SIG SAUER – 716i TREAD AR-10 Rifle

By

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March 24, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 24, 2020) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to introduce the 716i TREAD, a direct impingement, AR-10 platform that provides versatility for long range shooting and hunting while maintaining a lightweight design for easy carry. The 716i TREAD is easily customizable with existing TREAD branded accessories.

“The TREAD brand has gained recognition for offering premium products, at a competitive price point, that are designed, engineered and built with the same quality and innovation consumers expect from any SIG SAUER product,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The 716i TREAD brings the power of the AR-10 platform to the TREAD series and is an exciting expansion to the line. The rifle is lightweight with premium features right out of the box, and consumers can anticipate an affordable price point below $1,400 in stores. For those consumers that want to customize their rifle, they have the freedom to grow with TREAD branded accessories already available in stores that fit the 716i TREAD.”

The SIG SAUER 716i TREAD is a lightweight, forged aluminum receiver, direct impingement rifle that comes optics ready and features a precision nitride coated, carbon steel barrel, an ambidextrous lower receiver, a free floating M-LOK™ handguard, a 2 stage Matchlite Duo Trigger, a six position adjustable stock, and comes chambered in 308 WIN.

716i TREAD Specs:
Overall Length: 37in.
Overall Height: 8in.
Overall Width: 2.5in.
Barrel Length: 16in.
Barrel Twist: 1:10in.
Weight (incl. magazine): 8.5lbs.

The SIG SAUER 716i TREAD is currently shipping and available for purchase at retailers nationwide. Complete product specs and information for the 716i TREAD are available at sigsauer.com.

About SIG SAUER, Inc.
SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, and training. For over 150 years SIG SAUER, Inc. has evolved, and thrived, by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, SIG SAUER is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military, the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters, and responsible citizens. Additionally, SIG SAUER is the premier provider of elite firearms instruction and tactical training at the SIG SAUER Academy. Headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, SIG SAUER has almost 2,000 employees across eight locations. For more information about the company and product line visit: sigsauer.com.

The M16A5-I Rifle

By

Keith Finch

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March 24, 2020

The M16A4 was first introduced in 1997 with production sweeping outward in services for the next decade. In 2007 I was still issued an A2 variant for basic training, by the time I left MCRD San Diego A4’s were in circulation. I received an M16A4 when I landed in my slot at 1st Battalion 24th Marines but it had none of the optical goodies yet. We were heavy into GWOT in both theaters and the cool toys stayed overseas with the troops actually shooting at people. Within a year, I believe, we had ACOGs and PEQ lasers for our M16’s and small selection of M4’s.

There was an ongoing debate (some fueled by angry rhetoric from a rather pompously stupid officer) on what to do to keep the M16 (and M4) current or replace them. Tech has developed at an astounding pace and mistakes continued to be made when it came to equipment, mostly small but they were still there. Institutional stagnation played a role as units were cautious about implementing solutions, though often designed by the very war-fighters using the systems, and the have rifles suffered as a result.

A 2002 study had found that the M4 was less reliable than the M16 (99.73% overall reliability for the M4 vs 99.91% for the M16), mostly due to the fact they hadn’t figured out everything they had to do to the gas system and buffer yet. Not a surprising finding considering the AR-15 family was always envisioned as a 20″ barreled rifle system. But this led to the USMC hanging onto the M16A4 as the “3 times more” reliable system it was, even as both the M4 and M16 continued to receive internal improvements to tighten reliability numbers even further.

A decade and change later a study was released by the Marine Corps in February 2015 that outlined several changes that could be inexpensively made to keep the M16A4’s current. In parallel timing a small number of adjustable stock kits made their way out into the fleet to assist Marines of smaller stature. Another initiative during this time period was partnered with VLTOR Weapon Systems to knock out two items simultaneously, add adjustable stocks and further increase reliability.

A study of significant changes to Marine M16A4 rifles released in February 2015 outlined several new features that could be added from inexpensive and available components. Those features included: a muzzle compensator in place of the flash suppressor to manage recoil and allow for faster follow-on shots, though at the cost of noise and flash signature and potential overpressure in close quarters; a heavier and/or free-floating barrel to increase accuracy from 4.5 MOA (Minute(s) Of Angle) to potentially 2 MOA; changing the reticle on the Rifle Combat Optic from chevron-shaped to the semi-circle with a dot at the center used in the M27 IAR‘s Squad Day Optic so as not to obscure the target at long distance; using a trigger group with a more consistent pull force, even a reconsideration of the burst capability; and the addition of ambidextrous charging handles and bolt catch releases for easier use with left-handed shooters.^[183] – Summary of Marine Corps Times Article, Wikipedia

The VLTOR A5 Stock and buffer system is where the M16A5 concept draws its name — The best beard pulling stock ever assembled. Also the buffer system the Marines tested.

All these separate items conglomerated into the concept of an ‘M16A5’, despite it never really being a single project. The USMC would ultimately end up shifting M4’s to their infantry instead pursuing the A5, matching a move by the US Army.

The ‘A5’ died…

As a military project at least. I did my personal variant of the concept last year. It was envisioned as a least invasive modification that encapsulated most of the items the Marines had on their ‘wish list’ from 2015.

It turned out rather well but still had some short comings (especially for short folk). One year later, I’m moving forward with another phase of improvements.

M16A5-I (Improved)

Author’s FN M16 with a TA11 ACOG. 2019 PIP Concept

Two omissions originally made in my variant of the M16A5 compared to the 2015 USMC list were freefloating the barrel and an adjustable stock with upgraded buffer system. In the intervening time new products have been introduced to further enhance what can be offered to the AR-15 end user and I took some of those into account with my choices.

There is still no great way to freefloat the barrel of an M16, especially if you desire a front sight post gas block. That, to me, is just part of what makes an M16 an M16 still. Remove it and we essentially have a new Gucci AR variant and the M16 is no more.

Note: I see the Geissele URGI as an essentially new rifle too, where the early SOPMOD rails that kept front sight gas blocks on M4’s still kept them as M4’s. That is purely my internal logic, not any SOCOM nomenclature or secrets inside the military rifles.

I may (and I stress may, I do not see it as essential, just desirable) add a non-freefloating M-LOK handguard to replace the KAC M5 RAS. This would (assuming using the Midwest Variant and not a new design) shave 40% off the weight of the rifle’s handguard and bring it to modern ancillary specs. This option does omit the heat shield inside the RAS but opens the barrel up to more air-cooling and M-LOK panels that are heat resistant are prevalent.

The jury is out on that mod, but it is available. Picatinny is still the international standard, while M-LOK exists to omit unneeded rail space. It has the benefit of being structurally superior also. Grips and a few lights have added direct to M-LOK mounting options but optics are still rail mounted, rail is great for building interfacing recoil support, and they are likely to remain rail mounted for a long time yet.

Improved Stock and Receiver Extension (Buffer Tube)

I did opt to add an adjustable stock to the M16… finally.

Originally when I chose the Magpul Rifle MOE Stock it was for that least invasive upgrade potential. The MOE only required a single screw (and the careful detainment of a tiny spring for the rear takedown pin) to change over. It added the better cheek weld surface, improved length of pull (reduced to A1 length), and increased sling compatibility.

It did not give adjustment. The MOE is just as fixed as the A2. It fits a greater percentage of users to a more comfortable degree but it can still suffer from the ‘one size fits one/none‘ problem. To a much lesser degree mind you but it is still present. The M16A5 I had finished would still not adequately fit folks of small stature. It fit my stature for more modernized shooting but I’m the stature the A2 and A4 were built around in the first place.

So, in recognition of their contribution to the USMC A5, I chose a VLTOR receiver extension. Not their A5 7-position though, a shorter 5-position standard M4 length one (more on that in a moment). Any decent M4 tube will do, but the VLTOR has numbers to reference position and that is nice.

