Modern Minuteman Minimum
A social media friend of mine made a post on said social medias that went something like:
The Absolute Minimum You Need
- Rifle
- Handgun
- Supporting Gear
The list, in detail, would serve anyone pretty well as a solid rig for a rifle and handgun class, a 2-gun competition, or any sustained shooting activity involving a rifle and a pistol.
However, the context (though not given in the post directly) was that of a violent and sudden emergency on a large scale. Hamas invades Israel. Russia invades Ukraine. A riot sweeps your neighborhood. The cartels get bold on the border.
Situation: You very quickly need a lot of gun and the ability to keep that gun shooting.
Two of those scenarios above, I hope, remain entirely hypothetical for US readers. Riots have not, certainly, but I can hope moving forward. But two of them are ongoing real world events within the borders of developed nations.
Shelve the politics of both wars for now, the ‘why’ doesn’t matter when its outside your window.
They are coming, you have a minute.. two at most.
What will a minuteman rig consist of when you have the proverbial minute to grab gear and get into a fight? You might be alone. You might have neighbors, cops, national guard, etc. on your side too and able to organize coordinated resistance and response.
We’re going to prioritize a durable yet fairly affordable gear set and talk about why each piece briefly. We will break it down by essential, preferred, and optional. The assumption is also that there will be, if not immediately, a short order response from authority with greater combat resources.
But you are there, one more volunteer with a rifle, a will to work, and ready to shoot back at an encroaching governmental or para-governmental organized force. Something far above dealing with your local meth zombie with your CCW piece.
What are you bringing?
Essential Items
Rifle
A rifle, a sling, a quality optic, and a durable white light with 10 functional magazines.
Nothing needs to be fancy. Nothing needs to be latest and greatest. It just needs to run.
I’d recommend using calibers that are largely logistically supported by US DoD and DoJ. So 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington, 7.62 NATO/.308 Winchester, and 9x19mm NATO.
However, use what you have. If that’s an AK in 7.62×39 then get at it and it can be sorted out later that you are a little harder to support logistically long term.
Belt and Ancillary Gear
Here is where I differ from my friend’s recommendation on social media, belt layout.
We agree on what’s on the belt.
- Rifle magazine pouches
- Pistol magazine pouches
- IFAK and TQ
- Pistol Holster, Duty Grade
Where we differ is on ammunition distribution.
You have a rifle. Prioritize ammunition for the rifle. I run three magazines, making for 4 total and between 80 and 120 rounds for any of the above. Two pistol magazines total, three at most. If you’re between packing something like a multi-tool on the belt and another pistol magazine, pick the multi-tool.
You do not want to have to use your pistol, it is there if you absolutely need it. Don’t give up a rifle magazine or a useful tool you wouldn’t otherwise be able to carry just to bring 17rds more pistol ammo when it is substantially less effective than the rifle.
Pistol
A serviceable duty pistol, 6 functional magazines. Caliber recommendation 9x19mm NATO.
Optional optic and light are high value additions, but not essential.
Day Pack/Assault Pack/3-Day Pack, a Backpack
By whatever name you want to call a serviceable backpack to carry some environmentally appropriate clothing, water, food, spare batteries, and the spare ammo in magazines you don’t have on your belt. Some more med stuff, a good outdoor blanket, water proof light weight tarp. Enough to get you by while being outside in the elements for two or three days. Gloves, a tough pair and maybe an insolated pair too. Eye protection, two pair with at least one clear lens. No you aren’t necessarily going to throw these on right away but you will want them for any sustained event.
You might not be grabbing this bag as you throw on the other gear, that’s fine. Having the bag ready when you have the spare minute and have made the decision to move is the goal. Being reasonably comfortable on the move for up to three days without needing the higher logistical resources that may not be ready to provide yet is the idea, without weighing you down significantly. You may not move from where you were, that is also fine, but you don’t want to be anchored by lack of readiness.
There, you are now quick-to-ready ad hoc light infantry. A Minuteman.
You can do this for under $4,000 easily, probably under $3,000. Under $2,000 for quality could be a stretch as you are probably starting to dramatically compromise the quality of soft goods you are buying in order to get the rifle, handgun, and holster which will constitute most of that $2k. I could see it being done for $2,500. If you already have parts of the kit, spend smartly to fill in the missing pieces.
Preferred Items
As budget allows for the purchase of these without disrupting your normal financials, consider adding the following.
