Duty is for full-sized pistols, and has better barrier penetration
Defense is for shorter-barreled guns, concealed carry style handguns, and less muzzle-flip.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Hornady's Critical Duty/Defense explanation
If you wondered about what is the difference between Hornady's Critical Duty and Critical Defense is, here's the answer from the horse's mouth.
Duty is for full-sized pistols, and has better barrier penetration
Defense is for shorter-barreled guns, concealed carry style handguns, and less muzzle-flip.
Duty is for full-sized pistols, and has better barrier penetration
Defense is for shorter-barreled guns, concealed carry style handguns, and less muzzle-flip.
American Rifleman's Ruger 77/357 rotary magazine rifle review
American Rifleman has review of Ruger 77/357 rotary magazine rifle. The reviewer says that this would be a good ranch carbine rifle using .357 magnum. The review also includes tests of muzzle velocity
Price(MSRP): $793
From: American Rifleman
Price(MSRP): $793
From: American Rifleman
Smith & Wesson wins Beligum Federal Police contract
S&W won Belgium Federal Police contract of 20,000 M&P9 pistols for next 10 years. The Beligum agency already received 2,500 pistols.
The contract pistols have additional features like luminescent sights, a manual thumb safety, and a loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide that allows feel of finger to verify if the gun is loaded.
This probably mean more difficulty in finding M&P series in the States as they have been gaining popularity for some time. They already won ATF contract worth $40 million dollars along with Glock.
From: Smith & Wesson
The contract pistols have additional features like luminescent sights, a manual thumb safety, and a loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide that allows feel of finger to verify if the gun is loaded.
This probably mean more difficulty in finding M&P series in the States as they have been gaining popularity for some time. They already won ATF contract worth $40 million dollars along with Glock.
From: Smith & Wesson
Michael Bane on defensive shotgun choice
Michael Bane of DownRange TV shares his opinion on what type of shotgun to use for home defense.
From: DownRange TV
From: DownRange TV
Springfield Armory offers online discount
The discount is good until 12/15 on accessories, apparels and gears.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/store/
http://www.springfield-armory.com/store/
Colt offers Magpul equipped rifle
LE6920MP will come with MOE vertical grip, hand guard, MBUS(Generation 2 backup sight), MOE-K hand grip, MOE trigger guard, MOE carbine stock and two 30-round PMAGs.
There are several color schemes.
LE6920MP-B is in black
LE6920MP-FDE is in flat dark earth
LE6920MP-O is in olive drab
LE6920MPG-B is green anodized receivers with Magpul parts in black.
California compliant versions are available except for LE6920MPG-B
There are several color schemes.
LE6920MP-B is in black
LE6920MP-FDE is in flat dark earth
LE6920MP-O is in olive drab
LE6920MPG-B is green anodized receivers with Magpul parts in black.
California compliant versions are available except for LE6920MPG-B
Colt 1911 sweepstakes
Colt is holding a sweepstakes to give away a 1911 (O1991 Government model). You can go to their Facebook page to participate.
Sweepstakes ends on 12/16 11:59 pm PST
Sweepstakes ends on 12/16 11:59 pm PST
Colt offers online holiday discount
Colt is offering $15 off of any purchase over $100 from their online store until 12/10. This excludes tax and shipping.
You can visit ColtsMfg.com/ShopOnline.aspx
You can visit ColtsMfg.com/ShopOnline.aspx
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Handgun maintenance tips
American Rifleman has a good article on how to maintain your defensive handgun. The article talks about lead build up, lubrication, springs, and magazines.
From: American Rifleman
From: American Rifleman
10 Rules to prevent home invasions
Guns & Ammo has 10 rules to protect yourself from home invasions. While we have our guns, there are other things we can do to enhance our safety, and G&A goes through 10 measures we may take for granted.
From: Guns & Ammo
From: Guns & Ammo
VLTOR TS3 Review from Guns & Ammo
Guns & Ammo has review of VLTOR TS3 by Iain Harrison. He likes how the rifle is built and quality it comes with.
