Since 9/11 terrorist attacks, many things are not the same. So the Coast Guard has changed, now they are under the Department of Homeland Security and its mission has been expanded. So the HITRON has got the whole new role. From then to now, they have gone through a major reconstruction. In order to understand, you need to see this video which will tell you all about it and you will see and discover the U.S. Coast Guard in an entirely new way.
HITRON stands for Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron which has taken on certain responsibilities after 9/11 which are far beyond its traditional life-saving missions. Today, HITRON is an armed U.S. Coast Guard helicopter squadron specializing in Airborne Use of Force (AUF) and drug-interdiction missions. It is based at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida.
They turned up into a true military force and already they have gained even more respect for the complex mission of our smallest military unit. So, guess what? This is not your average Coast Guard video. You will encounter the modern Coast Guard so sit back and enjoy this intimate view into the 21st-century Coast Guard.
Rep. Triston Cole (R) of the 105th District recently introduced House Bill 5547. This bill is what many in the community refer to as a “parking lot bill” – a bill intended to prevent businesses from prohibiting the storage of firearms in vehicles that are parked in their lots.
What it does
Subsection (2) of the bill pretty well sums things up:
“A person, business, commercial enterprise, employer, or state service agency shall not prohibit an individual who lawfully possesses a firearm from transporting or storing the firearm or ammunition in a locked and privately owned or operated motor vehicle that is parked in a parking lot, parking garage, area designed for parking vehicles, or area used to transfer, hold, or load goods and services…”
The rest of the bill goes on to deal with what happens if subsection (2) is not followed. Some of the provisions included are:
Except in cases of gross negligence, the listed entities are indemnified against any civil action resulting from someone storing their firearm as required.
Individuals who are harmed by noncompliance with subsection (2) may sue the responsible entity and shall be awarded costs and attorney fees if they prevail.
Employees may not be harmed in any way for storing a firearm as described. Employees that are harmed may sue for damages, including full reinstatement and the loss of any wages or benefits.
The bill also specifies that it does not apply to any entity that would be required to violate another state or federal law in order to comply with the new provisions in the bill.
Not everyone is lining up to support
While “pro-gun” bills are generally well received by the firearms community, at least the ones that are well written, bills like HB 5574 are another story. To be clear, it seems no one disagrees with the “pro-gun” label, but rather whether or not bills like this are the right way to advance the cause.
It just so happens that two individuals from Michigan Open Carry, Inc.’s Legislative Team hold diametrically differing views on HB 5574, which makes them great to help detail the arguments for and against.
The following is intended to outline points for and against, rather than to advocate any stance.
Support 5574
Allowing law-abiding gun owners to at least keep their firearms out-of-sight in a locked vehicle they own, does more than prevent them from being dangerously disarmed even after they leave the property.
The gun prohibitionists know that in order to make a society turn against the principles of bearing arms and self defense, they must simply reduce the number of gun owners. This is why in many states where the gun prohibitionists haven’t been successful, they have tried to make gun ownership socially unacceptable and have pressured businesses, and even homeowners associations, to prohibit firearms.
Some of those who oppose this bill describe themselves as “Constitutionalists”, yet the constitution also authorizes aggression, including but not limited to taxes, martial law, etc. So unless a person is a voluntarist or an anarchists, to say that this bill is aggression against a business owner while at the same time holding the constitution in high regard, requires a bit of cognitive dissonance. Simply put, the constitution itself is an act of aggression as it already greatly restricts property rights.
Some may say this bill infringes on private property or places an “undue burden” on the owner; however, that’s not the case according to the courts. Rational Basis is the standard that is used for commercial activity in most cases, and people having access to tools of self defense meets this standard. This is why the government already has restrictions on “private property” that include, race, religion, sexual preference, disabilities, labor standards, collective bargaining, and dozens more. Further, no action is required on the part of a business owner, they can simply not search anyone’s car. In fact, employers almost never search a car of an employee, unless they think they have a firearm in the vehicle.
Simply put, if the gun prohibitionists can’t get their way at the legislature, then making as many gun owners jobless and homeless as possible is an acceptable alternative in the meantime. Yes, the anti-rights crowd has no problem ruining the lives of you and your children, consider yourselves collateral damage. They can’t care less about private property, they already want to confiscate your property. They didn’t suddenly gain principles in a parking lot, so do not be fooled.
This bill is reasonable. It helps create an environment to protect our rights and ensure safety, just as the Constitution is viewed as reasonable and unquestionable by “Constitutionalists” even though it greatly restricts private property with taxation, eminent domain.
Avoid 5574
While bills like HB 5574 may provide practical benefits to some gun owners, supporting such a bill will result in the loss of a moral “high ground” that we’ve relied on previously, again and again, to fend off the anti-gun bigots.
The ability to defend oneself is most certainly a core element of liberty. However, so is the ability to regulate your property as you see fit, whether it’s your house, or in this case, the property of a business you may own. As the saying (as cliche as it may be) goes: “Your rights end where another’s begin”.
Morally, a person or private entity should have every right to dictate the terms for being on property they own, whether it’s a building or a parking lot. Let me be clear: A non-owner has absolutely no inherent right to be on someone else’s property – regardless if it’s owned by a private individual or a company (which, of course, are owned by private individuals). To abridge the terms and conditions that a private property owner can specify is completely antithetical to the concept of liberty, a core tenant of the pro-gun movement.
While some may say proposals such as HB 5574 are no different than a slew of ways the state already regulates private property, while true, using the state as a metric for morality is always a bad choice. If we go down this road, wouldn’t then our country’s history of gun control be a devastating tool to be used against us.
