Firearms and Training

More media advocating women shooters...

2012-02-02T05:04:00.000-08:00

Yet another store encouraging women to learn to shoot. Nice to see!

The Twin Falls woman wants to help change the perception that guns are just a man’s hobby. Not all women are ignorant of guns, she said, just as not all men are gun savvy. She encourages women to become acquainted with firearms and to practice shooting, even taking classes to obtain concealed-carry permits.

Open Carry is Scary!

2012-02-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

According to someone here.

"Because when other people see someone other than a police officer openly carrying a gun, it frightens them"

Conceal and carry laws fuel surge in female gun ownership: Yah!

2012-02-01T05:44:00.000-08:00

Great story here reflecting the changing attitudes toward gun ownership:

"The Kansas City Police Department employee is used to her semi-automatic, but the borrowed gun, a wood-grip .38 Taurus revolver, had its appeal.

“Easier to control your shot,” she said. “No recoil.”

A shooter for several years, Hunt was not surprised to hear that more women are buying handguns, honing accuracy and toting them in their purses in states like Missouri and Kansas that have conceal and carry weapon laws."

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/28/3397750/more-women-are-taking-aim.html#storylink=cpy

By the numbers

60 percent of firearm retailers reported an increase in female customers, according to a National Shooting Sports survey.

1 in 4 American women say they personally own a firearm, according to an October Gallup poll.

43 percent of women reported at least one firearm in their home and 23 percent said it was theirs in the same Gallup poll.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/28/3397750/more-women-are-taking-aim.html#storylink=cpy

Keep the momentum up...

Seaforth Highlanders Back in the day...

2012-01-30T19:47:00.000-08:00

I went back home and dug up some old pictures.

Seaforth Highlanders Way Back

Graduation

Officers

Master Sergent Burgunder on right

A visit today

2012 SHOT Show: After Show Report

2012-01-29T19:48:00.000-08:00

The SHOT Show was great this year with a lot of interesting booths and products to fill every conceivable niche.

Lots of small innovative companies showing off their products like Parabellum Armament finding a need in the market place and filing it. It's unfortunate that the smaller companies coming out with innovative products don't get that much attention. I personally like to go out of my way and find them. All in all it was pretty exciting and fun time if not a bit overwhelming.

The AR is obviously the most popular platform available today and fast becoming the de facto standard for a modern rifle in this Century much like the 1911 has become the symbol of an American handgun over the last century and into the future. The AR platform is being morphed to shoot anything, anytime, anywhere.

A lot of companies are producing AR rifles with their unique twist on the role it is ultimately destined to fulfill. From hunting, self defense, target shooting, or competition there is rifle to fill the need.

Other popular rifles are the AK variety geared toward more survivalist, hardcore crowd with a need for a no nonsense I need this thing to go bang no-matter-what. A lot of cool products to help bring that weapon into the Twenty First Century like the company I mentioned above.

Lots of law enforcement tools being produced, I would imagine, do to the perceived terrorist threat coming from where ever or the slow militarization of the civilian law enforcement to counter sophisticated, coordinated attacks from a organized terror unit. Whatever the reason there is a lot of high tech gadgetry to counter such threats.

Another interesting observation was the that this is the Paleozoic age of firearms and firearm accessories. Every conceivable variation of firearm is being born. AR rifles that accept AK magazines, shot shell shooting revolvers, sub compact .380 handgun explosion, a cornucopia of AR rifles to suit any need or budget, tactical lever guns, crazy chainsaw shotguns. So many ideas of the past melding together into a whole new taxonomy of guns.

It seems like a never ending hunger for new guns and gadgetry is reaching new heights and the quality of guns is generally getting better and better (despite unsubstantiated claims) that the consumers get to choose from.

This could be due to the side effects of an administration that is hostile to guns, the internet effect, the video game effect. One thing for sure attitudes towards gun are changing. More women are getting into firearms for self defense too. New studies show 85% of the people support the 2nd Amendment and a right for the individual to bear arms.

This is is pretty awesome in general and I hope the trend continues with the repealing of stupid laws like suppressors are evil and so are short barrel rifles. These are antiquated laws written in another era to reign in gangsters and the like. Now they aren't needed. Gun control laws only hurt the law abiding citizen.

Anyway. Can't wait for SHOT SHOW 2012 part II next year. I'm superstitious and suffer from Triskaidekaphobia.

2012 SHOT Show: Blaser R8 Super Luxus

2012-01-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

These are very nice rifles with beautiful engravings. I just can't afford them but I got to fondle them a lot.

2012 SHOT Show: M249 SAW, M240B, M2HB QCB

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Serious stuff.

I just wanted to take their picture.

2012 Media Day: Surefire 2211 Wristlight

2012-01-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

Had a look at the Surefire booth at SHOT Show to see if there was anything pretty innovative and cool.
Well there was a lot but I'll just focus on these two cool gadgets.

They are wrist lights that are motion activated. So the theory is if you had to draw your weapon or illuminate an area in a hurry you would just punch out your fist and the light would go on. The light emits a 200 Lumen beam and that's pretty bright to be flashed in the face with it at one foot. The light is also rechargeable via a mini USB port which is pretty handy.

They can also be activated by touching the case of the light anywhere.

The two models below one has and integrated watch and the other is a dedicated light. It's still in the development phase in that it's not available until they think about it more.

2211 WristLight

Incidentally, the name of the product 2211 Wristlight, the number happens to match the badge number of Dirty Harry.

2012 SHOT Show Media Day: FMK 9C1 Gen II

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

I spoke to David Wolfe, Vice President Sales/Marketing about the new 9C1 Gen II and what goes into its manufacturing. The parent company manufactures all sorts of things like medical devices and such and the handgun is manufactured right in the same place using state-of-the-art equipment for the plastics etc. This handgun closely resembles a Glock so anyone familiar with the Glock will be able to use this firearm right away.

I like the way they laser etched the Bill Of Rights right onto the slide.

KMK 9C1 Gen II

It shot well with quick follow up shots very nice fit and finish. Get more info from their web site at FMK

2012 SHOT Show: RRA LAR-47

2012-01-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

Rock River Arms is trying out a new DI gun chambered in 7.62x39 and to avoid all the problems with trying to make a reliable magazine to feed the 7.2x39 ammo via the standard AR magwell they came up with the idea to use standard AK-47 mags.

That is pretty smart, why reinvent the wheel (uh, anyway)

Doesn't look like there is a facility for a bolt hold open lever.

From a California perspective it doesn't look like it would be easy to create a "bullet button" device due to the mag release lever is inside the trigger guard and it being so wide. Looks like it could be done but it would be a little more awkward than usual. The other route would be to put a non-collapsible stock, muzzle compensator and switch out the pistol grip for a California-ize grip. Then it would be good to go. This way would be best especially if you have pre-ban normal capacity magazines. Then you could use them without an issue.

The MSRP of the LAR-47 is reported to be in the upper $1,400.00 range. The price to pay for innovation.

The upper is specifically fit to the lower in that it is designed to clear the AK magazines. So you can't just buy an 7.62x39 upper and stick it on the RAA LAR-47 lower.

Come with chrome bore and bolt and in carbine and mid-length. Initially the lower will be billet eventually transitioning to a forged lower.

Left side

Magwell Closeup

Nice and wide mag release paddle allows easy access from both sides of the receiver.

Right side

They were mentioning that during their testing it would shoot almost any ammo which means, to me anyway, that it is probably a little over gassed due to the variation of loads from different ammo makers and even differences in ammo lots. That's what I have noticed anyway. Shouldn't be a big deal except the rifle might foul up a bit quicker just because the ammo is inherently dirtier. All speculation on my side.

Didn't crack it open to see if there were any unique to the rifle modifications. I would have like to see the bolt. Oh well.

Can't wait to read reports of the gun out in the wild.

2012 SHOT Shot Media Day: GSG-9 Prototype at ATI

2012-01-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

Stopped by the American Tactical Imports booth and had a look around at all their neat products.

GSG-9 Prototype

I got to try out the newest of new GSG-9 22lr prototype with suppressor. It seems to be named after the GSG 9 der Bundespolizei (GSG 9 of the Federal Police) is the elite counter-terrorism and special operations unit of the German Federal Police. The pistol was very fun to shoot. It had a great feel and very solid. While I was test firing it with the suppressor on it worked great. I wish I could get one with the suppressor.
I'm glad to see more and more suppressors are being used and built in general. I hope they become mainstream as they truly are a safety device especially when teaching young people to shoot they don't have to take a chance and suffer any hearing loss injuries.

SML-37 SURVIVAL MATE 6" BBL 37M

There new flare gun that is very portable and convenient to transport when using in the wilderness for survival equipment.

SML-37 Flare Gun

I got to shoot the first flare of the day

21012 SHOT Show Media Day: MKA 1919 12GA Shotgun

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

I came. I shot. I conquered.

Fun gun to shoot, need bigger mags as it comes with only a 5 rounder but that is due to the 922r limitation. Once it's got some U.S. made goodies added you can increase the magazine to a 10 rounder.

6.5 lbs empty is pretty light and comes with a choke kit.

Camo MSRP $800.00 minus a penny. Black is $700.00 minus a penny as they arrive configured from Turkey.

Guns Description

Bolt

Modified for Three Gun and 922r compliant

Three Gun Modifications

More Three Gun Mods

This is a pair of stock guns as they are shipped from Turkey

Camo MSRP $800.00 minus a penny. Black is $700.00 minus a penny

2012 SHOT Show Media Day: Sphinx Polymer Pistols

2012-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

I made it by the Sphinx booth to try out their new next generation of 9mm polymer pistols. The Sphinx guns are made in Switzerland and are expensive! Christophe Guignard, VP Sales & Marketing said the MSRP of the new Sphinx SPD is $1,200.00. Wow. Don't get me wrong these are nice pistols packed with innovative features but I'd have to win one to get one.

These pistols are built like a brick shit house. There is a two part frame. The upper part is made from aluminum while the lower part is made from polymer. The slide is made from steel. There are Teflon inserts, MIL-STD 1913 aluminum, TiAN, Interchangeable grip sizes, Tritium sights, Picatinny rail, ambidextrous decocking lever and magazine catch, DA/SA, ergonomic, 3-component grip.

I really enjoyed shooting this gun and with the suppressor attached too. Made for nice rapid firing. Felt really nice in the hands, like a Swiss watch.

Stainless, 2 x SDP and SDP Compact

Sphinx SPD Polymer framed gun

Some many nice guns on the market today it's astounding.

