Sunday Sermon: Use a Gun that Works EVERY Time

February 11, 2018

Reliability is essential in any tool. If you are using a tool for a given task you need that tool to work. When a tool does not work your progress on your task stops and you must spend time fixing or replacing the tool.

Now in a task that is not critical or time sensitive this is an aggravation.

In a situation where the task is critical, time sensitive, and necessary to save life… In that case reliability is non negotiable.

If you are approaching the purchase of a life saving tool like a firearm from the standpoint of likely never having to use it. YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.

Someone walks into a gun store and utters the phrase “I just need something cheap for self protection.” Are you out of your mind?

Go bungee jump or climb with the cheap imitation carabiners, cord, and harnesses. I’ll let your broken body tell me how that went. This is your life and that of your family we are talking about. Your emergency equipment needs to work. Your gun must work when you need it or your very likely to never need it again.

Imagine kitting an ambulance out with the sketchiest version of every life saving item it needs from the tires on up and then being one hundred percent certain it will be able to save your life. That is an identical attitude to “something cheap for self defense”.

In an emergency certainty is already long gone. You’re now playing beat the odds with whatever quality equipment you invested in and have on hand.

Will that investment help or hurt your odds?

I’m not here to tell you what to buy. I am telling you to take buying it seriously.

SIG Sauer Introduces the Legion RX

Keith Finch

February 9, 2018

Sig Sauer’s LEGION series has expanded again with the addition of their RX reddot optical options.

All the P226 and P229 9mm Legion pistols can now come equipped with a Romeo1 RDS. With the popularity of optics on sidearms continuing its evolution this move from SIG on their premium duty line is a natural one. Optic ready and equipped straight from SIG.

U.S. Firearms Icon Remington Seeking Sources to File for Bankruptcy

Keith Finch

February 9, 2018

According to sources close to the matter Remington Outdoor Company Inc is seeking information to restructure it’s nearly billion dollar dept. The company is looking to finance operations during bankruptcy in order to keep production running.

Remington has had a rough time during the “Trump Slump” gun market. While some of the loss in sales is attributable to the overall settling of the market as a whole that hasn’t been Remington’s sole issue.

Remington has had several non starter project launches.

With the exception of their R1 1911 series their handguns have an abysmal reputation while trying to compete against a crowded field. The RP “service” handgun has been seen selling below Hi-Point prices. The R51 was a well documented dumpster fire. The RM380 is a solid meh at best with far more popular options surrounding it.

The reputation on their rifles and shotguns have, anecdotally at least, slipped from international standards into a realm where people look for better or less expensive alternatives in an increasing populated field.

Their tactical rifles had promise when it was announced they would be supplying M4A1’s for the U.S. Military but as of this writing I believe FN still builds them all. They killed their ACR project by meeting none of their stated goals despite now producing a decent rifle. Remington’s AR15 and AR10 lines are in demand next to nowhere as AR sales sagged, other brands command the field.

It seems that Remington’s biggest problem is producing a product the consumer market wants to buy. For lessons on that topic see Ruger.

The full financial story here at Reuters.

Review: Armament Systems and Procedures TUNGSTEN, EDC Handheld Flashlight

Keith Finch

February 9, 2018

Tungsten is a remarkable element. Notable for having the highest melting point of any other element at 6,192 degrees Fahrenheit. It can take some heat.

I’m not sure whether or not that fact and a high lumen light’s tendency to test heat tolerance while on in a pocket is related but Armament Systems and Procedures has produced an impressive handheld light by that elemental title.

The ASP Tungsten is an every day carry sized pocket light. 5.75 inches long, 0.9 inches in diameter, 4.2 ounces with the 18650 battery make the Tungsten a comfortably unobtrusive daily carry companion.

ASP describes the handheld thus

Make no mistake―it might be pocket-sized, but the distinctive Tungsten packs a punch, blazing 450 lumens for more than a football field in distance. Dual Fuel technology means you’ll never be without a power source―it runs with either a rechargeable 18650 battery (included) or 2 CR123A primary (single use) cells (sold separately). The included battery charges inside the flashlight, using the supplied cord and adapters, or any micro USB phone/electronics charging cord―no separate battery charger needed. The Tungsten is machined from 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum, type III hardcoat anodized in a proprietary matte black finish. Premium components include Cree XPG2 LED, gold-plated connectors, polished aluminum reflector and optical glass lens. In keeping with our emphasis on intuitive design and simplicity in our law enforcement tools and training, activation of the Triad is via a single pressure switch on the tail cap. A 3-position twist selector allows choice of intermittent, constant-on, or locked.

ASP prides themselves on purpose driven design. They build lights for a mission requirement, not to build the next bright light. The Tungsten projects that philosophy in the straightforward blended ergonomics and durability.

The body is 6061 series anodized aluminum and o-rings seal the battery compartment and bezel electronics suite from elemental intrusion. In my months of carrying the light next to knives, phones, multi-tools, and keys the finish has no notable wear. Dropping the light has resulted in no damage either, the listed drop rating of 2 meters has held accurate.