Armor, Level III or better (NO STEEL)
Avoid steel plates, remember mobility is an advantage and the hazards of a rifle round fragging and hitting your extremities as you are 20lbs of gear slower. Use ceramic or polyethylene. This will give you better chances if you happen to catch a round since those plates actually catch rounds.
Add ammunition and ancillary management to the carrier in some manner too, you should be able to roughly double the amount of ammunition you are carrying. I wouldn’t go above two pistol magazines on your body, prioritize rifle ammo.
Helmet, Bump
Ballistic helmets are expensive, bump helmets are much less so and hitting your head on things sucks. Picking a helmet option where you can add white light, communication, or hearing protection is also good forward thinking to avoid buying twice.
Chest Rig, separate or detachable from your armor
I would buy a chest rig prior to buying armor. It is less expensive and upping my ability to carry ammo and more ancillary support is of greater benefit than adding the ability to possibly catch a bullet or two at the proper angles. If I can only have one, I want more ammo.
I would add them in this order.
- Chest rig
- Fill in the magazines
- Fill in with additional medical supplies
- Fill in with handy tools and batteries that you want to be quicker to hand than in your backpack
- Helmet
- Add an independent light source that you can keep on, a red light/lens option is also good.
- Armor
- Add a way to attach your chest rig or add independent ammo and ancillary management methods.
Optional Items
These are items with useful purposes but that do not not offer enough overall benefits, often being niche, redundant, or expensive, to be considered preferred items.
Suppressor
Suppressors are excellent additions for hearing protection and signature reduction. However, given the cost associated with a can, it is not a priority buy. It is the first thing I would add once the preferred list is covered.
Magazines
Your 10 rifle and 6 pistol magazines, double them. Then get more. I’m not kidding when I say reaching 100 rifle and 20-30 pistol magazines as funds make themselves available is invested money. Magazines are the least durable part of these firearms, get spares.
Helmet, Ballistic
If you have the spare finances, no harm in upgrading the layer of protection on your noggin to the III/IIIA protection level.
Night Vision
Trying to add quality night vision to your setup is absurdly expensive, equipment intensive, training intensive, and could be of very limited value until the conflict becomes more protracted. There are also downsides if the aggressor force has night vision too, which limit how much IR you want to emit.
Getting a serviceable PVS-14 monocular and a laser aiming module/IR illuminator is likely a $5,000 investment. Add another ~$1,000 for training to properly use white light, NODs, and laser together. Add to this any additional costs to set up your daylight optic suite to work with your chosen night vision.
Add to this very high cost of entry the limited force multiplicative effects it has, especially without training. Night vision is mission and environmentally specific equipment.
That said, and maybe to contradict myself just a bit, it is force multiplicative. If you and perhaps a few of the local cops are the ones with it and fighting goes into the night, you can stand your watch or move more effectively with it than without.
It lets you see in the dark. Obvious, sure, but still. Where otherwise you would need light, and the inherent disadvantages emitting or being in white light has for you when people are trying to kill you, you can see and move without it. You can keep lights off, you can hide while still being able to observe. You and anyone else with NODs and gear can communicate with IR in addition to verbal and hand signals.
It is very good equipment. It is just very expensive and the odds the fight will involve its need are low. These odds go lower when we’re talking modern urban and suburban spaces with functioning power.
Probabilities
We are talking stacking orders of magnitude on the long odds of needing your gear like this in comparison with needing your concealed pistol. Real talk. Today’s “Day of Jihad” is the diluted fear mongering of a death cultist to hopefully someone crazy enough to join the ride, not a serious call to sleepers worldwide.
But we’ve seen the very real need twice now in two years in other modernized nations, and we would be fools not to take it seriously here too. To smugly claim, “Yeah, but this is the United States.” like some manner of magic warding phrase that makes everyone here think rationally at all times and keeps us immune from assaults is asinine. To claim that the massive population and socioeconomic realities here could not produce a flare up, either domestic or from a foreign aggressor, again is naïve.
We should be ready for the day without hastening it. Plan accordingly.
