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PSA Shelves the STG 44

If you follow Palmetto State Armory on Instagram, you might have already heard the news. Or maybe you can read and clicked on this article due to the headline. Either way, PSA has shelved the STG 44. They didn’t go as far as to say they’re killing it completely, but it’s shelved so they can focus on other designs. They are adapting the Rock into an MP7 clone, have the H&R Retro line, and what could possibly be the best blend of Mossberg and Remington in their new shotgun lineup. 

Palmetto State Armory released the video on the 15th. They went over their high hopes for the gun, but realized there were more issues than anticipated. Throughout the troubleshooting process, they ran into more and more problems and realized it was too far for prime time. At the tail end of the video, they talked about their need to focus on projects they haven’t released, so they went out on a high note. 

PSA announced the new STG 44 at SHOT Show 2023. They were taking up a project by a small company called Hill & Mac Gunworks. People were psyched. They wanted to fulfill the dream of an STG 44 with a proper 7.92x33mm variant and even offered different variants, like a potential 7.62×39 and 5.56 model. They seemed optimistic, and it was the talk of the show. While PSA took up the project, it predates 2023. In fact, it goes back to 2016. 

The STG 44, Hill and Mac, and 2016 

The STG 44 from Hill and Mac Gunworks in 2016. Do you remember what else happened in 2016? The timelines split when they killed Harambe. We just happen to be in the timeline where the Hill and Mac STG 44 never came to life. I’ve only ever preordered one thing in the gun world, and I was left disappointed. 

There are two rules one should follow in this world.

  • Never purchase things from Youtubers. (I’m still salty about my Heat Vest from Forgotten Weapons.) 
  • Never Preorder guns. 

It’s a tale as old as time or as old as the modern gun industry, at the very least. A company comes to SHOT or a similar trade show, makes a slick YouTube video and website, and starts taking preorders. You’ll be getting your gun in the next year, we promise; just give us a boatload of money, and you’ll reserve yours. 

Hill & Mac Gunworks did just that. They showed the STG 44 at SHOT 2016 with a promise to release the guns as late as 2017. Then 2017 turned into 2018, and in 2018, they posted an update that they hoped to ship by March 2019. In December of 2018, they moved from hope to you will definitely have your gun in December 2019. 

Then crickets, and we know this because the flex groups would be full of STG 44s, and the sh!@ posting groups would have STGs covered in rails and spray painted. March came, and they posted they had quality control issues. In June, the last update stated they were waiting for parts to be tested. 

The Challenges of Making a New STG 44 

Admittedly, it seems quite challenging to reproduce an STG 44. From what I’ve read, there is no true technical data package for the STG 44. It seems to have been lost or destroyed during the war. They don’t have much to work off of, and even if they did, they’d have to ensure it couldn’t be converted to a machine gun, so changes would have to be made. 

It’s worth noting the Germans never really mastered the weapon’s production either. The gun was found to be reliable but incapable of withstanding sustained automatic fire. The magazines were supposedly unreliable and troops were ordered to load them to only 25 rounds. In fact, in 1945, magazines were issued with a plug to prevent them from being loaded to 30 rounds. 

The STG 44 was never a ‘good’ gun. It’s mid at best. It’s only notable for being the first mass-produced assault rifle. There is a good reason why no military adopted the STG 44 or attempted to replicate it afterward. Even someone with PSA’s resources is challenged by developing this rifle

The Preorder Conundrum 

It’s sad to see PSA shelving the project. I probably wasn’t going to buy one, but I like the idea of repro milsurp existing, especially when it comes to guns we don’t have an opportunity to own. It’s worth noting that PSA never took pre-orders; it was just Hill and Mac, and PSA was even going to honor the pre-order pricing from Hill and Mac. 

It’s sad to see, but I don’t think we can be all that surprised. 

Five Survival Myths – Following these could get you hurt or worse

tampon

One of the biggest drawbacks of social media is the proliferation of survival myths. These are often, though not always, spread via memes. At a glance, some of them sort of make sense, so people don’t hesitate to share them. It’s when you give them more than three seconds of thought that they start to fall apart. This is the first of several upcoming posts about various survival myths.

Survival Myth #1 – Tampons for Wound Care

This is a popular one, and it’s been floating around for quite a while. The recommendation is to stock your first aid kit with tampons to be used to “plug holes” like gunshot wounds. Countless medical professionals, from EMTs to Emergency Room physicians, have debunked this myth.

Despite what you may have heard or read, a tampon isn’t going to do anything particularly beneficial in treating traumatic injuries. It isn’t going to provide nearly enough pressure against a bleeding wound to keep that red stuff inside where it belongs. If you’re putting together a trauma kit, it makes far more sense to stock it with products that will actually help.

Survival Myth #2 – Wasp Spray for Self-Defense

I believe this one started making the rounds back when faxing jokes was still a thing. The common refrain is that wasp spray will blind an attacker, and you can easily carry it in places, such as schools, that might forbid defense products like pepper spray. There are a few things wrong with this premise.

Wasp spray doesn’t work on people the way it works on insects. While an argument could be made that any substance sprayed into a person’s eyes can be distracting and momentarily debilitating, pepper spray is far preferable. It instantly inflames the mucous membranes, causing them to swell and making it difficult to breathe. It also causes their eyes to tear profusely, affecting their sight.

Wasp spray does exactly none of that. Not to mention that cans of wasp spray are far larger than pepper spray and thus are more difficult to conceal.

Survival Myth #3 – Suck the Venom from a Snakebite

The traditional snakebite kit includes a razor blade and a suction cup or extraction tool of some sort. If a venomous snake bites someone, the instructions state to use the razor to cut open the bite, then use the suction cup to suck out the venom.

That might work if the venom were contained in some sort of bubble under the skin’s surface. However, the reality is that this would be like using a suction cup to remove fluid from a soaking wet sponge. All you’re going to accomplish is make the wound larger and increase the potential for infection.

While we’re at it, don’t apply a tourniquet to a bitten limb. That also causes far more harm than good. Keep the wound at heart level, if possible, and get to a hospital.

Survival Myth #4 – Crayons As Emergency Candles

This one started popping up several years ago.

Here’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is knowing that candles are made of wax and thus will burn. Wisdom is understanding that crayons make terrible candles.

Prepping is investing in flashlights, lanterns, oil lamps, SnapLights, and actual candles so that you don’t need to burn your kid’s Crayolas.

