This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of shooting the Tavor SAR and X95 rifle systems.
The bullpup design is advantageous as well as unique but requires some additional training to effectively employ the system under stress. Your instruction will be conducted by members of the law enforcement and special operations community.
*This course may require some moderate physical activity.
Core Topics
Core topics that will be covered include:
Ballistics
Function of the Tavor system
Cleaning and maintenance
Zeroing
Fundamentals of shooting
Shooting from various positions
Reloads
Malfunction clearance
Near and far target engagements
Turns and pivots
A case of ammo down range over the next two days and a refresh of fundamental rifle disciplines.
Low Light Critical Handgun Employment reintroduces you to your handgun while learning proper low light techniques and shooting proficiency in the dark.This class emulates the standard CHE program while further developing mental control, technical skill and decision making with the use of a weapons mounted and handheld light. Timed and graded drills and performance based task show you where your training is breaking down. Potential students absolutely must have prior vetted training to attend this course, students will be required to shoot a standards test at beginning of the class on demand.
[Ed: This is a piece rich in ideas and connections. It will be concluded on Thursday.]
Frederick Douglass was loaned out for a year to Edward Covey in 1833 “to be broken”. Prudent common-sense measures kept Blacks (slave and free) unarmed, or lightly armed at best. “If at any one time of my life more than another, I was made to drink the bitterest dregs of slavery, that time was during the first six months of my stay with Mr. Covey. . . I was somewhat unmanageable when I first went there, but a few months of this discipline tamed me. Mr. Covey succeeded in breaking me. I was broken in body, soul, and spirit.”
Eventually, Douglass ran away from Cohen, returning to his master, who sent him back to Cohen. Upon his return a fellow slave gave him a magical root to carry with him, said to protect him from beatings. The root seemed to work at first, until Covey attempted to tie Douglass. Without knowing “from whence came the spirit”, Douglass resolved to fight.
“We were at it for nearly two hours.” Cohen was a quick learner. “[A]t length he let me go, puffing and blowing at a great rate, saying that if I had not resisted, he would not have whipped me half so much. The truth was, that he had not whipped me at all. . . . The whole six months afterwards, that I spent with Mr. Covey, he never laid the weight of his finger upon me in anger. . . . This battle with Mr. Covey was the turning-point in my career as a slave. It rekindled the few expiring embers of freedom, and revived within me a sense of my own manhood.”
The Treasurer of the United States, preoccupied with the pressing demands of public finance in 1862, neglected to remit the annual Federal payment due the Sioux tribe. The Sioux had guns for hunting—not many, enough for sustenance. Mainly, they lived on credit from traders (at usurious rates) until the annual payment enabled them to clear their accounts and the cycle would begin another year. When the annuity was long overdue, credit was cut off. The most prominent trader, Andrew Jackson Myrick, allowed: “Let them eat grass, or their own dung.”
Relations between the Sioux and other Minnesotans varied from good to contemptuous; it depended upon the prejudices of each white settler. Ultimately, the annuity arrived a few days too late to head off an uprising.
Hostilities were sparked by an incident involving three hungry Indian hunters, three eggs, and their murder of one white farmer’s wife. The drive toward war promptly spun out of control, driven by Indian animosity precipitated entirely by white contempt and indifference. The atrocities on both sides were outrageous even by the standards of the day. They are far too gruesome to detail here.
Ultimately, the whites prevailed over the Sioux. A military commission sentenced 303 to death. Some trials, from gavel to gavel, stretched to 5 minutes. Because Lincoln commuted most of the sentences, the Army hanged just 38. Still, this was the largest mass execution in American history.
The Civil War was precipitated by battles for control over various Federal policies. Common sense decisions—e.g., to tax imports by Southerners to finance Northern infrastructure development—antagonized Southern whites. Finally, when Southern Congressmen had had enough, they walked out of deliberations and returned to their home states to confer withtheir constituents.
Imprudent decisions led to ill-conceived plans to attack the Federal fort at the port of Charleston and to maintain control of the isolated facility. Northern interests were unconscious of the fact that Southerners were armed, had the will to fight, and had the preponderance of military leadership skills. The North ultimately prevailed, but at the cost of 500,000 American lives—about 5% of the population. The physical plant of Southern cities and plantations was devastated and recovery took much of the following century.
The battle over the civil rights of freedmen and their descendants also unfolded slowly over the succeeding century. The war was followed by the loss of the Northern white, liberal interest that had been awakened by hostilities and remained fervent during the 12-year Reconstruction era. Only very gradually did the practice of lynching die-down after World War I.
Race relations stabilized sufficiently by the 1960s to allow for the emergence of a peaceful Civil Rights movement. “Peaceful” is too generous a word to apply without qualification. The white powers that prevailed—in state and municipal governments in the south—were determined to show the uppity Blacks that government intended to maintain its monopoly on the use of force. Whenever the show of force by uniformed officers was insufficient to maintain order, whites (sometimes draped in flowing color-matched robes) complemented government efforts.
America was fortunate that Black leadership judged that there was more to be gained by a rational appeal to classically liberal white Northerners; violence would not be prudent. But, pacifistic sentiment would easily turn in the face of violence precipitated against them.
Overt rhetoric advocating arming Blacks and their shows of force—e.g., by the Black Panthers—was successfully suppressed. (See the Mulford Act signed by then California Governor Ronald Reagan.) Nevertheless, Blacks did arm themselves in self-defense and regularly responded with violence when threatened by violence. The history of such efforts—most notably by the Deacons for Defense and Justice—has been carefully suppressed in the recounting of Black history.
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—‘MarkPA’ is trained in economics, a life-long gun owner, NRA Instructor and Massad Ayoob graduate. He is inspired by our inalienable rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and holds that having the means to defend oneself and one’s community is vital to securing them. All DRGO articles by ‘MarkPA’
Welcome to Part 5 (and the Finale) of “A Pediatrician Builds Her Own AR”, or #soeasyapediatriciancandoit, brought to you by Aero Precision and Ballistic Advantage.
To recap previous installments, Part 1 of this series covered the ordering of parts and tools, Part 2 covered the receiving and preparation, Part 3 covered the Lower Build, and Part 4 covered the Upper build. The Finale today covers the test shoot and final thoughts.
If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that the upper build involved my Murphy moment “oops” which resulted in a bent gas key. The build was all finished except for waiting for a replacement BCG to arrive, so I had a bit of a lull. Once the replacement arrived however, I was ready for a range trip and a maiden voyage.
A couple gun club friends agreed to meet me at the range one evening last week for the test shoot. I wanted someone to inspect my work and to supervise me for safety’s sake, since I had never done a build before. I had planned on just using the Aero pop-up sights that I had, but one of those friends tends to buy-up parts on sale, so he had an assortment of scopes for me to try as well.
I received a great education on scopes and why some of them cost what they do, including some of the physics involved and also the difference between Chinese vs Phillipino vs Japanese glass. In the end he supervised my installation of the Aero lightweight scope base and Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8X24 that I chose from his collection.
I do not have any laser boresighting equipment. I usually just seat-of-the-pants it. But this is where having generous and helpful friends comes into play. That piece of laser technology saved me several rounds of ammo to get myself in the ballpark – without firing a single shot.
After the bore sighting I got to load up and fire the official first shot. I double -checked that the barrel was swabbed out and there were no obstructions, then loaded a single round of Black Hills Ammunition .308 Win Match 155gr Tipped Match King into the magazine.
While my friends backed-up and watched, I threw a towel over the receiver as instructed (to help deflect small debris in case of a problem?), lined up the scope and squeezed the trigger…
What a satisfying Bang! It worked perfectly! I was soooo tickled! I built this gun from parts – and it actually worked!!! What a rush!
The view from behind the scope
The felt recoil was not at all what I thought it would be – the VG6 Epsilon muzzle brake did its job. The fellows confirmed that there was a bit of an effect on bystanders though LOL.
After the test shot, then there was some scope tweaking on 100 yard steel, but we ran out of daylight before I could get photos of the dial-in on paper. I had to save that for another day.
