PMCI April 2018

APR 2018

CONTENTS 4 SHOT SHOW 2018: TRAMPAS AND THE PMCI-USA CREW GET BOOTS ON THE GROUND TO CHECK OUT ALL THAT’S NEW AND FRESH AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW! 10 IWA 2018: BILL AND THE EURO TEAM HIT THE SHOW FLOOR IN GERMANY TO CHECK IN WITH ALL THE GEAR MANUFACTURERS THAT WE KNOW AND LOVE.

Editor (UK): Bill Thomas

15 EDITORS COMMENT: “FROM LITTLE ACORNS”

Deputy Ed (USA): Trampas Swanson

16 GEAR ON TEST: THE PMCI TEAM MAKE THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE LATEST GEAR TO HIT THE MARKET.

Graphic Design: Baz Thakur Publisher: Nigel Streeter

21 BOOK REVIEW: “THE ESSENTIAL WEAPONS IDENTIFICATION GUIDE: SMALL ARMS,

PMCI magazine is a digital-only publication

1945 – PRESENT”

available FREE OF CHARGE via the PMCI

22 SHOOTERS: WGT CONSULTING: KELLY LOOKS INTO ONE MAN’S ODYSSEY TO CREATE HIS VERY OWN “SHOOTERS SKILL SET” WITH WGT CONSULTING IN CANADA 26 GOOD GEAR TO GO: SIGHTMARK: BILL TAKES A LOOK AT SOME SUPER OPTICS FROM

App on a wide range of digital platforms, including iOS, Android and Windows. For more information, visit www.pocketmags. com and search “PMCI”.

SIGHTMARK, AN AMERICAN BRAND THAT’S MAKING IN-ROADS TO THE UK MARKET! 30 TECH: WILEY X: PMCI TEAMS UP WITH “THE TACTICAL OPTICIAN” TO BRING YOU THE LOWDOWN ON THE LATEST EYEPRO FROM WILEY X

PMC I c a n a l s o b e rea d o n l i n e at : www.issuu.com, www.magzter.com and www.readly.com

34 FIREARMS: SIG LEGION 229: TRAMPAS GETS ROUNDS DOWNRANGE WITH THE LATEST “LEGION SPECIAL” FROM SIG 38 FIREARMS: SPECIAL REPORT: WE’RE PROUD TO BE JOINED THIS MONTH BY ROGER ECKSTINE AND JAMES PRESTON, DIRECTOR OF TRAINING FOR PRESTON TACTICAL WITH

Calibre Publishing Limited Wyche Innovation Centre, Walwyn Road, Upper Colwall,

SOME GREAT UPGRADES FOR GLOCK HANDGUNS

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42 KNIVES AND TOOLS: SCAR BLADES: HANDS ON WITH THE SHADOW XL FROM SCAR

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BLADES 44 TECH: TRACKING DEVICES: LOOKING TO “GET OUT OF DODGE” OR KEEP TRACK OF YOUR TEAMS? READ ON…

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48 SKILLS AND DRILLS: GROUND COMBATIVES: ANDY GETS “DOWN AND DIRTY” WITH PART II OF HIS SERIES ON FIGHTING FROM THE GROUND 50 INDUSTRY VACANCIES: LOOKING FOR WORK? JUST CHECK HERE. Copyright © Calibre Publishing 2018. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

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©Calibre Publishing Limited 2018

FEATURE: SHOT

2018

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SHOT SHOW 2018 Each year, as the winter winds blow through the Nevada desert, thousands of industry insiders travel to the mecca of all firearms events, the SHOT SHOW. Company CEO’s, sales managers, media relations specialists, machinists, survivalists, gun friendly Hollywood stars, competition shooters, gun writers and even politicians fly into to the host city of Las Vegas from all around the world to participate in the week’s events.

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In the city known as “Sin City”, attendees can often be spotted sporting their favorite camo, morale patches,

company logos, 5.11 khakis and polo shirts as they converge on the show floor during the day and off to charity events and after parties each evening until the wee hours of the morning bring millions of dollars to one of the richest cities in the world.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this annual phenomenon, SHOT SHOW is a Trade IndustryONLY event, closed to the public, hosted by great folks with the National Shooting Sports Foundation. This event is held annually at the Sands Convention Center adjacent to the beautiful Venetian Hotel & Casino. The attendance for this Restricted event is open only to the hunting, shooting and outdoor industry members as well as commercial buyers / sellers coming from the Military, Law Enforcement and Tactical arenas. The event is Restricted to anyone under 16 years of age and offers very limited media coverage and attendance.

To be eligible to attend this event, one must apply and their companies or backgrounds properly vetted and approved. Once that process is complete you are allowed to purchase a ticket.

Luckily for PMCI Magazine, we had all access to the week’s events with Swanson Media Group team members, Jared Peltz, Clint Steele, John Phillips, Eric Adam, Shawn Swanson, myself and special guest, custom knife maker, Wes Adkins.

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SHOT SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

To get everyone up to speed on just how large of an event SHOT SHOW is, let’s look at some quick facts.

• SHOT SHOW week kicks off with Industry Day at the Range in Boulder Rifle & Pistol Club from 0830– 1730, Monday, January 22nd.

• Show floor in the Sands Convention Center opens 0830 and closes 1730 each day from Jan 23-26.

• 630,000 net square feet of combined show floor space • 65,000+ attendees this year • Over 16000+ exhibitors • Vendors and products from all 50 states and over 100 countries are equally represented

BOOTS ON THE GROUND FOR INDUSTRY DAY AT THE RANGE

The week’s events started at 0740 HRs Monday morning as a coach arrived out front of the hotel and escorted our team out to Boulder City. Nestled in a stretch of beautiful desert between two sections of the majestic snow covered Rocky Mountains, this small town springs to life each year as the buses and teams of vendors roll in for range day. Upon our arrival at the host sight, Boulder Rifle & Pistol Club, we were greeted with gift bags filled with industry swag such as bottle openers, T shirts, jackets, patches, stickers, etc. From 0830 till 1200, this range was only open to the few privileged members of the media that were invited to enjoy the day. Afterwards, select FFL holders could join in the fun until closing time at 1630. Once through the main gate, we were officially at SHOT SHOW’s Industry Day at the Range presented by the NSSF! The best way to describe this first day is basically a shooter’s dream come true! Vendors from around the world totaling over 170 manufacturers are lined up the length of the range, side by side with their respective tents and tables displaying their products to guests as they make their way through. The best part is, this isn’t just a glorified open-air gun show, this is THE SHOOTING EVENT of the year! Every vendor greets their guests as they step

up, explains the products displayed, how they function, what may be new for this year and then offer to have everyone test shoot each and everything possible! As soon as the first shot of the day breaks, the event becomes a whirl wind of long range, short range, and multiple target engagements. Over 500,000 rounds of ammunition light up the desert onto assorted static paper, electronic and steel targets. Booth to booth, guests travel to shoot high powered air rifles, .22 rimfire rifles, high end competition pistols, full auto, and suppressed; even new large caliber rifles making their industry debut at the show!

As massive as Industry Day at the Range is, the most impressive aspects of the whole event are the professionalism and care given by the Range Safety Officers. This team of highly qualified RSOs run an amazing system to keep everyone safe and happy. Helping to coordinate all the volunteer RSOs was a local Chief Range Safety Officer and owner of BugOut Firearms, Shaun Lord. Having met Shaun amongst the morning rush getting to the show floor years

FEATURE: SHOT

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FEATURE: SHOT

2018

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ago, we exchange business cards and stayed in touch. Through both our professional growth as firearms instructors with our perspective businesses, I have had the good fortune to become close friends with Shaun. Despite the thousands of people who attend Industry Day at the Range each year, Shaun and his team always treat our crew like royalty.

SHOW DOORS OPEN

Tuesday morning was the official opening of the show floor at the Sands Convention Center. For most attendees, this is the big day. Their SHOT SHOW experience has begun. As the wall to wall wave of crowds rolled through the doors of the multiple show floor areas distributed among 5 different levels. Each of the next four days would be spent making new contacts with vendor’s media representatives and checking out the products we would be interested in covering throughout the year here in the pages of PMCI Magazine.

One of our first stops was with our friends at Torrent Suppressors. This new company has hit the ground running with their modestly priced, high performance suppressors for the working men and women. As a bit of PMCI insider intel, we have already been working with Torrent’s .30 cal suppressor in both the .300 BLK and 6.5 Creedmoor platforms. All I can report at this time is to look for Torrent Suppressors to be BIG this year. These cans work and work well for their price points. As we move forward with the next two caliber suppressors we are expecting soon, we hope to give you the full run down this summer.

Following the crowds over to Glock’s booth found their newly released Glock G19X as well as the G26 and G34 9mm additions to the already very popular Gen 5 series. These pistols were generating a lot of fanfare, while I and I alone on the team knew we already had two of them sitting in the gun safe at home ready for review. Since returning from the Shot Show, our writers have spent some valuable time on the

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As every year, a stop at the Vortex Optics booth produced two of the most awaited scopes for 2018 with the 1-6x24 Razor HD Gen II – E and the Crossfire red dot. No matter what end of the price spectrum you are on, Vortex optics has a top-quality scope for you this year. The 1-6x24 optic offers awesome glass clarity combined with short to medium range variable power scope in a short, compact package.