Onto that tube went the B5 Systems SOPMOD Bravo. The Bravo omits the waterproof ‘hide a snack/battery’ tubes of the original SOPMOD and has an improved shoulder interface geometry. “Storage” stocks and grips have always seemed to be a solution in search of a problem, nice but overall far from essential. What was essential were QD sling swivel slots, and the Bravo has them right where I want them.

Bonus: Way less beard hostile then the EMOD, a stock I do otherwise like.

Since I was adding an adjustable stock I also needed a receiver end plate. This doesn’t need to be fancy, it can be the boring old M4 piece that costs a few dollars. I put the Magpul ASAP-QD on.

Will I use that added socket? Probably not, but it is there for a one-point sling for a reason. I rigged an M16A4 with industrial metal zip-ties in years past to do what that end plate gives me, and does so much more easily and securely… seriously the A4 has no good sling compatibility, it’s still the weakest point in my opinion on the M4/M4A1 and M16A4’s in service and we’ve known better for years!

Anyway, new receiver extension/buffer tube, stock, and end plate with proper staking. Seriously, staking the end plate is the easiest thing and then the castle nut won’t walk. Do it. Hammer and a cheap punch, one whack, done.

Improved Buffer and Recoil Spring

There’s no great mystery to my choice here. The A5 receiver extension, buffer, and spring system work very well. But my personal favorite system is the Geissele Super 42. And given that the Super 42 with H1 was on the shelf (and is recommended for rifle length systems) while the A5 was not, the Super 42 got the win.

Geissele Super 42 chosen for the M16A5-I project — Mmm.. Springy

As the improved trigger system is also a Geissele (SSP) adding a second/subsequent part to source for the M16A5-I parts list was an easy choice.

Improved Optics and Light

Last year the ACOG was still retained as the optic of choice for the M16A5. There was flexibility in the choice between the improved TA31 RCO, TA11 SDO (which was on it), and a Gen2 TA50. I still recommend ACOGs, they are a simple robust optical solutions.

LPVO’s are the future standard, however. The Marine Corps took the leap by announcing the upgrade to the VCOG 1-8x as the new Squad Common Optic (SCO). I will probably join them in that choice at my financial leisure. Several fine LPVO choices in 1-6x and 1-8x exist today and a standard setting 1-10x will be arriving next month.

M16A5-I use an LPVO like the VUDU — VUDU Optics 1-6x FFP LPVO

The EOTech VUDU 1-6x is currently the serving sight. I learned to love LPVO’s on this optic out at Thunder Ranch. It made 400 yard shots a joke, 500 a breeze, and 600 worth taking. That was with a 14.5″ rifle. Giving it 5.5″ of extra powder burning (velocity building) time in the barrel only makes 5.56 rounds happier on terminal effects, especially the heavier ones.

Am I saying the VUDU is the sight? No. But it is one on a list of quality options to fill the role and until I get the Trijicon, for largerly nostalgic reasons, it’s going to serve. EOTech’s on Military rifles still feel right, and SOCOM continues to agree.

Fun Fact: SOCOM re-chose the EOTech even after the whole thermal drift lawsuit fiasco. The improved sight was the best for what they wanted.

Light

I’m not running night vision so no PEQ, DBAL, or MAWL, subject to change but not relevant for my equipment at this moment. Instead a Surefire M600DF Scout gives me plenty of workable light for what I need. A Cloud Defensive or Modlite are equally/even more serviceable options for this role. Streamlight’s are still the choice budget conscious option.

So there you have it, the M16A5-I. Mine is built on the FN15 Military Collector Series but an Aero Precision or BCM URG will serve just as well if you want to do something on the concept. And a lot of us have time right now.

EOTech is Changing Ownership

By

Keith Finch

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March 24, 2020

VUDU16Eotech — VUDU Optics 1-6x FFP LPVO

Ann Arbor, Michigan (March 24, 2020) – American Holoptics LLC™, a privately-held U.S. company, has signed a definitive agreement with L3Harris™ to acquire EOTech®.The transaction is expected to close mid-2020 and is conditioned on customary closing conditions. American Holoptics is a subsidiary of Koucar Management, whose strategic acquisitions of Elite Defense® and HEL Technologies™ represent a solid foundation of cutting-edge optical science and weapons systems distribution. The American Holoptics leadership team has an exceptionally broad and deep experience providing high-quality products to the global weapons accessory market. In addition, this team has a proven track record of building customer-first and technology-focused organizations. “We’re proud to sign this agreement to join our team and technology with the EOTech brand,” says Matt Van Haaren, CEO of American Holoptics. “EOTech brings together technologically advanced product lines and production capabilities that will integrate well with our existing business and strategically expand our product portfolio. Together we will deliver an all-new level of service, innovation, and integrity to military, law enforcement and civilian users around the world.”

About EOTech®
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, EOTech designs, manufactures and markets electro-optical products, VUDU rifle optics, thermal devices, and night vision systems. Due to its advanced technology, EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sights (HWS) are among the fastest and most intuitive sighting systems on the planet. This is exactly why you’ll find them on the weapons of America’s most elite law enforcement professionals and special operations warriors. You’ll immediately see the advantage the instant you engage a target. www.eotech-inc.com

H.R. 5717 – Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act of 2020

By

Keith Finch

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March 23, 2020

A BILL

To end the epidemic of gun violence and build safer communities by strengthening Federal firearms laws and supporting gun violence research, intervention, and prevention initiatives.

Ha! Okay, let’s gloss over the ban, register, and “buyback” (what they didn’t own it in the first place) of vast quantities of common firearms and accessories that still account for the smallest segments of firearms related violent criminal acts. I’m getting tired of reading the most egregious firearms bills ever because someone somewhere on Capitol Hill takes that as a challenge, by God.

In this case it was Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia and his friends.

Mr. Johnson of Georgia (for himself, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Brown of Maryland, Mr. Morelle, Ms. DeLauro, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Mr. Keating, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Moulton, Ms. Pressley, Mrs. Trahan, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Neal, Ms. Clark of Massachusetts, and Mr. Pascrell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

Oh and it starts off strong in the gun controller wishlist.

Firearm Licensing

Nothing engenders more trust and respect in the governments faithful protection of your civil rights than getting a card to exercise them, am I right? I am tired of the ‘we license drivers’ argument… so tired. It isn’t the same

“§ 932. License to own firearms and ammunition

“(a) In General.—Except otherwise provided in this section, it shall be unlawful for any individual who is not licensed under this section to knowingly purchase, acquire, or possess a firearm or ammunition.

“(b) Eligibility.—An individual shall be eligible to receive a license under this section if the individual—

“(1) has attained 21 years of age; and

“(2) has completed training in firearms safety, including—

“(A) a written test, to demonstrate knowledge of applicable firearms laws;

“(B) hands-on testing, including firing testing, to demonstrate safe use of a firearm;

“(C) as part of the process for applying for such a license—

“(i) has submitted to a background investigation and criminal history check of the individual, including a background check using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, to ensure the individual is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under subsection (g) or (n) of section 922; and

“(ii) has submitted a photograph of the individual;

“(D) has not been determined by a court, in accordance with subsection (c)(5), to be unsuitable to be issued a Federal firearm owner’s license; and

“(E) is not otherwise prohibited by Federal, State, Tribal, or local law from possessing a firearm.

This is a literacy poll test ladies and gentlemen, make no mistake. It is a bid to actively deny your right with the thin veil of being certain you are responsible enough to exercise that right. And, as a license, of course it will cost money. A right tax, a mandate to do these things to prove yourself worthy and paying for the privilege.