Range Day 2
When I made it back to the range on a rainy Saturday, I was very pleased with my new M5’s performance. Once I got accustomed to the Geissele SSA-E trigger, I walked-in my scope at 50 yards until this was my six shot target.
Six shots at 50 yards
That was good enough to get me smacking 6 inch hanging steel at 200 yards.
Six inch hanging steel at 200 yards
I am no one’s idea of a precision shooter, so for me with a 1-8 scope that was pretty durn good. 200 yards is as far as my club range goes, so if I want to try anything farther, I’ll have to go somewhere else. For my purposes – deer and hogs – 200 yards is a very long shot for the terrrain I’ve hunted. Thus, I pronounce this gun “perfect” for the use I built it for! I am so tickled!!
Wrap-up
First, I am very grateful for everyone who helped me with this project and I am very proud of myself for learning how to do this rifle build. In retrospect, although it was intimidating at the start, it really wasn’t “that” difficult. What it took was a willingness to learn about the various parts and pieces, some reading (and watching videos) and learning what tools were needed for the job and why. Beyond that, it took some patience and some time and enough humility to ask for help when I was stuck.
There was some significant financial outlay, I won’t kid you about that. Apart from the obvious cost of the gun components themselves, the cost of tools (if you don’t already have them) can add up. That’s why as I mentioned in Part 1, it is quite reasonable to accumulate what you need a little at a time – either budgeted for yourself monthly or requested as gifts – and/or to borrow from supportive friends.
You would probably save-up for awhile to buy a factory-built AR 308, so you can approach a build the same way. The advantage to the build is that you can buy your components as you have the money and get that thrill every time when the parts boxes hits your front porch. That strings out the excitement for months before you actually start assembling!
Learning to do this was quite a bit outside of my usual life experience, but that doesn’t mean that one has to be a machinist or an engineer (or a man) to be able to acquire these skills. An average person with average mechanical ability can do this. Heck, during the week that I put together the lower, I also learned how to make sourdough. And that was in addition to my usual duties as a practicing physician.
Remember that Heinlein quote from Part 1? We are not insects. I did this. YOU can do this too. There is zero reason to be a one-trick-pony in life. Why not learn how to build your own gun? Aero Precision made it easy with quality parts.
I discovered that one of the great advantages to a build-it-yourself project like this is that I now have a much better understanding of the various parts of the gun and how they interact within the whole. That should serve me well in the future if I need to diagnose malfunctions. I might be able to more quickly narrow down the problem than I could have previously. Understanding “how” your firearms work can be as ultimately important as learning how to operate them safely.
Speaking of safety, I need to point out that I don’t have any illusions of being an actual gunsmith. I used my friends who do have those skills as resources to check my work before I proceeded to the test-firing. I suggest that if you are a novice like me, that you also use the resources of a qualified gunsmith to review your work when you are finished.
After this learning experience I can enthusiastically recommend Aero Precision and Ballistic Advantage if you are looking to try a home build of your own. The parts were of superb quality. There were no sharp edges, no burrs, no globs of cerakote, or any other imperfections. The holes always lined up exactly the way they were supposed to. Everything fit well with no issues, perfect machining.
I uttered minimal profanity and didn’t even throw anything in frustration. For a low frustration threshold person like me, that is saying something! With the exception of the heavy bench vice and the go/no-go gauges, I used all of my own tools. This is a do-able project for almost anyone with a willingness to learn the process.
I am exceedingly grateful to everyone who supported, advised, and encouraged me in this project. I owe my friends some shooting time and some dinner! This was a FANTASTIC learning experience and I can’t wait for hunting season!
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and build your own Aero Precision gun! If a middle-aged female pediatrician can do it – SO. CAN. YOU!
There is a little company called the Modern Warrior Project doing some big things in the tactical industry. I first found them due to their T1 Target and have followed them for quite some time. The Modern Warrior Project has since released a second target, an awesome reference guide, and now a massive report on Use of Force around the country. They post a ton of useful information on their Facebook page and they recently posted two training sessions designed to be short and sweet. One for rifles and one for pistols.
These shoots need minimal ammunition and are designed to exercise the basics of combat shooting with a handgun or rifle. The Modern Warrior Project design the rifle workout to utilize only 30 rounds and the handgun workout utilizes 50 rounds. These are designed for the Modern Warrior Targets. The T1 human target is for the handgun, and the multiple target T2 is for the rifle.
The Rifle Workout
I went with my new, and much beloved, M16A4 clone from Aero Precision. You’ll need 30 rounds, at least two magazines, and one mag pouch. I went with a belt mounted Wilder Tactical Pouch. The drills are shot at 21 feet and the use of the Multi Target T2 keeps things challenging. These different shaped targets are smaller and more challenging to hit at the short 21-foot distance.
The Drill Is As Follows
You start in a relaxed casual defensive posture. Each step of the drill has you firing one round into each of the targets. The T2 has ten smaller targets printed on it and each target will get three shots before the Workout is over. You’ll start with:
10 Side Steps 5 to the left and 5 to the Right
I simply alternated between left and right steps and fired at the target in the opposite direction of where I was stepping. It was simple but effective. This drill is partially snapshot and partially moving. It surprised me just how difficult this was to do with speed. I stepped and drove the weapon to a firing position at the same time. I quickly learned to take my time and make accurate shots rather than fast ones. Speed will come with time, but accuracy is forever.
7 Emergency Reloads
Emergency reloads are done when you are completely empty and you need to fix that… now. You disregard magazine retention and allow it to fall and reload as quickly as possible. Practicing mag reloads is something I do all the time so I felt confident and quick here. Bolt locked back on an empty magazine, reload, fire an accurate shot and you’re done.
3 Tactical Reloads
A tactical reload is done when there is a ‘lull’ in the fight and you have time to reload. If you aren’t moving you should be shooting, if you aren’t shooting you should be reloading, so on and so forth. This reload has you retaining the magazine and loading with a ‘full’ magazine. I started the 3 reloads with a round in the chamber and each magazine has one round loaded into it. This is a valuable skill for police and military shooters. The retention of magazines is critical and they can provide a refreshed source of ammo.
8 Immediate Action Malfunctions
Tap, rack, bang baby. I started with an empty chamber and with a magazine with one round loaded. Quick and simple, and very effective. Modern Warrior Project designed these for new shooters so let’s explain what tap, rack, bang is. TAP: The act of firmly striking the bottom of the magazine to assure it is locked and seated correctly to feed rounds into the gun. RACK: Running the guns action manually via the charging handle or slide to cycle out possible malfunctioned ammunition and load a fresh round from the properly seated magazine. BANG: Reacquire sights, check for continued validity of the target, and then attempting to fire if necessary.
2 Remedial Action Malfunctions
When tap rack back doesn’t work you have to make things more complicated. Attempt to place the weapon on safe, remove the magazine, retain it. Now you want to pull the bolt back to the rear and observe the chamber. If necessary lock the bolt, clear the malfunction and then reload and start firing once more. This is an invaluable drill and should be done slowly and carefully.
Modern Warrior Rifle Workout
The Modern Warrior Rifle workout is designed to be simple and easy for most shooters. It’s perfect for beginners and exercises important skills necessary for effective rifle employment. The Modern Warrior rifle workout is quick and requires very little equipment. It’s perfect for shooters of all skill levels and reinforces important skills every shooter should have.
The Modern Warrior Pistol Workout
The Modern Warrior pistol workout is also a simple set of drills designed to exercise the basics of combat handgun skills. The drill needs a box of ammo, a magazine pouch, two magazines, a T1 Target and is shot at 15 feet.
The drill starts with:
10 Draws to Full Extension
I carry concealed so I ran the drill from concealment. Drawing and firing can be tricky and should be practiced dry first. Make sure your finger stays off the trigger until the gun is on target. Draw, fire a shot to the chest, but remember not to immediately reholster. Keep your gun on target to build good habits and not training scars.
10 Side-Step Into Draws 5 left and 5 right
This is much more challenging than a standard draw and fire. You want to be able to draw and sidestep at the same time. By the time you are done moving you want your gun to be on target. Start dry and start slow. Move with a purpose, and with confidence. Practice both drawing and moving at the same time. Take your time and be accurate, speed will come with time.
