The New RMRcc From Trijicon

By

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September 1, 2020

Trijicon teased a new optic yesterday using a shadowed photograph a man drawing (or perhaps rehosltering) appendix. This, of course, caused a stir in the optics community as the company was rumored to be dropping a new smaller footprint dot to compete with the highly successful Holosun 507K and Shield sights, especially on the slim 9’s.

Trijicon delivered the RMRcc (Concealed Carry) a reduced size red dot available in a 3.25 and 6 MOA. Sporting the rugged stats and high battery life that the RMR Type 2’s are known for and running off a CR2032 battery.

But… not everything that shooters had been asking for was delivered, and curiously so. The RMRcc still has the bottom loaded battery, requiring removing the sight and relocking the threads for most pistols when a battery change is needed.

Secondly, the RMRcc has an entirely new footprint and uses adapter dovetail plates to interact with the majority of handguns, replacing the rear sight. There are currently 11 plates listed on Trijicon’s webpage for various handgun models, ‘Optic’s Ready’ type plates are $69.00 retail and dovetail plates are $102.00.

There is currently no listed plate for P320 models, there is for the P365 dovetail and 365XL (listed on EuroOptic, although not on Trijicon’s RMRcc page). Suggested Retail, from Trijicon, the sight is $699 and then the compatible plate(s). I’m seeing them for under $600 for optic and one plate.

Perhaps the most baffling feature are the 3 MOA adjustments. Sure, less clicks. But also less precision on refining a zero. Perhaps the numbers just don’t add up to needing more precise adjustments but it seems like a curious move to make a 1″ click at 33 yards.

Feelings on the new optic appear to be mixed, with some praising the release and others more… meh. I’m honestly in the ‘meh’ category. I don’t doubt this thing has a good LED emitter and is rugged (it apparently has the RMR electronic suite), but introducing another mounting pattern for milling will complicate the game.

I prefer the milled mount system. I also prefer an accessible battery housing. As cool as it might be that this thing can go to a 20m depth… I don’t swim beyond 5m, rarely beyond 3m… and I’ve never taken my RDS pistol. Rain, sweat, and puddle proof but mounted battery accessibility would have been the ticket in my opinion.

Their “4 Year” battery life is for setting 4 of 8, the two bottom settings are NV which is of no value to the majority of buyers (seriously, who’s rocking NODs with their EDC loadout?) meaning this is the second lowest ‘visible’ setting. 8 is the “super bright” and, taking a wild guess off of previous optics, the RMRcc will probably live life comfortably at setting 6 or 7, not 4, so the 4 year life is academic more than anything. However this isn’t an unusual advertising practice.

Most folks, myself included usually do a ~1 year change out and I don’t see that being a problem on the RMRcc either to get a year off a battery, but you will have to demount, remount, and rezero.

Overall this thing feels like a mixed bag of confusing features that Trijicon says people asked for and I’m wondering… who? I might know them and it might be for valid reasoning but the reaction online is very much a raised eyebrow. This isn’t the challenge to the 507K that I was expecting. I really don’t think this challenges the 507K, it’s just kind of… another dot you can pick, especially if you like Trijicon’s, that you’ll have to build out your pistol(s) around specifically with plates or milling.

It might be nice on my EMP but compatibility with a plate isn’t listed. It feels like a dot that is supposed to be competing with the other mini-dot’s but when you look at the feature list.. it’s kind of just its own thing.

It feels like a hipster RMR. Not really improved or better, just different. Might get one, might not. Your mileage may vary.

More AK Science!

By

Keith Finch

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August 31, 2020

Despite what ‘Grand Dad’ or that weird uncle with the wild hair and stash of cheap crap guns might have told you. Making a gun fully automatic takes a little more than just ‘filling the thing down juuuust right‘. It’s taking a high pressure process that happens several times a second, usually 10-15, and making sure that all the correct things take place for it to happen safely.

This means timing. This means correct part weights and pressures. This means having parts in place so that nothing happens out of sequence. This means building in such a way that if something does happen out of sequence, the explosive failure (yes, it will be explosive) happens in such a manner as to minimize and avoid injury to the operator.

This is why automatic and burst fire triggers have extra parts. It’s why you can’t easily convert a semi-automatic into a fully automatic firearm, because you need these extra different parts. I know Nancy P. and the Gun Control Gang say otherwise, but since they’re functioning morons in this regard you should ignore them.

Every (successful) variation of fully automatic have design considerations implemented to make certain everything goes in order and on time (unlike USPS and FedEx quite often).

Anyway, Brandon.

What’s in Your (Emergency) Wallet?

By

Keith Finch

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August 31, 2020

PEW-4 — PHLster PEW (Pocket Emergency Wallet)

Look in your wallet right now. Do you have a $20? Not $20 on a credit or debit card, and not a combination of small bills that add up to $20. An actual, single, set aside $20 bill. This bill is a separate tool, set apart from your standard pile of currency and electronic funds.

It’s for “emergency” use.