2018

A stop at Palmetto State Armory teased their upcoming HK MP5 clone rumored to be under the $1000 mark with no confirmation on official price or release date. Along with this

product, PSA also had their new AK pistols on display. These pistols are chambered in 9mm and coming in two variants. The first variant uses HK and HK clone magazines while the more popular version uses the much cheaper Glock 17 magazines.

Clint Steele was particularly excited about this due to his love of the AK platform after seeing them in their natural environments around the world during his time in both the US Marine Corps and US Army. During our visit we also had the pleasure of meeting Amelia Sapolsky. This six foot of sunshine is not only a smart business woman who not only runs her own media group and models for PSA’s booth, but is also a successful contractor recruiter for SOFJobs.com which we hope to add as a valuable partner with PMCI Magazine in the near future. A special thank you to this young lady for being our personal guide through this year’s line up of new PSA products.

FEATURE: SHOT

range with samples of the G26 and G19X, so look for those reviews coming soon!

Moving on to the SIG Sauer booth, I was very excited to see new model 365 subcompact 9mm to compete with Glocks G43 and Smith and Wesson’s Shield. This thin, 10 round, double stack pistol looked to be very impressive. Fortunately, at the time of this article being published, we just received a sample for review, so stay tuned for on that!

IWI announced new versions of their top selling Tavor rifle now chambered in 7.62 as well as a 12 gauge configuration.

These Israeli bullpup style rifles and now shotgun feature 16 inch barrels in an ultra-compact, lightweight package. The 7.62 version brings more firepower via the bigger round compared to the traditional 5.56 version. The shotgun is where the game changer comes in. The Tavor shotgun features 3 rotating tubular magazines to keep the shooter up and running longer than most conventional combat shotguns. While it’s a bit heavy, the shotgun fan who eats their Wheaties and takes their vitamins will be in love quickly with this new IWI offering.

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FEATURE: SHOT

2018

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With a range of reticles to choose from such as the VMR-2 MOA, VMR-2 MRAD and JM-1 MOA, shooters can have plenty of options to fit their shooting styles. The Crossfire 2 MOA red dot has been gathering a lot of buzz for first time AR and optic owners looking for a starter set up at an entry level price point. Add these to the list of items to come for review here and at PMCI Magazine in the coming months.

Finally, we come to the least high tech, simplest design that left us wondering, “Why didn’t we think of that?” from Mag Storage Solutions. While these aren’t new to the market, this is the first year their display of products has really begun to catch peoples eye. Their flagship products include plastic racks that securely hold rifle and pistol magazines as well as ammunition in the “dead spaces” of most gun safes such as the inside of the door and left and right interior walls. Let’s face it, at the end of the day, we can have all the cool guns we can afford along with the most secure safes on the planet, but we still need a place to conveniently store the accessories as well. These mag storage units offer affordable solutions to crowed gun safes and junk boxes surrounding them which is why they round out our top products of SHOT SHOW 2018.

As a personal bucket list moment, there was a stop back at the Torrent Suppressor booth to meet a living legend, Richard “Dick” Marcinko, the first Commander of the US Navy’s SEAL Team 6 and Red Cell as well as a Vietnam veteran. Now retired, Marcinko’s accomplishments include being a bestselling author, radio talk show host, motivational speaker and military consultant. Just being at the show and sharing not only his experience but his generations viewpoints added intrinsic value to the SHOT SHOW experience for this seasoned gun writer.

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AFTER HOURS

FINAL THOUGHTS

2018

One aspect I could take away from SHOT SHOW this year was the chance to measure how I see the whole experience compared to my Swanson Media Group teammates, first-time visitors, Clint Steele and Shawn Swanson as well as returning attendees such as Jared Peltz and John Phillips. Each person, including myself takes away a different perspective of the various events based on each person’s unique backgrounds and experiences.

The amazing collection of photos compiled through the course of the show, some of which are included in this review demonstrated just how well this diverse team saturated the show floor.

Sadly, despite tons of articles being published about the world’s largest firearms event each year, I can’t stress enough that reading any feature on SHOT SHOW will never compare to the actual experience of being there. What I CAN assure you is, PMCI Magazine will always give you the best “behind the scenes” view you can find anywhere. If you are in the industry, military, LE or contracting worlds and eligible to attend, you NEED to go! The networking, the family-like bond between industry people and the pageantry of it all can be considered a lifetime of experience only enjoyed once a year. As for all the great firearms and gear discovered arriving on the market in 2018, all I can say is, stay tuned to the pages of PMCI Magazine for new reviews and special features coming soon!

FEATURE: SHOT

Not all action happened on the show floor. A good part of the SHOT SHOW experience relies on how your after-hours plans are laid out. For some, once the show floor doors close each day, there are extravagant dinners, off Broadway shows, gambling, drinking, every other guilty pleasure that goes into helping Las Vegas earn its “Sin City” moniker. For our team of writers, the week runs on a tight schedule with a focus on work and confidentiality if in case one or two assets do go astray. After all, the ads for Las Vegas do clearly state, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!”

Sunday night featured a great dinner at Gilley’s Saloon with friends from around the world. The list year this year included renown author of The Shooters Bible: Guide to Knives, Watch Your Back and The Shooters Bible: Guide to Home Defense, Rodger Eckstine, who has quickly become a dear, close friend.

Another guest was PMCI contributor, Kelly Louise Hardwick aka the UK’s Femme Fatale from the Airsoft world, who added her own unique flair to our team. Rounding out the list were our dear industry friends from Germany to add a bit more culture and bearded comradery to the group. For many of us, this is a chance to catch up face to face from last year and lay out a plan of attack for the week.

Tuesday night was a celebrity filled event at the invitation only 5.11 VIP event courtesy of company executive and good friend, David Hein. Our team enjoyed great live music, refreshments, exposure to industry super stars such as Kyle Lamb of Viking Tactics and several movies and tv star sightings.

We went in as a team, left as a team without any MIAs. The night was a success!

On Wednesday night, our team attended a charity event held across town at the workshop of the world famous, Rifle Dynamics, hosted by RD founder and friend, Jim Fuller. An iconic name in the American AK industry, Jim uses his celebrity status

to draw attention to worthy charities near and dear to the hearts of himself and his friends. The gathering was an intimate affair with a list of who’s who in the firearms industry, milling about with those of television and YouTube fame. The evening’s affairs are usually quiet and personal without cameras and media, so I make it a point to attend as strictly supporting a bearded brother rather than get the scoop on inside gossip.

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FEATURE: IWA

SHOW REPORT

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IWA 2018 Once again this March the small but effective PMCI crew made their way to Nuremberg in Germany for Enforce Tac and the IWA Outdoor Classics Show and 2018 proved to be another very special year; Bill reports back on a show where there was lots to see and even more to talk about!

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kay, picture the scene if you will; some fairly big lads (namely Nige, Iggy and I) all piled into a 4x4 filled with tactical-style packs and gear rocking up at the Dover Docks check in!

To say that both immigration and customs gave us more than a cursory glance would be lying… this was one hell of a road-trip, heading as we were to Enforce Tac and the IWA Outdoor Classics Show 2018! This has to be my favourite event of the season; although SHOT as reported on by Trampas and his merry band of “shooters and looters” is still bigger there’s a certain something about the show in Germany that always brings a heady mix of excitement and expectation for me. Held in early March each year “IWA” brings to Europe the very best in firearms, optics, accessories, clothing, and gear.

Enforce Tac has always been a separate entity from the main “IWA” and was created from the traditional Official Agencies Day at the start of IWA Outdoor Classics and already has a solid reputation. The growing interest in an international and above all discreet exchange of views on law enforcement, security and tactical equipment led to the

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premiere of Enforce Tac as a separate restricted exhibition and conference in the congress centre of NürnbergMesse in 2012.

These days besides firearms, ballistic accessories, optronics and tactical equipment, the exhibitors at Enforce Tac present operational clothing such as bullet-proof vests, stab-proof vests, body protection, face protection, shields and helmets to their core professional customers and users. The European Police Trainer Conference also offers ample opportunities for exchanging views with experts, but don’t expect to get into this part of the show without a very specific invite!

The main “IWA” Show is slightly (just slightly!) more relaxed in relation to visitors, and continues to grow and grow. When I first started attending the show six years ago the “tactical” side of things had only really just begun to make its mark, but since then I’ve seen a sure but steady influx of companies and each year the show just gets better and better for our industry; “tactical” now dominates a Hall 9, and has now expanded further; this expansion shows absolutely no sign of stopping!

For the 2018 show the number of exhibitors was up again with 1,558 exhibitors and almost 47,000 trade visitors from around the world. Exhibitors from almost 60 countries and

Now as much as Trampas and the US-based crew head to SHOT to look at all the shiny shooty and sharp things, my aim at IWA is to concentrate on the “soft” side of the industry, namely clothing, gear, and footwear. Having worked alongside some of the “big names” in the performance gear market I do tend to be quite hard on people, especially when they try to blind me with the “science” I’ve worked with for many, many years!

