The Perfect Campus Carry Set Up

By

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August 9, 2017

Across the country the right to carry firearms for defense on campus is being restored to otherwise legally armed students. This environment creates its own set of considerations for how to bear and conceal a firearm: tight hallways, small desks, need for other school specific equipment, sudden surges in local foot traffic, a broad range of climates (in and out of doors, throughout multiple seasons), and frequent short range travel. Balancing the needs of access and concealment, especially given the density of people frequently in these locales who frown upon firearm ownership in general, let alone one carried daily in public, requires careful contemplation. In his article from Loadoutroom.com, Rick Dembroski shares insights on these concerns.

Have you thought about Campus Carry options? Unfortunately in our day and age shootings at public venues like shopping malls, markets and schools are becoming all too common. In this time of steady unrest and the possibility of violence some colleges and school districts are allowing their staff to take steps to legally arm themselves while on campus. This rise in conceal carry weapons permit holders in particular has actually brought up a very important topic of conversation. What is the best way to CCW and blend in at a school or college campus and not stand out like a sore thumb? That was the inspiration for this article that we have aptly named The Arms Guides recommendation for the “Perfect Campus Carry Set Up”

There are some out there that will say just use an inside the waist band holster or open carry and be done with it. In some climates and especially office or corporate cultures this isn’t exactly easy. When making this article we tried to use a broad-based approach that would work well in warm climates like on the beach while wearing shorts and no jacket, and in the office or campus setting where the culture might be more conservative or reserved. We put together this simple set up that in composed of four components that we feel will provide the user the most flexibility, while still offering first-rate protection from attackers.

Component One: Vertx Gamut or Gamut Plus Backpack

We chose to list two backpacks here because they are similar in many regards with the exception of the Gamut Plus being slighter larger at 35 liters than the regular Gamut model which is listed at 28 liters capacity. The backpacks don’t scream out “tacticool” and are not covered in webbing and don’t come in the normal Coyote Tan, Olive Drab or some other color that doesn’t blend in with most of society. The Vertx bags come in muted colors that at first glance looks like any other normal plain backpack, they are designed to blend not stand out in the crowd. At first glance they appear to look like 99% of other backpacks that are on campus or in a corporate setting , but with a little bit of a twist in the form of a secret, that only the wearer will know about.

The Gamut line of backpacks features a full length concealed compartment that is designed to be used in conjunction with the Vertx Tactigami holsters and accessories to allow the user to discreetly carry a handgun, holster and spare magazine while not changing the capacity of the backpack or causing the gun to change the profile of the pack. I have been using this pack for over a month and have taken it on several cross-country trips and so far the pack is amazing. Aside from the secret squirrel firearms compartment the backpack features all of the normal backpack features such as a sternum strap, waist belt, and a wide array of both internal and external pouches that are all secured with a heavy-duty zipper.

The pack also features an internal pouch that comfortably holds my 15” Apple MacBook Pro. The pouch runs the full length of the pack and features a soft tight woven cloth material that helps reduce scratching the surface of anything placed in it. The attributes of the pouch are nice but the fact it’s there in the first place is nice because it not only holds a lap top secure with no scratching or abrasive surfaces but allows a spot to hold our next component in the Perfect Campus Carry Set Up.

Image:Angel Armor
Notice the size of the plate in relation to the average backpack

Component Two: Ally One by Angel Armor

In a combat environment heavy ballistic plate is part of the normal load out, but in an office or school campus setting it is ridiculous to think that it’s a viable option. Enter the Ally One special purpose armor plate by Angel Armor. The Ally One is 0.23” thick and weights 0.85 lbs. The 9”x12” plate is rated to Level IIIA for threat protection and has been proven to stop a wide range of 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP and even .44 Magnum handgun rounds. It designed to be inserted in backpacks, briefcases and laptop bags. The plate is waterproof and rated for multiple strikes of the listed handgun calibers.

Some people might think this is just being paranoid but when you realistically analyze the risk vs reward factor it begins to makes more sense. A 9” x 12” piece of Level IIIA armor is slightly larger than the size of a sheet of paper, so if you think use that as a simple reference you can get a better idea on how much of your chest and lung cavity the Ally One can protect. Now on a full size adult it’s one thing but when that piece of Ally One is placed over a child or a smaller adult it begins to cover more surface area. Insert the piece of Ally One and you turn your backpack, laptop bag or briefcase into a short-term Captain America shield. It will defiantly improve you chances at being able to survive in the event that handguns rounds do strike you in an event. The goal of the Alley One is to be able to survive and break contact and get you or your loved ones to cover and safety. We will be doing a full review of the Ally One in the near future, where we put some very hot .357 and .44 magnum bear loads into it in order to really stress the panel out. Angel Armor has sent the site some research and development videos and I have no doubt the Ally One will be able to withstand anything I can throw at it.

Component Three: CZ P-10C Striker Fired Handgun

The CZ-P10C is a no brainer for my campus carry set up, the newest pistol from CZ also happens to be the company’s first striker fired pistol. The size, weight and capacity of the P-10C makes it a serious contender to take a bite out of the market share that has been ruled by Glock for decades. The trigger alone on the pistol is enough to make me forget about a Glock 19 or my Smith & Wesson M&P. I have been fortunate enough to be in the middle of a test and evaluation period with a CZ-P10C so I have had a chance to exercise the pistol a bit. To date I have run just over 700 rounds of 115 full metal jacket through the gun with zero issues. This next session I plan on feeding it a steady diet of a several popular brands of hollow point ammunition.

We have posted a recent First Look article about the CZ P-10C and have linked it and the other products in the Perfect Campus Carry Set Up article at the bottom for easy reference. The 4.5 lb trigger with short reset is the centerpiece of the CZ-P10C and its a feature that I can go on about for days. Most striker fired triggers have much to be desired in terms of feel and length of pull. I’m not sure what the staff at CZ did to make this trigger and pistol feel so good and operate so reliably but they are to be congratulated for making such a great product. The pistol does come standard with two magazines that contain what is now a standard 15 rounds of ammunition. In the campus carry set up we are assuming that you will only need two magazines, the one in the gun and possibly a back up magazine. The goal of the Perfect Campus Carry Set Up is to break contact and protection of yourself and possibly people around you it’s not to assault through an objective.

Image:Rick Dembroski
Wildhedgehog Tactical EDC kit. Worth its weight in gold

Component Four: First Aid Kit

When we say first aid kit we are not talking about a Combat Life Saver Kit, or a full Emergency Medical Technician Kit. We are talking about something small like the Wild Hedgehog Tactical EDC Pocket Trauma Kit or one of their Get Home Alive Kits. These kits are designed by professionals to be small, lightweight and not contain material or gear that won’t be needed. We here at the website suggest you shop around and find the kit that matches your skill and comfort level. I would suggest though that any kit you purchase have the basics of band aids, medical tape, a tourniquet and some sort of trauma wound dressing. You never know when you might have to help respond to emergency situations that don’t involve an active shooter or violent situation.

I know the list above may sound like you are prepping for some long over night excursion instead of a trip to work or to class. It’s really not a lot of weight or gear when you stop to think about it in terms of risk versus enhanced safety of yourself and those around you. The Ally One is lightweight and small first aid kits like the ones we listed above will take up minimal space and add greatly to your survivability in the case of chaos or emergencies. Most importantly PRACTICE, you can have all the gear in the world and if you don’t know how to use it, it is just dead weight.