From: Guns & Ammo
Monday, November 28, 2011
New Show on Military Channel - Triggers: Weapons that changed the world
Military channel will debut a new shows called Triggers: Weapons that changed the world on Wed. 11/30. It is hosted by Will Willis. According to the interview with Shooting Illustrated, the show looks at weapons relevant to current conflicts and traces the development from the beginning. First episode will look at .45 caliber pistols.
From: Shooting Illustrated
From: Shooting Illustrated
SIG 551A1 review - Guns & Ammo
G&A has a concise review of SIG 551 A1 rifle. You can also enjoy nice photos with the review.
From: Guns & Ammo
From: Guns & Ammo
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Brownells early bird promotion
Brownells is holding early bird promotion called Black Friday Rifle Event.
It will run from 11/24-28 and you get 10% off on orders over $199. Use code DLB
From: Brownells
It will run from 11/24-28 and you get 10% off on orders over $199. Use code DLB
From: Brownells
Haley Strategic releases light mounts
Travis Haley's company releases two light mounts, DropWing and Thorntail. DropWing attaches to holes on the rail system, while Thorntail attaches on the rail.
Both extend just beyond front sight post, leaving more space for other accessories
DropWing
Thorntail
Price: $70
Both extend just beyond front sight post, leaving more space for other accessories
DropWing
Thorntail
Price: $70
Comp-Tac's Diva holster for women
Comp-Tac's Diva holster for female shooters. The holster has redesigned belt loop that accommodates women's curve.
Rumor is that Comp-tac will have 20% sale on Black Friday.
Price is $104
Rumor is that Comp-tac will have 20% sale on Black Friday.
Price is $104
Colt to relesae CA compliant rifles
Colt Defense is offering 5 of their rifles in CA compliant version in 2012. All the versions have bullet buttons that satisfy CA's law.
The models are LE6920CA,LE6940CA, LE6920CMP-B, LE6920CMP-FDE, LE6920CMP-O.
From: Down Range TV
The models are LE6920CA,LE6940CA, LE6920CMP-B, LE6920CMP-FDE, LE6920CMP-O.
From: Down Range TV
CZ-USA 2012 catalogs are ready
CZ-USA's 2012 catalogs are ready. You can get one by calling 1-800-955-4486 ext. 331
From: CZ-USA
From: CZ-USA
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Roy Rogers tribute revolver
America Remembers pays tribute to 100th anniversary of Roy Rogers with commemorative Colt Single Action Army revolver. There will be 100 made.
Price is $3195
Price is $3195
Rarest 1911 ever made: Browning Colt 1911
Guns & Ammo has a video of their visit to John M. Browning Firearms museum and we can see the 1911 prototype that was tested by the Army.
Direct link to video: http://bcove.me/4iiwyo4t
From: Guns & Ammo
Direct link to video: http://bcove.me/4iiwyo4t
From: Guns & Ammo
New training school for Ohio, MI, PA, VT, SC, NC, FL
LEO of the year 2010 David Spaulding is starting his Handgun Combatives program. Currently he is working on the schedule for mentioned states.
Here is the website: http://www.handguncombatives.com/
Here is the website: http://www.handguncombatives.com/
10 years of change in weapons
Shooting Illustrated has a great article on snipers and the progress made in the war zone. It talks about rifles and gears as well as challenges snipers face.
Also, British Forces News talks about how their infantry gears changed over last 10 years. You can watch it here.
From: Shooting Illustrated, Youtube
Also, British Forces News talks about how their infantry gears changed over last 10 years. You can watch it here.
From: Shooting Illustrated, Youtube
2012 new guns preview on Shooting Illustrated
Shooting Illustrated has small report from National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers Show and guns we might see in 2012.
Savage Arms, CZ-USA, Windham Weaponry, Remington 700 are coming up with something new.
From: Shooting Illustrated
Savage Arms, CZ-USA, Windham Weaponry, Remington 700 are coming up with something new.