It would be more reasonable to tax if the government provided, like roads. If with your license you also received a steeply discounted P320 and an M4, access to quality and reasonably abundant training facilities and instruction, and an annual ammunition allotment for common calibers with a discount on acquisition of more ammo, there would indeed be value in a license.

But I know for a fact that at the end of my licensing I’m not going to be taken into a John Wick style fitting room where I am greeted with a selection of fine wears and an instructor ready to further my discipline all on tax payer (even partially) expense. None of that will be true, not remotely. No money collected from the licensing will be spent on making education and selection more accessible or maintaining the orderly discipline of arms. It will be used, at the lowest possible percentage of total, in some vague “gun violence prevention” program which will amount to police doing their jobs like normal.

“(c) Establishment Of Federal Firearm Owner’s License.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General shall issue a Federal firearm owner’s license to any individual who is eligible under subsection (b).

“(2) ISSUANCE OF LICENSE OR NOTICE OF DENIAL.—Not later than 40 days after the date on which an individual submits an application for a Federal firearm owner’s license under this section, the Attorney General shall—

“(A) determine whether the individual is eligible to possess a license under this section; and

“(B) based on the determination under subparagraph (A)—

“(i) issue a Federal firearm owner’s license to the individual; or

“(ii) provide written notice to the individual of—

“(I) the determination that the individual is ineligible to possess such a license based on the requirements described in subsection (b), which shall include an explanation for the determination; or

“(II) a petition filed under paragraph (5).

They can hold you up for 40 days. More than a month before the government is required, by themselves, to issue a determination. And unlike Brady you do not automatically get a license after the waiting period and there is no written penalty against the government in failing to discharge the licensing duties.

If you’re denied you must appeal, like with NICS, and that is a slow and arduous process that will only be slowed further with this. LEO’s are, of course, exempt. They mandate a yearly background check on licensees and that manufacturers start inscribing the date of manufacture on firearms, despite meticulous records already being in place for manufacture and transfer.

A 10 gun per year sale limit is now to be enforced, you need a license to buy or rent any firearm. The government telling you with arbitrary numbers what you do and don’t need. If I needed or wanted to sell off a portion of my collection it would require me to have an FFL at beyond 10/year. To say nothing of if I needed to move to somewhere I couldn’t bring them, even temporarily. It sounds like transferring them to anyone would require both parties to have a license, even if just for storage or safekeeping.

Red Flags – Oh Yes, they’re back

“(L) the State shall establish processes under which—

“(i) an individual whose covered license is revoked or suspended, or whose application for issuance or renewal of a covered license is denied, shall surrender or transfer all firearms and ammunition that are or would have been covered by the license; and

“(ii) an individual who is subject to an extreme risk protection order or a domestic protection order, as defined in section 2266 of title 18, United States Code, shall surrender or transfer all firearms and ammunition in the possession of the individual;

“Are or would have been covered..” is a concerning phrase, despite earlier language that older arms have a ‘grandfathering’ provision if your license gets denied for any reason all your firearms sound like they are immediately forfeit.

New, longer, and mandatory waiting period

SEC. 202. COMPLETION OF BACKGROUND CHECKS; 7-DAY WAITING PERIOD.

Section 922(s)(1)(C) of title 18, United States Code, as amended by section 201 of this Act, is amended—

(1) in clause (i), by striking “; or” and inserting “; and”; and

(2) in clause (ii)—

(A) by striking “3 business” and inserting “not less than 7 business”; and

Normally after a NICS check is initiated the government has to complete this “instant” check within three business days if it requires review. This puts reasonable pressure on NICS to do their job and not delay a person from purchasing a firearm without merit. Under the new law it looks like this would be changed to no transfer can occur before the passage of 7 days and that an incomplete check from NICS is just a permanent denial of the purchase by placing it in limbo.

ASSAULT WEAPON AND SILENCER BAN

To legislate something you must define it… so

“(37) The term ‘semiautomatic assault weapon’ means any of the following, regardless of country of manufacture or caliber of ammunition accepted:

“(A) A semiautomatic rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any 1 of the following:

“(i) A pistol grip.

“(ii) A forward grip.

“(iii) A folding, telescoping, or detachable stock, or is otherwise foldable or adjustable in a manner that operates to reduce the length, size, or any other dimension, or otherwise enhances the concealability, of the weapon.

“(iv) A grenade launcher.

“(v) A barrel shroud.

“(vi) A threaded barrel.

“(B) A semiautomatic rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds, except for an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.

“(C) Any part, combination of parts, component, device, attachment, or accessory that is designed or functions to accelerate the rate of fire of a semiautomatic rifle but not convert the semiautomatic rifle into a machinegun.

“(D) A semiautomatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any 1 of the following:

“(i) A threaded barrel.

“(ii) A second pistol grip.

“(iii) A barrel shroud.

“(iv) The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip.

“(v) A semiautomatic version of an automatic firearm.

“(vi) A manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when unloaded.

“(vii) A stabilizing brace or similar component.

“(E) A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.

“(F) A semiautomatic shotgun that has any 1 of the following:

“(i) A folding, telescoping, or detachable stock.

“(ii) A pistol grip.

“(iii) A fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 5 rounds.

“(iv) The ability to accept a detachable magazine.

“(v) A forward grip.

“(vi) A grenade launcher.

“(G) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

“(H) All of the following rifles, copies, duplicates, variants, or altered facsimiles with the capability of any such weapon thereof:

I’ll save you the trouble of reading through it all. It is everything. Every semi-automatic with a box magazine is a “semi-automatic assault weapon” and banned. Because ultimately, as I emphasized above, everything “has the capacity to accept” those listed items. It’s literally a matter of installing it on most firearms made in the last 50 years.

Also they basically defined barrel shroud as “handguard” so we know we’re working with ‘top men’ on getting this whole definition thing right on point.

“(v)(1) It shall be unlawful for a person to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, a semiautomatic assault weapon.

Basically, everything. Every semi-auto that isn’t internal magazine fed and 10 rounds or less, the M1 Garand and SKS. Maybe even them because “capacity to accept” is a broad term and could basically mean ‘can be installed’.

They did put a ‘grandfather clause’ in, they had to. But is only for possession, not transfer. So it looks like we keep them, we die, and that’s it.

Funny enough under the “exempt” section they have an AK, Century M70 Sporter, listed as Bolt Action. Further proof that only the very best experts looked at this pile of garbage and gave it their blessing. Subject matter guru’s one and all.

They then go after home built “Ghost Guns” and make sure those are illegal too. You cannot serialize your own guns without an FFL for manufacture.

“It’s all bullshit folks. It’s all bullshit and it’s bad for ya.” – The Late George Carlin.

So, readers. Let’s get onto the house and remind them they have other priorities and that this won’t stand. Any of the links will take you to various sections of the bill, it is a nightmare.

Carry rotations are a bad idea

By

Caleb Giddings

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March 23, 2020

It’s Monday, so we’re going to talk about why carry rotations are a bad idea. What is a carry rotation? It’s when people decide which piece of life-saving equipment they’re going to carry not based on their mission or potential threat, but rather on feelings. “Oh it’s Tuesday, so I’ll carry the Ruger today” is an example of a carry rotation. Carry rotations are a bad idea, and we’re going to look at why.

Understanding what a carry rotation is and isn’t helps us avoid making mistakes. A carry rotation is carrying different guns at different times with no mission driven purpose. It’s like saying “I’m going to carry a Glock 19 on Monday in a Dark Star Gear holster because there is a full moon” and then on Tuesday carrying a revolver because “three fifty seven” starts with the letter T like Tuesday. On the other hand, carrying different guns for different mission purposes isn’t a carry rotation.

