizens. (Remember Sean Connery’s famous line in the movie The Untouchables about bringing a knife to a gun fight.) Biden completely ignores that these steps would virtually eliminate legally owned guns from being used in self-defense; estimates on defensive gun use range from 50,000 to 2,500,000 per year, far outnumbering non-suicide gunshot deaths of 16,000.

But, hey, what do facts mean to a guy who believes Antifa is only an idea?

–Tom Reynolds is the president of SCOPE-NY.

De-platforming, Hosting Risks, and Avoiding the Ban Hammer

Keith Finch

January 14, 2021

This past week we’ve seen Social Media pages go dark, groups catch irrevocable bans, and websites be taken down entirely by their hosting services, all in the ‘name’ of stopping seditious speech. This is an evolution on the highly zealous efforts of tech across social media to cut down on “Fake News” that went so far as to threaten places like the ever truthful Babylon Bee…

[For anyone unaware, the Bee is a known Satirical (they make up parody stories to be funny and occasionally make social points) News network, like the Onion was.]

How do we navigate tech right now and continue engaging in discourse?

More specifically, how do we avoid having our tech based groups shut down like ARFCOM and Guns.com were this week. Message board type webspaces are especially vulnerable due to the amount of user generated content they have, but anywhere a discussion could spiral is at great risk and anywhere that touches on the topics of survival and firearms is under scrutiny.

This means comment sections of blogs, forums, and YouTube channels.

This means product reviews, even on retail websites.

Even if there is no public comment section on the blog or product page, the risk is there simply due to the content’s association. The rapid crusade Big Tech is currently waging has no space for nuance. They are in a ” Digitally Nuke First, ask questions never.” state of mind where they will use every advantage they have as the hosting entity to crush the site, to remove the allegedly offending content immediately. Then they deal with any legal fallout (emphasis on any because hosts hold all the ‘terms of service’ cards) from de-platforming the site afterward.

Meanwhile, the communication lifeblood that connects the site to their user and customer base is wiped out, scorched digital earth. The company is left scrambling to boot contingency plans (if they had any, or could have any) to get back online and in communication again.

What Should You Do?

As reader, a consumer, a social media or forum participant, you should do two things.

Sign up for direct email lists
1. Anyone you care to stay in contact with in the firearm and communications news spaces, sign up for their emails or direct to desktop notifications. These are the safest form of information exchange and as a direct message they are not under the scrutiny of public forums and comments sections
2. Companies tend to put their best info and offers into their own mailers anyway. Even if you only use 1 or 2 in a given year it may save you money, or nab you a giveaway item, while keeping you in the loop of goings on.
Mind your P’s and Q’s
1. Any forum that hasn’t been ban hammered is being put under extreme pressure. Mods (comment section moderators) are getting messages threatening total group and forum removals if members do not behave.
2. The mods do not get to choose what “behaving” is, that is entirely up to the host. Mods are placed in a position of having to ban individuals to save the forum or risk the forum’s permanent removal.
3. Being an extra polite participant, no matter your frustration levels at the current situations, can save your groups. Be very slow to take offense.

What if you own, or work for, a digital property or company with a digital property that could be at risk?

Click Here

There are professional options for assessing risks and steps that can be taken to guard against de-platforming.

Anyone with digital property needs to be doing this assessment right now.