I have absolutely no clue (they say it takes 100 inklings to get a clue, and I don’t even have an inkling…) why some manufacturers assume that they can get away with quoting spurious performance statistics/numbers in the tactical world when those very same “facts” have been debunked in the

outdoor performance market years ago. Because we work with things that go “bang” very loudly I’m assuming that they somehow feel this erodes our mental capability to “call BS”; the last time I looked most of the guys I know in the tactical world are also pretty solid outdoor practitioners…

Sorry, rant over, but I do hope that some of the “names” will stop trying to beat us up with numbers and actually get round to creating new and genuinely useful designs… which of course leads me neatly into UF PRO who REALLY do get it, but are humble enough to not shout about it. This is a really great shame, because in my opinion these guys do have something to holler about, and their design guru, Armin, totally understands every stitch and every piece of technology they use to achieve

SHOW REPORT

HALL 9

FEATURE: IWA

trade visitors from about 130 countries gave the 45th edition of IWA Outdoor Classics even more of an international flavour than last year. This year, eight out of ten exhibitors and almost two-thirds of the trade visitors travelled to Nuremberg from locations outside Germany which shows the draw of what is fast-becoming “EURO-SHOT”; this event is exclusively for trade visitors; children and young people under 18 years of age are not allowed to attend. Tickets for the IWA Outdoor Classics are issued only to visitors from appropriate specialist suppliers, official bodies and security companies on submission of relevant credentials Hitting Nuremberg late on Thursday after a 500 mile drive, the doors to the show proper opened bright and early on the Friday morning, and after a brief visit to the professionally run Press Room (I discovered I’m not the only one on the PMCI team to run on caffeine and cake!) it was time to get rolling; as much as I like to see as much as possible when I visit IWA, experience has taught me that you need to make a schedule and stick to it.

It’s simply just not possible to see everything, but with so many friends in attendance there was a constant “heads up” flow of information in relation to exciting new products.

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FEATURE: IWA

SHOW REPORT

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their outstanding clothing; new IR technologies will be part of the company’s products going forward . UF PRO keep adding new technologies and tweaking their designs, and their latest iteration of the “Striker” series is simply superb.

Staying firmly in Eastern Europe Helikon-Tex are always on my “must see” list at IWA, and in the last couple of years they have really been making some headway, not only in a “re-branding” in terms of their product categories, but in the uniqueness of their designs; they’ve also shown a massive step up in their quality control which in my mind is placing them high in the “tactical rankings”. This year saw them adding new colourways to existing lines, whilst at the same time adding some neat extras throughout each of their categories like the Summit ruc and the Pilgrim Anorak; as always I look forward to working closely with them during the rest of this coming year as the new products roll out.

Claw Gear are another manufacturer that I love to visit, as once again they do tend to think “out of the box” when it comes to putting together their gear. Their “Enforcer and Defiant Flex” pants looks to be a bit of a winner, and the “Blue Denim Tactical Flex Jeans” are right on the money when it comes to “tactical trends”. They’ve also been working on extending their range of products for the Steyr AUG which may seem odd for what is basically a clothing company, but when you consider they are Austrian it all makes perfect sense!

Leo Koehler have been around for a while and are very well respected by “those who know” for their quality; whilst they’re not going to set the world on fire with new and exciting designs (they already have some crackers anyway!) they do always have a stunning stand when it comes to the sheer number and variety of camo patterns that they use,

adding this year CONCAMO which I’ll look at in more depth at a later date.

Once again Pentagon were pushing on with their “Tactical Athlete” concept, and they are a brand that as an outdoorsman I’ve come to appreciate more and more! Whilst their designs are not quite as “overt” as some, they do make a superb finished product, and their VORRAS tactical climbing pants, and ROGUE tactical jeans (yes, more jeans!) certainly took my eye. Speaking to them at length they have some great plans for 2018/19 and I’ll be updating on these as soon as is feasible.

Our friends at First Tactical were really rocking it up a storm this year, and even twelve months down the line from their first show they are really making their presence felt and obviously bringing in new customers! Dan, the founder, must be well pleased with how things have moved on for them, and having their head designer, Corey, present meant that we got to hear all the latest from them, and it looks as if there’s going to be a major shake-up of their line later this year, so watch this space!

No trip to a show would be complete without seeing old campaigners 5:11, and although I’ve not been “wowed” with any of their designs for a little while it is good to see them firing all cylinders again. Not only had they upgraded their clothing and footwear line, but they were also showing their own new camo pattern, “GEO 7”. This new camo pattern was allegedly developed in conjunction with Veil Camo and is going to be offered in two different styles. The “GEO 7 Terrain” is more earth-based with natural tones while the “GEO 7 Night” is darker in tones. This looks very interesting indeed and I look forward to finding out more!

SHOW REPORT

Day 3, and the miles were taking their toll, not to mention a bit of a late “business meeting” in the ever-popular Finnegans and a memorable trip to Burgerista! IWA is a VAST show and one day I’ll take a step-counter… the start of the third day though took our steps to the stand of Direct Action. These former “special” guys from Poland have been making some serious headway in the “nylon gear” market and rightly so as their designs are cutting-edge yet solid and workmanlike. I just laid hands on their “MUSTANG” belt system which I’ll be reporting on in due course after a few range sessions, but their new “TEMPEST” chest rig is something that I’d like to get my mitts on!

Sticking with “Euro” gear folk I always drop in to see Tasmanian Tiger; the company introduced a new line of navy blue equipment for law enforcement this year along with some new designs in the lightweight, low-profile cheat rig market which look very slick. Their TAC Flightcase looks a very interesting concept too!

Going “small but beautifully formed” we couldn’t help but stop by the stand of the awesomely named “Badass Tactical” from Italy, and once again they put a smile on our faces with a demo of their two piece shooters belt and “tear-away” medical pouch. They especially have some neat designs in terms of medical packs and hope we’ll be able to bring more of their gear into the spotlight soon.

Before I wrap up, as usual I have to make a couple of “honourable mentions” of things that I saw that I thought to be first rate. Out of Russia Gienna Tactics had some great new clothing designs to show us, and I’ve already been speaking to Sergey about some gear for test; I really liked their pant models which showed a new and innovative design for knee protection, and the fact that they work with some properly “old skool” camo patterns gave me the hugest grin! Also I have to mention

Viridian Weapon technologies for some outrageously good pistol lights, some of which feature top-end video capture options for our LE brethren.

Okay, and I MAY have got carried away with all the magazinefed semi-auto shotguns and the MDR, but that’s just me and I said I wouldn’t talk about firearms…

As always any report like this can only show “the tip of the iceberg” and we spoke to so many people, and saw so much goodness that I can only apologise to those not mentioned; I would say a huge thank you to all that took time to speak with us. I’ll just say that IWA 2018 was a tremendous show both for me personally and for PMCI which is now getting great recognition in the community, and I hope to see just as many folk from the UK tactical world in Nuremberg next year; IWA has already been fixed for Friday 8 to Monday 11 March 2019 (Enforce Tac for 6 to 7 March 2019) so get it in your diary and the PMCI crew look forward to seeing you in Germany next year!

FEATURE: IWA

MOVING ON!

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Our training facility is based in the United Kingdom, close to the midlands and within 350 acres of private countryside. It’s at this location we conduct our ‘craft’ away from the general public. We fully understand the discreet nature of work our candidate’s undertake in their daily operational roles.

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For more information please contact us at: info@crops.uk.com

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EDITORS COMMENT

W

hilst PMCI cannot yet be described as “a

Ultimately as intelligent adults and friends we “agreed to

mighty oak” 2018 sees the team and I

disagree”, each appreciating the others point of view and parted

well on the way to creating a magazine

as usual on good terms.

whose branches are beginning to reach

I tell this personal story just to illustrate how one small

further and further into the training,

conversation, based on facts and logic rather than bombast and

firearms and tactical communities.

raw emotion can indeed lead to greater understanding; whilst we

In this issue you’ll find our reports

may not all agree with one another, it is good sometimes to at

from what are two of THE biggest “trade

least have “the conversation”, and I guess this is how I view PMCI.

shows” of the year, SHOT in the USA and IWA in Germany, and

I am lucky enough to be graced with well-informed and

on both sides of “The Big Pond” 2018 PMCI staffers were greeted

intelligent writers on the team, those that will look for good

warmly by everyone they saw; now some may say that “the

stories and tell them well. Yes, we do aim to be informative to

industry” is a little stand-offish but from my perspective if you

those that genuinely wish to improve their tactical skill sets and

prove that you can do the job it’s actually massively inclusive, and

knowledge, but we also aim to give a clear message that we will

frankly a very good place to be!

stand our ground and not be brow-beaten into hiding away in a quiet, dark corner; let’s get real people, the world is still a violent

I can appreciate how those at the sharp end of things view others

and dark place, and just sometimes we need to acknowledge that

outside our world with some trepidation though, as I recently had

and decide upon our own course of action and act accordingly as

a great conversation with an old and very dear friend of mine;

we feel we should, with honour, integrity, and a questioning mind

this is a very intelligent lady that holds a Doctorate in her chosen

open to all viewpoints whether they tally with ours or not.

field, and is no stranger to working in harsh environments, but

We are “loud and proud” about what we do at PMCI, and we

she genuinely doesn’t understand firearms. She is also a mother

are happy to logically discuss that with people who genuinely

of a school-aged son who lives in Florida, and after recent tragic

“don’t get it”. All we ask is that others try to understand us as we

events she reached out to me.

try to understand them. As part of “the industry” we now have

Rather than simply lambast all firearms and firearm users she

the task of helping to tell our stories in a positive and meaningful

instead asked me if I might help her understand a little more about

way, and I am very grateful indeed for the faith that our industry

“gun culture” and after much back and forth whilst not completely

now places in us to do this.

swayed by my arguments she admitted that she at least “got it”

Wherever you may be people, switch on, train hard,

a little more.

stay vigilant and keep safe.

