Advertisement

Review: BG Defense Type-A SIPR

Colt_AR-15_on_display_at_the_NFMIn 1957 Mr. Stoner, Mr. Sullivan, and Mr. Fremont finalized the design on the AR-15. In the 58 years since the Armalite debuted the number of iterations, manufacturers, variations and updates that are incorporated into the AR-15 rifle concept has exploded exponentially.

The last 12 years have been especially fertile in the design and manufacturing aspects with the perfect storm of the expiring Clinton Assault Weapons Ban, the improvements and cost reduction in CNC and polymer production, and the rise of the internet. There is a consequence to all of this success and advancement, market saturation.

The last couple of years have seen a slow suffocation of individual aspects of the AR market and an overflow in others. The “entry level” AR-15s have a plethora of offerings. The premium AR market is also well established and thriving. The middle market needs an AED, people will buy a decent $700 rifle or a $2,000 rifle with fewer looking to buy in between, and that shows no sign of changing without a massive market demand shift.

So what does a company do to enter a market like this?

You build the Type-A Rifle

BGtitle2

BG Defense is an emerging AR manufacturer out of Grand Rapids, MI. You could find them online if you looked but it is just recently they’re expanding into new territory, they built custom ARs prior to this release. Custom is a small market, however, made to order requires orders from a customer who is willing to wait, and that is not the majority of the US AR-15 market.

You need a production rifle for this environment, and you need it to impress.

BG Defense built the Type-A SIPR

BGTitle3

The Type-A SIPR, Standard Issue Patrol Rifle,  is BG’s answer to the production rifle market demand.

BGTitle4

BG Defense knows what rifles they are challenging with theirs. The Type-A SIPR is sitting beside names like LWRCi, Daniel Defense, Bravo Company, Sig Sauer, Troy Industries, and FNH USA.

The performance needs that BG must demand from their product is equal to the Tier 1 manufacturers.

Quick aside, I’m thrilled Michigan has an AR-15 manufacturer that can stand beside (and be topped with) the top-tier tactical optics coming from Ann Arbor and Wixom (EoTech and Trijicon) thank you BG Defense, Grand Rapids, MI.

Thanks is owed to Southwick’s Guns of Plainwell, MI for helping this review come together and special thanks to this particular rifle’s owner for letting me borrow it. I know you didn’t want to because you were having a blast with it yourself.

The review data comes from three sample rifles, two of which went to out to a Pat McNamara course for reliability testing and one which I spent the most time with for side by side evaluation.

But first let’s break down the rifle

Page 2

We Like Shooting 149 – Freedom or Security

Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 149 – tonight we’ll talk about Self defense care packages, recover tactical rubber grips, rebel .22 silencer, Orlando and more!

We Like Shooting 149 – Gear Chat

Brought to you by DEZ Tactical Arms

Where we talk about the stuff we have, the stuff that we want and the stuff that we need!

The Rhetoric Stays the Same, What You Need To Know

You safely handle and secure your guns. You have passed a local and federal background check. Maybe you even put in the extra effort to get a CCW/CPL concealed license. Self-protection is your concern, and neither you or your guns have caused harm to anyone, just remember that in the weeks to come.

The other day when a radical Islamist, on a terror watch list, who frequented gay clubs, used guns to kill 49 people, you were blamed.

The Daily News pushed a cover that accused the NRA. The President talked about how Government failed to protect you by allowing a person on a watch list (not the no-fly list mind you) to buy an Assault Weapon.

Instead of addressing the issues of bigotry, self-loathing, hate, unregulated immigration, and religious fervor against America, he used this moment to blame you, a responsible American, for a crime you had nothing to do with.

So let’s look at the things you need to know as we head into that inevitable blame game that will be perpetrated across Facebook, at the watercooler and local functions.

We already covered how this was a terrorist attack on the American way of life. From the niche of the LGBT community all the way to the freedoms of the greater population.

No fly No Buy is the new slogan. In short the bill being pushed is designed to stop those on the no-fly list from buying guns. Well, they keep saying Assault Weapons, but let’s face it the likely hood is it will be all guns. In fact, if this were a good idea and actually would work, why not be all guns and not just the super scary ones, right?

Let me be very clear about this. Gun owners don’t like bad guys having guns. Many of us carry because we know nothing in this world can stop a bad guy from getting a gun. On the surface like most overreaching knee-jerk legislation, it sounds like a good idea. Here is why it is not.

There have been no reports that I have found putting this piece of garbage on the no-fly list. Reports have indicated he was investigated and “had been” on a watch list but did not explicitly state he was on a no-fly list. So this law had it been in place likely would have provided 0 protection.

This piece of excrement passed a federal background check, state CPL/CCW check, and the additional security checks for obtaining a security license to perform security work. He also passed two different background checks at G4S a company listed as the world’s largest guarding company. A company responsible for guarding prisons, airports, cash transports, and vital infrastructure. If he could get past them and was cleared of any federal watch list how does stopping people from being on the watch list from buying guns offer any security?

