American Shooting Journal - Jan 2025

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Volume 14 // Issue 4 // January 2025

PUBLISHER

James R. Baker

GENERAL MANAGER

John Rusnak

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Andy Walgamott

OFFICE MANAGER / COPY EDITOR

Katie Aumann

LEAD CONTRIBUTOR

Frank Jardim

CONTRIBUTORS

Larry Case, Graciela Casillas, Scott Haugen, Ash Hess, Phil Massaro, Mike Nesbitt, Paul Pawela, Nick Perna

SALES MANAGER

Paul Yarnold

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Janene Mukai, Tom St. Clair

DESIGNERS

Kha Miner, Gabrielle Pangilinan

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Emily Baker

WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING

Jon Hines

INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER

Lois Sanborn

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@americanshootingjournal.com

ON THE COVER

Kervin Aucoin, an intelligence specialist who has worked with many joint special operations task forces, and Jason Brooks, a retired Marine Corps combat veteran and martial arts and firearms instructor, on the set of Surviving Mann: All-Stars in Nevada, where they helped plan a special livestreamed episode showcasing training from the US military’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, or SERE, school. Show contestants attempted to use their skills to try and escape from “terrorists,” roles played admirably by Aucoin and Brooks. (PAUL PAWELA)

Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal X: @AmShootingJourn

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SERELIVE!

Imagine being captured, bound and left in a hot tunnel – that’s what contestants on the Surviving Mann: All-Stars TV show had to deal with for a historic livestreamed segment straight out of the US military’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape school. Paul Pawela details how they pulled it all off!

FEATURES

22 JASON BROOKS: MAN IN THE ARENA

Marine Corps and combat veteran, martial arts and firearms instructor, bodyguard, volunteer, husband, father – there’s a lot of sides to our contributor Jason Brooks.

29 R OAD HUNTER: FOURTH-QUARTER DRAKEFEST!

Duck season is down to its last month. Scott Haugen details how best to savor these waning days while also improving your all-around waterfowl hunting skills.

37 BULLE T BULLETIN: BRINGING BACK THE SOLID BASE

Nosler made Phil Massaro’s year when they brought back the Solid Base softpoint from his 1970s youth in the new Whitetail Country ammo line – just in time for field testing during deer season too! Did it live up to the memories?

62 SC ATTERGUN ALLEY: MYSTERY DRONES – AND WHATEVER ELSE – BEWARE

No, Larry Case isn’t taking aim at all those odd lights in the night sky – shooting at drones, planes, aliens or whatever the heck is up there would be illegal – but he is shining a light on Escort Shotguns USA’s bullpup-style BullTac pump. He shares its specs.

65 TACTICAL TRAINING: GETTING ON TARGET FASTER

Whether you’re a competitive shooter or one day have to get the drop on a bad guy, milliseconds matter. That’s why Ash Hess recommends this drill and using a “warrior athlete” mindset to shave time off of how fast you bring a firearm into play. How does it all work?

87 TACTICAL TRAINING: WHEN A GUN GOES OFF UNEXPECTEDLY

There are accidental discharges, and then there are negligent mistakes. Graciela Casillas helps clear the air about the differences between the two, how they happen, possible legal implications and how to avoid them in the first place.

93 MAKING THE CUT: WHEN FANNY PACK CCW WON’T CUT IT

Safe to say Paul Pawela is no fan of fanny packs, and not just because they went out of style decades ago. So what kind of outside-the-clothing-worn holster does our self-defense guru recommend for hot, sticky climates like Florida?

103 BLACK POWDER: WHAT’S NEW AT RICE BARREL CO.?

Mike Nesbitt and Rice Barrel Company go back to three founding brothers decades ago, but these days the company is owned by Jason Schneider. Nesbitt checks in with Jason on what’s on offer for rifle and pistol shooters these days.

(PAUL PAWELA)

97 LAW ENFORCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: REMEMBERING GERARDO ‘LALO’ SILVA

Officer Gerardo Silva put his whole heart into his job as a Northern California cop, until one day it gave out on him while at work. Nick Perna remembers “Lalo,” the cop he trusted to keep the peace in his hometown beat.

99 MILITARY SPOTLIGHT: MEET THE RANGERS’ ’MAD MAX’ US Army Ranger Master Sergeant Howard “Mad Max” Mullen, Jr., is retired, but not before he left his mark with the elite unit as a hand-to-hand combat instructor. Find out what makes Mullen tick as a motivator of soldiers and the public alike.

50 COLT KING COBRA TARGET .22LR

Twenty-two-caliber pistols aren’t just all fun and games –think plinking and hunting small game – they have real-world applications too, and that’s true of this new 10shot revolver from Colt. Frank Jardim put it through its paces. 71 LIFT YOUR SHOOTING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Want to shoot more accurately? Accu-Riser’s adjustable, universal comb risers and cheek pads not only help you get on target, but reduce recoil. Find out about their wares.

79 LONG-LASTING MAGAZINES, ACCESSORIES ARE THEIR BIZ

No doubt the firearms accessories market is a crowded field, but XTech Tactical is raising industry standards with their products, all while welcoming customer input. Learn more about the innovative company.

C&E Gun Shows cegunshows.com

Crossroads Of The West Gun Shows crossroadsgunshows.com

GUN SHOW CALENDAR

January 4-5

January 11-12

January 11-12

January 18-19

January 18-19

Concord, N.C. Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

Hamilton, Ohio

Butler County Fairgrounds

Winston-Salem, N.C. Winston-Salem Fairgrounds

Columbus, Ohio Ohio Expo Center

Salem, Va.

Salem Civic Center

January 25-26 Dayton, Ohio Montgomery County Event Center

January 4-5

January 4-5

January 11-12

January 11-12

January 18-19

Florida Gun Shows floridagunshows.com GunTVShows.com guntvshows.com

RK Shows rkshows.com

Mesa, Ariz.

Ontario, Calif.

Centennial Hall

Ontario Convention Center

San Bernardino, Calif. National Orange Show Grounds

Tucson, Ariz. Pima County Fairgrounds

Phoenix, Ariz. Arizona State Fairgrounds

January 25-26 Logan, Utah Cache County Fairgrounds

January 4-5

January 11-12

January 18-19

January 25-26

Miami, Fla.

Palmetto, Fla.

Orlando, Fla.

Tampa, Fla.

Miami-Dade Fairgrounds & Expo

Bradenton Convention Center

Central Florida Fair Grounds

Florida State Fairgrounds

January 3-5 Glendale, Ariz. Glendale Civic Center

January 25-26 Gilbert, Ariz. DoubleTree by

January 25-26 Lubbock, Texas Panhandle South Plains Fairgrounds

January 4-5

January 4-5

January 10-12

Rome, Ga.

Coosa Valley Fairgrounds

Knoxville, Tenn. Knoxville Expo Center

West Liberty, Ky. Morgan County Wellness Center

January 11-12 Chattanooga, Tenn. Alhambra Shrine

January 18-19 Springfield, Mo. Ozark Empire Fairgrounds

January 18-19 Franklin, Tenn. Williamson County Expo Center

January 24-26 Hallsville, Mo. Hallsville Fairgrounds

January 25-26 Jackson, Tenn. Jackson Fairgrounds Park No January dates at press time

January 11-12 Colorado Springs, Colo. Norris Penrose Event Center

February 8-9

COMPETITION CALENDAR

January 22-26

Shotgun Spring Selection - Trap West Palm Beach, Fla.

January 29-

February 2

Shotgun Spring Selection - Skeet West Palm Beach, Fla. USA Shooting usashooting.org

United States Practical Shooting Association uspsa.org

Glock Sport Shooting Foundation gssfonline.com

January 16-19

Florida State Championship New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

February 19-23

Western States Single Stack Championship Mesa, Ariz.

February 21-23

Miami Open Pistol Match Homestead, Fla.

January 25-26

LVPSC Gamblers Challenge Boulder City, Nev.

February 1-2

GSSF at Tango Down Shooting Complex Jacksonville, Fla.

Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association cmsaevents.com

January 11

3rd CMT Winter Series Castle Rock, Colo.

January 29

Fort Worth Stock Show Classic Fort Worth, Texas

International Defensive Pistol Association idpa.com

January 10-11

15th Annual Arctic Blast Hunlock Creek, Pa.

January 18-19

South Mountain Showdown Phoenix, Ariz.

February 8-9

Charleston Gun Challenge Ridgeville, S.C.

February 15-16

Northern Florida Regional Classic Midway, Fla.

February 14-16

Southwest Regional Championship Queen Creek, Ariz.

February 22-23

Volusia County GSSF Match

New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

February 14-16

Florida State Championship Lady Lake, Fla.

January 24-26

Blizzard Blast Clarkston, Mich.

January 31February 2

Florida State IDPA Championship Frostproof, Fla.

To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com.

February 13

Winter Classic New Castle, Pa.

SERE LIVE SURVIVAL, EVASION, RESISTANCE, AND

Surviving Mann television show makes history with livestreamed training segment.

The Surviving Mann television show recently made history when the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape portion of the competition was streamed live – a first in television history. I was asked to explain to you, the readers of American Shooting Journal, what it was like for the show’s contestants to be part of SERE training.

This puts me in a conundrum. First, one must understand the mind of the individual set on becoming a warrior; this is a lifelong, arduous journey. There are many different warrior commandments and ethos, but basically, these pretty much cover the subjects:

Protect the weak.

Defend the innocent.

Stand up to tyranny and unjust behavior.

Take responsibility for your actions and be prepared to accept the consequences. Honor friendship with loyalty in all things.

Stand tall in the face of adversity.

Ask even more of yourself than of others.

Never do anything without a purpose.

Never do anything useless.

Be honest in your intentions and actions with everyone you meet.

SERE LIVE AND ESCAPE

Being captured, bound, hooded and left in a hot tunnel was just one portion of the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape training for a Surviving Mann: All-Stars competitor.

These words are what set the foundation of the future warrior, but what truly makes a warrior has best been stated by one of the greatest of all time, General George S. Patton: “Men, all this stuff you hear about America not wanting to fight, wanting to stay out of the war, is a lot of horse dung. Americans love to fight. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle.”

There is more to that great speech delivered in 1944 to the Third Army prior to D-Day, but you get the general idea.

Patton was right; Americans always produce the best warfighters – the ones who are the mentally toughest, the ones who push themselves to be the physically fittest, and the ones who can think on their own under the worst of circumstances due to the time they have put into their tradecraft. These people are dedicated to winning at all costs because they understand that losing means loss of life – not only their own, but possibly the man next to them.

HENCE MY MENTAL quagmire. In the glorious pages of American Shooting Journal, we have covered the cofounders of SERE, Colonel Nick Rowe and Gary O’Neal, as

SERE safety briefing on what is about to happen to show contestants.
There was a specific script that the Surviving Mann: All-Stars contestants were to follow due to safety protocols. However, the young, physically fit and intelligent contestants adapted, overcame and improvised a daring attempted escape.
The show even organized a realtime intelligence brief (not classified) by the CIA.
Host Don Mann briefs the competitors before they go through the SERE live training.
The “enemy” lie in wait to capture the competitors.
The staff making up the “enemy.”
Bob Cefail (left) and Jason Brooks review footage from the SERE shoot.

well as former Navy SEAL Don Mann and Specialist Jessica Lynch. All were prisoners of war.

How can anyone put into print the brutality of what their captors put them through? Every one of these great people endure hardships: being blindfolded, hands and feet bound, isolated, and deprived of food and water for hours, days, or more. Deprived of sleep while beaten, then hung upside down to be beaten again. Imagine, if you could, having one of your closest friends you have served with be executed before your very eyes. Having lived through these very real experiences of being a POW, Don Mann, the star and host of Surviving Mann, still wanted to try to showcase SERE to the contestants, the viewing audience and the riggers, all while keeping everyone as safe as possible.

So the brainstorming began. Together, Mann, the show’s producer Bob Cefail, director Stephen Eckelberry,

Jason Brooks, Kervin Aucoin and myself spent a great deal of time planning the phase to keep everyone safe.

Interestingly Aucoin, an intelligence specialist and linguist who has worked with many joint special operations task forces, has many years of experience in the top echelon of military intelligence. Working with someone with that background brought a lot to the show, which is Cefail’s true vision and genius.

AS THE SERE portion unfolded, narrated by Sheriff Mark Lamb, there was a specific script that the Surviving Mann contestants were to follow due to safety protocols. However, the young, physically fit and intelligent contestants adapted, overcame and improvised a daring attempted escape. While brave, it was later explained to the contestants that the enemy had excellent overwatch with a Barrett

.50-caliber BMG and RPGs, so in reality, they would have easily been killed, and probably so would at least one of their comrades, which was all detailed in the after-action report.

Although it was just a “television show,” the intensity and realism were spot on, thanks to Brooks’s and Aucoin’s award-winning acting skills as terrorist hostage takers.

The Surviving Mann contestants were manhandled somewhat roughly, which made me proud of every single one of them for how they dealt with that. They had their heads covered, were driven in vehicles and then marched around in different directions to disorient them. They were under interrogation and isolated in tunnels with real rattlesnakes, spiders and scorpions, all the while bound by their hands and feet for hours in that hotas-Hades tunnel. A few contestants got slightly lippy, but a light gut punch changed that attitude.

As the show was being livestreamed, everyone felt the excitement and intensity, and the producer knew he was making TV history, as this had never been done before. And after a grueling 18-plus-hour day, the contestants were finally debriefed.

The very next day, they all would be part of a protection detail of an executive who had a high threat on him. They would be engaged in a terrorist attack, repel the terrorist attack, have the principal switch vehicles to get out of danger, and then fly him to safety in a helicopter.