A good friend of mine has proffered the theory of the MBT, the My Bad Twenty $20. This theory, and I am paraphrasing because I can’t find the video at the moment, covers the fact that $20 is a versatile amount of money. Not just from a monetary standpoint but a social one. $20 means something right now, handing it to somebody also means something.

The My Bad $20 is both financial and social emergency insurance, handing someone a $20 if you’ve had or generated difficult circumstances around them, can do quite a bit to diffuse a potentially escalating situation or to be certain there are no hard feelings after a contentious social encounter. This doesn’t necessarily mean a negative encounter, many negative encounters are already beyond the point where an MBT can turn the situation. But the MBT does wonders to turn potentially negative encounters positive, combined with sincere words of affirmation and contrition. (Hey, bud. I know my guy was acting an ass and puked. Thanks for helping getting him out of here safe. *hands $20*)

This combined societal and monetary exchange salvages savable situations and can leave all affected parties feeling better off (except the blacked out guy), especially in circumstances where you are likely to encounter those people again. It leaves good impressions where there could otherwise be bad. This isn’t “please forget about it”. That doesn’t work, at all, you just paid them to remember. This is literally ‘My Bad, I acknowledge this has been difficult and I or my party contributed to that, thanks for doing your thing and helping out’ and that has a sincerity that leaves a highly improved impression.

That $20 can also be used to cement a relationship and reward extraordinary service. Tipping above and beyond after a particularly good interaction, also to folks who do not normally receive tips it means a great deal.

Now, back to the question, do you have a $20? Or perhaps $50 or even $100 depending on the environment. If not you are lacking a very versatile social emergency tool in a time where people interacting with people can go poorly. Having cash is important because cash is both universal and instantaneous. There is no hassle to it, electronics are a hassle and do not convey the social message sincerely, because of the steps involved and how clunky a PayPal transfer is it comes off as artificial.

Now, let’s think of life threatening emergencies.

That $20 only spends if you have it and it only works if you use it right.

The same goes for a knife. A gun. Or a medkit.

I chose the Pocket Emergency Wallet (PEW) from PHLster for a reason. Medical is substantially more likely to see use than a weapon.

A weapon is for projecting substantial or lethal force in situations where that is necessary to achieve your desired outcome. IE: Survive.

Medical equipment is for injuries, and injuries happen magnitudes more often. Humans (and pets) are really good at unintentionally damaging ourselves. Pretty good at doing intentionally too, but that is overall the rarer circumstance. Like the MBT, any amount of medical aid you can provide in an uncertain world… and hell if it isn’t uncertain right now… has to be on your person in order to make the difference (yes, car counts too if you’re in a position to get it).

I don’t have to point out the myriad situations and locations where this could come in handy, they’re plastered over media. But so many of the forgotten ones are just as relevant. You don’t know if that TQ could save someone at a wreck, but you’ll know for certain if you need something and have nothing.

So folks, keep your Emergency Wallet Stocked and on you. For all those occasions coming up where you don’t know you need it, yet.

Another win for M-LOK: The Brits

By

Keith Finch

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August 28, 2020

I read this announcement here first.

TFB: British Army Makes Move To M-LOK as SA80 A3 Receives Tweaks

M-LOK has been added to the L85/SA80’s list of improvements for the service rifles first Product Improvement Program (PIP) as they are known here in the US DoD. A service wide or at least mass implemented upgrade to an item in armories to improve the utility to the individual using it.

The SA80 had a troubled start to life as it was designed by a group who had never before designed a rifle. It had to be fixed by H&K. As GWOT rolled on Daniel Defense added an upgrade series too, rails.

The SA80 has a more recent memory troubled reputation than the AR-15, and in the UK they don’t have nearly as large a group of folks providing real time relevant information on the rifle like they do for the AR-15 here in the US. Heck you’ll find much more info on the FAL than on the SA80 in the UK public, it is a better known rifle to them at large.

H&K managed to work the bugs out is the short version and the MoD is keeping the rifle.

The rifle itself is a bullpup AR-18 essentially. It isn’t a poor design or one that is drastically inferior to other 5.56 NATO carbines, especially the bullpups. I certainly wouldn’t pick it first given a slew of options, but I’m also not trained on it. My time and training bias me to pick the SCAR, X95, and M16/M4 before anything else. Were I handed an SA80A2 or A3 however and told, “this is what you’ve got.” then it is time to figure out the rifle and get to work. With a little familiarization time I’m sure I’d have it down in a day or so.

Anyway. The Brits have joined America (and if I recall correctly, Poland) in the CRANE backed selection of M-LOK as the negative space mounting system of choice. This change was done after the A3’s hit service start in 2018 and were designed ‘in the field’ with 3D printing technology. Soldiers would give feedback and it would be rapidly prototyped to put on the rifle.

That’s just cool, like Science Fiction cool.