For example, let’s say that your EDC is a Beretta APX. But when you go running, you carry a Smith & Wesson 340PD because it’s easy to conceal and light enough that it won’t yank your running shorts off. Another reason to carry a different gun would be if you were issued a Glock 17 for work, but carry a Glock 43 when you’re off duty. Different guns, different purposes.

One of the reasons this is a bad idea is they prevent you from becoming well-versed with one gun. When you’re carrying 5 different guns a week, you never really form a bond with one of them, they’re all just rotating accessories. The biggest thing about carry rotations is that it indicates the person carrying all these guns isn’t interested in personal protection so much as they’re interested in “being the guy/girl carrying a gun.” It’s a different attitude, and leads people to make bad decisions. Don’t be “the guy with the gun,” be the guy or girl who is serious about self defense.

Man Sized Targets Suck

By

Travis Pike

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March 23, 2020

Okay, that headline is meant to be incendiary, and it’s a little click baitish, but a good part of me stands by that statement. Man sized targets are likely the most common targets for those training with a combat mindset. I use them, and I do so quite a bit. The problem comes from only using man sized targets.

The Good Things About Man Sized Targets

There are a lot of benefits to man sized targets, especially realistic targets. The old school B27s leave a lot to be desired, but the printable targets from Sage Dynamics, the Modern Warrior Project T1 targets, and the RE Factor tactical targets are all great man sized targets.

They allow you to visualize the critical components of the human body. That’s great, but if they are the only target you are using, you are making a mistake. Man sized targets are good for training, but also seem to be great for the ego. Hitting one isn’t difficult, and a lot of people misuse them when it comes to training.

‘Combat accurate’ is a term I hate and seems to be tossed around a lot and justified with man sized targets.

The Downsides of Man Sized Targets

I’m no SF gunslinger, but I’ve traded rounds with the Taliban a few times, and in every firefight, everyone involved on both sides seemed to want to be as small as possible. My opponent was man sized, but they never presented themselves to me the way a B27 presents itself. They hid, showing as little as themselves as possible.

Frequently they weren’t the best trained and they weren’t pieing corners or alternating shoulders and stances, but they were behind cover. I’d hazard to guess that most people try and take cover when shooting at each other, I know I would.

You have to be precise, and to be precise you have to train to hit small targets. A lot of people give competition shooter’s a lot of crap, but IPSC regularly uses hardcover targets that make shooters engage with precision onto a notionally covered target.

Bad Guys Use Cover Too

After my first deployment, I served under then Gunnery Sergeant Viggiani. He’s now a Warrant Office and is reshaping the Marine Corps rifle qualification. This man is a true hero, a badass, a killer, and the Marine that all Marines want to be.

He took our training and skills to a new level with a rifle. In a time when the Marine Corps was using big green man sized targets with T Zones, chest zones, and pelvic girdles marked, he challenged us to be even more precise.

In one course of fire, he attached playing cards to the targets in various areas. Some you’d expect like the head and chest, but not all. Sometimes they were in weird positions on different parts of the body. Those playing cards were the only area that counted for hits.

This made you think and react accordingly to where you could shoot. Better yet, it broke you lose from the mindset of a predictable, center mass target. In a real fight, you might not be able to shooter center mass, only visible mass.

Aiming at the left portion of a shoulder was entirely different from aiming center mass. But if all you can see is the shoulder, you do have a target. Safe engagement and bullet accountability is still a factor, but recognizing your options to end the fight is essential.

Changing Up Your Training

Next time you train at the range, bring a dot torture target and practice shooting the dots. Or staple cards to man sized targets. Or set up fake cover for a target to hide behind. By fake cover, I mean cardboard or taking the IPSC route and marking parts of the target that are behind cover.

Don’t let the ego growing nature of hitting man sized targets limit your training. Don’t be afraid to shoot weird targets at weird angles. You’ll never be able to predict a violent encounter, so you might as well be ready for anything.

Keep your man sized targets. They can be excellent training, but also challenge yourself to be a better shooter. Remember that bad guys use cover to and you may need to be precise to beat them.

Cook County, IL: Taxing a Right isn’t infringement!

By

Keith Finch

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March 20, 2020

Chicago Police Dept Barrier — Retro Style Photo Of A Police Riot Barrier In Chicago, Illinois

Of course it isn’t. It only disproportionately impacts people in lower income brackets and otherwise denies them that right. Sure, a $25 tax on a firearm only shifts the price about 3-5%, oh and then another 6.25% Sales tax of course. And the ammunition cost is only increased 10-25% on top of the 6.25% sales tax so what could possibly be prohibitive about that? 10-25% cost increases never exclude anybody, that’s just science. They’ve never caused a single bad thing to happen ever, ask anyone who had their rent or mortgage jacked by 10-25%. Easy day. [/sarc]

Panel: Ammunition, gun taxes not ‘prohibitive’

An appeals court has upheld Cook County taxes on firearms and ammunition.

The 1st District Appellate Court has ruled a $25 fee for gun purchases and 5 and 1-cent surcharges on ammo do not violate the federal or state constitution.

Justice Shelvin Louise Marie Hall authored a 25-page opinion, noting that even the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions that affirmed individuals’ right to bear arms made clear the right “is not unlimited” and “conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms” are still fair game.

So Cook County wants to keep their extra money… I. Am. Shocked.

She wrote that the taxes, enacted in 2012 and 2015, don’t really infringe upon gun-ownership, which is the core protected conduct of the Second Amendment.

“Nor are the taxes at issue prohibitive or exclusionary; we find it difficult to say that the taxes, $25 and $.05 per round respectively, are anything more than a ‘marginal, incremental or even appreciable restraint’ on one’s Second Amendment rights,” Hall wrote.

No? I’m sure nobody in Cook County has ever been at a point where $50-75 made or broke the bank for them that pay period or the next. I’m sure they love paying that much extra over sales tax. It doesn’t discourage them at all from seeking out instruction to better exercise their right safely when the cost for a class jumps 20% in ammo alone. I’m sure none of that feels appreciable.

“To be sure, while it is clear that the firearms tax and the ammunition tax increase the costs of purchasing firearms or ammunition in Cook County, a law does not substantially burden a constitutional right simply because it makes the right more expensive or difficult to exercise,” she added.

Infringe: act so as to limit or undermine (something); encroach on.

Does making it more expensive and difficult to exercise ‘limit or undermine‘ the right?

I’ll let you ponder that. Take your time.

Hall, joined by Justices Mary K. Rochford and Mathias W. Delort in the ruling Friday, also rejected claims the county taxes were unconstitutionally arbitrary and preempted by statewide laws.

The suit was filed in December 2015 by Guns Save Life, Inc., Des Plaines-based Maxon Shooter’s Supplies and Indoor Range, and a county resident named Marilyn Smolenski, a member of Guns Save Life who paid the 5-cent tax on an ammo purchase under protest and who claimed she would modify future firearms purchases because of the taxes.

That was a month after the Cook County Board enacted the ammunition taxes, $0.05 per round of centerfire ammo and $0.01 per round of rimfire ammo. The $25 fee on all retail gun purchases was enacted in late 2012.

Plaintiffs argued those taxes impermissibly burdened their Second Amendment rights as well as their rights under Article 1, Section 22 of the Illinois Constitution, which is similar to the Second Amendment but states the right to bear arms is “subject only to the police power.”

They also claimed violations of Article 9, Section 2 of the Illinois Constitution, the Uniformity Clause, which states tax classifications should be “reasonable” and subjects and objects taxed “uniformly,” and that the statewide Concealed Carry Act and Firearm Owners’ Identification (FOID) Act preempted local regulations on guns and ammo.

Cook County Associate Judge David B. Atkins partially granted a motion to dismiss filed by county officials, ruling Maxon and Smolenski only had standing to challenge the ammo tax, not the firearms tax, though, he also ruled Guns Save Life had standing to challenge both.