The Colt 607 – The Great Grandfather of the M4 Carbine
You can follow weapons development pretty steadily by the size of rifles and edged weapons. As technology improves and war changes, both rifles and edged weapons get much smaller. Carbines currently rule the roost of rifles, and one of the longest-serving is the M4 carbine. That carbine can trace its roots back to a rifle known as the Colt 607. The Colt 607 is one of the more important rifles ever created because of the M4
The M4 Carbine is often considered the pinnacle of the AR design. It’s the Goldilocks rifle for many military forces. Most civilian AR15s use the M4 as its footprint, more or less, with a slightly longer barrel to reach the necessary 16 inches to avoid being an SBR. The M4 armed the Marine Corps and Army for the entire GWOT and even became the main rifle of each force. While the M27 has replaced the M4 with the Marine Corps and will seemingly be replaced by the M5 with the Army, it will stick around for generations.
All that originates with the Colt 607 rifle.
What’s the Colt 607?
It all started in 1959. Vietnam was a French problem, and the M16 hadn’t been adopted just yet. The M14 was still rearing its ugly head. Colt had acquired the AR from Armalite and was producing an entire family of weapons known as the CAR-15 series. Colt was producing rifles, light machine guns, and even what they described as a submachine gun.
While we might define a submachine gun as a pistol caliber shoulder-fired selective fire weapon, they were a little loosey-goosey with the term back in the day. They called it the Colt Tanker Model. This was the first AR variant with a retractable stock, and it had an overall length of only 26 inches. This laid the groundwork for the Colt 607. The retractable stock was not what you expected. It looked like a standard fixed stock but had two rods and two positions to change the length of pull.
The barrel was only 10 inches long with a 3.5-inch moderator and lacked a bayonet lug. They classified it as an SMG. These were never standard production items, and only about 50 were ever made as the Tanker Model. Until Vietnam, the Colt SMG went nowhere.
Into Vietnam
Colt had heard from soldiers in Vietnam, namely special operations teams, regarding using the M16 in jungle warfare. The big rifle had a 20-inch barrel and, when fitted with a suppressor, was a bit long in tight jungles. Colt wanted to trim some length, and they first did this with the Colt 605. The Colt 605 cut the barrel off at the front sight base and called it a carbine. This became known as the Dissipator after Bushmaster more or less copied it.
The rifle-length gas system was great, but the gun didn’t have enough dwell time, and the rifle was never superbly reliable. Most of the Colt SMGs were sent to Vietnam with SEAL teams and Green Berets. With their success, Colt made the easy decision to standardize the design and began producing the first models of the Colt 607. Military adoption was fairly limited, and the gun received a rather odd designation as the G-5857 carbine.
These rifles followed the Colt Tanker design but came in both slab side and forward assist variations. The trigger group featured either the A or B configurations with Auto or Burst as the third setting varying. The guns were seen with 3.5 and 4-inch moderators as well as three-prong flash hiders. SEALs seemed to be the primary users of this platform. It was short-lived as criticisms of the platform came to light.
Beyond the 607
The 607 made huge gains in the world of forming a carbine-style rifle of the M16. However, the design had significant shortcomings. The stock was too complicated, and it was also unreliable. The handguards were fragile. The gun also had a ton of muzzle blast, which is why moderators had begun to be used. To rectify this, Colt developed the Commando or the XM177.
This rifle featured a 10 or 11.5-inch barrel. E1 models used the 10-inch barrel, and E2 models used the 11.5-inch barrel. The rifles used 4.25-inch moderators to control muzzle blast as well as tame sound. Moderators also increased back pressure, which helped deal with dwell time issues. They didn’t work as well as suppressors, but the ATF does consider them suppressors.
The handguards were the round design we are all used to these days. The guns also featured a simpler telescoping stock that certainly has the M4 look we are used to. The 607 walked so the Commando could jog, and the M4 could run. The 607, aka the Colt SMG, aka the Colt Tanker model, showed just how modular Stoner’s system could be and helped launch one of the most popular carbines ever.
The Maynard Carbine – Ahead of It Time
Weapons development is rarely done in giant leaps and bounds. It’s often slow micro evolutions that slowly integrate features over time. Lots of handguns from the early days of semi-autos weren’t that revolutionary. A Colt M1903 Pocket Hammerless is that much different than a modern handgun. However, the M1903 is the reason the M1911 exists, and the M1911 gave us the Browning short recoil system. The little evolutions are often forgotten about, and if there is a weapon that defines little evolutions, it is the Maynard Carbine.
The Early Origins of the Maynard Carbine
The Maynard Carbine debuted in 1851, but the story really starts six years prior. Edward Maynard was a dentist who served the Washington D.C. area. Specifically, he was rather well known for his work and served some elite clientele and their teeth. Somehow, the man became more well-known for his mechanical engineering prowess.