Others may bring up “public accommodation” – as though the general acceptance of the public should hold a private property owner to a different standard than what they can get away with for their personal residence. This concept is flawed because, for the purposes of HB 5574, there is no difference if you run a business out of your home. There is nothing in the bill which specifies it only affects these “public accommodations”. So if you run a business out of your house, you’re still subject to the same requirements as a mall.
Public buildings or property, on the other hand, should respect the rights of the people they serve. If this bill only affected state agencies, none of the above would apply. That said, private property owners should be able to dictate the terms for which you can utilize their property.
Let the anti-gun bigots out themselves, so we know where not to go.
Editors Note:
I want to thank Tom Lambert of MOC for the synopsis here and the gathering of these conflicted viewpoints from Jared Coyne and Jason Gillman Jr. As a gun owner and business owner, I have never been more torn on a bill that was Pro-Gun. We have kept comments turned off on all our articles due to spam and infighting. I encourage all of you to share this article on your social media pages and open further discussion or join us on https://www.facebook.com/248Shooter/ to discuss this bill further. I am really interested in hearing the opinions of those affected.
The Vanquest Envoy 2.0 messenger bag has been a favorite of mine since our original review back in 2014. This year’s update to Envoy 3.0 has made a great bag, even better.
Two built-in bottle holders for 32oz (1L) Nalgene bottles with shock cord retention
Front flap’s MOLLE-Air structure with loop-face
More internal loop fields for CCW and organization
Upgradeable to optional GT-COBRA™ Sling Strap system
Bottle Holders
Expandable Nalgene Pockets
Lack of Nalgene bottle storage was one of my complaints going from the Gen 1 to Gen 2. I understood the reason they did this and worked around the issue. As a person that carries a minimum of one bottle with me and due to kids (often I have two), the lack of proper storage for these with easy access was a pain. I often stored them in the bag which was workable unless loading the bag down for travel.
The new system is ingenious. Unlike the Gen 1 that left a large open pocket when not in use the Gen 3 secures the Nalgene pocket with a zipper. This keeps the profile of your bag smaller for those stupid Sprit Airlines carry-on rules, but opens up quickly and easily when you need it.
As an added bonus (and not mentioned in the product description) this pocket also has a shock cord loop at the top to secure the bottle. Very nice touch Vanquest.
MOLLE-Air
Velcro and MOLLE in one.
Instead of traditional hook and loop or MOLLE attachment points, Vanquest introduced their new, lighter-weight MOLLE-Air system. This means that regardless of the type of system you use to attach, you can do it without adapters. This new system combines ultra-durable Cordura® fabric, laminated with loop face that has laser-cut and stitch-reinforced MOLLE slots. It also works great for patches or Identifier tags.
Optional GT-Cobra Sling Strap
I didn’t have any issues with the standard shoulder strap system. I’m not a bike messenger, and my commute to work is in a car, not a train or bus. Being comfortable as I carry or walk with the bag has been my number one issue on messenger bags. The Gen 3 delivers that out of the box. However, the added ergonomics and comfort of the optional GT-Cobra Sling strap, will be a welcome addition to more active bicycle or motorcycle commuters.
More Internal Organizational Hook and Loop
One of the things we talked to Alex at Vanquest about after reviewing the Gen 2 was the lack of hook and loop to secure your CCW in the concealed carry pocket. You want to know where the gun will be and how it will be positioned when reaching for it. This upgrade allows you to attach Vanquest’s universal CCW holster, double magazine holder or any other hook and loop accessory for quick access.
I am super excited to see this new line of clothing from Magpul. Scroll down to the new pants they are offering for a sneak peak at an upcoming review. These pants look to be much like the Apex pants I love at a better price point.
Be sure to watch the videos and follow the links to get the full lowdown on the new tactical line.
“Everyday Wear”
In Magpul Core, “everyday” could mean scrambling across a snow covered ridgeline, trekking across the plains of Africa, or working through triple canopy jungles, but…much larger percentages of our lives are spent in far less adventurous settings.
Magpul Apparel is engineered with performance in mind–using modern fabrics and fabric treatments–and is designed to be comfortable and effective during demanding activities. We included smart features that make a difference and avoided the temptation to include “add-ons” that look better on paper than they perform in the field.
The apparel line was also created with the goal of being equally at home in a restaurant, an airport, or a market, and not look like some sort of costume, as “tactical” or “performance” clothing often does.
Our design team has chosen timeless styles that can remain stable–so that shirt that you really like is available to purchase next year, and not discarded with the seasonal fads of fashion.
We’re also bringing this line to you with the same “value for money” proposition we offer with all of our products, so that your dollar goes further to get the features, materials, and fit that you want–no matter what you do or where you choose to do it.
The Magpul Workshirt is ideal for any job where you are getting your hands or self dirty.
Our Workshirt features stain resistant, durable 100% Polyester fabric, with two chest pockets, Magpul embroidery on sleeve and back shoulder, and a button-front placket with a faux button-snap at the waist for ease.
FEATURES
· 4.9 oz 100% Polyester fabric with Stain Resistant treatment
· Straight fit through chest and waist with slight taper at hem
· Pleated back and split side seam for movement
· 16.5” sleeve opening (based on Large)
· Snap closure chest pockets
· Relaxed, casual fit
· Full button placket with faux-button snap at bottom
A long sleeved version of our short sleeved standby, the Magpul Long Sleeve Workshirt is for days when you really need some extra covering.
Our Long Sleeve Workshirt features stain resistant, durable 100% Polyester fabric, with two chest pockets, Magpul embroidery on sleeve and back shoulder, and a button-front placket with a faux button-snap at the waist for ease. It also has snap cuffs to make rolling up your sleeves easy.