From: Shooting Illustrated
Gunsite Black Friday deal
Gunsite will offer free shipping for orders over $100 from their online store. Also, there is $200 discount on 2012 classes registered on 11/25 by sending email to coordinator@gunsite.com
From: DownRange TV
From: DownRange TV
Friday, November 18, 2011
Magpul announces MOE Scout mount
Magpul came up with light mount for MOE handguard. Scout Mount allows the attachment of Surefire Scout Light Weapon lights and many other 1913 Picatinny mounted lights.
There is left side model and right side model
Price: $9.95
From: Magpul
There is left side model and right side model
Price: $9.95
From: Magpul
Beretta BU-9 Nano to be available soon
Beretta says that BU-9 Nanos are being distributed right now and should reach dealers during November. It's Beretta's entry into sub compact 9mm, and features stylish exterior like it's bigger sibling PX4.
Price(MSRP): $475
From: Beretta Nano
Price(MSRP): $475
From: Beretta Nano
Rifle shooter magazine reviews Benelli R1 .338
Rifle Shooter Magazine reviews Benelli R1 chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum. Benelli R1 already has rifles chambered in .30-06 and .300 Winchester Magnum.
The reviewer liked the recoil system which made .338 WM feel like a .308 bolt action rifle. In addition, trigger was good, too.
Price: $1109
From: Rifle Shooter Magazine
The reviewer liked the recoil system which made .338 WM feel like a .308 bolt action rifle. In addition, trigger was good, too.
Price: $1109
From: Rifle Shooter Magazine
M-Pro7 introduces Small Arms Cleaning Kit
Small Arms Cleaning Kit(SACK) is designed for (and by) US soldier that contains tools needed for a military style weapon. It contains,
4oz M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner
2oz M-Pro 7 Gun Oil LPX
1 Leatherman M.U.T.(Optional)
150 Cleaning patches (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
3 BoreSnakes (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
3 Phosphor Bronze Bore Brushes (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
3 Nylon Bore Brushes (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
3 Brass Jags (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
1 Chamber Mop (5.56mm)
1 Lint-Free Cloth
1 Dust Brush
1 Nylon Utility Brush
1 Dental Pick
1 T-Handle Rod
1 oz Empty Bottle with Lid
1 Magnet Pad
1 Molle Field Pouch
1 Lockable Plastic Case
1 Weapon Maintenance 7 Product Guide
From: M-Pro 7
4oz M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner
2oz M-Pro 7 Gun Oil LPX
1 Leatherman M.U.T.(Optional)
150 Cleaning patches (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
3 BoreSnakes (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
3 Phosphor Bronze Bore Brushes (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
3 Nylon Bore Brushes (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
3 Brass Jags (5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm)
1 Chamber Mop (5.56mm)
1 Lint-Free Cloth
1 Dust Brush
1 Nylon Utility Brush
1 Dental Pick
1 T-Handle Rod
1 oz Empty Bottle with Lid
1 Magnet Pad
1 Molle Field Pouch
1 Lockable Plastic Case
1 Weapon Maintenance 7 Product Guide
From: M-Pro 7
Iain Harrison's USPSA Area 2 video
Top Shot season 1 winner Iain Harrison participated in USPSA Area 2 Championship match.
From: Guns and Ammo magazine Youtube
From: Guns and Ammo magazine Youtube
SIG's 551-A1 lower for 556. (with a catch)
*Note: The promotion was from 11/10 to 11/17 OR while supplies last. It seems like they might have some left so it might still be on.
SIG is offering lower that makes your SIG 556 rifle into 551-A1. It comes with Swiss folding stocks and 1 Swiss 551 magazine.
Quantity is limited to 250. You can call (866)619-1128 or (603)418-8102 to order
Price: $369 ($160 for just the stock), $37.80 for extra Swiss magazines(with this offer)
From: SIG SAUER
SIG is offering lower that makes your SIG 556 rifle into 551-A1. It comes with Swiss folding stocks and 1 Swiss 551 magazine.
Quantity is limited to 250. You can call (866)619-1128 or (603)418-8102 to order
Price: $369 ($160 for just the stock), $37.80 for extra Swiss magazines(with this offer)
From: SIG SAUER
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Barett's .50 Caliber training
Shooting USA has video of Barrett's Long Range I and II courses. It is a class that is offered to those who buy Barrett rifles and you get to shoot all the way to 1000 yards.