So you think ok fine the no Fly No Buy law wouldn’t help but how is it not a good idea? It might help and if we save just one life isn’t it worth it?
No, it’s not. There I said it. You can call me an evil part of the military multi-billion dollar complex if you so choose. You would be wrong, but I’m used to namecalling so unlike the journalist from the daily news who got PTSD from firing rounds through an AR-15, I can take it. The reason it’s not worth it, is simple. The Constitution does not guarantee your safety, happiness or protection of your feelings. It offers the pursuit of happiness and the tools required to remain free, self-reliant and the ability to protect one’s self, family and property. Taking away the tools responsible citizens use to protect their rights is not part of the deal and frankly won’t make you any safer.

hqdefault

I thought that this might not have to be covered again after so many failed and ridiculous attempts. I was wrong.

The guns used in this attack was a SIG SAUER MPX and Glock 17. The Sig MPX can be chambered in 5.56/223, but it doesn’t have to be. Further, it is not even a close relative to the AR-15, other than being black and scary looking. So banning an AR-15 would not have stopped this event. According to the FBI AR-15’s and “assault style” weapons including the AK-47, only represent 1.4% of all criminal cases and 0.25% of violent crime.

So banning the gun, in a perfect world, if no criminal could ever get one would reduce violent crime at most 0.25%, assuming they didn’t just switch to another weapon.

I’m not going to even get into what the definition of an assault weapon would be and how they could legislate that. You don’t have to look far to see all the stupid regulations that have been worked around to keep the same style gun in circulation such as the NY stock or California bullet button.

clinton-quotePresidential candidate Hillary Clinton has called for a war on the NRA. Which makes total sense as the Orlando shooter clearly acted on the suggestions and recommendations of Wayne LaPierre right? Oh yeah, that’s right, this politically left minded Democrat, who grew up in NY and was a radical Islamist with hate for homosexuals who committed a crime yelling Aloha Snackbar and declaring himself as a member of ISIS, isn’t exactly the kind of person who joins the NRA. But why let facts get in the way of a good mantra.

So we know what is being called for, and we are aware the rhetoric of distraction being used to steer the conversation but what would a logical Patriot do at this point?

We can start by teaching this country, our children, and our neighbors a hard lesson. Bad people do bad things. We are at war with terrorists, and that war is not confined to some overseas battleground. Nonconventional warfare is by definition not fought on a conventional front. It is fought in any place that can be infiltrated by those who hate our country. This event was an act of war, like the act of war that shocked the world in Paris not long ago. However instead of getting the support of our allies and even our political leaders, instead the issue is blamed on the NRA, American Gun Owners and our society as a whole. We are blamed for making guns available and fostering hate. I assure you the NRA does not hate those in the LGBT community. I have family that is part of the LGBT community, and I love them dearly. I have trained with Jeff of Armed Dynamics, and he is an awesome dude. I have shaken hands with Chris Cheng from Top Shot and respect him immensely as does the NRA community. The only people who are trying to say the NRA is anti-LGBT is those who are trying to make our organization the bad guy. The bad guy here is very clear. It’s the same bad guy we have been trying to squash for years. ISIS and other islamic terrorist groups do not like anyone or anything that does not fit their beliefs. Like Paris, we were attacked by a foreign army using local sympathizers. So until we start addressing that issue, there is no hope of fixing this problem.

Once we acknowledge it’s not our fault, and the blame rests on the self-shamed ISIS vigilante who had trouble dealing with his sexuality, then we can start looking at how to prevent these issues. Arguing gun rights is a hard sell but if we as gun owners focus on reminding the people that the issue is criminals and terrorists we stand a better chance of making ground.

  • Instead of screening out people based on a nondescript watch list lets not let potential terrorists in.
  • Securing our borders to stop the illegal trafficking of drugs and guns that support these groups would also make a lot more sense and be far more effective.
  • Increase the ability for citizens to become responsible for their safety. Reduce restrictions on who can legally carry concealed
  • Further education programs to teach each citizen to be self reliant.
  • Expand training to citizens on how to handle and cope with trauma so that even those not willing or able to fight can be of use saving lives in events like this

Each of these line items will become future articles as they are easier said than done. Unfortunately, America doesn’t want the hard choice, the long road, or the difficult path. It’s easier to put a nonworking band-aid on the issue so people can go about with the illusion of safety without them having to be affected or responsible for their fate in life.

If you’re new to guns get training. If you think the police will save you, smarten up, they can’t be everywhere, so take personal responsibility. If you’re trained in gun handling and its use, get advanced training. If you had advanced training carry every day. If you carry everyday train on how to respond to trauma, by guys like Dark Angel or Cleer Medical. Laws and rhetoric will not save you, learn to protect yourself. Be safe my brothers and sisters and teach as many as you can to do the same.

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/rhetoric-stays-need-know/

NRA Launches First TV Ad of Presidential Election Cycle & Its Powerful!

Hillary and the Democrats have been waging war on the NRA from the start of their campaigns. The NRA has patiently sat back and waited for the right time to drop their response. WOW it’s a big one.

Retired Marine Mark (OZ) Geist strolls a cemetery making it very clear that his friends died due to her inaction. He did his part now its time to do yours. Go out and vote for a candidate that will support your second amendment rights.