Survival Myth #5 – Moss on the North Side of Trees

This one has been around seemingly forever. The logic behind this is that moss prefers dark conditions, so in the Northern Hemisphere, it will favor the shade of the north side of trees. That’s not entirely inaccurate. However, given the right conditions, moss can and will completely encircle a tree.

A far better approach is to learn how to use a compass and keep one with you every time you hit the trail. If you’re visiting a park area, snap a photo of the trail map before you head out if you don’t have a paper map in your pocket.

The SIG XM7 Hits The Big Army

The Next Generation Squad Weapon System has been settled, and it’s been settled surprisingly quickly. The SIG XM7 rifle is already in the hands of soldiers who are putting it through its paces. This includes the 101st Airborne Division, the 50th Cavalry Regiment, and the West Virginia Army Guard. How is the rifle doing? Well, it depends on who you ask. 

The Official Reports on the SIG XM7

According to the Army, it’s doing great! Soldiers are impressed by the rifle’s design, its ability to punch through armor, and its accuracy. The Army’s own website, Stars and Stripes, and more are all talking about how much soldiers love the rifle. It seems to be extremely successful, and testing is going great. 

Lots of folks saw the point of the XM7 to be a bit silly. It seemed like a step back from the M4 to another M14-type battle rifle. The purpose of the weapon is to punch through level 4 plates. Reportedly, China is equipping its military force with modern body armor. That’s a claim the Russians made, but as we’ve seen in the Ukraine, the Ratnik armor has barely reached any of the soldiers at the front. 

The XM7 fires an ultra-modern round at 80,000 PSI, which is insane. It promises to punch through recoil, offer a higher maximum range, and be quite accurate. The cost of this system is weight, ammo capacity, and a reduced combat load. A writer from Forbes was invited to shoot the gun and seemed to remark on its stiff recoil, giving one of the few mainstream criticisms of the platform. 

However, not all criticism makes the front page of Stars and Stripes. 

The Underground

The military doesn’t like to publish the negative aspects of a test. Too much ego and too many careers are on the line. If Congress hears how much money the Army spent on a system that doesn’t work as well, then they might be standing in front of Congress in their dress uniforms answering questions. 

A long time ago, Trijicon and the Marine Corps came together to create the MDO, or machine gun day optic. Imagine an ACOG that weighs three pounds. They wanted to slap these on every M240 across the fleet. My unit was the first to get hands-on with some at a range day. We shot with them and were interviewed about them. Most of us disliked them. The reticle was complicated. The magnification was a fixed 6X, and the eye relief was atrocious, and it weighed three pounds! 

There were more problems, but oddly enough, the articles and news pieces put out by the Marine Corps didn’t mention that. They touted it as the best thing since sliced bread and made us all sound like we loved it. The MDO stayed in the gun bag for the rest of my enlistment. So, how do soldiers actually feel about the gun? 

The Reddit Posts About the XM7

It’s tough to say. We have some posts on Reddit. One poster, who must be fairly high-ranked because he is 50 years old, had three days with the rifle. He complained about its CQB performance, the suppressors being more of an advanced flash hider, the recoil, the folding buttstock, the left-side charging handle, and how hard it was to clean. This particular soldier didn’t have the super fancy Vortex optic but a SIG Tango6 LPVO. 

It’s worth noting that while he noted problems with the gun, he didn’t seem overly critical of the weapon. His post was very detailed and insightful and worth reading for a balanced view of the rifle in the field. Just search the R/army subreddit for XM7, and it’ll pop up. 

Another soldier, who claims he was quoted by several publications, claims they all left out his ten minutes of criticisms of the platform. He claims the gun had several reliability issues, mostly issues revolving around failures to extract and eject. The cases were also breaking when fired. He also claims the rails were not properly aligned. 

His opinion on the fancy optic wasn’t high either. The ocular focus and diopter adjust rings moved by themselves. The optic isn’t bright enough, and one did the ‘red screen of death’ and another stopped working entirely. That coincides with an Army sniper section posting about their optic getting the red screen of death as well. 

Still In Testing 

I don’t want to hasten a mob of hate for the XM7. The X stands for experimental, and the rifle is still in an experimental phase. This phase is where we find and correct issues, and there are bound to be issues. It remains to be seen if this is M14 part 2 electric boogaloo. I’m not sold on the concept as a main infantry arm for every soldier. It seems like a great designated marksmen’s rifle. 

I’m also happy to be wrong about that, and I have only ever shot a .308 Spear and have never handled a 6.8 XM7, so my own knowledge is very limited. Time will tell what happens next and if the XM7 will become the m7 and live up to the Army’s claims about the rifle and its performance. 

Plasma Lighters for Survival!

The UCO Arc Lighter & LED Flashlight (right) and SOL Dual Arc Plasma Lighter are versatile plasma lighters for survival!

Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL) offers innovative survival and medical kits, emergency shelters, fire kits, and signaling devices synonymous with adventure. And now, they make plasma lighters for survival!

Lighters for Survival

Dual Arc Plasma Lighter

Meet the Dual Arc Plasma Lighter: your durable, eco-friendly fire starter. It’s windproof, waterproof, and recharges via USB, making it a reliable companion for any adventure. With a weight of under 2 ounces and the ability to light over 100 fires per single charge, it’s an essential tool for survival. Charge it quickly in just 2 hours. Use it to easily ignite anything from campfires to grills with a simple button press. Plus, its compact design ensures it’s a breeze to carry wherever you go.

The SOL Dual Arc Plasma Lighter is your go-to gadget when you’re out in the wilderness and need to start a fire quickly. This lighter is ready for action sooner than expected after surpassing its advertised charging speed. In my field tests, I used it to ignite various natural tinders, such as poplar bark and shavings from poplar wood. I experimented with finely processed poplar bark and some thick strips, creating a dense mound of coarse shavings and delicate feather sticks from a poplar branch.

The Dual Arc Plasma Lighter ignited thicker wood shavings after a rainy day.

The lighter’s performance was impressive across all materials. The dual arc contact point quickly lit the fine feather sticks, shavings, and both types of bark. It even managed to ignite the more challenging blunt birch bark corners and the denser poplar bark strips. The SOL Dual Arc Plasma Lighter is a reliable and powerful tool for igniting fires with various materials.

MSRP: $22.99

The SOL Fire Lite Fuel Free Lighter easily ignited thin and thicker wood shavings within 1 second and direct contact.

UCO ARC LIGHTER & LED FLASHLIGHT

UCO Gear has been part of the outdoors, camping, and recreational gear for decades. From survival to cooking gear, UCO wears many masks. 