Unlike my older INFORCE handheld the Tungsten has had no functional issues. The light comes on and maintains brightness every time and functioned in the selected mode without issue. The INFORCE by contrast has had three failures to function during this testing period, two where I needed to adjust the already tight cap and one where I needed to remove and reinsert the batteries to resume function.

The control scheme on the tungsten is a simple intuitive 3 setting switch.

The left setting is constant. The middle is lockout. The right setting is momentary. There’s about a 45 degree rotation between the settings with an audible tactile click.

The design of this rotary tail cap switch is based on deliberate use ergonomic. ASP referred to it as “up on”. The light was designed for law enforcement and in nearly every situation, regardless of hand used, the light will be held in an overhand method with thumb by the tail cap.

From this position you naturally push “up” with the thumb and the light will go to the desired mode. While holding it in my left hand and pushing up it selects momentary. If I or any user, especially law enforcement, am using the light in my left hand there’s a highly probably chance I want my right hand free for my sidearm. If I’m using or may use my sidearm I don’t want a constant stream of light illuminating my location, momentary setting. (apologies to the south paws but its a right handed world, plus its an easy work around).

In the same lane of thought if I’m using the Tungsten in my right hand its use is likely in a more administrative role with the need for a constant light. “Up on” activation on the tail cap gives me the constant on setting. From that constant on I can move the tail cap back to lock and the light will remain locked on until I disengage the lock and turn it back off, useful if I belt mount the Tungsten in the Tactical Light Case (TLC) giving me hands free lighting.

From an ergonomics end user stand point this light has been the single most usable illumination tool I have owned to date. There is no Morse Code series of button taps to get to a desired function that passes rave mode (strobe) three times before finally settling in on the desired setting. Momentary, Constant, Lock, On, Off. Five functions all with simple mechanical separation.

At the reflector end we find more interesting technology behind the thankfully simple function. The bezel has the nearly universal crenelations to break automotive glass or automotorists as the need may arise but under the hood…

By twisting the whole bezel reflector assembly counterclockwise we reveal a micro USB charge port, o-ring protected. You can plug the light in to recharge it without removing the 18650 battery. Anything with a USB port can now charge your carry light. Confirming if the Tungsten is charged is now as simple as plugging it in, like your phone it will tell you. Red light: Charging. Green light: Charged.

The hardware needed is included. Vehicle lighter adapter, AC Adapter, and retractable USB cord in a nylon case.

The Tungsten still takes CR123 batteries as a backup power source. If you run the rechargeable 18650 down two batteries gets you back on. Bonus, the 450 lumen output of the Tungsten goes up 10-15% on CR123’s.

On the topic of lumens. I didn’t know this officially but the evidence is certainly rampant that the “Lumen Wars” are real. The most lumens you can advertise for the cheapest in many instances. ASP brought to my attention that many manufacturers are rather loose on the definition of their lumen rating. If they were able to achieve it with one battery configuration or on initial activation of the light, even if it changes later as the light is on for a time, they will say X light is an Y lumens light.

ASP’s criteria for rating a light has been stringently laid out. They aren’t playing the number game they’re playing for accuracy of delivered product. Their lights that use their 18650 batteries are rated for the output with those batteries, not the higher output achievable with CR123’s even though it is technically an achievable illumination level.

I like the honesty. I certainly appreciate that ASP is focused on the product mission instead of a number.

The light from the Tungsten is rated for 129 meter usability. Indoor distances produce an efficient focused cone with a clean secondary ring approximately three times the focused diameter. It is not blinding off of bright surfaces at any indoor distances (minus mirrors) making it comfortable to use room to room.

Using the standard handheld lighting techniques moving within, searching, and clearing a room with a pistol was easily accomplished.

The Tungsten hits every requirement I have for an EDC light and it will be retaining its position as my carry light moving forward. I would highly recommend its consideration to anyone.

The MSRP at $130 (Free Shipping as of now) is an exceptional final incentive.

The Number of Bumpstocks Relinquished in Mass. via State PD… 3

Keith Finch

February 8, 2018

bumpstock — Image from WBZ4 via The Maven

While the national debate over bumpfire stocks is still open, the devices themselves under review by the ATF, and silence largerly resonates from the U.S. Congress several states and local municipalities did enact controls after the Las Vegas attack.

Massachusetts took a scorched earth approach to the rifle stocks and trigger cranks with a statewide prohibition. Currently owned devices would not receive grandfathering. It was made immediately illegal to sell or transfer the stocks back in November but the deadline for turnover just passed.

The deadline for compliance was February 1st.

The Massachusetts State Police were handed three. The full article from The Maven.

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security sent letters to all licensed gun owners within the state of Massachusetts in December of 2017 to notify them that bump stock and trigger crank accessories would need to be surrendered to law enforcement agencies by Feb. 1.

In similar form to the California high capacity magazine ban and the New York SAFE act there is increasing evidence of the of mass noncompliance. Irish Democracy.