Link: http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/17426/50-caliber-training/
From: Shooting Illustrated
Link: http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/17426/50-caliber-training/
From: Shooting Illustrated
Pro tips with Julie Golob - sighting in
Shooting USA posted quick description of yesterday's tip on zeroing your pistol on their website. Julie Golob shows how she zeros her pistol in preparation for competition.
From: Shooting USA
From: Shooting USA
NSSF tip - Gun speed and target lead
NSSF uploaded a video on leading targets and gun speed.
From: NSSF
From: NSSF
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
SIG SAUER to sell US Navy MK25 to public
SIG SAUER will sell their P226 built to the specification set by US Navy to general public. There is a SIG P226 Navy, but it was not 100% identical as it lacked a few details.
The pistol will come with phosphate finish applied to all internal components, anchor on the left side of slide and UID code on the right, and true mil-spec 1913 rail.
It will come with SIGLITE night sights, three magazines, and a card certifying authenticity.
From: GunDigest
The pistol will come with phosphate finish applied to all internal components, anchor on the left side of slide and UID code on the right, and true mil-spec 1913 rail.
It will come with SIGLITE night sights, three magazines, and a card certifying authenticity.
From: GunDigest
Magpul to release Art of Tac carbine 2nd edition
Magpul is releasing the 2nd edition of their famous 'Art of Tactical Carbine' DVD in Blu Ray.
It will feature,
Additional Content
1080i Remastering
Vol 1 Bloopers
The Lost Chris Costa Interviews
Trailer
From: Magpul
It will feature,
Additional Content
1080i Remastering
Vol 1 Bloopers
The Lost Chris Costa Interviews
Trailer
From: Magpul
Taran Butler vs Jerry Miculek
Here's video from FNH 3 GUN Championship held last weekend. It is qualification for shoot off. The two make it look so easy.
Apex Tactical releases spring kit for S&W SD pistols
Apex Tactical, who is renown for their M&P trigger kit, is releasing spring kit for S&W SD pistols. Apex Tactical's spring kit reduces SD pistol's trigger pull to 5.5 lbs and improves reset.
Price is $19.95 and will be available on Nov. 25th
From: Downrange.TV
Price is $19.95 and will be available on Nov. 25th
From: Downrange.TV
Cabela's Black Friday gift promotion
First 800 customers(ages 18 or over) in line at each of its U.S. retail stores on Friday, November 25 starting at 5 a.m, will be given an envelope containing information about the prize they won. If you are going there, good luck!
AIG AR-15 Black Rifle DVD Bundle
American Gunsmithng Institute will release a bundle of their instructional DVDs on AR-15 platform. These will include,
Technical Manual & Armorer's Course: AR-15 Rifles (Product ID#1034)
Includes Special Bonus Project "Converting the AR-10T Target Rifle to a Tactical Style M4 Carbine"
Building the AR-15 Rifle (Product ID#3234)
Disassembly / Reassembly of the AR-15 Rifle (Product ID#7004)
"How-To" AR-15 Rifle Trigger Job (Product ID#3354)
Price will be $140
From: AGI
Technical Manual & Armorer's Course: AR-15 Rifles (Product ID#1034)
Includes Special Bonus Project "Converting the AR-10T Target Rifle to a Tactical Style M4 Carbine"
Building the AR-15 Rifle (Product ID#3234)
Disassembly / Reassembly of the AR-15 Rifle (Product ID#7004)
"How-To" AR-15 Rifle Trigger Job (Product ID#3354)
Price will be $140
From: AGI
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Gunsite Scout rifle polymer magazines from Ruger
Ruger is now selling polymer magazines for Gunsite Scout rifle. There are 10, 5, and 3 round magazines. You can get it from Ruger web store as well as any dealers.