The UCO Arc Lighter & LED Flashlight is a versatile tool that combines a powerful electric arc lighter with a bright LED flashlight. It’s designed to provide reliable ignition in windy or wet conditions, making it perfect for outdoor lovers, campers, and survivalists. The built-in rechargeable battery ensures long-term use, and the compact design makes it easy to carry and use whenever needed.

Upon initial inspection, this innovative device impresses as a sleek, rechargeable LED flashlight delivering intense brightness. A secure, spring-activated bezel twist reveals an integrated dual-arc plasma lighter.

Combining two devices in one, the Arc Lighter & Flashlight boasts a 100-lumen beam with high, low, and emergency strobe settings. The device is powered by a 340mAh internal lithium-ion battery, which you can recharge via mini-USB. The battery also energizes the dual-arc plasma lighter.

The UCO Arc Lighter & LED Flashlight is a versatile tool that combines a powerful electric arc lighter with a bright LED flashlight.

The Arc Lighter distinguishes itself from conventional lighters by using electricity for ignition, channeling an electric current across electrodes at its tip to produce a 1400-degree flameless heat, assuring reliable, wind-resistant lighting.

A single power button smoothly operates both the flashlight and plasma lighter. The flashlight mode allows scrolling through high, low, and strobe settings, while the lighter mode is triggered by holding down the button. The Arc’s design includes a spring-loaded lid for ease of use and a locking bail to prevent accidental opening in transit.

MSRP: $26.99

These plasma lighters for survival are worth looking at!

For more information, check out UCO Gear & SOL.

Hi-Point Firearms Introduces the 995P, 1095P and 4595P Pistols

Hi-Point Firearms just added three new pistols to its lineup: the 995P, 4595P, and 1095P. The new pistols are essentially chopped versions of their popular carbines. Let’s take a look at the details of each one.

The 995P, 4595P, and 1095P

The new 995P, 4595P, and 1095P sit in between the traditional Hi-Point pistol line and their carbine line. They’re essentially shorter barrel carbines without a butt stock. This gives shooters more barrel for increased velocities, accuracy, and a longer sighting plane. The rear of the pistols are fitted with a rear Picatinny rail for adding a brace as well. If you remove the rear rail you can also add a standard AR receiver extension for mounting a brace.

All three pistols feature a HiViz fiber optic front sight, and ghost ring aperture rear. They use a manual thumb safety and mag release. The 995P, 4495P, and 1095P are also equipped with a quick disconnect sling capability. Additionally, they have Picatinny rails located at the 12 & 6 o’clock positions and can accommodate a variety of optics. Hi-Point says that numerous packages, including those with Crimson Trace optics, will be available as well.


The 995P

The 995P is the pistol version of Hi-Point’s popular Model 995 Carbine. It’s chambered in 9mm and uses the same 10-round magazine as the carbine and Hi Points pistols. It will also accept the extended Redball 20-round magazine. It has a 13.25-inch threaded barrel, is 20.5 inches in overall length, and weighs 6.5 pounds.

MSRP for the base pistol is $399.00. For a package with two Redball 20-round magazines, the MSRP bumps to $454.00. Lastly, you can get the pistol a Crimson Trace CT red dot sight for an MSRP of $499.00. Availability is listed as January of 2025, so we’ll probably be seeing these at the SHOT Show.

The 4595P

The 4595P is chambered in .45 ACP and is based on the 4595 carbine. It will use Hi Points 9-round, 45 carbine, and pistol mags, or the extended Redball 20-round magazine. It has a 14.25-inch threaded barrel and is 21.875 inches in overall length. Weight on the 4595P is still listed at 6.5 pounds.

It has an MSRP of $461.00 for the base gun, or $516.00 with two 20-round mags. The Crimson Trace option is available with the 4595P for $561.00. Availability on the 4595P is listed as January 2025 as well.

The 1095P

The last pistol mentioned is the 1095P. By nomenclature, this should be a 10mm, based on the Model 1095 carbine. Hi-Point’s media release mentions that it uses the same magazines as the Model 4595 Carbine, as well as the JHP45 pistol, though. I think this is a misprint, though, because it should use the 10-round 1095 10mm mags. They do mention that the Redball extended magazines are not available for the 1095P, which tracks if it does indeed use the 1095 magazines.

Barrel Length and overall length are listed the same as the 4595P at 14.25″ and 21.875″, respectively. Weight, again, is listed at 6.5 pounds.

No MSRP or release date was provided for the 1095P in the press release or on Hi-Point’s website. So, we’ll have to keep an eye out for the 10mm release.

For more information on the new 995P, 4595P, and 1095P or other Hi Point products, check out their website at Hi-PointFirearms.com.

Fire Safety

House fire

Fire safety is—or should be—a big part of your overall preparedness plan. Earlier today, there was a bad fire at an apartment building just outside town. There were at least ten fire departments involved in getting it under control. Nearly 30 people are now homeless as a result of the fire. I’ve not seen any details about injuries as of yet.

It is all too easy for an accidental fire to quickly rage out of control. Therefore, it’s important to take precautions.

Fire Safety at Home

Smoke detectors are critical. There should be at least one on each floor of the home, including the basement. They should be tested at least twice a year. I’d be willing to bet most people know all that already. What many don’t think about, though, is whether they can actually hear those alarms.

Go into your bedroom, close the door, turn on the fan you often use at night, and then have someone test the alarm. Can you hear it? Is it loud enough to wake you up? If not, maybe look at replacing the alarm with one that’s louder.

Every home should have fire extinguishers. The minimum should be one on each level of the home, stationed near the exits so that you can create a safe pathway, should the need arise.

Extinguishers come in different ratings based on the type(s) of fire they’re intended to put out. Look for 2-A: 10-B:C rating for home use. If you need to use an extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS.

P = Pull the pin on the extinguisher.

A = Aim the nozzle.

S = Squeeze the handle.

S = Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire.

Fire Safety at Work

According to OSHA, there are about 16,500 workplace fires each year.

Identify the locations of all fire extinguishers. They should be visually inspected monthly and have a maintenance check annually. Each extinguisher should be tagged and marked with those inspection dates. If the ones you see at work are out of date, speak to Human Resources about getting that handled. While you’re at it, ask them how often the fire sprinkler systems have been tested.

Emergency exits should be clearly marked and kept clear at all times.