Links to Gear Featured:

Vertx Gamut Backpack 28 Liter Capacity

Vertx Gamut Plus 35 Liter Capacity

Ally One by Angel Armor

Wild Hedgehog Tactical

Source Article from http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheArmsGuide/~3/kgsTRxjLdoE/

PMAG® 30 AR 300 B GEN M3™ Review

By

Mike Westra

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August 9, 2017

From Mike Westra

Way back in January Magpul Industries announced a 300blk version of the popular PMAG. This was great news for the 300blk crowd. Finally a magazine dedicated solely to my round of choice. According to Magpul Industries the PMAG® 30 AR 300 B GEN M3™ is supposed to handle all the various bullet weights and deliver the same functional reliability we have come to expect from their magazines. Well it has been several months since the announcement and I have finally got my hands on a couple of the new 300B mags. I immediately opened the packages. I just could not wait to get my hands on them, not even to get home first. The 300B is supposed to have a “visual and tactile feel” to help prevent accidentally shooting a 300blk round in a rifle chambered for 5.56.

At first glance I did not notice any difference. I had to put them side by side before noticing the 300B mags had a more open block texture on the side compared to the 5.56 PMAG. Once you know what the visual differences are it is easy to identify the 300B vs the 5.56 mags. However for me the difference in texture and feel alone may not be enough to stop me from accidentally inserting the wrong mag into my rifle. Maybe my hands lack the sensitivity needed for me to go only by stock feel. This is not a deal breaker as I normally add grip tape to positively identify my 300blk mags by touch. Your experience may vary.

First thing I did when I got home from the store was dismantle the magazines so I could compare the internals of the 300B with the internals from a 5.56 PMAG. At quick glance they looked identical other than the color of the followers. The follower in the new PMAG is black where the 5.56 follower is grey. The spring is the same length and appears to be the same thickness and strength.

However, looking at the magazines from a top view there is a change to the internal magazine rails that guide the follower up and down.

The guide rails on the 300B mags are made slightly smaller which appear to put less side load and drag on the bullets as they feed upward, allowing for a more natural stack. Assembly and disassembly are exactly the same as the Gen 3 5.56PMAG.

I received an unexpected surprise while loading the mags for the first time. The rounds went in so easily they put me in to a euphoric state. I felt as one with the universe, calmness settled over me.

Honestly they were actually a joy to load. I won’t be needing my Maglula LULA Loader for these. I loaded 30 rounds of American Eagle 150gr 300blk in the mag and it fit perfectly. No rattles or play, I did not have to hit the back of the mag on my hand to keep the rounds lined up properly feeding.

I wanted to get a fair comparison so I brought my 5.56 PMAG with me out to the range and loaded them with the same 300blk ammo from American Eagle. I started with the 300B mags first, they had no problem inserting properly on a closed bolt. For the first few rounds I fired one round at a time and progressed to a rapid magazine dump. No failures, the firearm cycled perfectly and locked back after the final round. I loaded the 5.56 Pmag and proceeded to fire at the same rate, again no failures, cycled perfectly and locked back after the last round.

I personally have never had an issue with any Magpul PMAGs and the new 300blk mags did not disappoint. Magpul’s 300blk PMAG worked as promised. The 300B PMAG feeds quickly, and flawlessly. Loading is a breeze. Other than adding something to assist me with the tactile identification I see myself having no issues with the magazines in the future. Now I have to ask myself, “Do they function well enough to justify replacing the mags I currently use in my rifle?”

I’m certainly not giving up these new mags but whether you replace your entire stock of mags or not for 300 Blackout is up to you.

Gun Review: Glock 43 semi-automatic handgun single stack in 9mm (VIDEO)

By

Jonathan McAnally

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August 8, 2017

The Glock 43 has been on the market for a couple of years now and, as Glocks tend to do, has proven itself as a capable defensive tool. Many people rely on the 43 as a backup gun or as a deeper concealment option and with good reason. Here Jacki Billings runs through her impressions of the 43 in its performance, concealablity, and aesthetics.

Glock’s entry into the 9mm single stack universe came in the form of the Glock 43. Boasting similar features to its larger siblings, the G43 meshed Glock’s functionality with a slim profile offering shooters a compact, concealable package.

My interest with the G43 came at the National Rifle Association’s Annual Meeting in Nashville in 2015. Glock’s 43 announcement dropped right before NRAAM creating fervor among the Glock masses. Glock, of course, had them on hand at a press event and I gained my first opportunity with this 9mm. After firing just two mags, I knew it warranted a second look and a solid review.

And almost two years later, the G43 arrived at my FFL begging to be put through the wringer.

Aesthetics

The Glock 43 is a single stack, 9mm design that features a 6+1 capacity. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

I lovingly refer to the G43 as my “mini-Glock.” Featuring much of the same aesthetics as its full-size compadres, the real difference in the G43 is its notably smaller size. Weighing just under 18 ounces unloaded, the G43 stands 4.45-inches tall with an overall length of 6.26-inches. Width hovers right at one inch while shooters get a 3.39-inch barrel.

All these number boil down to a simple fact – the G43 is compact and this is where she really shines. Slipping into a thigh rig, inside-the-waistband and even ankle holster with ease, the G43’s stature plays well if you need a faithful gun companion without the bulk or bulge of a full-size firearm.

Factory sights from Glock leave a lot to be desired and prevent quick sighting in low-light conditions. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

The sights are standard Glock configuration with a front white dot and a rear u-shaped sight. I’ve never been a fan of the Glock standard, finding them difficult to quickly acquire in low-light conditions. I recommend swapping them out for something that is more luminescent in softer light.

While we’re on the topic of swapping parts out, let’s talk about that trigger. It’s no big secret that the Glock trigger isn’t loved by all and unfortunately the G43 makes no improvements on the old design. It’s no better than its predecessors but it’s also not any worse than any other stock Glock.

Perhaps because of this legacy, that squishy, uneven press is no deal breaker. Trigger kits are abundant and easy enough fix — but it’s a consideration if you’re looking for a turn-key gun. (That is unless you’re willing to make do with mush to save some bucks.)

The magazine release on the model 43 is responsive, allowing for quick reloads. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

Where the Glock excels, besides the obvious, is the slide and magazine release. Serrations on the rear are perfect for gripping and ripping, while the slide itself moves freely on the rails. There’s no tugging and no frustration, which is helpful when working with students or shooters who struggle with slide technique or suffer from weaker hand muscles.

The mag release on the Glock also deserves a little attention as it is by far one of the best releases in the biz. An often overlooked feature, this one small button makes a world of difference when placed just perfectly and fine-tuned for smooth release. Glock understands that importance and outfitted the G43 with the perfect release.

The button rests in a sweet spot between the grip and trigger that allows shooters to depress with the thumb of the dominant hand without compromising shooting grip. It’s intuitive and efficient, two attributes that contribute to a faster reload. In addition, mags fly out with ease under subtle pressure. This allows shooters to focus attention on inserting a new mag, instead of wrestling with an empty one.

Glock’s slides are smooth as butter and the G43 is no different, gliding on its rails. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

Rounding out the notable features on the G43 is the grip texture. I found it to be less abrasive than Smith & Wesson’s Shield, but not as comfortable as Springfield’s XD line. The texture certainly gives sweaty hands some grip on the frame, but after a day of shooting my hands were a little red and raw. A rubber grip accessory over the top would have made my days at the range less painful. Of course, this is not a necessity.

Capacity conundrum

Though the G43 boasts a compact size that’s perfect for concealment, there’s one major trade-off for its petite figure. The underwhelming capacity of a mere 6+1 has many experts still questioning Glock’s thinking. With competitors packing at least seven rounds, if not more in their single-stack designs, it’s curious that Glock chose six as it’s definitive capacity.

The Glock 43 next to Ruger’s LC9s. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

On the range, reloading is frequent and a majority of my time was spent loading bullets. While it’s always recommended to carry an extra magazine, the G43’s measly 6+1 demands it. Who wants to try to win a gunfight with only six rounds?

Despite this mind-boggling limitation, the G43 succeeded in eating up any ammo I offered it. It’s an admirable quality that has ensured Glock’s reign at the top. From Sig Sauer V-Crown to gritty cheap brass, the G43 didn’t slow down or stop on the range. If I’m stuck shooting just six shots at a time, at least I’m confident that I’m not going to be stopping to clear malfunctions.