All in all, it made for great TV, made history – which everyone was honored to be part of – and was a hell of a lot of fun! ★

The SERE portion of the show was narrated by former Pinal County, Arizona, Sheriff Mark Lamb. (WILL RAMOS)
Kervin Aucoin (left) and Brooks were the leaders in teaching the classes on SERE. (WILL RAMOS)
Special thanks to PrairieFire leadership for making things happen. The Nevada training center offered a great location for the filming of this season of Surviving Mann: All-Stars. From left to right: Nate Horvath, PrairieFire CEO, author Paul Pawela, Brooks and Mark O’Neil, PrairieFire vice chairman.

MAN IN THE ARENA JASON BROOKS,

Marine

Corps

vet,

martial

arts

and

firearms instructor, bodyguard, volunteer – there's a lot of sides to the man.
STORY

As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.”

Volumes have been written about President Roosevelt’s thoughts on the measure of a man, generally with two intertwined words: warrior and leader. Indeed, he was both, as he was president and a United States Medal of Honor recipient.

Our United States Marine Corps service members are both warriors and leaders as well. Another trait that exemplifies the Marine Corps is in its motto, “Semper Fidelis,” which is Latin for “always faithful.”

THESE WORDS SUM up American Shooting Journal writer/ columnist and retired Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jason Brooks. It is an esteemed honor to share with you a bit about the man and legend. While a dedicated book should be written on Brooks, I will do my best to highlight him. Brooks is a reserved, humble and quiet man who never talks about his many accomplishments. He is the proud son of one of our greatest warriors, who served with distinction in the elite Vietnam Special Operations Unit, MACV-SOG.

Jason Brooks on the set of Surviving Mann: All-Stars. He was part of the show’s live Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, or SERE, training.

At an early age, Brooks started a lifetime of martial arts training with one of the greatest-rated karate fighters of all time, Tang soo do practitioner John Natividad. Not only did Natividad give Brooks a lifelong foundation in his art of Tang soo do, but he also introduced him to many of the topbilled martial artists of their time, like world champions Chuck Norris and Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. Brooks would cross-train with them and many other well-known martial arts instructors.

His martial arts training paid off, and he was a perfect fit for his next career choice: serving in the United States Marine Corps. Brooks had many different roles in the Marine Corps, some of the most impressive being the 2nd Force Reconnaissance lead hand-to-hand combat instructor and 2nd Battalion Marine Corps lead martial arts instructor.

Brooks saw heavy combat and his unit would become famous via the bestselling book – and later, HBO’s seven-part miniseries based on it –Generation Kill. Tragically, Brooks was severely injured in the war and medically retired as a 100-percent disabled wounded warrior veteran.

Brooks is summed up best in a

recommendation letter (modified for the article) from one of his military leaders: “SSGT. Brooks is a highly capable, dependable, and versatile SNCO. He raised the bar for numerous Junior Marines who had the pleasure of learning from the example he sets through his determination, discipline, and dedication.”

THAT EPITOMIZES BROOKS in a nutshell. While he is not on active duty anymore, his determination, discipline and dedication have not stopped one bit for his beloved Marine Corps or for the Wounded Warriors. He has done countless charities, raising thousands of dollars for both organizations without wanting to be recognized or paid for his time. He also spends countless hours finding veterans good jobs to support themselves and their families.

Brooks is now a recognized international grandmaster martial artist and has been inducted into several martial arts halls of fame. When not sitting on martial arts promotion boards, being a guest speaker or helping promote many significant martial arts events throughout the country, Brooks is expanding his resume by working on

Brooks (left) with legendary martial arts trainer and fighter John Natividad and Brooks’s son Dylan.
Brooks has taught at such prestigious platforms as the National Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and Team One Network.
Brooks (right), his police officer son Dylan and author Paul Pawela (center) were all recently inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

films and helping with stunts and fight choreography.

In addition, Brooks is a highly sought-after national law enforcement firearms trainer; he has taught at such prestigious platforms as the National Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors, Team One Network, and other agencies.

While looks can be very deceiving, many confuse Brooks with being a member of the rock band ZZ Top due to his long red beard, rather than

being one of the country’s leading personal protection specialists whose clients are a who’s who of top-name

celebrities, especially in Las Vegas where Brooks resides. He also may be seen ringside protecting UFC fighters at major fight cards.

If a significant event involved well-known celebrities, you could bet Brooks was either part of the protection team or ran the details.

In fact, his reputation preceded him so much that he caught the eye of prominent Republican Party politicians. He was asked to protect

Brooks outside one of the many charities and organizations where he has volunteered his time to help veterans.
A leading personal protection specialist, Brooks has several celebrity clients and can be seen ringside protecting UFC fighters in his hometown of Las Vegas.
One of Brooks’s recent protection details was for Ndileka Mandela, the granddaughter of South Africa antiapartheid activist and former president Nelson Mandela.
Brooks’s reputation preceded him so much that he was asked to protect key Republican Party members, and for four years even served with President Trump’s detail.

key GOP members, and for four years even served with President Trump’s detail.

For years, Brooks was the lead trainer for a very well-known Israeli bodyguard/counterterrorist training school in Las Vegas, and once again, he excelled in teaching all blocks of instruction. In fact, I have been to five of the top-ranked driving schools in the country, and Brooks was the very best driving instructor, period.

AS YOU READERS know, I have been very involved with the exciting Surviving Mann TV show and I have been reporting a blow-by-blow account of what has been happening on the show in this magazine.

On the latest season, Brooks partnered with Kervin Aucoin, a seasoned intelligence professional, to teach Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, or SERE, to Surviving Mann: All-Stars candidates, as well as put together the bad guys’ marauder team, which would capture and try to extract information nefariously from

the contestants.

The SERE portion of the show was streamed live and was hosted by former Pinal County, Arizona, Sheriff Mark Lamb. He gave a play-by-play of everything happening, from the contestants’ capture to the intense interrogations that Brooks and Aucoin dished out.

What pushes a man like Jason Brooks to be like Roosevelt’s “man in the arena”? A quote from Bruce Lee’s best-known instructor, Dan Inosanto, sums it up best: “Love is the highest art. In ancient times, you trained so hard, not for the sake of killing people, but for the love of your family: for the love of your mother, father, your children, your tribe, and your body. It is the love of life. That’s why we train so hard, so you can preserve life.”

That describes Brooks perfectly: a loving husband, a loving father, a loving son, a loving brother, a loving patriot to his country, a loving comrade, and a loving man of God. Yes, Brooks’s love for his fellow man is what makes him a legend. ★

Brooks with his wife Jennifer.

ROAD HUNTER FOURTH-QUARTER DRAKEFEST!

Savor the last month of season – and improve your skills – by focusing on just copper tops, greenheads and other male ducks.

With the final weeks of duck season upon us, now’s the perfect time to hunt for something special. My buddies and I shoot a lot of drakes. It’s intentional. It’s

not always easy and the task can be time-consuming. But when it comes to picking late-season drakes, many benefits come with it and each of them will make you a better duck hunter. My drake shooting obsession ramped up five seasons ago when an influx of Eurasian wigeons began

showing up in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, near my home. I hunted ducks for 45 years before getting a Euro. I saw them here and there, but in recent years, their number has risen,

Author Scott Haugen’s father, Jerry Haugen, with the ultimate Eurasian wigeon – taken on his 83rd birthday, no less!
STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN

ROAD HUNTER

increasing the chances of getting one of these prized gems. Over the past five seasons, I’ve shot five, and my buddies have shot about the same.

Here, picking drakes with the hopes of killing a Euro drake means playing the odds. What I’ve seen when scouting is that one in every 600 wigeons in our area is a Euro. Cut that in half by picking drakes and now the odds are 1 in 300; not bad, really. Success depends on identifying a silhouette of these football-shaped ducks early in the morning, picking bigger-headed drakes over more streamlined hens and hoping the dog will return with a copper top. Only one of the five Euros I’ve shot did I know was a drake Euro when pulling the trigger, thanks to good light when it cupped into the decoys. The others were pure chance.

PICKING DRAKES NOT only increases your duck identification ability, but it also forces you to shoot selectively. Selective shooting equates to better

shooting, i.e., fewer misses.

One day, my buddy Austin Crowson and I were covered in ducks 15 minutes before shooting light. We went into that hunt wanting to pick all drake wigeons because scouting revealed there to be three drake Euros in the area. We could have limited out in minutes but didn’t fire our first shots until more than an hour into the hunt. There were a lot of ducks, but it was storming, raining sideways and the sky was very dark. This made it hard to identify drakes. We were in no hurry. Many times big flocks bombed the decoys but we didn’t shoot because birds were packed too tightly together. It took over seven hours of hunting but we got all drakes, and fired less than 20 rounds total. No Euros fell that day, but what we witnessed was enlightening, and simply fun.

Picking drakes keeps you hunting longer, which is one of the best rewards of all. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t eagerly anticipated the coming

of duck season just to go out and shoot a limit as fast as I can, especially with the last days of the season staring us in the face. I want these days to go slow. I want to watch birds and learn how they work. I want to make decoy adjustments based on how birds are reacting given current weather conditions and see what works and what doesn’t. I want to watch my dogs hunt. I want to shoot well. I want to revel in all that makes duck hunting so special.

I hate missing. Picking drakes has made me a better shot by forcing me to focus and be patient. Identifying the species as soon as possible, picking a drake – hopefully a mature one if weather conditions allow such differentiation to be made – and not pulling that trigger until that specific bird is in range will make you a better shot.

Even more impactful is when a big flock approaches and you identify multiple drakes before taking a shot. Then, once the first shot is taken and the flock scatters, the other drakes

Picking drakes sometimes yields gems like this, a prized Eurasian wigeon being retrieved by the author’s dog, Kona.

A Unique Big Game Hunting Ranch

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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.

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Red Stag
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Whitetail

ROAD HUNTER

you identified are climbing. Followup shots on a drake shoot force you to quickly locate a target bird, hopefully drop it, then do the same with a third. Such action requires patience but also split-second decision-making, as you’re not simply pulling the trigger on the closest duck. By slowing down and picking drakes, then swinging on the target, your shooting accuracy will improve and you’ll be surprised how long ducks can remain in range when you’re not pulling the trigger as fast as you can. Precision shooting is the key at this stage in the game.

ON A LATE-SEASON hunt with my dad, the first duck to zoom into the decoys came from his side. It was two minutes into shooting light and though skies

were dark, it was easy to see that the lone bird was a drake wigeon. Dad pulled up and dropped it in the decoys. Kona, my male pudelpointer, was on it and brought back the most stunning Eurasian wigeon we’d ever seen. Dad was celebrating his 83rd birthday with his first drake Euro. “You’re off to a good start; do you want to pick drakes today?” I asked him. “Nope, I’ll just shoot what decoys, but you go ahead, I’m in no hurry,” he replied.

In 45 minutes, Dad was done with a mix of drakes and hens. He fired nine shots and killed seven ducks. He was happy. I had two drakes, letting Dad do most of the shooting. Five hours later, our hunt ended when I dropped a stud pintail that circled overhead. “That was one of our best hunts of the

season,” Dad smiled. He’d not fired a shot for hours. He simply watched birds work the decoys all morning long and was in heaven as I selectively picked drakes. “I love watching those big ol’ drake pintails drop from so high; it’s amazing how quickly they reach the decoys,” Dad reminisced as he picked up empties.

Focusing only on drakes forces you to slow down and enjoy the moment. When I take buddies hunting who have to get to work, I let them shoot first so they can go. Later in the day I’ll report in, usually with a picture of a lot of drakes. It’s nice when you don’t have to rush a hunt.

KILLING DUCKS ISN’T always hard. Killing the right ducks can be, or at least

Being patient and picking drakes means longer days afield, quality time with your dog, and sometimes a truly special bird. On this day, Haugen and his pudelpointers, Kona and Echo, ended up with a stringer of dandy drake wigeons.

ROAD HUNTER

challenging. The key is figuring out what “the right ducks” are, developing a plan and sticking with it. During the final week of the season last year, I started a morning with a greenhead and a drake wigeon, followed by a drake green-winged teal and pintail. With three birds to go, my plan shifted from an all-drake day to an all-drake day of seven species. I knew what species dominated the area and realized I’d need to get lucky with two species – one of which would likely need to be a diver – in order to pull it off. When a flock of five shovelers came into the decoys, I picked the lead drake and dropped it. Kona brought it to me and it was one of the most stunning spoonbills I’d ever shot. I held it, admired it and couldn’t put it down. It was as perfect as they come. I had to have it mounted. It’s now hanging on the wall beside two other handsome spoony drakes. My spoon collection

looks different than that of my late grandmother’s.

A drake gadwall was next to fall. It was one of the lucky birds needed, as few gadwall are in this spot late in the season. The day had already been long. My dogs were getting upset that so many ducks were escaping. They’ll only tolerate so many ducks landing in the decoys before they let me know it’s time to start shooting. I hoped for a bufflehead or ringneck duck to fly by, but after two more hours, none did. When a single wigeon cupped into the decoys, I shot it. Echo, my 10-year-old female pudelpointer, was on it. The dogs were happy and so was I. Though I didn’t reach my goal of a mixed bag of drakes, I came away with a stunner spoony and had a memorable day watching, working and shooting ducks with my dogs.

HUNTING WITH A motive provides an education. The outcome isn’t always

what we desire, but we learn from it one way or another. As for picking drakes, this goal has taught me a great deal about duck identification and decoying strategies because you have to pull birds in close and look over a lot before typically pulling the trigger. Does it always end in limits? Of course not. And more times than not it means hunting for the better part of the day in order to achieve the goal.

