A three-time Olympian in biathlon, Lanny Barnes has leveraged the shooting side of her winter sport to national and international firearms success and a role in season three of the competition show Surviving Mann, the host of which said Barnes is “the best shooter I have ever seen!” Indeed, Annie Oakley would be proud of modern-day shooting sister Lanny Oakley! (LANNY BARNES)
AmericanShootingJournal.com
FEATURES
31 BULLE T BULLETIN: LET’S TALK TIPS
Newsflash: Tipped hunting bullets are here to stay! OK, that’s obvious, but what does the construction of the end of your bullet mean to you as a hunter or shooter? Phil Massaro traces the evolution of tips and what today’s myriad lines offer.
43 R OAD HUNTER: OUTSMARTING BIG BULLS
Scott Haugen knows a thing or two about the game he pursues, and early-season elk in the West are no exception. Grab your bow and calls for up-close lessons in bagging a big bull!
53 SC ATTERGUN ALLEY: DOVE SEASON IS HERE AT LAST!
Those “wicked speedsters” known as mourning doves have embarrassed many a shotgunner, but Larry Case talks tactics, shells and chokes, as well as new shotguns from Benelli, GForce and Weatherby that just might tip the balance of power.
60 THE AR IS AMERICA’S SH*T HITS THE FAN RIFLE
Frank Jardim is the guy who is going to survive the apocalypse, and he’s going to do it with an AR-platform rifle. He shares how he has set up his for maximum effectiveness when SHTF.
71 SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING: ATTENDING THE SNUB REVOLVER ROUND-UP
A trip up to South Carolina to train on snubnose revolvers didn’t start out well for Paul Pawela, who admits his range target looked like it was hit by a shotgun instead. But it ended up being one of the best sessions he’s ever attended – find out why!
81 TACTICAL TRAINING: DRY FIRE – WHERE PROGRESS HAPPENS
There are those who disdain dry fire practice, but Ash Hess is not among them. Learn about the modern training aids he uses that will flat-out improve your shooting skills.
85 TACTICAL TRAINING: HOW I BATTLED THROUGH THE SEARING PAIN OF BEING PEPPER SPRAYED
When Graciela Casillas got her first – and quite unexpected – taste of pepper spray during a training session, she found she could still fight despite the debilitating spray by focusing on these things.
‘BEST SHOOTER I’VE SEEN’
A childhood spent plinking cans at her family’s Colorado ranch led to three straight trips to the Winter Olympics for Lanny Barnes, who today continues to make a name for herself well beyond biathlon – Lanny Oakley, anyone?!?
(LANNY BARNES)
MORE FEATURES
91 MAKING THE CUT: CHECKING IN WITH AL MAR KNIVES
Al Mar was a Special Forces legend from the Vietnam War era who went on to become a knifemaker for those elite units. Even though Mar passed away, his name lives on in fine blades you’ll want to take a look at.
97 TACTICAL PROFILE: ANSWERING THE CALL
Meet Jake Bittan, founder of California-based IGY6 Defense, who has been serving in Israel during the war with Hamas. Jason Brooks shares Bittan’s war stories and what makes his firearms training and tactical gear company unique.
105 MILITARY SPOTLIGHT: REMEMBERING COLONEL JAMES ROWE
The spirit of Green Beret Colonel James “Nick” Rowe lives on in the hearts and minds of US special ops personnel. Learn about his life and times fighting communists and developing the military’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape course.
109 L AW ENFORCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: HAT TIP TO ALL WILDFIRE RESPONDERS
Usually, it’s Sergeant Nick Perna helping people navigate out of harm’s way of disasters such as wildfires, but a massive blaze near his California home gave him a deeper appreciation for all those who selflessly serve to help others.
113 BL ACK POWDER: TROUBLESHOOTING A UBERTI 1851 NAVY
Gun REVIEW
22 MOSSBERG MVP PATROL .300 BLACKOUT
Mike Nesbitt satisfied his hankering for an 1851 Navy with an older short-barreled Uberti replica that he acquired ... and then discovered there were a few bugs to work out. DEPARTMENTS
Over the years, Fred Mastison has been impressed with rifles from famed shotgun maker Mossberg, but does the MVP Patrol bolt-action in .300 Blackout keep that streak alive?
(JAKE BITTAN)
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A
spent plinking
childhood
cans at her family’s ranch led to three straight trips to the Olympic Winter Games as a biathlete for Lanny Barnes, who continues to compete in international shooting sports and recently appeared on season three of Surviving Mann
“WHEN A MAN HITS A TARGET, THEY CALL HIM A MARKSMAN. WHEN I HIT A TARGET, THEY CALL IT A TRICK. NEVER DID LIKE THAT MUCH.” –ANNIE OAKLEY
’BEST SHOOTER I’VE SEEN’
Lanny Barnes has made a name for herself well beyond Olympic biathlon.
STORY BY PAUL PAWELA • PHOTOS BY LANNY BARNES
There was a torrential downpour on the set of the hit TV show Surviving Mann. As all participants were trying desperately to stay dry and warm from the elements, one individual stood out amongst the crowd: world champion shooter Lanny Barnes. I watched the Surviving Mann contestants with great enthusiasm as they participated in a rigorous physical fitness training program under the guidance of Don Mann, the show’s host and a former member of the legendary SEAL Team 6. I tried to be a neutral observer because some contestants are good friends, including Barnes.
While all the participants underwent grueling physical tests, I was amazed that Barnes breezed back into formation with the cast and crew with little to no effort. I was trying to comprehend how she was so fit, as her breathing was barely visible, and then I recalled that Barnes had represented the United States as a three-time Olympian in the biathlon.
For those who don’t follow the Olympics or winter sports in general, biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It’s essentially a race on skis over a groomed snow trail with stops made at target ranges. At each shooting station, contestants either must hit all five targets or receive a penalty for each one missed – either time or additional distance that must be skied.
According to Wikipedia, contestants use small-bore rifles, which must weigh at least 7.7 pounds, excluding ammunition and magazines. At each shooting station, five circular targets are set at a distance of 50 meters, or 55
yards. Shots are taken in the prone position (target diameter: 1.8 inches) or while standing (target diameter: 4.5 inches).
In plain English, the biathlon is one of the most grueling sports in the Olympics. Not only are you cross-country skiing, going through various obstacles in the coldest elements of winter, but you’re also expected to shoot and hit small targets at various distances while exercising vigorously.
Barnes participated in these events three different times for fun –and for the honor of representing the US on the global stage.
“An Olympian has two jobs: First, compete to the best of their ability for their country; second, be a good role model and inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps,” says Barnes.
She continues, “I wasn’t given the opportunity to represent my country. I had to work hard and earn it. Earning it comes with the responsibility of being one of the very few who can pull on the USA jersey and represent the people who helped you get there ... It is the greatest honor in the world to represent your country and I get tired of athletes who live in
the greatest country on Earth that disrespect our flag and in doing so disrespect the people who died so that they have the opportunity to live their dreams.”
ONE MIGHT WONDER where Barnes got her sense of patriotism, loyalty to her country, and love of shooting.
She was blessed to grow up on a ranch with two very supportive parents who raised three girls: Barnes, her twin sister, and their older sister. When the girls weren’t playing soccer, their dad encouraged them to shoot and hunt, and everyone grew up loving it. According to Barnes, her dad constantly set up shooting competitions on the ranch, and the girls shot at cans and different types of targets. One day, a friend noticed how competitive the sisters were and encouraged them to start training to be biathlon shooters.
Everyone knows being a twin is very special. Barnes and her twin Tracy are bonded in an extraordinary way; they are not only sisters and best friends, but they are training companions who push each other to their limits. There is nothing they would not do for each other.
Both sisters competed in the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy. In 2010, Lanny Barnes competed in the Vancouver Olympics, helping the American women’s team achieve their best result in 16 years. Then in 2014, the sisters set an example for the whole world. When Lanny became gravely ill and missed
Barnes grew up in Colorado with her parents and sisters.
Both Barnes (left) and her twin sister Tracy competed in the biathlon for the US in the 2006 Olympics.
the qualifying races for the Sochi Olympics, Tracy generously gave up her place on the team to her sister. Tracy received the United Nations UNESCO International Fair Play Award and the US Olympic Committee Inspiration Award for her selfless act and demonstration of the true Olympic spirit.
After retiring from international biathlon competition in 2014, Barnes as well as her sister jumped into shotgun shooting. They fell in love with it and again began competing on the world stage.
Barnes is a several-time national 3-gun champion (rifle, pistol, shotgun), and also competes in pistol caliber carbine (PCC) and International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) shotgun and rifle competitions. At the 2018 IPSC World Championship, she was the top American, earning fourth place in the individual competition, as well as a silver medal for the team. Barnes also placed third (individual) and gold (team) at Sweden’s IPSC rifle world championship in 2019.
In 2022, she participated in the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Multigun Nationals, claiming another national championship title and earning first place in the Ladies Open category. Barnes was then picked for the 2023 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot in Thailand. In the open division, she won the gold medal and was a part of the bronze-winning team in the Ladies Open. Barnes has set a goal of becoming the best female shooter in the country.
WHEN NOT TRAVELING
all over the world for shooting competitions, Barnes has taken on a new role at PrairieFire, a training facility located just outside Las Vegas. As chief experience officer, not only does Barnes get to train civilians, but she also gets to pass on firearms training to law enforcement and military personnel.
As Barnes sees it, there’s not much difference between competition and self-defense shooting; there is
Barnes is a multitime national 3-gun champion and competes in other pistol, shotgun and rifle events around the globe.
physical stress in both endeavors. She says the goal is to keep your heartbeat relaxed. This makes it easier to shoot overall. To do that, you must train for it, learning how to control your breathing and learning visualization techniques – both in a match and in a realistic self-defense scenario.
When asked about her job at PrairieFire, Barnes will humbly tell you it is a dream job for her. As Barnes likes to state, this is her unique way of giving back to the community because of her passion for the sport of shooting, her country and our first responders.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Barnes is an accomplished artist. She fell in love with drawing when she was young and would like to one day have her own art gallery. Most of her works are done in white charcoal on black art papers and canvas, but she also does many other forms of media. She specializes in wildlife but also does portraits, landscapes and still life.
Barnes has become an ambassador for both the shooting sports and the country, and has been given the moniker “Lanny Oakley,” which is proudly endorsed by Annie Oakley’s family members. While
Oakley offered her shooting expertise to the military effort during World War I, she was never taken seriously. Fast forward 100 years and Barnes is an accomplished and highly soughtafter firearms instructor, for both
The 2023 IPSC Shotgun World Shoot in Thailand saw Barnes win the gold medal in the Open division and she was also part of the bronze-winning team in the Ladies Open.
Barnes is now the chief experience officer at PrairieFire, a top-class training facility just outside Las Vegas.
men and women, military and civilian. And when Don Mann, one of the greatest special operations warriors of all time, was asked what he thinks of Barnes’s shooting abilities, he responded, “She is the best shooter I have ever seen!”
Annie Oakley’s smiling in heaven right now. ★
Editor’s note: For information about PrairieFire and its courses, visit prairiefire.com. Lanny Barnes’s artwork can be viewed at theolympianartist.com.
Some of Barnes’s artwork.
As part of his second round of testing the Mossberg MVP Patrol in .300 Blackout, author Fred Mastison made a few modifications to the rifle out of the box. He added a Primary Arms SLx 1-5x24mm FFP Illuminated ACSS-Raptor scope, Dead Air Nomad-30 suppressor and a bipod.
MOSSBERG MVP PATROL .300 BLACKOUT
Bolt rifle with AR-compatible magwell from famed shotgun maker ‘a lot of gun for the money.’
STORY AND PHOTOS BY FRED MASTISON
n the shotgun world, Mossberg is the king of the hill. While not commonly mentioned in everyday conversation, Mossberg also makes one hell of a series of rifles. In fact, they are some of the nicest long guns in the industry and in many cases quiet gems. One of their rifles especially caught my eye years ago. The MVP series has proven itself to be a serious performer in a variety of calibers.
IOne specific model came up on my radar recently and I jumped at the chance to run it. It is the Mossberg MVP Patrol chambered in .300 Blackout. My first experience with this gun came at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Idaho. This is one of my favorite events of the year, as we gather a large number of companies to join the editorial team for some range and relaxation time. It gives us a chance to really visit with the companies and get serious time on their products. This was the case with Mossberg, which has been a staple of the Rendezvous since it started. So it was no surprise when I made a beeline to their tent to test the MVP.
gun review
FIRST OFF, THE Mossberg MVP series has a patented design that makes it compatible with AR-15, AR-10 as well as M1A/M14 magazines. This compatibility is a tip of the hat to the shooters who buy these guns. Mossberg knows there is nothing more frustrating than a rifle company including a super odd proprietary magazine with their guns. The fact that the MVP can run AR-style mags means you can get about 20 extra if you need them without any challenges.
The new .300 Blackout model joins Mossberg’s other models chambered in 5 56/.223 and 7 62/.308. The MVP Patrol .300 BLK is designed to be a versatile, all-purpose platform and is a great choice at the range or in the field. It is one of those guns that fits a huge variety of situations. I like the addition of .300 BLK because this round delivers greater penetration and better terminal performance than the 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem. cartridge. The superior ballistics make this intermediate rifle cartridge effective for mid- to large-sized game such as deer, hogs and black bears.