Home on the range

The G43’s compact design lends itself to concealed carry… (Photo: Jacki Billings)

The 9mm is a snappy round and, packed into a compact frame such as the G43, shooters will feel the recoil. The slimmed down width of the grip doesn’t help disperse that jarring force, so wrists take that impact. Recoil isn’t as bad as the Ruger LC9s, which is unpleasant to shoot for long periods and, with proper grip technique, the recoil will be hardly noticeable for the average shooter. Gun enthusiasts suffering from arthritis or weaker wrists may find the G43 more difficult to manage than its larger sized brethren.

As demonstrated by its concealment in Crossbreed’s Modular Belly Band holster carried in the appendix position. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

Despite some pop, Glock’s 43 is a workhorse on the range. I put this gun through its paces, slow-firing and then rapid firing and not once did she let me down. Rain, shine, cool temperatures and hotter days, the G43 continued to spit fire despite conditions. She also suffered no failures or malfunctions.

As stated, I’m not a fan of Glock’s factory sights, but there is no doubt that they did the job, allowing me to I hit steel targets at 15 yards with little issue. Groups on paper were decent even after a full day of shooting on the range.

Final thoughts

While I found the G43 to be extremely concealable and a decent option for those sporting smaller hands, it doesn’t negate the fact that there are other single-stack 9mm fish in the sea…and at a lower price.

The G43 fit perfectly in the author’s smaller hands but may prove problematic for shooter’s with meatier paws. (Photo: Jacki Billings)

That being said, the 43 is a Glock and that name carries an expectation (and rightly so). If you’re looking for a gun that just works, Glock is it — reliable and functional on the range, it’s a pleasure to own and use simply because it’s so efficient. That said, any shooter in the market for an ultra-compact Glock in 9mm to add to their arsenal will find the 43 fits the bill perfectly.

Source Article from http://www.guns.com/review/gun-review-glock-43-semi-automatic-handgun-single-stack-in-9mm-video/

UPDATED: Sig Sauer Responds BREAKING: Omaha Outdoors has suspended sales of the Sig P320 after finding it can fire if dropped.

By

Keith Finch

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August 7, 2017

Sig has responded to the drop test concern on the P320 pistol series with the following statement and upgrade package on a voluntary basis available next Monday 8/14/2017.

Original post below

SIG SAUER Issues Voluntary Upgrade of P320 Pistol P320 pistol meets requirements for industry and government safety standards;
performance enhancements optimize function, safety, and reliability.
Newington, NH (August 8, 2017) – The P320 meets U.S. standards for safety, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) / Sporting Arms Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, Inc. (SAAMI®), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), as well as rigorous testing protocols for global military and law enforcement agencies.

The design of the SIG SAUER P320 overcomes the most significant safety concern in striker-fired pistols today: the practice of pressing the trigger for disassembly. This can be performed with a round in the chamber which has resulted in numerous incidents of property damage, physical injury, and death. The disassembly process of the P320, however, uses a take-down lever rather than pressing the trigger, eliminating the possibility of discharge during the disassembly process.

Recent events indicate that dropping the P320 beyond U.S. standards for safety may cause an unintentional discharge. As a result of input from law enforcement, government and military customers, SIG has developed a number of enhancements in function, reliability, and overall safety including drop performance. SIG SAUER is offering these enhancements to its customers. Details of this program will be available at sigsauer.com on Monday, August 14, 2017

The M17 variant of the P320, selected by the U.S. government as the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System (MHS), is not affected by the Voluntary Upgrade.“SIG SAUER is committed to our approach on innovation, optimization, and performance, ensuring we produce the finest possible products,” said Ron Cohen, President and CEO of SIG SAUER. “Durability, reliability and safety, as well as end-user confidence in the SIG SAUER brand are the priorities for our team.”For more information on SIG SAUER, please visit us at sigsauer.com.

Follow SIG SAUER on social media, including Facebook at facebook.com/sigsauerinc, Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sigsauerinc/, and YouTube at youtube.com/user/sigsauerinc.SIG SAUER, Inc.

Original Post

Andrew Tuohy who originally started Vuurwapenblog is now the leading mad scientist at Omaha Outdoors. They regular post test footage and their in house evaluations of different OO products.

Tuohy has always struck me as a more dispassionate observer than most with a meticulous scientific methodology.

Find whole article here but in short the P320 pistols they tested (4) passed the standardized drop test criteria. It was on an accidental drop that the firing was first observed and the drop was at a non standard angle. They repeated the test at the observed angle at could consistently get the pistols to fire. One gun with a lower mass trigger (not lighter trigger pull weight) had fewer issues leading to the conclusion that the falling mass at that angle actually can fire the gun.

Sig Sauer has stated the P320 pistols do not have a drop safe issue (and by standardized testing they are correct) and state in their manual that ANY dropped pistol can fire (also correct mechanically)

This could be especially troubling as the P320 is slated for widespread adoption in with US Military and several LE Organizations.

What do you think? Isolated quirk or design change needed?

Personally I never had an issue with my P320, but I never dropped it.

Rifle Systems Spotlight: Daniel Defense

By

Keith Finch

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August 5, 2017

Daniel Defense is arguably one of the most successful turn of the century firearms manufacturers. Since their founding in 2000 they’ve become a leader in the vast AR15 community with top tier rifles and components, doubling their year over year output three separate times in less than two decades.

It was one of their components, the RIS, that originally put them on the national and international radar. Both USSOCOM and the UK Ministry of Defense picked up the RIS, making Daniel Defense one of the lead integrating designers pushing military small arms component upgrades. While the M4’s might still be Colt’s and FN’s, the RIS and RIS II’s free-floating the barrels on them are all DD.

The M4V1 wears the RIS II with a classic fixed front sight gas block.

It was DD’s ability to design a solid rail system capable of keeping existing inventoried components (barrel assemblies) that paved that successful road. They didn’t go to the DoD and SOCOM with a necessity to modify any existing system, just plug their RIS components into place. Daniel did the same for the UK, working with Germany’s H&K to put the RIS on the SA80/L85A2’s to keep them current with the evolving rail systems.

What does this mean for civilian consumers?

Quite simply Daniel Defense was not about chasing DoD contracts. They built up their DDM4 line, and now the DD5 line, with the consumer market in mind. Civilians, Law Enforcement, and the Military would all benefit from their efforts towards superior components and firearms these last 17 years.

I’ve had the privilege to use a wide variety of the Daniel Defense product line and it would be quite the essay to post the full reviews on each, so here is a synopsis of each for brevity.

DDM4A1

The M4A1 series of military rifles are a combined system of components, the M4A1 from DD is their house blend of the same (minus full-auto, for we are buying civilian side).

The RIS II covers the proper M4 length and profile 14.5″ 1:7 barrel and 7″ carbine gas system. For legality, the anodized stainless steel DD Flash Suppressor is permanently affixed to the barrel making the operating length over 16″ to comply with NFA regulations. The barrel features cold hammer forged (CHF) rifling and chrome lining over the chrome moly vanadium steel. This process and material choice, while expensive, produces barrels with exceptional durability and service life, keeping accuracy high and maintenance low.

This flagship carbine is finished out with mil-spec phosphate for the barrel and gas system, and their mil-spec+ cerakote for the RIS and receivers. The 6 position butt stock is on a mil-spec extension and both the stock and pistol grip are of Daniel Defense design, color matched to the rifle.

Internally, the bolt and carrier are all proper steels with chrome lining, the trigger is a forged mil-spec, and the buffer is the preferred H weight. Carrier is properly staked and sealed.

Add your choice of sighting systems and the rifle is completely mission ready. Prairie dogs, 3 Gun silhouettes, and bad guys beware.

Firing the DD M4A1 feels like what I wanted my M4 to be: it’s light. The longer railed RIS trumps the KAC Carbine RAS as more mobile and maneuverable. I’ve come to greatly appreciate longer handguard systems on rifles because of that control increase. I can tailor fit any of my force multiplicative or rifle mounted mission essential equipment to the gun with far more flexibility than a standard M4 carbine.