We all know the more time we spend hunting, the more we learn. Gaining experiential knowledge is what increased hunting provides.

I have one buddy who always shoots ducks as quickly as he can, then heads home. That’s great for him. But say he hunts three days one week and shoots his limit each time in one hour. That’s three total hours of hunting. If I hunt three days and pick drakes each time, averaging seven hours per hunt, that’s a lot of blind time. What I’ll learn by

Holding out for drakes results in better shooting, improves your duck identification skills and means more time in the blind.

ROAD HUNTER

hunting 21 hours in three days greatly surpasses what my buddy comes away with in three hours, not to mention the sheer joy I get from watching so many more ducks. Mixing and moving decoys, pulling jerk cord rigs, even relocating a blind or an entire spread is sometimes necessary in order to reach the goal, and every move made is a learning experience.

While committing to shooting only drakes is a goal, it’s not the ultimate objective. The true end game is increasing the amount of time we get to hunt. Shoot fast and your hunt is over. Take your time and be selective and not only will your hunting hours increase, but so too will your knowledge of duck hunting and your sheer joy of the sport we love. ★

Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s bestselling books, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

Haugen with a lateseason mix of drakes. Now is prime time to get fully plumed birds.

BRINGING BACK THE SOLID BASE

Classic Nosler bullet available again in new Whitetail Country ammo line.

Mention the name Nosler, and reloaders and bullet hounds will wax poetic about the Partition, the Ballistic Tip and the AccuBond. These projectiles have all made a huge impact on the hunting world, cementing the brand on the hunting/shooting market for time

immemorial, so the name certainly deserves the accolades. But few will remember the Solid Base bullet of the

early 1970s: an affordable, accurate and effective bullet, well-suited for thin-skinned game animals. All that is about to change, as this past October, Nosler announced their new Whitetail Country ammunition line, featuring the re-release of the Solid Base softpoint.

John Nosler was hunting moose in Canada when the simple cup-and-core projectile of his beloved .300 H&H Magnum failed to properly penetrate to the bull’s vitals, and that set John on the mental path to “build a better mousetrap.” His Partition bullet remains a highly popular bullet more

than 75 years after its release, being sold by Nosler in component form as well as in their loaded ammunition, and loaded as a factory option by both Winchester and Federal Premium. However, as fantastic as Nosler’s Partition is – and when you need penetration on a dangerous or thickskinned animal, it’s a sound choice –John recognized the fact that whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope and similar species may not require a bullet of that magnitude. He introduced the Solid Base bullet to fill the role of a great projectile for the lighter game species, giving

The Nosler Solid Base bullet makes a return in the Whitetail Country ammunition line.

BULLET BULLETIN

wonderful accuracy yet still holding together upon impact. While similar to other projectiles on the market, the Solid Base had some Nosler enhancements that resulted in a great hunting bullet.

TODAY’S SOLID BASE bullet is absolutely the equal of prior iterations, and is loaded in Nosler’s Whitetail Country ammunition line. It is a boattail spitzer design, with a bit of exposed lead at the nose, with a traditional profile. On the inside, the Solid Base is a “horse of a different color,” as the saying goes. The copper jacket thickens considerably about halfway down the length of the bullet, and the base has a considerable amount of copper below the terminus of

the lead core. The jacket geometry allows for the rapid expansion of the forward section of the bullet, along the ogive, yet the thickening of the copper jacket helps to slow that expansion, thereby allowing proper penetration for a quick kill. Nosler’s quality control is in full effect here, as the Solid Base projectile – especially in the Whitetail Country loaded ammunition – is extremely uniform, and that shows up immediately at the range. The first three loads I tested gave group sizes below ¾-MOA, with two giving sub-½-MOA performance. Nosler has offered eight different calibers in their initial run of the Whitetail Country ammo. Included in the mix are the 6 5 Creedmoor at 140 grains, the .270 Winchester at 130 grains, the 7mm-08 Remington at 140 grains, the .30-30 Winchester at 150 grains, the .308 Winchester and .30-06 Winchester, both at 165 grains, the .350 Legend at 180 grains, and the classic 45-70 Government at 300 grains. The latter pair is of the “straight wall” design, being flat-based with an ogive optimized for proper feeding from the tubular magazines of the most popular lever-action guns. Those straight-wall bullets have a much thinner jacket, and will give reliable expansion at much lower velocities than those of the boattail design. With a flat base and a jacket skived along the ogive to initiate

Author Phil Massaro’s Tikka T3x in 7mm-08 Remington absolutely loved the 140-grain Nosler Whitetail Country ammunition, regularly delivering three-shot groups around ½-MOA.
Nosler’s 165-grain Solid Base bullet is a sound match for the classic .30-06 Springfield; this combo will take any deer, anywhere.

BULLET BULLETIN

expansion at the most common impact distances, the straight-wall bullets give the desired terminal performance inside of the 200-yard mark.

The Whitetail Country ammo line is loaded into Nosler’s own brass cartridge cases, which are prized by reloaders for their dimensional consistency and uniformity. I won’t speculate on the powder choices or formulae used for the line, but in the course of my testing it became apparent that the team at Nosler has put considerable thought into developing the line.

Grabbing my Tikka T3x chambered in 7mm-08 Remington, and topped with a sensible Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm scope, I was immediately impressed with Nosler’s new line, as the first three shots printed a sub-½MOA group. This rifle has always given me results on the accurate side. It has High Desert Rifle Works bottom metal, and I firmly believe this was just an accurate rifle to begin with, and the Whitetail Country ammo was right at home. The combination of a light Tikka rifle – stocked in an ergonomic polymer design with a scope capable of shots ranging from spitting distance to across-the-bean-field – and the Nosler 140-grain Solid Base bullet makes for a near-perfect whitetail rig.

My trusty old .308 Winchester – an early 1990s Ruger M77 MKII – is a well-worn rig, wearing a now-vintage Leupold Vari-X IIc 3-9x42, with the AO at the end of the scope, and it has been on many adventures with me. The

The Solid Base bullet was a staple in Nosler’s component bullet lineup in the 1970s and ’80s; it’s a cup-and-core boattail with a bit of lead exposed at the nose.

Massaro connected on this eight-point whitetail in New York’s Catskill Mountains with a single shot from his .308 Winchester and the 165-grain Whitetail Country ammo.

factory trigger is less than desirable, but I’m familiar with it, and it’s the type of rifle that either loves a brand/ model of factory ammo or hates it. With regards to the Nosler Whitetail Country 165-grain stuff, it was the former rather than the latter. Four three-shot groups printed into ¾-MOA groups, and it was time for the reliable old rifle to come afield once again.

ON THE OPENING weekend of New York’s Southern Zone rifle season, I woke early to make the drive to my favorite patch of ground in the Catskill Mountains. We’d had a drought lasting a month or more and warmer temps that precluded any snow cover. This area can be hit or miss; when the hunting is good, it’s really good, but when it’s dead, it’s awful. I’ve taken several decent bucks over the last decade, as well as black bear, but the hunting isn’t predictable.

There was a pretty consistent northwesterly wind, not strong but enough to count on, and I made a plan to work the logging roads, still hunting from vantage point to vantage point along those roads. The deer and bear sign wasn’t exactly encouraging, with little scat and just one tree rubbed. By 9:30 a.m., I’d reached one of my favorite spots to sit, where the road makes a horseshoe and the ground slopes gently down toward the Sawmill Creek. I hadn’t sat long, brooding on the possibility of a season dry enough to match the weather, when I heard the unmistakable sound of a deer cruising through the fallen leaves.

There are some details about a certain hunt that a hunter never forgets, and in this instance it was the sun shining

There is a “straight wall” variant of the Solid Base bullet, loaded in the .350 Legend and .45-70 Government, which is flat-based and skived for reliable expansion.
The Nosler Reloading Manual Number 3 – dating back to 1989 – gives a detailed explanation of the Solid Base bullet, as sold in component form only.

on the bases of his antlers, highlighting the freshly shredded bark from where he’d recently rubbed an evergreen. The shot wasn’t far – inside of 40 yards –but a single Solid Base bullet from the Whitetail Country ammo line put the eight-point buck down in his tracks.

To the best of my knowledge, the Nosler Whitetail Country ammunition line is the first opportunity for those who shoot factory ammunition to use the revived Solid Base bullet. While the folks at Nosler have long prided themselves on premium bullet designs – the Partition of 80 years ago was absolutely as cutting-edge when it was released as the AccuBond Long Range is today – I’m very happy to see the prestigious company offer a sensible, affordable and effective ammo line that gets the job done for so many of us “woods” hunters. With an average price tag of $34 95 per box of 20 (the .45-70 Government

An exploded view of the Nosler Whitetail Country 7mm-08 Remington ammunition; it was loaded with a ball powder.
“While the folks at Nosler have long prided themselves on premium bullet designs ... I’m very happy to see the prestigious company offer a sensible, affordable and effective ammo line that gets the job done for so many of us ‘woods’ hunters,” writes Massaro.

stuff costs $39.95 a box), a hunter won’t break the bank, yet will reliably fill the freezer. Whether or not you reload, save that excellent Nosler brass, as it is valuable stuff. I was a fan of the Solid Base bullet in my youth, though I only got to shoot it at paper, and now I’m very happy that it is available to the hunting masses. ★

The Whitetail Country ammo uses Nosler’s excellent brass cases, and reloaders will be eager to collect those fired cases.
The Solid Base bullet is back, and has been giving positive results in testing across the country. (DANGERSOUP)

AMMO+RELOAD

BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION

black-hills.com

The M1200 cartridge chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor is the designated ammunition for the US Military’s MRGG-S (MidRange Gas Gun - Sniper) weapons system, and Black Hills Ammunition has been a primary source of this ammunition.

They’ve worked for years perfecting the reliability of the 6.5 Creedmoor 140-grain OTM specifically for use in AR-10 platforms such as the Geissele, Knight’s, LaRue and LMT precision semiautomatic rifles. The Black Hills M1200-C (Commercial) version features a 140-grain OTM projectile loaded to 2,750 feet per second from a 22-inch barrel. It’s packaged in 12 boxes of 20 rounds each (240 rounds total) to the military ammunition can.

Visit us at Booth #15227

UNDERWOOD AMMO

underwoodammo.com

Underwood Ammo’s 12.7x42 cartridge is suitable for and manufactured to be fired from any firearm upper chambered in .50 Beowulf. This 350-grain full metal jacket flat-nose round delivers outstanding hunting performance, with a muzzle velocity of 1,775 feet per second and muzzle energy of 2,449 foot-pounds. Built with a brass case and a lead-containing bullet, this supersonic round is reliable, versatile and safe for use with suppressors. Visit us at Booth #13472

TOP BRASS, LLC

topbrass-inc.com

Top Brass now offers durable and secure ammo cans to protect and safeguard your ammunition. All are from military depots/surplus and fully refurbished. Available in .30 caliber and .50 caliber, they are ideal for storage and transport – truly authentic and old school Inquire about Top Brass specials – fill the can with reloading brass and get the ammo can free.

SCORPION AMMO

scorpionammo.com

Go Bags from Scorpion Ammo are the ultimate solution for convenience when bringing ammunition to the range. Loaded with 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition, the quick and easy resealable Go Bag makes every day at the range more organized. Easily store these Go Bags in a range bag or vehicle. Built for competition use, approved as USPSA-certified match ammo, and made in the USA. Visit the website above for your match ammo needs.

SUPPRESSOR SYRUP: Like no other product on the market past or present. Proven to reduce carbon build up with in suppressors reducing cleaning time. Eliminates Carbon Lock on suppressor barrel mounts and modular suppressor threads, Compensator, Muzzle break and threads, Choke tubes, Adjustable gas block screw. Even flash light lens.

MSRP $24.99

CLEANER CONCENTRATE: Water Soluble Biodegradable Non-toxic. Safe to use on all materials used to make suppressors and firearms including used in ultra sonic machines. Efficient. Effective. Does not smell. Can be used over and over with lasting results.

MSRP $18.99

SUPPRESSOR PLUG: Made of neoprene. For non-flow through suppressors. A simple smart way to clean a suppressor. Plug exit end, fill with Clean Concentrate, plug the mount end and follow the instruction on our web site. MSRP $8.99

www.truebluegunlube.com

Urban Dictionary: True Blue: the real thing, no bullshit.

COLT KING COBRA TARGET .22LR

Ten-shot revolver fun for plinking, good for training and an able self-defense gun.

ou’ll never regret buying a quality .22LR pistol. With their low recoil and report, they are less likely to scare away new shooters before they have a chance to realize how fun shooting is as a hobby and sport. When ammo prices skyrocket, they’ll always be your most economical handgun to shoot, whether it’s sniping at toy plastic army men from the dollar store or eliminating threats to your garden. However, they’re not all fun and games; .22LR handguns have serious training applications too.

YSome manufacturers – like Colt, Smith & Wesson and Beretta – make .22LR models of their centerfire pistols, ideal for self-defense training. The new King Cobra Target .22LR from Colt’s Manufacturing is built on the same frame size and has the same action used in their .38 Special and .357 Magnum King Cobra, Cobra and Viper handguns. In the best-case scenario, you want to train with a .22LR handgun that’s identical to the centerfire model you prefer, equipped with the same stocks, sights and barrel length. That way the muscle memory you develop practicing your draw, hold and handling will work for you 100 percent. You can use the same holsters too.