I don’t know how popular the largely gimmick novelty stocks were in the state but count me as skeptical that the one turned into Essex PD and the three to Massachusetts State Police were the whole state’s privately held inventory.

Gun owners seem to have stopped caring about rules they find ineffectual, overreaching, and asinine. In spite of Massachusetts’ up to 20 year prison sentence, residents have held onto or otherwise moved (illegally since November) their property.

What does the State do now? What can they do now? And how does this offer insight into the national attitude should a nation wide rule be implemented?

STREAMLIGHT® LAUNCHES HPL MODEL OF PROTAC® TACTICAL LIGHT

Keith Finch

February 7, 2018

ProTac^® HPL USB Features 1,000 Lumens; Uses Three Battery Types

EAGLEVILLE, PA, February 7, 2018 –Streamlight^® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ProTac^® HPL (High Performance, High Lumen) USB, delivering an incredibly bright 1,000 lumens and an intense, down-range beam. The new model, which uses a Streamlight lithium ion rechargeable battery, includes a built-in USB charge port, permitting it to be charged from a laptop or most USB wall chargers.

The next generation of ProTac^® design, the ProTac HPL USB is capable of flooding an entire room, vehicle, or area with sweeping bright light, while also delivering a far-reaching “hotspot” beam. The light includes a sliding sleeve that reveals a USB charge port as well as a charging light indicator. For added convenience, the flashlight operates from multiple battery sources, including a rechargeable 18650 lithium ion battery or two CR123A lithium cell batteries.

“The ProTac HPL USB throws its beam far out in the distance while casting plenty of peripheral light along the way,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “Tactical, professional and consumer users can use it to flood a dark alley, job site or outdoor path with light, while also seeing objects at long distances. And, for even greater versatility, users either can charge the light on the go, or insert cell batteries when a charging source is not available.”

Powered by the latest in LED technology, the ProTac HPL USB offers three modes – high, medium, and low – plus a strobe. On high, the light delivers 1,000 lumens and 35,000 candela over 374 meters. Run times range from one hour and 30 minutes on high to 20 hours on low, while the strobe runs for 3 continuous hours. The new light also features Streamlight’s TEN-TAP^® Programming, allowing users to select among three programs to suit their preference or operating needs: high/strobe/low (the factory default); high only; or low/medium/high.

The ProTac HPL USB runs on an included Streamlight lithium ion rechargeable battery pack; it also functions with two 3V CR123A lithium cell batteries or a commercially available 18650 rechargeable lithium ion button top battery.

The light is fabricated from 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with an anodized finish, and includes a convenient multi-function, push-button, tactical tail switch. This tail switch provides easy, one-handed operation of the light’s momentary, variable intensity, or strobe modes.

Measuring 7.08 inches in length and weighing 9.24 ounces, the light has an IPX4 rated design for water-resistant operation and is two-meter impact resistant tested. Available in black, the ProTac HPL USB comes packaged with a USB cord and a ballistic nylon holster.

Depending on the configuration, the MSRP of the ProTac HPL USB ranges from $180.00 to $200.00. The light comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

About Streamlight

Based in Eagleville, PA, Streamlight, Inc. has 45 years of experience making tough, durable, long-lasting flashlights designed to serve the specialized needs of professionals and consumers alike. Since 1973, the company has designed, manufactured and marketed high-performance flashlights, and today offers a broad array of lights, lanterns, weapon light/laser sighting devices, and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive, and outdoor applications. Streamlight is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. For additional information, please call 800-523-7488, visit streamlight.com or connect with us on facebook.com/streamlight; twitter.com/Streamlight; instagram.com/streamlightinc; and youtube.com/streamlighttv.

At the Workbench: SCAR16 MOE PMAG Modification

Keith Finch

February 7, 2018

I have a lot of magazines. It comes with the territory.

I buy half a dozen here and there and have done so for years. This has resulted in quite an inventory that has come and gone over the last decade.

Within the pile sat eight old original Magpul FDE PMAGs. Back in the “dark ages” of AR15 magazines where the black and green follower GI’s were standard and issued magazines were a crap shoot, I purchased these eight.

They worked flawlessly in my M16A4 and served me for several years. I was forced to retire them from military use with the rise of the M27 since the original design was incompatible with the magazine well of the new rifle (now the USMC uses PMAGs as standard, victory is mine!).

The current generation M3 magazines are stronger, lighter, more compatible, and more capable than the legacy magazine. Due to their flawless service to me I have not retired the eight and I do not plan to.

A situation has arisen that required addressing though. The PMAG was originally designed to address the flaws of the M16’s magazine. Not the STANAG standard as a whole but the M16A4 and M4 specifically.

Concurrently with PMAG development other rifle systems were being developed and deployed. They were using the STANAG as the magazine standard, not the emerging PMAG. There is a substantial amount of engineering lenience that can keep a rifle able to feed STANAG magazines but the magazine well will not be the same as the M16. The HK416, FN FS2000, ARX100, and the FN SCAR16 were all not compatible. Either the magazine or the rifle required modification.