Daniel Defense rifles have an almost ethereal quality too. They’re generally so well balanced they feel much lighter than they are and lighter than competing systems. You can counter this spooky feature by bolting many many accessories to the rails at all possible locations.. or take advantage of the sleek svelte characteristics for a faster rifle.

You feel just how well that weight and balance you’ve put together help or hinder you the minute you start shooting target transitions.

The DD M4A1 delivers everything a flagship carbine should.

The MK18

Taking everything we like about the M4A1, Daniel Defense has also produced their version of the military MK18. This is a 10.3″ barreled version of the M4A1 in USSOCOM inventory and the DD produced version mirrors their M4 in a similar manner. The compact little carbine/SBR can be deployed inside close confines and vehicles with much greater ease, retaining mobility in tight spaces better than longer rifles.

The MK18’s RIS still gives it more mounting space than the military M4A1, and like the military MK18 models, DD has properly spec’d the barrel and gas system inside that handguard to pressure and cycle the action around the altered dwell time.

I’ve used two seperate MK18’s, one a factory complete SBR and the other an SBR I built using a complete factory upper. The increased ease of mobility, especially around and inside a vehicle, is something that absolutely has to be experienced and the MK18 delivers while losing next to nothing on accuracy or effectiveness (slight increase muzzle blast, which is entertaining). Lower velocity out of SBR’s can result in quicker than typical bullet drop but simple awareness can correct for that on longer distance shots. Inside 300 meters (to say nothing of the more likely fighting distances of 50 meters or less) the MK18 is every bit the effective carbine its larger siblings are.

It’s NFA though so plan your purchase accordingly.

DD M4v11 Pro

The V11 series is the Daniel Defense model I’ve shot the most variations of. Pulling the trigger extensively on the V11, the V11 LW, and the Pro has given me a well formed perspective on the Keymod clad line-up (for M-LOK see the V7)

The V11’s sport a 15″ freefloat keymod handguards over 16″ CHF barrels on mid-length gas systems (keeping that optimal pressure and dwell time) but otherwise keep the M4A1 and MK18 internals.

Oh and there’s Kryptek

The keymod streamlines the already quick rifle a step further over the RIS systems without losing any of the modular attachment capability. The V11 is light. The V11 LW is lighter, the SLW with its 14.5″ barrel is lightest…

and then there’s the Pro Series.

Built with the 3 gun field in mind, the Pro Series V11 received an 18″ S2W profile barrel, a DD muzzle climb mitigator (compensator), a Vltor/BCM Mod 4 Gunfighter charging handle, and a Geissele Automatics Super Dynamic 3 Gun flat faced trigger on top of its standard array of features.

Across 7 total rifles, one M4A1, two MK18’s, and 4 V11’s (one Pro, one LW, and two standard), I have a couple thousand rounds through DD rifles and I’ve had zero stoppage. The various owners, all friends of mine and avid shooters, have in their combined experience few enough stoppages to count on one hand using everything from TulAmmo to M855 to 77gr match loads.

Anecdotes aside, hard use sources like Battlefield Las Vegas who put astronomically high round counts through guns on full-auto consistently use Daniel Defense rifles and replace worn components with DD parts. Bolts are lasting 20,000 rounds and beyond before failure and their barrels are holding acceptable accuracy for better intervals under the high volume abuse of recreational machine gunfire. A hard used rifle may see 20,000 rounds of practice, competition, and courses in a year. These BLV rifles can see that in 30 days.

Speaking of those parts they’re available for your and my use too.

Sights, RIS, Bolts, Carriers, Barrels, Mounting Hardware, Parts Kits and Furniture all available as single upgrades or replacements for your existing systems and builds.

Want that RIS II on your PSA rifle build? Get it. Replacement bolt? Yep. Upgrade the whole carrier? Why not. Rebarrel? Everything you need.

So if you haven’t hit any of the links scattered through this article that reference what I was talking about. Go Click em!

Daniel Defense and our friends at Operation Parts have you covered.

Why TenPoint Stands Out Amongst Its Competitors

By

Brad Fenson

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August 2, 2017

I watched the old, round-headed bear making his way through the fire-scarred timber. He moved slow and deliberate, with his back hips swaying to keep up with the movement of his massive frame. I swallowed hard, thinking for sure the bear would hear my last strains to keep my heart rate and blood pressure under control. Before I knew it, the bear was standing just 20 yards in front of me. When the hulking bruin provided a broadside view, my TenPoint Nitro RDX spit an arrow through its vital before he could even blink.

The bear only went 50 yards before piling up along a scenic stretch of the remote river. It was like a dream come true. Creating adventure often means traveling ridiculous distances, and headeding into unknown territory and conditions. It took me four days to get to my bear hunting location, which included highway travel, commercial airlines, an expedited ride in a passenger van on one of North America’s roughest roads, followed by a boat ride to the remote Cree River Lodge. I hadn’t unpacked all my gear before I was down on the beach flinging arrows at the target butt with my TenPoint. My crossbow was dead-on and ready to hunt, just as I had prepared it at home.

Two days of scouting with good friend Jason Petersen, ensured we had a spot picked out for our June hunt. Jet boats and winding wilderness rivers made for an incredible setting. The bear we harvested had likely never seen a human before, and paid little attention to our presence. Being around apex predators, you must maintain confidence in your equipment and know how it performs.

It wasn’t by accident I had a TenPoint crossbow for my hunt. The adage, “you get what you pay for” certainly holds true for top performing archery equipment. With all my travels, rough conditions, and potential danger, I wanted a crossbow I could trust to perform. Not just at the range, or under ideal conditions, but when you put on your adventure gear and hunt Rambo-style.

I regularly check all the components of my crossbow before each use. Screws are always tight, cams, limbs, and strings aligned, and I get repeatable results that every hunter should expect. Quality components, superior engineering, and a family that built crossbows so they could succeed at hunting themselves, is why TenPoints work.

Go to an archery shop and compare the fit and feel of several bows, and it will quickly become apparent why TenPoint stands out. There are economically-priced bows to choose from, but you will see the corners that have been cut to get there.

Any of the TenPoint, Horton, or Wicked Ridge bows are work horses. You can shoot them repeatedly, take them on the roughest hunts, and they will treat you the same every time you cock the string and pull the trigger.

Draw weights and arrow speed are balanced to maximize use and performance. Don’t confuse extreme speed with best products. The best advice you can receive when looking for a new crossbow is to shoot as many as you can. It will quickly become apparent that there is a benchmark in the industry and you will be comparing everything else to your TenPoint.

How I Quit Caring About Printing and Learned to Love My Full Sized Gun

By

Keith Finch

-

July 31, 2017

As a guy who carries a Sig Sauer P226 daily I agree with Travis here…

From Travis Pike

When I was first issued my concealed carry permit I went with what I thought was the wise route in weapon selection. I had read from many others that most new concealed carriers carried a gun much too large.

So I went with small, and affordable and ended up with a Bersa 380. It was a great little gun for the price, and it was easy to carry. From there I eventually moved to a Glock 26 and then to a Walther PPS. They were all compact guns that were small, lightweight, and easy to carry. They were also limited in capacity, had a short sight radius, and often grips too small to fully fill the hand.

Over time I began trending a bit larger with my concealed carry handgun, going to a SIG P250 compact (Roughly Glock 19 sized) whenever possible. From there I finally settled on the CZ P09. The CZ P09 is a full sized 9mm handgun that holds 19 in the magazine and comes with an optional plus 2 extension for 21 total rounds.

The P09 has a 4.54-inch barrel, has an overall length of 8.1 inches and is 1.46 inches wide. It’s by no means a small gun, but I feel incredibly comfortable carrying it. Guns are supposed to be comforting, not comfortable right? Well, luckily they can be both.

Why a Full Sized Gun?