The .300 BLK model has a 16.25-inch medium bull, button-rifled and threaded barrel with an A2-style muzzle brake
The MVP Patrol chambered in .300 Blackout.
Mossberg’s Lightning Bolt Action, or LBA, trigger system is user-adjustable from 3 to 7 pounds.
Factory-mounted Picatinny rail.
and a protective thread cap. I am a fan of this because my first thought about any gun chambered in .300 Blackout is suppression. Running subsonic .300 BLK through a quality bolt gun produces a true Hollywood silencer sound. Yes, it goes “pew.” It is one of the quietest combos you can get. The stock is pillarbedded, and there is an oversized bolt handle for quick cycling of the action.
The trigger on the gun is much better than the price tag would lead you to believe. Mossberg’s Lightning Bolt Action, or LBA, trigger system is user-adjustable from 3 to 7 pounds. The trigger is solid with little to no play. And because they know you are going to mount an optic, there is a factorymounted Picatinny rail. For those who want to go old-school and run iron sights, Mossberg has included a front fiber optic and rear barrel-mounted, adjustable rifle sight. These sights are not just an afterthought to say they did it. The sights are easy to use and quick to acquire. The gun is light to begin with, but if you want to keep the package super light, you can ditch the optic and use iron sights.
Stock-wise, the rifle has a textured, black synthetic stock with stippling on the pistol grip. It’s a simple design
Mossberg has included a front fiber optic and rear barrel-mounted, adjustable rifle sight.
To keep the weight down, Mossberg is using a fluted bolt.
gun review
For safety, Mossberg has clearly marked the magazine with .300 BLK in multiple places.
but fits the gun very well. The entire MVP line has become popular, and I am certain somebody is making an aftermarket stock if you want a little more bling. The exposed metalwork has a matte blue finish to protect it from the elements. In an attempt to shave a little more weight off, Mossberg is using a fluted bolt. The action was pretty smooth and with more use, it will become even smoother. Wrapping it up are two sling swivel studs to mount a sling, obviously, or a bipod.
The rifle I got came with one 10-round-capacity magazine. The magazine is yet another item where Mossberg went above the call. The mag for this gun is clearly marked as .300 Blackout. A special note here on this
PERFORMANCE
point. Be very careful to separate any mags loaded with .300 BLK from your .223/5.56. The internet is replete with images of people who fed the wrong ammo onto their guns and experienced catastrophic issues. Stay safe and mark your magazines. This marking by Mossberg may be no big deal to some, but I find it to be a reflection on Mossberg and their attention to small things to make life easier on the shooter.
WHILE I HAD the chance to shoot the rifle at the Rendezvous in Idaho, Mossberg was kind enough to send me one for further testing. The gun I received is identical to the rifle described above. The only modification I made to the rifle was the inclusion of an optic.
This is not designed to be a superlong-range blaster, so I mounted a Primary Arms SLx 1-5x24mm FFP Illuminated ACSS-Raptor scope. The rifle is designated as a patrol rifle, so I thought a scope designed for law enforcement was appropriate.
For part of the range session, I decided to run the gun suppressed as well. My suppressor of choice for this session was the Dead Air Nomad-30. The can is made with 17-4 stainless steel and Grade 5 titanium. It only weighs 14 ounces, which was nice since I was trying to keep the gun light. I used the Dead Air Xeno adapter and brake to mount it to the MVP. While the rifle out of the box was a little plain Jane, it took on a pretty sexy look with the addition of the optic and suppressor. Did that matter in the end, performance-wise? No, but a sexy gun is a sexy gun.
WE’RE STILL FEELING the effects of the great ammo famine, but it seems to be getting better. With that, I dug deep into my secret ammo stash to select three flavors of .300 BLK to run on the range. I used Nosler 125-grain BT Match, Sellier & Bellot 124-grain FMJ and Hornady 190-grain Sub-X because I wanted to see how quiet the gun could be. After a boresight and quick zero, it was time to go to work.
The first item on the checklist was to check accuracy. For this section, I mounted a bipod on the rifle to give me a more stable brace. I also used a
Testing was three, five-round groups shot from a supported position.
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sand sock at the rear of the stock. Now, I realize that this isn’t exactly an “in the field” configuration, but I wanted to give the gun the best base possible to check accuracy. I took my time and, in the end, the Nosler won the day with a 1-inch group (see sidebar). In all honesty, I was pleasantly surprised by this performance. Mossberg makes no claims about the gun’s accuracy, but I
MOSSBERG MVP PATROL BOLT-ACTION RIFLE SERIES SPECS
Type: Bolt-action
Caliber: .300 BLK
Capacity: 10 rounds
Barrel: 16.25 inches, threaded
Finish: Matte blue
Scope base: Picatinny rail
Sights: Front fiber optic/rear adjustable
Twist: 1 in 7 inches
Overall length: 36.5 inches
Length of pull: 13.25 inches
Stock/finish: Synthetic/black
Weight: 7 pounds
MSRP: $613
have always been impressed by their performance. Could it be a sub-MOA gun? Perhaps with some tinkering and fine-tuning along with hand loads, but why? Accuracy-wise, the gun performs very well for its application.
The trigger, as I mentioned, was nicer than you may expect. The trigger broke at 2.5 pounds out of the box. I ditched the bipod and did some positional shooting to get a better feel for the gun. It is a light rifle, yet I did not really have to wrestle with much recoil or muzzle flip. The birdcage flash hider upfront served me well, but ultimately, I would replace it with a different device. More than likely, I would leave the Dead Air Xeno brake on it to allow me a quick on and off with the Nomad-30
Speaking of suppressors, this gun loved being suppressed; .300 BLK is a great round to suppress, and the Dead Air Nomad-30 paired with the MVP created a power couple. I realized about three magazines into it that I had a goofy grin plastered on my face. All you really get of significance is the sound of the firing pin dropping forward and a subtle “pew” from the barrel. The Hornady Sub-X subsonic ammo is fantastic and
shined on the range.
I am blessed to shoot a lot of guns from a lot of different companies. I have been able to get time behind several of Mossberg’s rifles over the years and each time I am impressed. The Mossberg MVP Patrol in .300 Blackout keeps that streak alive and well. It is a lot of gun for the money. If you are heading out for a hunt or simply want an enjoyable gun for the range, this rifle needs to be on your list. ★
Editor’s note: Author Fred Mastison has written over 2,000 print articles in dozens of magazines. He is also the founder of Force Options USA, a training company for various uses of force, from hand-to-hand training to all levels of firearms training. Mastison is also one of the country’s top professional firearms and combative instructors and a certified dignitary protection specialist. He has taught for over 30 years and has over 16 law enforcement post-instructor certifications. In addition, he’s taught martial arts for 28 years and holds multiple black belts, including a seventh-degree black belt in aiki jujitsu.
In the end, Mastison did some positional shooting to get a better feel for the rifle. “It was a light rifle, yet I did not need to wrestle with much recoil or muzzle flip,” he states.
LET’S TALK TIPS BULLET BULLETIN
What
the construction of the end of your bullet means to you.
STORY BY PHIL MASSARO • PHOTOS BY MASSARO MEDIA GROUP
he whitetail doe had meandered through the small valley below me, searching fervently for those acorns still among the fallen November leaves, but the buck following behind was all business. Neck
Textended, head low to the ground, he was fully intent on asking that doe for a date; that is, until I interrupted his amorous intentions with a 165-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip from my .308 Winchester. It was a new bullet – at least to me – and the idea of using a polymer tip on a bullet was completely foreign.
My father – Ol’ Grumpy Pants –has never been quick to adopt new
technology, and over 30 years ago it took some coaxing from his kid to try these in our handloads (this was before Nosler had loaded ammunition or any other company was loading the Ballistic Tip). But as we took the first few batches out to the backyard 100yard range, he cocked an eyebrow and began to come around; the tiny little groups spoke for themselves. In those
Like it or not, tipped hunting bullets are here to stay.
days a polymer-tipped bullet was a rarity but now it’s becoming difficult to find modern rifle bullets without them, as they’ve nearly become the norm. I think it’s worth delving into the history, construction, uses and benefits of the various types of tips for projectiles to see what might work best for you.
PERHAPS THE EARLIEST of the popular tipped projectile designs dates back to the first decade of the 20th century,
when Leslie Taylor of the British firm Westley Richards developed the LT “capped” bullet in the Explora, carrying the idea forward into the .318 Westley Richards and other cartridges. Remington’s Bronze Point – perhaps the strongest influence on our modern tipped projectiles – dates back to the 1920s and utilizes a pointed bronze tip for consistent expansion, and subsequently maintaining a uniform meplat shape; lead-tipped
projectiles often deform slightly in the magazine. Winchester countered with the Silvertip bullet, employing an aluminum cap at the nose of the bullet in order to resist premature expansion and bullet breakup. Where the Silvertip earned a reputation for deep penetration, the Remington Bronze Point was known to either whistle through game like a solid, or to be extremely frangible.
The Vulkan from Norma and
One of the earliest examples of a “tipped” bullet is the LT capped bullet from Westley Richards (shown center), developed by Leslie Taylor at the beginning of the 20th century.
Winchester used a cap of aluminum over the traditional lead nose projectile to slow expansion in their original Silvertip bullet.
Nosler’s Ballistic Tip was the first American bullet brought to market with a polymer tip. It remains a great choice for deer and similar-sized game.
The
the Sabre Tip from Canadian brand Dominion were among the first to utilize a polymer tip, and the function was primarily to initiate expansion upon impact. The Sabre Tip is no longer with us, and the Vulkan is in a different guise altogether. Nosler brought the now-famous Ballistic Tip to the market in 1984, seeking to offer the precision of a match-grade bullet with the desired characteristics of a hunting bullet. Equipped with a tapered jacket and boattail, the immediately obvious feature of the bullet was the polymer tip at the meplat. As is common with so many projectiles of the modern era, the plastic tip was
thick
bonded to the lead core, a boattail and a black polymer tip; the result is a bullet capable of hitting game at long ranges, yet is stiff enough to handle the impact of high-velocity, close-quarters shots.
inserted into a hollow cavity and acted as a wedge to violently open the front of that bullet upon impact. Precision was enhanced, as the meplat was more consistent than those of traditional lead-tipped bullets, making long-range shots a bit easier. There was some consternation regarding the Ballistic Tip early on, as many folks who tried the bullet on the larger game species like elk and moose found penetration unsatisfactory, but rest assured that when used on pronghorn antelope, whitetail deer, any of the wild sheep, and even on normal-sized black bear, the Ballistic Tip is a good bullet – just make sure it is of sufficient weight for
the species pursued.
Since the introduction of the Ballistic Tip, the polymer insert has been used on all sorts of different projectiles. Bonded-core bullets like the Swift Scirocco II, Nosler AccuBond, Hornady InterBond, Norma BondStrike, Federal Trophy Bonded Tip and more all have that polymer tip, in addition to the Speer Impact, Federal Fusion Tip and Terminal Ascent. Traditional cup-andcore designs like the Remington CoreLokt Tip, Norma TipStrike, Sierra Game King Tipped and Hornady SST all sport a polymer tip. Even the monometal copper bullets like the Barnes TTSX, Federal Trophy Copper and Hornady
Nosler’s AccuBond Long Range utilizes a polymer tip but features a bonded core and jacket.
Norma’s Bondstrike is a bonded-core, polymer-tipped bullet that is capable of fine accuracy and hits like a hammer.
Author Phil Massaro took this aoudad in West Texas with the Norma Bondstrike in .300 Winchester Magnum; despite their notorious reputation for soaking up lead, the Bondstrike handled the ram just fine.
Swift Scirocco II uses a
copper jacket
BULLET BULLETIN
CX have received a plastic nose cone. And for many years it seemed as though the world was content with the traditional polymer tip, but that peace was not to last very long …
HORNADY’S R&D TEAM, during some Doppler radar testing of their projectiles, noticed an anomaly in the projectile’s ballistic coefficient
during flight; the BC was dropping significantly, seemingly inexplicably. What they eventually discovered was that the polymer compound used for the red polymer tips on the majority of Hornady bullets was melting from the friction of flight and degrading the BC values of the bullet. The cure was the Heat Shield tip, fully resistant to the effects of friction in flight, which was initially offered in the ELD-X and ELD Match bullets. It has resulted in a very accurate projectile, perfect for long-range work for both hunters and target shooters alike. Federal answered with the Slipstream polymer tip, and their Terminal Ascent bondedcore bullet is wonderfully accurate in addition to being very tough. So, not only
have we utilized the plastic tip for the consistency of the bullet shape and to act as a wedge to initiate expansion, but steps have been taken to keep that tip in its original shape throughout the bullet’s flight.
Hornady seems to have a thing for tipped projectiles, as they have brought us a couple more important developments. The “lever-gun” cartridges – those primarily destined for use in a tubular magazine – were long relegated to the use of flat- or roundnosed projectiles, as a pointed spitzer bullet risked the chance of magazine detonation, where the sharp nose of the spitzer bullet could possibly set off the primer of the cartridge ahead
Federal’s Trophy Bonded Tip has a translucent orange polymer tip at the nose, improving the ballistic coefficient of the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw.
Sierra has come around to the polymer tip concept; the long-famous Game King bullet is now offered with a signature green polymer tip.
