Why The X-95 Is The Tavor Of All Tavors

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August 5, 2016

Since its introduction to the U.S. market I have tested, retested, rearranged then again retested the Israeli Tavor rifle. It’s been to several schools — some practical, others more about the tactic of the day.

I commonly used it just to be contrary to the most vocal AR guru at the time. It was fun to watch AR after AR go down during hard training while the Tavor just kept on working. Experts and pundits kept telling me it would break. Well, it’s still running after well over 20,000 rounds — not bad for something the social media experts, even a few with real credentials, said would be a “fad” that would never work.

The Tavor does have its issues, mostly revolving around the handguard, but the aftermarket kicked in and dealt with many of them. Never enough to please the naysayers, it became very handy for those willing to look outside the AR box.

But when the Tavor X-95 was introduced it looked to have some serious changes designed to deal with many of the perceived shortcomings.

Tavor X-95

IWI set out to improve on the ergonomics of the Tavor, especially for the U.S. market.

While not visible from the outside, the trigger pack may be the most useful change. A factory pull from 5 to 6 pounds is about half that of the previous version. It makes a huge difference when it comes to accuracy and speed on the trigger without compromising reliability.

The new handguard provides a flat surface with removable panels revealing rails at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. Left in place, you get a smooth surface that is flat all the way back to the grip guard and longer than the SAR.

Remove the panels and you can slim it up even more. It allows you to mount a light or bi-pod without the need for a new handguard or rail. Moving the charging handle back keeps things uncluttered and unobstructed. Quick Disconnect sling cups sit on either side of the stock as well as the front of the handguard and just behind the charging handle allowing you to switch between them.

You can also swap the Tavor-style grip with one that uses a standard trigger guard. While the bolt release is in the same place it is smaller and lower profile. Magazines are now released using buttons placed similarly to an AR on either side of the grip. Back-up sights remain hidden in the top rail for deployment as needed.

The 16½-inch cold hammer forged CrMoV 1:7 twist barrel is capped with an A2 style flash hider. It retains the long-stroke gas piston system and AR magazine compatibility. Overall length is the same, but the stock area is trimmed a bit providing a flatter feel that seems to work better with a plate carrier.

You can still make it a left side eject and right side charging if needed, making it one of the most ambidextrous out of the box carbines you can get. It ships in a box with one 30-round Gen 3 PMAG.

Testing

I wanted to keep this test purely carbine-like, so no optics other than for the obligatory groups. My preferred configuration keeps it simple and as light as possible. My Trijicon SRS red-dot sight was mounted so as not to obstruct the factory backup iron sights. SureFire’s Warcomp replaced the factory flash hider for suppressor use. You can time the warcomp for left, right or neutral shooting, this was timed neutral. Just make sure and use the SureFire-supplied spacer that’s designed to provide a bit more shoulder for the actual shims.

I also added a new Geissele Super Sabra trigger pack. While the factory trigger is much better than the SAR, it is still not nearly as crisp as the Geissele. Other than some alterations to the housing, they are the same. My last addition was a Blue Force Vickers sling using QD sling swivels.

On the Range

To make an honest comparison, I started range tests with the factory trigger. We used Leupold’s Mark 6 3-18X scope for groups at 100 yards. Group testing at 50 and 25 yards used the Trijicon SRS. After about 100 rounds my groups started to tighten up. It’s really all about getting a solid position, and that just takes some time. Results are best when the Tavor is locked in place.

My best group with the factory trigger came using some 600-grain Vmax from HPR ammunition measuring 1.3 inches. It was consistent and soft-shooting. Another accurate round was the Nosler Defense 64-grain Soft Point. Interestingly it was also the most accurate out of the Tavor SAR. Both rifles seemed to be the most consistently accurate with bullets in the 60- to 64-grain range.

Black Hills 69-grain TMK grouped at 1.6 inches — the 77 grain came in at 1¾ inches. The best in the heavies was the Hornady 75-grain Superformance 5.56mm NATO. Moving to the Geissele essentially tightened everything up by about ¼ inches. I was able to produce a couple 1-inch groups with the 60-grain Vmax load and the 69-grain TMK from Black Hills tightened up to 1.3 inches.

My standard zero for an RDS equipped rifle is 50 yards, so the Trijicon SRS was zeroed using the 60-grain VMAX from HPR — the most accurate overall. Shooting from an unsupported prone in the dirt we kept 10-shot groups at this range inside 2 inches shooting pretty quickly. Move up to 25 yards and it was similar, maybe a bit tighter. Using holds on this zero it was easy getting hits on 12-inch steel out to 300 yards. Loaded with Black Hills 69-grain TMK it was very consistent.

Working the square range, the X-95 really shined. The magazine release was positive with all but one magazine ejecting cleanly from the magwell. Every other magazine ran with zero issues, including Brownell’s GI 20- and 30-rounders, Gen 2 and 3 PMAGS, my old IWI magazines as well as Lancers.

Using the forward magazine release was intuitive and never inadvertently activated by gear or anything else. Just like an AR it is better to rest your trigger finger when not in use above the release, but that would seem to be common sense.

Surefire’s Warcomp kept things steady and the Geissle allowed for some very fast split times. Take up is a bit longer than an AR, but it was as fast as any of my rifles using similar Geissele triggers.

Other Considerations

Unlike my SAR, the X-95 worked very well with most of the ammunition when suppressed using the SureFire SOCOM556-RC2. While there was no impact shift taking it on and off, there was a consistent 3-inch drop between suppressed and unsuppressed across most all ammunition. It functioned fine with no observable change in brass ejection patterns.

All of the ergonomic changes enhanced my ability to use the X-95. Charging handle placement is makes manipulation fast. There was no interference with the handguard and plenty of room for large hands. Magazine changes were very fast using the bolt release and new magazine release placement.