The most visible change is the transition from HKey (Heckler & Koch’s own KeyMod system) to M-LOK attachment points. The changes were iteratively prototyped using 3D technology allowing the Infantry Trials and Development Unit (ITDU) to test changes as they were made. Major Richard McMahon, a senior member of the British Army’s dismounted close combat through-life support team said “the ability to produce 3D printed mock-ups allowed the project to move at substantial pace, with various designs tested and the ability to make quick changes as issues were encountered.” McMahon also noted that ITDU had procured its own 3D printer to allow greater experimentation in-house. -TFB

Also being added are rotation limited QD points for slings, something that still eludes most of the US service rifles even though it shouldn’t. More space for air-cooling and removal of a feature that was for an optional underbarrel grenade launcher the MoD hasn’t integrated, but still can with a milled in modification.

The US also appears to be moving away from underbarrel GLs as the M320 is often carried stand-alone instead of under an M4, at unit discretion. There is merit to carrying two lighter independent systems, since they are deployed quite differently on different threat types, than one heavier awkward combined system.

Now that’s a “transition to sidearm” with some thump to it.

Anyway, welcome to team M-LOK boys.

The Price of MP5’s is too D*mn High!

By

Keith Finch

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August 28, 2020

$3,000+… was the expected price to pay for a genuine H&K MP5 variant. With MSRP’s hovering just south of $3k and the need to add stocks, braces, slings, and magazines it was easy to hit $4k, or even flirt with $5k without trying too hard.

Why? Even clones like the Turk Zenith or American PTR push $2k and more after accesories while the .308 G3 clones hover just above or below $1,000.00. The roller guns were some of the earliest in “modular” firearms since the parts commonality on the models were very high, especially for the era.

The G3, HK33, and MP5 are easily the most successful non-gas operated rifle and submachine gun series of the 20th Century. They are iconic, and the winner of the whole series is undoubtedly the MP5. The G3 had other successful 7.62 NATO rifles competing with it, the FAL undoubtedly the most successful, and the AK was a major competitor as well. The HK33 was competing against the AR-15, AR-18, the concept of a “NATO” standard rifle instead of just ammo was lost after the US didn’t pick up the FAL.

But the MP5 stood alone as an accurate low recoil CQB SMG that fired from the far more reliable closed bolt position and was deliberately select-fire like the emerging battle rifle and assault rifle systems. Earlier legacy SMGs were designed as open bolt and nearly always be used on automatic. No other system would gain the successful status or maintain the longevity of the MP5. Even in H&K’s own catalog of offerings never ousted its champion.

It wasn’t until the 21st Century, with weapons like the SIG MPX and CZ’s Scoprion EVO3 S1, that the MP5 really even developed a peer group. Now there is a thriving Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) category at a variety of price points. The MP5, in a manner like the AR-15, has managed to keep a slot as a premier firearm in its niche and maintain it for decades. In fact, the AR-15 only has 3 years on the MP5 since it was introduced by Colt in 63′ and the MP5 was introduced in 66′.

Despite being decades ahead of the MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail, those rails were adopted successfully into the design and today M-LOK is readily available too.

5 Hotel Safety Tips

By

Caleb Giddings

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August 27, 2020

Today we’ve got a self defense article that’s useful whether you carry a gun or not: 5 hotel safety tips. Sure, in these Coronatimes people aren’t traveling much, but this too will pass, and we’ll be back out on the road before we know it. But when you’re in a hotel, which is the definition of an unsecured location, how can you protect yourself?

1. Don’t stay in cheap hotels in bad areas

Our first of 5 Hotel Safety Tips should be a no-brainer, buuuuuuuuuuuuuut people are cheap sometimes and like to save money. This seems like a good idea until you’re staying in a flophouse watching a guy shoot smack into his veins out your window. Rule of thumb: don’t stay in hotels where your room’s door opens up the outside world. Sure it looks cool when Raylan Givens does it, but think about all the bad things that happened to him. My recommendation: don’t stay in any hotel that isn’t at least as nice as a Hampton Inn or a Holiday Inn Express. Those types of major chains have corporate controls on where they’re allowed to be, and generally aren’t in bad parts of town.

2. Use your Do Not Disturb sign

This might actually be the most powerful of our 5 Hotel Safety Tips. Use your room’s DND sign. Having been a Housekeeping manager for a couple of properties, I can tell you that 99.9% of housekeepers will see that sign on your door and think “sweet I don’t have to clean this room” and move on. It adheres to the gray man principle of not drawing attention to yourself.

3. Lock your valuables (your gun) in your suitcase when you’re not in the room

The biggest concern when you’re in a hotel is preventing casual access/theft, right? Lock your nice items in a suitcase. I also then put my locked suitcase in the closet, but that’s not entirely necessary. The idea here is to not leave anything worth stealing in plain view. Plus, since your DND is up already because of Rule 2 of our 5 Hotel Safety Tips, if someone comes into the room and you find your items disturbed, you can immediately start the process of filing a police report, which greatly increases the chances of getting your stuff back.