Price is $39.95 from the webstore
Price is $39.95 from the webstore
From: Ruger
IDPA uploads more video
IDPA's official Youtube channel IDPAtv now has 2 more videos uploaded. Here is the IDPA TV Trailer. IDPAtv says they will have more contents about IDPA starting January 2012
And here's an unrelated, but equally interesting video from Russian IDPA match
And here's an unrelated, but equally interesting video from Russian IDPA match
Best guns for Zombie Apocalypse
Guns & Ammo has their 8 best guns for zombie apocalypse. This list seems to have a big potential to generate some controversy.
Glock 17
Marlin 1894 CB
AR-15
Smith & Wesson Model 59
Henry Big Boy
FN PS90
Browning Auto-5
Remington 870
From: Guns & Ammo
Glock 17
Marlin 1894 CB
AR-15
Smith & Wesson Model 59
Henry Big Boy
FN PS90
Browning Auto-5
Remington 870
From: Guns & Ammo
Monday, November 14, 2011
Travis Haley to release Adaptive Handgun DVD
Panteao production is taking pre-orders for Travis Haley's Adaptive Handgun DVD.
Price will be $49.99 for non-members, $39.99 for members.
From: Panteao Productions
Price will be $49.99 for non-members, $39.99 for members.
From: Panteao Productions
Benelli's new Super Black Eagle II Performance Shop Waterfowl Edition
Benelli introduced Performance Shop version of their Super Black Eagle II. It comes with Rob Roberts Custom Triple Threat chokes and each individual gun is test fired to check for consistent patterns. Large bolt-cocking handle and wider bolt release lever are also used.
Price(MSRP) will be $2899
From: Benelli USA
Price(MSRP) will be $2899
From: Benelli USA
Thursday, November 10, 2011
H&K under investigation for arms export
Heckler & Koch is under investigation by German authorities for bribing officials in Mexico and possibly in Germany. H&K was already being investigated for selling weapons to 4 states in Mexico(Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guerrero and Jalisco) prohibited by Germany for human rights violation.
They are also investigated on how H&K weapons ended up in Libya when it was approved for export to Egypt.
From: The Blaze
They are also investigated on how H&K weapons ended up in Libya when it was approved for export to Egypt.
From: The Blaze
Dutch ministry cancels SIG P250 orders
Dutch Ministry of Justice cancelled their 40,000 SIG P250 orders after SIG failed to make the guns with minor adjustments work correctly. Ministry wanted computer chips and captive disassembly pin, and tested the new version with new ammo. P250 had problems here and there and the Ministry decided to cancel the order.
This is a blow to SIG P250 as it was rejected by Federal Air Marshals and ATF in last few years. They reportedly failed Schleswig-Holstein trial in Germany too.
From: Sig Forum
This is a blow to SIG P250 as it was rejected by Federal Air Marshals and ATF in last few years. They reportedly failed Schleswig-Holstein trial in Germany too.
From: Sig Forum
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
S&W SD review from Shooting Illustrated
Shooting Illustrated posted their review of S&W SD9 and SD40.
These are the newest models from S&W that sits between Sigma series and M&P series. The models are designed with self-defense in mind. It comes with tritium front sight for low-light use.
SD9 is the 9mm version that can hold 16+1 rounds, SD40 is the .40S&W version that holds 14+1 rounds.
The writer points out that the front cocking serrations are too close to the muzzle, but overall, this is a contender for inexpensive self-defense gun.
Price(MSRP) will be $459
From: Shooting Illustrated
These are the newest models from S&W that sits between Sigma series and M&P series. The models are designed with self-defense in mind. It comes with tritium front sight for low-light use.
SD9 is the 9mm version that can hold 16+1 rounds, SD40 is the .40S&W version that holds 14+1 rounds.
The writer points out that the front cocking serrations are too close to the muzzle, but overall, this is a contender for inexpensive self-defense gun.