Just like the SAR, it worked better just keeping it in the pocket if you are trying to be fast. Turning it sideways was possible without the plate carrier. The new sling attachments allowed me to carry it using a traditional two point holding it tight and close to my chest.

Keeping the bottom panel on the handguard allowed for stable positions in barricades and even in some tree limbs. Remove it and my Atlas Bi-pod mounted right up and it is very stable from prone. Even with the bi-pod attached, it was possible to work in all kinds of positions around the truck that are difficult even with a short AR. As expected, it is a very handy rifle.

Final Thoughts

Not sure it will surprise anyone given my affinity for the SAR, but I really like this rifle. It allows me to keep a short rifle that takes full advantage of the 5.56mm cartridge. It runs just like a 10-inch AR without the need for paperwork. It proved reliable, plenty accurate and soft shooting even when suppressed. If your customers are already Tavor fans, they’ll love the X-95.

For those looking to make the jump without loosing most of the AR-type controls, this is probably your customers’ best bet. Just like the SAR, the X-95 is going to see a ton of use.

Source: http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/2016/07/25/x-95-tavor-tavors/

Steve Fisher of Sentinel Concepts Added to Agency Arms Asset Program

By

248 Shooter

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August 4, 2016

Steve Fisher owner and lead instructor of Sentinel Concepts has just been added to the Agency Arms, Agency Asset program.

Agency Arms has been taking the customised handgun market by storm in the last few years and has added many top industry names to their lineup of supporters.

With handguns like this, it is obvious why their guns have been so well received by consumers and instructors alike.

Steve Fisher had the following to say on the matter.

Proud to be among some the most the gifted and talented instructors all ready using agency guns

If you want to learn more about Agency and their guns check them out here: http://agencyarms.com/

For more on Steve Fisher and Sentinel Concepts you can find it here: http://sentinelconcepts.com

Having had a recent chance to shoot their rifle and handgun recently you can expect to find more news on all these companies in upcoming articles.

Teaser of Agency Arms Rifle Picture by Jerry Sarkody

Southern Grind Spider Monkey Blade Review

By

248 Shooter

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July 21, 2016

I have carried a knife since middle school. The number of times my pocket knife has come to my aid is astronomical. However until recently I had little appreciation for a good blade. Instead, I relied on cheap Chinese knives that I didn’t care about losing or destroying.

That all changed once I learned the differences in steel, material, and craftsmanship that separated cheap blades from quality tools. One of the companies that have been a rising star in the handcrafted, quality blade market is Southern Grind.

Who is Southern Grind

Southern Grind was founded by country singer Zac Brown. Zac is a true knife connoisseur who developed the company as part of a way to fund his passion project Camp Southern Ground. The idea of the company was to build knives representative of what Zac believes knives should be – ruggedly dependable and highly functional, born from state of the art technology and quality that is second to none.

Zac is more than a good singer, who loves knives. He’s the type of guy who puts time and effort into giving back. As such he created Camp Southern Ground to give children of all abilities the opportunity to come together to learn life skills and teamwork in a positive, healthy outdoor environment. Through this funding and other grants such as the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation children who otherwise could not afford such an experience are being allowed unique learning and social opportunities.

The Blades of Southern Grind

The product line of Southern Grind is niche since they only offer a few styles of knives. They do expand their offerings however by providing multiple blade types, colors, and grips.

The most popular blades are the “Monkey” line, which comes in 2 sizes, the bad monkey the larger original size, and the spider monkey a smaller pocket knife.

The remaining blades are all fixed to range in size from neck blades to an impressively large and well-balanced machete.

The Spider Monkey

Due to the incredibly convoluted blade laws in the state of Michigan we opted to purchase the spider monkey knife. The relatively small 3.25-inch blade is just the right size to keep you out of trouble in almost all cities.

The spider monkey is offered in 4 blade types, Drop Point, Damascus, Drop Point Serrated or modified Tanto. We chose the drop point serrated due to my affiliation with cub scouts and regular use of a rope.

For the non-Damascus versions, the blades are made from S35VN steel with a hardness of RC 58-59. An Interesting fact not mentioned on the website is the source of the steel. Blade blanks are water jet cut from industrial logging saws for all of Grind’s fixed blades. The natural tempering process of the blades being used to cut wood over and over again heating and cooling during their natural life span makes for an incredible tempering process that would never be viable if replicated in a factory.

The handles of the Southern Grind Spider Monkey are carbon fiber making them extremely light yet durable. How light? The overall weight on the Spider Monkey is just 3.2 ounces. This weight reduction is also evident in the 6ALV4 titanium lock and liner material.

The pocket clip is placed high on the handle allowing you to set the blade deeply into your pocket for concealment, yet still easily reachable. The clip itself is also very short meaning it is quicker to access and less pronounced.

I have used the blade regularly for the last 60 days. While this is a short period, it has held up great to daily abuse holding an incredibly sharp edge.

Conclusion

If you want an American made blade that is designed to stand the test of time, then Southern Grind is a major contender. For those of us that grew up poor like me or who just take pride in giving back to the community, Southern Grind offers a unique opportunity to do good for others while still treating yourself to some Amercian craftsmanship.

The Spider Monkey is available from select retailers as well as direct from Southern Grind via their website http://southerngrind.com/. The Spider Monkey is priced at $219.95, and up, the model we reviewed is $224.95.

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/southern-grind-spider-monkey-blade-review/

We Like Shooting 150 – Segment – Going Ballistic

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We Like Shooting

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July 20, 2016

This is Going Ballistic!

Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 150 – tonight we’ll talk about CRKT Knives, Lionheart LH9NC, Tactical Pens, Century Arms, All the gun news, rubber dummies and more!