“We cannot trust Hillary Clinton with our gun rights or our national security. The stakes in this election for law-abiding gun owners have never been higher, and the NRA will use all available resources to ensure that voters understand the consequences of a Hillary Clinton presidency on their fundamental right of self-defense,” said Chris W. Cox, chairperson of the NRA-PVF. “By saying that the Supreme Court got it wrong in the historic Heller decision, Hillary made it clear that she does not believe Americans have the right to keep a gun in their home to protect themselves.”

We Like Shooting 149 – Going Ballistic

Brought to you by JC Arms & Ammunition

Savage1r goes over the news of the day relating to guns, rights and more!

Mass shooting at a night club in Florida. With 50 dead and that many more injured, this is now the worst mass shooting in US history.

In Depth Review Of The Ruger American Pistol

The Ruger of yesterday is dead. Gone are the overly derivative designs of the 1980s and the stagnant rifle development surrounding the Mini-14. Now the little ranch rifle comes in suppressor-friendly 300 Blackout, and Ruger offers not only an AR-15, but also a long-range precision rifle.

Following in the footsteps of the rifle’s clandestine announcement comes the newest product from Sturm Ruger, the Ruger American Pistol. Available in both 9mm parabellum and .45 ACP, the new locked-breech, striker-fired semi-automatic handgun feeds from a detachable box-type nickel-teflon-coated magazine containing either 17+1 rounds of 9mm or 10+1 rounds of .45.

Ever since the last firearms scare that drove the already profitable company to new economic heights, the managers at Ruger have been busy. While many companies simply purchased more machinery or raw materials to churn out new products, Ruger instead invested in a new facility.

The company’s exodus from gun-hostile New England to firearms-friendly North Carolina, demonstrates Ruger is truly willing to put the company’s money where its mouth is. All indications are that Ruger wants to use profits to improve its products and offer new firearms instead of simply popping out as many AR-15s as possible.

Now while many companies are struggling to fill backorders, Ruger is able to innovate and explore regions of the firearms market it could only dream of in the past. So how does Ruger prevent itself from falling into R&D hell or releasing a product before it has been properly venerated?

Two big reasons.

The first is developing designs that are borderline conservative. By that I mean guns that operate on proven principles that innovate in specific areas while relying on the strengths of that particular company. For Ruger this means incorporating aspects of past successful designs, while trimming away portions shooters weren’t impressed with.

The second way is by testing new products to the point of exhaustion. For Sturm Ruger this means putting every single design through 50,000 rounds of testing internally before releasing to the public. What’s interesting about Ruger is that it only use employees from other areas of the business to test the guns. This gives the company a tremendously varied sample population since not everyone who works at Ruger is an IPSC champion.

Additionally, Ruger only announces a design when it’s ready to ship. While this seems common sense, it would actually be detrimental to smaller companies who might be lacking in capital.

This is because small companies, especially new ones, don’t know how well they’ll be embraced by the shooting public. The same cannot be said of Ruger with its dedicated fan base similar to Apple fanatics in their unwavering support of the company. Since Ruger doesn’t need to build up market hype, it can release a new design when it’s ready, not when the company needs an influx of investors.

In this vein, the Ruger American Pistol is a polymer-framed semi-automatic pistol available in 9mm and .45 ACP. Aesthetically, it’s similar to the SR9 that precedes it, though the design is different enough to have few, if any, interchangeable parts. This unfortunately includes magazines, which would have been a great boon for owners of the older SR9 and SR45 handguns.

One thing keen-eyed readers should have noticed in the above paragraphs is the absence of a .40 S&W model. While I can only speculate as to why, I would presume because the caliber brings little to the table in terms of ballistic performance over 9mm, while suffering a tremendously more expensive round with increased recoil. In simpler terms, given that Ruger financial decisions are market data driven, it’s fair to assume few enough shooters bought the .40 S&W SR40 to warrant the caliber’s return in the updated handgun.

While the exclusion of a .40 S&W model represents the most obvious difference between the SR series and the American Pistol, there are some key aspects that separate the two lines.

The American Pistol includes features like a dovetailed slide equipped with genuine Novak Low Mount post and notch 3-dot sights. What makes these iron sights unique is their streamlined design, which makes them ideal for concealed carry use. Shooters looking to “clear leather” in a hurry don’t want to accidently take their holster with them. This makes the pistol a solid choice for competitive shooters and those who wish to open carry the full-sized handgun.

OTR_JG_RugAmerPistol04

Another improvement is the addition of a modular backstrap system that includes three different-sized options. Shooters like myself with small hands are often restricted to certain slimmer designs due to the inherent girth of double-stack, polymer-framed handguns. While most of us are able to run ill-fitting designs without issue, it does make attaining proficiency challenging.

In testing, the smallest size Ruger backstrap was a hair too small for my hands, while the medium fit great. My petite wife, who normally prefers single stack handguns because of her small hands, found the small backstrap a perfect fit. As a point of reference, the large-sized backstrap is about the same size as the grip on a third generation Glock 19. So if a shooter enjoys that pistol, they’ll find the Ruger equally fun.

OTR_JG_RugAmerPistol09

But not everyone is thrilled with the Ruger American Pistol’s grip. Some reviewers have mentioned the area under the trigger guard scrapes up their knuckles during firing. I personally fired around 500 rounds through my test Ruger and my hands were no worse for wear. My advice is to visit a gun shop near you and check one out first hand.