FEATURES
· 4.9 oz 100% Polyester fabric with Stain Resistant treatment
· Straight fit through chest and waist with slight taper at hem
· 8.75” sleeve opening (based on Large)
· Pleated back and split side seam for movement
· Snap closure chest pockets
· Full button placket with faux-button snap at bottom
The Mansfield short sleeve shirt is your casual solution for work, travel, indoor or outdoor activity.
The heathered fabric has built in moisture wicking properties that keep you cool and let you dry easily. Split side seams and a curved hem allow for a casual, relaxed look. This shirt has easy entry snap front placket and pockets, with a hidden cash or ID pocket on the inside left chest. Magpul flag label on left side seam.
A multifunctional shirt, our Mansfield long sleeve shirt is great for work, travel, and warm weather days.
The heathered yarns in the fabric have built in moisture wicking properties that keep you cool and dry. Split side seams and a curved hem allow to be worn tucked in or out. This shirt has easy entry snap front placket and pockets, with a hidden cash/ID pocket on the inside left chest. Roll up the sleeves for a casual look, or keep them down for nice dinners. Magpul flag label on left side seam.
A casual, light weight, short sleeve, the Rainey Short Sleeve plaid is functional for work or play.
Split side seams and a curved hem allow for a casual, relaxed look, while the underarm gusset and generous back pleats give you freedom to move. Snap front placket and single chest pocket. Custom Magpul plaid layout with Magpul flag label on left side seam.
FEATURES
· 55% Cotton / 45% Poly woven plaid shirting
· Straight fit through chest and waist with slight taper to hem
· 17” sleeve opening (based on size L)
· Pleated back and split side seam for movement
· Forward shoulder seam reduces chafe from wearing bags/packs
· Snap front placket and open entry chest pocket
· Non Stretch fabric
Available in Leather Brown, Sea Spray, Blue Stone, and New Charcoal
Built for durability and function, the Instructor Polo is made of tough, colorfast, 100% polyester pique.
It has lots of storage options to cover your needs including an eyewear loop, two pen pockets on the left sleeve and a small pocket on the right sleeve for business cards or storing foamies. No shoulder seam and a full side panel allow for movement, and the polo is long enough to be worn tucked or untucked. The center back and sleeve logos are reflective so you can be seen day and night. Two button placket.
The Utility Pant is the cargo pant for people who hate cargo pants.
Made of cotton/polyester ripstop, the fabric has been pre-washed to reduce stiffness. This pant boasts the same engineered crotch gusset as all Magpul pants and also has seams on the back waist that fit around you in place of a waistband, reducing bulk. Along with reinforced hand pockets, this pant has two inverted cargo style pockets that don’t bulge out when you fill them. Top opening rear welt pockets allow for ease of access. 5 extra large belt loops on the waistband allow for use with any belt. Logo patch on center back loop. Reinforced zipper fly closure with metal zip.
The Utility Short is the cargo short for those who hate wearing cargo shorts.
It is made of cotton/polyester ripstop that has been prewashed to reduce stiffness. This pant has the same crotch gusset as all Magpul bottoms for better movement and also has the seamed back for fit. Along with reinforced hand pockets, this pant has two inverted cargo style pockets that don’t bulge out when you fill them. Top opening rear welt pockets allow for ease of access. 5 extra large belt loops allow for use with any belt with a logo patch on the extra large back loop. Reinforced zipper fly closure with metal zip.
FEATURES
· Enzyme washed 60% Cotton / 40% Poly Ripstop
· 240 g/m2 midweight fabric
· 22” outseam, 11” inseam
· Straight fit from hip to knee
· 22” leg opening (based on size 34)
· 6 pocket total, including two reverse style cargo pockets
· Crotch gusset and seamed back for optimum fit and movement
· Triple needle stitched reinforced fly with metal zipper
Magpul’s combination of a durable work pant and a pair of jeans, the mid-weight twill has a stain resistant and soil release treatment. This makes it easier to get and keep these pants clean in messy situations. The Cotton/Spandex blended stretch fabric and crotch gusset allow this pant to be less baggy but still gives a wide range of movement. 7 extra large belt loops on the waistband allow for use with any belt. The Flex Pant has seams on the back waist that fit around you in place of a waistband, reducing bulk. There are 6 pockets, which include reinforced, large back pockets, and reinforced hand pockets, coin, and cash pocket. Logo patch on center back loop. Reinforced zipper fly closure with metal zip.
For warmer days when you still need durability and ability to move, our Flex Short will fill your needs.
Constructed out of our stain resistant and soil release treated mid-weight stretch twill, the 6-pocket short boasts the same reinforced, large back pockets, reinforced hand pockets, coin, and cash pockets as our Flex pant. The Cotton/Spandex blended fabric combined with an engineered crotch gusset gives ample movement while reducing the need for excess fabric. 7 extra large belt loops on the waistband allow for use with any belt. The Flex Short has seams on the back waist that fit around you in place of a waistband, reducing bulk. Logo patch on center back loop. Reinforced zipper fly closure with metal zip.
The Magpul Bonnell Pant are the pants you wear when you would rather wear shorts.
They are perfect for long days outdoors, in a plane, or on the road. The ultra lightweight four-way stretch nylon fabric allows for extreme freedom of movement and has an antimicrobial treatment to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep you smelling fresh. The fabric is also quick drying, which makes them great for activities around water. The engineered crotch gusset, reinforced knees and heels, and back leg seams allow for ample protection while still letting you move. 5 extra large belt loops on the waistband allow for use with any belt. The Bonnell Pant has seams on the back waist that fit around you in place of a waistband, reducing bulk. 6 pockets in total, with two zippered back welt pockets to keep out dirt, a thigh pocket, a hidden hip pocket, and reinforced hand pockets. Logo patch on center back loop. Reinforced metal zipper fly closure.