I’ve acquired a FN SCAR16s for a long term project. The rifle is arguably one of the best available and I was, to my surprise, lacking a standard 5.56x45mm carbine. My eight legacy magazines were not ready for use in the SCAR16s.

There’s a simple modification that corrects that.

When you look at the back of a standard aluminum STANAG magazine you can see the squared up portion of the body where the magazine follower interacts with the bolt catch.

On the PMAG you can see I’ve ground away a small amount of material on the left side making the profile more consistent with the STANAG.

It’s necessary to remove a small amount of material from the magazine body due to the way the original magazine bodies were formed. The polymer in the rounded cut out area where the follower will interact with the bolt catch would lift up the catch on its own. This causes the catch to constantly ride against the bottom of the bolt carrier during cycling resulting in premature and unnecessary wear.

After the modification the function of the PMAG will be unaffected but it will no longer partially lift the bolt catch.

Bolt catch remains flush with its housing in the receiver while the magazine body is inserted. It will only lift with the follower as intended now.

If you have MOE or older generation PMAGs and want to modify them for proper function in the SCAR16 the steps are simple.

Insure the magazines are empty and your work place is prepared. Using a rotary grinding tool is recommended but a hand file will work. Use of safety glasses with the rotary tool is recommended.
Disassmble the magazine by pushing up into the magazine follower spring base on the bottom and then sliding the magazine base plate partially forward.
Support the magazine follower spring base while you slide the magazine base plate the rest of the way off since it is under spring tension.
Slowly decompress the spring and then pull the spring, follower, and spring base out of the magazine body.
Support the empty magazine body (a table or bench is recommended) and use your rotary tool or hand file to slowly remove material from the left side of magazine body in the follower slot. From its equilateral original form you should make the left side into a more L like shape. Similar to a STANAG magazine.
A perfectly squared profile is not necessary. Only enough material needs to be removed to prevent it interacting with the bolt stop. Insert the empty magazine body into the SCAR16 lower (separated from the rifle) and observe whether or not bolt stop raises above flush.
Note that the MOE PMAG Bodies are thicker than Gen3’s. They will generally fit tightly and not drop free.
If you see the bolt catch sitting above flush remove the magazine and go back to Step 5. Remove more material incrementally until the bolt catch sits flush when you insert the magazine body.
Reassemble the magazine.

My full compliment of matching PMAGs are now SCAR compatible, I have plenty of M3’s and they’ll get run most often in the rifle but… those eight magazines mean a little more to me than just feeding 30 rounds, and now they can continue to serve.

Clever Girl… Aklys Defense “Velociraptor” AKSV

Keith Finch

February 6, 2018

This year at SHOT was fairly sparse on truly new products. Obviously there were new models. Companies had more variants and accessories to improve their legacy products but it was a vanilla show in most respects.

But there is always an outlier.

Aklys Defense had this bizarre box muzzled Kalashnikov prototype.

Color me intrigued.

The Aklys Defense AKSV is a self contained auto-regulating integrally suppressed 7.62x39mm AK.

Aklys calls it the Velociraptor.

The AKSV is a change in thinking about the AK platform and integrally suppressed rifles as a whole. The Velociraptor utilizes the standard AK self-regulating gas system but captures all gasses including chamber gas and expels it out the front (note the pictured “snout” and gas dumps) and away from the shooter in a controlled manner. You will get no cloud of gas in the your face like you will experience with other suppressed platforms and suppressed AK pattern rifles. The recoil on the AKSV is the lightest impulse you’ll ever feel due to the gas regulation and braking effect of the suppressor.

We utilize a special 1 and 7 twist barrel blank with our own custom profile and nitriding for extended life. It is designed to stabilize both the heavy subsonic rounds and standard ammunition. Standard velocity rounds will retain enough velocity to make the rifle effective for “social” work needed. (Editors Note: Suppressed firearms are much gentler on the shooter in confined spaces like the home or a vehicle

The AKSV utilizes a modular suppressor and our special short gas piston system. Comes standard with Magpul AK MOE buttstock, pistol grip, 2 magazines and a custom forend.

The Velociraptor’s design is two part. The back half is traditional Kalashnikov. The front half is a complete redesign that’s surprisingly light and well balanced. The barrel, gas system, and suppressor assembly work together to keep all the increased gas pressure from firing suppressed away from the shooter. I’ve fired similar systems suppressed and the gas during rapid fire is… obnoxious is probably the polite word.

Weight : 7lbs 15oz (6 oz lighter than a standard AK)

Barrel length: 9.33″

Tube Length: 12″

Over All Length: 32″

Material: 17-4 Stainless and Nitrided 4340

DB Drop: over 27 DB with no gas in the face

Aklys Defense has opened pre-order for the AKSV with a substantial incentive.