Since it’s unlikely your retail operation would allow prospective buyers to shoot brand new guns, the next best thing is to have them grab the gun’s grip as possible. If a customer detects any particularly painful spots on the grip, the gun isn’t for them. While not as definitive as firing the handgun, it might prevent a shooter from making a pricey mistake.

One area of note on the grip, the front and back straps feature aggressive, omni-directional diamond checkering to provide a more positive grip surface for shooters. While largely unnecessary for either a 9mm full-sized pistol or on a static range, this pattern is excellent for weapon retention when it or the shooter’s hands are wet or oily.

OTR_JG_RugAmerPistol07

Another interesting aspect of the design is the inclusion of an ambidextrous magazine release and slide lock — an indication that Ruger happily caters to Southpaw shooters. The release lever itself is trapezoidal like a miniature version of the step-pyramids of ancient Egypt.

While somewhat peculiar in appearance, it’s actually an ingenious addition to the handgun. The unusual shape serves two functions: it’s very tactilely unique, so shooters can find it in low or zero light conditions simply by touch. The other benefit is that the raised, yet flat area is incapable of snagging on clothing or holsters no matter what direction it’s drawn in.

During my time running the Ruger, I was unable to cause the handgun to malfunction by limp-wristing or feeding it underpowered ammunition. The design thus far has been functionally flawless and accurate enough for competition, law enforcement or home defense use.

In fact, when fired from a rest, the Ruger produced sub 2-inch groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition. Shooters who don’t feed their pistols a steady diet of Hornady Critical Defense and Federal Hydra-Shoks will be pleased to know the gun produced only slightly larger groups of 3.5 inches with steel-cased bargain ammo. While certainly not match grade, that’s more than sufficient for plinking at the range or self defense.

This is in no small part thanks to the Ruger’s trigger. A bladed safe-action type metal double trigger represents the only safety on the handgun. My trigger scale measured around 6 pounds, but with so little creep, it felt much lighter.

Forward of the trigger, the American Pistol features a railed dust cover ideal for mounting a tactical light or laser aiming device. The rail is made of polymer and integral to the handgun’s frame. It proved a solid mounting point for all accessory testing, including several Streamlight products whose lasers held zero once tightened securely to the rail.

With an MSRP of $579 for either the 9mm or .45ACP models, the Ruger American Pistol represents a great bargain and another excellent addition to the polymer semi-automatic pistol market. Some might bemoan that it’s simply another striker-fired pistol, but Ruger enthusiasts finally have an answer to Glock’s cash cow.

Ruger American Pistol 9MM Specs:

Capacity: 17+1

Slide Material: Stainless Steel

Barrel Length: 4.2 inches

Grip Frame: One-Piece, High-Performance, Glass-Filled Nylon

Grips: Ergonomic Wrap-Around Grip Module

Slide Finish: Black Nitride

Width: 1.4 inches

Sights: Novak LoMount Carry 3-Dot

Weight: 30 ounces

Overall Length: 7.50 inches

Height: 5.60 inches

Grooves: 6

Twist: 1:10 inches RH

MSRP: $579

Source: http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/2016/06/17/depth-review-ruger-american-pistol/

Swiss New Pistol Offers Sneak Peak at Soon to come New Aimpoint

Thanks to the Bron i Aamunicja Facebook page we are all getting a sneak peak at the new Aimpoint pistol mounted optic.

You will notice a very clearly marked Aimpoint on the left-hand picture of this new service pistol. The design looks fantastic, and we are all very excited to get our hands on it.

The gun also appears to have a:

  • Inforce light system, one of our personal favorites.
  • Extended magazines
  • Folding stock
  • Threaded barrel
  • Suppressor
  • chambered in 9×19

It is interesting the optic appears to be mounted to the frame and not the slide. This is often preferred to increase the life span of these optics. The reduction in force by not being thrown back and slammed forward with each round reduces wear and tear on the optic.

No doubt this new gun looks very space age. What do you think of the new B&T weapon system and its accessories? We will be releasing more on this as more information surfaces.

13502860_1303994856295404_6051486587093548415_o13490660_1303994876295402_8571295544928465661_o 13502676_1303994839628739_460852668659312262_o 13528372_1303994849628738_4203016837459276848_o

Modifying the Defensive Firearm

Editors Note: When you look at a publication that makes it’s money selling ad space for firearms accessories and modifications and you see repeated articles encouraging gun owners to train and focus on raw skill vs buying the next gadget take note. Bill’s bio speaks for itself and he is the type of man that has had to defend his actions that involved shots actually being fired. Head his words and those of past articles when making your decision to purchase upgrades.  

————————————


One of the more common questions asked by my students is whether or not they should modify their defensive firearms. My response to this comes in two parts: first, what are the changes being considered and are they of legitimate value? Second, is the shooter at the point where they can capitalize on the modifications or are they attempting to bypass proper practice with technology? There are numerous additions and enhancements that can improve the handling and use of stock firearm for a skilled shooter. On the other hand, there are some things that are questionable at best, dangerous at worst, and which can actually hurt you.