First and foremost a larger gun is easier to shoot than a smaller gun. The larger grips are more comfortable, the longer sight radius makes the gun easier to shoot accurately, and I have significantly more rounds on tap. The differences and ergonomic advantages were reason enough to go full sized for me.

With my Walther PPS, I can hit a 21 inch (Tall) popper only about 50% of the time. With my CZ P09, I can hit that same popper more than 90% of the time. I can even consistently hit the target shooting somewhat rapidly. With the Walther PPS its fire, realign sights, get back on target and finally fire again. With the P09 it’s fire, follow through, and fire again.

Regarding rapid fire, the CZ P09 is much easier to squeeze off round rapidly and accurately. This includes double taps, failure to stop drills, and just dropping rounds. The larger grip, heavier weight, and longer barrel reduces recoil and makes rapid shots just a bit easier.

In terms of ammo capacity, I use 7 round mags with the PPS, and I’d have to carry three of them to make one P09 magazine. Is there a need for that ammunition in a civilian self-defense scenario? Probably not. Maybe it’s just the former machine gunner in me, but I’ve never thought having too much ammunition was a bad thing. I certainly don’t want to die for lack of ammo.

The longer barrel also gives me a hair more velocity with similar loads. The faster the bullet the better penetration I’ll get through barriers and thick clothing.

Many are right to point out the likelihood of needing that much ammunition is superbly small. That’s true, but the likelihood of me ever needing my gun as a law abiding citizen is also quite small, but I don’t leave home without it. I won’t be the one guy who needed it and didn’t have it.

A full sized gun narrows the threat gap when faced with an opponent armed with a long gun. That’s another long shot, but as we’ve seen it’s possible. The same goes for multiple opponents. Unlikely scenarios but I’m already planning for the unlikely by carrying a gun, and every single listed scenario has happened in the past and can happen again.

How to Carry a Full Sized Handgun

Part of the biggest reason I began carrying a large gun is I learned how to carry a large gun. I learned that choice of belt and holster made a massive difference in my ability to carry a full sized gun. I learned to spend a little money to get a high quality holster.

I also purchased several gun belts that were rigid and strong enough to bear the weight of the CZ P09. This keeps the belt from sagging or rotating in any direction. This extra support ensures the gun remains concealed and doesn’t sag below the cover garment. This also makes carrying the gun a lot more comfortable when it comes to day to day carry.

The combination of a high-quality holster and belt makes carrying the gun comfortable. Even if it’s large and in charge carrying it can be comfortable. It certainly took some time and money to experiment with what worked but wearing the gun day after day changed the way I carried.

My current combination is the HTC Vantage and the HTC gun belt. The Vantage is an excellent holster and allows me to carry my CZ P09 and a Streamlight TLR 1 concealed and away from prying eyes.

But What About Printing?

What about it? I find the only people that actually notice a gun is printing is the person carrying the gun. People are too wrapped up in what they are doing to stop and look at my waist to determine if I’m carrying a gun or not. It simply doesn’t happen and I typically conceal my gun under nothing more than a T shirt.

Let’s say someone observant sees that I’m printing?

So what?

If I’m not breaking the law and even if they notice what does that change? On the off chance they notice it’s pretty difficult to tell If I’m actually packing or I have, for instance, an insulin pump. Printing isn’t something that keeps me up at night.

Admittedly I’m a big dude so I can carry a larger gun a bit easier than most (As a littler dude its pretty freakin’ easy too –Keith). However, even a small person could carry a decently sized firearm with a bit of dedication and practice. A Glock 19 gives you 15 rounds of 9mm and is still easy to carry, the same goes for the SIG P229. Combine those compact guns with a good IWB holster and gun belt and you’d be surprised at just how easy it is to carry a decent sized fighting handgun.

The Little Fellas

I still have my Walther PPS and still carry it on occasion. In some situations, it is impossible to carry a full sized gun. When I go a run I take the PPS, when I’m having to dress up I take the PPS. There will always be reasons to have a little gun, but when I can go big, I go big.

Carrying it isn’t always comfortable (like in movie theater seats) but it’s always comforting.

RISE Armament Debuts New Trigger Group

By

Keith Finch

-

July 29, 2017

RISE Armament Debuts New
Trigger GroupThe RA-434 High-Performance Trigger uniquely combines smoothness and speed.BROKEN ARROW, Okla. – Building on the popularity of its industry-leading AR triggers, RISE Armament is proud to introduce the RA-434 High-Performance Trigger.

The accuracy-enhancing RA-434 High-Performance Trigger (HPT) uniquely combines smoothness and speed for a tremendous upgrade in performance.

The first of its kind, the RA-434 is a premium trigger available at a mid-range cost.

“Customers have been drawn to the extreme value of our triggers, so when designing the RA-434, we set out to continue to deliver quality and performance for a great price,” said Matt Torres, president of RISE Armament.

Ultra smooth to the break with a crisp, clean release, the RA-434 HPT helps rifle owners shoot more accurately with less effort. It boasts a quick reset and low overtravel for enhanced speed.

The RA-434 HPT has a straight trigger blade—available in black or silver—for enhanced control and a lighter-feeling pull weight. “We’ve had numerous requests for a straight trigger, so we’re excited to offer this option,” Torres said.

The single-stage trigger has a 3.5-pound pull and a skeletonized hammer. The RA-434 HPT also has a drop safety feature, and it fits most .223/5.56 and .308 AR-style platforms.

Like all RISE products, the RA-434 HPT is manufactured and assembled in RISE’s Oklahoma-based facility according to stringent AS9100 aerospace requirements, and it is backed by RISE Armament’s lifetime guarantee. It is precision CNC machined from high-grade, heat-treated tool steel and aluminum. Each trigger group is contained in a black hardcoat anodized aluminum housing. Its self-contained design makes it easy to install with no fine-tuning needed.

The RA-434 HPT is immediately available and retails for $169.

About RISE Armament
Headquartered in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, RISE Armament designs and manufactures industry-leading firearms, parts, and accessories. All RISE products are manufactured according to strict AS9100-certified procedures for enhanced quality control. For more information, visit www.risearmament.com.

Maxim Defense has MPX and MCX CQB Stocks!

By

Keith Finch

-

July 27, 2017

If you’ve been following Sig Sauer the last couple years the company has been forging out new products like Hephaestus. Ammo, Optics, Legion Series, and the P320 that is now the XM17.

Among those were two evolutionary new carbines, the MPX and MCX.

But… let’s face it, to some of us they kinda phoned in the stock options. Like no one at Sig told the stock guy he was the stock guy and instead left him to make some very good picatinny lock ups for stocks and told him on Friday after lunch that there has to be a stock attached too by Monday…

Well the innovators at Maxim Defense didn’t stop with their fantastic CQB Stock and Brace systems for the AR’s and have given us a solution.

The new CQB stocks offer what many of the earlier stocks from other sources lacked, adjustability and cheek weld.

At 17.5 oz for the MPX and 17.7 oz for the MCX and adding from 4.18 to 9 inches in stock length from the start of the rear receiver picatinny rail the 5 position stocks are a welcome addition for shooters looking at the aftermarket for stock options on their Sig Sauer carbines.

I’ll let Maxim’s release cover the rest… Now where is that VIRTUS?

From Maxim Defense Themselves

How To Shoot Faster: 4 Tips To Increase Your Draw Speed

By

Keith Finch

-

July 25, 2017

James Williamson of Teufelshund Tactical

From Chris B.

Being able to quickly draw your gun, acquire your target and fire is a valuable skill which comes in handy for both competitions and self-defense situations.

Far too many gun owners have one routine. They go to the gun range and lackadaisically load their guns, aim and shoot.

They prioritize comfort over technique, but the reality is a self-defense situation isn’t going to be comfortable. If you’re facing a life-or-death situation, you need shooting techniques you can rely on.

Increasing your draw speed is the single-most important part of shooting faster. Follow these tips to see dramatic improvements in how quickly you draw your gun.