In my experience, that’s a frequent struggle in many warehouse environments. People will drop a pallet of merchandise in front of a fire exit, planning to leave it there just for a moment while they attend to something else. But they never seem to make it back to move it again.

Don’t leave heat devices, such as space heaters, unattended. Watch for overloaded outlets and unsafe extension cords.

For both home and workplace fire safety, don’t overlook the importance of evacuation drills. They help develop muscle memory, so there’s less thinking and more doing under stress. Stress to people that closed doors should be felt before being opened. If they’re hot, leave them closed. Jam a towel or jacket under the bottom of the door to limit smoke getting inside. Get near a window so people can see and hear you if you’re unable to get out.

Enemies of Food Storage

Food storage

If you’re going to set aside supplies for the long haul, you need to know the enemies of food storage. Not only that, but you’ll have to account for each of them in your planning. Failing to do so could mean losing at least some of your carefully curated stash. This goes for food you buy at the store as well as food you preserve at home.

Oxygen

This is one of the primary enemies of food storage. Oxygen allows for the growth of bacteria and insects. Oxidation is also a risk. This is when oxygen causes the deterioration of food quality. This deterioration can include changing the flavor of the food as well as losing some nutritional value.

One way to combat this food storage enemy is to use oxygen absorbers. These are small packets, often containing a mixture of iron granules and sodium chloride. They are added to airtight packaging and absorb the oxygen, keeping it from affecting the food.

Moisture

Moisture allows bacteria to grow, making it an enemy of food storage. It can also lead to mold and mildew problems. In some cases, this can even lead to botulism, which is a whole lot of no fun. Moisture can also negatively impact food packaging.

To prevent all of this, store food in as dry of a location as possible. For example, a damp basement isn’t ideal. If you must store food in an area prone to high humidity, adding a dehumidifier to the mix will help. Airtight containers also happen to be waterproof.

Sunlight

Sunlight is a spoiling mechanism. It can cause a number of different chemical reactions in stored food, including oxidation of Vitamin C. Always use a packaging material that is opaque and store food away from windows.

Temperature

Temperature is an enemy of food storage in a couple of ways. Rapid fluctuations in temperature can cause moisture to condense from the air inside the packages. As we’ve already discussed, moisture is not a good thing when it comes to long-term food storage. Many foods, such as canned goods, don’t benefit from freezing, so you need to prevent that from happening. At the same time, high temperatures can speed deterioration. Shoot for a steady temperature below 60F but not below freezing.

Pests

Mice, rats, and bugs are the bane of any prepper. Any of them can quickly destroy large quantities of food, making a mess and costing you a ton of money in replacement costs. Keep your food storage area as clean as possible, as this will help prevent temptation for critters. Strong, durable containers are also recommended.

Setting out traps as a precaution isn’t a bad idea. Personally, I avoid sticky traps and just use the traditional mousetraps. They’re effective and largely humane. The previously mentioned oxygen absorbers will go a long way toward reducing the risk of bug infestations.

Complacency

“Store it and forget it” is a poor approach to food storage. One of the slogans, for lack of a better term, of preppers is “store what you eat, eat what you store.” The idea is that you should have a regular rotation of your supplies, where you’re continually consuming the oldest items and replacing them with new.

Even items that you buy specifically for long-term storage, such as freeze-dried meals and such, should be inspected regularly for deteriorated packaging and other damage.

Keep all of these enemies of food storage in mind as you assemble and maintain your emergency pantry.

Training With Greybeard Actual

Training with Greybeard Actual 2Day Pistol Skill Development

I had the privilege of spending some time training with Matthew Little, aka Greybeard Actual, in his two-day Pistol Skill Development course held at RDI in Pleasanton, Texas, just south of San Antonio. 

Author’s Note: This is the same venue where I took my previous training class with Green Ops and their 1-Day Kalashnikov course. It appears RDI is becoming one of the most happening ranges in the area). The Ranch in Dilley, TX, would be the other venue in the San Antonio area.  

GreyBeard Actual Pistol Skill Development 2-Day Course Overview 

Little’s Pistol Skill Development course is an intensive two-day handgun course built around the spectrum of practical shooting skills and movement. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to train with different instructors. Thus far, Pistol Skill Development has been one of the most unique 2-day handgun classes I’ve ever taken due to Little’s philosophy, experience, and outlook on shooting.

While students will get plenty of action (and wisdom) on both days, Day 1 has a higher round count than Day 2. Day 1 involves more shooting exercises and drills, while Day 2 is focused predominantly on shooting-and-moving with a handgun. The class also navigates a few mini-USPSA-style stages.

Greybeard Actual Pistol Skill Development
A student moving around barrels to take a shot at an IPSC steel plate with his pistol during Greybeard Actual’s Pistol Skill Development

This course best suits people looking to improve their comprehensive handgun shooting skills. I wouldn’t categorize it as an ‘advanced course’ in the traditional sense. However, the prospective student should already be comfortable with drawing their handgun confidently from their holster.

Pistol Skill Development is a course centered around shooting skills but not tactics. So, students are welcome to shoot from competition belts, modern tactical battle belts, or even concealment—as long as the holster is safe and dependable. I noticed all three types of holster systems on the firing line during our class weekend. I personally shot from concealment as that’s how I tend to carry.

It’s also true that Pistol Skill Development is heavily influenced by modern action pistol shooting sports, especially regarding much of the movement and many of the drills shot in class. However, Pistol Skills Development is not a competition-specific course. 

Greybeard’s Philosophy And Approach To Pistol Skill Development  

Little’s professional background as a martial artist, competitive shooter, Special Forces soldier [20th SFG (A)], and Chicago SWAT cop is somewhat unique in the training space. Suffice it to say that he possesses a trove of experience in shooting both on his own as a high-level competitor and professionally at either of his martial jobs in Special Forces or the SWAT team.

Because Little participated in all three domains of shooting (competition, military, SWAT) concurrently, his knowledge is cross-pollinated. This allows him to offer unique insights in his classes and material.

This makes Little one of the few people who are objectively qualified to comment, dissect, agree, or disagree on topics ranging from cutting-edge performance pistol techniques to “cliched” institutionally established gun-training kata and tropes.

For example, on Day 2, a student asked about the standard drawing-and-pressing-out technique. Little then answered, “Don’t worry about that [drawing and pressing out]. That’s a commonly taught technique to large groups of people who aren’t going to train on their own anyway; that technique helps them get by and is good enough.”