He then granted summary judgment for the county in August 2018, ruling the taxes did not meaningfully impair the right to bear arms, and even if they did, they were substantially related to a government interest because some of the tax funds go toward public safety. Atkins also ruled plaintiffs didn’t show the taxes violated uniformity, and that they were outside preemption because they were a proper exercise of county taxing power.

Ah, so if it funds “public safety” it’s all good. Infringe away through financial means as long as a few pennies end up with the Police, EMS, or Fire Department.

“Turning to the ordinances at issue here, while they involve firearms and ammunition, it is clear that the challenged taxes on the purchases of firearms and certain types of ammunition within the [c]ounty do not restrict the ownership of firearms or ammunition,” Hall wrote.

How not? It’s an extra cost above and beyond the costs of material, manufacture, and time put into making the firearm available. That cost is then tacked on just because it is a firearm or ammunition.

“It is the right of ownership of firearms and correspondingly, ammunition, that is at the core of the Second Amendment, which, as noted by Heller, is not itself unlimited. The taxes could reasonably be considered a condition on the commercial sale of arms,” she added.

At the end of the day, the panel wrote, the gun surcharges are akin to sales taxes, which are levied on all kinds of goods and services.

But these aren’t levied on “all kinds of goods and services,” these are specifically added to firearms, whose access is explicitly constitutionally protected unlike most goods and services.

“Plaintiffs, and any other purchasers of firearms and ammunition, are already subject to sales tax on the purchases. Plaintiffs do not argue that such sales tax on the purchase of firearms and ammunition violates their right to keep and bear arms,” Hall wrote.

Because everyone pays those on a broad selection of goods and services. This tax is in addition to that general evenly applied tax and specifically targets arms and ammunition, which again are constitutionally protected.

I expect another appeal and this may end up going all the way federal court, even the SCOTUS, because of the issue at hand. In the meantime gun controllers are going to gun control, and use any method they can find to justify doing so.

Enhanced Performance Magazine and Why the Cloners Don’t Need It

By

Anna Martinez

-

March 20, 2020

There is a saying when it comes to Magazines in the Army. “black put it back, lean with the green, tan is the plan”. This was used to refer to the plethora of different magazine followers still circulating the organization. As the weapon system changed, so did the magazine. As most know though, it takes time for old equipment to circulate out of the military. So with normal change, that saying is no longer valid either. A part of our M16/M4 weapon systems has changed, and that’s the ammo.

The Evolution of Magazines

“Back in Vietnam”, no literally though, back in Vietnam, magazines were designed as 20 round disposable magazines. Which lead to a less than reliable 30 round magazine with the same stamped aluminum and a follower tilt that caused malfunctions. Mind you, our ammo changed a lot during the coming years. With advances in weaponry there come advances in ammunition, which leads to advances in magazines. When I was searching for more history on magazines, this M4Carbine thread popped up, and I love how in depth it gets. The great Will Larson from Semper Paratus Arms comments a bit. Go ahead and nerd out.

The EPM

The EPM was created specifically for the M855A1 round. It is distinguished easily by a tan body and blue follower.

M855 vs. M855A1

On the new ammo. In this article, we aren’t here to talk FPS, grain, or anything along the sort. I specifically want to talk about the shape and material of the new round vs the old.

On M16/M4 rifles, there are feed ramps. These feed ramps help the round slide up and into the chamber, just as a normal ramp helps on a loading dock. With the followers two things assist the feeding further, the shape of the follower and the tilt/angle. The tilt gets the round up that ramp. The M855A1 “needs some help” due to the length of the round and the hardened material on the tip. The bullet is hardened steel at the tip and not a copper jacket, steel beats aluminum. Without the help of a magazine with the correct follower, that hardened tip severely damages the bottom of the feed ramps. Smallarmssolutions.com shows a great example of this and also has some added information on the round.

The MAGPUL Polymer Magazine

Other branches have decided to totally adopt the PMAG as their go to magazine. For the Army, it is now listed as AAL or Additional Authorized List. The PMAG has an anti-tilt follower and will run M855A1 efficiently. Soldier Systems lays it out including NSN.

[Editor’s Note: The PMAG has been shown as the best magazine for M855A1 in all formats, but there is a difference between the Marine Corps components ~280,000 total needing PMAGs and the U.S. Army’s components ~1,200,000, logistics are fun]

The Army Logistics

What is authorized? Currently, the black followers ARE NOT AUTHORIZED to be used with ANY ammunition. The Enhanced Performance Magazine and the Magpul PMAG are the only authorized magazines to be used with M855A1 ammo.

When should we order them? If you are running M855A1 ammunition, you need to be ordering the magazines that are authorized to run it.

How do we order them? Get with your supply. The EPM’s are a one for one swap with the old magazines. NSN for the EPM from Soldier Systems again.

BII vs AAL? Basic Issued Items are what is needed to make your weapon a complete weapon. AAL is Additional Authorized List and are items that you can order in addition to the complete weapon system. EPM’s are listed under BII and PMAGs are listed under AAL.

When to Trash Them

Magazines have come so far from being disposable to durable reusable. With that though, we still need to be aware of how to maintain them and when to dispose of them. Magazines are often one of the first things you want to check when having a malfunction. Many things go can go wrong (or right) with magazines. The spring, floorplate, feed lips, follower, and overall shape of the magazine, it’s important to know when a magazine is showing signs of being done and to research those when buying a new one.

Parts of a PMAG from left to right: Body, follower, spring, floorplate. Multitasker Series 3x to pop the floorplate off. I label my magazines with my initals and a number to decipher magazines if a malfunction is seen.

When dealing with aluminum there is actually a gauge that you can use to check the feed lip wear. If you’re using pliers on your feed lips, it’s probably time to trash that magazine. Also with USGI aluminum you will probably run into malfunctions before knowing the status of your magazine. You can replace springs and followers, and rebuild the whole magazine, but if the housing is bad what’s the point? A legitimate double feed is a tell tale sign that your feed lips may be bent or worn.

A magazine lip go/no go gauge that can be bought off Brownells.com

The nice thing about polymer magazines is if it’s bent or worn it cracks and breaks. You can physically see that it’s broken before you throw it in your gun and have a malfunction. They are easier to visually check than aluminum.

If you’re worried about your magazine spring being worn, keep a brand new spring and tape it somewhere and don’t use it, so that you can compare used ones. PSA: keeping your magazines loaded won’t wear out the spring, removing and loading ammunition constantly will wear the spring.

Oh and since we are here, 28 or 30 rounds loaded in the magazine for most efficient functioning you ask ? See below for a great video on it from Chuck Pressburg.

Cloners

Ah, something new just came out for mil, I NEED IT SO I CAN UPLOAD PICTURES ON THE INTERNET.

[Editor’s Note: Remember kids, if it isn’t 100% ‘Clone Correct‘ (for version whatever of the M4 SOPMOD we’re on) it’s hot garbage and you should feel bad and cry yourself to sleep at night. /sarc]

Okay, I kid, cloning mil rifles can be really cool, and fun. But dang does it get out of hand sometimes. Like with these magazines. There is no reason why you need an Enhanced Performance Magazine when running your 5.56 or .223 ammunition on the civilian market. M855A1 is only available to government entities, not on Brownells or Widener’s. If you’re buying it on the creepy back alleyway black market, go ahead and buy the magazine.. but you probably have PMAGs so…

Why do we care?

To end, I like to always state why this specifically has become something I’m passionate about. I have seen Soldiers screwed on the range when it comes to qualifications due to equipment (especially magazines) in poor condition. Yes, they should be able to clear that malfunction. But they shouldn’t be at greater risk of that malfunction during a scored qualification. Seconds can mean the difference between life or death, it’s not always qualifications on a flat range. If soldiers are using poor equipment CONUS, they may be deploying with that same equipment where it really matters.