1. Develop Solid Fundamentals

If you’re an experienced shooter, you can probably skip this step.

But if you’re still learning the ropes, you’ll want to make sure you have your fundamentals down before you start worrying about how fast you can draw your gun.

There are a few key elements to shooting that should be second nature.

The first is your stance. When shooting, you want to have a slight forward lean to your body with your arms almost fully extended.

Your grip is very important. You should have as firm a grip on the gun as possible without gripping it so hard that your hands begin shaking.

It’s a good idea to grab the gun as high up on it as you can with your shooting hand, and then wrap your support hand around the other side of the handle.

You should be able to line up your sights enough that you can shoot accurately from at least 10 yards away. Handgun scopes, while

Your trigger squeeze should be a smooth process where you don’t jerk the gun at all in anticipation of the recoil.

2. Reduce the Number of Decisions You Make

Cutting down on how many decisions you need to make is critical for increasing your draw and shooting speed.

Now, at first glance, shooting may not seem like a situation where you make many decisions. However, most shooters make quite a few small, split-second decisions.

The problem is that each of these split-second decisions makes your shooting a bit slower. And in a life-or-death situation where you’re dealing with an adrenaline rush, these decisions can become even more of an issue.

What kind of decisions are we talking about here? Here are a couple:

How are you going to draw your gun?

How will you release the slide?

Let’s look at these examples, one at a time.

There are two main options for drawing your gun – the draw stroke and the close-quarters draw stroke, also sometimes called the right-angle draw stroke.

The draw stroke involves drawing your gun, holding it pointed down in front of your waist while you put your support hand on it, and then raising it up to acquire your sights.

This won’t work if you have an object in front of you that blocks you from raising the gun, and it will take you an extra moment to acquire your sights upon raising the gun when you use this draw.

With the close-quarters draw stroke, you draw the gun and keep it tight to your body as you bring the support hand over to it. You then acquire your sights as you extend your arms.

Not only does the close-quarters draw work in all situations, but it helps you acquire your sights more quickly.

Given the advantages of the close-quarters draw, that’s the only draw you should train. You don’t want to wonder which draw you should do in a self-defense situation.

When your slide is locked back, you can either use the slide lock to release it or grab the slide and rack it.

The only time you’ll use the slide lock is in this situation, whereas you’ll need to grab the slide to charge the gun otherwise. Since grabbing the slide will work in any situation and using the slide lock will not, you should eliminate using the slide lock from your toolkit.

It’s also smart to always do a tap and rack no matter what action you’re performing with your gun. Loading, reloading, clearing jams – since the tap and rack will work for all of these, stick with that and reduce your number of decisions.

Keeping decisions to a minimum is one reason we recommend guns without manual safeties if your focus is on quick drawing. A safety just takes more valuable time.

Two excellent choices for quick drawing are the Ruger LC9 Pro, designed to meet the needs of law enforcement officers in high-stress situations, and the M&P9 SHIELD No Thumb Safety.

3. Practice Slowly and Smoothly to Start

One of the biggest problems you could encounter when working on your quick draw is trying to do it quickly.

Many shooters are so focused on speed that their movements become jerky.

There’s a common saying used in shooting, martial arts and likely many other areas. It goes “slow is smooth, smooth is fast.”

Even when your aim is a quick draw and fast shooting, don’t try to practice that right away. Instead, work on minimizing your movements.

Make sure you’re drawing your gun correctly and you don’t have any excess movements during the process.

As you go through this procedure, you’ll develop muscle memory and you’ll naturally start to do it more quickly.

If at any point you notice your form is starting to suffer, slow down.

Here’s a good anecdote demonstrating how beneficial it is to be smooth instead of fast:

A shooting instructor set up a course with around 10 targets, and there was quite a bit of movement between shooting positions for each of these targets.

The students, who were all experienced shooters in their own right, ran through the course, trying to do it as quickly as possible.

The instructor walked through the whole course and had the best time by several seconds. While everyone else was focusing on speed, he was focusing on smoothness.

4. Practice Different Drills and Scenarios

If you use the aforementioned techniques to develop a quick draw while you’re at the range, then that will likely be the only place where you have a quick draw.

Obviously, your typical self-defense situation won’t be anything like standing and firing at a paper or steel target.

You’ll be moving around.

You could end up shooting from awkward positions.

Maybe you aren’t able to get in your typical firing stance – you’re on your back, or your knees or one hand is occupied so you can only shoot one-handed.

If you truly want to be good at shooting quickly, you need to practice in different situations.

A video simulator is one way to practice what a real self-defense situation would be like. You can also take classes that focus on shooting in self-defense situations.

Other options include incorporating movement into your shooting, shooting while a partner times you or yells instructions, or shooting in a competition.

Developing Your Skills

When you get your fundamentals down pat, keep your decisions to a minimum, focus on smoothness and practice often, you’ll see significant improvements on how quickly you can draw and fire your gun.

Having the right gun is also important for a quick draw. While you can improve your draw speed with any gun, certain guns are much easier to draw and fire than others.

We mentioned guns with no manual safety earlier, but we also like compact 9mm guns for quick drawing.

The compact size makes the gun easier to draw. The 9mm caliber means there will be less recoil so it’s easier to keep your shots on target.

The Gen 4 Glock 19 is a popular handgun for women who want a gun for quick drawing because of its lightness and easy-to-use ergonomic design.

Whichever gun you choose, get proficient with it until using it feels like second nature.

Skills Maintenance: Limited Resources. Using Deliberate Practice on Low Round Counts

By

Keith Finch

-

July 21, 2017

From 248Shooter.com

Training and skills maintenance is a subject that we shortchange ourselves on when it comes to where our time, our effort, and our resources are spent. It’s understandable in many respects since basic skills maintenance isn’t anything new. It’s not a new rifle in the case or safe. It isn’t a new sidearm riding in a holster. It’s not a new optic with legendary level glass clarity or electronics efficiency. It isn’t even a new skills development course from a professional source.

Skills maintenance isn’t gratifying the way a new purchase is and because of that difference in our gratification response its very easy for us to put practicing off. Factoring the difference in gratification response in with the already fully scheduled life of your average adult and the time we want to spend on skills maintenance drops even further.

Making time to practice is something we must do but understanding what to practice and where our skill development stands, objectively speaking, can be difficult to evaluate outside of a course. Do I shoot the same few drills I did in my State CPL class? Do I try something I saw online? What targets should I be using? What distances should I shoot at? Am I maintaining and progressing ?

How do you assess? Equally important when you’re trying to be efficient as well as proficient, how much time, effort, ammunition, and other resources will this take?

Our training goal is to assess and improve our shooting engagement speed and accuracy in a timely and practical manner. That doesn’t have a magic number of rounds, its going to take however many shots it takes. Being efficient with each round and using each shot as an assessment tool will cut the number down drastically though.

The following combination assessment training in its entirety takes 100 rounds of ammunition, two targets (specified), a holster, a spare magazine or speed loader, a range indoor or outdoor where you can fire at distances between 3 and 15 yards (9-45 feet), a shot timer or timer phone application, and proper range PPE eyes and ears. It can be completed comfortably within 30 minutes.

This is a short and easily fulfilled requirement set. If you can’t find a spot to meet them you aren’t looking and if you can’t acquire the gear you aren’t trying.

Part 1:Dot Torture

For candid accuracy assessment I like to use Dot Torture. Developed by David Blinder, I originally found this drill at https://pistol-training.com/drills/dot-torture you can print your targets right from the webpage

This is a 50 round, 50 point accuracy assessment using basic pistol manipulation. The directions for the entire drill are on the printed target, as are boxes for Date, Score, and Distance to document the assessment.

Remember kids the difference between screwing around and science is writing it down.

Select your target based on your firearm type. I use the TDA Dot Torture target above because I carry a Sig P226. The P226 is a TDA or Traditional Double Action, also known as a DA/SA, Double Action / Single Action. Use this target if you have a gun that transitions from double to single action after the first shot.