After hearing that, I pondered how many other things of that nature taught at the institutional level by typical pistol instructors are also commonly accepted, taken for granted, or even passed down to more serious pupils. The insight here is that getting by on institutional knowledge alone isn’t enough for the motivated and self-directed student. 

Greybeard
Proper and efficient movement is crucial.

Skill Building Drills

Another reason to describe Pistol Skill Development as an atypical handgun training class is the curriculum’s approach when conducting actual training or shooting drills throughout the weekend. Greybeard’s Pistol Skill Development course was the first time I ever participated in a shooting class that made use of skill-building drills where students had several chances to take many reps and movements.

This level of involvement made the course feel more like a pre-tournament training camp for a physical sport than the typical weekend pistol class. Even though I can’t yet row 2000 meters in seven minutes on a Concept 2 rower, I’m not exactly out of shape either. There was enough drilling and movement, and this activity managed to make me sweaty and increase my heart rate.

Prospective students will notice this, especially on the second day when class focuses on moving-and-shooting—something that’s underserved in general-purpose pure-shooting skills courses. I’ve noticed that the majority of formal pistol training doesn’t involve much in the way of movement.

I’ll even admit that I hadn’t considered that being able to shoot-and-move efficiently is actually a core skill, no different than solid trigger control or grip. As a civilian who’s only concerned about improving themselves in practical shooting, I see the value in refining movement. It’s necessary in order to level up in any of the action pistol classifications.

Graybeard’s Lectures 

Greybeard
Matthew Little pontificating on the finer points of the classic El Presidente shooting drill.

Even though we shot plenty of rounds during Pistol Skill Development, this course also reminded me of the time I trained with Riley Bowman last year. Specifically, because of the time that was made for lectures and classroom discussions.

Likewise, Greybeard spent time on both days during his course discussing his curriculum and tying it into the coursework. The most significant lecture topic we heard was his own approach to training and actual practice in pursuit of specific shooting milestones. This was a topic that he touched on throughout the entire weekend.

I don’t have a sports background, so I had never heard anyone break down training for shooting skills in this manner so systematically. One of the first things that was said at the start of the course on the morning of Day 1 was that one of Greybeard’s goals is to get his students to learn how to coach themselves and grow as shooters that way.

The lecture portions of this two-day course are as important as the shooting modules, and it’s worth bringing a notebook. Discussion flowed freely, and students were free to ask questions as they pertained to the coursework. Be ready to soak up course material and insights like a sponge!  

To be continued in Part 2

Gabe White’s Standards 

Gabe White Standards

Gabriel White, a respected instructor in the defensive training community, has a signature shooting-skills battery colloquially known as the Gabe White Standards. Officially known as “Technical Skills Testing,” under his own curriculum, this battery of tests is an amalgamation of four basic “stand-and-deliver” exercises. They consist of the classic Bill Drill, the classic Failure To Stop drill (aka the Mozambique), Immediate Incapacitation, and a Split Bill Drill.

Cleaning the Gabe White Standards with proficiency and a low time involves nothing other than drawing and expertly shooting the target. None of the components under the Technical Skills Testing/Gabe White Standards call for performing reloads or any other actions besides drawing and shooting efficiently.

White’s instruction and curriculum are organized around defensive handgun shooting. So, the impetus for assigning those four exercises to compose his standards is rooted in the fact that these exercises resemble reasonable motions that a self-defense practitioner may engage to defend themselves with a firearm against a single assailant. This comes from White directly.

On the other hand, I’ve also found that shooting the Gabe White Standards successfully also translates over to pure pistol shooting skills. To make my point clear, being able to negotiate the Gabe White Standards with a high score is indicative of being in possession of solid pistol mechanics at a fundamental level.

The four different drills intertwined into the assessment all call into play all of the fundamentals of handgun shooting. These include an impeccable draw, the proper grip, expert trigger control, target transitions/pacing, and a level of consciousness to keep track of the required round counts. Extra shots aren’t permitted under Mr. White’s ruleset.  

Breakdown of Gabe White Standards Drills, Scores And Categories 

A complete run of these standards requires 17 rounds, and they are gun agnostic. However, since his material focuses on self-defense, the idea is to qualify with a defensive pistol(s). 

These are the four exercises that make up the Gabe White Standards in the correct order:

  • The Bill Drill (six shots to the body)
  • Failure To Stop (two shots to the body and one shot to the head)
  • Immediate Incapacitation (two shots to the head)
  • The Split Bill Drill (four shots to the body and two shots to the head) 

Shooting The Standards

Shooting Gabe White Standards only requires a single standard USPSA metric or standard IDPA paper target—or any facsimile thereof—at a distance of 7 yards. Other than headshots, everything can be fired at the standard down-zero area or the 6×11” A-Zone. For the head scoring zone, the 4” circle found on IDPA targets will suffice. However, the secondary “credit-card” A-Zone on USPSA targets is too small, so either a 4” circle or 3×5” index card can be used.

Shooters have flexibility in starting position: they can start with hands at sides, the surrender position, or with hands held at high torso. Once the timer goes off, extra makeup shots aren’t allowed, and scoring the Gabe White Standards is very straightforward.

The primary means of scoring the standards are time-based (think IDPA “Time Plus” scoring), so the time required for each run is the chief means of keeping score. Missed shots can incur penalties, and every Down-1 or C-zone hit incurs a ¼ second time addition. Outer D-zone hits incur cost 1 second, and complete misses add 2 seconds.

Any missed headshots that land in the body portion of the target still count as -2 second misses. However, White gives shooters clemency, so body misses that land in the head scoring area count for score. One would do best to avoid any misses as incurring an extra 2 seconds per miss leads to failed scores.

The drill’s regular times scheme is intended for shooters using a standard OWB belt and holster. However, for those shooting from Level 3 retention duty holsters for concealment gear they get a ¼ second reduction as a handicap for each run.

The “Pin” Award

When training with Gabe White, his students get two opportunities to shoot this battery. When all is said and done, the best four independent times from the eight different drills are picked for scoring. These will determine whether the student is eligible for a “Pin” award.

The hardest “Pin” to win is the Turbo Pin, which essentially requires a consistent “draw to first shot” in one second or less, along with solid 0.20-second splits on the first and fourth movements. The runners-up to the Turbo Pin are the Light Pin and Dark Pin. Make no mistake, the average handgun shooter in this country probably can’t shoot a Dark Pin qualifying score. 