Taken from the most recent All Army Match

T36 – Bundeswehr Clone 9-Hole Review

By

Keith Finch

-

March 19, 2020

The T36 (American G36 Clone thanks to Tommy Built Tactical) is one of those Holy Grail firearms for me. Has it been surpassed in ways by modern designs like the HK 433 or MCX SPEAR? Sure. I don’t care though. The FN SCAR 17 was my first ‘Holy Grail’ firearm several years ago, one I believed to be unobtainable for my meager mortal being.

Then I got one. It was everything I could want from it and lived up to all the hype (and moncher of poorly mounted or low quality optics) it is still my absolute favorite all around rifle. A close second is the, SCAR 16 which I didn’t actually want at all because I, like SOCOM, didn’t see great improvements on paper over any other quality 5.56 rifle. Then I shot one for awhile and decided I was both right and wrong. While the SCAR 16 doesn’t do anything terminally much better than even an M16A4 or M4A1 (caliber limitations are real) it was an amazingly soft shooting platform with a recoil impulse that was just right. I can run an AR, or a ______ 5.56 rifle and muscle it a little to behave how I want but two rifles stand alone as not needing me to do that. The SCAR 16, and more recently acquired Rifle Dynamics RD NATO. Both just stay put when I squeeze the trigger…

Anyway, back to ‘Grail Guns’. I’ve seemed to make a habit of picking up rifles that were always obscure objects of desire and adding them to inventory instead. I’ve got two major ones remaining, an MCX Virtus in FDE is the lesser one. I wouldn’t even consider it ‘Grail’ status, it is just a solid service grade carbine I don’t own an example of yet. But the real ‘Grail Gun’ is the T36.

Tommy Built has made getting hands on G36 clones eminently doable from the near pipe dream it once was back when you had to butcher an SL8 and rebuild it. And as Josh and Henry show above, it’s an accurate and effective system even before being brought up to modern specs for ancillary equipment. It has pop culture cred and its just damn cool. The G36 and AUG before it set the stage for ‘space-age’ looking modern rifle layouts (no, not you SA80/L85, you sucked until the A2/A3… still bad, just passably bad).

Anyway, thank you Josh and Henry, I know want a T36 badly… again.. and there’s some spare cash in my pocket… And maybe coronavirus checks… It counts as emergency equipment right?

Five Great Firearms Instructors

By

Caleb Giddings

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March 19, 2020

If you carry a gun for personal protection, it’s important to get good training. Here are five great firearms instructors that will help you become a more capable and safer shooter. There are lots of trainers and groups out there, the reason I recommend these five great firearms instructors is because I have personally trained with them.

This isn’t presented in any order, number five isn’t worse than number one, rather it’s a list of five people who have specific skills and competencies in areas I think are important for a well-rounded concealed carrier to have. Starting the list at number five is InSights Training Center, located in Seattle, Washington area. If you’re reading this in the future, right now we’re in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, so traveling to Washington state might not be a great idea right now, but once we get a handle on this, definitely head to Seattle and train with InSights. They have classes that cover everything from the basics all the way to some pretty advanced shooting classes.

Next is Citizens Defense Research, and specifically their Armed Parent/Guardian class. TAP/G, as it’s called, is an excellent class that covers the nuanced aspects of carrying a firearm for personal protection around your family members, including children. There is some unique course material in here that I strongly recommend to any parent who carries.

Third on our list we have Craig Douglas, who runs Shivworks. The class we’re specifically talking about is Extreme Close Quarter Concepts, which deals with the unique problem of gunfighting in close contact. Through ECQC Craig covers everything from how to manage strange people in the street, all the way up to grappling with a gun. The shooting techniques are focused on solving this unique problem, and make sure to check your ego at the door!

Coming in at second is my friend, Scott Jedlinski. Scott, aka Jedi, runs Modern Samurai Project, and is an absolute wizard at two concepts dominating the firearms space right now: appendix carry, and red dot pistols. Scott is also a lifelong practitioner of Brazilian jujitsu, and uses that athletic approach when he teaches shooting. In fact, a minor tweak Scott made to my stance helped me win the coveted FAST Coin in the next person’s class, Ernest Langdon.

Ernest runs Langdon Tactical, and his classes also administer the FAST Drill, a tough challenge of pistol skill. He’s a great instructor, who is well thought of by other instructors and industry professionals. He’s also a former IDPA and USPSA National champion, and a technical consultant for Beretta.

Any one of these five great firearms instructors would be an outstanding choice to seek training from. I can’t be complimentary enough, and if you’re looking for a place to take your next class, all of them are an awesome place to start.

This is For Reals, People

By

Dr LateBloomer

-

March 19, 2020

Ever since getting back from SHOT I’ve been writing articles about the Corona virus that are cautionary but a tad joking. The joking is now over. I am dead serious here when I say,

STAY THE F*$% HOME

Unless you have a mission critical job that requires you to be out and about, you need to isolate yourselves and your families. The more people who catch this virus, the more likely that we will have a healthcare crisis in this country and people literally dying in the hallways of our hospitals – like Italy.

You know how in defensive classes they talk about Normalcy Bias? How you hesitate because you can’t believe this is happening? Did that guy really just pull a gun on me? You know how they talk about how important it is to overcome that? It is critical that you do not succumb to normalcy bias now, either. Take action NOW.

There are some memes floating around that hint at the seriousness of the situation – implying that if you don’t stay home you might end up with an ob/gyn doing your intubation and ventilator settings, or an ophthalmologist treating your pneumonia. They are joking, but they are also dead serious.

I have been asked multiple times by multiple people if this is overblown. Let me assure you that it is not. While I do not work for the CDC, I have a Master of Public Health degree in addition to my MD, and studying infectious disease and epidemiology was part of my training.

This numbers game is real. There are only so many ICU beds and ventilators in the country. Even if that can be flexed up, there are still only so many ICU nurses with specialized skills, only so many respiratory therapists, and only so many doctors who are specialized in critical care medicine to go around. (See the above meme)

Even if the Army and National Guard is mobilized, many of those folks are already working their butts off in civilian hospitals. Pulling them to go work their butts off in Camo somewhere else does not help.

Add to that the fact that healthcare workers get sick too. It’s not like flu season where the health workers are vaccinated against what they’re treating. We are just as at risk as everyone else, and even more so because of continued exposure.

If/when healthcare workers catch the virus, the available caregiver workforce is reduced even further. So those numbers are reduced just as virus cases are increasing. Do the math.

Even in my own private practice office we are looking at the real possibility of having the entire office closed and quarantined for weeks at minimum if we doctors or any of our office staff become ill. Then we can’t serve the community at all. Subtract even more healthcare from the equation.

Add to that the fact that ER doc friends are already saying that they don’t have enough N95 masks to protect themselves and are reduced to trying to bleach and reuse a disposable product.

Please do NOT rely on the fact that you yourself may be young and healthy and low risk. You can still give the virus to someone’s grandmother, someone’s spouse, or a mission critical other person who the country needs right now.

Please take this seriously.

Follow the directions from your state and local health departments.

Flatten the curve. Do it NOW – before the spread becomes exponential.

Stay home except for critical activities like food or medicine.

Work from home if at all possible. If you are out of work, try to find something productive to do to serve the community from home.

Check on your neighbors – like the older couple next door.

WASH. YOUR. HANDS.

Settle in for the long haul, because it doesn’t look like this is going to be over in a month. I’ll be back to my usual snarky shelf soon, but this has been a very stressful week and I wanted to impress upon everyone how important and serious this all is.

Live Long and Prosper.