Forty years ago, I learned a lot of the prerequisites of double-action revolver shooting by practicing with a .22LR S&W Model 17, a K-frame essentially identical to their standard medium-frame .38 Special/.357 Magnum service guns. I thought this .22 would be the gun that my son would master double-

With all that weight in the barrel, the Colt King Cobra Target .22LR has a tendency to stay where you point it between shots. That’s why author Frank Jardim says it’s the handgun he will train his kids to shoot double-action on.

gun review

action revolver shooting with, but it’s now a genuine antique collectible worth a small fortune, and new ones seem to sell for about $1,100

The new Colt King Cobra Target is arguably a better shooting gun than the S&W ever was, has a 10-shot cylinder instead of six, and retails for around $870 based on a survey of online sellers. This Colt is the pistol that my son will learn on.

COLT GOT BACK in the revolver market in 2017 when they reintroduced the popular .38 Special Cobra. However, this was no re-release of a legacy product. It was a completely new gun. The lean proportions of the original compact, six-shot Colt D-frame Cobra remained, but its signature lightweight

aluminum frame was gone. The new Cobra was stainless steel and was a better, if heavier, gun.

In 2019, Colt reintroduced the .357 Magnum King Cobra, also based on their new Cobra frame. Its solid rib and full underlug barrel made it look like a miniature of the original King Cobra, the latter originally built on the larger and heavier Colt V-frame. The .22LR King Cobra Target model soon followed. With its 4 25- or 6-inch ventilated rib, full underlug barrel, it resembles a miniature Python. It’s a classy gun.

Parts fit and overall finish on this stainless steel gun are very well done. With the exception of the blued steel sights and satin matte-finished stainless trigger, hammer, cylinder

latch and upper surfaces of the barrel and frame, the gun is highly polished. Though Colt calls this finish “semibright,” it’s actually shinier than most bright nickel-plated guns and easier to clean than matte-finished stainless.

Comfortable one-piece, soft Hogue rubber overmold finger groove grips with Colt medallions molded in are standard. A palm swell and dimpled surface aid in control of the gun in double-action shooting. My son and I have average-sized hands and found the grip very comfortable. People with big hands may find it too small. In that case, the larger wooden grips for new Cobra revolvers will also fit the .22LR King Cobra Target.

IN TESTING, THE gun functioned perfectly.

The King Cobra Target features a 10-shot cylinder, uncommon among .22LR revolvers.

even

The cylinder rotation is clockwise and lock up was tight at the end of the trigger pull in the traditional Colt fashion. One important way the new Colt revolvers differ from their predecessors is that they all employ a transfer-bar-operated firing pin instead of mounting the firing pin on the hammer. I don’t know if this makes the new guns more drop-safe than the old hammer block design they previously used, but it appears simpler to manufacture.

While the sights were well sized to target work, I didn’t like the slight left-to-right wiggle the adjustable rear sight had in its milled slot and I have mixed feelings about the fiber optic insert in the front sight. It was very helpful shooting in the woods at tin

cans against a confused background under mottled light, but I found it a distraction while bull’s-eye target shooting. The colored dot seemed offcenter. Close inspection showed the hole in the sight was properly centered, but the rounded tip of the plastic fiber optic rod wasn’t. I cut off the exposed tip with a razor blade to correct it, not particularly caring if it fell out. I did like that the top of the barrel and frame were matted to reduce reflections that would interfere with sighting.

The King Cobra Target’s doubleaction trigger pull measured at 10 pounds, about 2 to 3 pounds lighter than current S&W and older Colt revolvers. Noticeably absent was the stacking that complicated the double-action trigger pull of the old

The sights were sized right for target work, but the fiber optic strip’s mushroomed end created the illusion of the hole being drilled off-center. It wasn’t. The fiber optic strip does help pick up the front sight in low light, but Jardim took it out for accuracy testing.

Colts. When Colt modernized the Cobra lockwork for more efficient manufacturing, they genuinely improved the trigger pull and made a good revolver even better. The pull now feels smooth and even.

The 33.6-ounce weight of this gun, which is somewhat heavier than the .38 Special/.357 models because of the added thickness of its .22LR barrel walls, is further front-loaded by the full underlug. All this weight in the barrel really absorbs the rimfire’s minimal recoil. Combine that with the new smoother, lighter trigger pull and you have a pistol that can make you feel like a speed shooter with a little practice. We could rip off 10 shots rapid-fire into a tight group at 7 yards with absurd speed. Soda cans tumbled

Though the rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation, Jardim didn’t like the way it wiggled left and right in its slot on the top strap.
The muzzle crown is recessed to protect it, and the fiber optic front sight is removable with an ordinary Allen key if you want to change it out.
The ejector rod is long enough to throw
extra-long .22LR cases – like the Federal Punch 29-grain flat-point self-defense load – clear of the cylinder with the gun held in any orientation.
The new Colt revolvers have a hammer transfer bar drop safety instead of the oldstyle hammer-mounted firing pin.

gun review

under a hail of little bullets before my fast-squeezing trigger finger, reminding me of how much fun a .22 double-action revolver can be.

BEFORE HANDING OFF the pistol to my son, I tested its accuracy at 25 yards while rested on the bench using a standard NRA slow-fire target and firing fiveshot strings in single-action mode. The light was perfect. The single-action trigger pull was a crisp 3.5 pounds. Velocity data was collected on a Competition Electronics Pro Chrono Digital chronograph set 15 feet from the muzzle.

My conclusion after testing a halfdozen types of ammo through this gun is that there wasn’t anything it shot badly, and some loads shot really well for a 4-inch-barrel revolver. Four of the six loads, all 40-grain bullets with velocity averaging between 978 and 1,150 feet per second, had average groups under 2 inches. The most notable outlier was the selfdefense-oriented Federal Punch, with its 29-grain flatnosed bullet, which

averaged groups just over 3 inches. That would be decent accuracy for any centerfire 4-inch-barrel revolver. When the ammunition manufacturer listed a velocity in their advertising, I found my test velocities were around 200 fps slower. That’s perfectly understandable since their testing was done in rifles.

The most accurate load tested was the Federal Lightning 40-grain lead

roundnose bullet load, which averaged 1,044 fps and five-shot groups averaging 1.66 inches. The second most accurate was Winchester’s Wildcat 40-grain copper-jacketed Dynapoint (hollowpoint) load that averaged 991 fps and 1.9-inch groups. Third place went to Winchester’s Super X Match 40-grain T22 lead roundnosed bullet, averaging 1,150 fps

With a street price around $870, the Colt King Cobra Target .22LR is selling for less than its S&W peer. Accessories include a Colt-marked plastic hardcase, instructions and legally required gun lock.
This is a beautifully made and finished revolver you could pass down for generations.

gun review

and 1.93-inch groups.

Fourth place went to Remington’s Thunderbolt High Velocity 40-grain lead bullet, which, though roundnosed, was notably pointier than the other bullets. In the King Cobra’s 4 25-inch barrel, velocity was a less-than-zippy 898 fps with 2.38-inch groups. This was the slowest round tested. Federal’s .22LR Personal Defense Punch 29-grain flatnosed bullet was the fastest load tested, averaging a riflelike velocity of 1,236 fps and groups measuring 3.17 inches. The declining accuracy of these last two loads might suggest they are outside the velocity this barrel performs best with, but further testing would need to be done to confirm that. As it stands, 40-grain bullets moving from 966 and 1,054 fps clearly performed best.

In addition to training and plinking, this revolver can also serve ably in a self-defense role. We don’t normally think of .22LR for personal defense,

but this revolver’s low recoil and smooth action would be an advantage to any shooter, and especially to an elderly person or those with limited physical strength or training. If I live long enough, I expect I’ll eventually get to the point when I’m too frail to handle heavy calibers effectively. For

defensive use, I’d want the fast-moving, flatnosed Federal Punch ammo, which is designed specifically for personal defense in a revolver. ★

Editor’s note: Visit colt.com for more information on the King Cobra Target .22LR and other new Colt firearms.

The all-American-leather Triple K vertical shoulder holster (style 191) is a practical and very secure way to keep the King Cobra Target and other medium-framed or smaller revolvers concealed and off the beltline.
Some of the many ammunition types Jardim tested. Average fiveshot, 25-yard groups ran from as little as 1.66 inches to as much as 3.17 inches. The combined average group size was only 2.2 inches, great for a 4-inch-barrel revolver.

FIREARMS

BISHOP AMMUNITION

bishopammunition.com

The Bishop AR45TC, also known as “Exodus,” is a modern AR rifle in .45 ACP or 10mm – the best of the AR-15 and Thompson submachine gun brought together. The receiver is machined from billet aluminum and the upper receiver is non-reciprocating side charging by Gibbz. With its use of factory Glock magazines, this rifle pairs perfectly with your sidearm, allowing the same ammunition and magazine to be used in both the rifle and handgun. Both carbine and rifle versions are available with folding stocks.

Visit us at Booth #42238

MKS SUPPLY LLC

hi-pointfirearms.com

New for 2025, the Hi-Point Firearms 995P, 1095P and 4595P. Designed as a pistol, the carbine stock has been cut down to a more compact and modular package. Featuring a new fiber optic front sight and ghost ring rear sight for accurate sight picture. A new machined end plate features a Picatinny rail for mounting an arm brace or stock. Has a QD socket for a sling, and it is threaded ready to accept an AR-style buffer tube. Ten-millimeter and .45 Auto models also will be available.

MSRP: $399 to $461.

Visit us at Booth #14034

FIREARMS

CHARTER ARMS

charterfirearms.com

The new Coyote .380 Revolver is the smallest and lightest of its kind, and is offered in two models: Standard and Off Duty concealed hammer. This everyday carry revolver is designed for both experienced shooters and beginners, making it an ideal choice for personal protection and sport shooting. The Coyote is a compact and lightweight double-/single-action revolver chambered in .380 ACP. Although this cartridge was created for semiautomatic pistols, this revolver takes advantage of the round’s milder recoil benefits. A ported barrel and underlug reduce muzzle climb. Many have praised it for its out-of-box accuracy. Visit us at Booth #44151

C. SHARPS ARMS CO., INC.

csharpsarms.com

American-made and quality that will last for generations; if you are going to own something, own the best. C. Sharps Arms Company is proud to offer the Model 1885 in both Low and High Wall styles. Originally engineered and produced by John M. Browning, the 1885 is the pinnacle of single-shot rifle design. C. Sharps Arms rifles are bench-made in Big Timber, Montana, from in-house CNC-machined 8620 billet steel, and finished to the highest level of quality. Renowned for their accuracy and beauty, their 1885s are available in a range of stock, barrel and finish configurations. Learn more at the website above.

Introducing the Double Dog Series

MYSTERY DRONES – AND WHATEVER ELSE – BEWARE

A

look at Escort Shotguns USA’s BullTac pump.

Maybe you have seen a bullpup-type shotgun and are still shaking your head. I know how you feel because I was doing the same thing for quite a while. This type of firearm may be like bluegrass music or the canned meat Spam: You will either love it or hate it.

Well, I didn’t hate bullpups when I was first introduced to them years ago, but it wasn’t love at first sight either. The oddball configuration of this gun just didn’t compute with me for some time. I mean, at first it reminded me of something out of a

Buck Rogers comic strip. (You’ll just have to look it up.) Where the name for this type of firearm came from is a little unclear – there are bullpup shotguns and rifles – but it seems to be that early gun designers used this name for what they considered short “muscular” guns, like a bulldog.

The essence of the design on a bullpup firearm is that the action of the gun is placed behind the trigger instead of in front of or over top of the trigger. This results in a much shorter gun while keeping much of the barrel length.

As a quick aside, this barrel length thing has been much discussed in the bullpup design world. In my usual notso-humble opinion, keeping a longer

barrel in a shorter firearm is more important in the bullpup rifle realm than with shotguns. Most gun pundits talk about how the longer barrel gives the load – that is, the cartridge – enough barrel length to reach its full potential, as in velocity. This is true for rifles, but again, in my opinion, less important for shotguns. The 18-inch barrel length on many bullpup shotguns allows for plenty of room for most shotgun shells to reach their full velocity. OK, I will get off my soapbox now.

The concept of the bullpup firearm has been around much longer than you may think. In the 1860s, an Englishman by the name of William Curtis had the first known patent on a bullpup-type

SCATTERGUN ALLEY

firearm. In the 1950s, policeman Albert Crouch (I would have liked to have met and partied with this guy) reconfigured a Remington 11-48 to come up with his first version of a bullpup. Crouch took his idea to High Standard, which inserted their Supermatic shotgun into the design with a plastic stock and gave us the Model 10 bullpup shotgun. Mossberg had their own version in the late 1980s with bullpups built on Model 500 and 590 pump guns.

TODAY THE LIST of manufacturers offering different models of bullpups is long. In this month’s Scattergun column, we will talk about Escort Shotguns USA’s latest offering, the BullTac shotgun.

The Escort BullTac is a 27.75-inch-long bullpup-style shotgun that weighs 6.7 to 7 pounds, depending on gauge (it’s available in 12, 20 and .410) and has a five-plus-one magazine capacity for 2¾- or 3-inch shells.

The Escort BullTac is a purposebuilt bullpup shotgun with an 18-inch barrel for shot or slugs, and a durable synthetic stock that ensures all-weather usability. The BullTac is available in 12 and 20 gauge and .410 caliber. With a five-plus-one capacity, side accessory rails and detachable carry handle (I like the detachable handle) with adjustable sights, the BullTac is very adaptable. Those adjustable sights come in very handy, especially when shooting slugs.

The BullTac features a quick disconnect sling mount and manual cross button safety, which enhances handling and safety. This shotgun has a compact 27 75-inch overall length and the 12-gauge model weighs 7 pounds.

