With SHOT SHOW 2017 right around the corner and manufacturers already dropping hints or full announcements on 2017 products what are you most looking forward too this year?
Here are a few we’re looking at
Lithgow Arms F90 Atrax
Photo by Nick Chen and TFB
This evolution of the Steyr AUG coming from down under (Australia) has my curiosity peaked. I’ve owned and used the U.S. made Mircotech STG 556 clone and the AUG A3 but this one seems to be a true leap forward on the design and a full pound lighter than legacy versions doesn’t hurt either. Magpul seems to be supporting the rifle already with a PMag line for the two auto guns that have been making the rounds and I’ve always enjoyed the utility of the bullpups. Plus there’s just something about an AUG.
Find the rifle here at Lithgow and stay tuned for SHOT Show, rumor has it they want it releasable by then.
Savage Goes AR MSR
New Savage Arms (MSR 15 Patrol)
Savage Arms has jumped in to the AR game now with their new MSR line. The modestly priced rifles feature a partnership with BLACKHAWK! for furniture and a respectable set of features in their price range.
Right alongside the 15’s they also did two AR10 variants
New Savage Arms MSR 10 Long Range
With immediate offerings in 6.5 Creedmoor and classic .308, their fully featured “Long Range” is a tempting addition at the MSRP of $2284, the highest price in the new 4 gun lineup.
Moving to handguns, Smith and Wesson is making the most noise with their new M&P 2.0
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0
M&P 2.0 lineup. via iPhone screen shot
10 years after the revival of the Military & Police line from the long established gun maker, Smith & Wesson is doing a full update on the line. New grips, reinforced frames, improved trigger, and a whole list of improvements that the company is happy to brag about. I like and have owned several M&P pistols including the 9’s, 45’s and Shields and am happy to see Smith continuing to evolve the line based on shooter feedback. Comparing that to Glock’s mysteriously hush hush (for now) M/Gen5 lineup, Smith & Wesson is going for a feature packed start to 2017 and doing so loudly and proudly.
Vortex RAZOR AMG UH-1
Vortex had a live video launch of their newest reflex optic. The Razor AMG UH-1 looks to challenge EoTech by offering a competing true holographic display with the inherit advantages that brings. True holographic sights have the advantage of the absolute lowest parallax distortion among reflex sights and the finest aiming points projected and incredibly low forward visible signature. The crutch is the fact a laser is needed to project the sight instead of an LED and that is much higher power consumption. Vortex is claiming a high battery life and has added on board recharge via USB and a 14 hour auto-off that can be manually disabled by the user for constant on. Vortex is expanding their premium RAZOR line up and this sight, if it proves itself as rugged as the rest, will keep Vortex in a prime position in the industry.
Another company with an evolving line up is U.S. Optics. Well known in shooting circles for near peerless top tier optics, U.S. Optics Bravo series scopes are available for a pre-order. The B-10 pictured above is the 1.8-10 magnification model and features Mil or MOA turrets and type matched illuminated reticles on a front focal plane.
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 175 – tonight we’ll talk about Scope rings and scope lapping, cmmg conversion kit, battlbox, indian creek design, red white and blue holsters, agency arms and more!
CO-OWNER OF AGENCY ARMS, FULL TIME LEO, AND USMC VET.
Our cast for episode 175 is Shawn Herrin, Aaron Krieger, Savage1r, Jeremy Pozderac, Nick Lynch! We are also joined by Ava Flanell from Elite Firearms & Training
If you carry or use a gun to protect yourself an/or your family then you need Second Call Defense. They handle what comes after the trigger is pulled. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get Second Call Defense today!
Reality based accessories that solve problems! Manticore Arms makes parts for your fighting rifles, whether it’s an AK, AR-15, AUG, Tavor, CZ Scorpion Evo or even something else!
Where we talk about the stuff we have, the stuff that we want and the stuff that we need!
NickLynch – Scope Rings and lapping
Savage1r – CMMG .22lr AR conversion kit from Brownells
Shawn – Battlbox
Ava – Indian Creek Design BFD / Red, White, & Blue Kydex Holsters
Rifles and accessories for the AR-15 lover! Whether you need a full rifle or just parts to build one DEZ has your back. High quality, match grade and most parts are made in house.
The absolute best ammo we’ve shot! Match grade primers, match grade powder, virgin brass and top quality projectiles, at range ammo prices. You have got to see it to believe it!
Learn how to be a gunsmith in the comfort of your own home. Distance learning that gives you tools and a gun in a box to build as you learn! Whether you want to get more acquianted with your AR-15 or want an associates degree, SDI is the place for you.
Please leave us reviews in iTunes! It makes all the difference!
Real deal
by Yo wat up 175926384016 on Dec 09, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
Great show! Lots of fun listening to y’all every week. Always good content and lots of laughs. My only concern is that Jerambe hasn’t come out yet. We all know you’re gay. Although since you’re dating Stache it doesn’t make sense yet. And Sean? What do you think of yellow cake? I think you need to branch out. A-A-ron is the man. If anyone is willing, I think we should start the A-A-Ron diabeetus foundation to raise awareness for people with no feet. Savage. Just why? Oh, and Nick, we should go get burgers sometime.