2012 SHOT Show Media Day: Parabellum Armament

2012-01-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

I talked to the guys at Parabellum Armament and tried out there AK-Adaptive Rail System and in a word: WOW. This thing is awesome. They made some great design decisions and solved a lot of problems with this great rail system.

The product is solid as a rock and will retain zero even when taking off the AK bolt cover for maintenance because of a neat two prong pin design holding the rail in place that is mounted directly on the bolt cover.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any cool close up pictures but this product is solid.

It allows you to mount optics utilizing the Picatinny rail design, retain zero after field stripping, use BUIS.

One the Right, Andrew C. Edge, Senior Partner

AK-Adaptive Rail System. Very Cool!

Ratchet Charging System: Drop in product.

The Ratchet Charging System is pretty cool. They are still developing the product and have great ideas for its evolution. I didn't get to try it out but the quality looked very high.

Ambidextrous -Dual Functioning Over Sized Charging Handle

These looked pretty solid. I don't use my AR much but if I did I'd give these a try.

Ambidextrous -Dual Functioning Charging Handles: Over Size, Normal Size

2012 SHOT Show: XM134 Mini Gun

2012-01-24T05:09:00.000-08:00

You can buy one for $70,000 if you had the right creds.

This one sitting in a turret.It shoots 3000 rounds a minute so that would be $1,500.00 buck to run. I wouldn't mind running it once in awhile if I owned that bad boy.

XM134 Mini Gun

XM134 Mini Gun Fire Controls and Holo Site

Ambidextrous triggers. One on each handle. Flip up the red flap, turn on the power hit the button then press either button to spin the barrel.

XM134 Mini Gun Motor

XM134 Mini Gun Fire Controls

XM134 Mini Gun Ammo Feeder

2012 SHOT Show Media Day: Full Auto Airguns by Air Venturi

2012-01-23T15:54:00.000-08:00

I had to check out the full auto air guns. This was pretty cool. They didn't hardly make a sound yet I was hitting steel out to 25 yards with these bad boys.

These are know as PCP air guns or Pre-Charged Pneumatic. That is there is a reservoir of air integrated into the gun. These have a 280cc capacity which is good for up to 40 shots per fill.

To recharge the on board air bottle you have to carry around an external air bottle, typically a SCUBA tank, and fill it up with that.

The Evanix Speed PY-2667 is available in .177, .22 & .25 caliber and soon they will be offering 9mm with a 280cc reservoir.

The Evanix Speed py-2668 has a 400cc reservoir and is good for 55 shots per fill with the same calibers available.

These are German air guns and of really high quality.

I have a Daystate Airwolf and it's a lot of fun

.22 cal Air Gun PY-2667

.25 cal Air Gun PY-2668

9mm Air Gun! 50 cents a shot!

2012 SHOT Show: Smith & Wesson Magpul Team Up

2012-01-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

New products for Smith & Wesson include a Magpul branded AR15 variant.

I wonder if Magpul frenzy has died down. I think it has. I remember when Travis Haley and Chris Costa were part of the company promoting the products and making videos everybody wanted a Magpul lower and were willing to pay big bucks. Now the hype has subsided and you can get a Magpul roll marked lower from Smith & Wesson.

Magpul marked Smith & Wesson AR15

S&W M&P Magpul Rifle

At SHOT Show this year there was an sea of black rifles and accessories. The AR is truly becoming America's Rifle.

2012 SHOT Show: Caracal Official Introduction To America

2012-01-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

I got to check out the new-to-me Caracal F and C 9mm pistols. Incidentally, Caracal named after a cat. The company officially launched in 2007 at the IDEX exhibition in Abu Dhabi and is used by law enforcement in the GCC. The Caracal has been available in the U.S. for a couple of years but this year at SHOW Show is the official entry to the U.S. market where they will be opening up a manufacturing facility in AL.

I got to shoot one at the SHOT Show Media day as was quite impressed. It has a very low bore axis due to the unique design of striker spring on top of striker pin. This also serves the purpose of longevity of the striker spring. Lots of interesting details regarding the gun design to save manufacturing costs and increase durability.

The Caracal F also has a full tactical kit available that includes a polymer shoulder-stock and forward grip with rail.

The designer of the Caracal is Wilhelm Bubits who also designed the Steyr pistol and Walther PPS. Wilhelm was a gracious host and answered all my questions and more. Very interesting person and I'm glad I was lucky enough to meet him and talk with him in great length.

Wilhelm Bubits, gun designer, and his favorite assistant.

The Caracal F magazine capacity is an astounding 18 rounds. That's because of the special design enhancements of the magazine. Wilhelm pointed out that there is no metal plate typically attached to the spring that is used to hold the base plate in. He designed the spring to actually secure the base plate. Also, he made the follower a lot shorter. So these two modifications allows the magazine to fit an extra round in it.

Base plate held in with magazine spring to allow for 18 round mag capacity.

The tactical kit really caught my eye as I thought it was an interesting addition to the pistol. This is not a new thing for Wilhelm to design as he did it for Glock when he worked for them for their pistols.

This would be an evolutionary accessory that includes the ability to add a bayonet to the front of the pistol for close quarter hand to hand combat when all else fails!

Ability to add a bayonet to the forward grip when going hand to hand.

I was wondering why there wasn't the ability to add optics such as a red dot to the shoulder stock as this would give it a great advantage in low light, fast target acquisition situations. He said there was a attachment rail but he decided to remove it on the final production version because the design didn't hold it's zero very well. He pointed to the line in the stock as evidence for the design change.

Wilhelm also mentioned that there are prototypes currently in testing of magazines with capacities greater than 30 rounds and to go with the 30 round magazines a full auto version of the Caracal F. Now that is something I'd like to see.

Line indicating where the scope mount was removed from earlier models of shoulder stock mold

Here is a video of the tactical kit:

Caracal F tactical kit

While I was at the booth Wilhelm Bubits also explained the design philosophy behind the shoulder stock. He wanted it to be very low profile and with a special sling could be dangling from the shoulder from underneath a jacket. If someone working security or something had to deploy it he could easily rotate it up and quickly attach the gun to it. Also, he demonstrated the durability of the polymer that the stock was made of and it was practically indestructible. He also mentioned that the same material is used in making the magazine base plates.

Tactical Kit on shouldered

It's very comfortable to use and really stabilizes the handgun for longer range shots. If I could get this setup I would.

Tactical Kit mounted to Caracal F just relaxing.

Caracal F with Tactical Kit, Speed loader, and Lock

Bonnie and Clyde Tommy Gun Fetches $130,000

2012-01-22T18:47:00.000-08:00

Bonnie & Clyde

Bonnie and Clyde Tommy Gun and a shot gun fetched a total of $210,000 bucks.

Gun Auction sold them yesterday to an online bidder.

Fox News Video of Auction

I wonder if they still have the finger prints on them?

SHOT Show Media Day: Snap Shots of the Day

2012-01-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

Just had some left over pictures that I'm posting for posterity.

Path down to more stuff to shoot.

The fallen target was destroyed by the KRISS SMG

Some random video from the event that might be interesting to someone.

2012 SHOT Show: Celebrities I Got To Meet: Kyle Lamb, Rich Wyatt, Jerry Miculek, Doug Koenig

2012-01-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

Walking around the floor of SHOT Show I got to see a lot of people that I have seen on T.V.

I'm not a name dropper but this time I made an exception!

What I found interesting is a lot of the Top Shot contestants were milling around. I didn't talk to any of them but found that they were a lot shorter that they appeared on T.V.

Here are a couple that I intercepted:

Kyle Lamb

Kyle Lamb was showing off his Smith & Wesson line of products. Very nice guy. I was lucky enough to take a carbine course taught by him and it was great.

Rich Wyatt from American Guns T.V. Show

Rich Wyatt seemed very nice and was more than willing to get his picture taken with me. His daughter was there in tow looking at the guns too. I enjoy his show "American Guns" as it involves his family. I didn't get to meet his son. He seems like a cool kid with a good head on his shoulders according to the show so I would have liked to get a first impression of him too.

S&W Shooting Team Doug Koenig, Julie Golub, Jerry Miculek

I got to talk to Doug Koenig for a while and asked him how he got started. He was very humble and explained the progression of a 20 plus year adventure in the shooting sports that finally got him to the top of the list of shooters. He started at 17 when he went to his first IPSC tournament but before that he plinked in his back yard practicing and such. Clearly, he has raw talent that was honed and refined over the years. I wish I could shoot a tenth of his ability.

I also got to talk to Jerry Miculek a while and asked him how he stays on top of his game even with his thick glasses. He said something like: "He uses the Force". So now I know he has transcended mere mortals to shoot like the God of Revolvers. He also says he had a boat load of different types of glasses for different events and circumstances. O.K. still he is awesome and only innate ability and the quest to constantly improve and constructively self criticize keeps him super sharp and at the top of his game.

Julie Golub was there she was super nice and does great stuff in the community to help out with great causes. I didn't get a chance to talk with her but she gave off a great aura that made me feel good.

It was nice to see all the celebs mingling at the SHOT Show showing support for the 2nd Amendment.

2012 SHOT SHOW: ArmaLite California Bound!

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

I walked by the ArmaLite booth at SHOT Show and see this poster! I thought "What is this?"

ArmaLite Coming To California!

Mark Westrom, President of ArmaLite holding a California Compliant Factory Bullet Button Rifle

Turns out, according to the President of ArmaLite Mark Westrom, that ArmaLite will be introducing a range of rifles with the "bullet button" attached from the factory that will make it legal to sell in California. They even created a line of rifles with roll marks specifically for California because of the strange so called "assault rifle ban" we have over here.

A "bullet button" is a device that makes the rifle have a "detachable" magazine. This means that a tool is required to remove the magazine. A "tool" being anything that is used to remove the magazine like a cartridge. It can't be part of the gun though i.e. the tool can't be attached to the gun. Here is an explanation in detail of a bullet button.

The concept started around 2005 and has slowly gained momentum and acceptance that this is a legitimate interpretation of the California laws and not merely a "loop hole".

Only last year I was walking around the floor of SHOT Show trying to explain the bullet button to vendors so I could get a hold of their products. They knew nothing! Now, a year later it's pretty well main stream.

I did talk to Jarrod McDevitt, Product Manager, Rifles and Sig Sauer and he was familiar with bullet buttons but only installed on AR variants. I had to educate him on the AK variant bullet buttons as I think that they could just slap one on a SIG 556R, pin the folding stock and there is a legal California SIG 556R which would be awesome.

Californians are still limited to 10 round mags when the rifle is configured with a "bullet button".