EDITORS COMMENT

“FROM LITTLE ACORNS”

pmcimagazine.com

MAGNUM OPUS ASSAULT 5 BOOTS

At the back end of 2016 UK-based bootmaker Magnum announced a new series of boots featuring the very latest advances in footwear technology, and the wait for them to hit the market has certainly been worth it!

GEAR ON TEST

“magnum opus, noun, a work of art, music, or literature that is regarded as the most important or best work that an artist, composer, or writer has produced.”

Whether you’re law enforcement, military or a regular civilian, you need your boots to give you the most underfoot support possible. Magnum strives to constantly deliver pioneering, fit for purpose footwear that meets and exceeds their customers’ needs. The Magnum OPUS is one of their newest developments, meant to perfectly balance combat and athletic characteristics.

The Magnum Opus Assault Tactical 5 Boot is an ankle height tactical boot designed from the ground up by Magnum to give excellent comfort and protection with industry leading innovations in design and function.

The upper features Kurim protective panels which are constructed by thermo pressing PU with a substrate material. This creates a super lightweight, breathable net mesh offering super high abrasion resistance with limited water retention and unrivalled support.

The Recoil midsole is made from Magnum’s exclusive Recoil EVA which is softer to the touch and underfoot compared to standard EVAs. It offers 69% more rebound than standard EVAs and allows you to always get the most shock protection even when running. Recoil offers the best in comfort and durability creating a truly trainer like feel with tactical boot performance. The outsole unit is made from rubber carbon which offers great grip and durability.

The tread of the sole is multifaceted giving better toe-off and improved natural motion.

In use the Kurim on the boot upper gives you higher abrasion resistance and protection. This moulded PU material increases the durability of the upper, giving you heightened freedom of movement without having to worry about your boots’ integrity. The lightweight net mesh on the OPUS’ surface helps with breathability and the fast wicking mesh inner lining will help to keep your feet dry. The closed hook lacing system ensures a more secure grip, whilst flexible foot forming construction allows for a comfortable fit and support for your foot and ankles.

The OPUS’ athletic design is reflected in its low weight (431g in UK Size 9/US 10/Euro43), making it the ideal boot that won’t weigh you down during strenuous physical exercise. The durable carbon rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs provides you with enhanced grip and traction while you run, break and climb on dry or slippery wet terrain. And above everything else, the two

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characteristics that make this boot truly stand out: Comfort and Support. In between the OrthoLite Impressions insole offering superior cushioning, the Recoil midsole that delivers all-day support and comfort and the overall construction, this is a bit of a corker! Trust me when I say your feet will thank you, and with a bunch of (hopefully!) hot weather training sessions on the horizon I’m really looking forward to putting the OPUS boots quite literally through their paces!

Features: • Ankle brace for added support • Fast wicking lining for moisture management and comfort • Flexible foot forming construction • Robust lacing and closed hooks for secure lacing • Durable synthetic leather upper with breathable mesh panels • High abrasion resistant moulded Kurim panels • Compression moulded recoil midsole absorbs impact and provides all day support and comfort • Durable rubber carbon outsole provides grip and durability • Toe-off zone for added grip when pushing off during gait cycle • Forefoot flex groves enhance natural motion and toe off • Multi-directional lugs deliver superior traction, grip and support • Outsole wrap on the medial side of the sole for extra durability • Heel braking zone for added downhill grip • Decoupled heel to isolate the initial strike zone improving shock absorption My sincere thanks go to www.patrolstore.com for providing the test sample.

pmcimagazine.com

HELIKON-TEX UTP JEANS

As much as there is an ongoing “love affair” with tactical pants, let’s face it, how many of us head to the range in our favourite pair of blue jeans? If you’re anything like then I’m sure that’s a regular occurrence, but what if you could have your jeans with all the features you’d find in those “Gucci” models?

Whilst the “denim” fabric looks great, it also performs extremely well too as it has a four-way stretch capability which actually moves with you, and is not in any way restrictive. The fabric is solidly “heavyweight”, more like serious workwear than “casual” attire, and it seems perfect for the rigors of the range or extended use in an urban environment. Designed with Law Enforcement and tactical users in mind, the UTP Pants from Helikon are also suitable for all outdoor pursuits and even daily wear!

For more information on the entire UTP range from Helikon Tex please visit www.helikon-tex.com, or in the UK go to www.military1st.co.uk

GEAR ON TEST

Durable and functional Helikon Urban Tactical Pants Denim are a ‘mid profile’ trousers so that they look less like a uniform, which of course is perfect if you’re carrying or loading up with equipment but want to do so in a “low key” way.

The trousers feature a number of useful pockets placed at the front, the rear and on both thighs. The two front hands pockets have extra strong edges that are intended for clips of folding knives. There are also two internal symmetrical pockets, sewn in diagonally to the belt area and made of material lighter than the pants themselves; these two pockets are intended for carrying objects like telescopic batons or an extra pistol magazine, in a discrete, comfortable and secure way. Two large rear pockets with hook-and-loop fasteners also have two auxiliary small pockets placed inside. These small pockets are the equivalent of two interior pockets at the front of the pants.

It is worth adding their depth may be adapted by sewing them at a certain height or by unstitching pleats. These are perfect for carrying a small flashlight or a multitool.

The trousers also feature big, diagonal, symmetrical thigh pockets, divided in two. The smaller have a hookand-loop fastener and are perfect for carrying mobile phones, magazines for AR or pistol magazines. The larger pockets feature YKK zipper and a single pleat that increases their capacity.

These quality pants fit well in the waist thanks to a flat elastic tape sewn in the rear part of the belt area, and are zipped with a durable metal YKK zipper and fastened with big hook-and-loop fastener. All the UTP series trousers also feature profiled front and rear part of the leg around the knees. The front knee part is additionally strengthened with two layers of material. In turn these two layers create an internal pocket which is perfect for a lightweight knee pad if you so desire. All these characteristics ensure freedom of movement and limit raising trouser legs while crouching or kneeling.

Designed to fit female body shape, the Women’s Urban Tactical Pants from Helikon feature a classic jeans ‘neck’ shape to limit them riding up or down, and elasticated waist with YKK zip fly and velcro, and reinforced knees with internal kneepad compartments for optional padding.

The Women’s UTP Pants also features one leg length for individual adjustment, twelve various sizes tactical pockets and seven wide belt loops.

pmcimagazine.com

pmcimagazine.com

GUN LEATHER: DOC BURGER

GEAR ON TEST

With the growing trend of vacuum and heat formed Kydex holsters in the firearms market, a lot of shooters lose sight of the advantages of a traditional leather holster. The majority of our society has lost both the interest and pride in properly caring for leather goods in general. To replace this once beloved medium, shooters now favour hard, inflexible plastic (Kydex) with their favorite super heroes, arm chair warrior skulls and spartan shields printed on them!

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Some have compared the difference in the two holster mediums as that of having a video game room with action figures, Xboxes, beer, sound systems and comic books versus a mahogany library full of hard back, leather bound first editions and 21-year-old Scotch. The truth is, a quality, hand-built leather holster does offer a certain style, class and connection to the history of gun owners of the past but also more tangible advantages as well.

A properly oiled firearm will over time, impart some of its lubrication into the holster and help it self-lube the firearm in return. Just like a pair of your favorite leather shoes such as loafers, boots or heels, a leather holster will continue to mate to the firearm and become better fitting and easier to draw and reholster over time. With regular light cleaning and the help of a light coating of Neatsfoot oil, leather products such as holsters will last for years of service long after Kydex cracks and fails.

Mass produced, inferior built, holsters with low quality control are what I believe has turned off a lot of shooters from leather holsters. This has led to safety issues in recent history such as accidental discharges due to folded over leather engaging triggers. The key to getting the most out of the advantages offered by leather holsters is finding a quality-built holster from a skilled leather worker. By seeking out a quality holster maker, you often have the option to custom build your ideal rig.

Recently, I had the good fortune to meet a holster maker from the great state of Alaska by the name of Doc Burger. In discussing his work, I learned Doc only builds holsters during his down time from his day job. Starting off his interest in leather from building knives first as a kid and then again only a couple of years ago, Doc realized, knives need sheaths, so he began to build sheaths for his creations. Over time, he decided his leather skills were to the point he would try his hand at a custom holster for his beloved 1911. Having personally seen photos of Doc’s first holster built, I can see why it would have inspired him to further pursue this interest. Doc admits, the holster wasn’t perfect, but he learned a lot moving forward.

Since then, Doc has gone on to build more sheaths and holsters, expanding to revolvers, thigh rigs and soon, “inside the waist band” holsters as well. After seeing some of Doc’s work online and hearing the feedback from very

satisfied customers, I was eager to find out more firsthand.

Doc graciously offered to build a belt carry holster and matching spare magazine carrier for my daily carry Glock 19 9mm for review.

Within a couple of weeks, I had a package from the “Last Frontier” State at my doorstep. My first thought when opening the box was that it was a bit of a surprise as to how small the holster was. I’m not even sure exactly why I was surprised at all, the area of the pistol the holster is designed to cover is less than 4 inches long, so the holster more than covers all needed areas. I seated my pistol into the holster in one smooth motion and draw it out quickly and cleanly. I continued to do this several times as I took time to admire the deep rich brown stain of the Fiebings leather dye on the 5 oz grade leather used in conjunction with the 1mm Ritza 25 tiger thread holding it all together.