Click here for the full show notes!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS

Source: https://welikeshooting.com/show/150/

Apex Tactical Specialties: Flat-Face Forward Set Glock Trigger Kit

By

Eric TGL

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July 19, 2016

Craig Reinolds of Swanson Media Group gives TGL his review of the Apex Tactical Glock Trigger kit

Apex Tactical Specialties have created some new and innovative products in the firearms industry. The Apex mission is to provide superior parts, exceptional performance and craftsmanship, and above all, unparalleled customer service. From my personal experience with this company, you can take this mission statement from Apex to the bank.

This focus of this review is the recently released Flat Faced Glock Trigger Set and Ultimate Safety Plunger. This kit includes high performance components designed to reduce take up, trigger pull, reset and smooth transitioning during the trigger press.

My journey with Apex has spanned the last couple of years, testing firearms and custom components. Many of my past handgun tests have included an Apex trigger as part of the custom build. Recently, I tested a Walther PPQ M2 with a model specific Apex trigger. Wow, I think it is the best handgun Walther produces. I definitely believe the addition of the Apex trigger took the performance for the review over the top. I decided to customize my personal Glock pistol and when it came to find a trigger, there was no doubt I would look to Apex for my needs. When our team at Swanson Media Group reached out to Apex a few months ago, we were delighted to discover they were working on a complete kit for the Glock platform. The version we tested was one of their pre-production model.

I wanted a handgun that could perform top in its class whether in the competition circuits, self-defense or just running and gunning on the steel. My goal was to have a pistol that helped take my handgun training the next level as well have an everyday carry pistol that was battle ready. As the saying goes, “Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to use it!” This is the gun I wanted to have with me at all times while gaining experience using it very effectively. After evaluating several possibilities, my final choice was the Glock 34 MOS. Since it was an optics ready pistol, I mounted the Vortex Venom Red Dot on the slide along with a new set of Trijicon Tritium Night Suppressor Sights.

I installed the ATS Trigger Kit. The kit included the Flat-Faced Forward Set Trigger, the Trigger Bar, the Ultimate Safety Plunger and a new Connector. Once the build was complete I Immediately went to John Phillips at Survivor Creek Tactical and had his company build an IWB Kydex custom to my carry preferences and an OWB Kydex RTI System. Now the testing and training could properly begin!

When talking about triggers, there are a few things that we look at to rate and compare them. Trigger take up, the “break point”, the reset and the pounds of pull to the break. The Glock 34 Gen 4 MOS comes with a decent trigger, trigger pull at ~2.0 kg / ~4.5 lbs. and the trigger travel at ~12.5 mm / ~0.49 in. The thing I noticed the most from the factory trigger is when you hit the trigger break. Although measuring only 4.5 LBS, when it did break, the trigger felt like pushing on a closed door and when it opened you fell through without control causing all my shots to vary in a horizontal row 2 inches left, right and on the bullseye. The break was more of a shattering then a clean break. This cancelled out anything else positive about the factory trigger just magnifying the need for a custom trigger. The Apex trigger kit is a drop-in replacement for the factory parts and maintains the factory safety features. The Apex kit is intended for use in the following Glock model pistols (including Gen 4 versions): G17, G17L, G19, G22, G23, G24, G26, G27, G31, G32, G33, G34, G35, G37, G38, and G39. The Ultimate plunger will smooth out the trigger’s take up during shooting.

After working with the factory trigger for a few days, the Apex kit felt almost indescribable. This has to be the best trigger I have ever shot. I enjoy the short take up on the trigger and the perceived wall can only be described as more like a closed unlatched door. You obviously know when you reach the break point but instead of having to pull through with specific poundage, you simply press your way through. Apex has created a trigger that enhances the technique of pressing the trigger. This is truly remarkable; you can just simply press through a predictable firing of the pistol. After a short reset you just press again with no negative reactions to the break, firing the handgun on target every time assuming you have mastered the other components to firing a pistol accurately. I am not an engineer but the combination Apex has put together with the trigger, ultimate safety plunger and connector clearly has made a winning combination for a smooth operation.

In closing I would like to Thank Apex Tactical Specialties, Inc. for the opportunity to evaluate the Glock Trigger Kit. This kit has exceeded all expectations in a custom trigger. I have been well pleased with the flawless, finely tuned performance. Excelling so well on the competition circuits and civilian sales, I have no doubts, based on my personal experience, they will continue to be a number one contender for custom and performance parts for many years to come. For more information about this trigger kit as well as other great Apex products, visit them at https://www.apextactical.com.

Source: http://www.thegearlocker.net/2016/06/apex-tactical-specialties-flat-face-forward-set-glock-trigger-kit/

Practical Tactical Firearms G Hook EDC Belt

By

Eric TGL

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July 13, 2016

We take a look at Practical Tactical Firearm’s G-Hook EDC Belt in Wolf Grey. Brian makes the EDC Belt in 1.5inch in Wolf Grey, Black, and Coyote. The Price of the belt is $45.00

PTF’s Website: http://www.practicaltacticalfirearms.com/ and you can contact them at info@practicaltacticalfirearms.com

Music used: Derelict Ship by Per Kiilstofte https://machinimasound.com/music/dere…
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b…)

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Source: http://tgleric.tumblr.com/post/146549763394/practical-tactical-firearms-g-hook-edc-belt

GLOCK 9mm Pistol Chosen as the New FBI Gun

By

248 Shooter

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July 12, 2016

According to documents released today the FBI has awarded GLOCK up to 85,000,000 for new 9mm pistols.

You can see the official listing here:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=3003911f9f7ff35889bf5f46c48ba0ef&tab=core&tabmode=list&=

It has been a few years in the making with the reports of the FBI looking at 9mm seriously. With increased stopping power of modern ammunition, the ability to carry additional rounds, reduced recoil and increased accuracy for most shooters, the 9mm benefits are well known.

It will be interesting to see how many local law enforcement departments will be switching over.

As we receive more information such as the exact model awarded the contract we will update the story further.