To use 30 rounds in a new rifle you have to have the magazine in your possession before the ban that started Jan 1, 2000 and the new rifle cannot have any evil features such as a pistol grip, flash hider, folding stock and a forward pistol grip.

A lot of products have come out to substitute for the pistol grip.

Anyway, the law is pretty convoluted and most LEOs don't know all the details but they do know about the bullet button.

SIG 556R California Compliant Bullet Button.

2012-01-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

I'm wondering if there are any AK47 bullet button variants that would work on the SIG556R right out of the box.

No one makes one but it doesn't look like it would be too much of a challenge to do.

(UPDATE: I found a site that sells a folding stock blocker and the mag release cage: Sig 556R California Kit )

SIG556R Mag Release

Looks like the whole trigger guard assembly can come off of the SIG 556R by tapping out two pins. If SIG just extended the mag release shroud farther down and sealed it at the bottom and cut a slot in it for a tool it would be California compliant. Of course they have to pin the folding stock (reversible of course).

Prince 50 AK47 Bullet Button

I wonder if this could me modified to work with the SIG 556R.

SIG556R Mag Release

Other AK47 California Compliant Bullet Buttons.

Solar Tactical Bullet Button

Prince 50 AK47 Bullet Button

2012 SHOT Show: SunDevil Manufacturing and Zombies!

2012-01-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

Everybody is getting into the Zombie craze!

I dropped by my good friends at SunDevil Manufacturing and they even have got into the act.

Safe/Zombies selector

Safe/Zombie selector! Also Safe/Game Over selector. They also had a few more to choose from.

I got to talking to Jeff and found out that SunDevil might be entering into the suppressor market next year sometime. That would be cool as they make great products and this would be another great product from them.

2012 SHOT Show: HK Goodies

2012-01-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

One thing I liked to do is fondle all the guns that I otherwise would never have access too.

I spent a lot of time handling the HK MP5s and G3 variants and a Grenade Machine Gun. A couple of those sure could hold down the fort for a while.

GMG (Grenade Machine Gun)

GL8-6

G36K

G36C

MP5N

MP5K-PDW

MP5 SD

2012 SHOT Show Media Day: 1812 Bulldog Gatling Gun

2012-01-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

While wandering about at the media I managed to get a hold of the Gatling gun that Colt brought along for us to try out.

Apparently, if you wanted to buy one of the awesome reproductions it would cost you a cool $50,000! It takes 200 man hours to build one of these.

2012 SHOT Show Media Day: Sig Sauer Booth and the SIG556R

2012-01-20T05:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I headed straight to the Sig Sauer booth to try out my favorite rifle: the SIG556R. I know this is so last year. But I still like it.

I'm happy that they worked out most of the bugs from the previous year and this rifle shot really well with no problems. I only put two mags through it though. I liked the trigger and it felt very balanced. Just the magazine shelf could experience wear from metal magazines. That's why the demo guns only had plastic mags available.

This rifle is so close to being California compliant it's not funny. The only modifications necessary to make the legal in California would be to pin the folding stock so it would be over the minimum overall length of 30" requirement and to put a "bullet button" on the magazine release. That could easily be achieved by using the currently available AK47 bullet button solutions that put a box around the AK style mag release that the Sig 556r currently has.

SIG 556R

SIG 556R and Friends

SIG 556R Closer Look, The Plastic Fantastic Magazines Too.

Scott Kenneson Chief Instructor, Sig Sauer Academy

I'll have to follow up with Jarrod McDevitt, Product Manager, Rifles to see if he can swing something for California. I was talking to him and he didn't realize that there is a bullet button contraption for AK style rifles that could possibly fit on the SIG 556R with no modifications. That would be optimum. He seemed very receptive at the SHOT Show Media day and I'm happy to see that the bullet button is becoming common vernacular amongst the gun manufacturers.

Last year when I was explaining the bullet button to various gun manufacturers they were saying "What's that?", "Are you sure?". Now, I'm getting very positive feedback.

Some more photos from the SHOT Show:

SIG 556Xi

Top 556xi, Bottom 556SBR

2012 SHOT Show Media Day: The Starting Gate

2012-01-19T19:47:00.000-08:00

I got to the SHOT Show Media Day at what I thought was bright and early at 8:00 a.m. only to be faced with a massive crowd of people who were thinking the exact same thing!

Waiting to get the badges

Apparently, there were over 1,000 registered media plus some guests. Quite a crowd! Everyone I met was great and I had some fantastic conversations just waiting in line! To my relief the line moved quite quickly and orderly and I was out and enjoying the rest of the day.

First stopped by the Colt booth to check out their 380 Mustang Pocketlite.

Colt 380 Mustang Pocketlite

I got to shoot a mag through it and it was very controllable and I could easily hit my target at 15 yards off hand. With a 6 round magazine and controls very similar to a 1911 this little gun is very nice. The fit and finish is excellent with no short cuts taken during manufacturing. The the popularity of the .380 growing Colt was smart to bring this back into production.

Some of its features include firing pin safety block, the barrel is 2 3/4", weight is 12.5 ozs., and it sports a brushed stainless steel, electroless nickel finish.

I'm glad I had an opportunity to try out this cute gun.

2012 SHOT Show Media Day: KRISS Super V SMG

2012-01-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

Was at the SHOT Show Media day where I got to try out the KRISS Super V.

It's pretty fun to shoot on full auto. Here is a video of how some people can control the .45 SMG.

<br>L

Last year I got to see the KRISS K10 prototype.

2012 SHOT Show: Robinson Arms XCR-M Battle Rifle, New Stock and More...

2012-01-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

Alex Robinson of Robinson Arms and designer of the XCR on the right.

I stopped by the Robinson Arms booth at SHOT Show and got to meet Alex Robinson himself. Very nice guy and very smart too.

Aaron Holladay of Robinson Arms

I talked with Aaron Holladay about the new rifle and other goodies Robinson Arms was showing at the booth.

I got to see their new XCR-M battle rifle chambered in 7.62 NATO and see their new stock too.

Aaron showing off the new rifle here in the picture above noted that the XCR-M has less felt recoil than the XCR-L chambered in 7.62x39. If that is true that would be quite a feat as I own and shoot the XCR-L in 7.62x39 and don't notice the recoil as being a problem in so if it's lighter that that then WOW!

I wasn't disappointed in what I saw. The XCR-M has all the familiar fire controls as the XCR-L but with an newly designed adjustable gas system to handle the extra power of the 7.62x51 round.

New XCR-M adjustable gas system

Apparently the XCR-L gas system wasn't able to do the job so a whole new gas system was needed.

Also, the bolt and bolt carrier was redesigned. New the firing pin in not integral to the bolt but has become part of the bolt carrier.

XCR-M Op-rod, bolt, bolt carrier and spring assembly.

XCR-M Shorter Bolt

XCR-M Bolt Carrier: Firing pin inserts on left side.

Other changes include the piston which loses it's cup design to be flatter and more robust to handle the extra power.

XCR-M piston

The op-rod now is a once piece part where on the XCR-L it is composed of two pieces wielded together. Much nicer looking. I hope they do that going forward with the XCR-L's op-rod.

Op-rod now one piece contruction

I also got to seen the new ambidextrous mag release which is compatible with both rifles. That should be available to current XCR-L owners in a couple of months.

Ambidextrous mag release

Other notable changes are the XCR-M opens up a lot wider when the rear pin is remove than the XCR-L. That's a welcome change as I find the less 45 degree opening between upper receiver and lower receiver a little restrictive. Now it's a full 90 degrees.

Spring system

Spring system.

Now here's a couple of pics of the new stock. This is a nice stock with a max LOP of 14" and a bit, I believe, which is great for me because my arms seem to be extra long. There are 6 (I believe) adjustment increments and the cheek piece is adjustable to two positions which is an easy procedure to adjust.

It seemed very robust and easy to fold and unfold.

New Robinson Armament Folding Stock

Bottom of new stock fully extended.

With all the AR10's now coming onto the market this is a refreshing alternative with great ergonomics. I love shooting my XCR-L so shooting this must be just as fun if not more.

The Robinson Arms XCR-M has a MSPR of $2,300.0.

Gun Spot 1.1.10 Now Available.

2012-01-13T05:19:00.000-08:00

I've updated the data in my "Gun Spot" iPhone app to include the latest greatest data from the ATF up to and including December, 2012.

It's also compatible with iOS5, I'll make it even more compatibler moving forward.

Heading out to the SHOT Show!

2012-01-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

Once again I'll be heading out to the SHOT Show held January 17 - 20 in Las Vegas.

Also, January 16 I'll be going to the Media Day at the Range where there will be over 1,000 registered media attendees, which is over 30% more than last year, being hosted by a giant list of vendors:

5.11 Tactical
Action Target
Aimpoint
Air Venturi
AKKAR Shotguns
Alpen Optics
American Tactical Imports
ArmaLite Inc.
Armscor Precision International
Ashbury Precision Ordnance
Bad Boy Buggies
Battenfeld Technologies
Benelli*
Beretta USA
Birchwood Casey
Blackhawk!
Blue Force Gear*
Boy Scouts of America
Browning*
Browning Licensees*
Burris Optics
Butler Arms USA*
Cabot Guns*
Caldwell
Caracal*
Carl Zeiss Optronics*
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics
Champion Eyes & Ears
Champion Traps & Targets
Charter Arms
Chiappa Firearms
Civilian Marksmanship Program
Colt
Command Arms/RWC Group
Core 15 Rifle Systems*
Crimson Trace*
Crosman
Cutting Edge Bullets*
Dallas Safari Club*
Daniel Defense*
DeSantis Gunhide*
D.O.A. Tactical Shooting Benches
Double Star Rifles
Eddie Bauer*
EHP Electronic Hearing Protection
Energizer
EOTech
Federal Premium Ammunition
Franchi*
FreedomHunters.org
FNH USA
Galco Gunleather
Girsan Pistols
Glock
GunBroker.com
Hazard 4/Civilian Lab LLC*
Heckler & Koch
Hornady*
Insight Technology
Kahr Arms*
Kalkomey*
KRISS
Lansky Sharpeners
LaserMax
Leupold
Maddox Defense*
Maglula
Mossy Oak*
Mule Deer Foundation
MyTopo
NRA Youth Programs
National Shooting Sports
Foundation
Otis Technology
Parabellum Armament*
PCP Ammunition
POMA
Promatic
RAAC Firearms
RAM Trucks
Remington*
Rock Island Armory
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Safariland
Sako
SAR ARMS USA*
Savage Arms
SCI Foundation
Setpoint Ammunition
Sig Sauer*
Sitka Gear*
Slide Fire Solutions*
Smith & Wesson*
Springfield Armory
Steiner
Steyr Arms
Strikemark Targets*
Sturm Ruger
SureFire
Swarovski Optik
SWORD International*
Tactical-Life.com
The Mako Group*
Tikka
Tread Lightly
Trijicon
Ultimate Shooting Adventures
Umarex USA*
Vanguard*
Vectronix*
Viridian Green Laser Sights
Walker's Game Ear
White Flyer
Winchester Ammunition
WR Case & Sons Cutlery
Yamaha
Zeiss Sports Optics
Zippo & Case

I'll be able to try out new firearms and other cool stuff. The media day is really great and should be extended to two days. Everyone walking around having a blast!