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 176 – tonight we’ll talk about Voer Precision, Honor Guard, Huntac Orion, Masterpiece Arms, Ultimate Holsters, Tactical Walls and more!
Our cast for episode 176 is Shawn Herrin, Aaron Krieger, Savage1r, Jeremy Pozderac, Nick Lynch! We are also joined by Ava Flanell from Elite Firearms & Training
If you carry or use a gun to protect yourself an/or your family then you need Second Call Defense. They handle what comes after the trigger is pulled. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get Second Call Defense today!
Reality based accessories that solve problems! Manticore Arms makes parts for your fighting rifles, whether it’s an AK, AR-15, AUG, Tavor, CZ Scorpion Evo or even something else!
Rifles and accessories for the AR-15 lover! Whether you need a full rifle or just parts to build one DEZ has your back. High quality, match grade and most parts are made in house.
The absolute best ammo we’ve shot! Match grade primers, match grade powder, virgin brass and top quality projectiles, at range ammo prices. You have got to see it to believe it!
Ava – “The Betsy Riot” is sending out anti-gun Xmas cards
Ava – Reciprocity Argument that Conservatives Should Make
Learn how to be a gunsmith in the comfort of your own home. Distance learning that gives you tools and a gun in a box to build as you learn! Whether you want to get more acquianted with your AR-15 or want an associates degree, SDI is the place for you.
Please leave us reviews in iTunes! It makes all the difference!
I’m at 44280
by ValleyCityGunShop44280 on Dec 18, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
I want men at my gun shop… you know where.
Not worth a dollar
by Tony.J.P. on Dec 15, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
Jeremy, go kcuf yourself.
No. 171
by reyb3 on Dec 13, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
Just went back and re-watched Episode 171. This is why we watch. Holy crap. – Rey
Ooooh that smell
by L Skynyrd on Dec 13, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
When I watch the show live I always wonder if you guys smell the way you look. Does Jarambe actually smell like motor oil, gun powder, and masturbation? Does Shawn smell like a mix between old spice and whiskey (kind of like a swinger from the seventies, it is the vneck bro) Aaron I am pretty sure smells like cookie dough.. Savage smells like, well cat piss, no idea why I think this, he just kind of sounds like cat piss. Nick I assume would smell like a homeless man, but not one you see living under a bridge, more like one that you would see bathing in a mcdonald’s bathroom. And finally Ava, what do you suppose daddy issues smell like? Brass poles and dollar bills.
An eye-catching video emerged on the internet featuring Chinese combat biomorphic robots which were showcased at a military competition in China.
An ordinary Chinese military competition triggered interest hen biomorphic robots resembling animals were spotted in a video which found its way to the Internet despite strict Chinese rules which control usage of Internet, Russian newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported. According to the details found in the video, the footage was taken during the “Overcoming Obstacles 2016” annual competition which took place in China’s Heilongjiang Province.
The competition brings to the contest 73 teams from special research institutes and industrial enterprises, including the Engineering Academy of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s Armored Forces, National Defense University, the China North Industries Corporation NORINTO and Beijing University of Technology.
Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping ask for improving the strategic planning and combat service support in the China’s armed forces, the People’s Liberation Army.
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 177 – tonight we’ll talk about Kershaw, Taurus, Ultimate Holsters, Arachnigrip, Manticore Arms, Festivus and more!
Our cast for episode 177 is Shawn Herrin, Aaron Krieger, Savage1r, Jeremy Pozderac, Nick Lynch! We are also joined by Ava Flanell from Elite Firearms & Training
If you carry or use a gun to protect yourself an/or your family then you need Second Call Defense. They handle what comes after the trigger is pulled. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get Second Call Defense today!
Reality based accessories that solve problems! Manticore Arms makes parts for your fighting rifles, whether it’s an AK, AR-15, AUG, Tavor, CZ Scorpion Evo or even something else!
Rifles and accessories for the AR-15 lover! Whether you need a full rifle or just parts to build one DEZ has your back. High quality, match grade and most parts are made in house.
The absolute best ammo we’ve shot! Match grade primers, match grade powder, virgin brass and top quality projectiles, at range ammo prices. You have got to see it to believe it!
Learn how to be a gunsmith in the comfort of your own home. Distance learning that gives you tools and a gun in a box to build as you learn! Whether you want to get more acquianted with your AR-15 or want an associates degree, SDI is the place for you.
Please leave us reviews in iTunes! It makes all the difference!
Did someone say shenanigans?
by Team_Ramrod on Dec 20, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
Jeremy is cool, but the cast/patrons came up with some mythological creature named Jarambe. Every time I hear that name I picture a giant gorilla tongue punching the fartbox of cecil the lion, maybe my mind is as twisted as the Bigge brothers.
Black lives matters
by GoGo Power Strangers on Dec 21, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
This show is as white as christmas. I hate everything about you. Except Aaron. He is cool.
Smoke Break
by redrocket on Dec 21, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
Between Aaron Vaping and Savage getting high, it is like this show is a headshop, only with a bunch of dildos.