The original Remington Core-Lokt bullet was introduced in 1939, and of late it has been updated to offer a polymer-tipped variant for those who hunt at longer ranges.
Federal’s Terminal Ascent uses their proprietary Slipstream polymer tip to maximize longrange accuracy and resist atmospheric drag. (FEDERAL PREMIUM)
of it. Hornady countered with a pliable polymer tip in its LeveRevolution, allowing for the use of a spitzer bullet with a shape much more conducive to longer shots than the round and flat meplats of the traditional choices. It was a total game changer for the lever gun crowd, especially for the .30-30 Winchester and .45-70 Government guys who wanted the ability to make those rare 200-yard shots without the rainbow trajectory.
The Hornady A-Match bullet line, designed to be one of the most consistent and uniform match-grade
bullets available, uses a machined aluminum tip not only for ballistic coefficient purposes, but to optimize the center of gravity. The A-Match ranks among the most excellent match designs I’ve ever used, and if you’re serious about precision shooting, they deserve a try. Badlands Precision uses a similar concept on their Super Bulldozer and Super Bulldozer 2
copper hunting bullets, and those things are as tough as nails, and just about as accurate as you ask a hunting bullet to be.
AND PEREGRINE BULLETS – hailing from the Republic of South Africa – uses a bronze tip on their PlainsMaster bullet, but their BushMaster design is a unique and effective dangerous
A-Tip Match bullets use a machined aluminum tip for better center of gravity and consistent BC values. The transition from aluminum cap to copper jacket can barely be felt.
Hornady’s Heat Shield Tip resists deformation in flight and maintains a consistent BC value. Previous polymers were showing signs of degradation from friction in flight. (HORNADY)
Hornady’s
(HORNADY)
Hornady developed the ELD-X using a new polymer tip and their excellent AMP bullet jackets. (HORNADY)
Hornady uses the pliable FTX polymer tip in their LeveRevolution line to allow the use of a spitzer bullet in a tubular magazine. (HORNADY)
game bullet. Constructed as a hollowpoint copper monometal, Peregrine uses a flushmounted brass plug over the hollow cavity and upon impact the plug compresses the air in the cavity, pushing the sides of the bullet outward in a radial direction. It’s a genius design, and it works wonderfully, having served me well on a number of Cape buffalo hunts.
So while I am still a huge proponent of a good old softpoint with exposed lead at the nose, and of the hollowpoint designs, the tipped projectiles have definitely grown on me. With certain projectiles – the Barnes TSX comes quickly to mind – I certainly prefer the tipped versions, in this case the TTSX or LRX. That said, a Nosler Partition, Hornady Interlock and Sierra Game King still function as well as they did on the day they were released. However, if there is a reasonable chance at a longer shot, odds are I will opt for a bullet with either a polymer tip or some type of metallic tip for the reliability of shape and expansion. ★
Peregrine’s BushMaster and PlainsMaster bullets use a bronze tip to initiate expansion.
Badlands Precision uses an aluminum tip on their hunting bullets, for both expansion and consistent form; as a result, they are a wonderful choice for long-range hunting.
A Unique Big Game Hunting Ranch
Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, High Adventure Ranch offers all of the excitement of western big game hunting without the costs and hassles.
Be prepared for a fair chase hunt! With over 3 square miles of prime natural habitat, our ranch provides challenges to even the most seasoned hunter, but our experienced guides and “No Game, No Pay” policy practically ensure that you won’t go home empty handed. In addition, High Adventure’s hunting season is year-round, allowing ample time to fit the most demanding schedule.
While our whitetail, elk, wild boar and red stag hunts top our hunter’s most popular lists, hunters from around the world have visited our ranch, hunting everything from American bison, black buck, fallow deer to Spanish goats and African game.
So, whether you desire a 10-point whitetail mount for your trophy room or simply the thrill and challenge of taking down one of our many elusive big game animals, High Adventure Ranch guarantees memories of an unparalleled hunting experience that will bring you back again and again.
Red Stag
Wild Boar
Whitetail
ROAD HUNTER
OUTSMARTING BIG BULLS
Expert bowhunting tips for pursuing early-season elk in the West.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN
owhunting for bugling elk during the rut is one of the most highly anticipated big game seasons in North America. With September finally here, consider these tips to help fool a wise, stubborn bull.
BTAKE A RANGE
After decades of elk hunting, to this day, the number one reason I hear from hunters as to why they missed an elk –or multiple shots at elk over the course of a season – is because they didn’t have time to range the distance before taking a shot. There’s no excuse for missing an elk based on not knowing the precise distance.
First, don’t take a shot if you don’t know the range. Guessing your range should never happen because it could result in a miss, or worse, a crippled animal. There are a lot of elk unnecessarily crippled this time of year. Second, before even calling, use your rangefinder to get distances to various trees, rocks, cut banks and whatever else is around you so you
A bowshot should not be taken unless the yardage is known. Range all potential shooting lanes prior to setting up and calling because when a bull comes charging in, it gets exciting fast!
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know the exact distance when a bull steps out. You want to know the ranges before a bull steps into range.
MIX THE CALLS
September is a time when elk go through a range of behavioral changes. Early in the season, calf and cow communication is high as calves venture further from cows. This is also when cows enter into estrus. As testosterone levels continue to build in bulls due to shifts in photoperiodism, their behaviors can change rapidly, even overnight if there’s a cold snap. Early in the season, cow and calf chatter can be effective at pulling in bulls. Mix in some young, high-pitched bugles and this is a great way to emulate what’s happening among elk herds, thereby boosting your chance of pulling in a young bull so you can put
meat in the freezer.
As the month progresses, cut off bugling bulls by mimicking the same sounds they’re making, only louder and more aggressively, with a raspy finish. Make raking and stomping the ground part of your repertoire and you might just bring an enraged bull right into your lap.
COLD SNAP BONUS
The waning of daylight hours increases hormone levels and that’s what drives the elk rut, not cold conditions. But cold snaps do make it more comfortable for bulls to cover ground, thereby increasing aggressive behaviors, which makes it seem like the rut is intensifying. When there’s a cold snap, hunt hard all day because bulls are more active.
Start early, glassing, calling and
covering ground. Cooler temperatures mean bulls can be more active for longer periods because their body temperatures stay lower. If there’s a strong wind, even better, as this will allow bulls to cool down quicker. If it’s raining, hunt hard all day, as bulls may not even bed down if the cold and wet conditions keep their body temperatures down.
HUNT THE TIMBER
Even on hot days, hunting timber during the middle of the day can be productive. Listen for cows and calves talking back and forth, as they often get up and browse at midday and communicate with one another when this happens. This is when you can move in close and start making the same sounds. Follow up those cow and calf calls with bugles and you can get
Understanding elk behavior during the month of September will help hunters fill a tag in the big, rugged Western lands these animals call home.
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Don’t just look at sign; study it. See if rubs like this are fresh, evidenced by moist bark that’s not curled on the edges and sap running down the tree. If it’s dry and brittle, keep moving.
THESE CALLS SLAY
Quality-sounding calls are one of the most important tools when it comes to fooling a wise old bull. I’ve used a lot over the years. Three years ago I picked up some Slayer diaphragm calls. Today, I’m still using their calls, and the complete line just keeps getting better.
If you don’t like operating diaphragm calls, you have to get their Enchantress Push Button Elk Call. The range of cow and calf sounds this call allows you to make, and the quality of every note, will give you immediate confidence, and that’s what kills elk. I’ve heard from many good elk hunters how effective this call is and how easy it is to learn to use.
I’m a fan of diaphragm calls, and Slayer’s new Clearwater Series consists of seven custom reeds, each with its own specifications. Latex thicknesses, tension and stretch are precise and designed to deliver accurate sounds based on tongue and air pressure. An aluminum dome ensures proper placement on your palate, thus controlling air flow while articulating your tongue and preventing the gag reflex.
If using diaphragm calls is new to you, start with the light-pressure reed. If you’re a veteran, you’ll quickly work your way up the Clearwater line and immediately see the application each call has for all the possible scenarios we face in the elk woods.
By the way, Slayer gives 10 percent from each purchase to organizations that protect the environment and wildlife, support conservation efforts and preserve America’s hunting heritage. Learn more at slayercalls.com.
bulls active, even bugling and coming to calls in the middle of the day.
If there’s a stiff wind, hunting downhill into rising midday thermals can put you within shooting range. As evening temperatures cool and heavy air drops, hunt uphill toward where elk bedded or headed to feed at night.
CHECK THE WIND
Elk have one of the best noses in the animal kingdom. You’ll never fool an elk’s nose. Elk hunting is an aggressive sport and we’re usually sweating within minutes of starting to hike. By midmorning we’ve sweated and air-dried multiple times, and the only way to prevent an elk from smelling you when hunting on the ground is by keeping the wind in your favor.
Keep a wind-check bottle handy and use it often. If closing on a bull and the wind shifts, back out and come in from another angle or return another day.
BLINDS AND STANDS
Hunting from a treestand will help keep your scent off the ground because
ROAD HUNTER
air travels like a river, in a directional, usually horizontal current. The higher your treestand, the better for keeping scent off the ground.
Ground blinds are another option for concealing movement and helping contain scent. While they’re not scent eliminators, ground blinds situated off a trail or a waterhole can help increase
shot opportunities. There’s a reason both treestands and ground blinds continue growing in popularity among elk hunters throughout the West.
DECOYS FOR ELK
Elk decoys can be used from a stand, blind or when covering ground. They’re great at pulling in leery bulls
and taking their attention off you as they approach.
When using decoys from a blind or stand, situate them so an approaching bull has to pass by you to reach it, thereby offering a shot. If hunting solo on the ground and trying to call in a bull, placing a decoy in front of you ensures you’ll see what’s happening
Author Scott Haugen credits much of his elk hunting success to acutely understanding the animals’ behavior, then reacting without hesitation.
ROAD HUNTER
and allows you to change positions as needed. If hunting with a buddy, have them move and call with a cow decoy behind you, basing their moves on an approaching bull’s demeanor and position. Montana Decoys are my favorite elk decoy, as they’re light, look lifelike and work.
STUDY ELK WALLOWS
When you come across a wallow, don’t just look at it; study it. See if it’s muddy from a bull’s recent visit. If it is, look closely to see if it’s stagnant water or if there’s a current. If there’s water flowing – like from a spring, small creek or runoff – the bull sign could be minutes old. If there’s no flow, the sign could be days old.
To age such sign, mix up the mud with a stick or your foot. Watch closely to see if the sediment moves or suspends. If it moves and flows clear in a matter of minutes, hunt this area, as a bull could be near. If sediments
don’t settle or flow away, the sign could be days old, meaning you’ll want to keep covering ground, searching for fresher sign.
FOLLOW THE TRACKS
Be it from a wallow or in a creek bed, if you find fresh elk tracks, follow them. Tracking elk is becoming a lost art, but it is very effective. While September tracking conditions can be dry and extremely challenging, know that elk are usually moving into thick cover to bed in the morning, then out of it to feed in the evening. Simply getting a line on tracks can help determine where they’re going. Be sure to keep the wind in your face or blowing across your body.
DARK TO DARK
Come elk season, camp is the last place you want to be. It’s not too early to start the morning at 3 a.m., listening for elk as you slowly move to your
hunting locale.
Stay out all day, hunting timber, shaded canyons and north-facing slopes. Take a quick nap in the hottest part of the day, snack as you go and hunt until dark. You’ve worked too hard all summer to waste time in camp, and you can’t kill a bull if you’re not where the elk are.
This season, pay close attention to what’s happening with elk behavior and adjust your approach accordingly. Take time to closely study elk sign, listen to how herds communicate and assess the conditions before making your next move. By paying attention to details, you’re on the way to outsmarting a wise bull.
Editor’s note: Want to learn how to skin and cape an elk? Order Scott Haugen’s bestselling instructional DVD, Field Dressing, Skinning & Caping Big Game, at scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook.
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Our remote Alaskan fishing lodge is situated on the upper stretches of the beautiful Egegik River. You’ll watch some of Alaska’s most stunning sunrises, complete with a distant, active volcano. We are a fishing camp specializing in coho fishing, brown bear viewing, and flyout fishing adventures to even more remote destinations in the Last Frontier.
Coho Fishing The Egegik River
The Egegik River is touted by many experienced anglers as the best silver salmon stream in all of Alaska. Becharof Lodge On The Egegik River was the first fishing lodge to become established on the breathtaking Egegik River, and is less than a 5 minute boat ride from some of the best fishing holes on the entire river.
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Included in your fishing trip:
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$4,850per person Includes round trip charter from King Salmon. Call for more details.
SCATTERGUN ALLEY
DOVE SEASON IS HERE AT LAST!
Top new shotguns and shotshell loads to limit out on ‘wicked speedsters’ of September’s fields.
STORY BY LARRY CASE
To many of us hunters, the start of dove season is like the sunrise. It is a new day.
We get to start over. All of the things we messed up in the past hunting seasons – all of the blunders we made –are gone, and we are beginning with a clean slate. It’s a new hunting season!
We have been waiting for what seems like forever, but really it has only been a few months. We got through the heat of summer, we made it to the beach
and back, all while thinking lingering thoughts about fall and waiting for hunting season to begin. This is why dove season is so special. It is the kickoff, the beginning of what we have been waiting for.