The Bonnell Short is a multifunctional short, great for outdoor activities, especially those near water.
The ultra lightweight, four way stretch nylon fabric has an antimicrobial treatment to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep you smelling fresh and is also quick drying. This short has an engineered gusset to really let you move. 5 extra large belt loops on the waistband allow for use with any belt, while the seamed back fits over you without the added bulk of a waistband. 6 pockets in total, with two zippered back welt pockets to keep out dirt, a hidden envelope pocket, a zippered hip pocket, and reinforced hand pockets. Metal zipper fly closure.
The Flightline Pant is Magpul’s solution for garage, track, or tarmac- these bottoms are meant to get dirty.
The mid-weight twill has the same fabric as our Flex Pant with stain resistant and soil release treatment. The Cotton/Spandex blended stretch fabric combined with an engineered crotch gusset allow for a high range of movement. 7 extra large belt loops on the waistband allow for use with any belt, while the seamed back allows for best fit without the need of a waistband, reducing bulk. Front legs have a full overlay that extends over the side seam, protecting it and also creating a tool or flashlight pocket. Internal knee pockets allow for kneepad use. Front hem has an extended boot cover that can be folded up or down to protect your footwear. Logo patch on center back loop. Reinforced zipper fly closure with metal zip.
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 143 – tonight we’ll talk about Armaspec stock, ruger american, discount AR parts, Hoback Knives, Falcon 37’s Habu charging handle and more!
When Ruger introduced the new Ruger Precision Rifle there was certainly a lot of fanfare. The press went wild, but the reaction by some retailers was one of caution and skepticism.
Ruger has been known for the durability of its firearms, but not necessarily precision. The manufacturing technology and engineering capabilities of Ruger today are significantly upgraded from where they were just a decade ago. Ruger has clearly taken advantage of those capabilities on its new firearm introductions over the past few years. The Ruger Precision Rifle is a benchmark representation of all of those incredible engineering and manufacturing technologies coming together.
On Target
The pre-release reviews and accuracy claims had already started to pour in with the 6.5 Creedmore variant, but nothing had been noted on the ones chambered in .308 or .243.
Like many, I was still skeptical — was it just the proven 6.5 Creedmore round making the new Ruger look good, or had Ruger really done their homework for the .243 and .308 models to deliver accuracy as well? Customers will be relieved to know the Ruger Precision Rifle is stunningly accurate by any standards in any of the three current offered calibers.
We got our hands on the .308 and .243 models to test the accuracy against similar Howa, Savage and Remington .308 builds. Within the first 20 rounds, the Ruger .308 Precision Rifle delivered pinpoint five-round, 1.5-inch 300 yard and .3 inch 100 yard groups with Hornady 168gr A-Max ammunition. The .243 model delivered very similar groups. In fact, many Ruger Precision Rifle shooters are reporting and posting essentially single hole 100- yard groups with all three models.
The 6.5 Creedmore is, of course, the top performer at very long 1000+ yard ranges. However, none of the models are significantly better on the 100-yard line. What I noticed immediately on both my tested rifles was that the Precision Rifle also delivered a level of ergonomic comfort, personalized adjustment and recoil management, which is expensive to reproduce only through upgrades on other factory rifles.
Ruger combined everything a competitive or precision shooter wants in one off-the-shelf package, which requires nothing more than match ammo, a good set of scope rings and optic to deliver on that precision. The action is extremely accurate and smooth, the barrel is threaded and ready for muzzle brakes or suppressors and Ruger wrapped the action in a true match trigger and magazine box-fed modular billet precision rifle stock. All of this for an extremely competitive $1,400 MSRP. A Remington, Howa or Savage with matching precision and similar features would easily touch the $2,000 mark excluding customer gunsmithing.
Ruger Speaks
To understand a bit more about Ruger’s design intent, we reached out to the Ruger’s Chief of Marketing Ken Jorgensen with a few questions retailers and customers are sure to ponder. Jorgensen rallied the Precision Rifle design and product management teams to consolidate and provide answers to a few of our questions.
SSR: What was the inspiration of the Ruger Precision Rifle line?
Jorgensen: There are several contributing factors in the development of the Ruger Precision Rifle. We saw a growing interest in long-range shooting, but noted many of the rifles available commercially or being built by the shooters were very expensive. This seemed [to be] an opportunity worth exploring. A number of people at Ruger, including CEO Mike Fifer, have spent time at FTW Ranch in Texas doing long-range shooting. This lead to an interest in a dedicated rifle. One of the design engineers is a long-range shooter and was very tuned in to the expectations of shooters and the capabilities of Ruger design and manufacturing. All these interests came together in the Ruger Precision Rifle.
SSR: The public response has been pretty significant. Are the sales indicating that Ruger has another top selling firearm on their hands?
Jorgensen: The demand has been very good and it would seem that the Ruger Precision Rifle delivers a rifle shooters see as a very desirable product and a great value.
SSR: Which model has been the top seller?
Jorgensen: At present, we are mostly shipping in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. The 6.5 Creedmoor is of primary interest to many. The folks interested in the rifle and its capabilities are knowledgeable about long-range shooting and the reputation of the 6.5 as a long distance cartridge is well known.
SSR: Are there considerations for offering smaller and much larger calibers models as well?
Jorgensen: There will be other calibers in the future.
Behind The Counter
While it’s clear from the folks at Ruger that the company built a long range competition rifle by shooters, for shooters, we wanted to hear what retailers out there thought of the rifle’s prospects. Sales managers at Cabela’s, Scheels and two other independant local firearms dealers all indicated they cannot keep any of the Ruger Precision rifles in stock. All went on to note that every Ruger Precision Rifle is currently sold before they even hit the shelves.