4. LOCK YOUR DOORS

Seriously, #4 of the 5 Hotel Safety Tips is the most obvious. When you’re in your room, double lock your door. Use the deadbolt and the latch. This does two things: makes the door much harder to force entry on, and tells housekeeping that you don’t want to be bothered. A modern key card access door that all nice hotels have can only be opened by the God-key when it’s bolted. Hotels will only use the God-key in dire situations.

5. Don’t tag your location on social media.

Last on our list of 5 Hotel Safety Tips is another obvious one. Don’t geo-tag your location on social media. Especially if you want to take a cool “here’s my gun and knife and Rolex on the nightstand” photo, then tag yourself at Bob’s Crack Den and Pimp Shack Motel. This makes you a target, and we want to avoid that, right?

Most of these tips are common sense, or at least I would think they’re common sense. But when used together, they create a solid “gray man” barrier around you and your valuable items. By reducing the avenues that you could be targeted for crime, you increase your safety without making it obvious that you’re increasing your safety.

Kenosha Gunman Arrested in Illinois

By

Keith Finch

-

August 26, 2020

Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, of Antioch, Illinois has been arrested and charged with first degree intentional homicide and it is being said he ‘fled Wisconsin to avoid prosecution’, a claim that will bear out or not based upon the information that can be corroborated of the events leading up to the first shooting of the man, who was chasing Rittenhouse and had thrown an alleged Molotov at him.

Daily Mail Link

It will be curious to see how the situation is corroborated or dismissed. The available footage shows Rittenhouse in flight and trying to distance himself the mod. He runs from the first man he killed until something (the possible Molotov) was thrown and he turned and shot the man in the head.

That man is alleged to be one that was seen in another earlier confrontation, yelling slurs.

Rittenhouse then continues his flight on camera, is attacked and tripped by a member of the mob chasing him, and surrounded. The crowd begins to attack him as Rittenhouse is on the ground, he fires at those closest.

A man who tried to curb stomp him is fired at but does not appear to be injured. Another strikes Rittenhouse with a skateboard right after and tries to take Rittenhouse’s rifle. Rittenhouse fires from his back and ‘skateboard’ collapses a few steps away, dead or dying after attacking Rittenhouse.

The third man shot was armed with a Glock, he is seen approaching Rittenhouse (hands up at one point), but also grabbing at the rifle. He took a round through the bicep and retreated.

You can hear throughout the video that Rittenhouse is not the only one shooting, lots of other gunfire.

Kenosha, WI

By

Keith Finch

-

August 26, 2020

Another city has experienced protests descend into violence, and on the third night three people were shot in a single incident. Two were killed.

While an investigation is ongoing and the shared details are largely biased (predictably) based on the media source it seems that armed individuals clashed in Kenosha Wisconsin, a place I remember from childhood.

That fact hits differently when all you remember are enjoyable family trips to a city you considered rather sleepy in the grand scale. Now, chaos reins and those looking to score political points with the voting block that are in the streets have abdicated their positions and responsibilities as leaders to be seen instead as “allies” …

The entirely torched dealership with the BLM sign seems to indicate how valuable an “ally” is seen.

What we know.

About the incident that started it all? It’s a mess. A man, Jacob Blake (29), was filmed walking away from police and refusing officer commands, he begin getting into a vehicle. He was shot 7 times by an officer after attempting to enter the vehicle, either to get in or reach something. He was shot in the back at close range.

Blake is alive but reported to have lost the use of his legs. Officers can be heard telling Blake to drop a knife. A taser was deployed by one officer but to no effect. We do not have a clear picture and details have not been released as to the lead up to the on video shooting. Blake is said to be very active in the community by his family, who have deep ties to Evanston and Kenosha.

It has been alleged he (Blake) stated he was retrieving a gun from the vehicle.

It has been alleged he (Blake) was at the location to help solve a domestic incident and that once officers had arrived he was leaving peaceably with his children, who were in the SUV.

The witness who filmed the video said the altercation had already gotten physical, as officers had wrestled and deployed a taser on Blake prior to starting the camera.

Blake had an active warrant at the time of the incident for third degree sexual assault, trespassing, and disorderly conduct tied to domestic abuse. It is not known if officers knew of the warrant during their attempts to detain Blake. The charges were leveled against Blake back on July 6th.

There is no confirmation from Kenosha Police detailing whether or not Blake was actually armed with anything, reaching for anything, or anything was found in the vehicle after the officer grabbed him and shot seven times, severely wounding Blake.

What happened since…

Protests gathered immediately in response to the shooting and they quickly turned violent. Several businesses and vehicles were burned. The Kenosha courthouse was one of the epicenters and has been a LEO/Protester clash point. Incendiaries (mainly fireworks) have been thrown at the courthouse and officers, crowd control devices were used against the crowd.

Protesters at one pointed attempted to topple a fence erected to protect the courthouse. Minor injuries, often between rioters and other protest participants, were common.