Price(MSRP) will be $459
From: Shooting Illustrated
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Thompson Center Venture rifle recall notice
S&W is recalling Thompson Center Venture rifles due to possible sear problem. This recall applies only to Venture rifles manufactured from August 1, 2011 to October 28, 2011. If you want to find out if yours is one of them, you can look up serial numbers from this PDF file
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/Venture_Recall_Serials.pdf
or you can call them at 1-800-713-0356, or email at venturerecall@smith-wesson.com
From: Smith & Wesson
http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/Venture_Recall_Serials.pdf
or you can call them at 1-800-713-0356, or email at venturerecall@smith-wesson.com
From: Smith & Wesson
Colt introduces Mustang Pocketlite
Colt is bringing back Mustang called Mustang Pocketlite. It will be built with aluminum alloy receiver, stainless steel slide and barrel that are CNC machined from solid bar stock. It will be 5.5 inches long and barrel will be 2.75 inches long. Magazine will hold 6 rounds.
No news on price yet.
From: Colt
No news on price yet.
From: Colt
Bad shooting tips
Guns & Ammo magazine listed 8 bad shooting tips industry people heard.
Garry James: Topping Black Powder with Bullseye
Dick Metcalf: Vicegrip
Richard Nance: 'I'll Just Shoot'
Joseph Von Benedikt: Shut the 'Other' Eye
Iain Harrison: J-Frames as Starters
Will Hayden: No Need to Aim Shotguns
Payton Miller: .410s as Starters
Brittany Boddington: Muzzle Breaks for First-Timers
From: Guns & Ammo
Garry James: Topping Black Powder with Bullseye
Dick Metcalf: Vicegrip
Richard Nance: 'I'll Just Shoot'
Joseph Von Benedikt: Shut the 'Other' Eye
Iain Harrison: J-Frames as Starters
Will Hayden: No Need to Aim Shotguns
Payton Miller: .410s as Starters
Brittany Boddington: Muzzle Breaks for First-Timers
From: Guns & Ammo
IDPA club promotional video
IDPA's South River Gun Club in Conyers, GA made this promo video. Hope you enjoy!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Chris Costa is leaving Magpul Dynamics
Chris Costa, instructor for Magpul Dynamics, is stepping down, and will start a new company of his own, Costa Ludus.
There were some questions raised when Falcon Operations Group announced that Chris Costa will hold class in Southern California under the group's banner in early January.
From: Military times
There were some questions raised when Falcon Operations Group announced that Chris Costa will hold class in Southern California under the group's banner in early January.
From: Military times
IDPA expands online presence
IDPA has opened up Youtube and Twitter account. Direct links to both are below
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/idpatv
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/officialidpa
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShootIDPA
IDPAtv has a video of World Championship that was held in Florida in 9/21. It was from ESP Master class shooter Caleb Giddings.
From: IDPA
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/idpatv
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/officialidpa
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShootIDPA
IDPAtv has a video of World Championship that was held in Florida in 9/21. It was from ESP Master class shooter Caleb Giddings.
From: IDPA
5.11 COVRT Z.A.P 6 bag
COVRT Z.A.P. 6 (Zone Assault Pack) is a mid-sized sling bag, intended for CCW and covert operators. It can carry iPads or netbooks too.
Price is $119.99
From: 5.11
Price is $119.99
From: 5.11
Sunday, November 6, 2011
TigerSwan 2 day tactical pistol class review
TigerSwan was found in 2005, making it a relatively newcomer compared to other established firearm training schools. It may not have flashy reputation(or tries to make one), but it certainly has plenty of real world experience that tests the techniques and sort out the ones that work.
Founder Brian Searcy served many years in Army Special Operations and many instructors of TigerSwan have experience in training and in use of firearms. Their usual group of students are from military and law enforcement, but they also have classes for everyday people, like this one.
Day 1
When I arrived at the range, there were some familiar faces and new faces. The class was promoted via Grey Group(http://greygrouptraining.com/) who also takes care of registrations for other instructors like Larry Vickers, Ken Hackathorn, and Jason Falla.
In the class, the first thing that was covered was safety. Any decent class will cover firearm safety first, regardless of who is attending it. Two instructors, David and Matt, emphasized importance of firearm safety and did not mince any words.
With classes like this, it is likely that there will be varying degrees of skills. Many atudents come from different background, which inevitably leads to a bit of confusion on standard procedures including loading and unloading. The instructors were aware of this, and made sure everyone was on the same page.
There is no such thing as "advanced tactical skills" - there is only perfect execution of the fundamentals under stress.