One sales manager noted that in some situations, customers do not even care what caliber is available and are buying up whatever caliber is coming in. The Ruger Precision Rifle delivers everything a long-range shooter could want with accuracy far beyond what customers expect from a stock rifle. If this is the new standard Ruger is setting for precision, we all might have to start thinking of them in terms of “precision” instead of durability.
You’re on a trip, a beautiful drive through middle America, and you see a shining sign.
Cabela’s!
You stop, naturally, to go in and do the tour. Ten minutes later you return to your vehicle, a box of ammo in a bag and drink from the cooler in hand to see that your car doors were forced open in broad daylight.
It’s Sunday; the game is on in an hour, and you’re getting off the range. You drive to your friend’s house, you’ve been there plenty of times, so you pull in and park, lock up, and head inside. The game finishes a few hours later and you prep to leave. You get in your car to go but notice that the rifle bag you had is now missing.
Your gun is gone. What do you do now?
Firearms theft is an all too real reality that has to be dealt with. Theft of personal property always stings, but firearms have a special burn when they’re taken. The Iron Pipeline of illegal and stolen firearms that end up at crime scenes is fed off these snatch and grabs from homes and vehicles.
These crimes happen so what do you do?
Step One. Call the Police.
Duh.
Yes but it needs to be mentioned. Roll the police immediately and start gathering the information they’ll need.
Your name and address, ID
Phone number
Location
Serial Number/’s of the stolen guns and the make and model. The police may ask for special features or defining characteristics, but the serial numbers are essential.
The police will probably process the scene, catalog what is gone, and submit the report. This could take several hours, and you’ll receive an incident report number associated with the report. Keep it.
Theft nation wide continues to grow.
Step Two. Call your Insurance.
Vehicle and Home Owners/Renters insurance will have coverage for the theft. Submit the report number and most of the details you gave the police to insurance and start the process to recover what you can.
Step Three. …wait what? Insurance? What does my Insurance cover?
CHECK!
Check now what is specifically covered, especially related to firearms and associated gear. You may need to increase coverage. You may need to add names to policies. You might find it is time to switch insurance companies. Check prior, because afterward you are SOL.
In some places theft is up as much as 65%
Step Four. Call Local Gun Shops and Pawn Shops.
Any and all local shops near the theft should be contacted by you and given descriptions of the firearms. The police will not do this, and the shops have no way to run a serial number quickly on every gun that comes in used. They need to be updated individually if you want them to look for your guns that might be sold to them for quick cash.
Step Five… Well, that’s it, to be honest…
Sad but true
Unfortunately, the cold reality is that firearm theft is still a property crime. No one is going to be scouring dark alleys or shaking down shady contacts in any dramatic fashion, no more than if a TV or a pair of shoes were stolen.
You’ll see your guns again if they turn up, usually meaning if they were used in some sort of crime or taken into evidence as part of or associated with a crime. Perhaps sometime, perhaps never.
An officer on the force of the jurisdiction where mine were stolen said bluntly several weeks later. “We’re never going to see those guns.”
In all reality they’re right, the Iron Pipeline of stolen guns might never return them back to my ownership.
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 144 – tonight we’ll talk about Microsoft hololens, Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire, Sig Scorpion Evo E3, Kinetic Development Group, Shit savage found on Reddit and more!
We took a Pelican 1700 for a spin over the last 90 days to review, and it updated my opinion on hard cases.
Hard cases felt like a good idea when I first started my gun collection. Quickly I built a corner of my office that is dedicated to all my assorted sized cases. I seldom used them preferring lighter, collapsible soft cases for most of my uses. Though I do heavily rely on the smaller ones for magazines and pistols when traveling through Il and NY.
As I travel more and spend time in the firearms community my interest in hard cases was rekindled. A trip to PAK Rite in Wixom where Morgan showed me some of the excellent organizational ideas they had developed for the Pelican line of cases. If you’re a fan of custom cases, Pelican cases with Pak Rite (https://www.thepelicancaseoutlet.com/) foam are a must have.
This is our Pelican 1700 after Pak-Rite did its thing
The next thing that happened was the need to travel with a rifle for a class out of state via airplane. A locking secure transportation was a requirement of that course. Having wheels and an easy way to transport equipment was an incredibly nice plus. Pelican cases offer very sturdy locking tabs and with reinforced padlock holes you can meet TSA travel requirements. For those of us who are overly cautious driving through Il and NY with weapons, these cases exceed the requirements of interstate travel and should offer some protection should you be stopped during transit through the state. Your mileage may vary, and we make no legal advice in these regards.
Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof
Easy open Double Throw latches
Open cell core with solid wall design – strong, light weight
O-ring seal
Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve – balances interior pressure, keeps water out
Fold down side handle
Strong polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings
Stainless steel hardware and padlock protectors
3-piece foam set
BODY: Polypropylene
LATCH: ABS
O-RING: Polymer
PINS: Stainless Steel
FOAM: 1.3 lb Polyurethane
PURGE BODY: ABS
PURGE VENT: 3 Micron Hydrophobic Non-Woven
PURGE O-RING: 70 Shore Nitrile
TOTAL DEPTH: 5.25″ (13.3 cm)
INT VOLUME: 1.47 ft³ (0.042 m³)
WEIGHT WITH FOAM: 16.98 lbs (7.7 kg)
BUOYANCY: 136.91 lbs (62.1 kg)
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE: -40° F (-40 ° C)
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE: 210° F (99 ° C)
WHEELS: 2
Science Decoded:
These cases are designed for temperature ranges that will make an EOTech miss a barn. While -40 to 210 is not a common range you would be surprised the variations in storage compartments traveling from Detroit to Vegas.