His most notable invention was the Maynard tape primer. This was a laminated paper roll with dots of mercury fulminate. These generated a spark when struck and could fire weaponry of the era. The idea made it easier to carry primers and supposedly easier to use them. I imagine this being a very intense cap gun strip. The Maynard tape primer did have issues. It didn’t work well in hot or cold environments but was rather successful and novel enough to gain attention.
Six years later, he introduced the First Model Maynard Carbine. As you’d expect, the carbine used the tape primer. In fact, it had a little slot in the side to accommodate a coiled roll of it. This made it easy for the shooter to pull up primer by primer as they fired the rifle. That’s neat, but that was only the start of the little evolutions of the Maynard carbine.
What the Maynard Carbine Did Differently
First, it was a breech-loading weapon, which was fairly new for 1851. Keep in mind this was also well before the popularity of metallic cartridges. The user pressed a lever downward, and the barrel opened, and the barrel closed when the lever was pressed upwards. The rifles came in either .35 or .50 caliber and a rimmed metallic cartridge that held the projectile and powder but left a hole in the rear of the cartridge.
The metallic cartridge could be reloaded, supposedly upwards of 100 times. The stability of the metallic cartridge and the ease of loading and unloading the rifle made it fire much faster than the standard rifle of the era. It could apparently be fired up to 12 times a minute.
This hole allowed the spark from an ignited primer to light the powder and fire the cartridge. First-model guns used the tape primer, and Second-model carbines used standard primers. The First Model guns also came with a patch or butt box built into the stock for storage. Second-model rifles were a bit plainer for military use.
Users could remove the barrel and replace it with a shotgun barrel. The lever-loading barrel made this easier and made the weapon modular at a time when modular didn’t apply much to weapons.
The Civil War
The military was impressed by the Maynard carbine, especially during the Civil War. It offered a faster-firing alternative to the muzzle-loading muskets and rifles of the era. Troops could rapidly engage with the weapons, and the Northern forces issued the lightweight carbine to calvary forces. At a little over six pounds, it was quite light for the era.
The United States issued the second model, but Confederate forces had first-model carbines numbering up to 10,000 or so. Both forces appreciated the weapon’s rate of fire. It was also known for being quite accurate, and soldiers boasted some impressive, effective ranges. The weapons served rather well but were clearly upstaged by the advent of modern metallic cartridges.
During the Civil War, metallic cartridges came to be, and rifles like the Maynard Carbine faded away. It was still a fascinating weapon that was one of the little evolutions in firearms design and development that is often overlooked.
Colt Competition Ready AR
A lot depends on the circumstance when purchasing a used rifle. You must be knowledgeable and understand the specific problems that often occur with a rifle and how to inspect the rifle. Sometimes a good deal is available and other times a money pit. If you are able to find a Colt Competetion Ready rifle I would heartily recommend the purchase. Colt has made many good rifles and has been the major supplier for the armed services. There are other good rifles but Colt remains the standard by which all others are judged. While many were designed for combat a few were designed for competetion. Among the best 3Gun rifles ever built is the Colt Competetion Ready AR 15. The Colt Competition isn’t made in Hartford by Colt but licensed by Colt to Colt Competetion. It is interesting that Colt’s monolithic uppers were made by Adcor and Adcor also offered an excellent AR 15 rifle. It is all in being knowledgeable of the type and its production history. The Colt Competition Ready rifles were a product of Bold Ideas. The company produced excellent rifles but did not survive the ups and downs of the AR market.
The rifles are found with 16-, 18-, or 20-inch match-grade barrels made from 416 stainless steel. Some featured .223 Wylde Match chambers for use with .223 and 5.56mm ammunition. There were various models including higher end guns with a Geissele two stage match trigger, extended tactical charging handle and both two and three port muzzle breaks. The majority feature a Magpul adjustable position stock. My example was known as the Marksman. This is an excellent rifle but is also the entry level Competetion Ready rifle. The trigger action is clean breaking at 5.5 pounds. The internal parts appear to be Teflon coated. My rifle features a four position butt stock. The rifle weighs 7.0 pounds even. Be certain to be knowledgeable concerning the exact model you encounter. The 16 inch barrel of my rifle is accurate and very useful. The longer barrel versions, and some with adjustable gas block, may be even more accurate. The different features don’t make much difference on used guns from what I have seen. Most are priced less than new Colt rifles.