If you don’t dove hunt yet, you can easily get started, but be warned: It can be addictive. A good day in the
dove field makes a long, cold day in a treestand look like torture. Dove hunting is usually lively, it’s fun with your buddies and family, and often includes a lot of good cooking and food. Dove hunting is warming up shotguns for later hunting endeavors like ducks and pheasants, and getting back in the swing of your favorite time of year.
Herewith we offer some insight into the main components of dove hunting, as well as some tips and ideas on
Mourning doves are notoriously hard to hit and are seen as wicked speedsters that have embarrassed many a shotgunner. (SHUTTERSTOCK)
SCATTERGUN ALLEY
getting back in the swing.
THE BIRDS
The main ingredient for a good dove shoot is, of course, the mourning dove. Doves are seen as quiet, peaceful creatures and those who don’t seem to agree with hunting will chastise us for wanting to shoot such diminutive little birds. I mean, they are kind of a symbol of peace, right? To the dove hunter in a hot dove field, however, the perceived character of the dove changes drastically. Mourning doves are notoriously hard to hit (they can fly over 55 miles per hour), and the frustrated shotgunner sees the bird as a wicked speedster that is embarrassing him or her in front of friends. (It is common to expend two or more boxes of shells to collect a limit of a dozen doves.)
In reality, doves, like all wild animals, are just doing what animals do. The mourning dove is very prolific and in warmer climes may raise as many as six broods, with usually two squabs per brood, in a year. Wildlife officials estimate that as many as 20 million mourning doves per year are
taken by hunters. (Some years can go a lot higher.) This does not seem to affect the population, as they are one of the most abundant and widespread birds in North America. Doves eat different types of seeds almost exclusively, so they are drawn to agricultural fields like corn, wheat, sunflowers and other grain crops.
THE HUNT
An early-season dove hunt can take many forms in different locales. In many parts of the South, the dove season opener can be a gala affair. Large organized shoots are often accompanied by hefty amounts of barbeque and socializing. In many areas the first day of the season starts at noon, so there is lots of time to catch up with those we haven’t seen since last year. These hunts often occur on large parcels of private land that have been groomed for dove hunting and there is sometimes a fee involved.
Another form that the dove opener can take is one in which you and a couple buddies sally forth to a public wildlife area to sample the dove hunting there. Many states now do
some form of small game management and may plant sunflowers, millet and other small grains to attract doves. Do a little homework and scout out an area near you before the season. You probably won’t have the area to yourself, but in dove hunting you may not want that anyway. Oftentimes, shooters will surround a dove field, which may keep the birds flying back and forth. In dove hunting, more is often better.
THE GUNS
The first tool the dove hunter needs is, of course, a good shotgun. While most any shotgun in your arsenal may work, as usual the right gun for the job will make you more successful. As we have discussed here many times, the “right” gun for you is the shotgun that fits you and that you feel comfortable shooting. Legions of time-tested Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s are used every year to take limits of doves. If that is what you use and it works for you, have at it. Here are some other options to think about.
Benelli Montefeltro Sporting Model: Benelli saw fit to make some changes
The GForce Two with Mossy Oak finish. (GFORCE ARMS)
Benelli Montefeltro Sporting Model in satin walnut finish. (BENELLI)
Weatherby Sorix in the company’s slough pattern. (WEATHERBY)
Outfitters since 1994 100% American owned
$1375 for a 3 day High Volume Dove Hunt September to December, 2024
SCATTERGUN ALLEY
on the Montefeltro in 2023. All of those changes are featured on the Montefeltro Sporting Model, new for 2024, but with some new features of its own. This shotgun features a high-profile vent rib with a mid-bead and red bar front sight, the combination of which promotes good eye alignment down the barrel and an elevated hold to better see clays and birds. To aid in quick followup shots, the Montefeltro Sporting features barrel porting to reduce muzzle rise and to mitigate felt recoil. Since proper fit is essential to promoting good form and accuracy, the Montefeltro Sporting comes with a shim kit for drop and cast adjustment. This is important! As we have said before, if the shotgun does not fit you, you will not be at your best on the clays range or in the field. The ability to adjust the drop on the stock from the top of the rib to the comb (roughly where your cheek meets the stock), and to the heel (top portion of the butt of the stock) is huge. If you have the gun fitted properly, you will shoot much better.
This shotgun has a 30-inch barrel, which will raise a few eyebrows out there. I am taking a stand that if you want to consider one gun for clay target games and dove hunting, the Montefeltro Sporting is it. Why? Because as has been argued many hundreds of times, the longer barrel will swing easier on crossing shots, which will be 95 percent of your shooting on doves.
MSRP: $1,649; benelliusa.com.
GForce Arms GForce Two Shotgun: There will always be room in the shotgun market for a moderately priced, reliable hunting shotgun. New on the shotgun scene this year is the GForce Two Shotgun from GForce Arms. The GForce Two is an efficient and reliable firearm that has been designed to meet the needs of hardcore hunters. Similar to its brother, the GForce One, the GForce Two utilizes inertia-driven technology for smooth and consistent operation. At 28 inches in barrel length with an overall length of 49.5 inches and
the shotgun, but also allows for easier cleaning of the receiver’s internal surfaces. The GForce Two is compatible with both 2¾and 3-inch shells and will cycle light loads, producing a minimum of 1,250-feet-per-second shot velocity. Its barrel is threaded for Benelli Crio-style chokes and comes with five chokes, allowing users to customize their shooting experience depending on their needs.
MSRP: $699-$799; gforcearms.com.
weighing only 6.6 pounds, the GForce Two is a lightweight shotgun that can easily be carried while lugging gear afield at the same time. The gun also comes standard with a no-BS lifetime warranty, giving owners peace of mind when it comes to durability and quality. (GForce claims no questions asked!) In addition to being reliable, the GForce Two is also low-maintenance, requiring very little cleaning due to its selfcleaning mechanism.
One of the main differences between the GForce One and the GForce Two is that the latter features a two-piece receiver instead of a one-piece. This design not only adds a sleek look to
Weatherby Sorix: Although Weatherby will always be known for their fine rifles, in the past several years they have been offering a host of interesting offerings in shotguns. The latest of these is Sorix, which has several features, including a nod to the left-handed shooters out there. The Sorix features a stepped rib, paired with an LPA fiber optic, which provides accuracy and swift target acquisition, giving you the edge when it matters most. The receiver is drilled and tapped (8-40 holes) to accept mounts, making it an optic-ready shotgun right out of the box. Adjustable stock shims are included so shooters can adjust cast and fitment. The Sorix was designed with
Hevi-Hammer Dove loads from Hevi-Shot are available for both 12- and 20-gauge shotguns in No. 7 shot size. (HEVI-SHOT)
Fiocchi’s Field Dynamics for dove and quail are available in No. 7.5 and 8 shot size. (HEVI-SHOT)
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Weatherby’s Shift System, an inertiaoperated system that uniquely supports left-handed shooters. With a simple swap of the charging handle and safety, left-handed users can enjoy the same seamless operation and ergonomic design as right-handers. The receiver and barrel are coated with Cerakote to help resist the toughest elements. The stock has textured touch points for a non-slip grip and a soft cheekpiece for comfort while shooting. All Sorix models are crafted in Italy, but the unique hand-painted brush patterns are finished in Sheridan, Wyoming. The Sorix is compatible with the popular Crio Plus choke tube pattern, and comes with five chokes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified and full), choke wrench and a convenient choke tube carrying case. MSRP: $1,499; weatherby.com.
THE AMMO AND CHOKES
Sometimes dove hunters don’t worry about what shotgun shells they carry and may tend to “shoot whatever they have in the vest.” That’s OK, but here’s a few thoughts. Leave the heavy stuff leftover from turkey season at home. Think low brass and low recoil; a good dove hunt should have a lot of shooting, so the less recoil, the better. No. 7½ shot is considered standard
fare for doves and No. 8s should do just fine, especially in the early season when feathers are thinner. Remember, smaller payloads like 1 ounce of shot will help with recoil.
As we have discussed here before, leave the full-choke stuff at home. Unless
Federal Game Loads are available for 12-, 16and 20-gauges in No. 6, 7.5 and 8 shot size. (FEDERAL)
Game Loads are available for 12-, 16- and 20-gauge shotguns in No. 6, 7.5 and 8
the doves in your field are crossing at farther than usual ranges, an improved modified might be the tightest choke I would shoot. A modified choke is probably standard for most dove shoots, but remember, it all depends on how your shotgun and the shells you use pattern. I would guess that not one in 10 dove hunters thinks to pattern their shotgun, but it is a very good idea!
Have fun on your first dove shoot this year – and save me a couple dove poppers on the grill, please!
Editor’s note: Larry Case has been a devoted outdoorsman since he was a child. He will admit to an addiction to turkey hunting (spring and fall), but refuses any treatment. He enjoys the company of gobblers and cur dogs that are loud and people who speak the truth softly. Case served 36 years as a game warden in West Virginia and retired with the rank of district captain. You can check out his podcast and other stories at gunsandcornbred.com.
Remington
shot size. (REMINGTON)
When the “sh*t hits the fan,” or SHTF, an AR lets even a novice shooter punch above his or her weight in a deadly encounter.
THE E AR IS AMERICA’S SH*T HITS THE FAN RIFLE
Here’s how one guy who is going to survive the apocalypse sets up his AR for maximum effectiveness.
STORY AND
BY FRANK JARDIM
You need an AR-platform rifle. Even if you don’t want one, you should own one just in case real trouble ever comes to your door. In my opinion, when you have an AR to defend yourself in a life-threatening encounter, far more
PHOTOS
often than not, you’ll meet that threat with what the military calls overmatch. When facing an adversary, you want to be stronger, better armed and more skillful than they are. If you can overmatch your adversary, they might opt for retreat before the fight even starts, and if they don’t, wouldn’t you want every advantage you could get to ensure you’re the winner?
If you wake to the sound of a shattering downstairs window in your home and you have the choice of
arming yourself with a 17-shot 9mm pistol, or a dependable, easy-to-handle and -shoot 5.56mm semiautomatic rifle with a 30-round magazine, would you honestly choose the pistol if there were no compelling safety reason not to use the more powerful weapon? Now consider an even more dire situation where things get really bad, really quick, over a large area. The type of situation where the laws of our orderly civilized lives are replaced by the primitive law of survival, the police are
In a SHTF scenario, expect to live with your AR for an extended period of time. You must be comfortable together. This Blackhawk Multi-point Cushioned Stretch Free End sling is made of strong, rot-proof nylon web with a finewoven, smooth 1.5-inch elastic padded area at the shoulder that distributes the weight more evenly and won’t rub your neck raw. The patented slider can be used to adjust the length onehanded on the move. Conversion from two point to single point is effected with a rugged sliding aluminum QD connection. On the ends, author Frank Jardim installed UTG 1.25-inch QD sling swivels from brownells.com.
Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. If you wait until real trouble comes to your door to get one, it’s too late.
overwhelmed and unable to respond to most calls for assistance, and you expect to be in danger and on your own for an extended period of time.
That’s the way it went during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which spanned six days of mayhem, arson, killing and looting that left 64 people dead and $1 billion in damage. It was among the deadliest riots in American history. Aside from the scale and violence of it, what really stuck out for me from the news reporting were stories of Korean immigrant business owners defending Koreatown, their ethnic community, by taking to the roofs armed with rifles, shotguns and pistols. I admired the pluck of these hardworking, tough people who
refused to let the fruit of their labors, which represented the economic future of their families, be destroyed by a lawless mob. In the absence of the police, they formed a de facto militia to protect their lives and property.
Recent events have illustrated that the willingness and ability of local governments to protect the lives and property of American citizens threatened by rampant crime and violent riots varies wildly. The protests and riots in many large cities in 2020 resulted in millions of anxious Americans deciding for the first time that they needed to own a firearm. With such a demand, at times there were virtually no firearms or ammo to be bought. I recall even wholesale and retail dealers in black powder arms telling me they’d sold out completely. Think about that. Concluding that any gun was better than their bare hands, a bludgeon or sharp pointy
object, several thousand people were willing to accept 1840s technology in the form of a cap-and-ball revolver, or even a single-shot flintlock muzzleloader. The lesson here is that if you are willing and able to take responsibility for protecting your life, and the lives of your loved ones, don’t wait until your local police station is on fire to buy an AR. By then it’s probably too late.
WHILE THERE ARE
plenty of other excellent, reliable, durable, detachable high-capacity magazine-fed semiauto rifles around to defend yourself with, for most Americans, the AR platform is the most practical and affordable. They’ve been widely produced by so many manufacturers for so long that they are ubiquitous, with the important bonus of near complete interchangeability of parts, military or civilian. If there were no new parts
When it comes to quality in design, materials and manufacture, Jardim feels that XS Sights produces the best and most durable, night-capable backup iron sights. When flipped up they automatically lock in position. To save weight, the bases are machined from aluminum alloy and hard-coat anodized. The elevation-adjustable front post and windageadjustable rear two-leaf flip sight are machined from steel. The front post has a vertically oriented tritium vial with a guaranteed 10 years of glow, and the rear sight has a small (precision) and large (battle) aperture. For accurate shot placement at extremely close range (7 yards), an open sight notch is cut on the top of the small aperture leaf of the sight.
made from this day forward, there are huge quantities available to keep the platform shooting. In addition, gunsmithing the platform is not complex and has become a popular hobby. They are lightweight and easy for most people to handle. The mild recoil of the 5.56mm cartridge makes them easier to shoot well, especially in rapid fire, than rifles chambered for more powerful hunting calibers. The 5.56mm NATO is an effective, accurate cartridge that is among the most popular and plentiful in America and is currently used by the US military. More so than any other rifle in America, the AR platform is well suited to living off the land without the conventional means to repair it or keep its magazines full. I wouldn’t be surprised
to see AR magazines being used as currency in a (hopefully temporary) post-civilization America. By virtue of Picatinny rail and M-Lok mounting capability, the AR platform is easily enhanced to improve its performance and compensate for deficiencies in the user’s skills and training.