Recent Experiences 

I recently humbled myself by shooting the Gabe White Standards with different handguns, including the Beretta 92X Performance, my polymer-framed full-size Walther PDP, and the steel-framed Walther PDP. Of course, extra pistol practice is always welcome. While I cannot earn any pins unless I’m taking a class with Mr. White, I wanted to see where my skills currently stand. It’s somewhere between Dark and Light pin territory, according to my times.

The index card fell off on the way home from the range.

For my personal circumstances, Gabe White’s Standards are also useful for the purpose of reviewing pistols. Much information can be deduced from having to shoot a pistol so spiritedly, especially with regard to how well its slide tracks and how it behaves during a barrage of aggressive splits.

In a similar vein, I’ve relied on these standards to observe and evaluate the ZR Tactical aftermarket recoil spring assemblies for my pair of Walther PDPs and how these guns “feel” with these different springs and RSAs.

What better way to get a feel for guns you’re already familiar with than by shooting an assessment that involves drawing, shooting rapidly at large targeting zones, and also taking more discerning shots at smaller, more critical areas under the pressure of a timer?

Marlin Shotguns – Oft Forgotten Pump guns

I don’t want to do that thing where I ask a bunch of questions with a self-evident answer based on the title of this article. So, did you know that Marlin made shotguns? Marlin built a reputation on their lever action rifles. The modern Marlin, which is owned by Ruger, certainly isn’t producing any Marlin shotguns. 

However, at the end of the 19th century and the start of the 20th century, Marlin dived headfirst into repeating shotguns. Winchester released the 1893 slide-action shotgun. They came under fire from a man named Francis Bannerman, who owned the rights to the Spencer shotguns, which were the first pump-action shotguns. 

(Rock Island Auction)

Bannerman launched a lawsuit against Winchester. Winchester is known for rifles and shotguns but should also be known for patents. They were good at writing and researching patents. To beat Bannerman, they turned up a patent out of Europe for a pump-action bullpup rifle and even produced one. They won the lawsuit and were able to produce the 1893, but they also opened the floodgates for other companies to produce pump-action shotguns.

Thus, Marlin got into the pump-action shotgun business in 1898 with the Marlin 1898 pump-action shotgun. 

The World of Marlin Shotguns 

Marlin made a variety of pump-action shotguns from 1898 to 1933 and throughout three different incarnations of Marlin. Marlin has been owned and branded at least five times. There are enough Marlin variants to make a Marvel multiverse movie. The original Marlin Firearms Company, the Marlin Firearms Corporation, and the Marlin Firearms Company all produced pump-action shotguns under the Marlin brand. 

The original Marlin Firearms Company produced the Models 1898, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 31. The Marlin Firearms Corporation produced the Models 42, 43, 44, and 49. The Marlin Firearms Company produced the models 53 and 63. That’s a lot of different shotguns. Most of these guns were improvements on previous models. Each number doesn’t represent a unique gun but can represent an improvement or even a different caliber. 

(Blue Book of Gun Values)

Marlin shotguns came in 12 gauge, 16 gauge, and 20 gauge. It doesn’t appear they expanded beyond these three calibers, and 12 gauge shotguns were the most popular option. 

Marlin produced both hammer-fired and internal hammer guns. The exposed hammer-fired guns were the 1898, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 30, 42, and 49. The hammerless (internal hammer) Marlin shotguns are the 28, 31, 43, 44, 53, and 63. 

Marlin produced most of its shotguns in one of four grades: A, B, C, and D. They also produced guns in special models, including Trap, Trap Special, Field, Field Special, Brush, and Riot models. Takedown shotguns dominated this era, and most of Marlin’s shotguns were takedown designs. There were only two solid-frame guns: the Model 17 and 26. 

The Contributions of Marlin Shotguns 

Marlin shotguns did make some interesting contributions to the world of shotguns. Those contributions aren’t necessarily seen today, but they did do a few interesting things worth mentioning. 

One feature included a hang fire safety system. The action remained locked if the user pulled the trigger and the gun didn’t fire. The user had to press the action release to open the action. When the gun fired, the inertia of the recoil disengaged the device, allowing the action to open freely. If the weapon didn’t fire, but the hammer dropped, the action wouldn’t open without a manual press of the release. 

(Maynards)

The Marlin hammerless guns placed the action release on the rear tang of the shotguns. As far as I can tell, these are the first guns to place a control on the tang. It’s a small but neat feature. I have a Model 28, and the tang-mounted release is ergonomic and handy. 

Some Marlin shotguns, like the Model 28, also featured a removable side plate, similar to a revolver. This plate allowed access to the internals for repair or deep cleaning. I don’t think any other shotgun company produced anything remotely similar to this design. 

Marlin Shotguns Now 

One of the many Marlin incarnations warned that Marlin shotguns were too dangerous to be used and shouldn’t be fired. There seems to be a fair bit of controversy about this notice. Many will claim it’s aimed at the older hammer-fired guns. When fired, the bolt could eject, and the gun explode. 

Many people claim that the hammerless Marlin shotguns are fine. The best idea is to listen to the manufacturer. For safety’s sake, I wouldn’t go against their advice. 

(Invaluable)

It’s also worth noting that the hammer-fired guns can very easily fire if the hammer is down on a loaded cartridge. The half cock position is the more desired position. 

Generally, any old gun should be inspected by a competent gunsmith before being fired. You never know if the chamber is the proper length, if the steel will give, or if your load is too powerful. Shooting old shotguns, in particular, should be approached with caution. Shotgun loads have gotten increasingly powerful over the years, and you should approach them with caution. 

Marlin shotguns are a neat part of shotgun history, and sadly, they aren’t recognized or desired today. It’s not too sad, though, because I like buying 100-dollar century-old shotguns. If you can find one, I would grab it, especially if it’s cheap. They are neat little pieces of history. 

Washington D.C. and Maryland Attorneys General Sue Gun Stores

WUSA9

The Attorneys General of Washington, D.C., and Maryland have launched a lawsuit against three gun stores in Maryland. These attorneys general are teaming up with the anti-civil rights organization Everytown Law, a spin-off of Everytown for Gun Safety, the billionaire-funded disarmament campaign. That billionaire is Michael Bloomberg, a man protected by guns 24/7. 

According to the lawsuit, these three gun stores sold Demetrius Minor nearly three dozen weapons over a seven-month period. He then illegally crossed into Washington, D.C., and proceeded to sell those guns illegally to criminals. Demetrius Minor has been tried and pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. 

The lawsuit makes the very broad claim that these gun stores were complicit in these sales and responsible for Demetrius Minor’s criminal actions. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb claims, “All three of these stores ignored the red flags.” He doesn’t list any particular red flags. Let’s be clear: The guns came from Maryland, a state known for its fairly strict gun laws. 