First and foremost is the question of whether modifications are needed? The unfortunate reality is that many shooters seek to shortcut quality training and proper practice by seeking the latest gizmo that promises to elevate them to master class ability. With limited exceptions, most folks would be better served with a stock firearm, a sizeable supply of ammo, and formal training followed by a regimen of proper practice (for more information on proper practice, please refer to our previous article, “Building the Combat Mindset”). My advice to students is to learn how to use the gun that they have before they start thinking about “fixing” it. Until you’ve shot it, you won’t know what you do or don’t like.

Additionally, there are certain modifications that will be more relevant and useful with greater experience. A new shooter may be able to feel the difference between a stock trigger and a match trigger but will not have the skill to really maximize any advantage conveyed by the better system. For most, a quality firearm out of the box should be sufficient to get started. Seek out quality instruction and follow up with proper practice until the basics of trigger control and sight alignment are firmly established. Fundamentals are fundamental, regardless of the platform – it will always be the shooter and not the song. With a baseline of experience, decisions on when and what to modify will be easier and make more sense.

Sexy and effective
Sexy and effective

Once the decision has been made to make changes to a defensive firearm, we need to approach those modifications from two perspectives: functional and legal. First, how does the change affect the operation of the firearm and enhance our ability to use it? Second, what effect does the change have towards future court proceedings should we have to use the weapon in a defensive situation?

The first question that needs to be asked is: Why are we making the modification? Almost everyone has heard of the acronym CYA. Most would say that this stands for “Cover your ass.” I use and teach a different meaning, one that I originally learned from Massad Ayoob. For me, CYA means “Can you articulate?” For our purposes here, we should be able to articulate that the modification enhances our ability to use the firearm and thus makes us a more accurate and safer shooter or conveys some other benefit. What we should be looking for are upgrades which increase our performance or improve our ability to interface with the gun. Improved sights or a match grade barrel, for example, can assist with greater practical accuracy while the removal of sharp edges and the application of a more corrosion resistant finish might make the weapon more comfortable to use and carry and decrease maintenance issues.

On the flip side, we want to avoid such changes as excessively light triggers, deactivation of safety devices, and inflammatory embellishments such as engraving “Smile and Wait for Flash” on the muzzle. Such modifications can actually make the weapon less reliable or even unsafe and will be difficult to defend later.

Some will argue against any modifications for defensive firearms, stating that any changes from factory specifications can lead to legal attacks. My feeling on this is that if the work makes us more accurate and precise, this will help us win a gunfight. This is a good thing and something that can be defended later on. Carefully consider what you do to your defensive firearms and be able to explain why you did it.

Finally, make sure to thoroughly test the firearm after customization to make sure that reliability has not been affected and that the weapon functions properly.

Throughout the course of my career, I have endeavored to stick to the principles discussed above when modifying my working guns. From a practical standpoint, I live in north central Florida where it can get very hot and humid. This can have negative effects on guns in terms of corrosion and in manipulation issues due to sweat. I am also a lefty and look to set up my guns to allow efficient, ambidextrous use.

Before undertaking any customization, I spend considerable time on the range, shooting the guns to see if they will be reliable and to determine if anything could be improved. I also carry the guns, because certain issues will manifest themselves in day to day use that one may not encounter during a range session.

Here are two examples of my carry guns, the one that I currently carry on duty today and one from the beginning of my career.

Modify-Defensive-Firearms-002

My current primary on-duty handgun is a personally owned/ departmentally approved Glock 17 that has received extensive attention from ATEi (www.ATEiGuns.com). The

Sentinel Designs Magwell now made by Raven Concealment as the Freya
Sentinel Designs Magwell now made by Raven Concealment as the Freya

pistol has been cut for a red dot optic, has had the rear serrations on the slide deepened and front serrations added, and has had serrations added to the top of the slide. The serrations are a great help when manipulating the slide, especially with one hand or if the gun is slippery due to water or some other substance. The gun wears a Trijicon RM06 red dot with backup iron sights from Ameriglo. I prefer a front night sight with a plain black rear. The backup irons are essential, in my opinion, for any gun carried on duty or for personal defense, in case the red dot fails. The red dot increases my accuracy potential and significantly extends the range at which I can confidently engage targets.

The frame has been stippled to ensure a firm grip even if my hands are, well, sweaty, muddy, or bloody. Index points were stippled near the

Seerations and light
Serrations and light

take down lever to provide a spot for my thumb and trigger finger. I have added an extended slide stop and magazine release from TangoDown, as they help me manipulate the gun, particularly being left-handed. The gun wears a magazine well from Sentinel Designs to aid in reloads (now produced by Raven Concealment as the Freya). I have attached a Surefire X300 Ultra weapon light with a DG switch. The light always rides on the gun and allows for target discrimination in low light.

Finally, I have upgraded the trigger to the Agency Arms flat faced trigger. I selected this trigger for two primary reasons. First, the flat shoe has a much improved feel that helps me press the trigger straight to the rear. Secondly, the other parts to the trigger are stock, albeit polished. The springs are factory weight and all safeties are maintained. I think that people get too wrapped around the axle with triggers. What I look for is a trigger that I can manage. I don’t need perfect; I am happy with good enough.