This is the phrase I heard when I attended my first TigerSwan class a year ago, and it is something TigerSwan strongly believes in. First part of the class was marksmanship. No matter who you are, you want to make every shot count, and having a good marksmanship is important.
In most classes I've attended, marksmanship portion was done in 5-10 yards, with smaller target. In this class, we were put on 25 yard line and NRA 25 yard pistol target was used. If there were any deficiency in fundamental marksmanship, it will show up at that distance. Checking your stance and other possible bad habits were done during this part.
When people think of Tactical training, image of some exotic techniques comes to mind, but TigerSwan isn't one to promote such. About first 2-3 hours were spent on marksmanship on the first day, including ball and dummy drill.
Once we were done with basic marksmanship, we moved on to several drills that utilized IPSC target. Some of the drills included shooting more than 2 rounds in to the A-zone.
One of the common training scars that a lot of people have is shooting a pair of rounds and then assessing the area instead of checking if the threat has been dealt with. The focus was to break this habit by utilizing differing number of shots.
Next drill was transition from one target to another. When engaging targets that are some distance apart, it is most likely that the time it takes to transition from one target to another is longer than landing the second shot on a same target. The focus of the drill was to make the transition between targets as fast as landing the second shot on a same target.
We also practiced on how to control the speed of transition in order to make the hits that were more difficult. Transitioning between targets that present large and small area requires adjusting speed as needed and the use of smaller A-zone(head) was implemented.
The last item of the first day was techniques for single handed manipulation of pistol. There could be a chance that your hand is shot and if that happens, you have to manipulate with just one hand. Several different techniques were presented and pros and cons of each were discussed.
Day 2
The next day started off with marksmanship training again. It was almost like the first day, but now a shot timer was used to induce stress. You would think that it was done after the first day, but fundamentals should not be taken for granted, so we worked on it for an hour or two. During this time, we added single handed shooting. This is the type of thing you expect to see in an Olympic shooting class or bull's eye class, but it teaches us the importance of marksmanship.
After marksmanship work, we worked on kneeling position and prone positions. There were details that made a difference in how comfortable and efficient each position could be compared to the the way I usually perform it.
Following item was movements with gun. The material was about how to stop and engage the threat while you were moving. There are times when you have to move from one position to another and as soon as you get to that position, you need to engage the target. We were taught skills that improved our efficiency.
Then came the shooting on the move. This is a skill that many people attempt to do, and have plenty of room for improvement.
One of the toughest skill to acquire in tactical training is not some fancy firearm manipulation technique, but being able to think fast and discriminate targets. There are several ways this can be done.
One is to use some number of different targets. For example, we can have several threat and non-threat targets down range. However, after a while it becomes an excercise of identifying the targets, not thinking.
Another method is to utilize the shape/color/number on target and calling out the shape/color/number. This is more challenging, but it also can end up being a memorization training, rather than critical thinking.
The drill we did was even more challenging than what I've seen so far. It forced the shooter to identify the target and think whether you can engage or not. Memorizing the target could help, but it can help you only so much and the critical thinking took over sooner or later.
At the very end, we had a drill to go through which tested our skills. It was a modified zig-zag drill and we were not to miss any rounds. No one completed the drill perfectly although a few came really close.
After thoughts
This class is not for a novice. You should be proficient with weapon manipulation (including malfunction clearance) and be safe all the time. Most of the materials covered in this class was under the assumption that the student has those skills. It certainly helps students absorb more information when they can perform those
manipulations proficiently.
For those who consider themselves lacking in such skills, TigerSwan offers 1 day Tactical Pistol course that will cover the topics.
One of the things that scare a potential student is preconceived notion of the training provider. TigerSwan has an impressive cadre of trainers and experience, and to some people it will be intimidating. Some might think of a strict drill instructor from some B-rated movies, but it is far from the truth. The instructors were those who represented the best of the professional soldiers and they do not deviate from the professionalism you would expect from the group.
Both instructors, David and Matt, were professional in their instuction, and you do not feel as if there is an invisible wall between the students and instructors. You'd think the two instructors were your neighbors from their casual appearance.