Quick Question
by slowpoke on Dec 21, 2016
RATING: ★★★★★
So are we just not talking about Jeremy being gay anymore?
A war in Syria was so well documented like no any other military conflict in modern history. Small cameras, cell phones, and other technology stuff captured incredible moments during Syrian war. In this particular footage, an armored attack by rebels was unleashed on a building held by the regular Syrian army. A rebel machine gunner had a helmet-mounted GoPro style camera which reportedly captured his last moments in this world.
He was shot and abandoned by his armor and squad while his GoPro was recovered and found a way to the YouTube. Soon as he and his fellow friends assaulted that building, they got pinned right underneath their firing position which deliberately put them in the middle of a beaten zone.
The armor provided some cover in a first manner, but the group’s machine gunner rookie mistake cost him life. The ‘hero’ of this footage put himself dead out in the open and sprayed a long burst into the building which immediately resulted in him getting himself shot.
His friends mounted armor again and retreated from the scene leaving him behind.
Mikaela Kellner, arguably one of the world’s most famous police officer, has quit her job in Sweden after eleven years on the force. Kellner rose to national and international fame last summer for arresting a thief in Stockholm park wearing only a bikini.
Her resignation may strike a blow to the public image of Sweden’s police, which has suffered recently.
In 2015, her action took media attention and made international headlines. From that day, Mikaela Kellner was dubbed as ‘Bikini police‘ and ‘Swedish ninja‘ for assisting in the arrest of a thief in a park in Stockholm and all of that while off-duty. The fact that she was wearing a bikini instead of her police uniform did not stop her from intervening, chasing and at the end pinning the bewildered would-be pickpocket to the ground until reinforcement come.
For her actions, she was received a call from Swedish Interior Minister Anders Ygeman and an invitation to have lunch at Rosenbad, Sweden’s seat of government. However, that wasn’t enough to prevent her from quitting. She decided to move forward despite it was a hard choice and start full-time job as a fitness instructor. If you take a look on her official Instagram account you will know that this move will be instant success.
The AR-15 has been in service as a fighting rifle since 1964 and has proven itself a capable contender. Evolving technology has kept it in the forefront of conceptual design and it continues to be selected in modern iterations to serve. Civilian shooters, Law Enforcement, and the Military continue to put faith and trust in the Armalite Rifle – 15 to keep them safe.
Land Warfare Research Corporation International (LWRCi) is one of those companies on the leading edge with the AR platform. Formed in 1999, LWRCi was a CAGE research and development firm until 2006 when they were bought out by their management team and restructured to start producing firearms.
Their M6 line of rifles have been on the forefront of AR-15 evolution in the 21st century and they have a multitude of first class rifles and carbines in their lineup to suit an equally diverse set of individual needs and mission requirements. This includes an excellent array of personal defense options.
Most AR-15 owners, including myself, have a conventional 16″ barreled rifle. This rifle is compliant with all the federal and applicable state laws and while it makes an exceptional home defense tool its utility for a civilian outside the home is limited to nearly zero due to federal transport laws requiring the rifle be unloaded, secured, and isolated from ammunition.
Thanks to legislation here in Michigan I have a workable solution, and depending on your state laws you may also.
SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) or SBS (Short Barreled Shotgun) that are 26 inches or less in length must be registered as pistols in Michigan: MCL 750.224b(4). That length is measured from the shortest operational/fireable length, different from the ATF’s on file length for the same rifle (longest fireable length) and may not include the threaded on muzzle attachment. For quick reference that’s just about every AR with a conventional length adjustable stock and a 10.5″ or shorter barrel, they are legally covered as handguns in Michigan.
The LWRCI IC PSD | Individual Carbine- Personal Security Detail weapon delivers rifle cartridge firepower in a size usually reserved for sub machine guns. The IC PSD’s designed to be an ultra compact personal defense weapon.
The M6A2 is their legacy version of the current Individual Carbine rifles.
Here are the PSD’s numbers from the manufacturer
CALIBER: 5.56x45mm NATO
BARREL: 8.5”
WEIGHT: 5.9 lbs
LENGTH: 25 – 28”
MUZZLE THREADS: 1/2 x 28 TPI
RIFLING: 1:7 RH
Nickel-boron coated bolt carrier for unparalleled wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and permanent lubricity
NiCorr treated LWRCI™ Barrel is precisely torqued in our factory to a consistent torque setting. Cold hammer forged 1:7 twist stabilizes a wide range of bullet types
Coined forgings are struck—heat treated— and struck again for precise dimensional accuracy and superior surface finish
Magpul® MOE+® Grip combines reinforced polymer body construction with comfortable, wrap-around rubber overmolding for maximum weapon control in adverse environments
It’s an impressive pedigree of premium rifle features that LWRC uses to ensure a functioning high endurance carbine.
It’s the minimum fireable length of 25″ that allows this rifle to secure its position and become my personal defense weapon choice. It complies fully with my Michigan concealed firearms laws by meeting the required definition of a handgun. The PSD is subject to all the provisions of Michigan’s concealed carry laws along side my P226 Legion. This has expanded my everyday carry options and routine.