When the Colt Competetion Ready is examined a first impression tells you that the rifle is very nicely fitted. The receivers are tight, very tight, and care had gone into fitting the rifle. The forend is well chosen offering superior gipping ability. The muzzle break seemed effective. While the .223 doesn’t offer much recoil when you are firing rapid fire and running a combat course recovery is more rapid with a good break. I purchased the rifle without optics. I added a Vortex Strikefire II red dot sight. Here is what Vortex has to say about their RDS-
- The new 2019 Strikefire II Red Dot is a rugged, reliable red dot sight that is at home in a variety of applications allowing users to operate between 11 illumination settings.
- With aesthetics and functionality in mind, the power controls are at the rear of the Strikefire for easy access. The Strikefire II Red Dot runs off a CR2 battery and has been updated with improved battery life up to 80, 000 hours at setting 6.
- An offset cantilever mount is provided; allowing you to move the sight forward to be used in conjunction with a magnifier and backup iron sights all on the same rail.
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide a clean and bright, unobscured point of view. Unlimited eye relief allows for rapidtransitions.
- The single-piece chasis is compact and lightweight but still delivers shockproof performance withstanding whatever you may throw at it. Nitrogen purged and o-ring seals ensure fogproof and waterproof performance.
My experience with the Vortex has been good especially considering the price is less than two hundred dollars at Cheaperthandirt.com. I began sighting the rifle in in the usual manner at 25 yards, then 50, and finally 100 yards. It was a leisurely stroll as there have been no failures to feed chamber fire or eject in firing more than 600 cartridges to date. Bullet weight ranged from 36 to 77 grains. As may be expected the light bullet isn’t as accurate in my rifle while function isn’t as positive these loads never tied up. Firing off hand the rifle performed like most other very good AR rifles. Rapid engagement of man sized targets and steel gongs was a joy as the rifle has high hit probability. Most of the loads expended have been 55 grain FMJ ammunition, Black Hills, Federal American Eagle, and Winchester white box. The rifle has performed well. I also settled down for accuracy testing at 100 yards. Cranking the red dot down to its smallest setting I fired several three shot groups with two of the most accurate .223 loads available. The Black Hills Ammunition 69 grain Tipped Match King and the 77 grain Tipped Match King. I have long regarded the 69 grain loading as an excellent all around choice for .223 use. Each load was very accurate trading back and forth for accuracy with most group in the .9 to 1.3 inch range. Not long after that range session I borrowed a Tru Glo Eminus from the Adcor rifle for further testing. I was able to successfully engage man sized targets well past 200 yards with this combination. Colt’s Competetion Ready rifle gets a clean bill of health. If all are this good the type is well worth the time and effort to find a good example.
5.11 Tactical Introduces PrimaLoft Apparel Line
5.11 Tactical Introduces Technical Apparel Utilizing PrimaLoft Insulation
COSTA MESA, Calif. (Oct, 2023) – 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of Purpose-Built Gear™, today introduced its latest line of technical apparel featuring PrimaLoft® Insulation. This collaboration with PrimaLoft, a world-renowned brand known for its high-performance insulation, brings together two leading pioneers in the apparel industry to create unparalleled protection and comfort.
“We are excited to expand the collaboration between our two great brands and to offer our customers a larger selection of products that live up to our Purpose-Built Gear™ motto for this fall and winter,” said 5.11’s CEO, Francisco J. Morales. “By combining our expertise in creating durable and reliable apparel with PrimaLoft’s innovative insulations, we’re able to offer our customers unparalleled performance that will help them to live the Always Be Ready® lifestyle.”
The Adventure PrimaLoft Insulated Jacket ($130) and Starling PrimaLoft Insulated Jacket ($130) are packable and weather-resistant outer shells that provide the warmth of 80 grams of PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation in the body and 60 grams in the sleeves and hood. They’re built to last using a 100% polyester plain weave face fabric with a DWR finish and a 100% nylon ripstop lining. Protection, comfort and a secure fit are ensured by an elastic opening on the hood, a chin guard on the front zipper, an adjustable hem with an internal shock cord, and stretch gussets at the sleeve openings. Additionally, reflective heat transfers keep users visible in lowlight conditions.