Some might be scared by the amount of ammunition requirement for the class - 1200 rounds. At the end of the training, there were about 250 rounds left. It seems like the round count was increased so you can take the class without worrying about how many rounds you have left. There were some drills where you went through a lot of rounds, but when instructions for techniques began, round count was less. This doesn't mean they were skimping on rounds during drill, but rather how they focused on getting the technique right instead of hosing rounds down range.
If the price of the course scares you, don't let it stop you from taking the course. While the price may be high, the amount of information and correction/training you get offsets the cost. The saying 'You get what you paid for.' is true for this class.
In the beginning of the class, David mentioned that everyone will learn something they can take home. It certainly was true for me, and probably for everyone.
About TigerSwan
Website: http://www.tigerswan.biz (Training: http://www.tigerswan.com/site/training/)
Cost: $575
Rounds needed: 1,200 (most likely under 1,000)
Friday, November 4, 2011
DPMS .22lr AR upper
DPMS has their .22lr upper available for $399. It is a 16 inch barrel model with Free Float Tube, and comes with one 10round magazine.
From: DPMS
From: DPMS
Hornady new 2012 products preview
Hornady is showing their product line for 2012. Zombie Max is definitely one of them.
Here's the video of the line up.
From: Hornady
Here's the video of the line up.
From: Hornady
Sig Sauer 2012 calendar available
Sig Sauer now has 2012 calendar available.
http://www.sigsauer.com/SigStore/2012-sig-sauer-calendar-435.aspx
Price is $9.99
From: Sig Sauer
http://www.sigsauer.com/SigStore/2012-sig-sauer-calendar-435.aspx
Price is $9.99
From: Sig Sauer
EPIC 1080 HD camera
EPIC camera boasts 1920x1080 HD recording with full audio, as well as other resolutions. It accepts up to 32GB memory cards, and can zoom in 4X. It uses 3 AAA batteries.
Price is $199.99
You can also get EPIC viewer priced at $79
From: EPIC action cam
Price is $199.99
You can also get EPIC viewer priced at $79
From: EPIC action cam
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Savage's sneak peak of their new shotgun
This is the new Stevens Model 320 Security pump. It features a pistol grip stock, rotary bolt and Ghost Ring sights. Price will be $260.
From: Savage Arms
From: Savage Arms
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
CZ USA blogs about trigger system
CZ USA posted on their blog about CZ's single set trigger system. The post includes tips on how to adjust the trigger to get the weight,creep and over-travel that shooter wants.
From: CZ-USA blog
From: CZ-USA blog
Shooting ballistic gelatin with .500 S&W
Iain Harrison takes a shot at ballistic gelatin with S&W .500S&W revolver
From: Gun Nuts media
From: Gun Nuts media
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Julie Golob's book pre-order
Competition shooter Julie Golob has been working on her first book and it is about to be released. 'Shoot – Your Guide to Shooting and Competition' will be released in 2012, and you can pre-order her book.
Price will be $11.53 on Amazon
Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shoot-Your-Guide-Shooting-Competition/dp/161608698X/
Trailer:
From: Julie Golob blog
Price will be $11.53 on Amazon
Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shoot-Your-Guide-Shooting-Competition/dp/161608698X/
Trailer:
From: Julie Golob blog
S&W introduces M&P15 300 Whisper
Smith & Wesson added M&P15 300 Whisper to their rifle catalog. It also chambers .300 AAC Blackout. It will also be sold as an upper with a 10” free-float quad rail and a Yankee Hill Phantom flash hider.
From: DownRange TV
From: DownRange TV
ShotMuse3 - a new iPhone app
ShotMuse3 keeps a database of weapons, ammunition, scores, targets, and notes.
Features include Weapons Database, Ammo Database, Target Mode, Timer Mode and Chrono Mode.
Price is $3.99
Link to iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shotmuse3/id470410516?mt=8
Features include Weapons Database, Ammo Database, Target Mode, Timer Mode and Chrono Mode.
Price is $3.99
Link to iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shotmuse3/id470410516?mt=8