Coronavirus Gun Buyers Guide

By

Travis Pike

-

March 18, 2020

First off, I want to welcome you to the wide world of guns. Especially if this is your first gun. Depending on where you are in the United States buying a gun may be tricky with lots of paperwork, long waiting periods, and other unsavory infringements. Coronavirus gun buying is at an all-time high and apparently some politicians are trying to limit your ability to buy guns. You may be feeling the pressure. There is lots and lots of info out there, but let’s consider this your crash course.

I Want a AR 15!

Great idea. The AR 15 is a fantastic firearm and one of the best available for new shooters. The AR 15 is an awesome rifle and an awesome home defense weapon. You might be thinking I’ll buy this 350 dollar AR! That’s a bargain! The perfect Coronavirus gun!

aero precision ballistic advantage rise armament and eotech come together on thunder ranch — Photo by Aero Precision, M4E1

It’s likely not. Certain companies and certain AR 15s aren’t great guns, even though they are cheap guns. This isn’t an article on bashing companies so we won’t name names. If you want an excellent compromise between price and quality go with an Aero. Aero Precision AR 15s run the gamut on prices, but their affordable models are still well made and their premium models are just that.

They are just a little less fancy. The Aero Precision AC 15 can be had for as little as 500 dollars, but they might be a tough find. The M4E1 is a major step up in features and is a bit more common. It’s also a lot of rifle for the price and well worth it.

I Need a Cheap Coronavirus Gun!

Okay, I hear you. Maybe even 500 bucks is too much. If that is the case then I’d like to point you to the SKS. The SKS is an old rifle, it’s from a just barely post-WW2 world. It’s not fashionable or fancy, but it’s built for war. The SKS can be had for $299 and it will likely last you the rest of your life.

Stock SKS is the best SKS. The SKS is a capable, but affordable rifle for defensive use.

Pro-tip, keep the gun stock. Ten rounds isn’t a lot, but a reliable ten round is better than an unreliable 30 rounder. Buy some stripper clips and you can reload pretty fast. It’s a potent round that’s also super cheap. The SKS is a well-proven rifle that’s compact enough, light enough, and powerful enough for protection.

Plus it’s as close to 50 state legal as you can get for the money. Is it 50 state legal? Possible depending on configuration, but more than likely you’re good to go regardless of where you are. As far as Coronavirus guns go this is likely the cheapest you are going to get in the realm of reliable guns.

I’ve Never Shot a Gun Before

An AR 15 and an SKS are relatively light rifles, but maybe you want something lighter, and even easier to shoot. If this is the case I’d choose the Ruger PC Carbine. Any model of it. It’s super light, and light recoiling. It’s chambered in 9mm, and compatible with Glock magazines. Most configurations are legal across the country.

The base model is superbly affordable. It’s also reliable, easy to find, and anyone can handle a 9mm rifle. The Ruger PC Carbine even breaks down into a super small package. It’s a great gun for newbies. If you’ve never fired a gun before this is where I’d go.

With so many people coronavirus gun shopping, the Ruger PC Carbine should be high on the list. Men and women of all ages and sizes can handle it.

What About Shotguns or Handguns?

As far as choosing a coronavirus gun I would advise against handguns or shotguns. Handguns are hard(er) to shoot and hard(er) to be accurate with. They take lots of practice to just shoot okay with. Handguns aren’t the route I’d take for a first gun especially for home defense, but if you go that route anyway I’d go with a 9mm mid or full size. They are affordable (prices run the gamut but they can be had cheap), reliable guns with a good history. The SR series, the Security 9, and the American handguns are a good choice at a low budget. Glock, Sig, CZ, S&W, all names you’ve heard too I am sure.

I love shotguns, enough to annoy our editor [Editor’s note: The damn truth right there], but I wouldn’t suggest one for a new shooter. A 12 gauge is going to be the most likely choice because that’s the most common shotgun and is almost the only caliber made in tactical configurations. Finding a short barrel 20 gauge or 410 is tough to do. A 12 gauge shotgun is great, but packs lots of recoil, low capacity, and typically a manual action that takes training to master. Training takes time, and time with a trainer is something we’re short on.

If you want a shotgun as your coronavirus gun you can’t go wrong with a Mossberg Maverick security model, or a bare-bones Mossberg 500 with an 18.5-inch barrel.

Ammo for your Coronavirus Gun

This is tricky because of the nature of panic selling and buying. If it gets dry it’ll be tough to find quality defensive ammunition. For the SKS or AR 15, a standard FMJ will get the job done. For a handgun, I’d choose a jacketed hollow point from Federal, Hornady, Speer, or Winchester.

For shotguns keep it simple, go with 00 also known as double aught.

Will You Need A Coronavirus Gun?

I don’t think the situation is going to get so bad you need a gun. You can’t shoot the coronavirus. I do understand the fear of not having a means to protect yourself, and I do encourage gun ownership. If you have time you need to hit Youtube and start watching the basics of firearms safety, and how your weapon works. Youtube is a brilliant source of information on guns.

Hopefully, you’ll keep your coronavirus gun in a post coronavirus world and find a means to get proper training with reputable instructors. If you have questions shoot the website a message and I’ll do my best to answer it. You can also reach me at Instagram @ Travis.l.pike. [Editor’s note: If you email me, the benevolent overlord editor@gatdaily.com ATTN: Travis with your questions I’ll get them over to him too.)

“Weapon System” – Gun Folk Nomenclature

By

Keith Finch

-

March 18, 2020

Josh and Henry are back with another video, this one covering some of the methodology they use and help making the effort to help you, the view/reader, get more from the data the present.

In this short they do a fantastic job of defining an often overused and loosely used term, Weapon System.

But first, let’s define weapon.

Weapon:
a thing designed or used for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage.
a means of gaining an advantage or defending oneself in a conflict or contest.

So one can have a physical weapon, like a club, a knife, or a firearm, or it can mean having a more abstract advantage like a piece of information held in reserve or a person with a highly advantageous skillset.

In this context we are addressing our discussion around the first definition, a physical object. In most cases this will be a firearm and attached components which fill out the ‘system’. Henry points out the three critical or core parts of the systems they most often push data on (firearm, ammunition, and optic) but you can break it down further if you’re looking for a more specific answer.

The question is do you need that more specific answer and if so for what reason(s)?

This isn’t a dig, per se, against asking detailed questions. It’s a comment on getting wrapped up around the details when the answer someone needs is rather more general. In many cases the answer they are looking for can be justifying a decision they made prior to more information coming into their possession and they might be looking to save face. People are still catching onto the fact you are allowed to buy things ‘just because’ and not everything has a super tactical reason for it. Also ‘best you could get’ is a real situation too, especially now.

What I’m getting at is the minutiae. Whether the AK-74 variant or the M4 Clone has a slight edge and for what reasons are gun academic discussions and they can be fun. However if the base question is, ‘Will X rifle serve as a good home defense weapon under basic circumstances’ then the minutiae remains purely academic, unless that individual asking is choosing between a Brown Bess musket and a BCM Carbine.

Weapons of near parity are peers in this context. My tricked to the nines FN SCAR and a completely slick Century Draco pistol could both be an equivalent value answer to the question. But they could also be completely right or wrong answers to the question.

If the base question requires specificity, then those details will matter quite a bit. If you look at something like the NGSW it has a list of very specific requirements it is asking of the system. Weight, muzzle velocity, caliber, terminal ballistics, accessory compatibility, detection mitigation, heat mitigation, maintenance and replacement cycle, and so on down the list. As the questions get more detailed the details do matter, but for all of us sitting in the individual disorganized end user slot this is almost never the case. We are simply too low volume and general purpose of a user for it to be critical (beyond academic) knowledge.