If I’m training with my Glock 19 I use the standard Dot Torture target. Use this target for all firearms with a single trigger pull weight to include DAO Double Action Only semi-autos, DAK Double Action Shorts, Double Action Revolvers, Single Action Only semi-autos like the 1911, and Striker Fired guns like the Glock, M&P, and Sig P320.

To be completed correctly use your gun’s default trigger. No thumb cocking the hammer, Revolver and TDA shooters, fire double action… this is to realistically assess your skills placement on your firearm, cheating this only cheats you.

Shoot from 3 yards (9 feet). The directions for each circle target or pair are below the target circle. Shoot from 1-10 following the directions. Score each circle or pair of circles on completion for objective assessment, breaking the circles edge counts as a hit. Each circle or pair are engaged drawing from your holster Total your hits per circle and compare to the 50 shots fired. Only count hits that were deliberately fired at that circle, a shot at 1 that hit 3 is not a bonus point for 3.

Dot Torture is excellent for detail work on accuracy, its hard to cheat small targets and it is unforgiving of errors in shooting grip or trigger press. Knowing that you are throwing a round high, low, left, or right of the target while not under a serious time constraint can help you diagnose and correct small errors and the fact that many of the drills fire multiple rounds will help assess whether or not you shift or adjust your grip while firing, also called milking your grip.

Take notes, notate your low score drills and the type of misses. Address them, implement fixes and adjustments and reshoot those drills as you get time to achieve better results, but complete this full assessment first.

Dot Torture is designed to be fired and graded cold bore. No warm ups, no practice runs, no dry fire, this is your opening sequence. Use your noted weak drills to focus your continued practice for later. If you’re scoring in the 40’s consider increasing the distance 1 yard (3 feet). If you score 50 increase the distance next assessment and don’t revert back, keep pushing. You should strive to push this drill out to 10 yards (30 feet), but make sure your scoring well enough to push the distance. These drills are designed to meticulously develop your shooting basics on an ammo conscious basis.

While you can add a time component as a stress factor do not worry about that until you’ve added distance. Dot Torture is an accuracy builder. Once you can score well at distance you can vary the routine and add a time limit at short distance, then build it up deliberately.

Shooting beyond your current skill set for anything but enjoyment are rounds wasted.

Part 2: FBI Q Course (Modified)

The FBI Firearms Qualification Course, or Q Course is a 60 round examination used as the minimum acceptable standard for Special Agents to carry a firearm in the field. It is not difficult and as such can be used by individual shooters as a good indicator of basic skill level and identify weaknesses in skill sets for improvement.

We’re going to cover a modified version of the Q course that drops the last 10 rounds and the cover/concealment exercise. That portion of the evaluation adds very little value for the shooter and makes the equipment requirement and range requirements much more arduous. Plus it throws off my 100 round count.

The Q course brings a timing event into the equation and is shot at a QIT-99 target (above). You can easily substitute an IPSC/IDPA/USPSA silhouette and use the A/B/C or -0/-1 zones as your scoring area. Set up your shot timer or timer app for par time (2 beeps, start and time complete) this will allow you to score any slow shots as misses. Use a holster and concealment (best testing will conducted be with your EDC set up).

Your minimum passing score will be 40/50 but you should be looking to shoot this cleanly. Remember you’re on the clock but don’t rush your shots, only hits count. The time requirements are generous and meant as both a minor stress induction and a baseline to prevent moving excessively slow which is dangerous in its own right. Fighting is fast and violent and the faster you can become effectively violent the better off you will be if/when that need arises.

Starting at 3 yards. You will need 12 rounds total.

Draw and fire 3 shots with your strong hand only. Time limit 3 seconds
Repeat 1.
Draw and fire 3 shots strong hand only. Switch hands and fire 3 rounds support hand only. Time limit 8 seconds

Move to 5 yards. You will need 12 rounds total. Two handed shooting on all drills from this point forward.

Draw and fire 3 rounds. Time limit 3 seconds. 4 repetitions total.

Move to 7 yards. You will need 16 total rounds. You will need a second magazine/loader.

Draw and fire 4 rounds. Time limit 4 seconds.
Repeat 1.
Draw and fire 4 rounds. Gun runs empty, reload. Fire 4 rounds. Time limit 8 seconds.

Move to 15 yards. You will need 10 rounds total.

Draw and fire 3 rounds. Time limit 6 seconds.
Repeat 1.
Draw and fire 4 rounds. Time limit 8 seconds.

Course complete. Again, minimum 80% (40/50) to pass. Use any low scored drills to identify skill deficiencies for more work. If you shot the Q course clean look at the drills you were closest to the time limits on and work to make those quicker. You can add additional difficulty by adding more reloads or combining steps to work on sustained fire.

Make every round count, especially when you’re time and resource limited. Above is just one method to do so. There are many.

Now go hit the range. No Excuses.

Now Shipping from Magpul: M3 PMags for 300 BLK!

By

Keith Finch

-

July 18, 2017

Where are my 300 Blackout Fans at? Now that the MCT PMags are out Magpul has released the 30 AR 300 B GEN M3, 300 Blackout Pmags. While standard mags do work they are sub-optimal, being dedicated to 5.56mm round size, shape and weight. The new mags? Well I’ll let Magpul explain

Why a Dedicated 300 BLK Mag?

While some .300 Blackout® ammo runs consistently in 5.56 magazines for some users, others have found it to be problematic. At the request of some demanding professional users, we have designed an ultra-reliable magazine dedicated to handling the challenges of various 300 BLK ammunition types.

Optimizes Round Stack

300 BLK rounds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some don’t interface correctly with the contact areas in a 5.56 mag. This can ultimately cause stoppages. By designing a PMAG specifically for .300 Blackout, we were able to optimize the round stack for the increasing variety of 300 BLK projectiles.

Minimizes Side Pressure and Friction

Dust or suppressor fouling magnify the problem—especially with certain subsonic rounds. This creates side pressure within the mag, adding friction and slowing the stack movement upwards. This is a geometry issue that our PMAG 30 AR 300 B is engineered to solve.

Avoids Caliber Misidentification

The dedicated PMAG for 300 BLK includes tactile and visual cues that differentiate it from 5.56 PMAGs for those who need to switch types of ammunition rapidly. This helps to avoid dangerous misidentifications and cross loading.

Maintains PMAG Reliability

Like all PMAGs, the PMAG 30 AR 300 B GEN M3 magazine features a long-life USGI-spec stainless steel spring, four-way anti-tilt follower and constant-curve internal geometry for reliable feeding.

Look for them in the wild now!

Michigan Constitutional Carry Moves Forward, But What is in the Bill?

By

Keith Finch

-

July 11, 2017

From 248Shooter.com

No, you can’t carry without a license yet Michiganders. Period. Done. End of Story.

But we are getting there.

Here’s the house Summary of the four bill package now awaiting concurrence with the Senate again.

First, CPLs aren’t going away or really becoming any less useful. They still stand in for a NICS check for a firearm purchase and allow you the certain additional exemptions from non-licensees. CPLs are the only reciprocal form of concealed carry for out of state. Many Constitutional Carry States only allow their residents that right, not visitors.

Second, legal language is being amended to decriminalize carry of a firearm concealed on a person or in a vehicle and narrow the criminal act to only those already prohibited from possessing a firearm. Basically if you shouldn’t have the gun you’re in more trouble because you’re hiding it. But if it is your gun and you’re allowed to have it, you can carry it concealed or otherwise. This also simplifies transporting all firearms as their loaded or unloaded status becomes a moot point and firearms like the Mossberg 590 Shockwave become an option as a “Trunk Gun”

Third and VERY IMPORTANT, the language does nothing to amend or alter pistol free zones. The open carry pistol free zones will apply to non-licensee concealed carry. This means, Wal-Mart, Meijer, Walgreens, and any restaurant that serves or sells any alcohol is off limits (Liquor Control Code). Banks are off limits also. The non-licensed zones are more restrictive than the licensed zones.