PSD stock configuration (pre IC ambidextrous lower)
From front to back the rifle comes stock with a birdcage A2 on a heavy profile barrel. Two captured screws on the front of the handguard retain the top cover rail over the gas piston, loosening both allows the easy removal and reinstall of the top cover without affecting the front sight zero to clean and service the piston and gas block. The quadrail handguard clamps around the barrel nut using four torqued vertical screws giving a rigid aligned fit and two QD sling points. The current lower receivers are ambidextrous with magazine releases, traditional bolt catch designs, and safety levers on both sides. The installed trigger is a nickel-boron coated mil-spec pull weight. The bolt carrier is standard for short stroke piston rifles with a solid machined carrier key strike face and a built up rear to compensate for carrier tilt, it also features a nickel-boron high lubricity finish. The charging handle is a vanilla AR15 variety as is the rest of the upper receiver itself with forward assist. Finally the rifle is end capped with a carbine receiver extension/buffer tube, an H2 buffer, and the LWRC Compact Stock for an enhanced cheek weld with a lower profile and QD sling points.
Taking the ‘out of the box’ configuration to the range produced some excellent initial results with a quick M4 style BZO (10 shots from 25 meters) I could stack rounds into the center each trigger squeeze. Moving around with the light unencumbered M6 PSD puts the M4 in the corner, the PSD is agile. The nickle-boron trigger broke exactly how I want a mil-spec trigger, clean and predictable. The most telling result was off hand shooting steel. The 8.5 x 11″ plate 60 meters away was easy to ring repeatedly from standing or kneeling with the skirmish sights. It was a ready to go rifle, just add ammo.
It’s a great base but like anything else I touch I can’t leave it stock…
LWRC M6A2 PSD w/ Trijicon MRO, HSP Inforce WML, and BCM Mod 44 charging handle, Mod 3 Pistol Grip, and Mod 3 Vert Grip
The A2 birdcage flashhider was swapped for an AAC 51T Breakout Muzzle Break/Flash Suppressor for suppressor ready future use.
Muzzle Break/Flash Suppresion… doesn’t apply to Tula (PSD with Meprolight M21)
The Bravo Company Mod 44 charging handle completes the rifles ambidexterity. A BCM Mod 3 Pistol Grip and Vertical Grip replaced the Magpul MOE+ (the Mod 3 is my preferred so I add it to any compatible platform I can its nothing against the MOE+ which found a home quickly on another AR)
Finishing out the kit for any defensive rifle should be a quality light and quality optic. In my case a HSP (Hailey Strategic) Inforce WML and a Trijicon MRO (currently). I’m in T&E on several reflex style optics for this application and the MRO is the current front runner.
Regardless of my current optic or iron sight set up the M6A2 PSD continued to preform as I asked it to. No stoppages on any magazine I’ve fed it including the Surefire 60, Daniel Defense, Magpul Pmag MOE and M3, Troy Industries, Lancer, and GI style aluminum. Hot, sandy, humid, cold, wet, nor dirty caused any stoppage. The gas piston keeps the the hot gas and fouling out of the receivers and drastically reduces maintenance. (Side Note: remember to test proper placement of your light. If set close to the muzzle dimming will occur as carbon cakes the lens)
The PSD has proven itself to be the peer of or superior to any AR I’ve shot to date. The short barrel doesn’t hinder accuracy but will limit the effective ranges due to velocity loss, but even if we put that distance at 200 meters its still 10 times greater than I can use my P226 with confident hit probability. After 7 months of use it is my go to gun.
For home defense the PSD’s control placement and size make it an excellent option for moving and clearing. It moves though doorways with ease and allows me to move chairs, open doors, and move with minimal hindrance while having the rifle at the ready. Having done the same room clearing with a 40″ long M16 the shorter M6 takes the gold for use.
Moving outside home defense is where I needed the PSD to show significant advantages. My reason for it supplanting the IWI Tavor or other bullpup style firearms with this new carbine was it’s increased legal mobility.
The M6 delivered on that utility. I could move the carbine around the interior of my vehicle, I could draw from the bag I keep it in, It was usable from my driver’s seat with my windows shut fully shouldered and stock in my preferred position. The PSD will fulfill the role of a truck gun or trunk gun as you stage it and secure it to your specific design.
LWRC’s M6A2 IC PSD fulfills the role of a high maneuverability ultra compact carbine with ease and should be considered a serious contender for those looking to have this role covered. My specific situation gives the PSD a unique utility and I can use it as an EDC firearm.
There are a few considerations I want to point out as we conclude.
First is that on body carry for this rifle, like any SBR type, is still difficult to the extreme and requires thicker heavier clothing and specialty load bearing equipment. It is a mission specific set up and it is not how I carry the rifle day to day. A bag carry system is possible but at 25″ its a hard search and investment in a discreet backpack that size. More practical options require modifying the PSD significantly. Bag carry also falls into the carry theories and practices that separate the firearm from the user, not as secure as on body and must be done with caution.
I prefer the staging method, the PSD has a staged position at home, in my vehicle, and at several destinations I frequent, including work.