The built in vents allow for the release of excess pressure without allowing water or contaminates into the case. I have been testing this with a Pelican 1010 holding ammo in my car for the last year. From warm summers to cold winters, the case and the ammo have held up magnificently.
On The Range
Michigan seldom has perfect weather. Often training takes place in snow (even in April) and rain. Soft bags are less than ideal when you’re heading to a class that is wet. Being able to set out a hard case that you can simply wipe down before stowing back in your truck makes for a much better experience and leads to less moisture in your vehicle.
The 1700 specifically offers a rolling cart solution making transport from vehicle to range an easy trip. With room for a carbine, handgun and magazines in the Pelican 1700, which leaves you with only a range bag with ammo and ear pro to carry.
For us sticker collectors they look real nice on a case. Special thanks to all our supporter who we decided to feature on this case.
Product Support
Pelican offers a Lifetime limited warranty on all its products. Pelican will replace or repair any part or item broken for the lifetime of the product. That is HUGE. One of the reasons they can do this is because they are making a high-quality product here in the USA that was designed to meet or exceed military standards. You can find posts around the web praising the customer service in the rare incidents people have had an issue with their case.
Configurability
The Pelican 1700 case is ideal for so many because it’s a blank slate that can fit a lot. When you look at cutting the foam you have a myriad of options on how much gear can fit in. Because carbine classes and travel usually dictate a single AR and pistol my configuration focuses on those with spare mags for each as well as a sling and optic. That does not mean that is what you need to do with it. I have seen the 1700 configured with a single lower and multiple uppers for example.
Sub Compact Gun
Close up of Pak Rite Work
Close up of Pak Rite Work
Close up of Pak Rite Work
Conclusion
Pelican is a Mil-spec container for a reason. Sensitive equipment from just about every part of the private sector is stored in these cases for a reason. More competitive shooters use Pelican than any other case for a reason. If you’re looking for a way to keep your gear dry and secure Pelican should be at the top of your list. You can buy Pelican Cases in a wide range of sizes and prices from your local authorized Pelican dealer or online via Amazon here.
Bushnell, an industry leader in high-quality optics that are waterproof, fog-proof and shock proof, announced a complete re-engineering of the company’s popular Trophy line of hunting optics. In addition, Bushnell is now offering a new feature-laden Trophy Xtreme line of binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes and laser rangefinders for hunting, outdoor and birding enthusiasts.
Bushnell Trophy optics have been trusted for years, and the addition of the all-new Trophy Xtreme line provides even more performance for serious hunters and sport enthusiasts. Both lines will carry the Bushnell “No Questions Asked” Lifetime Warranty. Regardless of how these optics are broken, Bushnell has one response: “Yes, that’s covered.” The No Questions Asked Lifetime Warranty, launched in early 2016, applies to all riflescopes, binoculars and spotting scopes in the Trophy and Trophy Xtreme product families.
“We’re thrilled with the results of the new Trophy Xtreme and updated Trophy lines,” said Curtis Smith, Bushnell Product Director. “We’re delivering top-line performance at a great value to the customer. Plus, no matter what happens, we will stand behind these products, no questions asked.”
Both versions of binoculars offer fully multi-coated lenses in an armored chassis. The optics are waterproof, fogproof and built to take a beating while delivering best-in-class durability and clarity. Trophy Xtreme versions offer improved three-step eyecups to provide better fit and comfort, along with larger objective lenses and higher magnification.
The new Trophy riflescopes come in seven configurations and six reticle options for edge-to-edge clarity and best-in-class 91% light transmission. Bushnell’s exclusive Rainguard HD waterproofing and fogproof lenses put these scopes ahead of the competition. The Trophy Xtreme scopes feature 30mm tubes and 4x magnification ratios. They offer increased brightness and clearer images. Illuminated and long-range versions are also available.
The new TrophyXtreme spotting scopes are offered in 50mm or 60mm objective lenses, have up to 60x magnification and utilize a porro-prism design. Users will enjoy the compact tripod, window mount, waterproof hard-sided case and soft-sided case included with this spotter. All models boast 100 percent waterproof rubber armor construction.
Trophy Xtreme X30 Riflescopes
Difficulty ranging dark, non-reflective targets in low-light conditions is now a thing of the past, thanks to the new Full Spectrum Targeting technology found in both Trophy and Trophy Xtreme laser rangefinders. The 4x20mm Trophy laser rangefinder is rainproof, accurate to 1-yard and can reach out to a maximum distance of 850 yds. Opt for the Trophy Xtreme laser rangefinder and receive the added benefit of Angle Range Compensation (ARC) technology. ARC accounts for the steepness of the shot angle, giving shooters a true horizontal distance to the target for precise shot placement.
Being a hero and risk your life is a daily routine for the police officers. Here is the dramatic moment a hero police officer saved a suicidal man’s life by tackling him as he tried to jump off a bridge.
Dashcam footage of the rescue shows Sergeant Greg Bogert desperately running to catch the man before he jumps, then pulling him to the ground to restrain him.
The police officer can be heard shouting ‘don’t f****** do it’ during the dramatic rescue
The 18-year veteran of the Riverdale Police Department then calmed the man down enough to get him in an ambulance and taken to the hospital, saving the men’s life.
The militants from the self-proclaimed Caliphate likes to portray itself as a well-trained fighting force that makes sweeping territorial gains with ruthless efficiency. But behind that claims and its propaganda machine, the reality is anything but – as this battlefield video shows.
Taken from the headcam of an ISIS fighter, it captures the chaos among a group of hapless militants as they fumble around trying to fire weapons at Kurdish forces in Iraq.