6 Emergency Reloads
Start with your slide locked to the rear and go into a full presentation. Simulate firing your last round and go into an emergency reload. Let your magazine drop and reload as fast as possible, fire one round into the target. This is simple, but a lot of fun. Especially once you start seeing speed.
4 Tactical Reloads
As we talked about above the Modern Warrior Project is big on tactical reloads and they are an important skill to have. I left a round in the chamber and reloaded with 1 round in each magazine. Tactical reloads are trickier with a handgun, but here is where having big hands helped me. I pocketed the magazine to retain it. I got to a full presentation and fired a round to end the drill.
8 Immediate Action Drills
Simple and easy. This is a tap rack bang drill with a handgun. I kept one round in the magazine and the chamber empty.
2 Remedial Action Drills
This is when Tap Rack Bang doesn’t work. It’s simple enough and all you need to do is eject the magazine, retain it, and clear the chamber. Reinsert the magazine, chamber a round, and get to shooting once more.
5 Headshots and 5 Pelvic Area shots.
This is a fun way to end the drill and is simple enough. Fire 5 rounds into the respective areas. I practiced being as accurate as possible, producing the smallest possible group.
The Modern Warrior Workout: Comments
The pistol is similar to the rifle in many respects. It exercises safety and the basics when it comes to gun handling. It’s challenging, but fun and exercises a variety of essentials. Both workouts are quick and easy to do. Their focus on fundamentals makes them accessible for shooters both new and experienced. They are a quick and simple plan that makes efficient use of your range time, especially when time and ammo are short. They also highlight what you can work on, which is critical for continued skill development.
It’s also something you can do on a budget. I keep a 300 Blackout upper around and ammo is pricey for it, but I can get a 30 round workout and learn something without breaking the bank.
That’s why workout is such a good name for them. It expresses what these drills are in an easy to digest manner most people can relate to activities outside of guns. They are also tiresome. Maybe it was just because it’s May in Florida and it’s already in the 90s temperature wise with 75% humidity.
Doing both drills left me drenched in sweat and in many ways whipped. Not so much that I was physically tired, but mentally I felt spent. Moving from vastly different drills with two platforms in a short period of time had my mind running. It’s an interesting dynamic if you can practice both workouts in the same day.
They are effective, simple, and efficient. At the end of the day that is a winning combination.
There has been a lot of hype surrounding Glock this year with several new or upgraded models like the Gen5 17, 19, 26, model 45, 43x, and 48. The G45 caught my attention specifically. Why you ask? Well, the look of it to start with. But let me go back just bit.
Glock 17M and Gen5, Origin Story.
I was very intrigued with what Glock came up with to win the FBI contract. Was it a completely new pistol? What features did it have? When I first saw pics of the 17M online I noticed a few items right away. It lacked the ubiquitous finger grooves, the mag well had a slight flare to it, and the slide had a richer darker finish that was very attractive. Then the Gen5 17 and 19 were announced, the commercial version of the FBI’s new sidearms. After doing a lot of research (I’m a bit of a geek that way) I had to find one and see for myself if it met with all the hype. It did and I traded my Walther P99 for a brand new Glock 17 Gen5 with factory steel 3 dot Night Sights. Now with 3000 rounds through my G17 and zero issues, I have become a Glock guy. Then (drum roll please), the new G45 arrived and of course I had to check it out too.
The Glock 19X to the Glock 45, Crossover Perfection? Maybe.
When I looked at the G19X (Glock’s entry into the military MHS trials) I liked the concept of a shorter slide (G19) with a longer grip (G17). It felt balanced in my hand and it just felt right. I didn’t like the front lip on the mag well though. I thought if it were to be dropped that it could break easily and my Gen5 17 mags weren’t compatible with it. I didn’t like the peanut butter color as I prefer my firearms to be black but that’s my personal opinion. When Glock announced the G45 and it was black I have to admit I was a bit giddy. (Photo above courtesy of Glock’s website)
There are some changes from the G19X other than the color. The front lip on the mag well was eliminated along with the lanyard loop on the back of the grip. The cutout on the front of the magwell on the Gen5 G17 and G19 was also filled in. This was in part by law enforcement requirements and that some complaints arose of pinching fingers during reloads. I can say I have not had any issues with pinching during reloads on my Gen5 G17. (Photo at left courtesy of Glock’s website)
A surprise first from Glock, factory front slide serrations. For those that do press checks this is a welcomed feature and they look great. The G45 keeps with the Gen5 feature list: the ambidextrous slide release, the reversible mag catch, the Modular Backstrap System (MBS), the nDLC coating, and the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB). Glock claims this improves accuracy. I believe it does to some degree but accuracy to me rests with the shooter. It comes with three Gen5 17 round mags with the orange follower (which I really like), an inexpensive Glock mag loader, an orange lock, manual, and Glock hard case. You can get standard polymer sights, steel 3 dot night sights, or the Glock Bold Sights made by Ameriglo.
The Numbers. (Screen shot courtesy of Glock’s website)
Range Report.
Simply put, it’s a great shooter right out of the box.
The G45 is very well balanced. The flare around the mag well is not over done and is comfortable. I put 50 rounds through it at 7 yards without a single FTF or FTE. Next, fired 300 rounds of various ammunition. Again zero issues. The ejection pattern is consistent and to the right between 3 and 5 feet. I didn’t have any brass come back at me. The recoil is mild, very manageable. I attribute this to the dual captive recoil spring system and the longer grip frame. The more surface area you have creates more friction and thus better control with proper grip. I tested Gen 4 mags as well as Magpul P17 mags and all worked without issue. I even tested an RWB 50 round drum mag also without issue (which was fun by the way). As is standard, a rail for a light or laser if you choose to add one.
The pistol breaks down just like every other Glock for cleaning so no surprises there. Developed in part for Law Enforcement, the shorter slide will be beneficial when officers are riding in their cruisers, the muzzle won’t press into the seat. On the civilian side this will be a great home defense pistol. For concealment, if you appendix carry the shorter slide won’t dig in when you sit. If you carry in the 4:30 position you might print a little but I don’t think it will be as noticeable as some might think. Over all, this pistol is a winner. I think Glock was onto something with the G19X and being Glock, they did not give up on the pursuit of perfection. They might just have found it with the G45.
I recently joined the Red Dot Yacht club (yes, that one is green) and am now tasked with delving into the world of dot optics on sidearms. Task one will be zeroing the optic properly to the pistol. Zeroing a dot to a pistol can be done the easy way ala shortcut, or it can be taken and done properly.
What is this… easy way?
‘Slaving’ is the easy way. It’s also called lollipopping and incorrectly called co-witness zeroing, or some variation on that. The iron sights on the pistol are shooting the correct point of aim/point of impact (POA/POI). After you mount the optic of choice, with the sights that can co-witness through the optic, you just adjust the dot onto the front sight while looking through a proper sight picture.
This works… to a degree.
Just as with rifle optics, a XX meter or XX yard zero is done at that XX distance. It is done so independently of other optical systems. Does this take longer? Yes. Does it assure a proper zero? Yes.
You use your eyes differently and you aim differently when using irons vs. using an optic. Linking the two methods might be a “close enough” solution for certain situations but it is a half measure, you need to do more.
Properly Zeroing the Optic
Zero the pistol optic at the proper distance, just like a rifle optic. I like 25 meters for a pistol and 50 for rifles. Whatever your set distance is for various personal or professional policy, you zero there.
Despite the math and the phrasing there is not actually a spot on “theoretical zero”. It’s phrasing popular in the military. The Armed Forces utilize a close zero for convenience but those 25 meter or 36 yard zero’s are exactly that, 25 meter or 36 yards. They can be used at greater distances but refining a zero at a greater distance is a new, more accurate zero.
A 50 meter zero is not a “theoretical” 200, it is a 50 meter zero. It can be used at 200 meters, provided the firearm and optic are up to that task too. The distinction is important. Saying you have a 25/300 or 50/200 optical zero is not stating two zeroed distances. The first number is the zero distance and the second is an effective range for point of aim and point of impact being in the ballpark for effective hits based on ballistic trajectory.