Secondly, SBR’s are loud. I set this one up for suppressor use for practical reasons. A 5.56 round indoors is deafening. That same round burning far less powder inside the barrel because its half length is exponentially more deafening and blinding. I strongly recommend a suppressor. Short that, be very aware of the fact you’re bringing the noise to your ears first. You might not have time, but if you do use ear protection. Worst case scenario, brace for loud noises.
Third, this rifle is a Short Barreled Rifle and subject to the National Firearms Act. The PSD must follow those NFA rules governing possession and transport. Out of state travel is a complication. Even purchase is a delayed process through the ATF Form 4 and Tax process, taking six months to complete in my case.
The NFA is probably the greatest hurtle but once navigated it gives you a uniquely capable tool that happens to be a hell of a lot of fun too.
Victory First officially announced today the creation of its lifestyle brand, Victory Wear. Victory Wear, a Division of Victory First will produce lifestyle and apparel items that resonate with the “everyday carry” community.
The debut offerings feature attractive graphics on a variety of American-made T-shirts, decals, and PVC patches. The theme of all Victory Wear products focuses on mindset and preparedness to protect family, hearth, and home. If you carry a concealed pistol daily, or keep a carbine handy in your vehicle or around the house, Victory Wear is a brand designed for your the way you live your life.
Although some of the themes will be staples within the brand, most will be limited runs. While the initial run is fairly focused, there are over a dozen different themes slated for release before Independence Day.
“There are some great lifestyle brands in this industry, but most have a very pronounced military-feel to their products. As a former Marine, I love those brands, but not everyone who carries a gun is a veteran. We created Victory Wear to reflect the values and mindset of the everyday American who carries a gun to protect himself and the people he cares most about,” said Matt ‘Jake’ Jacques, owner of Victory First and Victory Wear. “If you take on the responsibility of carrying a gun every day, you’ll ‘get’ our products. They are a reflection of that mental and emotional commitment.”
Victory Wear products are available for purchase at https://victory-wear.com, and you can check them out on Instagram @ VictoryWearables
St. Charles, MO — Propper International is bringing out four new boots for 2017 to enhance their already popular assortment of tactical duty wear.
The new waterproof Series 100 headlines the new offerings. Based on the popular Series 100 platform available in both 6-inch and 8-inch versions, the waterproof version adds waterproof leather and a 1000D Cordura® upper that can be pulled snug with the quick and easy NATO speed lace system. A special gusset behind the zipper helps keep water out while the triple density rubber foundation and an arch made from a durable compound will hold up to the rigors of fast-roping.
The new durable, yet lightweight Series 300 boot features US MIL-SPEC split leather cattle hide upper for a sharp uniform look and is proudly made in the USA to meet all AR670-1 and Berry boot regulations for US military use. With this level of comfort and endurance, the Series 300 just might become your favorite boot. Available in both 6-inch and 8-inch versions, in black and coyote.
For a terrific value in an entry level boot, the Tactical Duty Boot keeps your feet comfortable and ready to take you into the toughest places with professional quality leather upper and high traction outsole, while breathable, moisture-wicking mesh lining lets your feet breathe. Comfort comes from an athletic performance rubber sole with EVA cushioning and padded collar.
Durable comfort and versatility are the trademarks of the WPX waterproof crossover tactical boot. Keep your feet dry and ready in the harshest tactical environment with rubber, molded toe cap and mudguard, 600D nylon mesh with waterproof backing and a gusseted tongue to prevent water from seeping in. An EVA cushioned footbed with contoured arch support provides all-day comfort.
Propper is celebrating 50 years in business in 2017. Making tactical gear with a purpose has been a way of life for Propper, since their first U.S. Navy contract in 1967. Today, Propper designs and manufactures tactical clothing and gear that keeps military, law enforcement, and public safety professionals protected whether they’re in the service, on the job, or off for the weekend.
These five celebrities are famous, they’ve gone on to great things, become very popular, and they all have one thing in common: they served in the U.S. military. Some of them made use of military education benefits to further their careers while others used their experiences in uniform as the springboard for a life in the spotlight. Join us now for a countdown of five well-known military veterans.
5. Chuck Norris
The world-champion martial artist is a movie and television star, and has spawned a whole industry around “Chuck Norris facts” (for example: “Chuck Norris doesn’t breathe, he holds the air hostage”). Yet it might not have come about had he not decided to join the Air Force after high school. Aiming for a career in law enforcement, he joined the USAF security police, and while stationed in Korea, he realized one night on duty that he couldn’t arrest a rowdy drunk without pulling his weapon. As a result, he started studying some of the local Korean martial arts, including Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwan Do, and became the first Westerner to be awarded an eighth-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do. He held the world middleweight karate champion title for six years, and was named Black Belt magazine’s “Fighter of the Year” in 1969. He founded 32 martial arts schools, and was actor and fellow veteran Steve McQueen’s karate teacher.
“Before the President of the United States can declare war, Congress must have permission from Chuck Norris.”