UPDATE: The fact the gun must not have any finger grooves leads us to believe this will be either a modified version of the current G3 or G4 pistol or we are looking at a new gun. Or they are having the guys at ATEi go into overdrive grinding down finger grooves.

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/glock-9mm-pistol-chosen-new-fbi-gun/

The Crosman Pioneer Airbow Lays Claim to Hardcore Hybrid Shooting

By

248 Shooter

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July 11, 2016

In the words of expert guide and world renowned hunter Jim Shockey, “This changes everything.” Since eyeballing and test-firing Crosman’s Benjamin Pioneer Airbow at the 2016 Archery Trade Association show and spending quality range time with it at the 2016 SHOT Show, Shockey’s words have replayed too many times to count.

Say it to yourself then take a good, hard look at Crosman’s ultimate outdoor game-changer, the Airbow.

The Franken-Bow?

A bit Frankenstein-ish as product development goes, the Benjamin Pioneer Airbow delivers a solid mix of archery and airgun technology, but looks a heck of a lot cooler than Frankenstein ever did. While the hybrid design looks cool on the face of it, it’s important to note the history from which the Airbow derives.

While Merriam-Webster defines archery as “the sport or skill of shooting with a bow and arrow” and adds that a bow is simply “a weapon used for shooting arrows and usually made of a strip of wood bent by a cord connecting the two ends,” virtually everyone even remotely familiar with the subject would agree that there is more to both definitions than the iconic dictionary cares to convey.

From Stone Age to New Age

From Stone Age to New Age, humans have used archery for sustenance and warfare for as long as 50,000 years; the true date of its inception remains hotly debated, but nobody contests its abundant use by the close of the Upper Paleolithic Era some 10,000 years ago. Most experts agree that the crossbow, perhaps a better analogy to the Airbow, didn’t make an appearance until approximately 600 B.C. But by about 400 B.C., the crossbow had become a pretty a common weapon in China. Not long after, crossbows trickled across the rest of Asia and Europe and used in Medieval warfare before crossing over some 400 years ago into the New World.

Air rifles are not nearly as old; however, their history seems nearly as rich. According to airgun expert Richard Beeman, the Royal Danish Arsenal houses the oldest air rifle on record — a spring-loaded, propulsive blast rifle believed to have been built around 1590. In 1600, the earliest known pneumatic air rifle (the technology is still in use today) was built for France’s King Henry IV. To power this rifle, an air chamber in the buttstock was filled, as today’s rifles are. But while earlier rifles were filled to as much as 1,000 psi, today’s Crosman pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles — and indeed the PCP-powered Airbow — take up 3,000 psi for repeat shots and increased energy.

So what happens when you marry these two technologies? It’s not a bow, or even a crossbow. It’s not a rifle or even an air rifle.

What’s the Buzz About?

Don’t let the name fool you. As Crosman’s Chip Hunnicutt was quick to point out, the Airbow is not an archery bow or even a crossbow. It was never intended to be or even necessarily replace today’s traditional archery-based equipment. Hunnicutt claims that the Airbow is in a class of its own and delivers more than enough power for big game hunting. But what makes this thing cool, different and fun?

First things first, the Benjamin Pioneer Airbow is lightweight. At just seven pounds, it’s actually lighter than many rifles or crossbows. Also, the bows are finished in black and come with Realtree camouflage adhesive decals for hunters.

The Benjamin Pioneer Airbow is a PCP-powered shooting system with an air reservoir housed within the chassis. The reservoir holds up to 3,000 psi and powers as many as 10 arrows at a blistering average speed of 450 fps.

While you could potentially charge the Airbow with something similar to a bicycle pump, most PCP air rifle shooters, and most likely future Airbow shooters will charge the reservoir with a relatively light 15-inch, 4,500psi Benjamin air tank, or even a full-fledged SCUBA tank. Either way, great care should be taken to fill the reservoir slowly when using air tanks of any kind. An air gauge sits at the tip of the forend, under the air tube for easy observation between shots or during air charges.

Although the short, “bullpup” style tactical chassis does not feature an adjustable stock it appears to hit that sweet spot, fitting shooters large or small exceptionally well. The chassis also features a surprisingly comfortable pistol grip, trigger guard and forend. Overall length of the Airbow is a short 33.5 inches — perfect for hunting and shooting in tight spots and even bloodtracking through the thick stuff without catching on brush and branches.

In Focus on Trigger Time

At SHOT’s Industry Day at the Range, I quietly waited my turn while watching shooter after shooter square up behind the Airbow and launch arrows, accurately, at an average velocity I had never seen before. When my turn came, like the others, I listened to Chip carefully as he laid out all of the Airbow’s features then slowly and clearly instructed me, step by step. I “nocked” an arrow by sliding it over the length of the air tube. To cock the Airbow, I pulled up on the ambidextrous cocking device built into the top of the stock; it was quite easy, perhaps no more than a two-finger pull.

Once the Airbow was cocked, I settled in, like the others before me, and set the MTAG crosshairs of the 6x40mm CenterPointe scope on one of the diamonds on the face of the BIGshot Extreme 500 target downrange. Once I was ready I pushed forward on the safety lever positioned directly in front of the Airbow’s trigger. After taking the Airbow off safe, I slowly squeezed the trigger. While it was a tad on the heavy side, it was crisp and with less travel than I expected.

The shot was much quieter than expected. While I did not measure how much noise a shot generates, I saw no need, myself, for hearing protection. The sound level seemed comparable to shooting a .22-cal. pellet rifle. While the air tube did shudder after shots, it did not appear to have an effect on arrow flight. It was smooth, without any evidence of tailing — in fact, every shot I took was also exceptionally accurate and I grouped extraordinarily well, of course, the integrated pressure regulator facilitates this level of accuracy by distributing airflow evenly through the recommended number of shots per charge.