We’ve drifted off into general zero operations here so let me wrap this up.
You can lollipop your dot to make zeroing it easier. But, you must shoot at the proper distance for your purposes to have an actual working zero.
Some gun colleagues and I were having a conversation recently and someone mentioned a “SHTF Office Gun”. I remember laughing to myself, saying something like – sheesh, can you imagine a Pediatric Office SHTF Gun? That would go over like a lead balloon (no pun intended).
But when you really think about it, we are a soft target, located very near a school. This startling reality was pointed out to me by a different friend when we were talking about Stop the Bleed recently.
I have a lot of friends who get paid to think about and plan for bad ‘SHTF’ things happening. Nobody gives them a hard time about that because they are LE and EMS. Their job is to think the unthinkable.
But on serious reflection, I get paid to think about bad things happening too. It’s my job to think about awful things that happen to kids, and how best to make sure those things don’t happen, or to catch them quickly if they do. Vaccination, regular growth and development screening, monitoring and treating infections, following up on suspicious neurological signs – all of these things are part of my job.
So why is it unthinkable to plan for a violent drug addict or a nutcase mass shooter taking his “Plan B” to our office from the school down the street? Hell, some of the parents in our practice ARE drug addicts. Our staff has people lose their shit at them on the semi-regular. Why then is it terrible of me to think about a response to these potential events?
This shouldn’t be unthinkable. It should be INFINITELY thinkable and planned for. But the American Academy of Pediatrics treats guns as if they were a disease rather than a “vaccine” against dangerous predators. So you won’t find any office security recommendations on the AAP website. In fact, many parents would have an absolute cow if they thought a firearm was on the premises, just like they have a cow over armed teachers in schools.
All I want to do is keep a lead injection device handy in case of such an attack. But my practice partner would defecate a cinderblock, so realistically it’s never going to happen. We have lit exits signs, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and every other building safety device as required by law. But nothing with which to protect ourselves should a violent person try to invade the premises.
With the wheels in my head already turning, I started thinking some of those unthinkable things – as if I were writing an urban fantasy novel or something. I started playing “what if?”. Except this stuff isn’t fantasy, it’s reality. Violent things happen in the world. The chances of it happening specifically “here” are statistically small, but it pays to be prepared.
I started thinking – what if we went on lock-down due to an active shooter event at the school down the street? We do have inner hallways away from windows where we could shelter people. We do have more than one entrance, but only the main entrance is unlocked. If we were notified by law enforcement of such an event, that door could be quickly deadbolted. Somebody could shoot out a window for entry I suppose, but there isn’t a lot to do about building design after-the-fact. And installing bullet-resistant glass seems like cost-prohibitive overkill in a building that’s over sixty years old.
“IF” I kept a SHTF firearm at the office, it would have to be locked up. That is non-negotiable. I’m frequently away from my desk seeing patients, and there are tiny humans with curious fingers wandering all over the place. I also cannot realistically carry on-body during work hours as little children have no boundaries and are always patting on me and invading personal space. I would be “made” in short order. I’m thinking an AR pistol might be a viable option because of the smaller size, magazine capacity, maneuverability, velocity, and red dot.
Secure storage for such a SHTF gun would be essential. Secure-It has combination lock bolt-on safes that might work under my desk top such as the Fast box 40 and Fastbox 47. I bought a model 47 for home use, so it might work in the office too.
This would be strictly a defensive gun obviously. I’m not Wonder Woman. Realistically, I’m not going to be clearing the building. In the case of a lock-down, after we got everyone herded into interior rooms away from windows and doors, I’d be hunkered down behind cover watching a door that might get kicked in while we wait for the SWAT team to arrive or for law enforcement to announce all clear. I don’t have any illusions of heroism beyond trying to protect my office staff and patients.
It might sound crazy. It might sound “Unthinkable”. But if I, as the firearm owner of the practice, don’t think about it – who will?
When I did an internet search for information about medical office security, I got all kinds of hits related to HIPAA and information security, but very little about the security of the physical building and the physical protection of staff and patients.
Dr John Edeen of Doctors For Responsible Gun Ownership (DRGO) has done a good deal of work regarding hospital vulnerability and advocating for workplace carry rules, but I haven’t seen much out there for medical office safety. Maybe I’m just not looking in the right place.
As much as no one likes to think about it, when it comes right down to it, a SHTF office gun may be one of the few cost-effective options we have to keep our staff and patients safe in the event of a violent attack.
Of course, this thought experiment presumes some definition of “common-sense gun laws”. The phrase has no generally accepted meaning. Pacifists might imagine an army with no guns. Black Lives Matter might imagine an unarmed police force. American gun controllers imagine an American army and police force with guns, but keeping guns out of the hands of nearly all ordinary people.
To make this exercise meaningful to an American audience, let’s adopt the last of these illustrative definitions. What would such a society look like? We have but to look at the news coming from Venezuela and Mexico.
Let’s look first at Mexico where the issue is crime (organized and not) more so than tyranny. The 1924 Mexican constitution guarantees the right to keep arms but not to bear them. The Mexican government vigorously enforces its sophisticated regime of gun control on ordinary citizens (i.e., those with no criminal background). As a practical matter, no gun control is effective with respect to the “made men” of the various cartels. They pass police and army checkpoints upon presentation of their cartel credentials.
The ordinary Mexican campesino or city dweller, is at the mercy of cartel shootouts, systematic organized crime and free-lancers whenever he steps outside his home. There are only 4,000 individual carry permits in a nation of 125 million; i.e., a rate of 0.003%. By comparison, as many as 17% of Americans in some states have carry permits; many more may carry in states with permitless carry.
Next, turn to Venezuela. The Venezuelan constitution secures no right to arms. The current government confiscated all arms in the hands of heretofore licensed owners. Only official government military and police authorities as well as Colectivos—the government’s para-official “brown-shirts” —have arms; and, of course, the criminals who have not yet felt compelled to trade their guns for groceries.
We see on the news impotent demonstrators running from or being run over by armored vehicles. We viewed one instance of soldiers backing off when a demonstrator fired a pistol at them. Once Jimmy Carter certified Venezuelan elections as free and fair, nothing remained to guarantee the natural right of the Venezuelan people to elect the “democratic socialist” of their choice to govern them by their peaceful consent. The security of the state seems to be in the hands of foreign soldiers from Cuba, Russia and China.
Do these two examples prove anything? Of course not, in themselves. They are simply contemporary cases with which we are familiar. Each nation has its own culture and tradition. We must roll up our sleeves and do some serious work to see whether there are any patterns across current nations or across history with a common civilization.
Japan has extremely effective gun control. Only state officers and the Yakuza (its native mafia) carry guns. Hunters and marksmen keep and use guns under strict licensing.
Singapore has similarly effective gun control. Only state officers and a couple thousand rich men have guns. Gun traffickers are executed by hanging. All physically fit males are trained to arms in mandatory military service and then disarmed when discharged. The island nation is mostly benevolently and quite prosperously ruled by a popularly-elected Chinese president under what is essentially a one-party rule system.
Brazil has had very effective gun control. Only state officers, a small number of professional security guards and criminals, whether organized or not, carry guns. But violent crime is out of control. This soon may change under its newly elected president.
Switzerland has some gun control and mandatory military service, with retention of arms by reservists following active duty. While guns are ubiquitous (still falling far short of US circumstances) its violent crime rate is among the lowest of all nations.
Israel has some gun control and mandatory military service. Guns are ubiquitous, but under heavy state control. Homicide and violent crime by the Jewish population is nearly unheard of.
South and North Korea both have strict gun control. One operates under a popularly elected democracy, the other seems to be a hereditary absolute monarchy. One is prosperous and peaceful, the other is starving and warlike. Both seem to be perfectly stable with no revolutionary fervor in evidence.
Carry on the survey to each reader’s personal satisfaction. What sort of gun-control seems to “work”? What sort of gun control seems to serve as a hedge against tyranny and uncontrolled crime?