LET’S TAKE A look at my “sh*t hits the fan” AR as an example. At its core, it’s a well-made and economically priced gun from Anderson Manufacturing with forged upper and lower receivers and a 16-inch M4 contour carbine, 1-in-8-inch-twist barrel. That rifling twist is the most versatile in that it can work well with a broad range of bullet weights, sufficiently stabilizing the heavier 70- to 90-grain bullets
currently popular and preventing overspin with light bullets like the old 55-grain military M193 ball. However, any rifling twist would do, since a SHTF rifle doesn’t need to shoot like a target rifle. Don’t pass up a deal because it’s a 1-in-7-inch, 1-in-9-inch, or 1-in-12inch twist.
Nor should you get hung up on buying a high-end, major brand name AR. Most shooters won’t benefit substantially from the real refinements of a top-end gun and would be better served by buying a more value-priced AR and using the money saved to meaningfully accessorize it. Anderson doesn’t spend a lot of money on advertising, and the comparatively low pricing of their products has made folks question their quality. However, the fact
is they make excellent products and are the largest manufacturer of AR receivers in the country. They were a sophisticated, modern machine shop catering to the aerospace industry before they got into guns, which was something of a step down in difficulty compared to their past work. I’ve seen their production facilities in Hebron, Kentucky, and their focus on leveraging the best modern manufacturing technology is the secret of their low pricing. That, and they believe in selling their product rather than their name.
While all AR platforms offer the same defensive firepower capabilities, they differ in secondary features that can enhance their utility and accuracy. The main ones are stock, sight and forend configuration. These days, most new ARs have buttstocks with adjustable length of pull and Picatinny rails on the upper receivers for mounting optics or a rear sight of your choice. You can still find economy ARs with traditional front sight bases and handguards mounted to the barrel. The good news is that most AR platforms now use the more accurate free-floated barrels, which generally include aluminum handguards with various accessory mounting options, Picatinny rail and M-Lok slots being the most popular. The ability to easily and securely mount accessories is a valuable consideration in a SHTF rifle, particularly some sort of tactical light for nighttime encounters and a targeting laser for accurate shooting at closer range when you can’t shoulder the rifle to use the main optic or iron sights. Green lasers tend to cost more, but because of green light’s central position in the color spectrum, the human eye sees green better than red. I think the green lasers are worth the additional cost.
My rifle was an old Anderson with a discontinued proprietary forend mounting system. Fortunately, they still stocked Picatinny rail sections for it, which I mounted at the customary 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.
I SEE THE main mission of the SHTF AR as engaging threats within 200 yards with maximum speed and
Magpul is on their third generation of PMAGs now. You can even get them with a clear viewing window that allows for visual ammo checks without removing the magazine from the gun.
To save weight and bulk on his SHTF AR, Jardim added a Streamlight TLR RM 2 Laser G HPL combination 1,000-lumen (22,000-candela) tactical light and green targeting laser. The kit includes cables, an optional pressure switch and mounting keys to fit it to the rifle.
minute-of-man accuracy. The most dangerous targets are generally the closest ones and the magnification of conventional glass telescopic sights narrows the shooter’s field of view, making it harder to locate them quickly. Iron sights, or ideally a red dot or holographic sight, will get you on target faster inside 100 yards.
Red dot optics are easier to use effectively without practice or training than iron sights, making them ideal for people who own guns for protection but don’t otherwise have enough interest in shooting to spend the time to develop a high skill level.
Though I prefer a zero magnification red dot optic on a SHTF AR, I wouldn’t want to go without a backup iron sight, or BUIS. In the event that your optics break, get too dirty to see through or
This rifle has a Meprolight M22 fiber optic and tritium-powered red dot useful in daylight or darkness – no batteries needed for this optic, which Jardim appreciates. The M22 is the next generation of the battlefield optic used by the Israeli Defense Forces. This particular model has a 10-MOA-tall triangular reticle
An adjustable buttstock makes the rifle more compact in storage, but more importantly, it allows you to correct the length of pull if, for example, you are wearing a thick heavy jacket or body armor or share the rifle with someone else with a different physique.
just get wet, you have to be able to aim effectively in the daylight and darkness. Even with night sights, defending against an attack coming out of the darkness is a grave challenge. Night sights alone only address the sight alignment half of the problem. A powerful forend-mounted tactical light, preferably with a strobe setting to disorient an attacker, solves the target acquisition half of the problem, denies your adversary the advantage of the concealment, and improves your situational awareness.
SHTF AR ACCESSORIES
Here are a few places to start: andersonmanufacturing.com meprolight.com xssights.com streamlight.com magpul.com blackhawk.com
LIVING WITH YOUR rifle during an extended emergency is a lot different than just going to the range for an afternoon. For example, readiness is key. Any ammo left packed in its original retail boxes is ammo that’s not readily available for your defense. The safer play is to carry it loaded into quality polymer magazines that can endure a waist-high drop onto concrete without breaking. Though somewhat bulkier than metal magazines, polymer magazines’ bodies don’t fail from rust, dents or getting their feed lips bent.
If, or when, the time comes to put your SHTF rifle to use, expect that you’ll have it on your person constantly for the duration of the crisis. You’re going to need some type of reliable sling to keep your hands free when you aren’t shooting. Single-point slings have become quite popular for military and
The addition of a flip-down/up magnifier facilitates more precise aiming when you have the time and inclination to do it. The author uses a compact, durable and exceptionally welldesigned 4x Meprolight MMX4 magnifier. The bodies of some magnifiers are so fat that they obstruct a notable portion of the shooter’s view of the overall target area outside the lens. Looking through the Meprolight MMX4 with the outer protective rubber cover installed, your only visual obstruction is a thin ring around the lens area. More visibility of the overall target area is better than less.
law enforcement applications because they allow the rifle to hang ready at hip level, ready to bring to bear if needed. On the march they aren’t as practical as traditional, over-the-shoulder, doublepoint slings. Dual-use slings with quick, intuitive adjustments and the addition of a few extra QD mounting sockets at key locations let you get the best of both options.
You could further enhance your SHTF AR with muzzle brakes or suppressors, drop-in triggers, or by starting with an AR pistol or NFAregistered short-barreled rifle. If that helps you hit your target faster and you’ve got the money to burn, I say go for it. My concept for the SHTF AR is that it is a piece of emergency equipment (like a fire extinguisher) that most owners will rarely use, and it should be fitted with only those accessories that significantly assist the shooter in using it effectively. ★
Self-Defense TRAINING
ATTENDING THE SNUB ROUND-UP
Training session focused on short-barreled self-defense revolvers serves up challenges, breakthroughs.
STORY AND
TBY PAUL PAWELA
he common question might be asked right out of the gate: With all the advancements in semiautomatic pistols, why would anyone choose a snubnose revolver for personal
protection? Also, why would anyone attend a two-day event, learning and shooting a snubnose revolver?
The snubnose revolver is still favored among law enforcement officers and the concealed carry community, who prefer to carry it as a backup handgun. The reason the snubby is so popular is that the size is easily concealed. It
also has a great selection of available finishes, has a reliability tested over decades of hard service, takes a wide variety of ammunition – everything from wadcutter to the most modern hollowpoint ammo – and is outstanding for pocket carry and self-defense.
But before we go further on snubnoses, while this has been stated
PHOTOS
Snubnose revolvers like author Paul Pawela’s Ruger LCR (with grips from Hamre Forge) and Smith & Wesson were the subject of a recent training session in South Carolina.
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
many times, it bears repeating: Selfdefense is an affirmative defense. You are admitting to the elements of a crime by offering an acceptable legal excuse for doing so because the threat had intent, which means an opportunity to kill or grievously injure you or a third party in a preclusion decision was out of the question at the time. Further, it is the claimant’s innocence if you allowed a situation to escalate when you could have walked away. You’re screwed, even if the other guy pulled a knife or gun before you took him out. Understanding the levels of force in deadly encounters is vital. Even bringing a weapon into play will not automatically stop a determined aggressor. It is exceedingly rare for a shooting victim to be stopped dead in his tracks by a single shot, even one to the head.
AT THE INSISTENCE of a fellow instructor and a 15-year training partner from New York City, I was encouraged to attend the Snub Revolver Round-Up at The Sawmill Training Complex in South Carolina in early August. The summit had four outstanding national firearms instructors: Darryl
“DB” Bolke, Wayne Dobbs, Chuck Haggard and Bryan Eastridge. All are incredibly excellent instructors and presenters, but even more satisfying is that three out of four have deadly force experience, which means a lot when discussing gunfighting. To my amazement, there were many participants of notoriety who also had gunfighting experience.
But before delving into the snubnose event, I must brag about The Sawmill Training Complex. What a phenomenal facility it truly is. They have 12 shooting ranges from 25 to 100 yards, a 360-degree shooting range, a 100-yard zero range and a 1,400yard sniper range. They also have several force-on-force virtual scenario training areas, plus a 30-foot tower that overlooks the entire complex, with built-in close-quarters training areas and a vertical operations container
From left to right, trainer Darryl Bolke, Sawmill CEO Steve Brown and trainer Bryan Eastridge.
The top-notch facilities at The Sawmill Training Complex offer classrooms, lodging, and various shooting ranges and structures for all types of training.
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
superstructure. The superstructure can be used for rappelling and climbing and it has a helicopter skid simulation area. The Sawmill also has helicopter and parachute landing zones for military training. As a student, I stayed in The Sawmill Lodge and was blown away by the comfort of the rooms. They also have a pro shop and secure storage. Everything was worth four-star ratings. Upon entering The Sawmill Training Complex, a posted sign says, “Leave your ego at the gate.” That sign would come back to haunt me because here I am, considered a national firearms
master instructor trainer – what could anyone possibly teach me about snubnose firearms? A lesson in humility was soon to come my way. The truth is that even though I carry a snubnose religiously as a backup gun, I had not been to a formal training class on the weapon system for over 15 years. I was a soup sandwich on my first day on the range with the snubnose revolver. By the grace of God, one of my shooting partners was the internationally renowned gun writer and extraordinary snub gun shooter, Rob Garrett. Michael Bane, who has the most successful firearms podcast on the internet, has deemed Garrett the God of snubnose revolver shooting. On the first day of shooting, Garrett was constantly babysitting me. The first four hours of instruction that I had on shooting the revolver, I would swear to you, if you looked at my shooting patterns, they looked like I was firing a shotgun instead of a snubnose revolver. Once again, I must give credit where credit is
due, and Garrett’s patience and insight finally got me on track.
TRAINING WITH ALL the national instructors was a pleasure. They were true professionals. Right out of the gate, Eastridge was the first instructor who impressed me. He served in the US Army with the 82nd Airborne Division and has been a full-time law enforcement officer in Oklahoma since 2002. One of the most impressive things Eastridge brings to the table is that he holds the NRA Distinguished Revolver Badge #740. Reinforcing the fundamentals of marksmanship at short and long distances, his famous quote on shooting the revolver is still embedded in my head: “Press the trigger, don’t move the gun … that is literally it.” I’m still working on that, sir!
Dobbs is another larger-than-life firearms instructor with a mile-long law enforcement background and resume. I believe he is a cross between the late great Bill Jordan and John
National gun writer Rob Garrett (right) is considered to be one of the greatest snub shooters in the country, and he kept Pawela shooting straight – he even let the author shoot some of his loads and one of his guns!
The sign that would haunt Pawela during the early stages of the event.
Haggard explains one of many interesting points on snubnose revolvers. There were also plenty of accessories for students to try out.
Chuck Haggard. Eastridge.
Wayne Dobbs. Bolke.
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
Wayne. It was disgusting to watch him shoot tight groups in demonstrations and then say, “Now do it that way.” He would state that some of the shooting snub mutants had little to no problem doing their marksman thing; however, the rest of us mere mortals were just trying to keep up.
Haggard is also a lifelong police officer who has been an instructor in every category imaginable. He is an officer with plenty of real-world street fighting experience in all areas, fighting suspects with his hands and his issued firearms. I very much admired Haggard’s presentation on how he applied his martial arts experience to the snub revolver, as it was applied in close-quarter shooting, both standing and on the ground. His lecture on various holsters and different accessories for the snub was in-depth, and his demonstration of ballistic gelatin was outstanding.
ANOTHER SEASONED POLICE officer with multiple gunfight situations under his belt is Bolke. He made the most impact on me, which is saying a lot. Bolke pointed out the advantages of the modern defensive revolver, as it is incredibly easy to operate; by opening the cylinder, it is easy to manipulate the revolver and check its condition in a safe manner, which is not the case with the modern striker-fired semiautomatic pistol.
There were prizes galore for class participants. “I don’t think anyone walked away not winning something!” Pawela remarked.