For those who favor vests, the Adventure PrimaLoft Insulated Vest ($98) and Starling PrimaLoft Insulated Vest ($98) are outstanding choices. The weather-resistant outer shells, backed by the warmth of 80 grams PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation, are perfect for cold-weather outings. A chin guard on the front zipper adds to the comfort while the adjustable hem with an internal shock cord ensures they stay in place. Zipper pockets and an internal dump pocket safely secure keys, a phone or other essentials, and reflective heat transfers keep users visible in lowlight conditions. Both items also stow inside a packable stuff sack, making them ideal for travel.
A stylish and versatile option can be found with the Dylan Reversible PrimaLoft Shirt Jacket ($155). This adaptable piece offers quilted comfort and the warmth of 100 grams of PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation in addition to adjustable snap-sleeve cuffs and a fold-down collar with a collar stand to protect against cold breezes. Made to be durable, both inside and out, the outer shell is constructed from 100% Nylon while the lining is made from 100% plain weave polyester. Both sides of this reversible and stylish piece feature a DWR coating that defies precipitation. Hand and chest pockets on the outer side and hand drop pockets on the inner side are secured with snap closures to keep belongings safe.
Created to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, these new items team PrimaLoft® Insulation with 5.11 textiles and designs to provide exceptional warmth and protection, even in the harshest conditions.
For more information about 5.11 Tactical and its product offering, or to find a 5.11 Tactical store near you, visit www.511tactical.com.
# # #
About 5.11, Inc.
With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create Purpose-Built Gear™ to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who live the Always Be Ready® lifestyle. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.
Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical
5.11, Inc. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).
5.11, 5.11 Tactical, Always Be Ready, and Purpose-Built Gear™ are trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.
About PrimaLoft PrimaLoft, Inc. is an advanced material technology company based in Latham, New York, with offices in Xiamen, China. PrimaLoft is the world leader in the research and development of high-performance material solutions, specializing in insulations and fabrics. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the U.S. Army as a water-resistant, synthetic alternative to down. Since 1983, a heritage of proven & tested technologies has built trust across the textile industry, with more than 950 global brands using PrimaLoft products in outdoor, fashion, home furnishings, work wear, hunting and military applications. Today, the brand is recognized as a benchmark for providing unsurpassed comfort in any condition, while lessening its impact on the environment. PrimaLoft, Inc. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).
SFP Optics, its probably what you need
On first glance at first and second focal plane optics, the first focal plane seems like a no-brainer. The reticles have more data, more detail, and scale with the target image so that the data on the target is always appropriately sized. Solid state reticles in both scopes mean that you really don’t need any illumination to aim anyway under most conditions. It can certainly help to keep the eye focused on the center but it isn’t a necessity in any measure.
But you probably need a second focal plane optic.
A few weeks back, Jack and I discussed how the LPVO and the red dot have softly switched positions in mainstream carbine use. The LPCO is now, arguably, the standard to meet for an optic suite. Both US ground services are fielding them, several models, for good reasons.
To expand further on this topic in text form, I believe the SFP 1-6 is the current general purpose optic standard to look to.
Why you might need the SFP
The last ‘ gold standard’ optic, in an anything but standardized market, is arguably the Aimpoint PRO and/or EOTech EXPS2. Throw on the optional magnifiers and you have a highly capable carbine. Not going to the absolute top of the optics tier with dots allows for some significant cost savings with very little decrease in performance. By not going with an EXPS3 model or a CompM4/5 the user can save without sacrifice.
The same is true of LPVOs and you can access military grade models for nearly the same spend as a dot and magnifier.
The rise in LPVO quality and the decreasing costs mean that the same roughly $1100-$1300 (current market estimates) spend that get you the 1x/3x red dot can put you into an excellent quality second focal plane optic.
Most users, LEO, civilian, and military alike, are served by the matching and exceeding of what the red dot or fixed power ACOG gave them. The SFP LPVOs like the Tango6T, VUDU, and Razor II-E combine the bright aiming dot with greater variable magnification for enhanced sight picture and target ID.
“But, Keith…” you say smugly, pointing at the US DoD optics, “the Army and Marines have selected front focal plane optics.”
Correct.
I know why, too. For them it makes sense. They have specific weapons and ammunition for which front focal plane reticles can be matched. Several SFP models are in inventories too with high performance units.