The detail around the border was exceptional. The spare mag holder was beautifully matched to the holster and securely held the 15 round Glock magazine in place.

Once I mounted the new rig on my favorite gun belt from Ben King, Doc’s holster held the Glock firmly place with no rattle or slop but blazed out of the holster on the draw. Right out of the box, the gun felt like it had been mated with the holster for a decade. While dry firing and practicing magazine changes, the spare mag holder made for a quick retrieval. I have worn the rig every day since its arrival and have been nothing but pleased. The pistol is perfectly angled for my draw without so much as a wiggle.

The low-cut front and rear of the holsters mouth lends itself for snag-free presentation to the target similar to an old west fast draw rig. The trigger is completely covered and secure while it still allows the master grip to purchase directly under the trigger guard ready for action. The wide outside lip comes up to cover more of the pistol’s slide to frame gap from debris and dirt while being flat enough not to present any concern with material being folded over and engaging the trigger over time.

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GEAR ON TEST

The design is well thought out and solid as a daily carry holster.

Doc hand sews each holster he makes to ensure the high standards he has set for his products are always met.

As a former Law Enforcement Officer and current NRA Firearms Instructor, this sort of top quality has long been a top priority in choosing a holster. Unlike some larger manufacturers, one of the things I admire about speaking with Doc is his willingness to learn and listen to the end user to adapt his holsters to their specific needs rather than stick with a standard pattern without wavering.

This mentality will only help Doc’s continued growth and success as time grows.

In the holster industry there are several levels of company size such as your large holster makers like Galco, who have set the standard for decades, small size companies, “micro” and even “nano” companies in which normally don’t get a lot of exposure due to the small volume of project on the market. The size of the company doesn’t mean in any way, the smaller companies won’t have high quality products. In fact, in cases such as Doc Burger, these holster makers build each one by hand not because they “have to” but because they love doing it.

Each holster and magazine carrier are stitched with the passion of someone who chooses to spend the time to make a product anyone would feel comfortable betting their life on. As for me, this “on the belt” rig has only further encouraged me to review more of Doc’s products in the future and continue documenting the day to day wear of the rig I have on hand currently. Doc is definitely earned a spot on my “A-team” list of holster makers. If you have a problem looking for a top quality custom rig, if no one else can help and you can find him, maybe you can hire Doc Burger to create your next holster!

pmcimagazine.com

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PIG FDT DELTA UTILITY GLOVES

GEAR ON TEST

Over the last few years, as I have increased my participation in the world of firearms one of the biggest difficulties I have found as a female, is finding the right kit that fits my small stature, however, on my first visit to the United States last year I got the opportunity to test a pair of gloves that fit so well that I’ve not looked back!

The PIG full dexterity tactical (FDT) Delta Utility glove is the one! This glove in particular is a slip-on utility glove that is a hybrid of the most popular features from the past PIG models in a budget option that still gives the user a high-dexterity fit.

The gloves, although a small and seemingly ordinary pair of gloves, boast a bunch of features that set them apart including a touchscreen compatible forefinger and thumb, single-layer palm for tactile sensitivity, bar-tacked Paracord pull loops meaning they’re easy to put on even with cold hands and they even have a silicon printed grip on the palm for extra grip making them practical and usable for a whole host of firearms manipulations, law enforcement use and outdoor activities.

Although it may be obvious, what I love the most about these gloves is how they fit; the fit is exceptional and I haven’t found anything that even remotely matches how closely the FDT fit the contours of my tiny hands! The fold-over finger construction and elastic wrist for quick put on and take off sequence not only make them more comfortable for the user but, in my opinion it also gives the gloves a sleeker, more sophisticated aesthetic. As they aren’t padded or extra thick around the knuckle joints, this does not hinder dexterity when working. They’re also quick drying after they’ve been exposed to water meaning greater comfort for the user (as I found out after working out in the snow for a considerable amount of time).

The PIG FDT Delta Utility Gloves are available in a good selection of colours: black, coyote, Ranger green & carbon grey (I have them in both the black and coyote), and they are available in sizes ranging from a small to an XXL, so the size range is super inclusive of both male and female users. Although the exchange rate in the USA makes them cheaper to buy out there, the shipping can be a killer for those of us across the pond!

They are available in the United States from SKD Tactical (www.skdtac.com) for US$29.95, and from Tactical Kit (www.tactical-kit.co.uk) in the United Kingdom for UK£30.95 – a great, well-fitting budget option for a utility glove!

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PMCI

BOOK REVIEW

SMALL ARMS 1945 - PRESENT

BOOK REVIEW

The Essential Weapons Identification Guide: Small Arms, 1945 – Present offers a superbly illustrated guide to all the main types of small arms to be employed from the end of World War II to the present day. Divided by theatre and campaign, the book includes sections on the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Vietnam War, the Soviet War in Afghanistan, the Arab-Israeli conflict, wars in Central America, the Falklands War, the Gulf war, the Yugoslav Wars, Chechnya and the Caucasus, modern peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations and the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This well thought out and meticulously researched volume includes hand held weapons of every type, and how they were and are used by the troops on the ground. Models include revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, handguns, bolt action rifles, automatic rifles, assault rifles, sniper weapon systems, submachine guns, personal defence weapons, light and heavy machine guns, shotguns and infantry support weapons such as grenade launchers and RPGs. Well known, highly influential weapons are featured in some depth, such as the AK series of assault rifles, the Uzi submachine gun, the FN MAG/”Gimpy”, the SLR, and the M79 grenade launcher. Lesser known models are also featured, amongst them the H&K MP7 personal defence weapon, the Khaybar bullpup rifle and the Indonesian made Pindad assault rifle. The book is as up to date as it possibly can be, with exhaustive listings, but as we all know new weapons and weapon systems appear on an almost daily basis!

Packed with over 250 full colour artworks and photographs and full specifications, The Essential Weapons Identification Guide: Small Arms, 1945 – Present is a key reference guide for users, weapons enthusiasts and collectors interested in modern weapons technology.

Martin J Dougherty is a freelance writer specialising in military and defence topics. His published work to date deals with subjects ranging from naval weapons to personal security and self-defence.

Author: Martin J Dougherty Publisher: Amber Books ISBN: 978-1-908273-17-8 Price: UK£19.99

TRAINING - WGT TACTICAL

pmcimagazine.com

TRAINING WITH WGT TACTICAL In PMCI we do tend to go “heavy” on our training articles and for good reason; if you’re already a tactical shooter with a solid skillset, even that needs sharpening and honing at regular intervals. But what if you’re an individual that needs to build a toolbox from the ground up with only a recreational background? Our newest contributor and “padawan” Kelly takes up the story…

I

n PMCI we do tend to go “heavy” on our training articles and for good reason; if you’re already a tactical shooter with a solid skillset, even that needs sharpening and honing at regular intervals. But what if you’re an individual that needs to build a toolbox from the ground up with only a recreational background? Our newest contributor and “padawan” Kelly takes up the story…

Rob Murray is an airsofter turned firearms instructor that works for a Canadian firearms consulting company called WGT Consulting who provide firearms training and consultancy services for civilians as well as Law Enforcement/Military. But, how did a humble airsofter go from slinging plastic BBs at the weekend to becoming a firearms instructor? We sat down with Rob at SHOT Show 2018 to ask him about his incredible journey into the world of firearms.

Rob’s story is an interesting one, as although he comes from a family with a /Law Enforcement and EMS background, he started this journey completely from an airsoft background. as a young man, he had chosen to

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go down the (what some may argue) ‘traditional’ route of attending college and university before eventually joining corporate life. After university, he decided to pick up some hobbies to keep in shape and escape the grind of 9-5 which is what lead him to joining the sport of airsoft. As the firearms laws in Canada are stricter than those of their close neighbours the USA, Rob, like many Canadian citizens hadn’t really grown up around firearms and had maybe been exposed to them once or twice during his lifetime through his Uncle, who was a member of Law Enforcement. Although he really enjoyed his brief experience with firearms, he didn’t pursue it until airsoft reignited his passion many years later. Airsoft became an integral part of Rob’s life very quickly and to maintain an active playing style in airsoft he had to become quite a physical person, it was a complete 180 flip on what he was doing in his day to day life.

‘I turned this nerdy, quiet dude into this guy that would shoot plastic BBs at friends on the weekends and run around like a crazy person, jumping over houses or whatever’ - Rob

were taken to the range for live fire practice Rob was shooting alongside them being watched and coached by a member of WGT in between the rotations. A few days later Rob got a phone call from WGT to let him know how impressed they were with his shooting abilities and movements. Everything he had been practicing during his 8 years playing airsoft had accumulated to the range day ‘This is what always punches people in the face: I didn’t shoot a lot when I was younger’ - Rob He had maybe 200-300 rounds worth of shooting experience in his lifetime, comparable to a day’s shooting on the range and he was outperforming , the “average shooter”. Because of this in November 2016 he became a sponsored competition shooter for WGT Consulting. He spent the winter working closely with the team and shortly after was offered a position with the company and what is most important about this I feel is that they didn’t care about his background, but only that he had the drive, skill and the right attitude.

That’s what leads us to the ethos of WGT, and where Rob is at now.