Don’t tell these women the snubnose is hard to shoot – they were deadly accurate!
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
Another benefit, according to Bolke, is that the revolver is easy to use as a training tool. He uses his quite a bit to conduct dry practice work. He can remove the ammunition from the revolver and replace it with snap caps. This enables anyone to conduct safe training and good dry fire practice. Bolke also stated that revolvers work well for those who are not extremely proficient with firearms and can make tragic mistakes during unloading and clearing by simply getting the steps out of order. The simplicity and operation of a snubnose revolver is an added safety feature that is truly needed, especially for the beginning student. Another good point Bolke made is that due to the ammunition limitation of the snubnose revolver, the firearm is welcome in cities where a regular high-capacity semiauto firearm would not be.
All in all, this was one of the best training events I have ever attended, and I would highly recommend it to anyone at any level.
For future events, check out americanfightingrevolver.com, and for more on The Sawmill Training Complex, visit sawmillttc.com.
Editor’s note: Author Paul Pawela is a nationally recognized firearms and self-defense expert. For his realistic self-defense training, see assaultcountertactics.com.
Before the event began, everyone gathered to say prayers and pledge allegiance to the flag.
Group photo of all who participated in last month’s activities.
Pawela finally gets it right with the snubnose.
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DRY FIRE: WHERE PROGRESS HAPPENS
With modern
training aids,
this once looked down upon practice method will absolutely improve your shooting.
For some, dry fire is a dirty word. It is considered low value and fake. If this is you, I highly encourage you to take another look at it. It is where you fix most of the issues, particularly in movement, draws, manipulations and getting into position.
If you break it down, the only things you do not get in dry fire are recoil and target feedback. But you are still attaining your grip and stance, aligning the sights and pressing the trigger. If everything to that point has been slow, the quality of the hit will not change the outcome, regardless of the shooting context, be it operations, competition or hunting. Dry fire, though, needs to be well thought out, follow a plan, and be adapted to you individually. Many shooters will just go through the motions, call it dry fire, and at best improve slowly or at worst do many reps wrong.
I plan my dry fire routines based on the upcoming match, issues/ notes from the last event, and the incorporation of new things like scopes, stocks, grips or other components. I prioritize the latest items because there are always differences between makes, models and even lots of the items you had before. I plan my routines based on
five- to 10-minute sessions per day. Depending on the purpose, I will either do them immediately after a workout or before dinner. I am blessed enough to be able to have a training set of my competition gear, so it is easy. Before we get much further, if you are using live gear, your dry fire session needs to be conducted in a sterile environment that has no possibility of live rounds in the area and oriented in a direction such that if an accident does happen, it will be safe. Further, firearms need to be checked, rechecked and triple checked.
Once you have all that squared away, you can continue.
I DO MOST of my competitive shooting in the Quantified Performance Shoot Fast, Shoot Far series. (In full transparency, I am one of the founders.) These matches involve small movements onto a prop, then engaging multiple targets from 100 to 1,000 yards. For most of the stages, the time used to attain a solid firing position on the prop always sets the tone for the stage. That initial position also determines much of the outcome of the shots. Remember:
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ASH HESS
A shooter aims a rifle equipped with the Mantis Blackbeard system, which allows for scored dry fire practice to be conducted anywhere. While the product uses a drop-in bolt carrier group and magazine, all weapons used for dry fire practice should be triple checked for safety.
TACTICAL TRAINING
properly aim, then fire the shot without disturbing the aim.
Quantified Performance starts most stages one pace away from the prop with the bolt locked open. For dry fire, I will decide on the prop and perform five or so reps of moving to the prop and dropping the bolt. This phase of the stage helps speed up both the movement to the prop and getting the rifle ready to fire. Mounting the rifle and achieving a solid position with proper eye relief is vital to speed. Having to break a solid position to drop the bolt will cause an episode of negative self-talk at the worst possible time, so I tie these things together.
Once I get those reps in, depending on their quality, I will set a time to have them accomplished that feels faster than the warmup reps. I will then set that par time on a shot timer and push reps until I meet the time. Unless that is the primary focus of the session, once I beat the clock for three or four runs, I will move on but keep the time burning. Without other tools and systems, I focus on the first shot only. This is because breaking the position to reset the charging handle is unrealistic.
I use this same methodology when it comes to pistols. You cannot get good hits until the pistol is out of the holster and presented. I will do warmup reps just on the draw. I will then move into draw to full presentation. From there, I work to the first shot with the shot timer. I do not work pistol and rifle in the same session unless I am working transitions.
Regardless of the focus, I warm up with one of these two techniques. This will set the opening to a stage performance on the right track. It also happens to be very applicable to what you would have to do in real-world use of either system.
THEN I START
adding dry fire tools that are available on the market. The first is the Mantis Blackbeard. Blackbeard does several things very well. First, to use it, you must remove the live bolt carrier and magazine. From a safety perspective, this is particularly important. Next, it resets the trigger, allowing you to take multiple shots without having to cycle the bolt. It also uses movement to track and score the quality of your shot; that data is
saved and can be replayed. Lastly, it transmits a laser that can be used with their Laser Academy to check the quality of your aim.
Combined, it takes your dry fire to a new level just short of live fire. No, you do not get recoil, but you get a ton of data to analyze from your dry run. To date, I have 25,000 Mantis shots on various systems that are scored and can be played back.
I also use the Canebrake Consulting Scaled Target. This has scaled targets from 100 to 800 yards that I can apply the proper elevation hold on. By shooting the stages, I learn better techniques for the stage and how to maximize stability and efficiency.
Just like a workout session, a good warmup followed by focused reps in a specific format will result in gains. This effort in dry fire will then translate into your live fire, regardless of the circumstances. Recently, Dutch Moyer from The Sawmill Training Complex released a video on the importance of dry fire. Every high-level shooter I know will mention dry fire if someone asks how to improve. Unless you are beating these people, you are not too good for dry fire. As we used to say in the Army, “rehearsals, rehearsals, rehearsals.”
Vince Lombardi once said, “All of our games are won in practice.” This does not just apply to your favorite ball team; it applies to your shooting as well. I have quantifiable data on how important it is for me to dry fire. If you put some work in, you will see how much it helps you.
Editor’s note: Ash Hess is a highly seasoned combat veteran of 22 years with four combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, totaling 52 months. His military training includes the US Army Master Marksman Trainer course, as well as rifle marksman instructor, urban combat leaders’, senior leaders’, army basic instructor, high-angle marksman and unit armor courses. He also wrote TC3-22.9, the Army’s marksmanship manual.
Author Ash Hess shoots a stage at the Quantified Performance match at The Sawmill Training Complex. (PAUL PAWELA)
Specializing in performance aftermarket modifications
TRAINING
HOW I BATTLED THROUGH THE SEARING PAIN OF BEING PEPPER SPRAYED
Introduction of unexpected training element reinforces importance of inner strength, resilience.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY GRACIELA CASILLAS
linded by an excruciating fire, the searing pain felt like molten lava seeping through every nerve. In that paralyzing moment, I was overwhelmed by helplessness, unable to see, breathe or even think clearly. The decision lay before me: I could either crumble, freeze in place and hope that my attackers would grant me the time to
Bregain my sight and composure, or I could fight through the agony and force myself into action. Little did I know that this day would test me in ways I had never imagined. But to understand the full impact of this moment, we need to step back and see how it all began.
THE UNEXPECTED TEST
During an intense tactical firearms training session, I was fully prepared for the expected challenges and demands of marksmanship and
maneuvering under stress. What I was not prepared for was the sudden and brutal introduction to pepper spray.
We had just finished a break and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as I watched a trainer approach with a canister of pepper spray. My pulse quickened as one of the participants stepped forward, ready to face the unknown. As the spray hit his face, the man’s immediate reaction was one of visible distress. He flailed, his movements chaotic and ineffective. Despite his
Author Graciela Casillas got her first taste of pepper spray during a tactical training session.
TACTICAL TRAINING
skill and experience, the pepper spray rendered him ineffective at times, even though he did not stop fighting. The scene was both sobering and terrifying. I watched, anxious and apprehensive, as he struggled to find his bearings amidst the disorienting pain and partial blindness. Eventually, he was escorted away, his performance a stark reminder of the formidable challenge ahead.
Next, a young lady known for her proficiency with firearms took her turn. Her struggle intensified dramatically; she yelled and flailed as the debilitating effects of the spray overcame her senses. Despite her visible anguish, she managed to push through the pain, remarkably still hitting her targets. As I observed her desperate fight, my own anxiety increased. I later learned that this was neither her nor the man’s first encounter with pepper spray. Their prior experiences seemed to have made them more resilient, albeit to different degrees, and their recovery was quicker and their ability to fight back more effective.
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
It was now my turn. I had seen others go through the ordeal, and logic told me that I should be better prepared, having witnessed their reactions. I hoped that I could navigate this challenge with greater ease. But as my name was called, fear gripped me. My legs felt as if they were encased in lead, and my heart pounded with a force that seemed to threaten my very existence. I closed my eyes tightly, bracing myself for the inevitable. The spray hit my face, and the pain was immediate and overwhelming. The burning sensation was unlike anything I had ever experienced, and breathing became a struggle. I had not been
briefed on how to manage this situation effectively. I felt utterly unprepared. I would have appreciated being told that if ever sprayed with a chemical irritant, your eyes will burn, you may have difficulty breathing, but you can still fight. Focus on calming down, control your breathing, and blink and strobe your eyes. If you can’t do that, physically open your eyelid so that you can see.
THE FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE
In that critical moment, the choice was clear: I could either surrender to the pain and let it defeat me, or I could push through the agony and fight. I knew that doing nothing was akin to giving up, and if I could not muster the strength to fight in a controlled training environment, how could I expect to respond effectively in a real-life situation?
As the trainers pushed toward me, my eyes remained shut, and the searing pain nearly took my breath away. Despite the intense discomfort, I knew I had to move. Rich Kluck, my instructor, shouted directions, urging me to act despite my incapacitation. I forced myself to punch, kick and elbow whatever was in front of me – though at times, it felt like I was striking only air. The agony made it nearly impossible to open my eyes, but I could still rely on my other senses.
In a moment of desperation, my hand connected with a shield. I drew on my training as a professional kickboxer, executing moves that had been drilled into me countless times. I wrapped my arms around the shield holder, my instincts taking over as I kneed him repeatedly until I was pulled away. It was a testament to the power of muscle memory and sheer willpower in the face of overwhelming adversity.
THE TRUE TEST
This exercise was not merely about enduring the physical effects of pepper spray; it was a test of resilience and determination. The pain was intense, but the true challenge lay in tapping into one’s will to survive and fight back despite the debilitating circumstances. It was about focusing on an anchor, a
Pepper spray produces a paralyzing moment that one needs to learn how to push through and be effective in fighting back.
The true challenge lies in tapping into one’s will to survive and resilience despite the debilitating circumstances.
TACTICAL TRAINING
mental and physical grounding point, when everything else seemed to be collapsing around you.
In retrospect, the scariest part of the experience was the loss of control. As someone accustomed to being in command of every situation, losing control of one’s senses is a profound shock. We train extensively with firearms, blades and hand-tohand combat, but few civilians have the opportunity to experience such high-intensity training. This exercise underscored the importance of preparation for the unpredictable and the unexpected.
NEUTRALIZING THE EFFECTS OF PEPPER SPRAY
Understanding how to neutralize the effects of pepper spray is crucial for anyone who might face such a situation. Here are some practical steps to manage the immediate aftermath and recover as swiftly as possible: Stay calm and breathe: Despite the overwhelming pain, maintaining control over your breathing is essential.
Panic exacerbates the situation, making it harder to think clearly and act effectively.
Move to a safe area: If possible, relocate to a safe area away from further exposure to the pepper spray. Fresh air can help alleviate some of the discomfort and aid in the recovery process.
Rinse your eyes: Immediately flush your eyes with copious amounts of clean, cool water. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can spread the irritant and worsen the pain. Blink rapidly to help remove the chemical from your eyes.
Use milk or antacid solutions: If water is not available, milk or antacid solutions can help neutralize the pepper spray. The fats in milk can help dissolve the oily substances in the spray, providing some relief.
Avoid touching your face: Try to avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, as this can transfer the irritant to other areas and potentially worsen the situation.
Seek medical attention if necessary: If the pain persists or if
you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Persistent irritation or allergic reactions may require professional treatment.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
As I reflected on the experience, I recognized that it was not just about enduring the pain of pepper spray but about harnessing an inner strength and resilience that is crucial in real-life situations. The ordeal taught me that the true essence of training lies not only in mastering techniques but also in developing the mental fortitude to overcome extreme challenges.
In my 50 years as a student, competitor, martial arts teacher and defensive tactics trainer, I’ve learned that preparation must extend beyond the confines of a controlled environment. It is essential to be prepared for the unexpected and to cultivate the will to fight back, regardless of the circumstances. The experience of being pepper sprayed was a harsh but invaluable lesson in the importance of mental and physical preparedness.
Ultimately, it is not just about how well you can perform a technique, but about your ability to adapt, persevere and maintain control when everything seems to be falling apart. This experience reinforced the necessity of comprehensive training that goes beyond traditional methods, ensuring that we are ready to face the most daunting of challenges with courage and resilience. ★
Editor’s note: Author Graciela Casillas is a certified personal protection specialist who works as a staff instructor with Executive Security International bodyguard school (esibodyguardschool. com). She is also an advanced firearms trainer and has worked with many world-class firearms instructors. She has authored many articles on the subject for various publications and holds a bachelor’s degree in law and society, master’s degrees in education and physical education, and lifetime teaching credentials in psychology.