Bear in mind that a “hedge” may be best placed when there is no recognizable risk on the horizon. Nor does a hedge necessarily provide an iron-clad guarantee against catastrophe. The most salient question is whether the cost of the hedge is prudent or exceeds the cost of catastrophe factored by the probability of its occurrence.
The history of crime and democide counsels that the cost of catastrophe, and probability of occurrence, must not be dismissed casually. R.J. Rummel’s lifetime work accounted for 100 million civilian deaths by their own governments in the 20th century. He coined the term “democide” to describe the phenomena, far more deadly than war has been for soldiers.
Conversely, the cost of maintaining the hedge of a “well-regulated” (i.e., “effective”) armed populace to protect their sovereignty is—relatively—cheap. The United States, with our Second Amendment guarantee, may be the most prudently protected people for the least societal cost practical.
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—‘MarkPA’ is trained in economics, a life-long gun owner, NRA Instructor and Massad Ayoob graduate. He is inspired by our inalienable rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and holds that having the means to defend oneself and one’s community is vital to securing them.
USMC M38 DMR, Variant of the M27 IAR Service Rifle
Low Powered Variable Optics, commonly abbreviated as LPVO’s, have been making their presence felt strongly in the modern firearms and technology field for years now, and the Marines are onboard.
The Corps’ information request laid out some of the details the Corps is seeking in its new optic, which include up to eight times magnification and the ability to engage targets between 600–900 meters. –Marine Corps Times
The solistication is for up to 30,000 units, enough to widely equip the ground combat force’s M4s, M4A1s, and M27s across the fleet. LPVO’s have seen a drastic leap in durability, clarity, and their use in Special Operations has been a well documented success. Low and mid power scopes on service rifles are not a new development, but the standardization is.
The Marines are clearly looking into the future, beyond even their current weapon’s limitations, to maximize the capability of each rifleman, fireteam, and squad to be tasked into a variety of roles and excel. Detailed observant overwatch? Can do. Precision support? Got it. A raid/building entry? Got that too.
Several companies already offer LPVO optics that might fit the Marine Corps needs. Trijicon just debuted the VCOG in a 1-8x format. EOTech is launching a 1-8x VUDU. Nightforce offers the ATACR, a high power version is already in service on the Corps’ Mk13 Mod 7, and their lighter NX8 might work for the service rifles just fine. Sig Sauer could adjust their lineup and add a “Tango 8” to compliment the two Tango 6 optics that Army and SOCOM recently scooped up for their M110A1 and UGRI M4s. This list is just the obvious front runners, as long the company can make the optic the Marines require it could be produced by any number of high quality manufacturers.
Reading through the list of features is the typical dry government contract that covers the minutia we generally don’t think about. Everything is spelled out. For reference when reading, anything marked with a (T) is the minimum the Marine Corps is looking for and anything with an (O) is their goal. If a manufacturer cannot hit all the (T)arget criteria they will not be considered and being able to hit more of the (O)ptimal criteria is best.
Interoperability. The Squad Common Optic device should be interoperable with and cause no degradation in function to currently fielded host weapons. Squad Common Optic should be compatible with current visual augmentation systems, weapons accessories, lasers, and clip-on night vision devices using a MIL-STD-1913 rail interface as listed below: [Thermals, PEQs, GL Sights, Range Finders]
Major Components. Each Squad Common Optic should include the following major components:
Day Scope
Lens Covers
Reticle
Elevation Turrets/Caps
Windage Turrets/Caps
Operator’s Manual (hard and digital copy)
Quick Reference Guide
Required Tools
Scope Mount
Reticle Battery
Magnification Change Device
Soft Protective Carrying Case
Lens Cleaning Kit with Bush and Lens Cloth
Weight. The Squad Common Optic should be less than or equal to 2.1 pounds (T), 1.4 pounds (O). Weight is characterized as including the optic, mount, turret caps, and battery.
Size. The Squad Common Optic length should be less than or equal to 10.5 inches (T), 10 inches (O). Length excludes the lens covers. Length is measured at the maximum extended range of adjustment.
The Squad Common Optic should be able to positively identify and acquire targets at 600m (T), 900m (O). Positive identification refers to the range at which a potential target can be positively identified by facial, clothing, weapon and vehicle features, or an activity.
Magnification Range. The Squad Common Optic should have no point of aim shift when adjusting through the entire magnification ranges. The Squad Common Optic should have a magnification range of 1X +0.05X to ≥8X magnification range.
Adjustable diopter: The diopter should be adjustable from +2 to –2 diopters.
Diopter Locking Mechanism. A locking mechanism should be provided on the diopter setting to prevent inadvertent movement (O).
Adjustment Range. For all configurations, at least 15 Milliradian (mrad) (T), and 30 mrad (O) in Elevation and at least 12 mrad in Windage adjustment should be required. There should be hard stops at both ends of Windage and Elevation adjustment and no dead clicks. A dead click is defined as a tactile adjustment click that does not move the reticle.
Adjustment Increments. Each Squad Common Optic configuration should have adjustment increments less than or equal to 0.1 mrad Elevation and Windage (E/W). Adjustment increments on both E/W should be consistent in movement, tactile, and have no dead clicks and require no settling rounds. Settling rounds are defined as host weapon live fire that causes the reticle to move initially but stabilize after the live fire event.
Adjustment Accuracy. For Squad Common Optic, a less than or equal to 2% adjustment accuracy is required across the full travel in Windage and Elevation (T) and a less than or equal to 1% adjustment accuracy is required across the full travel in Windage and Elevation (O).
Windage/Elevation Caps. For Squad Common Optic, the Windage and Elevation turret adjustments should be covered with a threaded cap.
Field of View. At minimum magnification, possess a minimum field of view of 18 degrees (T), 20 degrees (O). At maximum magnification, possess a minimum field of view of 2.5 degrees (T), 3 degrees (O).
Eye Relief. All Squad Common Optic configurations at any magnification should have an eye relief of at least 3.1 inches (T), 3.7 inches (O).
Exit Pupil. All Squad Common Optic configurations at any magnification should have an exit pupil range of no less than 2.5mm to no more than 13mm.
Resolution. The resolution for the Squad Common Optic should be 10 arc-seconds or less. The 30% contrast resolution for the Squad Common Optic should be 15 arc-seconds or less.
Focus/Parallax Adjustment. The Squad Common Optic should have a fixed focus set at 150 meters ± 50 meters and be parallax free at the focus range.
Focal Plane. Configurations should be first focal plane and/or second focal plane.
Reticles.
All Squad Common Optic reticle configurations should offer Mil-Reticle patterns vice a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) style of reticle pattern.
All Squad Common Optic reticle configurations should offer an illuminated central aiming point no greater than 1.5 minute of angle (MOA) (T) or 0.5 MOA (O) that is visible during daylight conditions.
All Squad Common Optic configurations should offer a variety of reticles (i.e., crosshair, German, duplex, Christmas tree, others).
All reticles should be level with a cant of ± 1 degree (T) or no discernable cant (O) when installed in its MIL-STD-1913 compatible mount.
Reticle should be usable in the event of degraded capability or no power situation.
Future Reticles
Reticle. The vendor should allow for future reticle designs and operational needs to be included in the Squad Common Optic: Mil Dot, Milliradian Line, Ballistic, Velocity, and Grid hybrids. Graduated grid should provide a method that supports the ability to use Windage hold offs and Elevation holds and holdovers accurately. There should also be coarse and fine methods to quickly range targets. A method to allow for rapid engagement of moving targets should be provided on the main horizontal.
Configuration. There should be no changes to the Squad Common Optic design when changing to a new reticle other than the reticle itself.
Reticle Illumination. The reticle illumination should be accomplished using side mounted rotary knobs. The Squad Common Optic should have multiple intensity settings, two night vision goggle compatible settings, and tactile illumination off positions after each on position. Reticle settings should be able to be locked in place to provide for inadvertent power cycling in the field. Reticle should be powered by a single commercially available battery for at least 96 hours at highest illumination setting. The Squad Common Optic should allow for battery changes without removal from the weapon and without specialized tools.