The man behind WGT is a veteran by the name of William Benn, also known as Bill. Bill has recently retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and for a large portion of his Military career where he was deployed overseas he was involved in a source handling unit. There are three others in the organisation, two of which are still currently serving and the other is a vet who works in private contracting. All in all, a well-rounded team of professionals, with years of experience.

The ethos, Bill’s vision for WGT Consulting, was originally to supply his guys (the people who served alongside him overseas) a job, and a place to be after their service is complete. One theme that is integral to this story is that Bill cares about his guys. It’s something you hear a lot about the guys in the front line, they care about getting home to their families and they care about the guys that are fighting alongside them and protecting them from all angles because that’s all that matters out there and Bill is trying to do the same here. Something that Rob is very grateful to be a part of.

‘It’s something I don’t take lightly. I don’t have a cool guy resume, it’s hard for anybody to take people like me seriously. These are guys that have put their trust in me and I will never forget that. This is the opportunity of my lifetime’ - Rob

TRAINING - WGT TACTICAL

Although he didn’t know much about the tactical world, his interest was sparked as a kid by tactical video games such as Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, he was fascinated with them. As he approached airsoft he started by attending game days wearing very basic kit. He didn’t take it too seriously in the beginning, but then as he developed more of a love for the sport and he started looking more and more at how the tactical world was developing, especially from influences such as Costa and Haley, he started driving everything he was doing in airsoft towards building skills that could be transferable to real firearms. The adventure so far has been crazy for Rob, from travelling to the States to shooting BBs at a Nuclear power plant to slinging plastic out of a helicopter, he has experienced a lot and it has been a fun ride so far but he has always strived to continue the practical application of airsoft.

This leads us to how Rob first got involved with the firearms/training community in Canada. About 18 months ago, he started helping out with tactical training courses, either as an observer, OPFOR or another role.

A particular course is what set Rob on the path he’s on now; a tactical vehicle operators course, where he was helping with the live scenarios around the vehicles while the course was being taught by instructors with a Military background and facilitated by WGT Consulting. He took a gas blow back airsoft AK along with him to the course to show the instructors that there are platforms out there that mimic the action and of real firearms pretty closely, is great for force on force training and also dry fire exercises which was well received. The next day, whilst the students

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TRAINING - WGT TACTICAL

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For the company itself, it’s purposely vague as Bill didn’t want to make it overtly tactical/military/law enforcement based but they offer a range of services to all branches and firearms training for civilians. WGT’s bread and butter at the moment, is training civilians and taking the many years of experience of the instructors to educate and create safe, good shooters who achieve their personal goals. WGT like to take people out of their own head and use data driven metrics, they time and record students to monitor progress and apply coaches eye to help students improve their game and understand the science behind shooting. Consulting always plays a huge part in what WGT do, from product procurement for various branches of the military and law enforcement.

The have a host of new ventures in the pipeline, from their new base which will not only include a classroom for theoretical training, a range for live fire and even a retail area for various bits and bobs. A lot of the pipeline work, couldn’t be revealed but I have a feeling that it won’t be long before we see it come to fruition!

Where is this taking Rob in the future? Although Rob still works in the corporate world, he is contemplating changing careers from digital security to firearms.

For more information on WGT Consulting and the training packages they offer please go to http://www.wgtconsulting.com

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TAC GEAR - SIGHTMARK OPTICS

pmcimagazine.com

SIGHTING IN In the UK we sometimes seem to be all the way “at the back of the bus” when it comes to firearms and airsoft accessories and although our distributors and retailers do their very best to keep us up to date with the very latest developments it can take a while for things to reach us. Bill takes a look at Sightmark, an optics brand that has finally reached our shores!

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t was back at SHOT 2009 if memory serves that I first encountered the Sightmark brand of optics, and from that day forward I’ve been hoping that someone would give us proper access to a superb range of extremely well-priced optics here in the UK! I was so impressed with what I saw those years ago that I invested in an original Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight straight away; the Sightmark series of reflex sights even back then were designed to create a lightweight, yet extremely accurate sight. Not only that but they were very well priced too, under US$100 in the USA. The Ultra Shot was Sightmark’s biggest and baddest sight in the reflex line, and was incredibly lightweight for its size.

The Ultra Shot came with a built-in, integrated rail mount, which fitted all standard bases, and was able to withstand even heavy recoil from larger calibres; no problems with airsoft then… this, with the ability to choose between four different reticle patterns, made the original Ultra Shot an unusually versatile sight. With a wider field of view than most other reflex sights on the market, and a Limited Lifetime Warranty, the Sightmark Ultra Shot was literally in a class by itself!

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But time moves on inevitably, and although there were some half-hearted efforts to bring the brand to the UK it was never made particularly available… until now! Luckily for us Scott Country International have now taken over distributorship of Sightmark in the UK

SAY IT LIKE IT IS

“Long hours, harsh weather, dangerous pursuits: it’s all in a day’s work. You’re devoted to protecting others, so your equipment needs to work as hard as you do. Whether you’re in the line of duty, defending your home or serving as a protector of peace, you can rest assured that accuracy and quality comes standard in every Sightmark product, giving you the ability to Make Your Mark®.”

This is what you’ll find quoted on their website and at Sightmark the goal is to deliver confidence by creating optics and accessories that every shooter can rely on. They understand what it takes to prepare and they know that the hours spent hunched over a shooting bench at the range are meaningless unless products do their job. From riflescopes and binoculars to night vision technology and red dots,

EYES ON!

Time and technology continue to move on unabated, and luckily enough for us in the airsoft world, faster communication means even faster dissemination of information. Now as regular readers will know I’ve been following the roll-out of some excellent Cannae Pro tactical gear courtesy of Scott Country International, and when Paul there spoke to me about their new brand, Sightmark, he was of course preaching to the converted.

What he sent me to try was a “combo platter” of the very latest

Wolverine FSR 1x28 red-dot sight along with a rather nifty, flip to the side 3x magnifier, which makes an incredibly versatile package! Designed for short-range engagements, the Sightmark Wolverine FSR is specifically built for the AR platform. A digital switch controls brightness of the 2 MOA red dot reticle with a 28mm objective lens that is specifically engineered for rapid target acquisition.

The durable FSR model weighs only 349g and is built for a lifetime of use. Fog proof and nitrogen purged, the Wolverine family of sights is designed to provide you with the ability to take

TAC GEAR - SIGHTMARK OPTICS

Sightmark is committed in their pursuit of building durable, accurate optics you can trust.

Founded to meet the changing needs of its customers, Sightmark was introduced at SHOT Show 2007 in response to the growing popularity of the “modern” shooting market. The goal was to provide state-of-the-art optics and accessories to make the modern sporting rifle, shotgun and pistol as accurate as possible. In addition, each product was designed for the core market, enabling shooters to purchase more high quality items to accessorise their firearm for total performance, whatever their discipline!

In 2011, a new 33,000 square-foot headquarters was completed in Mansfield, Texas, combining the company’s corporate offices and a large warehouse to handle the increase in sensitive material and technology being produced. The new facility provided more space for research and development, production, and distribution of defence-related products.

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TAC GEAR - SIGHTMARK OPTICS

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aim in a variety of conditions and temperatures ranging from -22 to 122 F. The Wolverine FSR also has an IP67 waterproof rating and is submersible to three feet.

The 3x Tactical Magnifier Pro offers versatility by increasing the magnification of both red dot and reflex sights to give greater range. In one swift motion, the new flip mount design makes it fast and easy for shooters to increase their magnification for accompanying sights creating a greater engagement range in any situation. This durable magnifier has been redesigned to provide increased eye relief, along with an upgraded rubber armour housing to give increased durability, providing 3.5 inches of eye relief. The Sightmark 3x Tactical Magnifier Pro is also EOTech and Aimpoint compatible.

Overall the standard of finish and fit is superb, and the glass itself is absolutely crystal clear on both optics. The feel of both models is one of durability, and once rail-mounted they are locked 100% in place. Now personally I like to run a magnifier as close to the sighting optic as possible to avoid light ingress and potential “flare”, and the Sightmark version allows you to run it really close, a big plus. I also like to have my magnifier flip to the left so that it’s protected against my body, and once again this is easily achievable; the flip also means that you can still run and access “irons” should you need to.

CLEAR AS!

When I need to test optics at a greater distance than my own 30m range allows then I’m lucky to have a longer range just down the road, and I’ll head on there to use their facilities. My friend Jon has also been testing some of the optics offered by

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Scott Country International so I asked him if he would like to contribute to this article, and this is what he had to tell me; “Chatting away with our friends at Scott Country International I was asked if I’d ever heard of Sightmark.

“Who?” Was my reply.

Paul there went on to explain that they were an optics company based in Mansfield, Texas and how they produced high quality optics at very reasonable prices. We were chatting about a recent event and how well the Thermal Imaging Units they provided had been received by the attendees; Paul said that I should try out the Sightmark Ultra and the Pulsar Challenger Optic combo. With that, the deal was done.

Two days later a very well presented package arrived. The Sightmark Ultra Shot comes in a very generic looking box with branding. So far, so samey. The charm is found when you get through the security seals and remove the lid. Inside you’ll find a neoprene pouch stitched to the shape of the optic and zips firmly along the bottom. You’ll also find the quick release mechanism, adjustment tools, cleaning cloth and instruction manual. The Pulsar Challenger isn’t quite as exciting, a branded box, the unit and instruction manual.