Governor Tony Evers released this statement,

”Tonight, Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kathy and I join his family, friends, and neighbors in hoping earnestly that he will not succumb to his injuries. While we do not have all of the details yet, what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country. We stand with all those who have and continue to demand justice, equity, and accountability for Black lives in our country—lives like those of George Floyd, of Breonna Taylor, Tony Robinson, Dontre Hamilton, Ernest Lacy, and Sylville Smith. And we stand against excessive use of force and immediate escalation when engaging with Black Wisconsinites.I have said all along that although we must offer our empathy, equally important is our action. In the coming days, we will demand just that of elected officials in our state who have failed to recognize the racism in our state and our country for far too long.”

“While we do not have all of the details yet, what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country.”

This portion of the statement is seen by many as very critical of the Kenosha officers on the scene while acknowledging he did not know the details to make such a critical assessment.

It is highly irresponsible and not the attitude of a leader, it is one of a panderer. Evers could easily have stated that he would personally hold officers accountable to the fullest extent of the law IF the circumstances warranted such action. Something he acknowledged was currently unknown. Instead Evers, like many mayors and governors, threw his civil servants to the mob and the resulting violence can been seen as taciturnly approved by his statement.

Kenosha burned.

The third night… People died. [Warning: Graphic Videos]

At around 11:45 a group of protesters, defying the city curfew, came into contact with a young man armed with an AR-15. The protesters were also armed in part (a man who was shot had a Glock)

Accounts vary, but the chain of events seems to be: An altercation took place between the young man armed with the rifle and a group of protesters. At some point the man with the rifle fled the altercation, it is not known if the altercation became physical or which side escalated. An apparent incendiary (Molotov) was thrown at the man who responded by turning around and shooting, killing the man who threw it.

Unknown if the rifle armed young man escalated prior to the incendiary being thrown, although it is highly unlikely a Molotov would be admissible as a reasonable form of self defense given the circumstances.

Footage, reportedly from right after the thrown Molotov and first shots, shows the crowd pursuing the rifle armed man down the street. The man falls and the crowd begins to swarm him. He fires again from the ground as the crowd closes. His shots strike two more people who were on top of him.

One is seen collapsing and is likely the second man to have died. He struck the rifle armed man with a skateboard right after another man tried to close and stomp on him. The rifle armed man’s shots deterred the stamper but skateboard wielder struck. The rifle wielder struggles with skateboard man, who is attempting to take his rifle, and fires a shot into his chest from the ground. Skateboard wielder falls a few steps away, not moving, as paramedic hat (who is armed with the Glock) also appears to attempt to take the rifle. Paramedic hat takes a 5.56 through the bicep and runs away screaming medic.

The rifle armed young man then finishes running to a group of police vehicles, several police vehicles move toward the wounded. The title photo is from that scene, via CNN.

BREAKING NEWS: Gunman, 17, is charged with first degree intentional homicide after shooting dead two BLM protesters and injuring another on the streets of Kenosha during third night of unrest

NEW! PHLster Ascent Mag Pouches

By

Keith Finch

-

August 25, 2020

We are proud to announce our new PHLster Ascent pouches which are now available for purchase. PHLster Ascent pouches bring new materials, technology, and capability to concealed carry.

Conventional elastic pouches are universal, comfortable and slim, but re-inserting magazines can be tricky. Rigid pouches can be uncomfortable or bulky and might not fit many different magazines.

By using an ultra high-strength flexible polymer textile, the Ascent pouches provide enough structure to maintain their shape, while being as slim, comfortable, and versatile as an elastic pouch.

Elastic portions of the pouch provide enough give and tension to accommodate a wide variety of double and single stack pistol mags, while the thin polymer exoskeleton reinforces the pouch and provides unique rigid mounting points for a variety of hardware. This allows for a versatile, thin, featherweight elastic pouch which can accept both Discreet Carry Concepts clips and our unique OWB belt slide panels.

Ascent Rifle Pouch

IWB/OWB
Ambidextrous
Fits 1.5 inch belts and AR, AK, Aug, and Galil rifle magazines.
Includes Mod4 1.5 DCC IWB clip, OWB belt-slide panel, and mounting hardware.

Ascent Pistol Pouch

IWB/OWB
Ambidextrous
Fits 1.5 inch belts and most double or single-stack pistol magazines.
Includes Mod4 1.5 DCC IWB clip, OWB belt-slide panel, and mounting hardware.

Available for only

$59.99 each

Tuesday

By

Keith Finch

-

August 25, 2020

It’s Tuesday folks.

Politics

The Democrats, as a platform, still hate guns. The Republicans are busy trying to polish their platform as staunchly PRO 2A. Meanwhile, Jo Jorgensen openly advocated for the abolishment of the ATF.

That’s national, nothing new.

Local is what is most interesting right now as everywhere that is visited by the riotous masses that fly BLM or Antifa flags while practicing their brick throwing and fire starting (you know, just the essential employment skills) are seeing an uptick in private firearms ownership.