McQueen encouraged Norris to go into acting, and after gaining attention as Bruce Lee’s opponent in “Way of the Dragon,” he starred in such films as “Good Guys Wear Black,” “Delta Force” and “Missing in Action.” He also starred in the long-running TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger.” Norris has used his success to give back to the military community, serving as a spokesman on behalf of the Veterans Administration and hospitalized veterans. On March 28, 2007, Commandant Gen. James T. Conway made Norris an honorary United States Marine.
4. Mr. T
Before he nearly pounded Rocky Balboa into submission in Rocky III, and went on to fame as B.A. Baracus on the hit TV show A-Team, Mr. T was a member of the biggest team of them all — the U.S. Army. Originally known as Laurence Tureaud, Mr. T served in the Army’s Military Police Corps in the mid-70s. In November 1975 he was awarded a letter of recommendation by his drill sergeant, and in a cycle of six thousand troops he was elected “Top Trainee of the Cycle” and promoted to Squad Leader. In July 1976 his platoon sergeant punished him by giving him the detail of chopping down trees during training camp at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, but the sergeant did not specify how many trees that were to be cut down — so Tureaud single-handedly chopped down over 70 trees in the span of three and a half hours before being relieved of the detail.
“When you find a really tough guy, he’s not a predator. He doesn’t have to prove himself. Guys who have to pretend to be tough, they ain’t. I’m tough.”
After his discharge from the Army, Tureaud tried out for the NFL’s Green Bay Packers but failed to make the team because of a knee injury. However, his Army police training served him well in his next job, as a bouncer at Chicago nightclubs, where he began cultivating his ultra-tough “Mr. T” persona (the famous gold chains he wears were a result of picking up discarded jewelry from the nightclub every night). Perhaps the first “celebrity bodyguard,” and certainly one of the most famous, Mr. T eventually found fame in the movies and TV, and currently lives in L.A.
3. Johnny Cash
“That was the big thing when I was growing up, singing on the radio. The extent of my dream was to sing on the radio station in Memphis. Even when I got out of the Air Force in 1954, I came right back to Memphis and started knocking on doors at the radio station.”
The legendary country performer is known as the “Man in Black,” but he was also a man in Air Force blues. Fresh out of high school in 1950, Cash joined the Air Force as the Korean War began, and spent most of his four-year enlistment in Germany. Perhaps not surprisingly for a man with music in his veins, Cash was handy when it came to the rhythms of Morse code, and served as an intercept operator with the USAF Security Service.
It could be argued that if weren’t for the military, we might never have known who Johnny Cash was — coming from a poor background, he was only able to scrounge enough money together to buy a guitar once he started receiving military pay. He purchased his first guitar at the Base Exchange while stationed in Germany, and the rest is history, as they say. He also formed his first band while in the Air Force (the Landsberg Barbarians) and upon his discharge he used his GI Bill benefits to attend a radio-announcing course at a broadcasting school in Memphis.
“That was the big thing when I was growing up, singing on the radio. The extent of my dream was to sing on the radio station in Memphis. Even when I got out of the Air Force in 1954, I came right back to Memphis and started knocking on doors at the radio station.”
Although Cash’s reputation as an outspoken, hard-living rebel has overshadowed his time in service, he never forgot about where he came from, and years later, he met a young Army captain named Kris Kristofferson, who he helped become a country superstar in his own right.
2. Clint Eastwood
Long before Eastwood dared anyone to make his day as Dirty Harry, he served in the Army as a swimming instructor at Ft. Ord. As fate (and luck) would have it, his swimming skills would come in handy: one time when he was hitching a ride aboard a Navy torpedo bomber, the plane developed engine trouble and was forced to ditch in San Francisco Bay. Eastwood swam over a mile through the tide to shore, foreshadowing his own character’s watery trials in “Escape from Alcatraz.”
“I was drafted during the Korean War. None of us wanted to go… It was only a couple of years after World War II had ended. We said, ‘Wait a second? Didn’t we just get through with that?’”
After his discharge in 1953, Eastwood attended L.A. City College and studied drama under the GI Bill. From humble origins in the movie business (he started on a $75-a-week contract with Universal Studios), he eventually found international fame in “spaghetti” westerns, the Dirty Harry series, and as an Oscar-winning director.
1. Elvis Presley
It seems only fair that the man known as “the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” should be the king of this list. Drafted by the U.S. Army just as he was experiencing a rise to stardom seldom seen before or since in popular music, Presley didn’t shirk from his duty and found himself trading in his leather jacket for combat fatigues. He entered the Army as a regular GI at Ft. Chaffee on March 24, 1958. As his famously tousled hair was shaved down to regulation length, he cracked, “Hair today, gone tomorrow.” His induction was a major event, with hundreds of overlookers and media there to witness it.
Elvis was stationed at Ft. Hood for Basic Training and was assigned to the Second Armored Division’s ‘Hell On Wheels’ unit. Later he was assigned to the Third Armored ‘Spearhead’ Division, and stationed in Friedberg, Germany — it was here that he met Priscilla Beaulieu, who would eventually become his wife. During his time in Texas and Germany, Elvis kept a low profile, although he was already wealthy enough to bring his father and grandmother to live with him off-base.
“The Army teaches boys to think like men.”