But most users, not law enforcement, not civilians, and not military personnel using anything outside the normal inventory of rifle and ammo combined (IE: personal weapons on personal time) benefit less from a BDC equipped FFP optics. My M855A1 BDC doesn’t do me much if I’m shooting M193 out of a different barrel length or twist. I have to reshoot and dope the scope to use the scale with my ammo. New ammo, reshoot.
But most shooting, personal and professional, doesn’t require that. Most shooting is inside 300 yards, it doesn’t require much in the way of offset precision holds to make good hits.
So what you need is an aiming point and the assist that zoom provides, a bright aiming point is a bonus. Scope like the S-VPS above offer that. They can operate quick and close and still make shots at 300, 400, 500, even 600 yards with just a little bit of knowledge of ranging and hold over.
In my experience teaching, that natural tendency to holdover at distance and a reasonable ability to estimate range are fairly simple. Additionally in my experience, shooters will use maximum magnification on the optic at distances so adding a very simple hold over estimate for ranges doesn’t overcomplicate a reticle and won’t disrupt the simplicity of its main role. That role being to give an enhanced detail sight picture but not complicate the sight.
The Staccato-P
The Staccato-P 2011 pistol is Staccato’s flagship duty-sized gun, and the company sells this handgun with either a steel frame or an anodized aluminum frame. Ceteris paribus, they retail for the same amount and the actual difference in weight is only five ounces between them. On the one hand, five ounces is five ounces, but on the other hand this is still a chunky duty size gun. And don’t forget to consider the extra weight of the dot and a light either. To be clear, the one I got my hands on is the aluminum version with the five-inch threaded barrel with a black DLC finish (10-1201-000300). This gun is mounted with a Holosun 507C. While shooting it for the review, I attached my Surefire X-300U-B WML so I could take full advantage of my Floodlight’s universal capabilities. Fortunately, shooting this gun coincided with USPSA’s introduction of the limited-optics division, because literally the first thing I did after confirming the zero on the dot was to take it to a match and shoot limited-optics. After all, this is a gun marketed as a tactical high-performance pistol, so what better way than to review it by pushing as hard as I can?
I’d like to make a point by first referencing a famous Mexican proverb.
“El Que Es Perico, Donde Sea Es Verde.”
It originally means that parrots are green no matter which jungle they live in. Proverbially it means that someone who is talented can thrive anywhere. The Staccato P-Aluminum is no exception. Staccato was once known as STI (Strayer-Tripp International), who invented these high-capacity 1911s in the first place. After its current re-organization, the company also pared down its product line. Their current offerings are optimized and tuned their to be suitable for the street, as raceguns are not. So sure, this Staccato-P was built for the streets but it fell right-in at USPSA. As a left-handed shooter, I like that all Staccatos are outfitted with ambi safeties from the factory.
SHOOTING THE STACCATO-P
Since receiving the gun, I’ve taken it to at least three matches where I probably fired around 450 rounds, plus another 120 or so at an indoor range. My estimated round count sits around the 550 mark, with approximately 80% of these being my handloads and 20% being factory 9mm loads. But this review isn’t supposed to be a dull range report of round counts. It’s not a secret that as far as 2011s go, Staccatos generally have a good reputation for reliability. The third generation (G3) magazines make them even better.
The Staccato-P is extremely easy and accurate to shoot, and I think this is a huge factor in why they are extremely popular and sell very well. I mean, who doesn’t want a pistol that amplifies their skill? There’s a reason why even single-stack 1911s are still around after a century, and it’s not merely the matter of “two world warz!” I’ve shot some of the easiest 25-yard NRA-B8 targets in my life with this specific pistol, and this easy accuracy proved itself very useful in the classifier of the last match I shot. Ditto for longer distance shots across stages at “challenging targets” like tuxedos and the like. It’s always challenging to articulate felt recoil, but this is a full-size 9mm pistol, so there’s really nothing to worry about.
A “non-issue” I had with this pistol is how it’s tuned at the factory. The rate at which the slide reciprocates back and forth during firing by default doesn’t feel the way I like it. It actually feels a little bit slow to me. I’d wager that most people wouldn’t notice this nor even care. And for those who would, it’s likely no big deal because the chances are they were planning on tuning with their favorite loads. I say non-issue because it actually doesn’t matter and it’s not a real criticism because it would be like judging a truck because the driver’s seat wasn’t adjusted to your own body. At the end of the day, the slow slide never got in my way.