I'll be posting videos and pictures and stuff from the show.

This is so weird: How do Chinese demolish a 12 story building...

2012-01-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

Why, from the top down, of course...

More pictures here...

Very creative indeed.

Thinking outside the box

2012-01-06T05:49:00.000-08:00

We did a great drill whereby each participant had to solve the problem of shooting a target with his handgun but not having a functioning magazine to feed it.

No one got to see what was coming ahead of time.

A lot of people put their spin on solving the problem in creative ways.

Over all it was a great drill to get the participants to think outside of their realm of normal experience.

Here's a video of the antics:

Total NICS Background Checks November 30, 1998 - December 31, 2011

2012-01-05T05:33:00.000-08:00

Total NICS Background checks from the FBI covering 1999 to end of last year.

I'm guessing it's going to be another big year this year too.

Defensive Shooting Club: Scenario Day

2012-01-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday was scenario day and it was a good one. The scenarios are all blind shoot scenarios meaning no one has a chance to see what is coming down the pipe. This gives everyone a chance to react to the situation based on their current training level.

The basic problem was you were picking up a loved one from a government building and, because it's a government building, you had to surrender your legally carried weapon at the door.

Somehow, some criminals got through the security with there illegal weapons and started to cause problems.

You enter into the scene as it unfolds...

Watch and see how the various participants react to the situation.

Basically, it's probably a good idea to be familiar with multiple weapons systems so you can operate in case of emergency, also, situational awareness it critical yet elusive if not trained for it.

Defensive Shooting Club: First Day Out Already

2012-01-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

It's January 1, 2012 and there's a Defensive Shooting Club meet! I didn't think too many people would get out due to other obligations.

I was wrong!

Seventeen dedicated 2nd amendment practitioners showed up to participate in the various scenarios and drills that were presented by the instructor Jeff Patane.

I'm uploading the scenario that we did right now so it's not available but for now I'll just add this whimsical steel shoot video:

Happy New Year everyone.

Training Vignette: Drawing from a holster

2011-12-29T06:01:00.000-08:00

I belong to a defensive shooting club that meets twice a month where we train drills on one of those days and do scenarios based on real life happenings dug up from the news of the other training day. We train about 5 hours per session.

I like to carry my video camera and capture some of the instruction that Jeff imparts to our brains so I can review it later.

These training vignettes are a result.

I find it really useful to review what was captured on video because I seem to miss some of the finer details of instruction during the action.

Anyway, I hope someone else can find some use in these videos too.

The following video is Jeff explaining the how's and why's of drawing from a holster.

CBS News: More and more women embracing gun ownership...

2011-12-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

More and more women are embracing gun ownership

Yah! I got my wife to embrace gun ownership and she's a darn good shot.

Here is a picture of her AR15 she got three years ago and enjoys shooting it regularly.

Purple Sun Devil AR15

Train for the worst...

2011-12-28T06:19:00.000-08:00

Hope for the best.

Vignettes in training: Position SUL

2011-12-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

A description of "Postion SUL" by Jeff Patane of Alpha Dog Tactical

S&W 629 .44 Mag Kaboom!

2011-12-22T09:15:00.000-08:00

Somebody had some bad ammo that ignited in adjacent chambers in the cylinder.

That was a bad day at the range!

These are old pictures but interesting non-the-less.

Found some commentary here regarding the pictures.

Book Review: Five Years To Freedom by Jame Rowe

2011-12-21T06:25:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a great book to read, this is it. Nick Rowe recounts his experiences as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. Later, Rowe developed the S.E.R.E program for the U.S. Military.

I was a bit skeptical at first but as I got into it I couldn't put the book down. Very interesting especially in light of the times now.

Anyway, go get it, read it!

Vignettes in Training: N Plus One Sight Picture

2011-12-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

"It doesn't matter how fast you shoot, you always have to be ready for one more shot"

A great discussion on how to execute proper follow through.

VTAC 1-5 Drill WIth Robinson Arms XCR

2011-12-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

Had some fun trying out the VTAC 1-5 drill.

I love my BOOM Stick! - Krebs Saiga 12 That Is.

2011-12-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

Went to the local indoor range the other day to blow off some steam and do an operations check on my Krebs Custom Saiga 12. I put in a adjustable V-Plug which worked well once I found the perfect gas setting.

I was happy with the results! ! The recoil is not bad and I can get pretty quick follow up shots too! :)

The pattern spreads out quite a bit with the 00 buck I was using I found the max range would be 25 yards.

Here's a short video shooting a slug. I liked the fire ball.

This is a perfect shotgun for home defense, if you are being home invaded by a whole bunch of thugs!

Rebuilding the Elektra Microcasa a Leva: Bringing it back...

2011-12-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

About six years ago I invested in a Elektra Microcasa a Leva espresso machine to save money and enjoy a nice late at home.

I used the crap out of the machine and didn't really clean it too much like in a maintenance sort of way and slowly but surely it started to poop out till finally, it sprung a leak around the water level glass rod. Before that, the thermostat gave out and I'd have to watch it so it wouldn't over heat. I kept it limping along for awhile.

Anyway, now I decided to rebuild the machine with replacement parts.

I dug right in and stripped the machine down to the constituent parts!

All cleaned up and ready for the new parts to install. Little buddy there helping.

I noticed my heating element was on its last legs. I'm glad I intervened when I did!

This heater element is shot!

The connectors are completely shot!

I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here though. This is what it looked like when dug it out of the water tank:

The heater element buried in calcium deposits of six years.

It was completely covered in calcium deposits. I was using filtered water but that didn't help much.

Here's what the tank looked like:

Not looking to appetizing

Here's some of the contents too:

Lots of crap cam out of the tank.

The electrical connectors didn't fair too well either:

Big chunk melted out of the connector.

You can see the melted connectors. I'm surprised it actually worked.

The piston got pretty gunked up too.

Luckily, everything cleaned up pretty nice

I look stock of all the parts that needed to be replaced. Mostly new gaskets, some tubes, the heater element and such. I found everything I needed from Stephano's Espresso Care. I ordered the parts today hopefully it will be back up and running end of the week.

I'm glad the Elekra is a hand built espresso machine and can be totally maintained and rebuilt with common tools and the parts are readily available on line too.

Hopefully, I'll get a lot more years of service out of it. This time I'll pay more attention to preventative maintenance.

My Bill, it ain't pretty.

LoxSeal and Silicone grease to keep it running.

Old on Left new on Right

Got all my parts. What a difference! The new shiny heating element looks great. Got all my gaskets and knobs, grease, LoxSeal pipe sealant to make sure everything stays put, new wiring kit to replace the old rusty, melted connectors etc.

Rebuilt and back together!

I put it all together and have enjoyed my first Late! Super Yum!

I expect to get many more years of enjoyment out of the baby and now I'll pay more attention to keeping in tip top shape.

Carbine Training: Driving the Rifle

2011-11-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

Finished up a one day carbine training class focusing on "Driving the Rifle" which basically means moving your rifle from target to target with your eyes leading the way and already on the next target.

We trained firing multiple rounds at a target, then multiple rounds per target at multiple targets, all geared toward getting out of the habitual "double tap".

Once the basic skills and concepts were learned they were all put together in the form of several skill developing drills.

We did a bunch of drills one being the "1 - 5 Drill". This drill is a lot of fun. Basically, you have three IPSC targets set up in a row 5 yards away. You have to shoot 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 rounds in each target. Starting at the far left target to to the far right target then back to the far left target for a total of 15 rounds.

I managed to get in a time of 3.37 seconds on my fastest try. It's a fun one!

Also, transitioning to your secondary weapon when the primary fails was taught along with a bunch of other great stuff!

Check out the short video:

"The most powerful and mysterious force in the American commercial gun industry today"

2011-11-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Wow!

Now I know: How Freedom Group Became the Big Shot

bizarre anti crap added to article.

Pistol Training Using Support Side Techniques

2011-11-22T06:17:00.000-08:00

Just did some training with the Defensive Shooting Club with focus on support side only manipulation of a pistol. That means you can't use the primary side.

Topics covered include immediate action drills from the support side, reloading from the support side and drawing from the support side. Also covered were optimal shooting position when shooting from the support side only.

It was raining quite a bit so these guys and gal are dedicated to the art of the pistol!

Other topics were covered and the day was wrapped up with some fun barricade, barrel, multiple position shooting as you will see if you watch the video.

It was a lot of fun and is over way to fast.

Veterans Day - USS South Dakota BB57

2011-11-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

In loving memory of my father-in-law, Richard Wenzlik. Happy Veterans Day.

Here's a picture taken back in 1953. Richard on the right his wife, Marge, on the left and Admiral Nimitz in the middle.

He served on the USS South Dakota BB 57 during WWII in the Battle of Guadalcanal and others.

He passed away 6 years ago at the age of 83.

He was a great guy and had a young soul.

"Official Photograph U.S. Navy"

Back of photograph

Robinson Arms Announces XCR Fully Adjustable Stock (FAST)

2011-11-11T05:30:00.001-08:00

XCR Fully Adjustable Stock (FAST)

The day has come. After years of trying to design a stock good enough for the XCR, we have finally done it. It was a bugger. We came up with so many designs and got so much input but just could not come up with the right design. It took so long because our specifications were almost impossible. Here are they are:
The stock had to be:

adjustable for length and height for complete comfort,

sturdy enough to beat someone with or pound on the ground without breaking,

made from very few parts,

light,

thin so that it folded tightly against the rifle,

be lockable into both the deployed and folded positions but be easily deployed,

cool looking,

affordable.
This was no easy feat. None of the stocks on the market fit the bill. No one had a really great hinge mechanism. Most stocks are plastic to cut down the cost. Most are built around the awful M16 buffer tube.
We designed the XCR Fully Adjustable Stock (I think I'll call it the "FAST" stock.) with a hinge made from steel, and the rest from aluminum except the cheek rest and butt pad. It can be adjusted so that anyone is comfortable with any sight.
The best part is that it is extremely cool looking. You have to see it in person to appreciate it.
We waited until all parts were ordered before posting. They will run $225 retail and be worth every penny. (link)
http://xcr.robarm.com/products.php

The wait will have been worth it.