Modify-Defensive-Firearms-001

When I started in law enforcement, the trend towards double action/ single action semi-automatics was in full swing. I started my career with an issued Smith and Wesson 4506 but later transitioned to a personally owned, departmentally approved S&W 4576, which is the mid-sized, decocker only version of the larger 4506. I found that this gun carried better but still gave me full size performance. There were, however, several things that I wanted improved and, for the work, I sent the gun to Novak’s .45 Shop.

Modify-Defensive-Firearms-005Novak’s performed a carry bevel, removing all sharp edges and making the pistol more comfortable to shoot and carry. The action was smoothed, resulting in a better double action press that was still within factory specs. The barrel throat was polished to enhance reliable feeding of different types of ammunition.

This was before weapon lights were common, particularly for handguns, but I did have night sights installed as I was working midnights at the time and felt they would aid in low light. Finally, much later, I sent the grip to David Bowie at Bowie Tactical Concepts and had it textured for an improved gripping surface.Modify-Defensive-Firearms-006

In both cases, the modifications performed are things that I can clearly articulate as improving my ability to control, manage, and carry the guns. Nothing fancy or flashy, just basic modifications to enhance performance.

Many defensive firearms can benefit from customization. Sights, triggers, and new finishes can significantly enhance performance and durability. Just take the time to figure out what you actually need and can articulate. This will save time and money and can avoid creating issues down the road. Finally, never forget that technology cannot and will not supplant skills. The only sure way to become an effective shooter is to invest the time on the range with quality instruction and proper practice.

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/modifying-defensive-firearm/

ISIS trains ‘scores’ of suicide bombers for global chemical weapons attacks

A large number of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) militants have already been trained for suicide attacks with chemical bombs, Iranian FARS News Agency (FNA) reported a general within the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) as saying.

ISIL has equipped its terrorists with chemical bombs to use them in a suicide attack in Iraq, Syria or any other country,” General Akram Mohammad Abdulrahman said. Claiming that “scores of youngsters” have been instructed to be part of such attacks, he added that “both explosive and chemical material” might be “simultaneously” used by the terrorists.

In April, the head of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ahmet Uzumcu, said the intergovernmental watchdog was “extremely worried” that terrorist groups in the Middle East might be developing such explosives.

Saying that the OPCW had discovered evidence suggesting that sulfur mustard chemical agent had been used in attacks in Syria and Iraq, Uzumcu added that “there are strong suspicions” the weapons might have been used and produced by Islamic State. “It proves that they have the technology, know-how and also access to the materials which might be used for the production of chemical weapons,” the OPCW director general said.

Earlier this year, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the threat of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of non-government groups is widely recognized, warning that chemical terrorism is now a reality. Extremists from IS and other terrorist groups possess the technical capabilities to produce “proper chemical war agents,” Lavrov said.

NATO and EU security chiefs have also shared information on IS’ alleged intentions to use chemical or nuclear weapons to attack Britain, while US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief John Brennan has warned of a “number of instances where ISIL has used chemical munitions on the battlefield.”

Kurdish YPG militias have already suffered from reported chemical attacks in Syria. A neighborhood in the city of Aleppo held by Kurdish fighters was reportedly shelled with chemical agents from territory held by Islamist and Free Syrian Army factions. Video footage from the scene showed yellow gas rising over the neighborhood, also capturing several men experiencing difficulty breathing.

The YPG previously accused Islamist fighters of using yellow phosphorous in another chemical attack in the area, saying its victims suffered from itching skin and other symptoms of chemical poisoning.

Source Article from http://www.special-ops.org/17596/isis-trains-scores-of-suicide-bombers-for-global-chemical-weapons-attacks.html

ISIS published ‘first person shooter’ video from Fallujah battlefield

Islamic State have released a shocking video game-style ‘first person shooter’ film footage from Iraq in their latest propaganda move. It shows fresh from the battlefield clips of the terror thugs fighting unknown assailants – shot from the viewpoint of the fighter.

ISIS claims it shows militants conducting attacks on coalition forces.

The 20-minute long video features raids, missile launches and a capture of a weapons’ haul- and even what it is like to witness a suicide bomb attack. In the edited clip shown by Mirror Online, a group of camouflaged men can be seen entering a rickety shack – or factory outbuilding made of corrugated iron – apparently in search of something… or someone.

Gunfire can be heard on the audio soundbed alongside flashes of bright light where the gun the cameraman is wielding is discharged several times. It is not clear if anyone is shot, caught or injured in the fracas – or if the fighter is just ‘showing off’ or trying to scare someone.

He then peers out of a door screaming wildly and firing his gun – similar in looks to an AK-47 and from the sound of it, certainly capable of firing single shots and semi-automatic rounds. As the footage then plays out and the fighter explores the location the scene will be reminiscent to many as looking like something out of a video game – but it is far from fun to watch.

The accompanying soundtrack is a well-known ISIS Nasheed (a kind of hymn) synonymous with some of their combat operations. It has been used in some of their most brutal military operations and massacres.

The rest of the video – which the Mirror Online has decided not to screen – begins with drone-shot aerial footage that first identifies and then depicts a giant explosion in the distance. Huge puffs of smoke can be seen about two miles away.