Scope Mount. All scope mounts should be MIL-STD-1913 compatible. Various scope mount heights should be available. Any dissimilar metals should not interact and cause corrosion or damage when subjected to saltwater and other adverse environmental conditions.
Magnification Change Capability. The Squad Common Optic should incorporate an attachable (T) or integrated (O) field-adjustable magnification change capability that will allow quick magnification changes from minimum to maximum magnification without passing between the eyepiece and rail interface, hitting the host weapon, or interfering with the function of the host weapon.
Backup Iron Sights. The Squad Common Optic shall not require the removal of the host weapon’s front and rear iron sights. The front and rear iron sights shall be immediately useable upon removal of the Squad Common Optic.
Lens Accessories and Protection. All Squad Common Optic configurations should be delivered with detachable protective front and rear lens covers or caps. The Squad Common Optic should feature lenses made of durable scratch resistant hydrophobic material and non-reflective lens coatings (T). All Squad Common Optic configurations should provide lenses with sufficient abrasion resistance that they do not require lens covers (O).
Surfaces. External surfaces (except for light-transmitting elements) should be finished in a flat neutral non-black color that is non-reflective and corrosion resistant. All the exposed optics should have corrosion and scratch resistant coatings, which permit operation in salt sprays and blowing sand. All markings, coatings, finishes, and exposed O-rings should be resistant to paints solvents, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear contaminants, and Super Tropical Bleach (STB) decontaminant.
Signature Reduction and Counter Detection. The Squad Common Optic should be a dull, non-reflective, neutral, non-black color. The Squad Common Optic should not have an audible or visible signature.
Workmanship. All optics should be free of foreign matter such as dirt, fingerprints, dust, loose material, and moisture. All moving parts should move freely and not bind, creep, or stick.
Markings.
All Squad Common Optics should be etched or engraved with visually distinct markings to include the serial and model number to be easily read.
The serial and model number should be sequential, unique, and easily visible when mounted to the weapon (T).
All Squad Common Optics should have point of impact adjustment markings and witness marks on the scope body and scope mount for scope alignment.
The Squad Common Optic serial number and manufacture date must comply with MIL-STD-130_.
Point of impact (POI) adjustment markings should be on the scope body near the Windage and Elevation adjustments.
The witness marks should allow the operator to quickly and easily align and level the scope and scope mount to within ± 1 degree.
Labels should incorporate a Unique Identification (UID) code. The UID should contain both the 2D barcode and human readable serial number together. UID construct #2 will be required.
The Squad Common Optic should not have any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) proprietary markings
It’s quite a list but there are a few takeaways.
The Marine Corps wants a durable 1-8x optic that is on the lighter and shorter end of available offerings today. Only a few sights are close to the current request.
Second or First Focal plane will both be considered.
Daylight visible illumination is a requirement, battery life must be 96 hours at maximum setting from a commercially available battery, likely a AA or CR123.
They require the mounting solution designed so that there is a 1 degree or less cant once mounted on receiver’s MIL-STD-1913 picatinny rail. The mount will be available in different heights but the Marine should be able to quickly mount and level the scope to that 1 degree or less cant.
The reticle is requested as a Milliradian (MRAD/Mil) pattern before including a bullet drop compensator (BDC) element like they have on the RCO ACOGs (TA31s) and SDO ACOG (TA11). It should also include leads for moving targets and be upgradeable on demand by the Corps to include Horus style “christmas tree” options without changing the rest of the optic.
Controls should be capped to protect them from inadvertent adjustment, like the current ACOGs, with .1 Mil adjustment clicks and plenty of windage and elevation movement.
The optic will be a neutral non-black color, likely coyote, to minimize its observable signatures.
The solicitation differs from the previous one in that it lists 30,000 units as the high end for procurement and not 186,000 which would be fleetwide adoption. The focus for the new optic will be first on the infantry and supporting ground combat elements, as makes sense.
The Marines are looking to start fielding the optic by 2021. I’m looking forward to seeing who steps up.
The origin of accurizing the AR and the M4/M16 platform can be credited to GWOT, seen in the MK12. Prior to the MK12 Special Purpose Receiver AR’s, even shot for accuracy in matches like Camp Perry, were still very much an M16A2 standard. “Accurizing” the rifle was accomplished through weight and match grade iron sights.
The MK12 SPR was the gap span measure. Covering the span between dedicated sniper platforms like the M24/M40 (later the M110) and the M4/M16 service rifles. The MK12 offered more accuracy and precision, suppressor capable, greater observation capability, and a minimized rate of fire decrease over an optimized 5.56 effective range. The SPR closed off the glaring vulnerability using a bolt action as a primary would induce without removing a precision tool from the sniper team’s hands.
Instead of a spotter, a trained sniper also, being constrained to limits of an M4 with at an ACOG (at best), the MK12 allowed them a platform that nicely bridged the two worlds of precision and direct action. The sniper team could reach into either at will while equipped with the weapons.
In the Designated Marksman role it allows a precision tool to be added into the fireteam or squad mix. Shifting the ammunition loadout of a rifleman or severely altering their ancillary equipment is not necessary with a MK12, making it a literal drop-in solution with very little extra training necessary to utilize. There is often enough Mk262 ammunition in operation for sourcing it to be easy and obviously M855A1 or Mk318 will run in the rifle too.
Now we are seeing more and more optimized features come out on the AR’s as standard. Freefloated barrels and handguards, optimized gas systems for suppressed and unsuppressed use.
The Flex on Poors meme used to be kind of fun. A good way to poke fun at the guys claiming their Lorcin 25 ACP, or similar gun, was just as good as any other brand name gun. Like memes do, it got out of control. Way out of control. This is especially true when it comes to optics. Today we are going to talk a bit about the different optics grade, from hobby to professional grade and a bit in between.
There are too many people out with an “every gun and gun accessories has to have a serious and dedicated purpose.” Not every gun is made for taking Fallujah, and neither is every optic. For example, when I milled out an AR lower with an 80 lower jig and made a pistol with a 7.5-inch barrel in 5.56 was I really making a go to war gun? No. I was making something ridiculous and something ridiculous doesn’t need an 800 dollar Aimpoint Comp M4, a Burris, or a Vortex or a lower end SIG works fine.
This is what leads us into what’s basically 4 different optics grade. There is Junk, Hobby Grade, Budget, and Professional grade.
Making the Grade
Junk
Junk optics are those 30 dollar red dots you can get off Amazon any day of the week. Don’t be shocked, but they likely won’t hold up to recoil, won’t zero properly, will mount wobbly, and likely shift and move when shot. These optics are junk, suitable for airsoft guns and maybe 22s. They can cause more frustration than they are worth. These are namely optics from companies you’ve never heard of.
If you want to test your patience you might get a good one, but it’s unlikely.
Hobby Grade
Hobby Grade Optics are the affordable and reliable optics for your fun guns. These optics come from companies like Bushnell, Tru Glo, and even NC Star. These optics are not designed to be beaten up and exposed harshly to the elements or the recoil of something like a 375 H&H magnum. They are also not well suited for long range shooting, and I mean beyond a 1,000 yards. They are for plinking, maybe a budget competition set-up, and can even be a good choice for casual hunting. I toss Hobby grade optics on a lot of my fun guns.
This optics grade allows me to have all the fun of a red dot without spending a few hundred bucks. The Bushnell TRS 25 costs about 50 bucks and is perfect for my AR pistol, and my Ruger 10/22. My most dangerous target is rabbits in the winter.
Hobby Optics Should Offer
Consistent performance
No Issues Holding zero
In Spec rail mounts
Hobby Grade optics can be fun, even a little goofy. I won’t rely on them for much between hobby activities. No dangerous game hunting, not precision shooting matches, and obviously I wouldn’t trust my life to them.
Budget Optics
This optics grade are the lower side of professional optics and suited perfectly for home defense, defensive shooting, hunting, competition, and other more robust shooting activities. The main difference between these optics and Pro Grade optics is that these are not well suited for high endurance duty life. They are tough, but not war-proof. This level includes optics from Nikon, some Vortex optics, some SIG optics, Burris, Primary Arms, Nikon, and Holosun.