These owners are broadening the political spectrum of the 2A community and that is something we’ve long been trying to do. The 2A is for everyone.

It can become the path to true enlightenment. The realization that you are your own best advocate, your own best defense, your own best method of for growth and learning, and (more often than not) the one standing in your own way.

The true path of the 2A leads to cooler heads, warmer hearts, civility, and self reliance first. It can be exercised by city slicker, the urbanite, the rural roughneck, the suburban socialite, and the average anon. It is for the hunter, the gamer, the dreamer, the memer, the public servant, and the survivalist.

The right to exercise judicious force in protection of your sovereign person. It is universal.

2020 Politics is such a jumbled mess of contradictions that it is truly tiresome. The ballot box still requires our participation, but we don’t have to enjoy the whole circus.

So instead, for today, we shall watch Brandon torture himself with terrible gun images and enjoy.

Glock’s G42 a True Pocket Pistol

By

Scott Smith

-

August 25, 2020

Folks who know me know I am not a fan of “pocket pistols”. Generally they are hard to shoot well or the grip is too small for folks with big hands. Sadly small pistols and revolvers seem to be the first ones suggested by many shops when a customer wants a concealed carry pistol. Up until now I want to pull my hair out when I hear someone tell me the guy at the gun shop said this small pistol is perfect.

Recently a family member wanted a true “baby Glock”, the G42. It is chambered in .380 ACP and will literally fit in the palm of my hand. I knew this was their first pistol, but they had done a lot of research and handled a wide variety of firearms. Doing the paperwork, aka paying for it; I had a G42 coming to my FFL.

I was curious to see how a pistol that loaded is just shy of 16 ounces with a 4.88” sight radius would shoot. In my ammunition stock pile I have a few loads for .380s, most of it is mixed full metal jacket. This was fine to get a feel for the pistol.

Surprisingly even with its two finger length grip the G42 was wicked accurate. At 7 yards I was able to shoot a sub-2”, 6 shot group. Moving out to 15 yards the group opened up to just under 3” for 6 shots. This may not sound great but this is a small pistol that I can barely get a solid grip on with my big meat hooks. Once the TFX Pros are installed, I will shoot it again from a rest.

Even with it’s short grip the G42 is easy to shoot accurately.

With the proliferation of true pocket pistols, ammunition manufacturers have developed loads specifically for them. I am a fan of the Honey Badger solid copper loads from Black Hills Ammunition. The reason being, the solid bullet gives consistent penetration and the design gives a wicked wound cavity. Even with the new cartridges hollow points may not get the expansion through heavy winter clothing. The solid will still perform and it is a controllable if multiple shots are required. I like the bullet and trust it enough that I carry it in my daily carry Glock 19.

I primarily used BHAs 60 grain Honey Badgers and an odd box of Barnes 80 grain TAC-XPDs. Both loads were accurate.

I was happy to see the Truglo TFX Pro Sights were not delayed in getting to me. These days, most everything has been in short supply. What I like the the TFX sights is they are both fiber optic and tritium. The Pro has a “U” notch rear sight, which in my opinion is faster than a square notch. The human eye tends to center objects faster in a round sight. The round of the U does this while the legs allow for a precise sight alignment when needed.

The “U” Notch rear sight has tritium fiber optic vials for bright and low light visibility. It is fast and accurate.

The TFX Pro front sight has a day glow orange ring for fast sight acquisition in all light conditions.

The TFX Pro has three other features that set it apart from others. First is the bright orange ring of the front sight which makes this sight as fast as many mini-red dots for acquisition. The second feature is the ledge of the rear that allows for easy one-handed manipulation should one hand be disabled. For many folks the last feature could be one of the TFX’s best; they run $89.99 for a set. This is more than competitive with other tritium sights that offer far less features. Like BHA’s Honey Badger, I use these sights on daily use pistols.

The 6 round magazine is easy to load. Do not expect to do speed reloads, you will have to shift your grip for a reload.

So how does the G42 perform with TFX Pro Sights and NHA’s Honey Badger .380 ACPs? For a pistol of this size it is a tack driver. At 7 yards from a rest, even with a sweat induced flier; the 6 shot group was 1 ¼”. At 15 yards the same group was 2”. This is on par with some 5” barreled pistols I have shot.

I shot the mini-USPSA target at 15 yards, the Shoot N C was at 7 yards. These are 6 rounds from a rest.

The Glock 42 is a class leading pocket pistol that fits in the palm of my hand. If I needed a pocket pistol, I would carry it.

If I were looking for a pocket pistol the Glock 42 would be the first pick. As a matter of fact, it will be protecting family. I cannot endorse a pistol more than that. With a small pistol like the G42 shoot it. This pistol shoots accurately, allows for fast follow-up shots and most importantly is fun to shoot.