On first inspection the Ultra Shot is a weighty but not heavy, solid well-constructed bit of kit. I have the all black version but there is a Tactical Tan version. The two simple operational buttons are on the left side of the optic and comprise of “Power and Brightness”. Nice and simple. The rear of the unit has the reticle selector which has a stiff leaver and sturdy “click” feel when swapping. When activated the brightness levels cover for all light conditions and are red/green switchable. The reticle is clear and bright with excellent target marking.

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In the UK head over to http://scottcountry.co.uk/ sightmark to view the range of products or just visit http:// www.sightmark.com

TAC GEAR - SIGHTMARK OPTICS

In NV mode the reticle is clear and crisp with minimal glare when on low and viewed through the Pulsar Challenger NV Optic. I thought this was pretty cool; the fact that you can mount it to a J-Arm and make it helmet compatible is just an added bonus!

The real selling point for me though was that whilst chatting with Scott Country, they told me about the “no quibble warranty”. Essentially, if the lens gets damaged, they’ll replace or repair. What more could you ask for?

The Pulsar Challenger NV is a Gen 1 optic so not the best available on the market but it performed really well when combined with the Sightmark Ultra Shot (mounted to my rifle) and the pricing of the unit is excellent for those wishing to take the plunge but not having to remortgage the wife! Once I had figured out the focus, I was able to hit targets using the inbuilt IR Light and using an external IR Torch, A perfect set up for beginners to NV. I would strongly recommend the Sightmark Ultra Shot. It’s a solid built bit of kit with a lifetime warranty.”

So there it is in a nutshell! Scott Country International have shown a great willingness to be involved in bringing in exciting new products, and thanks to them we in the UK can now access the entire range from Sightmark. In addition to some keen prices there’s a whole new brand to explore. Sightmark have proved globally that they are here to stay and with an upgraded Lifetime Warranty (designed to “keep you in the field with products that are built to perform; in the event of a defect in materials or workmanship, Sightmark will repair or replace your product immediately.”) choosing one of their optics is a total no brainer!

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EYE PROTECTION | WILEY X

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WILEY X: IN FOCUS Tactical Optician, Andy B, takes a look at some of the latest airsoft-friendly products from military-grade eye protection specialists, Wiley X.

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s “privateers�, we often imitate the current trends in the military world, be it the latest tactical nylon or hardware and, to a lesser extent, eye protection. The latter is rarely held up as an item of tactical fashion, unlike the first two examples but we have a wealth of cutting edge products that were conspicuous by their absence only a decade or so ago.

As a callow youth, I cut my teeth in the training world of the early nineties. Anyone else who recalls this time will recall very little choice in goggle protection. The products available were prevalently from the motocross world and had no formal impact protection rating. We paid our money and took our choice. The other arena in which I spent a deal of time in the same era was the military. Of course, there was no eye protection in this field over and above the goggles issued to armoured vehicle crewmen. Modern military requirements since the turn of the century have been the genesis of eye protection as we know it, driving ever improving products that are designed in the crucible of warfare. The beauty of these products is that they are tailor-made to fit the requirements of users by dint of their origins in the tactical world. Impact protection? Check. Anti-fog?

Yup. Durability? Definitely. Adaptability? Check.

Modern combat has shown us that around 10% of battlefield injuries are penetrating eye injuries, prevalently from fragmentation. Although this sort of trauma is rarely fatal in itself, the immediate effect is to render an individual combatineffective and the ramifications are usually irreversible sight loss.

sweats, the dew point, humidity, temperature, wind speed, the wearing of hats/helmets, the cleanliness of the lens, and so on.

If using an anti-fog preparation, understand its use and apply according to the instructions.

So, having navigated the wealth of information necessary to look at eye protection with a critical eye, where should the prospective buyer start looking? Well, in my humble opinion, start with a military eye wear provider, who has a wide range of products that are certified to a minimum of ANSI Z87.1 or Z87.1+.

Wiley X fits the bill admirably.

Wiley X started in Livermore, California, thirty years ago, manufacturing eye protection and gloves for tactical applications.

Since then they have produced and evolved products that encompass military and law enforcement, as well as motorbiking, cycling and leisure activities. Their products remain standard issue for many organisations and their protective pedigree is impeccable. Lenses are all high impact polycarbonate which they call Selenite™. These are coated with a scratch resistant layer, which is normally necessary as polycarbonate being ductile, is more prone to scratch than normal spectacle lenses. Be warned before wiping your eye protection lenses on your shirt or trousers!

The lenses also block 100% of UVA and UVB light, irrespective of tint level. For the purposes of this article, the good folk at Military 1st have kindly supplied Wiley X products for a closer look.

WILEY X NERVE GOGGLE

I chose the Nerve goggle, as it is an excellent illustration of the evolution from vehicle crew protection to lightweight tactical protection. First impressions are of a minimalist approach; this goggle is compact, under 70mm in height at the tallest point.

There is no danger of it getting in the way of helmets as it is shallow framed, but cleverly a heavily curved lens affords a good field of view. The strap mounts have vertical and horizontal articulation, there is a good degree of adjustment in the retention strap (so wearing over a helmet or face mask is easily accommodated), and there is an integral dust gaiter on the strap. The lens shows a Z87.1+ engraving, specifying high impact testing, and the frame has EN166 marking too; all bases covered here. This particular pair comes with interchangeable clear and dark lenses, a nylon carry case and a microfibre cloth. As expected, these lenses pass my

EYE PROTECTION | WILEY X

In the training world, we thankfully don’t usually face the same fragmentation threat, but the damage inflicted by a detritus striking the eye can be just as serious. The primary mechanism of damage though is blunt trauma. The eye is quite resistant to rupture but hit it hard enough, or in the wrong place and significant damage can be done to the delicate internal structures.

The results could blind, or cause a long term condition requiring lifetime drug management. I don’t think that anybody would consider these risks as acceptable.

So we have a ready-made product base which has been produced for professional military and law enforcement use, designed to function under conditions similar to that which we are exposed to. But let’s look a little closer at the standards used to certify the protection.

Most military eyewear originates in the USA, so the most prevalent standards are the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z87.1 and Z87.1+ which will be marked on the product.

Without descending into too much detail, the Z87.1 standard encompasses impact testing of frame and lenses (a higher impact test is used for Z87.1+), as well as non-ionising radiation exposure and corrosive substance testing. Suffice to say that choosing eye protection that has been tested to a known standard is sensible but it is wise to know which standard is appropriate for your needs. If in doubt, ask your local eye care professional; optometrists are professionally obligated to ensure that your protection is appropriate for its intended purpose, if they supply it. In the European Union the comparable standard to look for is EN166, which shows that impact testing has been carried out to similar standards to Z87.1 testing.

Eye protection generally can be broken down into two formats; eye shields and goggles. Goggles of course are a sealed or partially sealed unit, offering all round protection. The inherent disadvantage to this arrangement is fogging. The eye shield takes the form of a visor or spectacles, without the lens edge contacting the face. Advantages are lighter unobtrusive apparatus, allowing air flow and better anti fog but gaps in the extreme periphery are potentially a greater risk. At this point, it’s worth touching on anti-fog; in my opinion there is no such product as a fog-proof lens. Every lens fogs in the wrong conditions. There are many variables including (but not restricted to) how much the wearer

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EYE PROTECTION | WILEY X

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“fog resistance” test easily; a deep breath and exhale into the goggle yields no noticeable fogging. Top marks. There are ducts on the frame brow to promote airflow, and a foam covering to retard dust ingress. I would advise resisting the temptation to pull off the foam for better airflow. Dusty lenses will fog up much quicker than clean ones, so this modification is usually counterproductive.

WILEY X SPEAR GOGGLE.

The Spear is a solid goggle designed for performance at the expense of a little bulkier fit than the Nerve, but don’t let that put you off; it still gives a surprisingly unobtrusive fit. This is to a great extent due to the customisable Facial Cavity™ seal that is proprietary to Wiley X eye protection. This takes the form of an extra foam & rubber gasket which attaches securely to the goggle frame. This gives a greater stand off from the face as well as a hydrophilic foam which wicks sweat away from the wearer’s face. Additionally, the seal is very effective at keeping dust and fine contaminants from the inner lens surface and the wearer’s eyes. As with the Nerve goggle, the strap articulates easily, the adjustment range is wide enough to accommodate headgear, and the interchangeable lenses are easy to switch out. This particular Spear goggle comes with dark, clear and yellow lenses (all Z87.1+ marked), and an excellent ripstop waterproof belt pouch that contains the extra lenses and a microfibre cloth. Despite a bulkier fit than the Nerve, both these goggles fit comfortably under Night Vision equipment, and the lenses resist any attempt to fog them by breathing on them.

Impressive.

WILEY X SG-1

The SG-1 is a hybrid product; half eye shield, half goggle. It is easily switched between the two modes by removing the arms of the frame and substituting them for a goggle strap.

This is a clever bit of lateral thinking, which gives the user two wear modes. The individual lenses are also easily swapped; this particular model came with clear and dark ones. Each lens unit has closed cell foam backing for comfort where it will rest

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against the wearer’s face, but this won’t wick moisture away; saying that, I couldn’t fog the lenses with my breath at all.