The 18-inch barrel is equipped with a fixed cylinder choke and oxidation-resistant chrome-plated steel construction. Escort BullTac barrels are proof tested at the factory. The BullTac features a durable upper alloy receiver paired with a light-yet-sturdy synthetic lower receiver, offering a balanced feel and ergonomic grip for swift maneuvering. The shell deflector directs spent shells downward, minimizing distractions during intense operations. The all-weather pistol grip bullpup synthetic stock ensures a secure hold and enhanced control in adverse conditions. Enhanced for accessories, the BullTac comes with side accessory rails on the carry handle, allowing for

quick attachment of essential gear. The removable Picatinny optics rail enables seamless customization for different sight options, while the detachable carry handle features an adjustable rear sight and built-in fixed front sight for rapid target acquisition. The MSRP is $226

In 2024, it was announced that the Ukrainian Army bought several thousand Escort bullpup shotguns, in this case, the Escort BTS12, a close cousin of the BullTac. The shotguns were reportedly acquired by the 68th Jaeger Brigade of the Ukrainian Army to be used mainly to take down FPV-type drones. I find it remarkable now that here in our own country we seem to be experiencing a lot of mysterious drone activity and there is certainly a lot more talk about shooting down drones these days. Will this result in the sale of more bullpuptype shotguns like the Escort BullTac? Shooting down drones is, of course, illegal, but we shall see. 

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.

TACTICAL TRAINING

GETTING ON TARGET FASTER

Use drills, ‘athlete’ mindset to shave milliseconds off bringing a firearm into play.

Ionce was at an open enrollment carbine class with Kyle Defoor, a Navy special mission unit combat veteran, when one of the students asked how we compared to other people Defoor worked with. His response planted a seed that I have worked on ever since.

To paraphrase, Defoor said if you compare strictly targets, our class

was on par with people of his former unit. The difference, however, was the time to get on target, movements and manipulations. He made the class understand that the operators are “warrior athletes” who are on par with any professional athlete. This means they have made their movements second nature with speed and efficiency combined with hours of dedicated training and practice.

While most of us are not on a path to becoming operators, when it comes

to weapons handling, competition and defense, this mindset is important to apply. Over the years as I have talked about this with thousands of students, something has become a pattern. Most people have a very elevated view of what an athlete is. An athlete is simply someone who is proficient at a sport. If you understand the rules, can perform the tasks, and are safe, you are an athlete under that definition. The next thing is that if applying the word “athlete” to yourself makes you

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ASH HESS
Author Ash Hess prepares to engage a target from the low ready position as part of a timed drill.

TACTICAL TRAINING

feel uncomfortable, it tells you exactly where to put the most work. This is what is holding you back.

THE FOCUS OF this article is on manipulations and time, exactly where Defoor told us to look. Both in competition and defense, the time it takes to get the firearm into play and on target is vital. Your scores – or your life – depend on it.

To demonstrate this, I like to use a simple rifle drill. From the low ready position, you have one second to engage a 6-inch target at 10 yards. This is quite a simple drill that can be done dry or live to the same effect. To get the hit we must do things in a specific order and that takes time. I will reiterate the two truths: properly point the firearm and fire it without disturbing the aim. From the low ready, on the command we must raise the rifle enough to aim and hold the aim long enough to press the trigger in less than one second.

First, let us look at the reaction time. Aaron Cowan of Sage Dynamics did some research and found that “visual response to stimulus is slower due to more mental processing via the thalamus to the appropriate parts of the brain than audible.” This means a visual cue will result in a slower reaction time than an audible one. Going with an average of 170 to 250 milliseconds (1,000 milliseconds per second) for reaction time, that leaves us around 750 milliseconds to drive the firearm into position, aim and fire. This is where you can really begin to do work. It is not just about fast movement on the rifle; it’s about controlled fast movement of the rifle. Let us say it takes you 500 milliseconds to drive the rifle into position, a full half-second. We are now three-quarters of a second (750 milliseconds) into our one-second time. That only leaves us 250 milliseconds to aim and press the trigger.

That is not a lot of time to mentally process the sight picture, adjust and shoot. This is why you will see people

Shot one from the low ready position. Notice the travel dots to the target, as illustrated by data collected via a Mantis Tech Blackbeard System attached to the rifle. Cutting down travel time is where you find speed and pick up milliseconds toward your goal of engaging a target in one second or less.
Transition one from the first target to the second. Notice the arc of the rifle, again illustrated by the Blackbeard system. This represents extra movement and a time loss. This particular transition took 270 milliseconds.
Transition two from the first target to the second. This transition took 220 milliseconds; it was faster and more in control.

TACTICAL TRAINING

launch rounds off the target because to meet the time, they skipped aiming and launched on thoughts and prayers. This is a work set one. The genuine answer is not to buy a trigger or new handguard; the answer is to cut into those 500 milliseconds to get the rifle on target. Keep in mind, this is just breaking the shot at the onesecond mark.

The reaction time is hardprogrammed but can be worked on. The speed and efficiency of the presentation, however, can be fixed very easily with focused reps. If your fitness is lacking or the rifle is heavy, this will take some work. The good news is that it is a dry-fire routine and will only cost you time. You are looking to be able to drive the rifle directly into a good firing position in the shortest time possible. Let us say that you do the work and take that time from 500 milliseconds to 300. Now we are only 550 milliseconds into the shot, but the

sights have landed exactly where they need to be.

Now our aiming cycle is significantly shorter to confirm the desired point of aim, or POA, for the desired point of impact, or POI. Keep in mind that for a rifle zeroed at a further range, there will be a heightover-bore offset that you will have to account for. We can either spend more time to perfect the aim for a perfect shot or press the trigger to get well below our par time of one second.

In competition, that 200 milliseconds across multiple stages can add up. If your match has 10 stages, without putting in the effort, you are handing your competitors two full seconds for the day. In a defense scenario, that 200 milliseconds could determine how you get home.

ALL THE TEXT above talked about a single drill. Target transitions are another place where time is lost, so we will

complete the same drill but add a second target and 500 milliseconds for a total of 1,500. Now we must do all the above, then move the rifle to another target, aim and fire.

I will give you the credit for doing the work and our first shot will fire at 750 milliseconds. That leaves us 750 milliseconds to drive the rifle to the left or right. A simple rule that helps is “eyes, then rifle.” Your eyes go to target two first, then you drive the rifle to the aiming point. The same things affect that movement time as before. The tendency when going fast is to swing the rifle past the target and come back to it. This is referred to as overdriving. We added too much gas or did not start slowing the swing down in time to get the rifle stopped efficiently on the target. This burns time rapidly but is something we can work on again with dedicated repetitions. This could be another spot where you lose 200 milliseconds.

Most matches have many target transitions. For instance, the Quantified Performance stage, Midrange Quantifier (40-second average stage time), has three positions and seven target transitions. If we give away 200 milliseconds per transition, we are behind 1 5 seconds without taking anything else into account. More tactically oriented matches might have 10 transitions per stage.

All we worked on today was driving the rifle. We did not spend any time on getting into position, malfunctions or other positions. These are all areas, like Kyle Defoor said, where warrior athletes are outperforming most. We assumed that your rounds landed true, and you did not have to make up shots. A holstered pistol was also not discussed. All these things come into play and in the case of a defensive shot, are vital. More of us should take on an athlete mentality and do the work necessary to earn that title.

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.

■ Embedded bar magnet for unmatched retention

■ Paddle backing for comfortable carry

■ Durable, custom molded leather construction

■ Enables smooth, one-handed draw

■ Precision fit for your pistol

■ Suitable for concealed or open carry

■ No straps or retention screws to get in the way

■ Works with pistols with steel frames

If you’re looking for a holster that keeps your pistol secure while allowing for a fast and smooth draw, the AlphaMag™ retention Holster is the perfect choice. The combination of magnetic hold and paddle design sets this holster apart, providing both next-level retention and comfort.

Black
Mahogany Brown
Gunfighter Brown
Saddle Tan Natural

LIFT YOUR SHOOTING TO NEW HEIGHTS

Accu-Riser’s adjustable, universal comb risers and cheek pads help get on target and reduce recoil.

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

Gary Fatherree, owner of a leather goods manufacturing business catering to the black powder muzzleloading industry, was attending his first SHOT Show in 2003. As he perused the various booths filled with new products, a comb riser caught his eye.

“I had been hunting deer with a Remington 870 shotgun with a red dot optic mounted, and struggled with improper cheek weld and alignment with the red dot, which caused painful recoil to my cheek every time I fired,” he recalled. “So I searched all available comb risers, but at that time there were not many to pick from and I felt I could make a better version and market it myself.”

Thus, Accu-Riser was born.

“My first model was fashioned over the Remington 870/Mossberg 500 stocks and had a 1-inch height and was for right-hand shooters only,” said Fatherree. “It wasn’t long after starting marketing this model that I found there was a much bigger need for comb risers for all types of makes and models of rifles – and shooters too. So another model was designed to be ambidextrous and have removable pads of different heights so a boltaction rifle’s bolt could be removed for cleaning without removing the base itself. This model fit probably 90 percent of the rifle stocks at the time.”

“But the shooting industry has changed with new stock designs with broader combs and new scopes with

larger front objectives requiring higher scope rings for long-distance shooting,” he continued. “This opened up new business but required, again, new designs that would be more universalfitting and offer higher adjustability.”

ACCORDING TO FATHERREE, Accu-Riser’s leather lace-on and Velcro comb risers fulfill these needs, and fit everything from small rimfire stocks to broad target/tactical models needing up to 2 inches of added height.

“In my line I also have a model CP-5000, a ¼-inch neoprene cheek pad that was initially designed for the shotgun shooting sports,” he added. “This is a great fix for the smaller or younger shooter needing just a little more height to get the line of sight

The Accu-Riser LO-3000 Lace On Comb Riser.

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

needed on an ill-fitting shotgun. Also great for the classic era of double side-by-side shotguns, which were made with more drop in the comb than current shotguns. I have even sold this model to law enforcement agencies for use on their tactical shotguns to help with heavy recoil when qualifying with heavy slug loads and to help with getting proper alignment with the high tactical sights.”

Fatherree certainly hit the jackpot with Accu-Riser, and he takes great pride in his products, going the extra mile to ensure his customers are satisfied.

“Accu-Riser comb risers and cheek pads are the best-looking, most universal-fitting and adjustable on the market,” he said. “Also, being made here in the USA, we can offer some custom alterations to accommodate some particular needs. Our customers tell us no other company offers this service.”

For more information on Accu-Riser products, visit accu-riser.com. ★

The CR-6000 Ambidextrous Cheek Riser/Rest.

PARTS+ACCESSORIES

GOD’ A GRIP godagrip.com

God’ A Grip cheek pads enhance accuracy, comfort and consistency with rifles, shotguns and other long guns. Only God’ A Grip’s cheek pads are made in the USA with Sorbothane to provide any of your firearms a soft, comfortable, cushion-like surface that absorbs vibration, shock and recoil. Their self-customizing gun grips enhance comfort and increase reliability, while the molded finger grooves allow for consistent hand placement for more accurate shots. Their grips retain their comfortable feel in the winter or summer.

GENTRY CUSTOM, LLC

gentrycustom.com

A family-owned business, Gentry Custom’s motto is “Where guns are not a hobby, but a way of life.”They believe in gun ownership and gun safety. Gentry Custom is known for the Quiet Muzzle Brake, which will make for a user-friendly rifle. The Quiet Muzzle Brake reduces recoil and muzzle jump so you can get that second shot off if needed, without the large increase of noise to the shooter. Many of the factory rifles have been threaded for a muzzle brake. Gentry Custom offers 5/8x24 threads and many others. Call them today and they can provide the proper Quiet Muzzle Brake for your rifle. Gentry Custom also offers a three-position safety for the Remington family of rifles and the Mauser 98.

BUFFALO ARMS

buffaloarms.com

Durable, these new sight insert caddies are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who require reliable storage for their sight inserts. The waterproof and airtight features ensure that your equipment stays safe and functional in various weather conditions, making them ideal for hunting, shooting and other outdoor activities. The caddy that holds 18 sight inserts uses a magnetic system, allowing for quick access and secure storage, while the vertical stacking design of the 80-sight insert caddy maximizes space without compromising on protection. Both options are lightweight, ensuring they won’t add unnecessary bulk to your gear.

These products reflect Buffalo Arms Company’s commitment to quality and innovation, providing users with practical solutions for their sight storage needs. Whether you’re a competitive shooter or a casual enthusiast, these caddies are poised to enhance your experience in the field.

Parts+Accessories

DEVIL DOG CONCEPTS

devildogconcepts.com

Turn your AR-10 into a side charger by simply changing out your charging handle? Yes! You don’t have to keep fighting for the charging handle under your scope and dealing with the horrible ergonomics of the rear charging handle any longer. Get yourself the far better design of a side charger without the cost of having to buy a new expensive gun or learn how to become a gunsmith and rebuild your rifle. The Side Charging Handle from Devil Dog Concepts brings this to you in a simple system designed to just replace your existing charging handle and turn your AR-10 or AR-15 into a side charger. No machining. No modifications. Developed by combat veteran US Marine, former SWAT team operator, and retired law enforcement. Visit us at Booth #55733

LUTH-AR, LLC

luth-ar.com

DEAD FOOT ARMS

deadfootarms.com

The Dead Foot Arms Gen 3 Folding Adaptor includes everything you need for firewhile-folded capability on your AR-platform firearm. QD Snap for enhanced side retention while still allowing for button-free deployment. Includes low-profile block with end-user-adjustable swing tension.