Apparently, a bunch of militants is driving the armored vehicle while the bullets fly past them. The militants onboard bicker and moan at each other while they are surrounded with rocket launchers and AK-47s.
The video, obtained by VICE News, shows one of the militant firings a machine gun perched on the side of the armored vehicle, but at one point the weapons slip. Another militant scream at him to be ‘careful not to shoot at our brothers!’ – referring to other ISIS armoured vehicles ahead of them in the convoy.
The militant continues firing his assault rifle, but is promptly barracked by another who yells: ‘The bullet casings are hitting us! Be careful, Abu Abdullah!’
In the bedlam, one fanatic demands a rocket launcher, but is asked by a confused militant: ‘The rockets for firing at people or armored vehicles?’
He eventually grabs hold of one and rises unsteadily to his feet with the weapon balanced precariously on his shoulder. When he delivers it, smoke and debris showered their vehicle and the force appears to knock the fighter wearing the head-camera to his knees.
One shouts: ‘Good job, but you roasted us, too! What is wrong with you, Abu Hajaar?’
In another attempt, the fighter has to be reminded that the safety cap is still on the rocket launcher. Moments later, their vehicle is struck by a Kurdish rocket, killing the driver.
The others jump out as the vehicle bursts into flames, but the headcam militant is taken out as he tries to escape, shouting: ‘I’ve been shot!’
The camera footage was later retrieved from the battlefield, around 30 miles north of Mosul in Iraq and it deliberately shows the confusion and low-level of training at the current ISIS forces.
A top drawer survival kit designed for back country pilots and maybe the rest of us
Skinner Sights, LLC, Saint Ignatius, MT, May 2016-Skinner Sights makers of custom quality firearm sights for many years and the inventor of the unique HTF Firearms covert (hide firearms in your closet in their garment bag) is coming out with a specialized survival kit for Bush Pilots and back country enthusiasts.
“This unique survival kit is the result of spending a lifetime in the extreme outdoors. With the Skinner “BUSH PILOT” kit you will be prepared! To the best of my knowledge this is the first production kit of its type.” – Andy Larsson, owner of Skinner Sights.
Gun: This unique survival kit comes with a customized Chiappa .44 Magnum 6+1 capacity take down lever action 51/2 pound rifle with 16″ barrel. Finished in warm tone hard chrome stainless steel and with a walnut stock it features Skinner’s incredibly effective (and beautiful) precision rear sight with interchangeable apertures and Skinner’s fiber optic front sight.
Other kit components: The kit includes a RAT-7 OKC Survival knife with a 7.2-inch carbon steel black powder coated blade and Micarta handle. The BUSH PILOT logo and serial number on the blade matches that of the carbine. The kit also contains Titan storm and water proof matches (in a sturdy capsule), a U.S. Government issue Doan magnesium fire starter, Ration brand heat and cooking stove with Hexamine fuel tablets, tough “polyester film space blanket” tube tent large enough for two adults, Brunton TruArc 3 flat base scouting compass and 50 feet of Mil. Spec. 750 Parachute cord.*
The bag: All this comes packed in Skinner’s Montana made custom 1,000 denier Cordura padded carry bag with a 500 denier liner. The bag features Molle attachment points for the knife sheath, and easy open full width buckle down closure flap so there is no fumbling around in a survival situation with zippers, etc. The tough well engineered bag has room for other essential items the pilot /outdoor enthusiast may wish to add.
MSRP: $1,799
*Note: 750 (pound) Para Cord–has 11 triple wound strands of nylon. Those with some survival training can utilize genuine 550 and especially 750 cord further by removing some of the exterior sheath and unwinding the nylon strands as needed for many other uses such as fishing line, thread, ties, snares or even for making a fish trap net.
Welcome to the We Like Shooting show, Episode 142 – tonight we’ll talk about Armaspec stocks, master chrony, mares leg, arm board tactical wrist coach, claw mounts, primary & secondary and more!
There is a certain segment of the shooting public that is more educated and experienced with firearms than ever before, and they are never going to be satisfied with off-the-shelf performance from production rifles. So, a wise retailer will keep tabs on all the shooting disciplines that affect their business.
The Remington 700 bolt action rifle is widely used across many areas, including hunting, tactical and competition. If your business serves shooters who are engaged in these activities, you’ve probably already been asked, “what can be done to make my 700 shoot better?”
The skills of the shooter will, of course, have to be considered. If his fundamentals of accurate shooting are solid, maybe a simple change to premium or “match” ammo will bring accuracy to an acceptable level. If high-quality ammunition with a proven track record of accuracy doesn’t cure the problem, it’s time to look into the mechanical side of the rifle.
Are the mount and rings tight, true and properly installed? Is the trigger too heavy to manage? Does the scope need to be changed out and then the shooting system reevaluated? Has a heavy-recoiling cartridge in a light rifle caused your customer to develop a flinch problem? If all of the above have checked out OK, but on-target accuracy is still not to the level of other comparable Remington 700 factory rifles, then you might have to get deeper into the mechanics of the rifle.
How do you evaluate the mechanics of the rifle? It could be as simple as sending the rifle back to Remington with a letter describing the problems and letting them deal with it. You could send the rifle to a custom gunsmith to improve reliability and accuracy with proven mechanical techniques. You could consider taking on the job at your own shop, provided you have the right personnel and equipment. Let’s examine the mechanical improvement procedures and determine the best route to take.
The base cylinder style action of the Remington 700 rifle is a very popular action for accuracy work, and certain gunsmithing procedures have proven to yield excellent accuracy improvements on target. Some people looking for the ultimate in accuracy from the 700 will scrap most everything except the action itself. Doing this, while choosing the best in aftermarket components, will be expensive, but it will also result in excellent downrange accuracy.