By the time he finished his Army stint, Elvis had been promoted to sergeant, and he was honorably discharged from active duty on March 5, 1960 at Fort Dix, receiving a mustering-out check of $109.54. Just prior to his exit, Elvis reflected on his experiences in an interview for Armed Forces Radio and Television: “I was in a funny position. Actually, that’s the only way it could be. People were expecting me to mess up, to goof up in one way or another. They thought I couldn’t take it and so forth, and I was determined to go to any limits to prove otherwise, not only to the people who were wondering, but to myself.”
A Royal Marine sniper blasted a speedboat carrying £40million of cocaine after a dramatic six-hour chase across the Caribbean. Navy ship Wave Knight launched a Lynx helicopter to fire shots at the traffickers during a daring operation in the middle of the sea.
They ignored the shots, forcing a sniper in the back of the helicopter to shoot out the engines of the speedboat and stopping the cocaine reaching its destination. The dramatic mission was captured on camera. Photographs showed the marine firing the shot from the sky as the traffickers watched from below.
Wave Knight is currently preparing to host Prince Harry during his planned tour of Caribbean later this month. The Prince will be given a cabin on the ship as he travels around the islands representing his grandmother, The Queen.
A Ministry of Defence statement said: ‘Royal Fleet Auxiliary Wave Knight concluded a dramatic six hour chase across the Caribbean, by shooting out the engines of a go-fast speedboat.
‘More than £40m of cocaine never reached its destination. The successful bust was sparked by a maritime patrol aircraft sighting the go-fast and directing RFA Wave Knight to intercept.
‘She responded by bearing down on the speedboat – and launching her helicopter, which no boat could outrun.’
A spokesman said the sniper in the back a Lynx helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron ‘first fired warning shots ahead of the go-fast calling on the traffickers to stop and then’.
‘When they ignored those shots, took out the boat’s engines bringing it to a halt’, he said.
Once the boat’s engines brought it to a halt, a specialist team of US coast guards boarded the craft and recovered 14 bales of illegal narcotics.
Tests revealed it to be 350kg of cocaine with a wholesale value on the streets of more than £14million had those drugs reached the UK. Before the boarding team reached the vessel, the traffickers threw several bales overboard. US authorities assessed 650kg of cocaine worth around £26million was abandoned. The go-fast itself subsequently sank.
In total, fourteen bales of illegal drugs were captured in a combined operation by the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and US Coast Guard in waters between Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
The five crew of the go-fast plus the haul of drugs were later transferred to the US Coast Guard cutter Richard Etheridge and handed over to authorities in Miami Beach.
Last week, the Russian military reported the delivery of the 21-ton, 19 person-capacity armored vehicles to special forces units stationed in the Tambov and Pskov regions. The vehicles, built on a Kamaz-63968 chassis, have a 450 horsepower engine, automatic transmission, a hydropneumatic suspension providing for variable ground clearance, and are capable of highway cruising speeds up to 80 km/h.
The cab of the vehicle is equipped with an on-board information and control system, providing data regarding engine operation, tilt, speed, and location, as well as real-time video readout of the vehicle’s surroundings.
More significant is the Typhoon’s integrated ceramic and steel armor and mine protection, including specially-made energy absorbing seats for crew and passengers, as well as a unique v-shaped underbody to improve the vehicle’s ability to withstand blasts of up to 8 kg of TNT. Cabin protection gives the vehicle’s crew the ability to withstand even a direct hit by armor-piercing incendiary rounds from a distance of 200 meters. The vehicle has roof hatches for emergency evacuation in case of roll, and is equipped with an air filtration system protecting occupants against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
Commenting on the deployment in an article for the independent news and analysis resource PolitRussia, military analyst Sergei Cherkasov suggested that at first glance, it’s not clear why the Russian army needs the new vehicles, given the existence of equipment like the BTR-82A heavily armed and armored APC.
US Marine Corps RG-33 APCs
Indeed, the analyst noted, “the Typhoon is dissimilar to [traditional] Russian APCs created for waging a full-scale war…The Typhoon’s armament is also very uncharacteristic for the Russian army – [featuring only an optional] remote-controlled machine gun module; usually our equipment bristles with twin barrels of very serious firepower.”
“At the same time, the new Russian armored vehicle looks similar to US APCs, such as the RG-33L or Cougar MRAP; they too aren’t exactly small, but light, and are also armed only with machine guns.”
“American APCs are quite a curious thing,” Cherkasov noted. “In the course of the US military’s [post-Cold War] rearmament, it was equipped with light, fast, roomy vehicles batted down as much as possible from underneath. The purpose of this equipment is obvious: it is meant for war against a weaker opponent – i.e. irregular units, where the first priority among threats comes from a mine blast, rather than an artillery shell. Preference was given to small-caliber weapons, with threats such as grenade launchers to be defeated via absolute superiority in reconnaissance.”
Russia, the analyst noted, is finally getting around to creating its own class of equipment for battle against lightly-armed militants and terrorists.
The Typhoon is actually an entire class of modular armored transports, “maximally unified in their construction, but each having a different purpose.” The vehicle class was designed in cooperation with dozens of companies, but is built by two truck companies – Kamaz and Ural. The series has five variants in total.