Normal Wear and Tear of the Leupold Mark4

By

Anna Martinez

-

August 25, 2020

Before we get into this let us take a trip down memory lane with the Mark4.

https://www.leupold.com/leupold-core/stories/30-years-of-service

Mindset

Often during inspections of the Knights Armament M110 the optic can be passed over due to the fact that it is inspected before every firing for looseness and proper mounting procedures. However there are things that wear on this optic, items that need cleaning or replacement that often get looked over.

The optic on a sniper rifle is a very finicky thing, it is a precision tool. When inspecting it is important that whoever is inspecting it has the mindset of both “operator and maintenance”. They need to understand that, as an operator, doing anything with the mount or dials can severely set the operator back on being able to deploy their weapon due to set zero and adjustments. Within this mindset though, maintenance folk can get lost. They can look over things that need replacement on the optic.

For example: The dials.

Mark4 Dials

Recently it was seen that Snipers have been using worn dials on their Mark4’s. To get around this, they would mark the zero with a sharpie and do their best to count their adjustments after that. As far as quick adjustments and everything else that needs to be thought of during a fast engagement of a target, that is not a great practice.

The photos below are from two different sniper sections within the state (Minnesota).

An Easy Fix

Turns out Snipers from all over the state were having this same issue. Normal wear but something that needed to be replaced ASAP. Reaching out to Leupold, they were stellar. First talked on was ensuring that the dials were cleaned properly. As dirt and grime can easily cover up the numbers. Once verified that it was wear, Leupold sent out each set of parallax, elevation, and windage dials for each gun. This is an operator installation so if you’re a maintenance folk don’t be afraid to send directly to your snipers.

Just small wrenches to install, no need to fear.

Huge thank you to Leupold for seeing the need and helping out with it so quickly and with knowledge.

Go to https://www.leupold.com/riflescope-troubleshooting#ImMissing if you need dials or any other external parts and talk to a customer service rep.

Note: Due to a lot of hardwork and perseverance by snipers alike, the Knights Armament M110 now has the Leupold Mark5 as the official optic. Look for it in other articles here on GAT.

https://www.leupold.com/leupold-core/core-insider/news/leupolds-mark-5hd-3-6-18×44-riflescope-chosen-for-armys-m110-rifle

The Razor and the Thumb…

By

Keith Finch

-

August 24, 2020

The Razor HD Gen III from Vortex is one of those industry standard setting optics. It embodies several traits that others, even those who make an exemplary scope, fall short on in one juncture or another. It hits the right balance of ‘excellent’ in all categories without going overboard to be the best in one at the expense of that balance. Well, except magnification and illumination which they flexed hard in.

In their words, “Screw 1-8’s.”

Mike, “THE GarandThumb” goes through the scope (two variants are available) and covers, again, why it should be on your short list of LPVO’s, if your optic budget is around $2k.

Believe it, that is a very reasonable optic budget for a fighting rifle you expect to stretch its legs (>100 yards). Spending the same or more on a (variable power) optic than you spent on the rifle is the norm for durable high quality glass. Red dots and fixed power options are another matter, but I digress.

Can you get perfectly acceptable 1-6’s for about $700-900 less? Absolutely. Should you consider those instead? Perhaps, especially in the SFP models. Does 1-6 cover your need? It could, it probably does in fact. Only you can decide if you want or need the capabilities of the 10x, an 8x, 6x, or even a 4x over a dot just as you would decide second or first focal plane.

The 1-10x is the bridge that now places fighting carbine optics in and beyond where sniper and DMR glass was during early and middle GWOT. This easily eclipses what the Mk12’s Leupold 2.5-8x could bring to an AR. It dramatically increases the PID capability of any rifle, a necessary capability both domestically and abroad. It delivers best in class reticle illumination which allows it to serve in the LPVO role where a reflex dot is what the shooter is looking for to break a quick close shot. 10x gives you that much greater capability to observe and, if necessary, take a positive and confident shot.

That optic might live at 1x 95% of its service, but if you need 10x you have 10x and you gave nothing up over most 1-6’s to get it, except money. And, depending upon the 1-6 or 1-8 you were looking at, perhaps not even that.

Individual optics from names like Nightforce, Leupold, and Schmidt & Bender may overshadow the Razor Gen III in a single category, usually glass clarity, color quality, or light transmission. But not one of them has delivered a 1-10, not one has matched the illumination and battery life, and in the grand calculus (just like the SCAR 16 rifle in SOCOM’s hands) the extra cost they all command is no longer delivering enough extra performance in comparison.

Vortex knew they didn’t have to be the best in glass clarity, weight, or size. They had to excel at them, but they didn’t need to be number one to set the new standard. Developments here are all diminishing return categories. Having a 14oz LPVO would mean nothing if it came out to $8,000 for it and 17-22oz optics are durable, affordable, and abundant.

Having the absolute most exquisite lenses for transmission of image is the same kind of thing. If the 8k TV is 400% of the price but the 4k TV is only 80% more and both deliver an objectively excellent image with highly desirable features, the 4k is going to win the appeal game until the 8k can hit that balance which includes price. Diminishing returns will keep the materially “best” systems in dramatically lower sales volumes while “great” systems thrive, objectively making them the best.