Vehicle Tactics Weekend!

2011-10-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend shooting in and around cars solo and with a team. Learned a lot about what is cover vs concealment regarding vehicles.

In summary, if you need to defend from adversaries in a car bring a rifle! Only the engine and the axles will stop rifle rounds otherwise rounds penetrate through and through.

If you are defending from within a car: Get Out Fast!

Also, it's tough to keep everything straight when in a stressful situation so I'm glad I got to train and see what the heck I did wrong and need to work on.

Mostly don't crowd cover and don't shoot above a flat surface such as the hood or the trunk because the rounds coming in will ricochet off of the flat surface and travel about 8" above it and if you are in the way, you're screwed.

I found I loved to get nice and close to the car at the expense of situational awareness.

All in all I learn a butt load and had a pile of fun.

What a great way to spend the weekend!

Now for some photos:

Oh, Alpha Dog Tactical rocks!

Shooting "Brokeback Prone"

Shooting around the car.

Glass Shot

Ballistics Testing

Team Tactics

Exiting Vehicle

Fancy Exit

Panda is safe! Ballistics testing through glass.

Only a flesh wound!

Jumping out!

Here's some video of the class too!

There's some interesting stuff to learn in the video.

Record-High 73% in U.S. Not In Favor Of Handgun Ban

2011-10-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Support for stricter gun laws in general is lowest Gallup has measured since way back!

Read more here...

Defensive Shooting Club Anual Fun Shoot and Raffle!

2011-10-26T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of year again for the Defensive Shooting Club Fun shoot. Last year we had a three gun competition but this year it was reduced to two guns.

There were four stages the competitors had to complete in to see who would win this year.

After the event we all filled up on pizza and beer and got some raffle prizes if we were lucky.

Here is some video of the event!

Someone bought 400 raffle tickets so they got all the prizes donated by the Bay Area Gun Vault. Luckily, Jeff Patane, the DSC instructor started off by quizzing us on our defensive handgun history knowledge, I managed to get an answer right and won some 9mm snap caps.

The question was: Who is considered the father of modern pistol craft?

It was a super fun day and everybody had a lot of fun I'm sure. Especially at the end. View the video if you want to know why.

Defensive Shooting Club: Carbine Month!

2011-09-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here at the Defensive Shooting Club we normally dedicate our time to honing our skills with a handgun since that's the most likely defensive gun that would be deployed. But this month we practiced with the carbine to freshen up our skills and refresh our muscle memory regarding the manual of arms for the long gun.

We sure are lucky to have in my area a club that is dedicated to defensive firearm use. The club has been around for over 15 years! We get to train twice a month, five hours a session for a total of ten hours per month of intense firearms training that includes not only a wide variety of drills including to train unconventional use and positions but also scenarios where we have to think on our feet to maximize a positive outcome. The instructor, Jeff Patane, also drills us in the basics and drives them home so they become automatic actions.

Jeff mixes up the training to make sure we can use any hand to shoot from, load from any hand and use whatever we have around our environment to survive if we find ourselves in a hostile situation. When is it best to reveal that we are armed, how time plays a factor in a successful outcome. And some much more. He always stresses, gun fighting is a thinking mans game.

I haven't seen or heard of another club like this in existence anywhere. Most of the time you have to take a course. Courses can only go so far and once you are done it's up to the student to keep up and practice somehow until the next course where there will be the necessary re-evaluation of all the students skill levels. Signing up for courses also has it's own barriers such as going into the unknown, the uncertainty etc.

The benefit of the Defensive Shooting Club is the continuity of training and familiarization with most of the students present. Everyone is pulling for everyone else, sharing ideas and having a friendly competitive atmosphere which drives people to try to improve in areas that could be brought up to a higher level of proficiency. Jeff knows what to try out next based on the previous classes and can add twists and turns based on current affairs such as setting up a scenario that deals with protecting oneself in a restaurant. He can see that, as a group, it's time to do X or Y. I've taken a lot of courses from other instructors where they teach you various techniques, drills and procedures but at the DSC we get to put it all together and try it out. The DSC is a great proving ground for equipment too. If it fails during our training then it's time to find something better.

Another great thing about the club is anyone can join by simply paying a modest $20.00 fee and diving right in. The value is incredible. It might not be for everyone though in that the core philosophy is defense which includes the notion of situational awareness. If you are not aware you could have a rude awakening!

Anyway, I'm just happy that I get to live nearby and be a participant in the Defensive Shooting Club! Thanks Jeff for being an unending well of enthusiasm, inspiration, and information!

Here is a short compilation of what we did last Sunday!

AR15 in Slow Motion

2011-09-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

I was out training today and took some video of an AR-15 cycling some rounds in slow motion.

It's pretty mesmerizing if you ask me!

Gun Blogger Rendezvous: NSSF 50 Years of Achievement

2011-09-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

NSSF, represented by Bill Brassard, sponsored a pizza dinner and then talked about the NSSF's 50 year anniversary.

Pro Ears Ultra 33 and Pro Tac Gold Ear Protection Review: Gun Blogger Rendezvous

2011-09-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to meet Charles Ricci EVP of Altus Brands Pro Ears ear protection.

He came by the Gun Blogger Rendezvous and gave everyone a pair of Pro Ears Ultra 33 passive ear protection.

He also was came out the the shooting range with the group and let us all try out a pair of Pro Tac Gold ear protectors which are manufactured in the U.S.A. Pro Tac Gold is their high end active hearing protection with very sophisticated circuitry to cut out the harmful sounds while letting in the conversion or range commands.

I normally wear my Peltor ComTac II and find them very comfortable to wear. I have had no problems with them for over three years of hard use in all sorts of weather conditions. So, I will compare the two hearing protection devices in this article.

Construction Comparison

I mentioned that I have had this Peltor Com Tac II for over three years and have used them in all sorts of training conditions. I train about 120 hours a year in rain, heat, dust, dirt etc. and they have stood up to the task.

When opened up you can see that the circuit board is screwed to the main housing by three screws and protected from sweat and moisture by a rubber flap. Also, the batteries are mounted in separate housings that are sealed shut and thus protected very well from the elements.

The housing is very thick plastic and shows limited wear and tear.

One one side there are sealed buttons to turn the unit on and off and adjust the volume.

Rubber flap protecting electronics

Electronics securely held in place by three screws.

Pro Tac Gold Ear Protection

The Pro Tac Gold Ear Protection housings are very thick and durable looking,

One thing that I noticed right away is that the batteries and electronics are integrated into one package and placed on a foam bed right which is covered by a thinner piece of foam which acts as the barrier between the ear and the batteries/electronics.

So, in this case the foam is the sound deadening material and used as a structural material holding the electronics in place. I don't know the lasting structural characteristics of the foam is but if the foam degrades so does the positioning of the circuitry. There is a lot more foam in the Pro Tac than in the Peltor. On the bright side there is a no-questions-asked 5 year warranty on the Ear Pro products according to Charles Ricci. Can't argue with that now.

Foam holding circuitry in place with batteries

To change the batteries, you need to flip down the thin foam flap on the insert and get in there with your fingers. I found it easier just to remove the ear cups to change the batteries because my fingers were a little to big to fiddle around in the small space also the foam flap piece gets moved around and could be inadvertently damaged if you aren't careful.

Electronics sitting on top of foam.

The speaker and the electronics placed on the foam. To the right is the foam that holds them in place and on top is the foam piece that covers the electronics and is the barrier between them and your ear. If you sweat a lot this could be a problem since sweat is salty. I'm just guessing though.

Included cables to hook up an iPod for communications etc.

There are individually adjustable volume controls on either side that act as on/off switches too. They don't "Click" to a position so if you want to match the volumes it would be by feel and guess.

Overall profile of the Pro Tac Gold Ears

On thing I noticed is that the profile of the ear protection housings were opposite on the passive pair vs the active pair I was using.

The passive pair the low profile was on the top but on the active pair the low profiling was on the bottom which make more sense if you need to tuck into a rifle or something.

Profiling of passive ear protection reversed.

Profiling on active ear protection looks correct here.

A couple of concerns: I don't know how they would hold out in inclement weather or if you sweat a lot I don't know if the electronics would be adequately protected from that either. Also, the unit uses "N" type batteries and I don't know how long those would last. Hopefully, a long time though.

When I was using the Pro Tac Gold ear protection at the range in Reno's Washoe public range they really did a great job blocking out the sound of all the guns going off around me. The electronic part also helped hearing the range commands. I can see how these would be really great at an indoor range too. Overall I was very happy with them and they worked according to what was promised.

The Archangel M1A Precision stock VS JAE-100 GEN 3 Precision Rifle Stock for the M1A

2011-09-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Interesting thread found here

Hello this is Mike Ballard from Archangel. I'm the Director of R&D here. While ProMag is our parent company, and I do help with development of some of the newer ProMag items, everything that gets an Archangel logo comes out of my department, and all aspects of it's construction, materials, and design are specified by me.

You can see me showing off some of the Archangel products here.

http://www.youtube.com/archangeldevelopment

I have been in the shooting industry for over 20 years. I've designed products for Hogue, Knoxx/Blackhawk and others. I'm a competitive shooter, and every design I have ever produced has been done with the shooter in mind. In fact, every product I've designed is done so in the same way I would want to have it if I were going to be buying it myself. The last stock I designed for Knoxx before I left there was the Axiom for both the bolt guns and the Ruger 10/22. It won the 2008 NRA Golden Bullseye award for product accessory of the year.

The M1A Precision stock was 100% designed by me, and is manufactured in USA. The material used to mold the stock is 100% USA as well. The polymer is a Dupont Zytel based blend that is impact modified, infused with carbon fiber fill, and has been developed through extensive destructive testing to be extremely light weight, super durable, and thermally/dimensionally stable. Though I am biased being the designer of the stock, I find it to be the most comfortable, accurate, and lightweight stock for the M1A that I've ever shot.

For the people who keep saying that I simply knocked off the JAE stock...