So will that bare bones AK pistol with iron sights work as a defensive gun? Yes. Is it better/worse than my SCAR with LPVO, offset RMR, Surefire light, and D60?

Maybe?

This is where we circle back into the ‘system’ and building it to fit your want and/or need.

The base rifle reliably goes bang when you pull the trigger and hits what you put the sights on? Yes? Good you’ve got the base of your system. You select an ammo that keeps it going bang when you pull the trigger and hitting what you aim at and you’ve got 2 of 3 parts of most systems right there. If that ammo has the added bonus of improved terminal ballistics for your application, good. This is why departments and the military have specific ammo selections.

Now the last part was ‘Optics‘ or more broadly ‘Accessories’, the ancillary additions that enhance what you can do with the base rifle and ammunition combination. This will be the optic, light, laser sight, grips, higher capacity magazines, slings, extra buttons, etc. that all make ‘doing the pew thing’ easier. If one of those doesn’t make it easier, you don’t need it.

And remember… You. Are. Part. Of. The. System. So be sure that you’re keeping in working order too.

You’ve got the time.. Get your dry fire game on – MantisX X10 Elite

By

Keith Finch

-

March 17, 2020

Good skill is built by repetitions and feedback. We’re always able to do repetitions with an empty gun, but it is the feedback aspect that really makes or breaks value per repetition. Feedback from live fire is also a necessary element to improving your technique, but live fire of most sorts also have some feedback with hits on steel or holes in paper.

But holes in paper or the ring of steel is only an end result, it’s a part of the whole dataset of taking a shot. There is even less objective data from dry fire because we only have our internal perspective.

MantisX changes this by giving you all the motion feedback you’re missing and the X10 Elite is the best of all worlds.

X10 Elite

Mantis X uses a motion tracking sensor that has been refined from all the data collected from previous versions. It knows better than any other system what a “shot” moves like and what a “dry” shot moves like for rifles, shotguns, handguns, and even can track for bows.

The software is also constantly learning. Shot tracking, both dry and live fire, is also constantly improving.

It’s a simple and yet critical dataset. We poor humans are just not sensitive enough to track all the little motions we are imparting onto a firearm as we’re holding it and squeezing the trigger, Mantis X is. The X10 Elite has the full range of software to operate off of any common orientation and deliver its feedback to you.

This is critical in seeing how you are moving the gun during the shot process. The X10 gives you individual shot and aggregate information so you track and correct your habits properly and more quickly than diagnosing through live fire could give you on its own. The X10 can even give you some of the most common errors and tips for fixing them based on the information it is collecting.

Mantis includes a number of drills, all of which can be done dry, on a CO2 recoiling sim pistol, or live. The sensor knows the motions its going through and can keep track of your times and efficiency. It’s far more accurate than phone based ‘shot timers’. Those apps are trying use microphones designed for human speech a few inches or at most feet away to accurate gauge gunshot noises and distinguish them from echos and competing chauffe. The X10 is tied to the motion of your pistol and so only the proper moves of your pistol will cause it to record a shot, no sound interference since it isn’t sound based.

The MantisX app allows you to organize your data and practice sessions in order to track both your weaknesses for further work and your progress in any given area over time. The whole dataset is incredibly well organized, quickly highlighting what you’re doing through every microscopic time slice of the shot process so you can isolate what’s throwing your shot off.

From just about any exercise, it is easy to go from dry to live fire, switch hands, or check the data you’ve already collected.

Finally, and perhaps the single best feature to help you, Mantis X includes full training programs of daily drills. Better yet, it reminds you to do them and if you don’t you lose progress. It shames you into practicing like a stern but polite fitness coach, and it works. That feature, more than anything, has impressed me and kept me engaged using Mantis and refining my TDA trigger presses.

So get you one, sit back on your forced vacation, and practice!

Active Meditation

By

DRGO

-

March 17, 2020

(from slideshare.net)

If you’ve been on the internet lately, you’ve heard about meditation. It’s an ancient practice that’s gained popularity over the last few years, thanks to a number of successful and influential people who use meditation as a tool.

Science seems to back up their claims that meditation can improve focus, creativity, and productivity (among other things). However, traditional meditation may not be your preferred method for achieving these results.

It might be difficult to find the time to sit down and meditate every day. Maybe it’s a little too touchy-feely for your taste. Just sitting still and breathing for extended periods of time feels unfair for most people.

Regardless of why standard meditation practice might not be for you, there is good news. You don’t have to sit down and breathe deeply with your eyes closed to enter a meditative state or get the benefits of meditation. There are other activities that can achieve the same results as regular meditation.

Here’s how it works:

The meditative state

There’s a ton of literature on meditation and how it works to reorganize your brain structure for the better.

However, the common thread that stands out is simply being present. The goal of meditation is to maintain focus on one thing for a longer than usual period of time. And that thing should be what is happening right now.

Many experts recommend that beginners focus on their breathing, because it’s always there, and it’s always happening. But you can focus and meditate on anything.

And that’s where outdoor activities come in. Outdoor activities give you a near endless list of things to focus on in exactly the same way. Shooting at the range is a great example, because you can only be consistently accurate by shutting out all distractions and focusing on the target, the trigger and your breathing.

Runners may focus on the beat of their footsteps or their breathing for hours as they run. If you’re skiing you can (and should) focus on the sensations from your ski boots. There are plenty of sights and sounds to sense in nature if you’re just out for a walk in the woods.

No matter what, there’s something you can concentrate on. The trick is to keep your attention directed there.

Staying focused

What makes meditation both effective and challenging is maintaining focus. No matter what, your brain is going to find things and get distracted. Finding new things to pay attention to is your brain’s evolutionary job, since that could keep you alive if a danger arises.

The key is to bring your attention back on target when you notice your mind has wandered from your chosen focus.

Be kind about this for yourself. Resist the tendency to get frustrated if you feel you get distracted too easily or if it’s tricky to notice when you lose your focus. Staying focused on one thing for a long time is difficult. But it’s worth it to get the benefits.

Not only is it good for your mind, it can make doing the things you love more enjoyable as you paying direct attention to what’s around you, rather than mentally staying in the office.

Set realistic expectations

Setting unrealistic expectations is probably where people experience the biggest disappointments in adopting meditation. If this happens to you, it’s not entirely your fault.

Many people talk about meditation in very grand terms. They present meditation as something incredibly life changing.

Well, meditation can change your life. And drinking tea instead of coffee can also change your life. However, your day-to-day experience probably won’t change much by switching to tea, or begin meditating.

“Change your life” is a deceiving term. It sounds very big. It sounds like it should make the difference between living on minimum wage and living like Bill Gates.

In reality, life changes usually come about very subtly. Occasionally, something comes along and really turns things upside down. But meditation isn’t one of those things. The positive changes typically come slowly and incrementally.

It may take weeks or months of consistent meditation to get meaningful results. When you do start to experience them, they may not be obvious. Coming up with ideas for projects more easily or being able to focus on a single task for longer aren’t the sort of changes that will blow your mind.

So it’s key to set realistic expectations. Understand that you’re doing something that will slowly improve your mind over time, and that the benefits are cumulative.

That extra five minutes of focus or finishing projects a little faster will grow into a noticeable effect. Be patient—in fact, becoming more patient with the world is another benefit of meditation.

The good news is that it’s a pleasure to integrate meditation into outdoors activities that you enjoy. Getting outside with some intentional focus will help you more reliably build up those subtle, cumulative benefits. You’ll find yourself more refreshed by your time outside. As it comes, you’ll realize that you’re experiencing rewarding changes without even noticing the effort.

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—Jay Chambers is a Texas archer, shooter, survivalist and business owner at Minuteman Review. He believes in free speech, resiliency and self-sufficiency in an increasingly unpredictable world.

All DRGO articles by Jay Chambers