Several of these companies, like SIG and Vortex, make a mixture of prograde and budget optics. These optics can give you longer range potential on the variable side and are reliable enough for self and home defense.
I have a few of these for my PCCs, pistols, shotguns, and hunting rifle. These are great choices for a variety of tasks and they grant you a level of clarity, features, and options well above hobby grade optics. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them for home defense, but I’m not marching across the Helmand with one.
Budget Optics Should Offer
Excellent clarity
Consistent performance
Water, shock, and Fogproof design
Multiple power setting for electronic optics.
Glass Etched Reticles when applicable
I love budget grade optics for a few reasons, but one of the best is to see if you like a certain style of an optic before buying a pro grade. Let’s say I like the idea of an Aimpoint CompM4, but have never used a red dot. Should I just spend the 800 bucks on an CompM4 or try a Vortex at less than a quarter of the price.
This was my experience with mini red dot sights. I bought an affordable Burris to see if I liked this style of optic and if I wanted an optic on my handgun. I did, and now I’m choosing between an RMR or waiting for an SRO.
Professional Grade Optics
Here we go, this is where most of us want to be, but it is an expensive prospect to outfit all of our weapons with Pro Grade optics. These are the guys built for duty, built for abuse, and built to be the optic guys can go to war with and come back, and go again. These optics cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. They are designed for Police Officers, Soldiers, Marines, Professional Shooters, etc. They are built to be dropped, bumped, and used under heavy recoil for years. Pro Grade optics come from companies like Trijicon, Nightforce, Aimpoint, Browe, and Leupold.
These optics will be expensive but should offer:
Water (submersible), shock, and fogproof
Bombproof Performance
An extreme level of clarity
Long Battery Life
Night Vision Compatibility
Specialized reticles for long range shooting
Glass Etched Reticles when applicable
I think most shooters, regardless of their profession, should have at least one Pro Grade optic on their go to war rifle. I keep a Browe around for my SIG 556R and that is my only Pro Grade optic at the moment. Maybe I need an ACOG for my M16A4 clone, but that’s about a grand so its not a major priority.
When it comes to choosing a Pro Grade optic you really have to identify how you are going to use the gun. A 4X ACOG on a rifle makes sense if you want something versatile for most engagements. If you are likely only going to be shooting less than 300 yards then a red dot may be a better choice. With the cost of these optics, you gotta make the right choice.
Your Grade
Finding the optics grade that fits your needs can be challenging and identifying use and budget versus need are the big considerations you’ll have to make. Understand what an optic’s limitations are and shop accordingly. Not all optics are equal, but not all guns need ACOGs.
These fundamentals presented without commentary. Such fundamental techniques, when mastered at a level such as this, will undoubtedly save your life when the time is right.
Watch and absorb.
Now if you would like to start with a much more basic close quarters course. Extreme Close Quarters Concepts by ShivWorks has a curriculum that may fit the bill. The 20 hour course covers unarmed and armed confrontations at arms length distances. Pre-confrontation, during confrontation, with guns, with knives, with hands only.
It is not, for nobody can be, a discipline on the level of Master Ken. It will open up the training pathways to practical levels of readiness for an up close and personal self defense situation though.
In a recent blog post a couple of shooters wondered if they could pass the Texas live-fire qualification—blindfolded. They succeeded with respectable, though not spectacular, scores. In their blog they pondered the value of such testing for government permission to carry a gun:
“[P]roficient enough to carry a handgun; . . . what do you think about the state being involved in that process?”
“’Oh, I passed the test. The state says I’m qualified,’ when you clearly are not and you need more training . . . to make you competent and safe with a handgun. The test doesn’t really do that.”
Should the tests be more rigorous, or abandoned altogether? Might they do more harm than good by certifying less capable shooters, leading them to believe they are “qualified” when they are not competent?
These shooters were breaking taboos from opposite ends of the polarized debate over firearms. Gun controllers brook no discussion of the terms by which citizens may carry guns. Their objective is to outlaw gun carry, not to regularize it. Rights advocates may brook no discussion of the terms by which citizens could be prohibited from carrying guns. Controllers devote their debate to passing new prohibitions. Rights advocates oppose most gun laws.
Under such circumstances, is there room in either camp for creative thought on how America might better regulate gun carry?
Presently, 42 states and the District of Columbia honor the right to carry. A dozen do so without reservation, requiring no permit at all; thirty require a permit to carry concealed, which their laws mandate “shall be issued” to every qualified applicant.
Of the remaining 8 states, discretion is delegated to county officials. Some are fairly liberal in issuing permits while others issue none except under stringent prerequisites (or as political patronage). Is this the way “rights” in America are supposed to work? Voters can’t know why some are granted and others not without full transparency.
A critical question is whether the Constitution allows each state to exercise its “police power” to require a permit to carry. If no one is issued a permit then the “right to bear arms” is rendered moot. If everyone is eligible for a permit upon request then there is no regulation whatsoever. Is there some rational midpoint in this spectrum?
Perhaps a useful midpoint could lie in how a state “qualifies” its residents to bear arms. Let’s step out of the box of imposing a hurdle that must be passed or else — the Constitutional right is denied.
Imagine a qualifying test in which the applicant would be scored but not held to a pass/no-pass result. Virtual reality scenarios could be presented and the applicant would be obliged to make laser gun shoot/don’t-shoot decisions under the artificial adrenaline rush. Correct/incorrect decisions in the programmed scenarios would be judged by lawyers specializing in self-defense law.
But, as always . . . Who will pay? Today, such a virtual reality kit would be remarkably expensive; however, that should change in the future and there is already a case to be made for routine training and qualification of police in just such an environment. Each police agency should be equipped with the technology for the primary purpose of training and testing officers. Then, ordinary citizens could have ready access to the police equipment to qualify for a carry permit.
Nearly no civilian could earn a respectable score without training, which should appeal to the controller mentality. Yet any Tom, Dick or Mary could walk out of the testing forum with a permit emblazoned with his/her score.
Applicants would be told that their permit, with their qualifying score, would be presented to the jury at trial if they ever were involved in a shooting incident. That would be sobering. Any rational applicant with a low score would be eager to seek further training before beginning the practice of carrying a gun.
An important part of this would be the right of permit holders to retake the test when they think they will qualify with a higher score. In that way, further training would pay off with increased recognition of their skill levels.
But favorable to the rights mentality, there would be no specified score officially declared to be “passing”. No government endorsement would be implied by your score. The permit would serve only as a certification that at the time of application you did not appear in the state’s and Fed’s database of prohibited permit. But your score would be evidence of your initial degree of competence.
States would publish aggregate data of scores “on the curve” (by percentile). For example, it might be known that 25% of permit holders scored above 80 (of 100 maximum); 50% scored between 40 – 79; 5% scored below 45 and chose to retain their permits; while 20% scored below 45 and elected not to accept (at that time) the permit to which they were Constitutionally entitled.
Could some such approach promote responsible gun carry? Shouldn’t we discuss ideas such as this, despite (or because of) their contradicting both sides’ taboos?
How is this approach different from that taken by the dozen states that require no permit whatsoever? How is it different from the 26 states that have no live-fire qualification prerequisite to being issued a permit? How would it affect applicants with some physical impairment such as blindness? Would these individuals seek applicable training in tactics (such as shooting only when in physical contact with an assailant) appropriate to their handicap?
This policy is highly unlikely to be implemented by any state. But it is an illustration of the sort of idea that could be discussed in polite company—if there exists any such thing in the firearms debate. It might lead to other proposals that could further break the stalemate.
Suppose that a no permit-required state (known as “Constitutional Carry”) implemented such a proposal. Since no permit is required in such a jurisdiction, such a test would impose no impediment on anyone’s rights. More cautious may-issue or even some shall-issue states might decide to grant reciprocity only to permit-bearers with a score above a certain mark– but that would not prevent permit bearers from carrying in their own states.
The firearm argument is frozen right now. We the People cannot engage effectively under the fog of taboo. Second Amendment advocates will not undertake a democratic search for meaning of the “Right to bear arms”. Without other movement, we are simply waiting, until five Supreme Court justices tell us what, if anything, that right means.