Neutralizing the effects of pepper spray is crucial for anyone hit with it. Along with trying to stay calm and controlling your breathing, flushing your eyes with copious amounts of clean, cool water or milk are a few steps to help recover from being sprayed.
MAKING THE CUT
CHECKING IN WITH AL MAR KNIVES
Endorsed by US special forces and founded by a former member, company’s blades stand test of time.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA
Two years ago, while attending SHOT Show, I was en route to an appointment when I was interrupted by an individual working for The Sawmill Training Complex. To make a long story short, I had the opportunity to meet The Sawmill’s president, Steve Brown, who is a larger-than-life legend in the special operations community. Let’s just say he specialized in both flying and shooting and then became a door-kicker for the best hostage rescue team in the world. While conversing with Brown, I have to admit I was distracted a little bit by the Al Mar Knives display that was a part of The Sawmill’s booth. Brown quickly noticed how I admired the collection of knives and asked me if I was a fan. My
Vietnam-era Special Forces legend and knifemaker Al Mar. (AL MAR KNIVES)
Al Mar Knives project manager Chris Danner removes one of the company’s blades after author Paul Pawela’s torture tests.
MAKING THE CUT
response was rather emotional; I choked up while telling Brown that I was indeed a huge fan of Al Mar Knives because I had known Mar personally. In fact, not only did I know him, but I trained with him and considered him one of the best mentors in the military/martial arts world and one of the best knifemakers.
SO, WHO WAS Mar, and what was his legacy? Mar is another American success story we at American Shooting Journal love to feature. Born in the United States, he was the son of Chinese immigrants. He served in the Army and became a Special Forces legend by volunteering to serve in a unit that was made up of all Asian-American special operations members to fight in Vietnam on covert missions. After serving in Vietnam, Mar completed his college education by earning a master’s degree in industrial design from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles.
Mar went to work at Gerber Legendary Blades under Peter Gerber, completing his tenure there as head of knife design. (Side note: While at Gerber Knives, Mar redesigned the Gerber MKII made famous by combat martial artist Michael Echanis. I had the honor of training with four certified instructors under Echanis
The Al Mar Knives display at SHOT Show showcases their full line of knives, along with the story of Mar.
Mar’s SERE knife was the first knife accepted at the Special Forces “Schoolhouse.”
MAKING THE CUT
while stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, now known as Fort Liberty.)
In 1979, Mar founded Al Mar Knives. His mission was to blend massproduction methods with the same quality of his custom knives. At first, most of his knives were designed for police and military personnel because of his vast experience as a master of judo and kendo martial arts and his history as a Green Beret.
His most significant contribution to the survival knife world was his collaboration with Colonel Nick Rowe, the founder of the Special Forces Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape school, or SERE. Mar’s SERE knife was the first knife accepted by the Special Forces “Schoolhouse.”
As Mar’s company grew, his designs expanded to include high-quality hunting and fishing, kitchen and gentlemen’s gift knives.
Mar was a lifetime member of the Special Forces Association, a member of the Special Operations Association, and a reserve deputy sheriff. He was inducted into both Fighting Knives Magazine and
Blade Magazine Halls of Fame.
In his book Modern Knife Combat: The Training of a Knife Fighter, Greg Walker had this to say about Mar:
“The late Al Mar, himself a former Green Beret, worked hard to maintain his own physical fitness as a master judo stylist and blooded knife fighter. His emphasis on this area was so great, he literally excused a number of cutlery writers from receiving AMK knives direct from his office because of how he felt such a formal association might reflect on his work. Mar told me several years before his passing that writers with bona fide special operations backgrounds needed to pay particular attention to their physical state. ‘If you were in Special Forces and you use the background as part of your writer’s resume, you should at least make an effort to honor our professional reputation by looking the part,’ he pointed out. ‘Perception is everything,’ Al went on to say. ‘How can anyone take you seriously if you talk the talk but obviously can’t walk the walk?’”
The B-21 fixed blade is the author’s favorite Al Mar knife.
Al Mar line of keychain knives.
WHILE AL MAR Knives has had several different owners since Mar’s unfortunate passing, it is now in the capable hands of Joe Hawkins of VIS, LLC, in partnership with The Sawmill Training Complex.
Once again, I’d like to thank Steve Brown for allowing me to visit The Sawmill, where I also got to meet Chris Danner, project manager at Al Mar Knives. Danner has an incredible background in building things, so building knives has become second nature to him. His mind is sharp (no pun intended)! Danner gets extra brownie points with me as he is a distinguished Eagle Scout; I appreciate all the hard work that goes into that effort, as two of my grandsons are about to receive that very award.
I also had the pleasure of talking with Al Mar’s director of sales, Jeff Tholen, at length. He asked which Al Mar knife I like the best, which to me is like asking me which of my children is my favorite. But of course, due to my history with Mar, I would have to say the fixed-blade B-21. It is a fighting knife first, and an all-around survival knife second. I know the design was not created by Mar himself, but it is a design he would be very proud of. The SERE knives are my second favorite design, and then all the rest of them, period.
Do Al Mar Knives make the cut? If they are good enough for special operations personnel, I would say you can’t get a better endorsement than that! ★
Jake Bittan, IGY6 Defense founder and chief executive officer, gets in some training at the range.
her: a new immigrant, a volunteer from abroad, an orphan or an individual from a broken home within Israel.”
Jake made it through special forces selection in 2017. He lived with other lone soldiers who stayed with host families during weekends while off base.
During service training, Jake was injured from a structure fall in which he fell two stories, breaking his leg and subsequently having major surgery. Jake made a full recovery in under three months and quickly returned to his active-duty unit that was conducting combat operations on the Gaza border during a large flare-up with Hamas. After
fulfilling his active-duty requirements, Jake left Israel in 2020 and returned to California. However, Jake is still on reserve duty, which is mandatory by contract. He is still required to serve one to two months a year on full duty. He flies back to Israel every year since leaving to fulfill his duty.
WHEN JAKE RETURNED home, he did not know exactly what he could do or where he could fit in, a sentiment many combat veterans feel upon returning from living such a dangerous and chaotic life in the military. Jake fell into the executive protection world through
a friend of his, Ronen Shlomo. Ronen took Jake under his wing and taught him how he could apply his military experience to the civilian world.
During his first year in executive protection, Jake was dealing with a neighbor who had a friend who was having an issue. His neighbor told him that his friends were being intimidated by the cartel and mafia, so naturally Jake took the job and was on that gig for a year. He had to deal with individuals trying to smuggle firearms past them on a daily basis – people who would draw their weapons to intimidate him – and engaged these individuals almost every night, very close to where he lived. Some people he worked with quit; they found it too stressful and dangerous, as people were threatening to shoot up these clients.
After that was resolved, Jake became a lead protector six days a week. He specialized in celebrity protection, had private clients and taught family protection. All this prompted Jake to start a tactical training business teaching firearms classes as well as classes that are primarily medical-heavy due to his combat experiences. But that’s not all IGY6 Defense has to offer.
On one reserve deployment before the Israel-Hamas war began in fall 2023, Jake realized that the gear they use is not the most functional. He had a vision to bring great gear to the market that is lighter and more sustainable. He started designing things he thought would work based on his vast combat experience, and his wife completely supported and assisted in his dream and even did the sewing! His gear, to this day, has saved lives in Israel. His products are battletested, and 10 percent of his sales goes to Project Refit, a nonprofit that helps veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD and helps give them another chance to rebuild their lives.
IN OCTOBER 2023, Jake was on his way back to California after spending the weekend playing in a baseball tournament in Arizona, when he started getting messages from his reserve team
The inspiration for IGY6 Defense, which offers a range of firearms training courses and tactical gear – was twofold: Bittan’s work in the personal protection field and his realization while on annual reserve deployment in Israel that the available equipment could be better.
TACTICAL PROFILE
in Israel. They sent him some footage and he replied, “Is this a new movie?” Nothing had been released in the news yet, but Jake found out one of his officers had been killed. The officer had driven to his base to gear up from his home, then went to an attack site to protect and save the lives of as many Israelis as he could and with no support whatsoever. He was ambushed and then executed. According to Jake, his officer was “the most caring guy in the world; an amazing person that gave people his undivided attention and time and extra training to ensure they knew what they were doing.”
When Jake heard what had happened, he told his pregnant wife he had to leave. Jake recalled his experiences with Hamas and Israel’s previous operations
with Hamas. This was bigger than anything Israel had dealt with before. Jake told his wife he loved her and promised he would be back.
Jake flew out on October 8, on the first flight he could take. He talked about singing the “Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem, with other Israeli citizens on the plane. One of his teammates picked him up and he went directly to base to gear up and then do body recoveries. Jake helped with getting families out of the area, but dead bodies were everywhere. Cars were on fire and riddled with bullet holes like in a Mad Max movie. After a few days, Jake went to the base and “headed up north” to secure the Lebanon border. He recalled there was no armor, no weapons – it was like a madhouse.
There were multiple bases with lines of people trying to get in.
Jake switched to a different unit in order to get back to fighting against Hamas and went south to start the initial phase of clearing out areas in Gaza and setting up firing positions for tanks. When the air strikes started, Jake’s new team was tasked with going to the West Bank, operating in some of its most dangerous areas and razing hundreds of Hamas locations. Jake was exposed to air strikes, improvised explosive devices, machinegun fire and other dangers.
AFTER
COMING BACK to the US for the birth of his daughter, Jake returned to Israel for another two months. He returned to operations in the West
Upon hearing of the October 7, 2023, attacks, Bittan rushed to Israel, where he’d previously served via the Israel Defense Forces’ Lone Soldier Program and was still in the reserves.
TACTICAL PROFILE
Bank, where he was tasked to take out Hamas. Jake was in combat every single day during the operation in his area of the West Bank, and he was awarded the equivalent to a Bronze Star with Valor for his actions during a specific incident.
In it, 40 to 50 Israelis were ambushed on the road. Jake was in a Prius-type vehicle on his way back to base after taking care of some things with his two teammates, when he got a call over the radio about a “weird guy parked on the side of the road on the guardrail.” Jake remembered driving past just such a person and turned around to check out the vehicle. He started hearing gunfire, which ended up being an active shooter terrorist attack. People were backing into each other on the road and crashing into cars. Some people were running through the streets screaming. Jake told his teammate to stop the vehicle since they were not armored and that they would move in on foot.
He saw the shooter, who had stopped firing his weapon for a brief moment, and Jake sprinted to the guy’s position. Jake and his two teammates started taking incoming machinegun fire from about 80 yards out and immediately started returning fire while running toward the threat. Jake dumped an entire magazine full of ammunition while receiving shots from the fully automatic weapon the terrorist had. Jake told his guys to get down, went prone, reloaded and returned fire, wounding and stopping the terrorist. They found a detonator on the terrorist’s body and a 200-pound bomb in his vehicle. There were also cameras in the vehicle with a 360-degree radius livestreaming to the terrorist’s phone he had in his hand. Jake and his team were lucky that day because they stopped the terrorist 5 feet outside of the range of the remote to detonate the car bomb. Due to Jake’s and his team’s actions, only one
innocent female was injured by the terrorist that day.
It took two minutes and 35 seconds for the whole ordeal to end. Jake’s only thought, besides saving innocent people and stopping the terrorists, was that he wanted to show his kids that their dad was a good person and was there to make a difference. Well, Jake, from one combat veteran to another, let me tell you, brother, you are a great person.
For more information on Jake Bittan, his training and his products, please visit igy6defense.com.★
Editor’s note: Jason Brooks is a combat medically retired marine, force recon hand-to-hand instructor, counterterrorism instructor trainer, recognized national law enforcement trainer, active personal protection specialist and co-owner of Assault Counter Tactics. Visit assaultcountertactics.com for more.
MILITARY SPOTLIGHT
REMEMBERING COLONEL JAMES ROWE
Captured in Vietnam, Green Beret went on to do intel work, head up SERE before 1989 assassination.
STORY BY PAUL PAWELA PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FAMILY OF COLONEL JAMES ROWE
he men of the United States Army Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are strong, fit, tough and hardworking. They are honest and respectful of everyone they meet. They have been through far more training than most people can ever imagine, crammed into a brief period of time. And they complete dangerous and secretive missions as the “quiet professionals” that they are.
TThrough the years, many Special Forces soldiers have become legendary for their incredible bravery and personal resolve. One such legend is Colonel James Nicholas “Nick” Rowe.
IN ONE OF his many tributes, this one posted on veterantributes.org, his military history reads as follows:
“Nick Rowe was born on February 8, 1938, in McAllen, Texas. He entered the US Military Academy at West Point in June 1956 and graduated with a commission as a second lieutenant of artillery on June 8, 1960. Rowe was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from August 1960 to May 1961, and during this time he completed Airborne School, Ranger School, and the Artillery Officer Basic Course.
“Lieutenant Rowe next served with the 7th Special Forces Group and then the 5th Special Forces Group (SFG) of 1st Special Forces at Fort Bragg from May 1961 to July 1963. During this time he completed Language School at the Presidio of Monterey, California.