It then switches to show a heavily-armed armoured convoy of masked militants travelling through muddy wasteground.

There is at least one tank among the armoured vehicles – which number at least a dozen, some carrying heavy artillery that look capable of firing at aircraft. Several fighters can be seen in trucks apparently celebrating some kind of victory by waving their arms and fists and smiling and chanting.

The fighters are seen raiding an enemy arms cache , their arms full of rifles, yelling: “Look what the cowards have left us!”

The convoy passes by a number of burnt out wrecks while it apparently goes on patrol. Soldiers disembark and start firing around brick walls at undisclosed targets. At one point an ISIS fighter can be seen standing over a charred human corpse of an enemy fighter – still burning in flames, possibly from being hit by a rocket – and pointing at the unknown victim proclaiming “we will burn all of the crusader army, just like we have this Kafr”.

The group appear to be well stocked with ammo as they appear to not be sparing any bullets. One short clip shows a flat bed truck piled high with weapons – a supposed cache they have seized. Another truck has been modified with heavy steel armour – with thick several inch steel and grills and lights on the front.

Mortar rounds are also fired at unknown targets – together with heavy duty machine guns either held by fighters or secured on the backs of trucks. Large plumes of cloud can be seen rising in the distance from undisclosed targets.

At another point a prisoner can be seen being held up to camera and forced to speak. It is not clear what he is saying.

Towards the end of the video fighters appear to be in pursuit of a vehicle – firing rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and some kind of shoulder-mounted missile launcher which looks like the type which could down a helicopter. Tracer fire from weapons shows how close they come to it – and seconds later a vehicle can be seen burning in flames.

The video – which continues with further scenes of sporadic shooting and vehicles being targeted – was released to ISIS channels by its ‘Wilayat al-Anbar’ media centre in Iraq.

Past ISIS attempts to produce propaganda have backfired – like when a fighter captured the moment he died on his headcam. On that occasion the militant’s first-person view ended with a pair of trainers in the frame after the shot thug tumbled to the ground.

Source Article from http://www.special-ops.org/17612/isis-published-first-person-shooter-video-from-fallujah-battlefield.html

We Like Shooting 148 – 20 Minutes of Action

Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 148 – tonight we’ll talk about Sig Foxtrot, Caracal C, Peltor Ear Pro, Sig Sauer, Suppressors, Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership and more!

Our guest tonight is a private practice doctor that worked hard to get his previous hospital to take down their gun free zone signs and is working hard to bring the digital generation into the fold.

You can find more about Dr. Sean Brodale here

Guns by the Numbers, not Mythology

In the last couple weeks I’ve had a great number of conversations circulating around the topic of good carry guns and how to win and survive a violent encounter. There are a great deal of nearly mythic attributes that a great many people assign to firearms and other defensive tools and I want to make a general address here that sums up a conversation I’ve had about 50 different variations of recently.

Let’s do some Myth Busting.

1. I’m not planning to get into a gunfight so I don’t need a *Insert Modern Duty Sized Semi-Auto*

Let’s start here. You’re lying. Yes you are planning to get into a gunfight that is the reason why you are trying to pick up a defensive handgun for home or concealed carry. Now you are not deliberately seeking out a gunfight or other confrontation, I understand that, but you are deliberately planning your response to an attack and are therefore “planning to get into a gunfight”.

The second part of this argument, dismissing a certain category of defensive firearm as excessive, centers around the assumption of not needing a large number of rounds to win the encounter. Maybe true, maybe not https://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/6199620-Why-one-cop-carries-145-rounds-of-ammo-on-the-job/

Let’s use some numbers now. From PoliceOne’s Force Science Institute using Baltimore County and LAC (considered by the study to be well trained and competent LE organizations) lets look at accuracy over 350 incidents.

Daylight, close quarters shooting against one hostile: 64%

Impaired lighting, close quarters shooting against one hostile: 40-45%

Average number of rounds fired against one hostile: 3.6/3 to 4

Impaired lighting shooting incidents: 77%

So using comparative logic a trained individual carrying a firearm who has to use it in defense can expect about 3 of 5 shots to hit the threat in “perfect” conditions with rapid declination in accuracy to below 10% as conditions worsen and complications arise.

So that five shot snub-nose or six shot .380 ACP is realistically only an effective response to a single close range threat. The presence of a second or greater number of threats significantly increases the potential dangers with a lower capacity firearm. You’re now relying on their reaction to flee when you engage over your ability to continue to effectively engage.

Now this does not mean drop your J-Frame and grab a 33rd mag and a Glock 9mm. It is to be illustrative of the realistic capabilities of your carry firearm regardless of what that carry firearm is. While those five shots of .38 SPL is an impressive force multiplier in a J-Frame, it is still only five shots and plan accordingly.

2. She needs a laser/I need a laser/a laser will make it easier so I don’t have to aim/laser will scare the bad people off

These are extensions of a couple of biases and a result of good advertisement.

She needs a laser = She can’t aim like a normal person because she’s a woman. It sounds a lot more ridiculous when you put it like that. She can train and learn just like everyone else, probably quicker.

I need a laser = With the notable exception of having eyesight issues that a bright green or red dot can overcome, no you don’t. A laser is not an auto aim, it isn’t even an effective crutch for poor aiming technique.