Visit us at Booth #20553

ALUMAGRIPS

alumagrips.com

AlumaGrips’ product line consists of 1911 grips – full-size, compact, bobtail, round butt –all in standard thickness and slim line. Products include Ruger 22/45, Ruger SP101, EMP 3, Kimber Micro 9, Sig P238, Desert Eagle, Beretta 92 (full, compact and full-size Vertec), Para Double Stack, Caspian High Cap, Coonan 357, and AR grips and rail covers.

Luth-AR barrels are crafted in-house to exact specifications, offering 1:7, 1:8.5, 1:9, 1:10 and 1:12 twist rates in various lengths. Available calibers include .223, 5.56mm, .308, .22 LR and 9mm, with more to come. Luth-AR offers mag phosphate and QPQ/nitride coatings, plus chrome-lined chamber/bore options. Barrel profiles include Pencil, Government, SOCOM, Lightweight, Mark 12, HBAR, Bull and Fluted Bull. Their production barrels stand out for their exceptional concentricity, micro finish, stress relieving, and over five decades of barrel-making expertise. Luth-AR barrels deliver outstanding performance for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Visit us at Booth #42804

JAGUAR SILENCERS

jaguarsilencers.com

The CAS22 is Jaguar’s “Shorty” version of the .22 silencer. The CAS22 utilizes the “intermittent flow” system to provide best in suppression with extremely low blowback by allowing some gas to flow out the front of the can. Designed for .22-caliber rimfire guns, while also being suitable for any caliber smaller than .22. Jaguar manufactures all silencers using additive manufacturing with aerospace-grade materials, making this suppressor the toughest, most high-tech silencer on the market. Available at an affordable price with different textures and color options.

ACCU-RISER

accu-riser.com

Accu-Riser comb risers and cheek pads offer various solutions for most any rifle/shotgun platform where an optic sight has been added that is too high, compromising a proper cheek weld while still maintaining a center line of sight through the optic. Since 2002, Accu-Riser has been designing and manufacturing their line of products here in the USA, catering to all platforms of shooting sports. A proper cheek weld/line-of-sight combination is imperative for comfort and quick acquisition of targets, leading to better accuracy. Visit their website today to see what they offer for your particular needs.

EVOLUTION GUN WORKS

egwguns.com

The EGW Savage Revel Lever Action Picatinny Rail is a must-have upgrade for your lever-action rifle. Precision-machined from 6061 aluminum and finished with a hard-coat anodization, this 0-MOA rail provides a durable and lightweight mounting solution for your optics. Ideal for shortto medium-range shooting, it pairs perfectly with EGW’s Keystone 1-inch or 30mm rings for a complete setup. EGW is your trusted source for premium firearm accessories, including rails for a wide variety of rifles, red dot plates, 1911 parts, and more. Enhance your Savage Revel with the quality and innovation EGW is known for.

Parts+Accessories

ULTIMAK

ultimak.com

The UltiMAK optic mounting system is legendary for its rock-solid stability. While they are best known for their line of AK rifle and pistol mounts, UltiMAK’s mounts for the Garand family are growing steadily in popularity: M1 Garand, M1A/M-14, M1 Carbine, Ruger Mini-14 and Mini-30. Here they’ve featured their model M4-S, which allows modern optics to be installed on Ruger Mini-14 and Mini-30 rifles. The sleek design has the lowest possible rail height for the most natural cheek weld. All of UltiMAK’s mounts are 100-percent American made. Enhance your Ruger Mini with an UltiMAK mount and a quality red dot sight today!

OCTOBER COUNTRY MUZZLELOADING

octobercountry.com

Back in 1977 when the company was in its infancy, October Country Muzzleloading was a hunting bag. One product. Today, the northern Idahobased outfit offers a complete and thorough line of muzzleloaders and muzzleloading accessories, including ramrods, Pushing Daisies patches, Blue Thunder solvent, Bumblin’ Bear Grease, quality leather shooting bags, powder horns and hand-forged shooting tools. All exceptional quality goods for the hunter, shooter, collector and history reenactor enthusiast. October Country products are made in the USA, and are designed and manufactured for muzzleloading, cowboy action and black powder cartridge shooters.

SKINNER SIGHTS

skinnersights.com

Skinner Sights/Skinner Optics is growing their line of precision machined optics mounts with Integral Peep Sights. Mounts available for many makes and models. Machined from solid bar stock to give a lifetime of service. Check them out at the above website. Visit us at Booth #52536

Parts+Accessories

NOWLIN ARMS, INC.

nowlinarms.com

Proven reputation. That’s the key when it comes to the work done by Nowlin Arms of Oklahoma. Proof? How about eight world championships and 22 national titles, all won by competitors using Nowlin. And today, you can elevate your own 1911 to this level of performance with Nowlin’s ECM Match Grade barrels. Made from 416 rifle-quality bar stock, with ultrasmooth ECM rifling, 40 RC hardness and an 8 RMS bore finish, Nowlin 1911 barrels deliver maximum accuracy. Nowlin’s unique precut barrel locking lug design ensures precise engagement, while centering the firing pin on the primer. Half-inch groups at 25 yards on a machine?

Nowlin’s new and improved Action Kits are also top sellers in the firearms market. Made in the USA.

Visit Nowlin’s website to view their line of world-renowned barrels, parts and tools, or call 918-733-9200.

LONG-LASTING MAGAZINES, ACCESSORIES ARE THEIR BIZ

With input from customers, XTech Tactical products are raising industry standards.

ith a passion for innovation, and a goal of “disrupting” the market, XTech Tactical specializes in magazines and accessories designed to last for generations. While their products have helped raise the standard in the industry, XTech Tactical’s story started well over a decade ago.

“I had been working with the firearms industry as an injection molding supplier,” recalled Jeremy Deadman, one of the Tempe, Arizona-based company’s

founding partners. “I referred most of the design work to a local firm, and we hit it off. In 2013 I teamed up with the design firm and formed XTech Tactical. We originally had the intention to develop products and technologies that we would license to established companies.”

Over the years, XTech Tactical has focused on developing products that solve a problem for their customers at a great value. They design magazines for optimum ergonomics and to aesthetically fit various platforms, which helps them stand out in a crowded market.

“We don’t believe anyone needs magazines that might work,” said Deadman. “We also have several unique materials and patents related to our products that allow us to bring unmatched reliability and value to our customers.”

Thanks in part to a company policy of listening to customer feedback and involving them in the development of new products, XTech Tactical continues to innovate. In fact, they introduced more than 20 new products in 2024, with more to come in 2025.

XTech Tactical’s Mag47 Elite is a 30-round magazine for the AK-47.

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

One recent addition to the lineup is the Mag line of Glock magazines.

“None have ever raised the bar in a sea of magazines made for Glock,” reads the website’s description. That is, until now. Another popular new addition is the Mag-Adapt magazine sleeve lineup that gives shooters a more secure hold and a complete grip.

Thanks to XTech Tactical’s

innovation, product durability and value, and their commitment to customer satisfaction – “We love what we do and love to hear from our customers!” emphasized Deadman – the company continues to find success. To view products and learn more, visit xtechtactical.com. ★

MTX 365 grip extension for the Sig Sauer P365.
Grip extension for Springfield Hellcat 10-round magazines.

SPEED BEEZ

speedbeez.com

The Speed Beez AR-15 Mag Loader is a game changer for shooters looking to maximize their time at the range. This innovative device significantly reduces loading time, allowing you to load 30 rounds in under a minute. Its ergonomic design ensures minimal hand strain, making it ideal for extended shooting sessions. The durable construction guarantees reliability, even under heavy use. Whether you’re a competitive shooter or a recreational enthusiast, the Speed Beez Mag Loader streamlines your reloading process, letting you focus on what you love – shooting. Proudly made in the USA!

Gear

PEET DRYER

peetdryer.com

Peet, the original shoe dryer company, proudly presents the Peet Power Dryer Plus. This fandriven travel dryer draws in outside air and channels it through its patented base, delivering warm air directly to the footbed for fast, efficient drying. Lightweight, compact, and perfect for travel, it operates effortlessly with a 110120V power source. Now available – ask your local dealer to get yours today!

CAMO FACE PAINT, INC.

camofacepaint.com

The US Department of Defense recognizes Bobbie Weiner as their No. 1 supplier of camo face paint for our military, from which Bobbie has received gold medals. Bobbie was approached by the hunting industry and they get the same face paint that she supplies the US military. All

gear

DAVIS TENT

davistent.com

Davis Tents are made right here in the USA, and each canvas tent is crafted to withstand years – even decades – in the field. Their passion is to provide a home away from home that helps carry on the tradition of your hunting and outdoor adventure lifestyle. At Davis Tent, they believe in supporting wildlife and conservation throughout the United States by giving back. Each year they support hunting and wildlife organizations at the grassroots chapter level and commit a minimum of 2 percent of their time and revenue for conservation.When you’re ready to look into a canvas wall tent, give Davis Tent a call.

PRESENT ARMS INC.

presentarmsinc.com

The AR Service kit from Present Arms Inc. is a cost-effective solution in building your AR lower. Quality parts are readily available from leading suppliers – all that’s needed is a third hand. Their Service kit consists of a base, a magazine post and the ARHook. Hold the lower when assembling or servicing and as a platform to hold your complete rifle for cleaning and display. The ARHook is a strut and cleaning rod guide, holding the upper and lower in a fixed position when cleaning. MSRP: $64.95. Use promo code ARhook for 10 percent off.

For more information, call 413-575-4656 or visit the website above.

V-LINE

vlineind.com

The Tactical Weapons Locker XD is designed for law enforcement, security and public safety. It is the ideal fit in most SUVs in the back trunk area between the wheel wells. The Tactical Weapons Locker XD is large enough to accommodate several firearms with accessories.

Specifications: 14-gauge steel door, 16-gauge steel body, weighs 55 pounds, and measures 42.375 by 18.5 by 81.25 inches. Lock is a five-button Simplex lock with internal lock cover.

TRIPLE K BRAND

triplek.com

The K-Max Chest Holster features a dual over-the-shoulders harness system that provides balance, comfort and maximum retention. Triple K’s innovative chest plate design allows for holster angle adjustment that best meets your style of carry. Adjustable holster angles allow for 45-degree-cant, horizontal- or vertical-style carry. Rugged and reliable with easy to personalize adjustments for all torso sizes. Constructed of premium saddle-grade vegetable-tanned leather, solid brass rings and Chicago screws that are resistant to the most diverse elements. Comes in Havana brown color.  Made in USA by Triple K Mfg.

Visit

TRUE BLUE

truebluegunlube.com

True Blue’s suppressor care products are like no other brand and complement their entire line of firearms care products. Dealer and manufacturer inquiries encouraged.

GODARK FARADAY BAGS

godarkbags.com

Safeguard your satellite phone with the GoDark Faraday Bag, designed to be highly water- and puncture-resistant. This innovative bag effectively blocks satellite signals, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 5G and EMP interference. It features MOLLE straps on the back for convenient attachment to belts or bags, along with a secure magnetic buckle that allows for easy one-handed access.

Visit us at Booth #75120

us at Booth #72854

gear

REMORA HOLSTERS

remoraholsters.com

Since 2009, Remora Holsters has revolutionized concealed carry with the first no slip/no clip holster. Designed for comfort and reliability, Remora continues to deliver outstanding performance, great value and an exceptional  fit. Their latest innovation, The Road Rig, seamlessly transitions from car to waistband, providing unmatched convenience and safety. Trust Remora Holsters to keep you secure every step of the way.

LIBERTY GAME CALLS libertygamecalls.com

The Ridgeback External Reed Elk Bugle is the ultimate elk calling tool. Its innovative design allows for easy switching between different mouthpieces to create powerful, realistic elk sounds. You can mimic a wide range of vocalizations to attract both bulls and cows. Compact and durable, the Ridgeback is the perfect companion for any elk hunting adventure. Offered with a Kryptek camo cover to blend seamlessly into your surroundings. Elevate your elk hunting game with the Ridgeback External Reed Elk Bugle. Order today! The Ridgeback External Reed Elk Bugle Package includes: one bugle, one tower, three mouthpieces, one rubber cap and four bands.

WHEN A GUN GOES OFF UNEXPECTEDLY

Understanding the differences between an accidental discharge and a negligent one.

ennifer stood at the edge of her uncle’s ranch, holding a 9mm pistol in her hand. Her uncle had taught her about firearms since she was old enough to hold one, emphasizing safety above all else. She was alone, practicing drawing from her holster. Her mind wandered, replaying a conversation from the night before.

JJennifer was preoccupied, her thoughts disconnected from her actions. She drew the pistol quickly, gripping too hard. Without checking the condition of the weapon, her finger slipped onto the trigger during the draw. The sharp crack! of the firearm shattered the quiet morning. The bullet tore into the dirt inches from her foot. At that moment all she felt was panic and disbelief.

Her hands trembled as she holstered her gun. “How did this happen?” she whispered to herself. Her uncle’s words echoed in her mind: There’s a difference between an accident and negligence.

When her uncle arrived, Jennifer, somewhat shaken, recounted the event. He listened, then asked, “Do you know why this wasn’t an accident?” She hesitated. “It wasn’t on purpose, Uncle. It just ... happened.” “Exactly. An accident is something beyond your control – mechanical failure, something unpredictable. But this? This was

If you are distracted, a negligent discharge can take place simply by drawing a firearm from your holster or even reholstering it. (SHUTTERSTOCK)

TACTICAL TRAINING

negligence. You didn’t clear your mind. You didn’t treat that firearm like it was always ready to fire.”

Jennifer’s story is a stark reminder of the distinction between accidental and negligent discharges of firearms.

A NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE occurs when a firearm is discharged due to a failure to adhere to basic safety rules or through careless behavior. Legally, negligence implies a breach of the duty of care that results in foreseeable harm or damage. For firearms, this often means failing to follow the four cardinal safety rules:

• Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.

• Never point the firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.

• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.

• Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

A negligent discharge, or ND, is entirely preventable. Negligence is rooted in human error, whether through distraction, overconfidence or carelessness. Jennifer wasn’t reckless by nature, but her lapse in judgment could have cost her dearly. Her uncle had always taught her that the smallest details matter most in handling firearms. “Respect for the weapon starts with respecting yourself

enough to stay disciplined,” he would say. Negligence is a choice, whether conscious or unconscious, to ignore caution. Mastery over anything –whether a firearm, a martial art or life itself – demands vigilance.

In legal terms, negligence involves acting in a manner that a reasonable person would not, leading to harm or risk. It is the failure to take appropriate precautions that a prudent firearm owner would exercise.

An accidental discharge, or AD, occurs when a firearm discharges due to mechanical failure, a defect in the firearm, or circumstances genuinely outside the control of the operator, provided the user was following all safety protocols. This could include situations such as:

• A firing pin breaks and causes an unintentional discharge.

• An ammunition malfunction leads to a chain-fire event.

• A design flaw in the firearm causes it to discharge when dropped (e.g., older models with no drop safety). This has been the case with some of the Sig models and the manufacturer has acknowledged the flaw.

MASSAD AYOOB, RENOWNED firearms

instructor and author of numerous books on firearms training, states, “There is no official legal definition for a negligent discharge.” In a conversation with Ayoob, he cautioned about too quickly referring to a shooter’s action as negligent without thoroughly investigating the cause of the discharge. Negligence would entail extreme carelessness, with some harm resulting. In the firearms training community, there are basically three categories: unintentional discharge, and under that umbrella there is either accidental or negligent.

According to Ayoob, in the past they were simply called ADs. When the gun companies started sponsoring training programs – such as HK Academy, Smith & Wesson Academy and Sig Academy – they were getting sued every time someone shot themselves. The shooters were blaming the gun and suing the

Negligence in legal terms involves acting in a manner that a reasonable person would not, leading to harm or risk. It is the failure to take appropriate precautions that a prudent firearm owner would exercise. (SHUTTERSTOCK)

manufacturer. So, they concluded that it is only an accident if there was some actual failure of the gun’s mechanism that caused it to shoot. If it was caused by a human being, it was automatically considered negligent. Unfortunately, negligence is something that you really need to prove.

Ayoob further stated, “A lot of the unintended shootings that cause injury are during the struggles for the gun, and when the guy pulls on the gun, you may not know whose finger pulled the trigger. So, I tell people don’t consider it a negligent discharge until you have investigated and determined that it was in fact caused by human error on the part of the shooter.”

It is safe to assume that a court of law views an AD from the perspective of an unintentional act that occurs despite the exercise of due care and adherence to best practices. Courts generally recognize accidents as events beyond the reasonable control of the individual.

THE MAIN DIFFERENCE between negligent

and accidental discharges is that human error or carelessness is usually the cause in the former. Most cases are due to a lack of proper training. An ND can result in the operator facing criminal or civil charges, whereas an AD carries less liability unless negligence contributed to the mechanical issue. For example, if a gun goes off when dropped due to a design flaw.

Legal ramifications for negligent discharge might include:

Criminal charges: Depending on jurisdiction, a negligent discharge can result in charges such as reckless endangerment, unlawful discharge of a firearm, or even manslaughter if injury or death occurs.

Civil liability: The shooter may face lawsuits for property damage, medical bills or wrongful death.

Loss of firearm rights: Convictions related to negligence with firearms may lead to restrictions on firearm ownership.

For accidental discharge, the legal

ramifications are likely less severe. The legal system may view it as an unfortunate event rather than a punishable offense. But ramifications may include:

Manufacturer liability: In the case of mechanical failure, the firearm manufacturer or seller may be held liable.

Operator’s role: If the operator failed to maintain the firearm properly, partial liability might still be assigned.

WHILE TRAINING AT Practical Gunfighting

Concepts, expert instructor Rich Kluck addresses accidental versus negligent discharges. During a recent PGC training, a “clothing-induced” discharge occurred due to a stretch cord – commonly found in jackets for adjusting cuffs, waistlines and hems.

After completing a drill, a participant attempted to holster his weapon but felt unexpected resistance. Instead of clearing the holster’s mouth, he applied more force. Unbeknownst to him, the barrel nut on his jacket cord had caught

One of the four fundamental gun safety rules is to keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Having a finger near or on the trigger before then could result in a negligent discharge. (SHUTTERSTOCK)

TACTICAL TRAINING

inside the holster and slipped into the trigger group. As he pushed down, the trigger was engaged, causing an “accidental” discharge. The shot’s noise and debris immediately drew attention. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the drawstring was promptly removed from the participant’s jacket, as has been standard practice on the range for years.

According to Kluck, “If you chose to wear that clothing, you’re responsible for shifting it from accident to negligence.” While gun safety rules address most scenarios, they don’t account for mental capacity and focus. If you can’t be fully present when handling a firearm, don’t touch it.

Kluck states that the term “accidental discharge” is often used to avoid

responsibility. “In 50 years of shooting, I’ve had three discharges. Only one was a mechanical failure; the other two were my fault. I don’t wear those moments proudly, but I own them. I could have kept quiet about those mistakes, but honesty allows me to help others avoid the same errors. People justify that handling firearms long enough guarantees an accidental discharge – I don’t believe that for a second.”

“Many top firearms instructors have experienced negligent or accidental discharges, though few discuss them for fear of damaging their credibility,” he continued. “I see it differently – if sharing your story helps someone else, it’s worth telling, especially when no one was hurt, and nothing

irreplaceable was damaged.”

NEGLIGENT DISCHARGES ARE a dirty little secret in weapons handling. Many people you know may have had one but are too ashamed to admit it. Acknowledging it doesn’t absolve you of fault; it simply means you recognize that no one is immune to human error.

Education and training are essential for understanding and following safety rules. Beyond this, keeping firearms clean and in good working order, along with using high-quality ammunition, can also reduce malfunction risks. Consider using trigger locks or safes to prevent unauthorized handling of your firearms.

Firearm owners must adopt a culture of responsibility and safety. Misunderstanding or downplaying the seriousness of negligent discharges can perpetuate unsafe practices. By emphasizing training and proper firearm etiquette, the likelihood of both negligent and accidental discharges can be significantly reduced.

The distinction between negligent and accidental discharges lies in the level of control and adherence to safety protocols. While accidental discharges may occur despite best efforts, negligent discharges are entirely preventable through vigilance, training and respect for firearms. Understanding these differences is crucial for every gun owner, not only to ensure personal safety but also to uphold the ethical responsibilities of firearm ownership. ★

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.

The main difference between a negligent discharge and an accidental discharge is that human error or carelessness is usually the cause in the former. (SHUTTERSTOCK)

MAKING THE CUT

WHEN FANNY PACK CCW WON’T CUT IT

A look at Bastinelli Knives’ FBag for cross-body carry of a handgun and a knife.

e first wrote about Bastien Coves and his company Bastinelli Knives back in January 2021. Since then, his popularity as a custom knifemaker has skyrocketed.

WCoves’s knives have been featured in half a dozen popular action movies, and while that is an intriguing reason to purchase one of his products, I’m more concerned about who uses these knives for real-world purposes. That said, I have confirmation that Bastinelli knives are being used in the intelligence and special operations communities worldwide, which speaks volumes.

If you were to check out Coves’s many YouTube videos, you would find that he is an incredible magician with knives. He makes excellent selling points by demonstrating his knife moves with his many different blades.

I’ve often stated in this magazine that I’m not a big fan of empty-hand fighting. I frequently advise doing everything in your power to avoid an out-and-out fistfight, as nothing is ever accomplished in doing so. However, when it comes to deadly-force encounters, I have always stated that for every concealed carry permit holder, the best way to protect yourself is with a knife and gun.

AS I HAVE said before, my home base is Florida, and finding the right clothing becomes rather tricky when it comes to discreetly carrying weapons. Recently, Coves collaborated with Paladin

Tactical, an excellent manufacturer of tactical bags, to create the FBag series. For the record, I have never been a fan of fanny pack holsters. They generally scream “gun bag”; they are

usually very bulky and it can be rather challenging to get the firearm out of the bag under duress. But Coves has solved this problem. He has three different sizes of FBags – small, medium and large

Bastien Coves with his FBag, a better alternative to fanny pack holsters, in author Paul Pawela’s opinion.

MAKING THE CUT

– and they come in various colors.

I am partial to the smaller FBag for several reasons. First, in this column’s images, look at how Coves carries his bag. He does not carry it around his waist but across his body. If presented with a situation where he may have to draw his weapon, he can rest his hands on top of the bag in a non-threatening

manner. He places his thumb in the built-in thumb pull tab so that he can pull down in one quick motion, drawing to access the firearm at fantastic speed.

There are some outstanding highlights to the bag. First, it is made in the USA, which is very important to me. The bag is made with DWRtreated 500D Cordura, rigid materials to make it long-lasting, and it features zip pockets with built-in quick draw – I already mentioned this, but it bears repeating because it literally sells the bag! The dimensions of the bag are 24 centimeters by 17 centimeters, or about 9.5 inches by 6.7 inches. It just does not look like a bag that would carry a firearm in it. On the front of the bag is a zipper

compartment to hold your phone and a small wallet.

The bonus is that the bag’s back side has a hidden knife sheath carrier. I liked the FBag so much that I bought one for myself, and I attached the Bastinelli Gambler knife to the back.

Unfortunately, my problem is that I mistakenly showed my wife the bag with it carrying a Glock 43 and the Gambler. She loved the system so much that she confiscated it from me – now known as one of her Christmas gifts! I can think of no higher endorsement than that!

The Bastinelli FBag makes the cut! ★

Editor’s note: Visit bastinelliknives.com for more information.

Coves demonstrates the ease of opening the FBag and retrieving your firearm.
The reverse side of the FBag has a sleeve to conceal knives like a Bastinelli Gambler (shown withdrawn from its attached sheath).

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KNIVES

Exquisiteknives.com sells some of the finest custom knives in the world. Owner Dave Ellis is a retired American Bladesmith Society mastersmith as well as a lifelong knife collector. Dave’s relationship with some of the top makers allows him to attain those “impossible to find” works of knife art. Whether you are looking for a high-end art knife or a simple hunting knife, look to exquisiteknives.com.

This fantastic Keyhole, Turkish Damascus Bowie exhibits the highest level of knifemaking. The steel is a very complex array of twisted Damascus bars; the precise inlay of stag for the handle is organically inset in the marvelous integral handle. Please feel free to reach out to Dave. He is always there to answer your questions as well as provide you with the right knife for your desired use.

ROCCO HANDMADE

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Rocco Handmade proudly unveils its latest additions – the Little Bear and Baby Bear hunting knives. Crafted exclusively from AEB-L stainless steel, the Little Bear boasts a 4- to 4.25-inch blade, while the Baby Bear features a more compact 3- to 3.5-inch blade. Both knives showcase the distinctive Scagel-style handles, meticulously handcrafted with precision and care. Each piece is a unique creation, ensuring attention to detail in every step. Accompanied by individual leather sheaths, these custom hunting knives blend classic style with functionality. Equip yourself for the next adventure or hunt with Rocco Handmade, epitomizing the spirit of the adventurous sportsman.

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REMEMBERING GERARDO ‘LALO’ SILVA

Officer put his whole heart into job, until it gave out on him.

n Northern California, where I work, winter means rain. It doesn’t get cold enough here to snow, so we get cold, wet rain. The weather always leaves me with a sense of foreboding. The rain brings death.

IMost think that the most dangerous time to work in law enforcement would be the sweltering summer days. Kids are out of school, their idle minds being the devil’s playground. Tempers are short because of the hot weather. People are out on the streets, drinking, letting their collective hair down.

In my experience, that’s not the case. All of the critical incidents I have been involved in – officer-involved shootings and the like – happened in the winter, mainly in January. In a past LE Spotlight (May 2023), I wrote about Officer Rich May, an East Palo Alto, California, officer who was murdered by a gang member. This, too, happened in January.

And it was in January 2017 that I lost a friend, another cop who died in the line of duty.

GERARDO “LALO” SILVA was a cop like no other. He was raised in Redwood City, California, the same town he chose to work in. Initially, he started as an unpaid reserve officer, but eventually he took a full-time position with our agency.

Lalo was built like a fire plug. He was around 5 foot, 5 inches tall but was a lifetime fitness advocate who packed a lot of muscle on his small frame. He was so short that when he needed to access his top locker in the department locker

Born

room, he had to stand on a stool. He chose to patrol a particularly tough part of town, a neighborhood he’d grown up in. Lalo was fluent in Spanish, which helped him relate to the folks he surrounded himself with in the area he patrolled. He was beloved by the good residents who chose to live there. But, make no mistake, Lalo took care of business.

On one occasion, I was dealing with an irate individual who was upset that I was citing his car for blocking a

residential alley, not allowing people to go to work, school, etc. I’d about had it with this young man with the big mouth, bad attitude and sense of entitlement. That’s when Lalo showed up.

I told Lalo what had happened and my intention to issue a citation to the owner of the car. Lalo replied, “I got it, Sarge; I’ll take it from here.” Lalo, who always had a big smile on his face, turned to the man. His smile disappeared as he said something in Spanish to him. The man then took his ticket and promptly

REDWOOD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
with congenital heart disease, Officer Gerardo Silva worked for Northern California’s Redwood City Police Department until his untimely death on January 20, 2017.