Hardcore Hitter

As a hardcore bowhunter, former archery technician and rifle hunter, my concerns rest in accuracy and energy, precisely where the Benjamin Airbow shines. I shot repeatedly and watched as every 375gr arrow drove hard into the target face with devastating force with 160 ft.-lbs. of energy. That’s more than enough energy to put down any animal on any continent and keep it there. Shockey proved this claim when he took a hefty bull buffalo with the Pioneer Airbow during field testing in 2015.

To say this hybrid shooting system is deadly is an understatement. Crosman knows airgun technology as well as anybody but to add archery to the mix was not only bold, it was downright genius. I suspect most people will readily embrace the Airbow for what it is: a true hybrid. With the difficulty of pulling back a compound bow keeping many from the sport, and some even having issues cocking a crossbow, the Airbow fits right in that sweet spot for people who want to get into archery and bowhunting but might have problems with conventional equipment.

More Than an Airbow, It’s a Kit Ready to Kill

The Crosman Benjamin Pioneer Airbow includes (3) 375gr carbon arrows with nano ceramic Victory ICE coating, a quick-detach quiver, custom sling, CenterPointe 6x40mm scope with MTAG reticle featuring indexing points out to 75 yds. and a canted picatinny base with 20 MOA of adjustability. And, unlike most crossbows, the Airbow can be decocked as easily as it was cocked for ultra-safe handling, especially when hunting from a treestand.

So where might one chase deer, hogs or other critters with an Airbow? Visit Crosman’s website to learn about where you can use the Airbow to hunt predators, pigs and big game. As of today, Airbow hunting for coyotes and predators is legal in 28 states, while feral hog hunting with the Airbow is legal in at least 10 states.

All things considered, Crosman’s Benjamin Pioneer Airbow is right on target. Shooting was quiet, comfortable, accurate and repeatable. While many bows, rifles and crossbows come without accessories, this Airbow essentially comes ready for action. Does it change everything? For a lot of customers, it will. And if your customers enjoy shooting rifles, crossbows and bows — and are welcome to game-changing innovation — they’re going to love the Pioneer Airbow.

Source: http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/2016/06/29/crosman-pioneer-airbow-lays-claim-hardcore-hybrid-shooting/

We Like Shooting 151 – Gear Chat

By

We Like Shooting

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July 10, 2016

This is an individual segment, for the whole show and show notes please visit here

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS

Source: https://welikeshooting.com/show/151/

OTOA (Ohio Tactical Officers Association) Annual Meeting

By

248 Shooter

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July 10, 2016

There are many TOA type organizations around the country. Most states offer them, for example, the MTOA that we covered last year with SDI and the largest the NTOA, which represents officers across the country.

Most of these events are rather small offering a smattering of booths that highlight police specific products and some training courses. What many do not know is tucked in among the flat lands of rabid Buckeyes fans is the better-kept secret of the training industry.

The OTOA Conference hosted almost 1000 officers over a one week period at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky Ohio earlier this month. Having attended it, I see why this conference is grown year over year.

Any good conference is packed with workshops that attendees do their best to avoid. Hell, I have spoken at several conferences and still not seen the inside of the rooms that I didn’t make a speech in. Mostly because industry specific education is falling on ears of people who too often either know it all already or who think they do. This was not the case in Sandusky. The Monday conferences were packed full of people and rightfully so.

In-depth information was provided by multiple branches of laws enforcement ranging from Dallas PD, who shared information on the Dallas PD station attack, FBI agents discussing hostage rescue, Coverage of the Aurora Theatre shooting and more followed by a great meal and fellowship. That was only on the first day.

The real meat and potatoes started on day 2 with breakout sessions on specific topics from medical training that included a free tourniquet thanks to Nationwide Insurance, administrative, dispatch, CQB, legal action and even estate planning for those who put their lives on the line. In all, there were over 42 tracks of instruction available for attendees.

The vendor show on Tuesday showcased some of the best companies in the industry supporting local law enforcement. Over 200 vendors gathered to give one on one interaction with the guys who use their products. Unlike many industry events, the booths were not packed with sales reps and marketing people. Many on hand were product development people, engineers, trainers and CEO’s who worked with officers to discuss actual use, not fancy gimmicks.

Here is just a sample of the companies who supported the event.

5.11 Atei

AT Armor

Blue Force Gear

Alliance PD Range

Cleer Medical

Raven Concealment

MTOA

Vertex

Half Cocked Targets

Nationwide Insurance

Combat Swag (with CJ Jackson himself!!!!!)

Geiselle

B5 Systems

Velocity Systems

Mayflower

and so much more!

The following three days involved mainly off-site live fire and range based training with some of the best instructors in the country. Attendees could pick 1 class a day with their included registration fee. When looking at the typical cost of a John Chapman, Will Petty or other training from the likes of LMS, 88 Tactical, Cleer Medical and more the cost of admission was half the typical cost of admission.

To give you an idea of the knowledge available check out this incomplete list of classes.

88 Tactical was at the forefront of this event fielding instructors in just about every possible niche of the law enforcement tactics cadre. It was an honor and pleasure to spend one on one time with the likes of William Petty, Matt Jaques, Trevor Thrasher, Phil Chaney, Frank Sepulveda, Devin Crinklaw and Shea Degan not to mention the cast of less known names that will likely be some of the up and coming stars of the training community. The amount of knowledge consumed was only limited by one’s ability to absorb it. We will cover the grand opening of the 88 Tactical Facility on July 7th so stay tuned.

The OTOA was open to police officers even if not from Ohio, and it is the one event that I would say is a must do for those who run to gunfire instead of away from it. While the OTOA conference is not for civilians much of the training offered, can be found in courses taught by 88 Tactical, LMS, Sentinel Concepts and the Alliance PD Range, if you’re interested in learning from the best of the best.