The Attorneys General And Maryland 

From what I can gather, handguns require a permit to purchase, registration, owner licensing, and a permit to carry. I’m using the NRA ILA as my source. Shouldn’t these strict gun laws prevent someone like Demetrius Minor from being able to traffic firearms? 

To obtain a handgun, you have to complete a Maryland State Police Application and Affidavit To Purchase a Regulated Firearm. You must pass a fingerprint-based background check and have a valid Handgun Qualification License. Why didn’t the State of Maryland detect any anomalies if all this is required? The Attorney General of D.C. should be suing the State of Maryland. 

Following the Attorney General’s logic, if the three gun stores had been able to detect and track multiple purchases over a period of seven months and recognize a pattern, then the State of Maryland should most certainly have detected a pattern. Unlike three individual gun stores, the Maryland State Police is one organization that receives the Maryland State Police Application and Affidavit to Purchase a Regulated Firearm every time Demetrius purchases a gun. 

Are gun store clerks supposed to be better at recognizing patterns of criminality than the State Police? It seems like they shouldn’t be, and the idea that a person would memorize every face and name they sold a firearm to is absurd as well. Gun stores have multiple clerks working, and Demetrius spread his purchases of firearms over seven months. The idea that the gun store would be capable or expected to track such a thing is a ridiculous assertion. 

Attorneys General and Lawfare 

It is seemingly humorous that the State of Maryland would jump aboard this lawsuit. Their strict gun laws were supposed to stop things like this. The literal State Police are part of every firearm sale, and yet the Attorneys General are blaming three gun stores in Maryland. These gun stores aren’t responsible for the crime of Demetrius Minor. 

WUSA9

This is a ploy by two anti-civil rights Attorneys General to target the 2nd Amendment rights of American citizens through organized lawfare. They are using the assets of a billionaire-funded organization to restrict the rights of American citizens by shutting down small gun stores. They don’t even need to win the lawsuit. 

All they need to do is sue these small businesses. The Attorneys General have this infinite money glitch called taxpayer funding. The funding they can toss around wildly. The gun stores don’t have that. They’ll have to fight with their own dollars, and selling guns doesn’t make you rich. More than likely, the Attorney General will sue these small businesses out of business. 

A Scary Future 

They ruin the livelihoods of small business owners and then brag about it to get reelected. What we are seeing here isn’t justice. It’s just plain evil. The City of Chicago is using similar tactics to target Glock as well as Illinois gun stores. It’s a tactic we are seeing more and more of throughout the United States, and it’s absolutely terrifying. 

(Carptrash)

Behind the curtain, it also shows the impotence of strict gun laws. Demetrius Minor doesn’t seem to be a criminal genius, yet he avoided detection by the Maryland State Police even though he had to fill out and send a form to them for every firearm he purchased. 

Demetrius Minor broke the law when he lied on that form, when he purchased the guns with the intent to sell them, when he crossed into D.C. with the guns, and when he sold the guns. 

How his commission of several felonies is the responsibility of three small gun stores in Maryland is beyond me. 

Winchester Announces The Supreme Optics Line

Lifestyle Images

Winchester just announced the Supreme Optics line of sport optics. It includes binoculars, spotting scopes, range finders, and rifle scopes. They’re touting them as a “high quality, value-focused line” geared towards hunters, sport shooters, and outdoors enthusiasts.

The Winchester Supreme Optics line currently includes two rangefinders, two spotting scopes, four pairs of binoculars, and six different rifle scopes. Prices look pretty reasonable, with scopes ranging from $144.99 to $344.99. The binoculars start at $206.99 for an 8x42mm pair, and go up to $264.99 for the 12×50’s. There are two rangefinders in the Supreme Optic line—a 6×20 model for $241.99 and a 7×24 model for $337.99. Lastly are the spotting scopes, a 20-60×65 for $339.99 and a 20-60×80 for $386.99.

Winchester promises that the Supreme Optic products will deliver precision, clarity, and durability. They’re built with solid optical and mechanical systems of proven design to provide a dependable optic for your shooting needs. Winchester Supreme Optics are backed by a Limited Lifetime warranty offered by the manufacturer.

Lifestyle Images

Spotting Scopes

  • Premium HD glass
  • Durable construction
  • Fog-proof & Waterproof
  • WINcoat™ coating – increased light transmission, reduced glare, and clearer, crisper images from edge to edge with great low-light performance
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
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Riflescopes

  • Premium HD glass
  • Tough black anodized aluminum housing for years of rugged use
  • Fog-proof & Waterproof
  • WINcoat™ coating – increased light transmission, reduced glare, and clearer, crisper images from edge to edge with great low-light performance
  • Fingertip turret adjustment for windage and elevation with no tools needed
  • Zero reset turrets can be quickly adjusted back to zero
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
Lifestyle Images

Binoculars

  • High-quality BAK4 prisms and WINcoat™ coating with HD glass for brighter and clearer images from edge to edge, even in low-light conditions
  • High-performance chassis that balances weight and rigid construction for enhanced durability
  • Twist-up eyecups for use with or without eyeglasses
  • Nitrogen-filled and sealed optical system for fog and waterproof performance
  • Knurled focus adjustment knobs for a secure grip
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

Range Finders

  • Fast, accurate, reliable measurements
  • Premium HD glass for brighter and clearer images from edge to edge
  • 100% Waterproof Rubber Armor Housing 40-hour run time
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

To learn more about the complete product offerings from World of Winchester, please visit World of Winchester.

YOU DO YOU: HOW APPLYING YOUR THINKING TO OTHERS CAN BE PROBLEMATIC

Dr. William Aprill was excellent at helping us regular folks understand the motivations and thought processes of the violent criminal actor.

His work helped us to understand that something worthless or insignificant to us could be incredibly valuable or important to someone else with different priorities from some other walk of life.

Predation is just a social behavior (Dr. Aprill liked to point out that “violence, oddly enough, is a social act” as it requires other people). As such, I took this idea of victim selection and expanded on it a little to apply to other less severe and hopefully far more common aspects of our day-to-day lives.

There are lots of folks who dismiss dressing well as “unimportant” or who consider using someone’s appearance as part of how you view them as “snobby.” Ironically, many of these same folks can rattle off pre-assault indicators and other physical cues they use to profile people.

The point is that just because it doesn’t matter to a certain person in a specific situation doesn’t mean that it’s not important or valuable.