In addition to the Kamaz 63968-based Typhoon-K, there is the Typhoon-U, built on the Ural-63095 truck platform. Like its Kamaz cousin, this vehicle can be fitted for a number of uses, from 16-person secure troop transport to command post, engineering unit and ambulance. A similar vehicle, a Typhoon-U, built on an Ural-63099 platform, features a unified cabin-body design, and can transport 12 fighters plus two crew. A Kamaz version of the unified cabin-body design also exists, based on the Kamaz-63969.
Finally, there’s the Kamaz-53949, diminutively called the ‘Typhoonenok’ (i.e. ‘Little Typhoon’), a 4×4 capable of carrying seven soldiers and three crew.
“For now,” Cherkasov noted, “only the Kamaz-63968 Typhoon-K and the Ural Typhoon-U have begun production, with about 100 and 30 units of each produced, respectively. In a couple years, the production of the Typhoonenok is set to get underway.”
“The main advantage of the Typhoon-K is its capacity, of 16 men and three crew members, or four tons of cargo. Even the Americans – known as the biggest fans of armored vehicles, have not achieved such characteristics” (the Cougar has a 12 person capacity, while the RG-33 holds 10 personnel).
“The second advantage of this APC is its excellent protection. This is something of the kind our army truly has not seen before. Given its dimensions, its capacity and its 20 ton weight, the designers succeeded in providing protection which is far superior to Soviet APCs…The vehicle’s mine resistance rates the fourth level of protection according to NATO’s STANAG 4569 standard, thus providing protection against mines weighing up to 8 kg, which is outstanding for this class of machine. For example, the US recently began production of the International MaxxPro armored fighting vehicle, whose protection is only 7 kg.”
“In other areas too, the Typhoon’s protection corresponds to the fourth level of the NATO standard. The side of the vehicle easily withstands fragmentation from 152-mm shells exploded at a distance of 25 meters. When exploding from two meters away, splinters get stuck in the armor, but do not pierce through.”
All-round, the vehicle is resistant to armor-piercing heavy machine gun fire up to 14.5 mm caliber. The front of the vehicle is strengthened to protect even against 30 mm chain gun fire. Special mats provide for protection against shape charges, preventing the formation of a cumulative jet to pierce the inside of the vehicle. Ultimately, Cherkasov noted that the Typhoon is a perfect addition to the Russian military.
“It has no place at the front in a major war – for that we have the Kurganets IFV/APC, and the Boomerang AFV. This vehicle has another purpose: to combat poorly organized terrorist gangs, who may not be equipped with heavy armament, but are no less insidious. And this means that our army is keeping in step with the times, responding to emerging new threats in a timely manner.”
The PMAG 30 AR 300 B GEN M3 is a purpose-designed magazine for rifles
chambered in 300 Blackout. Since its inception, 300 Blackout shooters have
had to use a magazine designed for another cartridge, limiting its performance
and compatibility. One of the nice features of 300 Blackout is the compatibility
with 5.56x45mm parts, but with the magazine it is a compromise to do so. Due
to the wide variety of projectile weights and shapes potentially decreasing
overall reliability, a dedicated 300 Blackout magazine was a logical step for
the PMAG line.
In addition to the performance gained by a dedicated mag, the PMAG 30
AR 300 B also offers a safer way to feed your 300 BLK rifle. When using
5.56 mags, the potential to chamber and fire a 300 BLK round in a 5.56 rifle
with catastrophic results requires diligent ammunition management by the
shooter. The PMAG 30 AR 300 B’s distinct rib design provides the shooter
a distinct visual and tactile difference from any other PMAG to mitigate
dangerous cross-loading issues. Along with optimized 300 BLK performance,
the PMAG 30 AR 300 B brings along all of the GEN M3 features such as
our next-generation impact and crush resistant polymer, aggressive front and
rear texture, an easily removable slim floor plate, a paint pen dot matrix for
marking and identification, and a dust/impact cover.
• Dedicated, purpose-designed magazine for rifles chambered in 300 Blackout
• Optimized internal geometry accommodates the wide variety of bullet
profiles used in 300 Blackout cartridges
• Distinct rib design provides the shooter a visual & tactile difference from
any other pmag to mitigate dangerous cross-loading
• Carries forward the physical & performance features of the rest of the gen
m3 line
“We are excited to partner with First Tactical as the Staff Clothing Sponsor of Industry Day at the Range,” said Industry Day at the Range Manager, Kelsey Puryear, “Our staff members will benefit from First Tactical’s quality clothing as it will meet the demands of our staff during the event. We are pleased that this partnership will further enhance First Tactical’s presence at Industry Day at the Range.”
Since its launch in late 2015, First Tactical has been one of the fastest growing brands in the Public Safety and shooting industries. After initially launching with just pants, gloves, and shirts, First Tactical’s line now includes bestselling packs and bags, footwear, gear, and more.
“We are very excited to show off our full line and preview what’s to come at this year’s event,” said First Tactical CEO Dan Costa, “We have a few surprises in store that we can’t wait to show and tell people about.”
5. Chuck Norris