A $250 fee gets you a very nice 5.11 sling pack, access to all that we discussed and more in the way of dinners, raffles and one on one talk with dudes who opinion actually matters. I don’t teach tactics on this blog because, frankly, I am not qualified to. Neither is 99% of Youtube and 80% of instructors. It’s nice when you’re talking in a group and see dudes who lived the life, walked the walked sharing their knowledge for the safety and protection of our police. Cause God knows not one of these instructors made enough on this event to be doing this for profit.

All photography was graciously provided by our Friend @iDaveMoore go follow him on IG.

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/otoa-88tactical/

Terrorist attacks are Not Mass Shootings, But they are a Gun Control Issue

By

248 Shooter

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July 7, 2016

Let’s be very clear on a few points before the flame wars begin. Though the numbers are skewed to show more than occurred, the US has a mass shooting issue. These events are as deadly as they are because of a Gun control issue.

Let’s also be very clear that if we are calling what happened in France earlier this year was a terrorist attack that influenced Facebook to get people to change their social media profile pictures then what occurred in San Berdino and now in Orlando are terrorist attacks as well.

After both terrorist attacks, the anti-gun organizations blamed the NRA, other pro-gun representatives, and citizens as the cause. Not the radical beliefs of a zealous group in a religious war who perpetrated the crimes against our society.

What happened in Orlando is a travesty where a man angered by the sexual conduct of others was driven to commit a heinous crime against all of society. This man not only cleared a background check to own his guns but also cleared an extra check that employed him with a security license granting additional privileges to carry a gun. This was not a man, rather a piece of garbage that was on watch lists, interviewed by FBI and was being tracked for associating with terrorist forces and recruiters online.

So why are both of these incidents Gun Control issues? The first took place in California. A state known for some of the most restrictive gun control and regulations in the country. There an illegally obtained gun purchased via a straw purchase and then modified illegally was used by terrorist criminals to kill innocent people in a gun free zone. Giving the advantage to the terrorists who ignored our laws.

Yesterday’s action involved a person illegally using a gun in a gun free zone to corral and then murder people based on his excuse of religious beliefs. It is too soon to know if those guns were legal or illegally modified as some are claiming. Either way, the laws put in place to protect citizens failed again. Gun control failed again.

In the movie Dillinger, one of my favorite lines is when Johnny Depp says “I get away because they have to be everywhere all the time. I only have to be one place any time” or something along those lines. That there is the reason why all of these crimes are a gun control issue.

This hero took a bullet to the head trying to save those still alive inside. Thankfully his department got him training and gear to stop the fight.

I have many great police, srt, military and first responder friends. These are people that run to gunfire to save lives. There is only so many of them that have to cover 24 hours across huge cities and towns. There are only so many jobs available that can be supported by taxes and commerce. There is only so many that can deal with the bull shit associated with typical police departments that can make saving lives a career. I know many and more that are not police that carry every day, served their time in the military or spend time today training so that if the moment arises they can protect their family, friends and themselves from danger. These people are everywhere all the time for they are us.

The media does not report it as it does not fit the narrative but good guys at risk to their personal safety have stopped countless shootings, robbings, murders and more by being trained, being vigilant and carrying while all being everywhere the bad guys can be.

All of these crimes, murders, and cowards attacks on our freedom typically happen in gun free zones for a reason. Criminals ignore laws that affect them but leverage these same laws in their favor when looking to commit crimes. If you think that criminals don’t look to gun free zones, then you’re apparently not reading FBI statistics on where these events happen.

How is an Anti-American Terrorist registered as a Democrat a lackey of the NRA?

So instead of putting blame on the NRA like the disgusting Daily News did today. Instead of looking for ways to get guns out of people’s hands to widen and secure more gun free zones, instead of expanding gun control to allow terrorists more time to fight without resistance lets be smart about this.

Gun Control failed in Paris, It failed on 9/11 it failed in San Berdino, it failed at Sandy Hook, it failed in Orlando and if given the chance it will fail again when another sad, lonely, pathetic excuse for a human is pulled in by these psychopathic anti-humanity scum in the middle east. Let’s lay the blame at the pshycopaths that commit these crimes. Lets do something that is effective at stopping bad people and stop creating knee jerk political reactions garnered only to serve individual interest over societeies needs.

Background checks haven’t made us safe. More police haven’t made us safe. More restrictions have not made us safe. Look at Detroit, what is making people safer is on point trained citizens who are willing to combat evil. Don’t fall for the distraction of a gun problem. Don’t fall for the call for an America’s gun culture as the issue. These are terrorist attacks from an organization that does not fight on typical borders and is taking the war to our streets. This problem is a control and fear issue. For when we are fed on fear and cry for help, turning over what our forefather fought for the gov’t has all the control.

Remember those lost in Orlando, San Bardino and France and ask them what Gun control did for them. Then when you realize you stand alone at the gates of our enemy my brother, that it is you, and you alone that is responsible for your safety. Now what will you do?

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/terrorist-attacks-not-mass-shootings-gun-control-issue/

It’s Mexico, baby: 1 bus robber killed by friendly fire, another mauled by passengers

By

248 Shooter

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July 7, 2016

The robbery attempt that went spectacularly wrong happened on Sunday on a highway between Mexico City and Pachuca, local media reported.

The three criminals boarded the bus in the city of Ecatepec de Morelos. Minutes later they drew their guns and told passengers to surrender their valuables.

Then one of the robbers fired his handgun to intimidate their victims. The bullet ricocheted from the bus ceiling and hit another criminal, fatally injuring him.

Some 30 passengers agitated by the gunfire rushed the two perpetrators. They beat one of them to death, subdued the other and later handed him over to the police. It was not clear whether the robber killed by the passengers was the same one who wasted his partner.