L.E. SPOTLIGHT

moved his car. What did he say? I don’t know, but it kept me from saying or doing something that I would have had to explain later.

LALO WAS BORN with congenital heart disease. He lost a brother to this affliction and he was required to take regular medication. On another call, Lalo and I had to go hands-on with a combative criminal. In the process of arresting the subject, Lalo sustained an injury and was bleeding. After the smoke cleared, I saw that Lalo couldn’t get the bleeding to stop. “Blood thinners,” he said to me with a smile. “Don’t worry, Sarge, it will stop.”

On January 20, 2017, Lalo was at the Redwood City Police Department taking a short break when it happened. His heart gave out. He died unceremoniously on a police department bathroom floor, discovered awhile later by his coworkers. Congenital heart issue notwithstanding, I truly believe that the

extreme highs and lows of the job, the adrenaline spikes and working long, hard hours contributed to his death.

Lalo didn’t die in a blaze of glory, taken out by a criminal’s bullet. But, in a way, the job killed him just the same. He was a smart guy and he could have chosen a safer career, but he chose to be a cop. As his sergeant, I had to write up his annual evaluation. In it, I said that when he was working, I didn’t have to worry about the beat he chose to patrol because he took care of everything. The captain I was working for at the time kicked it back, saying that wasn’t sufficient. Clearly, he didn’t know Lalo the way I did.

I think about him often. His great attitude, his disarming smile, his dedication to the folks he was sworn to protect, and his innate ability to “convince” hardheaded individuals to go with the program. I also think about how he saw the good in people, including people who didn’t see any

good in themselves.

The last time I saw him was at the hospital after he had passed. I was struck by how small he looked. It was as if his character, his essence, had made him seem bigger in life.

His death left a void in our department that no one will ever be able to fill.

As I sit in my house listening to the cold winter rain beating against the roof and windows, I long for the warm, sunny weather and I think of Lalo.★

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.

MILITARY SPOTLIGHT

MEET THE RANGERS' 'MAD MAX'

Hall of Fame master sergeant's aggressive leadership style helped train members of elite US Army unit.

he United States Army Rangers are known for creating some of our country’s greatest warriors. Case in point: retired Master Sergeant Howard “Mad Max” Mullen, Jr., who served with distinction in everything he did with the elite unit.

TMullen served as both a Ranger cadre instructor and a hand-to-hand combat instructor. He served in all three Ranger battalions of the 75th

Ranger regiment. On October 25, 1983, Mullen was also part of an elite Ranger strike force that conducted a 500-foot combat parachute jump on the island of Grenada for Operation Urgent Fury.

He was nicknamed “Mad Max” for the bold way he motivated potential Ranger cadets with his aggressive leadership style. Recognized as a threetime Ranger instructor of the cycle, Mullen has trained, served with and mentored many of the “who’s who” in the special operations community.

In 2013, Mullen was a first-time ballot inductee into the Ranger Hall of Fame as a distinguished member of the Ranger training brigade. He was not only a hand-to-hand combat instructor

US Army Ranger Master Sergeant Howard “Mad Max” Mullen, Jr., now retired.
Mullen was a hand-to-hand combat instructor for the Rangers and also became a co-author of the US Army’s Combatives manual.

MILITARY SPOTLIGHT

for the Rangers, but also on their traveling demonstration team and would eventually become a co-author of the US Army’s Combatives manual.

MULLEN CONTINUES TO serve his country in many ways, whether traveling to combat areas to motivate and entertain soldiers, speaking at high school and college ROTC programs all over the country, or addressing the newest graduates of Ranger School.

When he’s not working with elite Ranger personnel, you might see Mullen in movies and TV, either in an acting role or working as a consultant or conditioning coach. It should also come as no surprise that manufacturers constantly ask him to put their equipment and firearms through the rigorous patented Ranger test to be rated as “Mad Max-approved.”

Years ago, Mullen started an outstanding print magazine called

Tactical MilSim. The magazine, which has since evolved into a media group, featured some of the best writers in the self-defense industry. I was part of that group and was honored to rub elbows with some great men.

Mullen is a role model in every manner. He is a highly dedicated man of faith ordained as a pastor. He does much for the community and leads young men into the service of the Lord.

To me, Max Mullen was not only a mentor, but he became a family member. I have had him be a guest instructor many times at different venues, and of course, he always stole the show. And why not? He was, and still is, one of the greatest Ranger instructors of all time. If you run into him at SHOT Show, take the time to meet this great man. It will be worth your while. ★

“Mad Max” has landed film and TV roles, both as an actor and as a consultant and conditioning coach.
Mullen continues to serve his country in many ways – motivating and entertaining soldiers, speaking at high school and college ROTC programs, and addressing the newest graduates of Ranger School.

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BLACK POWDER

WHAT'S NEW AT RICE BARREL COMPANY?

Black powder rifle and pistol shooters will be interested to hear what owner Jason Schneider has on offer these days.

It’s really hard for me to remember when I first heard about the Rice brothers – L.C., David and Liston – and their involvement with black powder shooting, primarily muzzleloading. When the Rice Barrel Company began, the top miller in the shop was L.C. Rice (that was “Ol’ Lost Cause” himself) and he was one of the originators of the L&R Lock Company back in 1973. Later, as the head of Rice Barrel Company, he was making barrels with several options so customers could get the special barrel they wanted. While I’ve had rifles made, or made them myself, using Rice barrels, the one I’ll tell you about is the most recent one, a .50-caliber flintlock half-stock rifle with a 42-inch tapered barrel, along the lines of a Kunz rifle, which I made while working in Dave Dolliver’s shop in 2012. I ordered that barrel from Liston Rice, just before he retired.

rather good performer for target shooting, both on paper targets and for trail walks. While I might also find the desire to take this rifle on a hunt, I must admit that other rifles in my gunrack begged to go hunting with louder cries. So, the priority for this gun was for target work and not for the hunt.

A lot of thought was put into my selection of that barrel and caliber because I wanted this rifle to be a

Following that idea, the barrel was ordered with a special 1-in-56-inch rate of twist, which should allow for accuracy with somewhat lighter loads than the same barrel with a 1-in-66inch twist, which was Rice’s standard twist rate for a .50. I say “should” simply because I really doubt that this child will ever be steady enough while shooting from the offhand position to realize any actual advantage. Even so, that somewhat faster rate of twist should help and I’ve enjoyed the shooting done with this rifle using powder charges that are on the lighter side for the past 12 years. And, because this rifle follows the style and characteristics of an 1825 gun, the barrel was ordered with flat bottom grooves in the rifling.

That rifle, with that barrel, has performed excellently for years.

BUT RATHER THAN talk about what is history now, let’s focus on the Rice Barrel Company of today, under the leadership of Jason Schneider, who bought the company after working for the Rice brothers for 10 years and has now owned it for 13. Talking with Jason recently was very enlightening and he was able to tell me several things that I hadn’t noticed in the company’s offerings.

Currently, rifle barrels can be made for .32, .36, .40, .45, .50, .54, .58, .62 and .66 calibers. In general, the .58-, .62- and .66-caliber barrels are not available in barrels less than 1¼ inches in width. Customers choose their preferred barrel length and profile, and price does vary depending on the features selected. There are more options available for a $25 added charge. These include: a straight tang breech plug installed, a long straight tang breech plug installed, a flared tang breech plug installed, and dovetail underlugs, as well as a front sight at the standard location.

Just to give you an idea of where these prices begin, a 15/16-inch-wide octagon barrel in an appropriate

Author Mike Nesbitt’s Kunz-style rifle, which he made with a 42-inch-long .50-caliber Rice barrel.

BLACK POWDER

caliber, rifled with flat groove rifling, has a starting price of $250. That isn’t bad at all. Of course, it is best to call for final prices and delivery dates.

Now, here’s something that most other barrel makers don’t offer. As I said, the standard rate of twist in a Rice barrel is one turn in 66 inches. However, customers can choose any rate of twist at no additional charge!

Rice also offers groove style options in their rifled barrels. First, the number of grooves in the

40-caliber and smaller-bored barrels is six, with seven grooves standard in the .45 and larger calibers. Swamped barrels come standard with round bottom grooves, while the straight barrels are made as standard with flat bottom rifling grooves. Additionally, any barrel can be

ordered with the groove style desired at no added charge.

Swamped barrels are much in demand these days and Rice Barrel Company presently offers 18 different swamped barrels ranging in length from 28 to 48 inches. Most swamped profiles will have four different weights. The swamped profiles start at a size of 15/16 inch and work their way up to 1⅛ inches. The Transition Series barrels are 38 inches long and the Golden Age swamped barrels are 42 inches. Either of these barrels can start at the breech with a 1-, 1 1/16- or 1⅛-inch width. And, if you want a heavy barrel, perhaps for a bench gun, Rice can supply octagon rifle barrels that measure 1⅜ inches across the flats. With variety like that, it’s rather easy to find what you want at Rice Barrel Company.

WHILE THAT INFORMATION is primarily aimed at the makers of custom muzzleloading rifles, in a conversation with Jason, he gave me the following information that could easily be of great interest to black powder shooters.

“Several new swamped barrel profiles for both rifles and pistols have been added, as well as fowler barrels, both full round and octagonto-round,” he said. “Some new

A tight group fired offhand with Nesbitt’s Kunz rifle, using 45 grains of 3Fg powder.
Jason Schneider, current owner of Rice Barrel Company, holding Tim Marsh’s national record target (this image and inset), shot at 50 yards offhand with a .40-caliber Rice barrel.

BLACK POWDER

calibers have been added as well. Now our rifle and fowler barrels are available up to 48 inches long!”

“One recent addition to the lineup are the Thompson/Center drop-in barrels for the T/C Hawken and Renegade rifles. I am offering them in two different lengths, 28 or 32 inches. I am also making the breech plugs for those barrels, along with the under ribs and the ramrod thimbles. We can install Williams sights on those barrels. However, we do not include a ramrod or a nipple.”

“The new drop-in barrels are fitted to a Thompson/Center stock here at the shop. That way I know it fits the stock well when it gets shipped. It must be said that way because sometimes that doesn’t mean it will fit the customer’s stock. Some final fitting may be required. And instructions on how to fit the barrel to the stock are included with the order.”

“All of our barrels will come in

the white. So bluing, browning or possibly DuraCoating will be left to the customer. I offer these barrels in the proper round ball rates of twist with rifling grooves at a depth for patched round balls. Those barrels can also be made with the proper twist rate and rifling depth for elongated bullets. For example, a .50-caliber patched round ball barrel will have a twist rate of 1 in 66 inches and rifling groove depth at .010 inch deep. The .50-caliber elongated bullet barrel will have a twist rate of 1 in 24 inches and a rifling depth of .004 inch. Those two bullet styles do require their own specs in the barrel for best performance.”

“The T/C drop-in barrels that we have made have been performing very well. We certainly strive for quality, not quantity. One thing that T/C did in their barrel-making was they made the barrel to the small side of the nominal size. Then they cut the barrel channel to the large side. For production, this

meant that all barrels would fit all barrel channels. Great for production but not so great for accuracy. What we are doing is making the barrels to nominal or a few thousandths larger. For example: A 15/16-inch barrel will be .937 to .940. This will fit much tighter to the barrel channel. You don’t want the barrel to be able to move in the barrel channel. Just thought I would mention that.”

Then Jason told me something that is very interesting to me. He can make barrels for black powder cartridge rifles in .45 and .50 calibers. This means a .50-caliber barrel will be ordered, probably with a 1-in-32-inch rate of twist, to go on a custom rolling block in .50-70 caliber. We’ll be getting back to that as things materialize. ★

Editor’s note: For more information, contact Rice Barrel Company at 336492-2614 or ricebarrel@me.com, or visit ricebarrels.com.

Ron Spada at 503-539-5396 with any questions or to set up a time to tour the club. siducks.com

HIGH ADVENTURE RANCH

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Known as the “Monarch of the Mountain,” the red stag is considered one of the most majestic antlered animals in the world! High Adventure Ranch in Missouri is home to one of the largest herds of red stags in the United States. Join them for a hunt from mid-August through mid-February 2025 for an unforgettable experience!

AGGRESSOR ADVENTURES

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Come aboard the Nile Queen II from Aggressor River Cruises and escape the hustle and bustle of the modern world. You will rediscover the joy of travel while experiencing the majesty of ancient Egypt. Your five-night adventure includes privately guided tours of the great pharaohs’ temples and tombs, scrumptious meals and deluxe accommodations with views of the Nile River. The Nile Queen II hosts only 20 guests, so you receive five-star personal service that has made Aggressor Adventures the leader in world travel for over 41 years. Excursions start in Luxor, Karnak Temple, and disembark in Aswan with a traditional Bedouin dinner. Aggressor Adventures is veteran-owned and -operated. Contact nile@aggressor.com for more information.

ELECTRONIC TRANSFER

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Electronic Transfer is the nation’s largest outdoor sports credit card processor, specializing in FFL and ammo dealers nationwide. With 35 years of experience, they understand the unique needs of the firearms industry. Electronic Transfer’s services are integrated with GunBroker and many other platforms, ensuring seamless transactions for both buyers and sellers. This integration not only simplifies the buying process but also enhances security and compliance. They pride themselves on offering the best customer service and pricing in the market. Whether you’re a small local gun shop or a large-scale distributor, Electronic Transfer’s tailored solutions ensure efficiency, reliability and growth for your business. Visit us at Booth #42235

MISCELLANEOUS

DREAM CATCHER BEEF

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