Colonel James Nicholas “Nick” Rowe.
MILITARY SPOTLIGHT
Rowe went on temporary duty with the 5th SFG to the Republic of Vietnam in July 1963, and was captured and taken as a prisoner of war by the Viet Cong on October 29, 1963. After spending 1,891 days in captivity, Major Rowe escaped on December 31, 1968, and made his way to friendly forces. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and then served as an instructor with the Army Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, from June 1969 to September 1970
“Rowe then went into Army Intelligence, serving at Fort Holabird, Maryland, from September 1970 to June 1971, and then with the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC, from June 1971 until he left active duty on February 1, 1974. Colonel Rowe returned to active duty on March 12, 1981, and served as Chief of the Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) school at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, until May 1985, when he was made Commander of the First Special Warfare Training Battalion at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare
Center, also at Fort Bragg.
“In May 1988 Colonel Rowe was assigned as the Chief of the Army Division of the Joint US Military Advisory Group in the Philippines. He was assassinated by Communist guerrillas in Quezon City, a suburb of Manila, on April 21, 1989. Nick Rowe was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on May 2, 1989.”
Rowe earned many medals in his career. His decorations included the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, two Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, and many more.
THE ACCOLADES ARE impressive, but Colonel Rowe had many more unique qualities than what was described above. He wrote a bestselling book called Five Years to Freedom: The True Story of a Vietnam POW about his
A simulated Viet Cong prison at the United States Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum at Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, commemorates the five-plus years Rowe spent in captivity before escaping.
Rowe at Camp Mackall on Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Rowe’s gravestone at Arlington National Cemetery.
This memorial to Rowe is located in Veteran’s Memorial Park in Union Beach, New Jersey.
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TEXAN HOLSTER WITH MAG AND FLASHLIGHT COMPATIBILITY
harrowing exploits and those of his fellow prisoners of war and their experiences of survival.
In his book, Rowe wrote about the day that he was set to be executed by the Viet Cong after he was outed as an intelligence officer instead of a combat engineer by antiwar sympathizers in the United States. Miraculously, pilots aboard American helicopters that happened to be in the area identified Rowe as an American even though he was wearing the Viet Cong uniform. The chopper pilots could see he had a beard and made the distinction that he was an American soldier. Rowe was able to subdue his guard, who had been ordered to execute him.
After Rowe’s rescue, he was immediately promoted to major from lieutenant. Then, after a briefing with a small Ranger unit, he led a strike team to look for more missing prisoners of war. It also should be noted that Rowe was one of only 34 American prisoners of war to escape captivity during the Vietnam War.
Rowe’s bravery was unsurpassed; after spending five years as a POW in Vietnam, he volunteered to go back and fight. Always trying to rid the world of evil, Rowe served with honor, fighting communists in the Philippines, where he was assassinated.
Colonel Nick Rowe may be gone, but his spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of our brave Special Forces men. ★
HAT TIP TO ALL WILDFIRE RESPONDERS
Helping with evacuations and preventing looting are important jobs while firefighters battle blazes.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY NICK PERNA
The curriculum for the basic police academy is pretty standard across the nation.
Recruits are taught report writing, defensive tactics, pursuit driving, firearms, laws and so on. But as most officers come to realize shortly after completing the academy and hitting the street, much of what they are going to be faced with isn’t taught in the academy or in any other classroom.
Most officers don’t even realize that many of the tasks they will be asked
to perform are even considered part of their jobs. The first time you play judge on a civil issue, like someone complaining that a transient picked the recyclables out of their garbage can or that a neighbor parked in front of their house in their “favorite spot,” you realize that most of what you are going to do, and how you are going to do it, will be learned during on-the-job training.
ONE TOPIC ALL first responders must deal with is that of natural disasters, such as floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes and so on. My memories of this topic in the academy – albeit a bit faded from 24 years ago – are limited to a
short block of instruction on when the media has the right to enter a disaster area (in case you’re wondering, in most instances, they can).
But during my time as a cop, I’ve responded to many natural disasters. Where I work, fires are the main one we respond to. I’ve been sent out to other areas in California about a dozen times. The main job of law enforcement during fires is notifying the public of evacuation orders and keeping looters out of neighborhoods after the residents have been evacuated.
SOMETIMES IT TAKES an up-close-andpersonal involvement in a natural
Responding to natural disasters, such as fires, is a reality for many cops.
Author Nick Perna has responded to many throughout his career, but when a wildfire broke out in his neighborhood, he was struck by gratitude for the first responders who “ran towards the flames to save lives and property” during what became the fourth largest fire in California history.
L.E. SPOTLIGHT
disaster to understand and really appreciate what first responders do. Recently, we had the Park Fire here in Northern California. Sparked by an arsonist, it grew to be the fourth largest fire in California’s history, burning at least 429,603 acres and destroying 709 structures as of press time.
Now, for me, the tables were turned. I’d spent a lot of time in other people’s neighborhoods, telling them to evacuate. For the first time, the natural disaster was in my neighborhood. The reality began to set in when A) we were put under an evacuation warning order, B) ashes from the fire began to land on my car and house, and C) there was a massive plume of smoke that rose hundreds of feet in the air that resembled a mushroom cloud of a nuclear bomb.
When the fire got close to a neighboring town and the residents were given the evacuation order, I watched as an endless line of vehicles drove down the usually quiet highway I reside on – trucks with trailers full of personal items, U-Hauls and so on. I knew it was game time when I saw a guy on an ATV fleeing the area at a high rate of speed, a backpack with a few belongings on his back.
That’s when the first responders took over. Tens of thousands of firefighters, EMTs, police officers and other folks went to work. Cal Fire had aircraft in the area 24 hours a day, launching air strikes of retardant and water and monitoring the fire’s progress. Firefighters dug trails with bulldozers and, in some extreme cases, with shovels and picks to slow the progress of the fire. Wildfire crews from all over the country deployed to the area to help out.
Backburns were lit to create “burn scars” in areas where the fire was heading to deny it fuel. Law enforcement helped with evacuations and caught quite a few looters trying to take advantage of the situation. Fighting the fire and managing the massive scene is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week endeavor. First responders worked long hours, giving up their days off to get the fire under control and direct it away from most major population centers in the affected areas.
So, I’d like to dedicate this month’s law enforcement heroes spotlight to every firefighter, medic and cop who ran towards the flames to save lives and property. You have my undying gratitude. You’ve learned over the years how to fight these fires, and you did a hell of a job on this one.
Editor’s note: Author Nick Perna is a sergeant with the Redwood City Police Department in Northern California. He previously served as a paratrooper in the US Army and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also has a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. He is a frequent contributor to multiple print and online forums on topics related to law enforcement, firearms, tactics and veterans issues.
According to the author, the main job of law enforcement during fires is notifying the public of evacuation orders and keeping looters out of neighborhoods after the residents have been evacuated.
Perna snapped this photo during a previous deployment to a fire zone. First responders have a front-row seat to the devastating toll that fires can have on communities.
BLACK POWDER
TROUBLESHOOTING A UBERTI 1851 NAVY
How to fix common problems for replica percussion pistol.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT
or a number of years – and no, I really didn’t keep track of how many years – I had the wants for one of the shorter-barreled copies of the 1851 Navy. Such temptations went unanswered until just a short time ago. Catching my eye was an older Uberti 1851 Navy, .36 caliber of course, with a
F5-inch barrel. One thing I liked about that particular gun was that it had a square-back trigger guard, much like the reintroduced 1851s by Colt. This gun’s trigger guard was brass but not nickel-plated. The gun intrigued me enough that I bought it.
The very first shots with that gun were rather revealing. Because most of these revolvers seem to hit high, I aimed my first shot at 6 o’clock on a bull’s-eye target. That shot hit right
where it was aimed, at 6 o’clock. (In the picture of that first target, the first shot is “marked” by placing a new cast ball over the bullet hole, so it looks silvercolored instead of black.) My next shot was aimed at the target’s center but it went slightly high and left, out in the 9-ring, and that was most likely my fault. Then the next four shots, which emptied the cylinder, all printed very nicely near the target’s center. That told me this short-barreled copy of the
Author Mike Nesbitt satisfied his hankering for an 1851 Navy with this older Uberti. The .36-caliber revolver with a 5-inch barrel –shown here with a pouch of round balls, powder and caps – would, however, need some tweaks.
BLACK POWDER
Colt Navy was a real keeper and I’d be doing a lot more with it.
THOSE FIRST SHOTS also told me something else. This new gun’s trigger pull was, in my humble opinion, simply outrageous! I like to say that I’m too little to shoot with a trigger pull that hard. So, back in the shop, the gun was taken apart for a good trigger job. In addition to correcting the angle of the sear notch on the bottom of the hammer, a “washer” about the same thickness as the hammer spring was placed between the hammer spring and the bottom strap. That slightly reduced the tension of the hammer spring, which also reduced the trigger pull. The gun was reassembled, then
Nesbitt’s first group, with the first shot below the black.
The author takes a shot on his shooting club’s Black Powder Trail, and gets a good hit.
BLACK POWDER
taken apart again to finish the job. When the gun was reassembled a second time, the trigger pull was much lighter and more to my liking.
Back to the range we went, this new 36 and me. The target shot that time was more like it, and so was the trigger pull. My loading with the 13½ grains of GOEX 3Fg under the .375-inch ball worked well and that gave me a group that pleased me nicely. I’ll probably stay with the round ball for shooting in this gun.
Some shots with the Eras Gone conical bullets were given a good try and they shot quite well too. My biggest complaint about the heavier conical bullets is how hard they are to ram into the mouth of the gun’s chambers with the very short loading lever on the short-barreled .36 Navy. Of course, if my shooting with the .36 should become so serious that the advantages of the conical bullets would be desired, I’d just get an extension for that loading lever to take advantage of greater leverage. Such extensions are made by an Oregon outfit called SliXprings (slixprings.com), and the tool is called the SliX Hand. More on that company shortly.
There will be more shooting, you can count on that. To be prepared, I’m casting more .375-inch round balls with my old RCBS mold and making sure there is powder in the Remington-
style flask and CCI percussion caps in the Cash Mfg. capper. With those few things, plus some bullet lube (October Country’s Bumblin’ Bear Grease works so very well) to put over the bullets after they’re loaded in the chambers,
more good shooting will be done.
ANOTHER FACTOR RAISED its ugly head while doing some shooting. The nipples in the cylinder of this Uberti acted like they were swollen from repeated hits of the hammer, so that the caps would need two, three or even four hammer-falls before they would fire. This is not an uncommon problem with percussion guns and the very best way to fix it is by getting new nipples.
So that’s what was done, although not without certain frustrations. This short-barreled Uberti .36 is thought to be an early one, although that can’t easily be determined. Uberti apparently made a change in the size of their gun’s nipples at some point. With the undetermined identity of my revolver, I could not tell which nipples to buy. Friend Jerry Johnson came to my rescue by measuring the thread size on one of my gun’s nipples, which really helped. That knowledge paved
The loaded cylinder, showing bullet lube over the round balls.
Beneath the gun is the nipple wrench from SliXprings.
BLACK POWDER
the way for an order to be placed.
My order was sent to SliXprings for six nipples for the Uberti Navy, plus another five nipples for my little 1849 Pocket Model in .31 caliber, with one of the company’s special nipple wrenches thrown in. That order was quickly filled and shortly after the goods arrived, I changed nipples in the .31-caliber cylinder. Those fit very well and I intend to do more shooting with that gun.
Then one nipple in the .36-caliber cylinder was changed and the new nipple looked like it was possibly too long. With the cylinder back in the gun and a cap on that new nipple, the cylinder could not be turned past where the nipple would be behind the revolver’s frame. So my shooting with this .36 faced another delay.
I contacted SliXprings and explained the situation. Patrick Reagan, the owner of the business, instructed me to return the new nipples and to include one of the original nipples from my gun. That was done on the same day. While I couldn’t offer the field test report that I wanted to right away, I certainly can speak very highly about the excellent customer service that I received.
very long. I believe the properly sized nipples were put in the mail to me on the same day they were received by SliXprings. And, almost as fast, I had the new nipples in the cylinder of my short-barreled Navy, ready to be tried at the range.
Some shots were taken with those new nipples, using CCI No. 11 caps,
and – just to get to the point – they are fantastic. The hole at the top of the nipple is larger than most, so it captures more flash from the cap. Also, there are “relief holes” in the tub of the SliXprings nipples that allow air inside the nipple to escape and also reduce the tendency of blowing the fired cap off of the nipple. This means that more of the cap’s flash is delivered to the powder in the cylinder’s chambers and that fired caps are not prone to be blown off of the nipples where they will fall in between the gun’s hammer and the frame.
After installing the new nipples, my first cylinder full of loads was fired from the bench, just to see how things were going. That wasn’t too bad but I wanted to take another try. With the cylinder loaded again, still with the 13½-grain loading under the .375inch round ball, I fired all six shots, without interruption, at a pistol target posted at just 10 yards. Shooting was done offhand this time and the results certainly pleased me. The group is a little high, in the upper part of the 10and 9-rings, and this easily shows how well the short-barreled Navy Model can shoot. I’ll certainly be doing more shooting with this gun. ★
MY WAIT FOR the new nipples wasn’t
In the cylinder, the new SliXprings nipples can be seen.
A later group, with all six shots in a tight cluster.