MSRP $4285: Early Adopters will receive the option of a Custom Serial Number, plus, an Aklys Defense Velociraptor Shirt, custom soft sided case, and a discount of $400 with Deposit of $1785 (remainder due at time of shipping). Once the initial 10 guns are sold price goes to full MSRP of $4285.

This gives you your tax stamps free essentially.

While most suppressor systems have been designed on the AR15 side of the house this radically forward thinking (and gassing) design from Aklys gives AK fans a uniquely functional system in their corner. The advanced engineering using the science of fluid dynamics has purportedly taken care of the single most annoying aspect of a suppressed firearm.

I’m looking forward to getting my hands on one and giving a live fire evaluation but the prototype was impressive… Just when you think you don’t want anything else.

Custom Cerakote by High Caliber Firearms

Keith Finch

February 5, 2018

Tucked in a small one light town called Alamo just north of the one and only Kalamazoo Michigan sits High Caliber Firearms.

The stone faced storefront houses a cozy interior reminiscent of a hunting cabin. A fireplace centers the store. A few trophy whitetail hang on the wall to the right, over top a couple cases holding a small handgun selection. The wooden wall ensconces two long gun cases, split by a door, that hold a couple dozen rifles and shotguns. Many are on consignment looking for a new home.

It’s a quiet small town gun store. It houses some very talented custom gunsmiths. They’ve restored two flood wrecked firearms of mine, an older Marlin 336 and a Mossberg 5500, to complete operation. I honestly thought they were done for.

Probably their most impressive service, but far from their only one, is custom Cerakote.

For anyone unfamiliar, Cerakote is a high durability ceramic base firearm finish that comes in a variety of colors. It’s proper application to firearms adds increased resistance to abrasion, corrosion, moisture intrusion, UV wear, and can lower visible and non visible signature.

It’s a great option for refinishing firearms in base colors. High Caliber is happy to do so. But they can do so much more with Cerakote if you want.

I’d toyed with the idea of getting a gun done for awhile. The patterns and layering are an involved process. It’s time intensive to do correctly and keep operating tolerances, exponentially more so as you add colors and pattern complexity.

So naturally when I did give someone a Cerakote project I made it as challenging as possible. I’m fun like that.

I wanted a MarPat digital camouflage pattern. The squared off disruptive camouflage of my Marine Corps holds a special place of nostalgia for me and I didn’t really have anything else so why not. I wanted desert MarPat but the guys at High Caliber later suggested urban colors instead. Cerakote will not adhere well to flexible polymers like the SB Tactical Brace and so traditional Desert MarPat would’ve suddenly changed to straight black.

I liked the suggestion.

The color scheme was laid out with Graphite Black, Battleship Grey, and Glock Grey.

Now imagine the complexity of the task I’d set before the High Caliber team. In classic Marine fashion, I told them to make a square peg fit through a round hole.

I’m not kidding.

Cerakote is sprayed on. Spray does not form into nice block shapes. It does like to bead and run if not carefully applied.

So use of a stencil is necessary. Stencils work well on even square surfaces.

Look at all the even square surfaces. No curves or sharp angles at all…

I handed them what may be the tightest collection of changing angles and curved surfaces assembled on a carbine. Even MP5 magazines can’t be just a box. To keep the block pattern even and not look stretched or distorted over the changing surface took exceptional attention to detail.

Square pegs… round holes…

High Caliber accepted the challenge and they delivered as promised. Beyond promised. The team told me that the rcomplexity of the pattern and firearm may not turn out and we might have to go a new direction.

RAL8000 (The German Flat Dark Earth) would’ve be an alright second option, but I wanted my Urban MarPat .

As I burn some rounds through it and wear on the gun and magazines we’ll get a long term durability report. As of now I’m confident it will stand up, even in the next MP5 class.

Check out the some more of HCF’s Cerakote work and if you need something done give them a call.

Sunday Sermon: Carry Enough Gun

Keith Finch

February 4, 2018

“Never attend a gunfight with a handgun the caliber of which does not begin with a 4.” – Ye Olde Sage Gunwizard

You can find the above sentiment floating around older circles in the firearms and self defense community. It’s an expression of overall good advice that hasn’t aged well.

A modernized version would read “Carry a handgun in both an effective caliber and capacity.”

The FBI study from 2014 that settled their agency choice on 9mm outlines solid criteria for making a personal selection. There’s a good summary here.

Any caliber hollowpoint (or similar tissue disrupting projectile) with high enough mass retention and depth of penetration is effective. The FBI data shifted the debate from “X Caliber is the best.” to “Here are performance criteria for an effective round.”

I use .380 ACP as the proverbial line separating the effective and substandard rounds for defense. Note: Ineffective or substandard is not saying nonlethal or useless. There are simply better options.

Choose accordingly.

The second concern is capacity. Larger higher capacity handguns are marginally more difficult to carry but easier to shoot effectively. Smaller lower capacity guns are the inverse.

PoliceOne pulled data around 350 officer involved shootings and we can use the data to better inform our firearm choice between a larger or smaller handgun.