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—‘MarkPA’ is trained in economics, a life-long gun owner, NRA Instructor and Massad Ayoob graduate. He is inspired by our inalienable rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and holds that having the means to defend oneself and one’s community is vital to securing them.
When it comes to iron sights on a modern rifle it is becoming less and less apparent whether or not they are “necessary” equipment. With the reliability of modern optics and their superiority in increasing hit percentages across a wider spectrum of shooters iron sights are taking the bench.
So when setting up and prioritizing your mission specific gear and picking ancillary equipment priority. Where do iron sights go?
Does their positioning, especially in relation to the front sight, matter?
As Aaron over with Sage Dynamics demonstrates, having the sights on the rifle in a shorter useable configuration works. It will even work at a longer distance.
The iron sight question becomes about the gear priority. If you consider BUIS mission essential equipment in case of an optic failure (like I do, I run irons with everything still) then having them functionally on the rifle in the longest configuration that doesn’t interfere with your more important systems is fine. This could put your front sight post only halfway up the front rail of your gun, and that is fine. Reducing the radius will throw more discrepancy into your overall accuracy as you change the angles involved with utilizing your iron sights but it won’t make them unusable by any stretch.
The only situation in which your sight radius needs to be a critical component of your layout is if the iron sights are your primary method of target engagement. Meaning either you do not have an optic or that you are shooting in a situation, like a match, that requires iron sights.
In every defensive connotation, having a set of iron sights you are able to bring up if needed and that are zeroed because you check them is more important than whether or not the sight radius is 11″ or 13″.
I use them. I think you should too. Dust them off and shoot with them every once in awhile, I did last weekend. Layers of redundancy on something as critical as aiming are a safe bet.
This past summer I fell in love with my new “Go-To” firearm, the Robinson Armament XCR-M. If your unfamiliar with this platform check out my previous articles, you won’t be disappointed. I ordered my rifle with long distance shooting in mind. The XCR-M is accurate, stable, and low recoiling, however it needs a good optic to expand its capabilities as a precision long range rifle. Selecting the right optic is not an easy task. A quick google search for “rifle optics” gave me hundreds if not thousands of possibilities.
Best way for me to narrow down the search result was to identify the role the firearm and optic combined would fill. What did I want to accomplish with the scope? Being a highly competitive person who thrives on competition, I was drawn to The Precision Rifle Series. To be competitive I had to find the right optic to compliment the accuracy and ease of shooting provided by the XCR-M.
My rifle and optics combination needs to make consistent, repeatable hits at 1000yds. A conventional red dot optic won’t cut it for this type of shooting. My criteria for selecting the right optic might be slightly different than yours. As I age I find I need a little more magnification than I used to.
Defining the Optics Purpose
Knowing I needed something with more magnification than my classic 3-9 hunting scope, I narrowed my search to scopes with at least 20x magnification. I tried an SWFA fixed 20x scope and really liked it at first, however I found it has a weakness. Targets closer than 200 yards were difficult to acquire quickly. In a competition speed is life. One needs to quickly acquire and identify their targets. Thus the need for a variable magnification optic that can identify targets up close and at distance.
Secondly, I needed the right optic to have ultra clear glass from edge to edge. If the glass has any distortion, fog, or glare it becomes difficult to identify and make precise hits. Different manufacturers achieve clarity differently. Many manufacturers rely on special coatings to keep the distortion and glare to a minimum while others only use the best materials. Usually the higher the price the clearer the glass.
Important Features In My Search
The reticle is another critical feature. Typically this comes down to user preference. I prefer a Mil-Dot reticle which will allow me to adjust quickly for windage and elevation. Instead of changing the magnification between shots I can just holdover. A huge time saver when shooting a stage.
Adjustment knobs, turrets, are also very important. I prefer turrets to be calibrated to match the reticle. It is possible to get a Mil-Dot reticle with turrets in MOA. Not something I prefer. If my reticle is Mil-dot I want my turrets in Mil-dot as well. If possible I want to be able to lock the turret at my rifles zero. Allowing me to reset the rifle to zero between every stage and adjust for distance quickly.
The elevation turret is the most used so it needs to be sturdy and precise. If a target requires a 5 mil adjustment it should adjust it precisely 5 mils. If it were to adjust 4 mils this time and 4.2 mils the next time my shots would turn into misses. Especially at extended ranges.
Tube diameter is also important. Typically a scope with a larger tube has more elevation and windage adjustment. It allows for more light transition, making the target clearer under varying light conditions. Common scope diameters are 1”, 30mm, and 34mm.
Optic Requirements
With the above information in my head I set out to find the right optic for the job. I don’t have an unlimited budget so the expensive scopes are out of the picture. Although I really want all the features found in the $3000 to $5000 scopes they are unrealistic for me to look at.
I started my search for something with ultra clear glass, a clean easy to use reticle, and precise turret adjustments. I looked for something that had plenty of elevation adjustment, but I was willing to use a 20 MOA base if I couldn’t find what I wanted in my price range.
A friend got his hands on a Sightmark Pinnacle 5-30×50 Riflescope. He told me it was exactly what I was looking for and within budget. I was impressed. It has a 34mm tube, adjustable turrets calibrated in .1 mil, and magnification up to 30x. The glass is super clear. Looking at my house from across the corn field I could clearly read the house numbers above the garage. It looked and felt sturdy, but would it perform on a gas piston gun on targets out to 1000yds?
Range
As to eliminate any human error while sighting it in and testing the precision of the turrets I did all my work at 100yds. I did not bore sight it so I knew it would take a few shots to get on paper. The first few were a good 2 feet low. A few twists of the turret and it was hitting paper.
Adjusting the turrets I they felt solid and crisp. Every click seemed perfectly spaced. The clicks were easy to hear and feel. Once my hits were centered I set the zero in the turret. To test their ability to return to zero after every use I quickly and violently cranked it all the way up and all the way back to zero several times. Surely if there were any slippage it would show up when I re-confirm my zero.
The next 3 shots all hit the center of the target. The turrets held up to the abuse and the scope retained zero. I also like to pick up the rifle by the scope and shake it violently. I want to see if the scope will hold up to being bumped or shaken, especially during transport. It passed that test too.
Thoughts on the Pinnacle
The reticle of the Sightmark Pinnacle is extremely crisp. The lines are solid and smooth. The Mil-dots are easy to see. Holdovers were simple. Just pick a dot and that’s where it hit. One big advantage that was not on my list is a illuminated reticle. I have the choice of red and green with varying intensities for different light and weather conditions. Sometimes my eyes have difficulty with a lit reticle. They tend to get fuzzy or show ghosting. The Pinnacle did exhibit any ghosting while at the range. The reticle kept the shots right where they were supposed to be.
I found I like the magnification set between 15x and 16x as this seems to be the sweet spot where the reticle fills the entire lens. This is right in the middle of its range and would be a good spot to keep it as adjustments either way are quick, easy, and repeatable.
The 50mm objective lense allows for lots of light to pass through the scope. Even in low light conditions I was able to see my hits at the full 30x magnification.
A quick internet search shows most places sell the Sightmark Pinnacle for around $1200. When you compare its features and ease of use to other scopes in the same price range The Sightmark Pinnacle is a no brainer. If it did not say Sightmark on it I would have thought it was a Nightforce or Vortex. The price point leaves lots of room for me to afford ammunition, and have a little left over for a Kestrel. Look for a review of the Kestrel in the future
Conclusion
Overall I am incredibly pleased with this offering from Sightmark. It passed all of my tests with flying colors. It held zero, turrets adjusted precisely, the glass is clear, and the reticle is crisp. I wish the finish were a little more durable. My scope developed a scuff mark during shipping that did not buff out, and seemed pretty easy to scratch.
A few slight blemishes does not affect how it functions. It is a Tactical scope designed to deliver precision in any conditions. It is recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association, and I put my stamp of approval on it as well.
Typically this comes down to user preference. I prefer a Mil-Dot reticle which will allow me to adjust quickly for windage and elevation. Instead of changing the magnification between shots I can just holdover. A huge time saver when shooting a stage.