I must say, I like the JAE stock. I like a gooseneck style buttstock. I like adjustability. It's a solid platform, and there will be people who find the JAE the stock for them and their particular use. But there is a lot that I don't like about their design too. This is where I have departed from the JAE design fully and completely. When I was given the go ahead for a new M1A stock, I was also given the ok to do whatever I wanted. First off, I didn't like the weight of the JAE. It was FAR to heavy. I didn't like that you had to remove the cheek riser to get to your iron sights. I certainly didn't like the $1800 price tag. I don't like the thermally unstable nature of aluminum. I don't like the fact that you need tools to remove the action from the stock in the field. I didn't like the feel of the grip in my hand. I didn't like that the length of pull must be adjusted with tools with the removal of or addition of plates. The patented "tension" adjustment is difficult to adjust for accuracy, and took me a long time to get it dialed into sub MOA accuracy. It needed to be readjusted when the action was removed from the stock. I didn't like that there was no storage area anywhere on the stock.

The Archangel M1A Precision stock was computer designed to use limited material where strength wasn't needed, and extra material where it would be required to keep the stock rigid and tough. The AAM1A stock has achieved 3 POUNDS of weight reduction from our friendly competitor. The grip area has been designed to be much more ergonomic and place the pad of your finger (or at least mine) right where it should be on the trigger. In fact, if you look carefully at the side profile of the stock, you will notice that it's COMPLETELY different. From the shape of the grip, the off hand hook under the cheek adjuster, and the included rail cover for the forend that puts an ergonomic palm rest right where it's comfortable. There is grip storage that can house a broken case extractor and a bore snake. The cheek riser can adjust quickly to iron sight height should you use a scope with a see through mount, rings, or a quick release lever. The length of pull can be adjusted by click so you can adjust for different shooters at the range easily. There are no tools required to remove the action in the field. There is a molded in 6 o'clock rail to be utilized for vertical grips, bi-pods, lights, or designators. It's got molded in QD sling swivel attachments on both sides, and it also features conventional sling swivel studs. The stock has been designed to automatically tension fit the action, we are getting sub MOA accuracy with stock barrels, NM sights, and Black Hills ammo.... And it has an MSRP of only $299.

As far as the web of hand thing goes, if I hang my hand off the side of a traditional riflestock grip area, I can get the web of my hand below where the trigger exits the stock and can still fire it... Does this make all riflestocks have a "conspicuous pistol grip"? I don't think the M1A Precision would be considered a conspicuous pistol grip, because it does not protrude like a pistol, and you can't grip it from the bottom... When you place your hand on the grip, the web of your hand is clearly higher than where the trigger exits the stock. It's a gooseneck not a pistol grip! There is also the "collapseable stock" issue as well. But considering that the M1A precision is 1/2" longer length of pull than the original stock in it's shortest adjustment, it's hardly a "colapseable stock" But I'm no lawyer, and we have not had a ruling from anyone of any authority yet. The moddled bridge piece mentioned in a post above and pinning the length of pull (or a bullet button BLECH!) is the safest bet until we know more. I will keep you posted.

Best Regards,

Mike Ballard
Director of Research & Development
Archangel Manufacturing

Gun Bloggers Rendezvous: Great Prizes to Support Project Valour-IT

2011-09-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

The last night at the Gun Blogger Rendezvous there was a raffle that raised thousands of dollars for Project Valour-IT

There were some great prizes and a total of eight firearms were raffled too, including a Glock, 2 Rugers, a shotgun.

Here are some pics of the prizes:

Cabela's donated a pile of door prizes too.

Back From the 2011 Gun Bloggers Rendezvous

2011-09-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend in Reno at the Gun Bloggers Rendezvous and had a great time and met a lot of great people.

Friday morning was we had a great breakfast sponsored by the NRA where Chuck Michel told us all about the great things the NRA is doing to support our 2nd Amendment Rights.

After breakfast is was off to the range to have some fun shooting our guns and trying some new ones.

One of the bloggers brought along a sweet little full auto 9mm suppressed UZI. That was a lot of fun to shoot. He was pretty generous allowing anyone who asked to shoot it.

After a great day of shooting we all went back to the hotel and had a great dinner sponsored by GunUp.

After dinner Allen Gura discussed his various cases he has had and fielded a Q&A. Great info! Thanks Allen!

Friday was a packed day of fun.

We started Saturday off with a breakfast sponsored by Otis cleaning kits. Some yummy French Toast.

After that we all headed out to the Gun Blogger Rendezvous Steel Challenge where we tried our hand at shooting steel.

To be continued...

Off to the Gun Blogger Rendezvous

2011-09-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm on my way to have some fun at the Gun Blogger Rendezvous!

I had a lot of fun last year and this year I'm sure it will be even better!

Fun At the Defensive Shooting Club!

2011-09-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

This month is dedicated to Carbines!

We had some fun shooting paper and doing some fun barricade shoots.

This is getting us ready for our annual fun shoot which will be a two gun competition next month! I wish it was three gun though then I could kick ass with my new Saiga 12!

Here is a short video. My battery went dead so this is all I got!

Showed my car to Jay Leno!

2011-08-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Every August in the Monterey peninsula area there is a giant car gathering and I like to go hang out down there and bring my car.

I've own a Porsche 914-6 since 1999 which I have refurbished over the years because I like to tinker on older cars.

I usually bring the "6" down to drive around and talk shop with other enthusiasts.

Anyway, I bumped into Jay Leno and showed him my car and he liked it!

With Jay at Quail Lodge, Carmel, CA.

Rancho Canada Golf Club, Carmel, CA.

Baja Cantina get together, Carmel CA.

That's my closest brush with fame so far!

Krebs Custom Saiga 12 = Awesome!

2011-08-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

This is a Krebs Custom Saiga 12 conversion.

I originally saw one at the 2011 SHOT Show and liked the clean lines and adherence to the original Saiga 12K pattern with improvements by Krebs.

At the time I didn't think they made them California compliant so I moved on to other conversion specialists. I phoned TROMIX and they didn't want anything to do with California. I tried Lone Star Arms, but they didn't want to have anything to do with California either. I talked to the folks at R&R Targets at the SHOT Show and they listened but didn't know they could do California compliant guns (back in January), Next I tried Red Jacket. They were on board to create a California compliant gun but I didn't know about their dumb show at the time and ordered one from them. They had a 16-20 week delivery date at the time of order. It turned in to a 24 week, then a 28 week, then on and on. I got my money refunded and then the Krebs became available, the one I originally wanted! How Lucky for me.

I bought the Krebs conversion. The quality is great and comes with all the Krebs improvement modifications listed below.

Comes with:

Krebs Custom Combat Shotgun Sights
Krebs Trigger Pin Retaining Plate
Tapco Single Hook G2 Trigger pack, ground and polished to Krebs specs
Krebs Mark VI Enhanced Selector Lever
Krebs Saiga-12 Muzzle Break

They take the sporterized version of the Saiga 12 that is legally imported from Russian.

And turn it into the Saiga-12K which can't be imported from Russia.

The Saiga 12 is a AK patterned semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun built at the Izhmash Arsenal in Izhevsk, Russia. Once the Saiga 12 reaches the U.S. in sporterized configuration you are only allowed to use a maximum 5 round magazine in it otherwise you violate the BATFE Section 922(r) compliance which would make the gun a "non sporting firearm". In order to legally convert the Saiga 12 into its tactical Saiga 12K configuration is has to be reclassified into a "Made in America" firearm rather than an "imported" one. Now, the ATF has a list of parts that can be replaced with domestic parts to reduce the foreign part count below 10 to classify the Saiga 12 as domestically produced. The list includes things like: Triggers, Hammers, Sears, Disconnectors, Buttstocks, Pistol Grips, Forearm/Handguards, Followers, Floorplates, Muzzle Attachments, etc. There is a cottage industry based solely of producing parts for the Saiga 12 conversion process. You can even do it yourself if you are so inclined. I opted to get a professionally converted Saiga 12. As it turns out Marc Krebs has been a gunsmith for a long time and an AK variant gunsmith too. He recently turned to creating a custom Saiga 12 "Tactical-18" about 4 years ago. He takes the shotgun and strips, welds and refinishes it and adds a bunch of custom parts to strengthen/improve on the original design while adding the requisite parts to make the Saiga 12 922(r) compliant. For example, during to conversion process the trigger group has to be moved forward. This leaves two unsightly holes in the receiver. Krebs weld the holes closed and finishes it like they didn't even exist in the first place. The fit and finish of this rifle is second to none and there is a stamp on the rifle to prove its pedigree.

I finally got to take the Krebs Saiga 12 out to the range and shot a bunch of slugs through it and needless to say I had a lot of fun. Can't wait to take it to my Defensive Shooting Club Three Gun competition to see how it fares.

Defensive Shooting Club: Attack Inoculation

2011-08-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today we did a lot of interesting stuff.

The most interesting was: Attack Inoculation.

We started off the morning with a "blind shoot" scenario where no one knew what the situation was when we were walking into it.

Next up for the day was Attack Inoculation. That is when the instructor beats us with a training bag to disorient and condition us to fight to get to our weapons. Once we were bashed to the right amount we were to deploy our handguns to neutralize any threats. It was actually pretty fun.

Here's a video of the crazy training antics.

Oh, inevitably our eyes and ears would fall off due to the sparing. The 'uke' could have put them back on but most opted to keep the training real and shoot without them. What was interesting was the phenomena of "aural exclusion" actually took place and I for one didn't hear the pistol at all!

Krebs Custom Saiga 12

2011-07-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Just picked up this awesome Kebs Custom Saiga 12 shotgun.

Very nice. Beautifully finished with a very smooth action.

Can't wait to take it out to the range!

Successful Open Carry Police Interaction

2011-07-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

"God Bless America!"

Interesting debate:Does Bearing Arms Ward Off Violent Criminals?

2011-07-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

"The decision to keep guns in his home paid off for Congressman Leonard Boswell, whose grandson was able to scare off a violent intruder with a nearby shotgun."

Here's a poll that Fox News is running too.

Here's the rest of post:
Poll Question

NorCal Tactical Bolt Rifle Challenge! - I've got to get there!

2011-06-14T16:17:00.001-07:00

Looks like a lot of fun and pretty challenging too.

Marking on my calendar!

Defensive Shooting Club - Drills Day

2011-04-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

The beginning to the day started out with fundamentals. Making sure me maintained proper trigger control, sight picture, follow through. Increasing the distances we discovered that the fundamentals played a crucial part in being able to hit the target.

We also practiced target discrimination and driving the gun between targets to simulate multiple attackers, because you know that's the way it's going.

Setting up the targets

Getting Ready for Intense Training

Setting up a Defensive Learning Environment

On interesting drill we did was to use some plastic barrels as cover just to illustrate how difficult it really is to make sure you are actually behind cover and cannot be seen by the attackers. Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they can't see some part of you to take out.