Average rounds fired: 3.59 against one threat at close distance
Accuracy: 64% Day Light/ 45% Adverse Light
Adverse Light Shoots: 77%

Accuracy rapidly degrades as factors like distance, number of threats, and individual threat severity scale up. Lower accuracy and the addition of multiple threats drastically increases round requirements to cover the threat. On the extreme end of the data the North Hollywood Shootout involved two threats requiring 650 rounds to stop. The title Battle of North Hollywood is a fitting one.

A 5 round J-Frame or a 6 round .380 ACP is sufficient under certain circumstances. Selection of a firearm is hedging a bet on threat response coverage. The ‘pocket pistols’ combined with proficiency cover a single emergent threat.

While single threat is the most likely scenario the small guns are quickly expended. If the threat outlasts or overmatches your response you lose. Like a roulette wheel rolling 00 when you bet on red. Red is always the more likely result but 00 still hits.

For the medically minded imagine stocking an aid kit. Loading the kit with various adhesive bandages, disinfectant, and some aspirin covers many medical needs. But that same kit is unprepared for a broken bone, allergic response, or arterial trauma.

Carry the highest capacity handgun you can manage with a spare magazine when feasible. A P229 or G19 will give you 30 rounds contrasted against the 5 or 6 of the pocket pistol with only a minor increase in inconvenience. The advantages outweigh the discomfort.

Ultimately your choice needs to be an informed one. Have realistic expectations of your equipment, training, and what situations you can cover. Work constantly to improve the effectiveness of your coverage.

We Like Shooting 227 – Temple of Poon

We Like Shooting

February 1, 2018

Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 227 – tonight we’ll talk about Mosin Nagants, Fightlite, NoiseFighters, Rosco Manufacturing and more!

Source: https://welikeshooting.com/show/227/

SHOT Show 2018: U.S. Optics

Keith Finch

February 1, 2018

With a three decades long background in precision rifle glass, U.S. Optics is not a new name in the field.

Despite their long and well respected reputation the amount of information in the public sphere has been limited. Trying to pull up information or a review on any of their hand made optics usually reveals a good forum post at best, at worst the internet gave me nothing.

When contrasted against some of their more visible competitors and peers, U.S. Optics was an unknown entity with rumors of a sterling reputation.

Recently USO has been going through a system update. The entire company moved and they shed their legacy product line in its entirety to focus on the emerging demands on the optical market.

The result is their Bravo Series. Three optics that cover what nearly a dozen older models were sharing space over.

The B-10 covers short to mid range.

The Front Focal Plane 1.8-10x42mm optic pushes the edges of the LPV (Low Power Variable) territory comfortably into mid range. It’s capabilities completely eclipse the Leupold MR/T I was using on a Mk. 12. With a GAP or H425 Mil reticle for ranging and rapid engagement the B-10 has legs.

One will be in for review at earliest availability.

The B-17 and B-25 jump into the LR and ER spaces respectively of U.S. Optics legacy scopes. USO has shifted their focus from the limited full custom market to the production semi-custom/commercial off the shelf (COTS) model. COTS is a term you will hear in equipment procurement circles, the Barrett .50 was a COTS system. While it doesn’t sound as cool online as full custom in reality it is exactly what the market majority wants.

The Bravo scopes are all premium base models with add on options. This production model means shorter lead times on custom orders and in stock ready to ship optics. The features you want could already be on the shelf.

The Bravo series was not U.S Optics new launch though…

U.S. Optics newest offering. A 1-6x34mm wire reticle LPV, the SVS

USO is stepping back into the LPV realm in full with the SVS. Unlike the Bravo’s the SVS is a second focal plane optic.

Capped turrets, left side illumination, and a wire reticle round out this CQB rapid short to mid range optic.

The wire reticle, as opposed to more traditional etched glass, gives the SVS an optical clarity and brightness unlike anything I’ve seen. The SVS moves like a 1-6x solid state reddot.

The SVS will make four COTS offerings. U.S. Optics is set to cover options for all emerging and evolving shooter spaces at a quality speaking of three decades precision experience.

Gone in 60 Seconds: Rochelle Hathaway Gives a Demonstration in Professional Self Immolation

Keith Finch

January 31, 2018

LV-gun-show-Rochelle — From Glamour. Rochelle Hathaway kicked a hornets nest.

It made the round online yesterday but in case you missed it the young lady pictured above demonstrated how to jump onto the industry blacklist.

Rochelle Hathaway gave an interview to Glamour magazine. You can find it sixth down the rolling page from the top as Glamour highlights several women they ran into.

Their interviewees ranged from 19 to 50 and answered the targeted questions about private gun ownership and mass shootings with the standard array of answers that amount to “If you want me to trash my own industry on record, no.”

Then there was Ms. Hathaway. Rochelle did not give those typical answers.

What do you say to people who question the value of a private citizen owning a gun?
I think that if there were less guns, there would be less shootings, period. If the government came in and decided to take the guns away, I wouldn’t be mad about it. I think it’s important to be able to feel safe in your home, but you don’t need more than three guns. You don’t need to own a semiautomatic weapon or a silencer.