Highway robberies are a major problem in Mexico, a country that suffers badly from organized crime. People visiting the country are advised to stick to toll roads and not to travel at night to reduce the risk of being targeted.

Source Article from http://www.special-ops.org/17861/its-mexico-baby-1-bus-robber-killed-by-friendly-fire-another-mauled-by-passengers.html

Factor Cossatot 1000 and 1000XL Flashlight Review

By

248 Shooter

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July 6, 2016

It does not get much more tactical than all the lumens. Unfortunately, flashlights and knives often take a back seat to fancy guns in IG pocket dumps, but they take the forefront in everyday usage.

When I look at flashlights, I typically categorize them into 3 categories for EDC. Tactical weapon lights, pocket carry low lumen utility lights, and heavier duty outdoor lights. The Cossatot 1000 & 1000XL both fit into all 3.

The body is corrosion resistant, military-grade, CNC machined, aircraft-quality Type III hard anodized aluminum alloy with a CREE XP-L LED that emits up to 1000 lumens. It is waterproof to 2 meters for 30 minutes, so it’s well suited to handle inclement weather though not a divers light.

Lots comes with this light out of the package.

The light has 5 modes: Blast, High, Med, Low and Strobe and they are activated in that order via the tail switch. I’m not usually a fan of advanced programmed lights with tons of options, but Factor thought about this and forces the light to always power on in blast mode since it is designed for law enforcement and tactical operations.

1000 Lumens in a small light is a lot. The Cossatot is not much larger than the surefire scout and offers an additional 400 lumens at a lower price point. When combined with the long life associated with an 18650 battery you can get 130 hours of run time on the low setting, and 50 minutes on blast.

Most importantly there is no tomfoolery around the tail cap activation switch. Too many “tactical” flashlights put a bezel on the tail cap making it hard to actuate the button with gloves or in tense situations. The Factor Cossatot is very easy to actuate to click on/off or momentary pressure activated.

The Costsatot is a hybrid of rechargeable or disposable batteries. It has a built-in charging system powered by a micro USB, which charges the included 18650 battery (typical for e-cigarettes). The battery is easily removable and can be replaced with a new battery once the battery cycle has reached its life expectancy or can be loaded with 2 CR123 batteries in clutch situations.

It is at the top end of size for EDC IMHO but still doable especially if you intend to use it as the weapon light. In a bug out bag, in your car or laptop bag, it fits in perfectly. I have been keeping the 1000 in my laptop bag and the XL in my car. They have already come in handy when a friend lots a set of keys down by the beach at night. You really need to see 1,000 lumens to appreciate it.

You can buy yours direct from Factor via their website. Here: https://www.factorequipment.com/product/flashlights/tactical-flashlights/cossatot-1000-xl-tactical-flashlight/ The Cassatot retails for $79.99, and the XL is $89.99.

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/factor-cossatot-1000-1000xl-flashlight-review/

Orlando Shooting: US should follow in Israel’s footsteps to prevent attacks

By

248 Shooter

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July 5, 2016

The American populace should not lull itself into a false sense of security, US scholar Kevin Reagan stresses, bemoaning the fact that the deadly Orlando shooting caught Americans by surprise. According to Reagan, the US should follow in Israel’s footsteps.

Public education on terrorism in the United States suffers from “a deleterious combination of apathy and political reticence,” Kevin Reagan, a Resident Junior Fellow at the Center for the National Interest, writes in his recent article.

Referring to a 2009 Homeland Security Institute (HSI) report for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the scholar calls attention to the fact that the US government’s success in implementing the HSI’s recommendations “has been minimal.”

“DHS ostentatiously launched the ‘If You See Something, Say Something’ campaign in July of 2010, seemingly its most concerted effort to engage the public in counterterrorism. However, the campaign has so far perfectly illustrated the deficiencies of public education on terrorism. Unfortunately, slogans are not educational and the ‘If You See Something’ campaign has been vague in its instructions,” Reagan underscores.

Alas, three years later a Gallup poll indicated that less than half of Americans heard the “If You See Something, Say Something” slogan.

“DHS has awarded millions of dollars in federal grants through its collaborations with dozens of states, cities, sports teams, and other organizations to spread the campaign across the US Yet, a Dec. 17-18 Gallup poll finds that a majority of Americans (55%) have never heard of it,” Steve Ander and Art Swift of Gallup.com reported on December 23, 2013.

Another study, carried out by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in 2012, revealed that “when respondents were asked to describe activities they considered suspicious, a measly five percent of respondents identified activities which could be terror-related.”
According to Reagan, this disturbing and deplorable trend has resulted in complete unpreparedness of American civilians for “active shooter”-style attacks as in San-Bernardino and Orlando.

“These attacks highlighted the unsettling reality that there are a plethora of soft targets in the United States and that ISIS [Daesh] and their ilk will not hesitate to engage them,” Reagan emphasizes.

To tackle the terrorism problem Washington should follow in Israel’s footsteps, the scholar believes.

In contrast to the US, terrorism preparedness in Israel is a joint responsibility of both the government and the citizens of the state. Tel-Aviv provides proper education to its people about terrorism and survival practices.

Thus, unsurprisingly, Israel’s society is more proactive in preparing for terror assaults “and thereby more resilient in recovering from them.”

“The [US] government should acknowledge this reality by working to prepare the public rather than expounding on the need for further misadventures abroad or expanding the surveillance capacity of the state,” Reagan underscores.

“Cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles could greatly benefit from even the smallest increase in civilian awareness,” he stressed.

However, there is yet another problem, Patrick J. Buchanan notes in his recent opinion piece for the American Conservative entitled “Omar Mateen and the Clash of Civilizations.”

“East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet, Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God’s great Judgment Seat,” Buchanan quotes famous British novelist Rudyard Kipling.

Radical Islam has nothing to do with democracy and Western values, the conservative commentator emphasizes.