Fourth, it simplifies and eliminates a great many procedural exemptions like someone being exempt from the prohibition on non-licensed concealed carry if they are on their own property since non-licensed carry would no longer be prohibited except in PFZs.

Fifth, the language for disclosing carry and the fines and fees associated with a violation are simplified. Now instead of immediately disclosing if you are carrying or transporting a loaded firearm to a peace officer you must do so on request by the peace officer. Failure to disclose on request and/or carrying without State ID (and CPL for CPL holders) would be a straight $100 fine civil infraction.

RALLT Hammock Review

By

248 Shooter

-

July 10, 2017

What is a gun page doing reviewing a hammock? If you’re seriously asking, as some of my friends have, then you don’t take enough classes. The Hammock at the Alliance PD Range gets a ton of use because on hot days there is nothing like racking out for 20 minutes to refresh the body. If you ever run competitive shooting there can be delays between matches. Nothing like taking a load off by attaching this between 2 cars.

I have made the RALLT Single Camping Hammock a staple in my emergency car kit. This affords me the luxury of a fast nap in all sorts of unexpected places. The small kit takes up 5 cubic inches of room, weighs less than 1lb, and assembles in 5 minutes or less. On the go or just in your car, it’s easy to find a place for it.

In a real emergency situation, it makes for a great way to stay up off cold or wet ground. When paired with a tarp it can even make for a hasty shelter. To many “survivalists” forget shelter needs to be top priority in their preparations and instead focus on just food, water, and defensive tools.

The non-stretch nautical rope that is included attaches to no snag wiregate carabiners with a simple wrap around the closest tree or pole. Then when you’re done, it all stuffs back in the stuff sack attached to the hammock, ensuring it will never get lost or blown away while you snooze.

Being a larger guy 6’1” and pushing 255 lbs, I was hesitant to use this at first. The hammock is amply suited to even fit Steve Fisher “Yeti” at 10ft long and 4’7” wide but would it handle the weight? The material looks to be very thin and light weight, designed for those skinny millennial hiker types. However, the 70D Ripstop material and triple chain seams held me just fine. I have to say it’s sturdy as hell and likely lives up to its claim of 400lbs. If you’re larger or want to snuggle your battle buddy then you can purchase the two person version for $10 more.

Pros:

Lightweight
Affordable
Easy to set up
Perfect for spring, summer, or fall dry days

Cons:

Hammocks take some getting used to getting in and out of
While comfortable a tarp would be needed to make it a shelter

The RALLT Single Hammock comes in 7 colors with alternate versions for 2 people or cammo patterns. It can be bought from https://www.rallt.com/ directly for $35.95 in single or $45.95 as a double. At this price I bought two, one for the car and one for my bug out bag.

How To – Reloading the Combat Shotgun

By

Keith Finch

-

July 6, 2017

Now that the Independence Day weekend is through we’re back to our usual informative pace… Travis called Shotgun

From Travis Pike

The shotgun is an awesome weapon. It’s a brutal close quarters combat instrument that is hard to beat in a house fight. One of the biggest downsides to the shotgun is its limited ammo capacity. Because of its limited capacity a shotgunner needs to know two vital reload methods, just in case. These are broken down into the speed/emergency reload and the tactical reload.

These techniques are designed for shotguns with tubular magazines in semi automatic, or pump configurations. Unique shotguns like the KSG, the DD 12, the VEPR12, or the UTAS 15 will have modified techniques.

Ammunition Carry Methods

Before we address reloading we are going to talk briefly on how you carry the reloads.

On Gun

Extra ammo for the shotgun is most commonly carried on the gun. This is typically a side saddle configuration that offers 4 to 6 rounds of extra ammo. The side saddle is one of the necessary accessories for a shotgunner in my opinion. The Side Saddle can be used in two ways.

If I was still an active duty Marine and still issued a shotgun my side saddle would be my “Oh Crap” ammo source. It’d be dedicated to speed reloads, and my on body means of carrying ammo is for tactical reloads and topping off.

As a normal Joe who keeps a shotgun for home defense the side saddle is my only means of carrying extra ammo so it’s used for everything. I’m not tossing on a vest or bandoleer to greet home invaders.

On Body

For law enforcement, military, and preppers it’s a good idea to have an additional means of carrying ammunition. It could be a belt of ammo, a pouch with ammo safely stored and organized, or something like the Ammo Pal. This gives them a lot more ammo than a side saddle. However, they should still have a side saddle on their shotgun.

This on body ammo is perfect for topping off the shotgun in a fight, and the allows shooter to reserve the side saddle for speed reloads. If a speed reload is utilized the side should be refreshed from the on body ammo.

Tactical Reload

A tactical reload occurs anytime you have a lull in the fight. The joy of a combat shotgun is the ability to keep it loaded by topping it off. The general rule of thumb is fire two, load two. Whenever you aren’t shooting you should be reloading.

The low capacity of a shotgun and close quarters nature demands you be proficient at keeping the shotgun loaded. When tactically loading there is already a round chambered. With that in mind you want to keep the weapon pointed in the last known direction of the threat, and keep your eyes focused downrange.

You need to be able to retrieve ammunition by feel alone. To tactically reload a shotgun you’ll need to retrieve rounds from your ammo source and load the tubular magazine with as many rounds as you safely can.

You want to be able to retrieve and load ammunition without having to look at the gun or your ammo source, as well as being able to reload your shotgun on the move. This coordination takes training, but is an invaluable skill if you are running a shotgun.

Speed/Emergency Reload

The Speed reload should be used when you run dry and are still in a close combat scenario. The goal of speed reloading is to get a round into the chamber as fast as possible. In this situation you are attempting to get a dry weapon back into action to deal with an immediate threat. With that in mind we want to be able to load as quickly as possible. Generally the fastest way to reload a standard combat shotgun is via a side saddle.

To start a speed reload from a dry gun the weapon needs to have it’s action opened with an empty tube and chamber. You’ll draw a round from your ammunition source, and position it in your hand so the rim is facing you. With the rim facing you, insert the round into the open port. You do not have to load the round directly into the chamber, this takes too much time.

With the action opened the shell lifter will be in the up position and it will hold the round in place after you put the round through the port. From here you will send the round into the chamber by pushing the pump forward, or by hitting the bolt release on a semi automatic shotgun. When using a semi automatic don’t be afraid of the charging handle. It may hit your hand, but it doesn’t hurt.

When loading through the port you can go under or over the receiver. I find going over the receiver to be the better option for me for a couple of reasons. First going over means my rounds are rim up in the side saddle, which means they are less likely to shake loose and fall out of the carrier. Second it’s less awkward for me, and more intuitive. Going over the receiver allows me to easily hit the bolt release button on my Mossberg 930.

With a pump action shotgun going under the receiver may be the better choice. Going under the gun makes it easier to load and then activate the pump.

Once you have a round in the chamber you have two options that will be decided for you based on the situation. Either you are going to fire that round and prepare another speed reload, or you are going to go into a tactical reload. If you are still facing an active threat you’ll need to get that round down range and be really good at speed reloads.

What you need to remember is that a speed reload is something you want to avoid as much as possible with a shotgun. The only time it should happen is if things have gotten fast and furious and you are putting a lot of lead downrange. To avoid being reduced to a speed reload you have to be capable of doing tactical reloads.

Final Words

You can train with these techniques at home without having to invest a ton of money in ammo. I utilize Snap Caps to form muscle memory, and to build coordination for both reloads. Snap Caps are dummy rounds that replicate the size and weight of an actual round of buckshot. They are great for building those base level skills before hitting the range for practical application and safe to use in the house.

These techniques are not complicated, and are very important for a shotgun operator to learn and utilize. Luckily, they aren’t difficult to master. Take 15 minutes a day, and practice these reloads with Snap Caps. A little time, and effort will go a long way, and in a week you’ll see noticeable improvement in your shotgun mastery.