When mass shootings or school shootings happen—like the one this week—does it ever make you rethink your position?
Going to the Second Amendment, I don’t think they had AK-47s and everything else in mind [when they imagined] the right to bear arms and protecting yourself. At SHOT show, you can kind of see how much it’s evolved into thousands and thousands of people dumping millions and millions of dollars into the industry…. I guess I’d say it’s almost unfortunate people think that they need so much.

-From the Glamour Article

Everyone is entitled to their views and opinions no matter how well informed or misinformed they may be. My opinion on pharmaceuticals is worth the equivalent of an empty McDonalds hash brown wrapper but I still have opinions.

Rochelle Hathaway may even have escaped more than the most cursory of industry grumblings and snide remarks if she were just another face in the crowd… but she was not.

Hathaway, a flight attendant by trade, is (was) an associated shooter with Taran Tactical Innovations. TTI has a reputation for holding a space in the firearms industry associated with young fit female shooters and some close ties with Hollywood.

We have Taran Butler and TTI to thank for entertaining adrenaline projects like John Wick.

TTI’s choice in Rochelle… let’s call it a lesson in lightning public and commercial relations combined with a necessity to understand the opinions and motivations of people who are front facing your company.

We were surprised to see an article recently published in a beauty magazine quoting a promotional model and friend of our company, Rochelle Hathaway, who made certain impromptu statements to a reporter during Shot Show.

We were unaware of the interview and we did not condone the interview or the statements made by Rochelle. Rochelle has never been authorized to speak on behalf of our company or its founder, Taran Butler. As of today, we have cut all professional ties with Rochelle.

While we respect everyone’s right to free speech, Rochelle’s statements were inappropriate and do not represent our company’s vision and beliefs. We have and will always support Second Amendment rights, and we will continue to educate and promote the safe, legal ownership and handling of firearms. – Taran Tactical Innovations, Facebook

So if anyone out there wants a very fast and public exit from the firearms community

Become associated with a large and public name (the more controversial the better) in the firearm industry.
Support gun control at the largest shooting sports show in the nation.

Exit complete. I can guarantee this strategy will work for other industries as well.

Henry Repeating Arms Introduces the ‘Patriot Series’

Keith Finch

January 31, 2018

BAYONNE, NJ – January 30, 2018 – Following the release of several new models last week Henry Repeating Arms is introducing the Patriot Series- a new category of firearms and products available through their eCommerce store celebrating America, patriotism, and the Second Amendment.

God Bless America Edition Golden Boy

The God Bless America Edition Golden Boy is a .22 S/L/LR lever action rifle built on Henry’s time-honored and award-winning Golden Boy platform known for its smooth action, American walnut stocks and blued steel octagonal barrel. Intricate floral scrollwork engraving on both sides of the nickel-plated receiver cover frames iconic images of America’s heritage like the American flag, the Liberty Bell, and a bald eagle, all of which have details highlighted in 24-carat gold. A banner on the right side of the receiver cover contains the words, “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.” The stock is engraved and hand-painted with the Statue of Liberty’s torch, and in similar colors, the rifle’s forend displays the words, “God Bless America.”

God Bless America Edition Big Boy

Henry is also introducing a centerfire version, the God Bless America Edition Big Boy, featuring similar imagery on a rifle chambered for .44 Magnum/.44 Special with a 10. The God Bless America Edition Golden Boy, model #H004GBA has an MSRP of $1,208, and the Big Boy version, model #H006GBA has an MSRP of $1,523.

Stand for the Flag Edition Golden Boy

The Stand for the Flag Edition Golden Boy is a direct salute to the American flag with a full red, white and blue depiction applied to both sides of the receiver cover with a durable polymer-ceramic coating known as Cerakote. The finish adds a layer of further abrasion and corrosion resistance on top of the nickel plating. The buttstock features a hand-painted image of a man standing hand-on-heart with the words, “O Say Can You See” written underneath. The Stand for the Flag Edition Golden Boy, model #H004SFF is chambered in .22 S/L/LR with an MSRP of $1,208.

The Patriot Series also includes three plaques that include hardware for mounting on a wall or the lawn, all of which are available through Henry Pride, Henry Repeating Arms’ eCommerce store. The We Proudly Stand plaque depicts a soldier standing to salute the flag of the United States, rendered in full red, white and blue color across the plaque. Beneath the flag is the underlined text, “We Proudly Stand.” The Patriotic Home Plaque shows a New Original Henry rifle with the message, “This House Believes in God, Country & Family.” It’s finished with a French Bronze color. The Second Amendment Plaque carries the message, “This House Is Protected By the 2nd Amendment,” in a black and gold finish. All three plaques are made of highly durable cast aluminum to withstand the elements outdoors or in.

Henry firearms can be purchased from a licensed firearms dealer. Most dealers offer a discount off of the MSRP.

For more information about the company and its products visit henryusa.com or call 866-200-2354.