He points to the fact that while Washington rushed to point the finger of blame at San Bernardino shooters and Mateen it continues to cooperate with the Gulf regimes whose “books laws [are] calling for beheading the same sort of people Mateen shot to death at the Pulse club in Orlando, and for the same reason — what it is they do.”

In addition to what Buchanan highlighted, the question arises, what kind of policies toward sexual minorities do the so-called “moderate Syrian opposition” groups, like Ahrar Ash-Sham or Jaish al-Islam, conduct in the Middle East?

On June 12, Omar Mateen, an American citizen of Afghan descent, murdered 49 and injured 53 people at Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando. Reportedly, in 2013 Mateen was investigated by US law enforcement for possible connections to Islamist terror organizations.

Source Article from http://www.special-ops.org/17877/orlando-shooting-us-should-follow-in-israels-footsteps-to-prevent-attacks.html

How Concealed Carry Saved This Man’s Family

By

248 Shooter

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July 4, 2016

We’ve previously looked at a real life self-defense scenario that unfolded suddenly for Matt and Holly Smithers in a rural setting outside of Detroit, Michigan, in 2012. They were on their way home from a relaxed night out for dinner when a pickup driver tried to overtake them and run them off the road. Although Matt managed to outmaneuver the driver and reach his home, the danger didn’t end there. Rather, the pursuing vehicle raced up the driveway behind Matt and Holly in what could only be judged as full-attack mode.

A self-defense story in West Texas unfolded at a similar pace during the 2002 Super Bowl. Darren Jones watched the first half of the game home alone and his decision to walk out the front door at half-time to go watch the rest of the game with friends nearly cost him his life.

Jones and his wife Kimberly lived in a nice neighborhood at the time. In fact, it was one of the nicest and most-established neighborhoods in their West Texas community. Darren was not a car collector, but he liked to keep an older, third car in the garage to drive on Sundays — the way his father had done when he was a child.

The car of choice—a 1963 Oldsmobile.

On this particular Super Bowl Sunday, Kimberly and the kids were out of town visiting relatives and Darren declined invitations to watch the game with friends, choosing instead to take it easy and relax on the couch with his dog.

Near the end of the 2nd quarter Darren changed his mind about watching the game at home and called his friends to let them know he’d be on his way soon. He went to the garage and backed out the Oldsmobile, then climbed out and left it running in the driveway so the carbureted V-8 could warm up on that cold West Texas night.

Nothing seemed odd as he walked back toward the front door of his home in jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. But everything went crazy when he put his hand on the door knob. To hear Darren tell it, his senses fast-forwarded into warp speed while his vision and thought processes simultaneously sharpened, taking in what had happened in seconds as if it had actually happened over a much longer period of time.

Darren said he put his hand on the door knob only to see his German Shepard standing on its hind legs against the inside of the glass door, barking as loud as it could. The hair stood on Darren’s neck and he remembered seeing a car inching by the driveway as he was backing the Oldsmobile out of the garage.

Then it all clicked — that car must have stopped and danger must be closing in. Nothing else explained the dog’s behavior.

He spun on his heels and roughly 8 feet to his right was a man in the front yard, quietly closing the distance. He saw another man in the driveway moving up the far side of the Oldsmobile, which would be the passenger’s side, from where Darren was standing. The car he saw inching past his driveway was stopped in the road with at least two more individuals in it.

Darren flipped up the front of his sweatshirt and with that same hand grabbed the handle of this Taurus .38 Special revolver. The man in the grass saw the gun as Darren yelled, “Stop, or I’ll shoot!” The man in the grass locked in place.

Darren kept his hand on the gun and said, “Now, tell your friend in the driveway to stop or I will start shooting.” He said the man in the grass kind of patted his right hand against the air, signaling the man in the driveway to stop approaching.

But something was still very wrong — at least it felt that way. The man in the grass had placed his right hand behind his back after signaling his friend and Darren pieced together the fact that the man’s left hand had been behind his back the whole time. “Show me your hands!” Darren screamed. The man just grinned at him in response. So Darren reiterated, “Show me your hands or I will shoot you where you stand!” The man slowly raised his hands out to the side. They were empty, but Darren had no idea what might be tucked in the man’s waistband in the back. The man was too close for comfort and Darren’s back was literally against the wall on the front porch.

Darren told the man, “If you put your hands behind your back again I will shoot you dead, do you understand?” He said the man nodded his head, still grinning.

Darren then began slowly walking toward the man — gun drawn — and ordered him to backtrack to his car and to have his friend in the driveway do the same. Both men began walking backward very slowly, with the man in the driveway reaching the car before the one who had been moving in the grass. Once the man in the grass heard the sound of car doors opening and closing as his partner got in he turned and bolted for the car. Once in, tires squealed as the car sped away.

Darren said he was ready to fire his gun if either man had lunged at him or if the man in the grass had put his hands behind his back again. He said that while he has no problem killing to defend his life, he did not want to shoot a man whom he had placed in check and who might not have had a weapon behind his back after all.

Darren said the night solidified his habit of carrying a gun with him at all times.

“That would-be attack happened while I was letting the engine in my Olds warm up, but it very well could have happened while I was retrieving the paper or washing the front window or any number of activities that would have made me turn my back to the street,” he said.

He also stressed that he was in the habit of regularly shooting that revolver, so he was very familiar with where his rounds would be placed if forced to shoot.

“I don’t know if the guy in the grass picked up on it, but when I assured him I was going to shoot him I meant it, and I knew I could I do it,” he said.

Approximately two weeks later, a gentleman who lived two or three blocks from Darren was jumped from behind by a number of assailants as he opened his front door to step inside. But the sound of defensive gun fire shattered the night and sent assailants scampering. The neighbor had been ready for them.

Source: http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/2016/06/15/concealed-carry-saved-mans-family/