Because They Are Not Like You.

The better you understand who “they” are and what “they” value, the more easily you can navigate a broader range of social environments.

Free Learning Resources – County Extension Offices

County Extension Offices
Adult learning class

I’m always on the hunt for free learning resources. While I’ve known about the existence of County Extension Offices, I never really understood what they were all about. They are jam-packed with tons of information, programs, and more, all of which are relevant to the preparedness-oriented person. As we go through these areas of knowledge, remember that it’s all available to you at no cost.

What’s a County Extension Office?

Each county in the United States has an Extension Office. County Extension agents work with universities to assist residents with questions regarding a wide range of topics, such as agriculture, family living, health, and so much more.

Master Gardeners

County Extension Offices are where you’ll find the Master Gardener program. These are volunteers who have gone through extensive education and training. They then turn around and share that knowledge through programs and events in their county. They can be a tremendous resource for learning how to get your garden producing well season after season.

Financial Education

Personally, I rank financial preparedness as one of the top areas people need to master. Many people are financially illiterate to one degree or another. What might be surprising to many is that County Extension Offices offer help in educating citizens about financial literacy. They offer programs on building and maintaining credit, establishing a workable budget, and related topics.

Healthy Living

County Extension Offices offer a range of classes and information related to health and wellness. Not only will they help you learn food preservation techniques like canning, they can help you test your pressure canner’s gauge to ensure it’s calibrated properly.

They have solid information on how our nutrition needs change as we age and how to account for it. Their agents can also help you find food pantries and similar resources if you’re ever in need.

Mental health is just as vital as physical health. County Extension Offices have a class called Mental Health First Aid, where participants learn how to identify various mental health issues and determine what to do about them.  

4-H

Another key element is that County Extension Offices help manage the 4-H program. This is the largest youth development organization in the United States. The four Hs stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. When they think of 4-H, many people think of showing animals at county fairs. While that’s certainly part of it, 4-H also offers a range of other opportunities, such as STEM, civic engagement, and fitness. 4-H teaches kids practical skills.

Other Programs

In addition to these standard areas of knowledge, each County Extension Office will usually develop its own programs and classes. Take a deep dive into your county’s Extension Office website to find out what they have available.

Additionally, they will work with you to set up a program. If you have a group that wants to learn, say, household budgeting, provide a location to the County Extension Office, and they will provide an instructor. Pro tip: Most public libraries have meeting rooms that are free to use.

As a bonus, many of the County Extension websites have a ton of informative articles on top of listings of the programs they offer. These articles are a great way to get some foundational knowledge on various topics. You can contact the County Extension Office directly for more information on a given topic.

This page has a list of all 50 states. Click on yours to get to the state’s list of Extension Offices. This site has a list of all of the universities that are working with Extension Offices throughout the country.

Organizing Your EDC and Travel Gear

Expanded EDC Carry with Tuff Possum Shekleton EDC Satchel, Gossamer Gear Hip Pocket Pouch, and The Hidden Woodsmen Haversack.

When your everyday carry (EDC) items exceed your pocket capacity, using a pouch or haversack can ensure you have everything you need for the day. When organizing your EDC and travel gear or commuting in the city, you might need to bring a camera, additional lenses, rain gear, and other gadgets. Trying to fit all these items in your pockets can be challenging!

Shackleton EDC Satchel

Tuff Possum Gear, founded by Jayberry in 2017, offers new designs and materials for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

The Shackleton EDC Satchel is designed for those on the go. Made of durable 1000d and 500d Cordura nylon, it features a 12-inch width, 9-inch length, two interior pockets, and two slip pockets. The adjustable webbing shoulder strap provides comfort during wear.

The Shackleton EDC Satchel has a PALS pattern cut, a loop panel for modular organization, and two interior pockets on the front panel.

It has a Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) inside panel for attaching equipment, two interior pockets, a padded back panel, and a 2-inch-wide adjustable shoulder strap. It also features weather flaps with ITW side-release buckles for added protection.

The Shackleton EDC Satchel allows me to quickly navigate tight places on a train or in a crowd. It’s convenient for quick access to items like gloves, cameras, and water bottles. The adjustable ITW Cobra buckle closure makes one-handed access and adjustments easy. The deep and secure slip pockets on each side are very convenient. The back padding and size of the satchel also make it suitable for use as an insulated seat. This makes the Shackleton EDC Satchel multifunctional like other Tuff Possum Gear products.

TRAVEL EDC

Travel is a huge part of my life, and I rely on the Lewis N Clark Neck Stash for organization. It’s made of durable ripstop nylon and has three compartments for essentials like money, cards, passports, and boarding passes. 

Lewis N Clark Neck Pouch is essential for travel as it serves as a wallet and EDC through the airport and a security stash when worn under a shirt abroad.

I also carry my Griffin Adventure Tool, debit card, local currency, OLIGHT i3T EOS, hand sanitizer, and Fisher pen inside. The Fisher Bullet Pen with the IZULA Gear logo is always with me on flights and throughout my trips. It’s compact, convenient, and a timeless classic, priced at $20.

Waxed Canvas EDC Tray

PNWBUSHCRAFT offers robust waxed canvas and leather gear tailored for the demanding conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Crafted in the USA, their range includes bags, ground cloths, and foraging pouches designed to enhance the outdoor experience.

The Two-Tone Waxed Canvas EDC Travel Tray 2.0 – A compact and organized way to carry your everyday items.

The Two-Tone Waxed Canvas EDC Travel Tray 2.0 is an upgraded version of the PNWBUSHCRAFT Travel Tray, now suitable for everyday use. This compact tray is designed to hold your EDC items and can be quickly snapped together to keep them organized. 

It features an additional eyelet on the top for easy hanging and measures 6.5 inches when open flat. The tray has three slots that are 2.5 inches deep, with varying widths of 1 inch, 1.5 inches, and 2.5 inches. This makes it perfect for carrying small items like a multi-tool, flashlight, lighter, pocket knife, and more.

When snapped in half, the tray becomes a 3.25-inch wide tiny tray with 1-inch high sides and a 4-inch bottom. Currently, it is available in two-tone colors. MSRP: $45.00

You can keep essential items easily accessible in the EDC Travel Tray 2.0, which fits in most pockets.

Consider these gear picks when organizing your EDC and Travel Gear, and you’ll be the wiser!

For more information, please contact:

TuffPossumGear.com
SpacePen.com
PNWBushcraft.com