This simple looking drill covers a lot of basic material. Proper use of cover is more difficult especially when the cover might be on the smaller side. It's good to get a sense of how much is exposed. Also, we run a 360 degree "Hot" range. Therefore, position "SUL" is alway used to prevent breaking rule number 2! Also, in more advance training classes it is the natural thing to do so focus on the training principles is easier if the basic safely concepts are squared away. This drill also hammer home the use of both hands. When using support side cover use support side grip. In the long run you become a more versatile defensive shooter.

Nice write up on position "SUL"

This drill was to teach the use of muzzle and trigger discipline during the transitioning from one unconventional position to another. Also, realizing that the DSC trains in a 360 degree hot range, using position "SUL" to become an automatic position when moving around when not engaging any threats but still in a super heightened level of awareness.

Toys Spotted in Safeway: Better to be a Pirate or Police?

2011-04-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

Being a pirate you get a knife and a hook as weapons, a telescope for surveillance and some gold doubloons! They give you money right out of the box! Exciting! Oh, the eye patch can be used for panhandling.

As a police officer you get a whistle, wakie takie, flashlight, handcuffs, id, oh and sunglasses (that's cool). Looks more like a security guard pack. No weapons, and you can only call people to aid you. No money either. Boring.

Looks like it's more fun to be a pirate.

What kind of message is being sent to kids these days?

Z-M Weapons LR300 Gratuitous Pictures

2011-03-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy shooting the Z-M Weapons LR300 a lot. It feels nice, recoil is nicely managed by the unique DI gas operating system and well it just plain fun.

I had my camera out and decided to take a few snaps.

Enjoy!

Milt Sparks Pocket Holster for M&P 340

2011-03-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

I use a Milt Spark PCH for my Smith and Wesson M&P340 for pocket carry and it's great.

It's a sturdy high quality beautiful holster that does exactly what its supposed to do. I can carry my M&P comfortably all day in shorts or pants without reveling its true identity.

The M&P340 fits nice and snug but comes out easily when drawing it.

This holster is a lifetime heirloom!

Milt Sparks 55BN Horsehide with Shark Trim = Beautiful!

2011-03-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

I've been using the Milt Sparks 55BN horsehide with shark trim with my S&W M&P9 and its been great.

I love the look and feel of this holster!

Click the image for a bigger picture!

The Milt Sparks holster is such a high quality piece of craftsmanship and so beautiful to hold and look at. I jut love it.

It snugs right up to the hip and offers excellent support.

I can use it for my M&P compact too as it fits perfectly.

Gun Spot Version 1.1.5 Now Available

2011-03-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

Gun Spot Version 1.1.5 Now Available!

The latest ATF FFL Data is out for February and Gun Spot has it at your finger tips!

Defensive Shooting Club: Scenario Day, "Target Discrimination"

2011-03-07T05:07:00.000-08:00

Today we had a large group of people! Everyone was great too. We even had a couple of families including their sons ages ranging from 12 - 16.

Today was a "blind" shoot. Everybody was corralled at the far end of the range while Jeff set up the scenario. No one sees what is going on ahead of time. This allows everyone to experience the situation fresh without rehearsal or even knowing what to expect. It's the ultimate simulation of what could really happen. Believe me your adrenaline starts up and emotions come into play even though it's a contrived, controlled environment!

Jeff Patane focused on "Target Discrimination"

The four steps of Target Discrimination are:

1. Take in the big picture looking for out-of-the-ordinary behavior or actions.
2. Scan for suspicious aggressive or otherwise deliberate motion.
3. Check waist band and hands for signs of a weapon
4. Determine optimum area to engage a determined threat.

Of course these steps happen quite fast and it's easy to skip a step and start experience tunnel vision by focusing on only one threat or group of threats that are clustered together.

Also, when we determined a threat we tried to conceal the fact that we are armed till the last possible moment to engage the threat. This will optimize the advantage of surprise and if there are multiple threats this will allow for some kind of strategy to maximize survival.

We we shown various ways to distract possible threats by raising our support side hand blading our body in such a way to conceal our weapon while simultaneously reaching for our weapon to draw.

There is also a verbal component that plays into confrontations as you would ultimately like to talk down or slow down the threat to allow for time to get into position or distract or provide witnesses with verbal clues that you tried to stop whatever events are unfolding.

Once the threat has been eliminated, one way or another, it's still very important to maintain situational awareness and continue to take in the big picture.

In general it's a very fluid situation and practice doing scenarios like this gives us the chance to participate, critique, learn how we would react and improve in a controlled environment.

One thing that is clear to me it is easy to "intellectualize" the situation, and believe that you could do this and that, well once you participate in a scenario like this you'll see it's an eye opening experience , everything you "thought" you would do goes out the window. Also, when thrown into such a situation the first reaction is to stand there and think "Is this really happening?" but converting that to action where you immediately recognize the situation for what is is and react accordingly in a defensive way that could save your life, that's where training comes in. The constant inculcation that you need to do something now because the bad guy is not going to wait for you is one of the move valuable lessons to learn!

That's where this training clearly separates the "martial arts" use of firearms vs the gaming use of firearms in it's various forms.

Here is some video of the great day:

Upcoming Northern California Training Opportunities

2011-03-03T04:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of some upcoming training opportunities offered in Northern California.

----------------------------------------------------------------

ALPHA DOG TACTICAL : TRAINING COURSE : Pistol CQB

www.AlphaDogTactical.com

Location: Field Sports Park, 9580 Malech Rd, San Jose, CA
Date: Mar 26, 2011
Time: 0800-1600
Cost: $125.00
Contact: jeff@alphadogtactical.com

This one day course is designed to introduce the student to the skills necessary to fight in close proximity to a threat. In addition to skills for the lone operator, you will be introduced to concepts relating to team movement & entry into rooms/buildings.

Skills/tactics covered will include, but are not limited to:
-Basic functions and safety
-Loading/unloading/malfunction clearing
-Shooting/fighting from retention
-Multiple target engagement
-Shooting on the move
-Tactical movement & communication
-Threat identification/management (shoot/no shoot)
-Stealth and dynamic entry
-Weapon retention & take-away

Required equipment:
-Pistol and 3 magazines (min)
-500 rounds ammunition
-Holster and magazine pouches
-Eye and ear protection

Recommended additional equipment:
-Hat or head covering
-Note taking materials (pen and paper)
-Personal water supply
-Bag lunch/snack (we do not break from the range for lunch)
-Knee and elbow pads

Prerequisite:
-Completion of a tactical pistol course
-OR-
-Prior approval based on demonstrated competency

----------------------------------------------------------------

ALPHA DOG TACTICAL : TRAINING COURSE : Carbine CQB

www.AlphaDogTactical.com

Location: Field Sports Park, 9580 Malech Rd, San Jose, CA
Date: March 27, 2011
Time: 0800-1600
Cost: $125.00
Contact: jeff@alphadogtactical.com

This one day course is designed to introduce the student to the skills necessary to fight in close proximity to a threat. In addition to skills for the lone operator, you will be introduced to concepts relating to team movement & entry into rooms/buildings.

Skills/tactics covered will include, but are not limited to:
-Basic functions and safety
-Loading/unloading/malfunction clearing
-Shooting/fighting from retention
-Multiple target engagement
-Shooting on the move
-Tactical movement & communication
-Threat identification/management (shoot/no shoot)
-Stealth and dynamic entry
-Weapon retention & take-away

Required equipment:
-Carbine and 3 magazines (min)
-500 rounds ammunition
-Tactical sling for carbine
-Eye and ear protection

Recommended additional equipment:
-Secondary/backup weapon and 2 magazines (min)
-Holster and magazine pouches secondary/backup weapon
-100 rounds ammunition for secondary/backup weapon
-Magazine pouches or tac vest for carbine magazines
-Optical sight (EOtech, Aimpoint, ACOG, etc)
-Hat or head covering
-Note taking materials (pen and paper)
-Personal water supply/snacks
-Knee and elbow pads

Prerequisite:
-Completion of a tactical carbine course
-OR-
-Prior approval based on demonstrated competency.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Alpha Dog Tactical Training Highlights

Gun Owners: A breakdown.

2011-02-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

More hilarity here.

Interestng firearm pictures...

2011-02-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

Found here

Looks like an early collapsible stock from Colt?

Cartoon Gun?

Mossad SMG?

Proto Back Pack Mini Gun?

Lancer lightweight carbon-fiber handguard for an extra light build.

2011-02-24T06:17:00.000-08:00

I think I'm going to lighten up my Wife's purple Sun Devil build and I've found the perfect handguard to to the job.

Found at Lancer Systems SHOT Show booth, the new carbon-fiber handguards that can accept accessory rail hardware too if you get it with the cooling slots.

I'll change out the current heavy solid aluminum handguard with the sleek carbine length carbon-fiber handguard which weighs in at 6.8 oz. The old handguard and receiver extension weighs in at over a pound.

I should cut a whole 16 oz of weight off of the rifle which would make it very light indeed!

Only thing is I have to wait till June 1 until they release the new product!

Gun Inspired Gadgets

2011-02-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

Some interesting gun inspired gadgets.

Defensive Shooting Club: Putting it all together.

2011-02-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day at the DSC.

We started of with some drills to learn target discrimination and the technique of target discrimination:

1. Take in the big picture.
2. Look for what is unusual behavior
3. Check the waist and hands for sighs of intent.
4. Act on threats based on previous observations and ongoing behavior.

These are very general tenets but put to practice takes practice to be sure!

The following drill we each were given three cards with three numbers on them. We were to turn them over and neutralize the threats that represented the numbers written on the card.

The choice is: Do we spread fire all the time or mix our response depending on situation.

We were competing against our neighbor tasked with the same drill to put a little stress in the situation.

The following is a set up where we practiced various aspects of "spread fire" and defensive tactics using different firing positions and different hands alternating between strong side only to support side only.

A lot was learned good habits strengthened!

Here are some video highlights:

Carbine Clinic Day

2011-02-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

Today's carbine clinic we were brushing up on some basic skills such as target discrimination, driving the rifle from one target to another controlled rapid fire to feel what it was like and practice controlled trigger manipulation to mention a few things.

Target Stands Before

Sighting in the rifles

Overview of range

Robinson Arms XCR and 1-5 Drill

Alpha Dog Tactical Firearms Training.

2011-02-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

If you live in the Bay area and are looking for a great place to take some firearms training look no farther than Alpha Dog Tactical

Jeff Patane is the chief fire arms trainer and owner of the school.

I have taken many courses offered by Jeff and every time I learn something new.

Jeff also keeps up on the latest training techniques by traveling around the country taking courses from other instructors specializing in certain weapons systems.