The Gen III having the highest magnification, while achieving near physical parity with peer optics, that stands out. Doing it in a common tube format for modern mounts, that stands out further (sorry Atibal, 34mm was the answer). Closely paralleling your current industry standard LPVO so that the new one can take over in place (by getting the same mount or rings, just in 34mm) brings even more interest…

Cracking the front focal plane illumination conundrum with an exceptional reticle (that you can see past, even) and keeping it at the $2,000 street price point. That sets new standards.

Like I’ve said previously, the Razor Gen II and Razor Gen II-E were not materially the best. Both the CQBSS and VCOG held material superiority in various categories. But they didn’t hold the balance in all categories, Vortex did, and that balance raised the stakes and caused a rise across the industry in quality, quantity, performance, and accessibility. The Razor Gen III was designed to repeat the feat, and it has.

The whole feature set makes it the trend setter. The most magnification with the best illumination in two exceptional reticle patterns through excellent glass, housed in an identically weighted nearly parallel eye-relieved body with defense industry preferred capped/protected turrets at a street price well within the current markets standards for optics.

a little knowledge about buying quality — I have found this to be 100% accurate.

Franklin Armory – Title 1 Suit

By

Keith Finch

-

August 24, 2020

Franklin Armory® goes to great lengths and expense to bring quality products to market that people want. Franklin Armory® has designed, developed, and begun the manufacture of a new firearm — The Title 1® — that is California compliant but is neither a rifle, shotgun, nor pistol. Franklin Armory® has, and will continue lawfully taking preorders from buyers in the state.

Tens of thousands of Californians have already placed deposits on the Title 1® firearm so they could get one as soon as they become available. Franklin Armory® has made it a priority to deliver on these pre-orders to their customers – but we can’t – because CADOJ is unlawfully refusing to process the requisite paperwork.

In response to this inaction, the law firm of Michel and Associates, PC is preparing a Mass Action Lawsuit to represent those persons whom CADOJ has prevented from lawfully acquiring their firearm. If you have made a deposit and are unable to receive your firearm(s) because of defects in the CADOJ designed and maintained Dealer Record of Sale Entry System, you should consider joining this lawsuit. There are no fees or costs involved for participants.

Even though the possession of Title 1® does not violate California law, CADOJ has deliberately refused to process sales of the Title 1®. As a result, Franklin Armory® retailers cannot transfer Title 1® firearms to consumers because licensed dealers cannot submit their sales applications to CADOJ online. The state-mandated system, Dealer Record of Sale Entry System (“DES”,) does not allow for the transfer of certain firearms that do not meet the limited predefined identifiers in the DES System. It is an easy technical fix, but CADOJ has deliberately delayed the simple technical correction to allow this product to be sold.

The sale of Title 1® firearms are being blocked by biased CADOJ bureaucrats. CADOJ was made aware last year of the need to add an “other” category to facilitate Title 1® sales but refused to take this step. This technological barrier prevents licensed firearm dealers from proceeding with a sale, transfer, loan, or submission of information to the CADOJ. The actual effect is that California firearm dealers cannot accurately submit the necessary information to the CADOJ for processing.

This, we believe, constitutes a violation of the CADOJ’s duty to accept and process all firearm applications and a violation of each purchaser’s due process rights. On behalf of the tens-of-thousands of people who put a deposit down to purchase the Title 1®, this lawsuit seeks to declare CADOJ’s conduct unlawful and to compel CADOJ and its agents to fulfill its obligations and process all Title 1® purchases that were made prior to any subsequent prohibitions, restrictions, and/or limitations.

To join the lawsuit or for more information, visit https://title1lawsuit.leverage.law/

FN M249 SAW Drive Rod Spring, Improper Install

By

Anna Martinez

-

August 21, 2020

The Incorrect Install

On the drive rod assembly there is a riveted or (dimpled) pin that holds the assembly together. Owners and operators of this gun often install the rod with the dimple up and exposed. I have also seen them somehow lock the two pins on each side inside the receiver at the 12 and 6 o’clock.

The Proper Install

Below is the correct installation of the drive rod and drive rod spring. The dimple should be DOWN and the pins should be locked in to the receiver at the 9 and 3 o’clock.

Why do we care?

There is a legit reason for installing the drive rod with the dimple DOWN. If anything were to break within the drive rod assembly that rivet that is holding those parts in would not be impacted by anything in the gun as it is protected by the bottom of the receiver. If the rivet were to be up and the drive rod were to break that rivet could be removed by other parts within the weapon and more damage could occur, not to mention the difficulty it would be to remedy the malfunction.

There are now drive rods that are being pushed out from manufacturer that have stamped on the rod “this side up” because it is still being installed incorrectly.

I too have installed this part incorrectly a number of times because I didn’t understand the “why” of it. After going to the FN M249/M240/MK-19 course by FN in South Carolina, I have not messed it up once because it registers as being something of importance.