Starting with truing, or “blueprinting” the action, you will generally need a precision lathe and holding fixture. This will allow the receiver to be dialed in to run true with dual dial indicators. Once the action is running true, the receiver threads are cut into perfect alignment with the axis of the receiver. This will allow the barrel to accurately and squarely thread into the receiver. The internal locking lugs are then trued while the receiver is still in the lathe. This will allow for even support of the bolt’s locking lugs once they are hand lapped into place. The receiver ring is then lightly faced back until true. This will provide for a perfect recoil lug and barrel shoulder bearing surface.
In other words, the barrel shoulder, the recoil lug and the front action ring will all be brought into a perfect union when the barrel is finally torqued into place.
The critical dimensions of the bolt, whether factory or custom replacement, will have to be checked and addressed as needed. When truing is required, it is common to indicate the bolt true in the lathe and lightly face the front and rear of the lugs, as well as the bolt nose. Extreme care must be taken not to mushroom the firing pin hole while live centering and turning the bolt body in your machine. Once the lugs are square and true, the bolt face should be trued as well. Then move on to the bolt lug lapping process to bring them into 100 percent contact with the receiver.
The Remington 700 receiver generally has a scope base or bases held in place by four small screws. To help assure durability, it is wise to address this issue before the action is re barreled. Failure to do so can result in the scope mount shearing off under recoil. Some people like to use lugged scope mount rails to absorb the recoil impulse instead of transmitting the impulse to the screws. Others prefer boring out the action screw holes and installing oversized mount screws to, in effect, serve as multiple recoil lugs threaded into the receiver.
When it comes to rebarreling your Remington 700 accuracy project, do not skimp on barrel quality or your accuracy will suffer. This generally means buying a match-grade barrel from a company with a reputation for accuracy. Hart, Krieger and Bartlein all come to mind. Caliber, twist rate, contour, weight and material will all have to be considered to make sure the final project meets its expected use goals.
One of the biggest hurdles you will face in purchasing a name brand match barrel is delivery time. It is not uncommon to wait up to a year for your match barrel order to be filled. You are lucky to find them in stock.
Precision barreling is generally done on a lathe by a skilled operator and gunsmith. This is an operation that can directly affect the safety — as well as accuracy and reliability — of the rifle, so it must be done properly. You will also need to consider adjusting dimensions if you decide to install an oversized recoil lug.
Headspace is a critical dimension in the rifle, but there is more to consider. The Remington bolt is actually counterbored into the rear of the barrel. This creates the “three rings of steel” that many people speak of when talking about Remington 700 rifles. The clearance in the counterbore should be considered in terms of safety, reliability and accuracy.
Shooters who are looking for a zero fit in this area might run into reliability problems because the bolt will not close with the slightest interference, such as the bristle off a bore brush. Another reliability consideration when custom barreling the Remington 700 action is to assure that the proper barrel recess bevel is turned in place to help assure reliable feeding. If your shop is doing the gunsmithing, consider the expected use of the rifle while mapping out the work. Get professional assistance as needed.
Obtaining a stock for your 700 project is easy, because there are many companies making 700 stocks. The Remington 700 is often referred to as the “small block Chevy” of rifles due to its popularity and the huge array of accessories for it.
Choosing a stock for your Remington 700 stock can be difficult because there are so many to choose from. Again, I would suggest considering the expected use of the rifle and the body type and physical strength of the owner. Too heavy or too light, too long or too short can all cause problems. Some stocks will require bedding material, others will rely on a bedding block and some will use both.
To minimize stock problems, consider going with an established company in the stock making business. McMillian has been around for about 40 years and certainly knows the stock business. When it comes to stocks for the Remington 700, McMillian has a wide variety to choose from. Have your customer review the catalog, and he might be able to tell by sight which stock would probably best suit his shooting style.
A quality trigger is a requirement for safety, reliability and accuracy. Many aftermarket triggers are made specifically for the Remington 700 rifle. This is another area where the “buy quality” rule certainly applies.
Two aftermarket Remington 700 triggers that have gained a large following over many years in the business are Timney and Jewell. Research them both, while considering the expected use for the rifle, and make an informed decision. Once the rifle project is operational, the trigger will be the finger-rifle connection that will influence on-target performance. Once a shooter develops a high level of trigger control without rifle disturbance, he will begin to see the true potential of his mechanically accurate rifle project.
What about trigger pull weight? Again, it depends on the application and the shooter. As a retailer, you will want to consider product liability issues when it comes to trigger pull weight. Most would consider it unwise to put a 2-ounce benchrest trigger in a rifle expected to see use as a mountain-climbing, sheep-hunting rifle. Apply common sense in all of your decisions. Whatever pull weight adjustment you settle on, make sure you properly safety test the trigger’s functionality before delivering it to your client.
Once you have the Remington 700 “trued,” assembled with the best components available and test fired for safety and accuracy, it’s time to call your client with the good news that his custom rifle project is done. It is a sign of a professional retail operation if you are well organized when your client arrives to pick up his rifle.
Have it cleaned and ready to go. Consider doing the barrel break-in process for him. Have a case, safety gear and cleaning supplies ready so he will have the opportunity to obtain everything he needs without wasted time — his or yours. Have a test target to document the performance his improved rifle will deliver. If you have an on-site range, give him a live-fire demonstration to show him what kind of accuracy can be obtained with proper shooting form. Document the work performed in detail and be sure to complete any FFL log-out requirements.
Once he begins winning the local matches, with the assistance of your performance improvements, you can be assured of a steady stream of fellow competitors coming into your shop for similar work.