He takes what he learns, melds it with his persona and passes it down to his students to enjoy.

From his web site:

Jeff Patane - Tactical Firearms Trainer

Jeff is a tactical firearms trainer with over 30 years of shooting experience. His background includes over 15 years in law enforcement, where he works in the Patrol division as a Reserve Officer.

Jeff currently holds Firearms Instructor certifications from POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) and the NRA.

Jeff has also successfully completed numerous tactical training programs including:

* First Responder/Active Shooter
* Extraordinary Deployment
* Active Shooter Response and Deployment
* Other various tactical pistol, rifle, and shotgun courses

Jeff is active in the Law Enforcement shooting competition arena. He is a Tactical Firearms Advisor for Falchion Enterprise, a private security company. Additionally, Jeff's training includes courses in EVOC, Anti-Terrorism, and Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Jeff currently teaches tactical firearms in the San Jose, California area. We look forward to training with you.

Here's a look at the current training course schedule from the Alpha Dog Tactical web site:

40% of 75% plan to get a CCW

2011-02-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

According to a recent survey done by Hunter Survey as reported here 40% of 75% of recreational shooters and hunters in America intend to apply for a CCW within the next 12 months starting from now.

The problem is how to get them to actually do it!

Utah Senate approves 1911 as offical state firearm

2011-02-11T05:50:00.000-08:00

Utah: 1911 as offical state firearm

HB219 • The Utah Senate passed legislation Thursday that would make the Browning-designed M1911 — a sidearm carried by U.S. military since World War I — the state’s official gun.

That's pretty cool!

Interesting WWII 1911 Story.

2011-02-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

This is definitely a fascinating story.

Originally found here: WWII 1911

One of the older technicians at work was telling me a story today about a pistol that was in his in laws family.

He tells me that his wifes late father, who was a marine in the battle of Iwo Jima, had brought back his pistol from the war. I'm thinking, ok must be a nice old 1911 model, one that has probably seen more than a few soldiers hands. then comes the rest of the story.

Turns out that the guy's father in law, had a camera with him in his sack, and had taken some pictures of when they raised the flag on Mt. Suribachi. He submitted his photo, but it was not chosen as the one that is now famous. The family still has this picture hanging in their living room.

A few days after the flag raising, the Japanese attacked the marines, and another fight broke out. As they are in the middle of everything, a Japanese sniper takes a shot at him. The bullet hits him in the right wrist, and hits his gun hanging from his belt. The round, after completely disabling his right hand, penetrates his leather pistol holster, and embeds itself into the slide of his 1911. fragments from the round penetrate through the other side of the holster, and into his leg, injuring him further.
The marine was able to get to the medic, where he was then evacuated to care for his injuries.

So the technician asks me if I would like to see it. After telling him the obvious, he calls his wifes brother and asks if he could bring it up to the shop.

Here are the pictures I took after listening to the same story again from the Marine's son. (it was a good story, I had no problem listening twice.)
I asked him if he would mind me posting them on here, as long as I blocked out the serial number. He said go right ahead.

Although I had to blur out the serial #, it fell into the early/mid 600,000 range. Found this.
Colt: S/N 450,000 to 629,500 = Oct. 24, 1918 to April 10, 1919

If anyone can tell me a little more about this gun, I can relay it to the owner, who would be very grateful!
ETA...the Marine's name was Horace Arthur Smith "Arty". he passed away 3 years ago.

DSC: Scenario Day Teamwork

2011-02-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

Today, Jeff Patane, set up a couple of blind shoots. That is scenarios that none of the participants see in advance so we are walking into a situation where we have to react to what we encounter.

The first blind shoot involved walking with a friend in a mall and seeing a crowd gathered we were curious to what it was about to we decided to go check it out.

As we are approaching shots are fired. Being legally armed and concerned citizens and trusting in our skills and our best friends skills we advance using cover to to assess the situation and hopefully help stop the carnage without drawing attention to ourselves as potential threats.

Some ideas that were employed were communication, only reveal your weapon when a actual threat is spotted and make sure you take in the situation and scan everyone/thing up and down looking for what is out of the ordinary.

This is easier said than done my friend.

All I can say is it was an eye opener.

The next blind shoot is you are in a situation where you have to react very quickly to a hostage situation.

This was a situation using airsoft. All real firearms were decked and out of sight to avoid any possible mix ups!

Setting up the crowd for scenario one.

Explaining the purpose and intent of the scenario.

What we saw when we came around the corner. Not a pretty sight!

The afternoon was taken up by some good old fashion running and gunning various poppers and paper to train us to shoot on the move and handle our firearms in unconventional positions while maintaining proper trigger discipline etc.

A very challenging day in the end where we all learned a lot of new things about ourselves. Of course it was also super fun! I managed to draw and fire ten rounds into the A zone of an ISPC target in 3.36 secs. Draw time was 1.48. That was fun!

We also did a modified Tri-Lambda drill with hostage targets. The Tri-Lambda drill is one of Kyle Lamb's VTAC drills.

Handy FFL Finder Search Tool via Gun eTools

2011-02-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

Here is a handy FFL finder search tool that allows you to find any FFL holder in the country.

Just type in your ZIP code and it will locate a FFL holder within a 20 mile radius.

Example Search Request

You can then visualize the search results using the "View Map" link.

FFL Search Results Map Visualization

This tool can be embedded into any blog that wants to provide this kind of features to their readers.

Just cut and paste the code in the text boxes into your blog to get the FFL search feature. You can change the zip, city/state to your location.

Try it out:

Here is a FFL Finder city search version. Just type in any City, State and find all the FFL holders in that city:

You can also search for a FFL by name.

Here is the "Sons of Guns" guys example search:

This searches the complete ATF database of FFL holders and is up-to-date.

Gun eTools Launches New Beta Web Site

2011-01-29T16:04:00.000-08:00

I finally got to launching Gun eTools Beta web site.

You can look up any FFL dealer right now and soon any range too!

Do an FFL eZCheck, check out the store's web site and look up their address on Google maps with just a click of the mouse.

Coming soon registered users will be able to leave reviews and ratings,add photos, add information related to their favorite gun store or range, add tags, add a gun store to your favorites and much much more.

All this information will be instantly available to all the "Gun Spot" and "Range Spot" iPhone app users across the nation! This means it will be easier to find and learn about all the gun stores near you instantly by reading what others have already experienced.

Remember, this site is now in "Beta" which means things will change and data can potentially come and go.

Anyway, go and check it out!

Pre SHOT Show 2011: Nevada Desert Night Shoot

2011-01-26T15:51:00.000-08:00

Had some fun shooting suppressed .308 and .223 plus a nice Robinson Arms XCR SBR 11".

Shooting out to 250 yards at steel plates at night is fun! Did I mention it was fun?

Robinson Arms XCR SBR 11"

Suppressed Armalite .308

Suppressed Noveske 5.56

Some video of the fun stuff...

SHOT Show 2011 Media Day: 10 Point CrossBow

2011-01-26T15:34:00.001-08:00

It was very quiet and no recoil.

SHOT Show 2011 Media Day: American Tactial Imports New "Fat Boy"

2011-01-26T15:24:00.000-08:00

I was talking to Brandon Williams of American Tactical Imports.

He was showing me their latest 1911. A 4" Fatboy. He said there were only two in the country and that was one of them.

What is interesting about this little .45 1911 is that the handle are integral to the frame. It's all stainless steel. Those handles, well, they aren't going anywhere.

I was hitting steel with this little guy at 50 yards, I think... and it did a good job.

It has a double stacked magazine and holds 12 rounds of the .45 too!

SHOT Show 2011 Media Day: ICE-15 (Young Manufacturing)

2011-01-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

Impingement Carbine - Enhanced 15

I was trying out the first one and, Rick, the inventor was working on it while I was shooting it. Talk about fresh new design.

The charging handle doesn't reciprocate and can be switched to either side.

I was having a hard time figuring out how they are going to attach at front BUIS to the thing.

It was very easy to take apart in a weird sort of way, had a trap door, flappy thing that lock into place by the lower and upper coming together.

I would say this was the weirdest carbine at the event.

SHOT Show 2011 Media Day: At the 900 yard range

2011-01-26T15:01:00.001-08:00

Here is a bunch of people doing what they like to do best! Shoot!

I think there is one woman in the picture somewhere.

Try to find her win a prize! (not really, about the prize)

SHOT Show 2011 Media Day: Somebody shooting something

2011-01-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

This is somebody shooting something at bowling pins.

This was the Winchester ammo booth and we got to try out the new Sig .357 ammo against dangling bowling pins.

You get a good idea of what it was like.

Just load a magazine pick up a handgun and "test out" the ammo!

I had fun "testing" the ammo. Seemed accurate and very consistent. Very shiny too.

I recommend it fully!

SHOT Show 2011 Media Day: Para TTR

2011-01-26T14:42:00.000-08:00

I got to try out the Para TTR. I like this rifle, not because I have a Z-M Weapons LR300, but because I like it! The rifle has been around for over 20 years! A well kept secret, invented by Allan Zitta and used by U.S. special forces and a favorite on the competition circuit now Para Ordinance licensed the right to manufacture it and re-branded it "TTR" and giving the unique gas operating system a fancy name "DIGS".

Felt nice. I have to get the folding stock! It's too spendy for me though.

All the springs and stuff are in the upper so no buffer tube required. It's a DI gun, not piston!

My Z-M LR300

I had to wear a glove to hold the forestock because it was super hot from being shot all morning long. Too bad I didn't bring a LaRue quick detach vertical for grip to do my shooting with.

If you look carefully, a round is just being ejected and the bolt is just closing and locking in the chamber.

Sure was fun!

That scope was a little too big for the range we were shooting. "Little too Big" yup.

Here's a video of it being taken down:

Shot Show Media Day: Steyr AUG

2011-01-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

Had a little trigger time with the Steyr AUG.

Michael Nischalke was showing me the ropes regarding this weapon.

He demonstrated a very slick way to quickly remove an empty magazine to be replaced with a full one.

He was mentioning that the barrel was so hot they removed it and started to pour water down the bore to cool it off.

One button press and a twist of the wrist and the barrel is out!

Ambidextrous ejection port for the lefties. Didn't see to many of them there.

Fire control group nestled in the butt stock. Very compact.

Apparently, after 7,000 rounds it gets this dirty! The fire control group is all plastic, uh I mean"Polymer", make it very light.

I wonder how hard it would be to switch to a completely different set of manual of arms for this weapon. It was definitely cool but I would have trouble adjusting from more traditional rifle ergonomics.