However, something to keep in mind is the size of the grip. The Staccato-P’s grip is rather chunky and shooters with smaller hands need to see if the pistol fits them properly in order to wring the most performance from it.Trying to use any pistol with an ill-fitting grip is like trying to run a mile with shoes two sizes below.
Classically built 2011 pistols, such as this one, were designed around a very wide double-stack magazine built for the competitive .38 Super cartridge. Even though the gun is chambered for 9mm, a lot of the internal dimensions exist with .38 Super blueprints. As a result, 2011s have some of the largest and widest pistol grips in the modern handgun world. Staccato-P owners who plan to conceal carry their pistols also need to be aware and make sure that this oversize grip does not cause printing issues.
STACCATO-P DETAILS
The Staccato-P makes use of a wedge-lock arrangement in lieu of the classic barrel-bushing set-up, this is common for many bull-barreled 2011 pistols. Instead of the traditional guide-rod and recoil spring, it has the nifty Dawson Precision Tool-Less Recoil system. The slide stop is removed the classic way, by lining it up with the take-down notch. Once the slide is off, the Dawson self-captures the recoil spring by a clever hinge that catches the other half along with the spring under tension. It’s no different than taking out a captured recoil spring from a Glock, in this sense. Since this barrel extends a half-inch further because it’s threaded, it includes an O-ring to detain the muzzle cap. This works very well and the cap never came loose. This barrel is finished with a black DLC finish (and this costs a few hundred extra over the normal Staccato-P). This specific pistol also came with Staccato’s factory optics cut, the DPO (Dawson Precision Optic). The system and its plates are designed to co-witness properly with the most popular reflex sights on the market. Even as plain iron sights, these are nice. The rear sight has a wide square notch and serrated face. The front sight has a wide, but not too wide fiber-optic insert. As all-around iron sights are concerned, these are fantastic.
Both the slide and frame are fit exquisitely with no real rattle to report. The way the safeties engage is very crisp and positive even after multiple on/off cycles. The barrel lug engagement with the slide recesses feels very good when you gently ease the slide forward. Staccato pistols are known for their reliability, correct dimensioning of their parts and their build quality. Joe Chambers of Chambers Customs has an informative video series where he measures and discusses the critical dimensions of both single and double-stack pistols. Mr. Chambers has looked over a handful of Staccatos and their numbers are consistent across the board. It’s important to keep in mind that any 2011 pistol is still a 1911 at heart. This means that is mechanics reward the shooter with superior shooting ability and accuracy, but there is no such thing as a free lunch. When the time comes, this gun will still be more critical to maintain and keep an eye on compared to your typical striker-fired polymer pistol. It’s a trade-off many serious shooters willingly make.
TAKEAWAY
2011 pistols have a lot to offer shooters in terms of performance. Their biggest downsides are going to be their grip-size and their cost. Keep in mind that magazines cost more and need more maintenance as well. The median price for the typical 2011 pistol these days hovers around the $5,000 mark and its not unreasonable for some custom builds to cost twice that. While Staccato-P pistols are production guns, they also aren’t cheap by any means. The specific model I reviewed retails for $2,800. But in the world of “serious” double-stack guns, the Staccato-P is actually the value proposition.
The FRT Ban joins the Brace Ban in Legal Semi-Stasis
US judge limits enforcement of forced reset trigger ban
The headline at Reuters tells the tale pretty well. The ATF’s classification of Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) has been put on hold as, once again, the courts are enforcing the fact that words mean things and ‘Machine Gun’ is clearly defined.
Like the stay on the Brace ban, the block on enforcement is limited to plaintiffs and associated members and customers. So it isn’t necessarily everyone who owns an FRT is in the clear but good luck to the ATF getting only non-member and non-customer triggers.
The ATF used a broad interpretation of their mandates and DoJ urging to try and take guns and triggers that are not machine guns off the market for being to like machine guns in final function. IE: They allow the owner to shoot fast with a mechanical advantage. They are not automatic though, they use distinct and separate trigger movements to fire each shot.
The court is saying that you cannot just declare something close enough to a machine gun, which follows in the logic of the bump stock ban falling to the court system too. These suits are in process and don’t expect the products back commercial any time soon, but it is nice when the courts read plain english and agree with it.
It they want to ban FRTs, binary triggers, or anything at all, it is the job of Congress to pass a law, the President to sign it, and the court to determine if it passes constitutional muster. It is that last bit that so many gun control laws on the book are failing to meet.