About Henry Repeating Arms

Henry Repeating Arms is one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the country and the leading lever action manufacturer. Their company motto is ‘Made In America Or Not Made At All,’ and their products come with a lifetime guarantee backed by award-winning customer service. The original Henry rifle played a significant role in the frontier days of the American West and is one of the most legendary, respected and sought-after rifles in the history of firearms. The company’s manufacturing facilities are in Bayonne, NJ and Rice Lake, WI.

Run, Hide, Fight

Keith Finch

January 31, 2018

GAT Editor running a 'Break Contact' drill at a Teufelshund Tactical/HSP MP5 Operators Course

Locate.

Close.

Destroy.

These are the focus words of the Mission of the Marine Corps Rifle Squad. To locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver.

These words were my formal introduction to gunfighting.

They have no bearing on use of force as a concealed or defensive carrier. Defensive carry has one goal and that is to keep you alive.

Run.

Hide.

Fight.

These are defensive focus words. Anyone packing a pistol or any alternative defensive tool needs a defensive mindset loaded with them too.

The shift in mindset from the infantry squad to the individual or small group defense is based on two critical factors, mission and legality. These two factors are linked but have individual aspects we will address.

Mission

Unless you are an infantry squad on a contact patrol actively hunting a fight with enemy ground forces you are not on the offense. Concealed carry is a defensive mission. Law enforcement response, even active shooter response is a defensive mission. The objective is preservation of life, yours and others.

Mission objective doesn’t change how you apply violence (swift, sudden, and overwhelming) but it sets your trigger criteria for becoming violent.

As a defensive carrier you are going kinetic when it is immediately necessary in order to extract yourself and those under your care from a lethal threat. You are not hunting an active engagement. That is someone else’s job and your involvement can cause that to become infinitely more complicated.

Legality

Tied to mission, legality is the list of written legal permissions and obligations you possess for your mission. You need to be critically observant of these. They will make or break whether or not you will be subject to legal penalty for your actions.

Even troops deployed overseas in combat must observe concern for the legality of their engagements.

A defensive carrier must be, at all times, within the bounds of the law regarding their use of force and any action that pulls use of force into question increases your legal risk. This usually accompanies an increase in physical risk which is directly contrary to your mission of staying alive.

So Run. Hide. Fight.

The prompt for this article was commentary on a corporate active shooter course. Most are a joke that pay lip service to the ideas while giving little to nothing in actual training. The courses are checks in boxes on business to do lists that make HR, Safety, and Liability offices happy.

The theory itself is sound. It just needs to be seriously addressed.

Run

If a violent threat presents itself in your vicinity and you are able to evacuate yourself, do do. If someone or someones are running people down with a truck in the market, leave the market.

If someone or ones are entering a building and shooting people then the nearest exit followed by distance is your safest option.

Getting yourself off of the X and out of the area of immediate threat should be your priority. If you can do the same for others, excellent. Be constantly aware of whether or not your actions are increasing your own likelihood of becoming a causality.

Hide

If distance from the threat can’t be gained safely staying out of sight and using barriers as cover and concealment is your next tactic. Use any object in your environment that offers you advantage.

Thick dense objects offer greater protection from gunfire while any object of sufficient size can hide your and others presence. If the threat is seeking targets of opportunity its likely they will move on if they don’t see any.

Keep in mind while hiding that you may need to switch quickly to either Run or Fight. These three aspects of defensive tactics are constantly inter-working. They are not mutually exclusive.

While concealed, picking points that will be advantageous to ambush the threat and gain a violent advantage is a parallel observation and process to picking an expedient escape route and staying out of sight. Remain flexible, choose quickly, act, react.

Fight

The moment both Run and Hide become lethally high risk then its time to fight. These decisions and transitions will need to be made as decisively as they are rapidly.

When you fight, FIGHT!

The threat must be swiftly engaged and the ability for the threat to continue acting effectively must be destroyed. At minimum hostile action must be disrupted for enough time to extract yourself from danger.

Conventionally or unconventionally armed is irrelevant beyond how you’re delivering damage. Plan a swift, sudden, and overwhelming engagement.

Swift – When you move, move fast, you don’t have a sneak skill and speed will trump perceived stealth.

Sudden – Ambush the threat. Greater distance is your friend while evading but closer distances are your advantage engaging. Let a threat close as much distance as you can before your attack, the closer you are the more time you take away from their reaction. Use an off angle if possible, threats can react quickest head on.

Overwhelming – Like stated above your mission now is to destroy the threats ability to continue being a threat. Shoot them, stab them, strike vulnerable areas, use objects of advantage. Cause trauma to a level that is irrecoverable, at least short term, so that you can now assert control or escape.

As for injury? The situation you find yourself in already presents near imminent threat of harm and death so what do you have to lose? Don’t be the paralyzed individual who says to the news later “I couldn’t do anything because they were right next to me.”

So Run, Hide, Fight. When you fight, destroy. When the fight is won, Control and/or escape.

Simple enough?

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