A laser will make it easier so I don’t have to aim = It is a battery operated electronic that can and has failed because it is attached to something that shakes violently every time you fire. Also batteries run out, and most people don’t pay attention to that until they’re dead (the battery, hopefully not you). That laser is going to move with every single movement of your body, every twitch of your wrist, arm, shoulder, chest, legs, etc. It does not stay steadily and menacingly in the chest of a threat, it will flit here and there and your cat will chase it.

A laser will scare the bad people off = This is an extension of the “magic talisman” theory of self defense. Relying solely on the presence of the defensive tool and not your own skills and plan to get yourself to safety and win a fight. Hollywood has established this troupe and loves to use it. Laser sight makers like to slide parallel to that Hollywood stereotype because it sells sights, that’s just advertising nothing malicious. But reality being what it is the presence of a laser on a firearm won’t deter, to any greater degree, an in progress attack than the visible presence of a firearm already did or didn’t.

Now that I’ve ragged on lasers enough go ahead and use them, just use them properly. A laser on a pistol, rifle, or shotgun can be a force multiplicative tool. When practiced with properly they can make aiming faster and more effective, especially in adverse lighting. They can blind a threat and cause disorientation. When properly maintained they are very reliable. But, just as with that little comfortable carry gun, be very realistic about the capabilities and limitations of your tools… Next

3. She needs a small lady’s gun.

False.

Full frame firearms are easier to shoot: Fact

This does not change with gender: Fact

Small frame firearms are only good at one thing, being small. They trade ease of shooting, good sights, good triggers, and sizable controls for a greater concealment factor and convenience. This convenience is purposely designed to make it easy and more likely that you will carry. It is a trade off.

The only time a smaller frame firearm will fit properly is on particularly small hands in which case it is a properly sized firearm for control. This is also a gender neutral fact.

When picking a small framed firearm be certain it fits objective criteria and not picked based on notional conceptions.

4. Brand Myopia

Now for the most subjective of all but it is a great disservice to shooters, new shooters especially. The most recent iteration I heard went thus…

“Glock? No, f*ck that I won’t use a throw away gun.”

To pull just one objective counter here, Glock is currently authorized as the sidearm for USSOCOM, procured for  Naval Surface Warfare (SEALs) and MARSOC (Marine Raiders). Two elite military direct action units would not pick a throw away gun.

Now this little fight seems to crop up between different brands and is usually the byproduct of hearsay, conjecture, and personal bias. There are absolutely different levels of quality on firearms, but the category of firearms that routinely competes with highest marks for police and military contracts should be given their objective due. To believe otherwise is naive.

Do not be naive.

End the Mythology.

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/guns-numbers-not-mythology/

Lancer Bets Big On M-Lock Starting With Carbon Fiber Sig MPX Handguards

Lancer Systems is making a big move to the M-Lock standard. One of the “hot off the press” products I spotted at the NRA Annual Meeting was the Lancer Carbon Fiber Stock for the Sig Sauer MPX pistol-caliber carbine. The big plus for carbon fiber products is the significant weight savings. This guard is about 50% the weight of the standard Sig factory model.

The Sig MPX ships with a KeyMod rail system, so as far as we know, the Lancer option is the only M-Lock alternative for MPX owners. Why M-Lock? According to Kas McManus, Business Area Manager of Lancer’s Advanced Weapons Division, “We think that M-Lock provides the best solution for quick-attach to carbon fiber.”

The new MPX rail is M-Lock all around with attachment slots at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions.

The new MPX rail is M-Lock all around with attachment slots at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions.

Lancer is looking to invest in M-Lock as they see it as the winning rail attachment standard. McManus adds, “We’re eventually going to migrate everything over to M-Lock. We started with the MPX model to make sure it was robust enough to meet our standards, and it is. Now we’ll start to switch over other products as well.”

Lancer’s Beth Meiklejohn agrees. “This is where the industry is heading based on what we’re hearing from our customers, so we’re making sure we’re adapting and providing what those customers need.”

Also, as it turns out, M-Lock works much better on carbon fiber platforms and is more convenient as the user doesn’t have to access the rail from the inside to attach gear. The MPX handguard embraces the M-Lock standard all around – not even the top rail is Picatinny, it’s M-Lock too so you’ll also want to stock things like M-Lock-compatible back up sights.

The unit is a turnkey package and ships with the standard Sig MPX support pin in place. Accordingly, the guard can be installed in a couple of seconds without the need for tools. Just open the front takedown pin, slide the old handguard off and the new one on. That’s it.

Initially, Lancer will offer the new handguards in lengths of 4.5, 6.5, 8, and 10-inches. A 14-inch model will be available a little later this year.

Pricing is not yet finalized, and the units will be available through the channel in the next few weeks. Contact Lancer Systems for dealer support assistance.

Source: http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/2016/05/20/lancer-bets-big-on-m-lock-starting-with-carbon-fiber-sig-mpx-handguards/

We Like Shooting 147 – Eye-rons

Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 147 – tonight we’ll talk about Smith & Wesson 642 Pro, sheilltec mag dispenser, rowland 460, tac-con 241 trigger, manticore Arms and more!