The frame is Z87 marked, with a smaller Wiley X engraving on each lens; important to ensure that the lenses are original and certified. The frame has an extreme wrap around with helps it provide good all round protection despite not being a true goggle. Of course, there is often an element of compromise in the execution of a hybrid system, and I found that the fit across the wearer’s nose to be that for me. In the interests of a lightweight execution, there is no padding around the nose as the SG-1 is designed to be close fitting. For my somewhat “Romanesque” nose, I found it a touch uncomfortable. For users with a more normal nasal profile, I suspect these will fit very nicely without gaps.

WILEY X XL-1 ADVANCED.

WILEY X VALOR.

The Valor is an example of what is, for me one of the signature products of the Wiley X range. This is outwardly a simple spectacle frame, sunglass-like in appearance. The lenses are engraved, the frame has EN166 and Z87 markings, but most strikingly these frames are light. Very light indeed. So light that I had to weigh them. According to my trusty kitchen scales, the Valor has an all-up weight of thirty one grammes. Thirty one! Fit-wise, these things are “wear & forget”, thanks to the weight and a grippy rubber shoe on the arms, plus, as they are wrapped there are few gaps peripherally. There’s also a push on lanyard for extra security and of course, the lenses are changeable in under a minute. The only small surprise was that the lenses misted under my breathe-on test unlike the previous examples which all resisted my fogging.

I wouldn’t take this as a deal-breaker at all, as an application of a good anti-fog product would be all that is needed here. In the nylon case you’ll find the second set of lenses, lanyard, microfibre cloth and instructions.

WILEY X GUARD ADVANCED.

The Guard Advanced is very similar in appearance to the VX Valor,

with the exception of having larger lenses which fit deeper. In common with the Valor is the simple lens swap mechanism, and lack of bulk. Conformal face fit again gives a close but not claustrophobic fit. In my opinion there is always a trade-off between close protective fitting and airflow; I think Wiley X has it about right here. Once more there are engraved lenses and Z87 marked frame, and a removable lanyard, but the frame fit is secure even without this. The depth of the lenses naturally give a slightly greater degree of protection for my face, but for a smaller face this may not be necessarily the case. Without a little stand off from the cheeks, lenses are more prone to fog, so consider this when choosing. Despite the slightly larger lens, these also weigh in at an incredible thirty one grammes, I was surprised to find. As with the Valor, the lenses fogged under breath testing, so plan on using an anti-fog preparation as a matter of routine. In all honesty I always carry one in my trouser pocket for any airsoft outing in any case, so there’s no hardship in this.

In summary, eye protection has evolved in response to the needs of the primary consumer; the military end user. But we in the wider spectrum “tactical” world are well placed to benefit from the fruits of such development. Wiley X eye protection is a prime example of the modern standard of protection now easily available to us. Protection is now lightweight, adaptive and more unobtrusive than ever before. Lens systems are interchangeable, frames are now following suit and can be modified depending on need at the point of use. Truly innovative, cutting edge products that are manufactured to the highest standards have been brought to the market by Wiley X. Your eyes are irreplaceable.

They deserve the best protection that you can give them.

All these products are available on the Military 1st website: www.military1st.co.uk Many thanks to Military1st for supplying the Wiley X products used in this review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Andy Bourne BSc, MCOptom, Prof Cert Glauc is also known as the Tactical Optician. A former reserve forces officer, he works full time at a large regional eye hospital. This gives him a unique perspective on the importance of eye protection.

EYE PROTECTION | WILEY X

The XL-1 Advanced is an outwardly similar frame to the SG-1, but the difference is that this is purely as an eyeshield frame; there’s no customisable goggle fit. The frame boasts EN166 and Z.87+ markings, and the lenses have Wiley X + engravings. The arms have mounting points for a retention lanyard which is supplied, as well as a microfibre cloth and a hard nylon case. The frame inner has a closed cell gasket to promote a close fit and comfortable interface. Despite a similar fixed bridge to the frame across the nasal area, the fit is significantly comfier for the wearer with a larger nose, and I had no issues with comfort while wearing the XL-1. Once more, an aggressively wrapped fit gives a particularly close fit for an eye shield; it is almost goggle-like in its conformity.

It also has facility to swap lenses like the other eye protection here, with a trademark tool-less swap easily achieved in the field.

Once again, attempting to fog the lenses by exhaling on them is futile; Wiley X fog resistant coatings are very impressive.

FIREARMS: SIG LEGION 229

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SIG LEGION 229 REVIEW Often referred to as the “choice of professionals”, SIG Sauer has a highly regarded reputation for manufacturing accurate and reliable firearms throughout its history. Militaries, Law Enforcement and civilians around the world depend their lives on SIG products every day and regularly provide feedback to the company.

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hrough reviewing this feedback, SIG is well known to integrate these suggestions into building better tools for the task at hand such as tougher all-weather finishes, larger or smaller controls or even frame modifications to a current series. This constant evolution was part of the driving force behind SIG’s new line of products called the Legion series. Currently consisting of redesigns of the classic double action semi-auto 226 and 229 models as well as a Single Action Only (SAO) version of the 226 as well.

At the end of 2017, Trampas reported in PMCI on the Legion series by SIG Sauer featuring the model 226 and a brief look at the more compact 229. This time, he’s back to follow up with a focus on the model 229. Traditionally, the 229 has been the slightly more concealable option for those issued the model 226. Sporting a barrel approximately 1” shorter with a slightly shorter frame while still allowing for the use of the high capacity 15-round magazines of the larger pistol. Everyone from undercover Law Enforcement, specialized military units and law abiding concealed carry citizens have preferred the ergonomics and clean lines of the model 229 over the past 24 years.

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When first opening the grey plastic SIG branded box, the Legion 229 is buried under a mountain of lawyer proof paperwork, warnings, user guides and Legion advertising. Once removing the pistol from the box, it’s very clear this is far from a polymer striker fired gun most are used to. Using a tradition double action, hammer fired action the model 229 gives the shooter the confidence in having a high-quality tool at their disposal.

Holding the SIG Legion 229, the grip felt higher in line with the barrel via a deeper undercut in the trigger guard than previous model 229 pistols I have handled. The web of my hand seated tightly up to a reduced and beautifully contoured beaver tail that fit into my hand like a glove. The more aggressive checkering with the Legion pistol offered a much more secure hold than previous models. The new Legion grips were a nice departure from standard plastic or wood panels. Constructed from G10 material, these two-piece grips offered a firm purchase on the pistol regardless if the gun was wet or if the shooter was wearing gloves. To top off the grips with a clean and professional look, a Legion medallion was embedded on each side. From this grip, I could easily reach the reduced slide release and de-cock lever to reduce snagging when carried concealed. The entire frame and slide were finished in SIG’s new proprietary Legion gray PVD coating to provide the metal protection from the harsh environments elite operators tend to regularly tread.

CARRY OPTIONS

As with most pistols I receive for review, I decided to carry the Legion 229 for a month as my daily concealed carry firearm. To do

that, I needed to consider a couple of carry options for personal use. When I teach on the range and the days I wear my shirts not tucked in and over my belt, I like to carry on the belt. Other days, I resort back to a inside the waistband carry with my shirt tucked over it. Lucky for me, I already had to fantastic rigs ready to go from two masters of their craft. The on the belt carry was well taken care of by David Burns of Greystone Leather (www. greystoneleather.com). When David learned about our upcoming projects with SIG Sauer’s Legion series, he built a beautiful belt, magazine carrier and holster combo to contribute. Finished in black American Alligator, this rig looked like it belonged in a museum while being tough enough to work a cattle ranch. Being cut for the SIG 226, the 229 fit like a glove with only the extra 1” of barrel coverage to spare. The holster combo was too beautiful to have covered up in public but conceals well under a long shirt tail.

For my fast, on the go inside the waist band holster, I reached out to my friend and trusted Kydex holster maker, John Phillips of Survivor Creek Tactical (www.survivorcreek.com). Touted as Jacksonville, Florida’s “King of Kydex”, John has been providing customers and our media group top notch custom holsters for any pistols, knife or accessory imaginable. This rig rides very low in the waist and can even been worn in a pinch without a belt thanks to the tight belt clip provided with the holster.

FIREARMS: SIG LEGION 229

FIRST LOOK

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FIREARMS: SIG LEGION 229

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Even with a shorter tailed T-shirt or tucked in polo, the holster made the SIG 229 disappear to the untrained eyes of the general public.

229 Factory Specs • Caliber: 9mm, .357 Sig, or .40 S&W • Action Type: DA/SA • Trigger Pull: 10 lbs. DA/ 4.4 lbs. SA • Overall Length: 7.1” • Overall Height: 5.4” • Overall Width: 1.5” • Barrel Length: 3.9” • Weight w/Mag: 29.6 oz.

• Mag Capacity: 15 Rounds (9mm), 12 Rounds (.357 SIG), 12 Rounds (.40 S&W) • Sights: X-Ray Day/Night Sights

RANGE TIME

Over the past three months, the SIG Legion 229 saw a lot of time on the range at the secret squirrel training facility located in North Florida referred to as “The Swamp”. Fellow outdoor writer, Craig Reinolds was on hand to assist in several testing sessions in which we ran standard accuracy tests, malfunction drills, combat scenarios to put the Legion the paces. Using the supplied Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) target ammo and Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) ammo both supplied by SIG Ammunition as well as FMJ ammo sent to us by the great folks at Fancy Brass Co., the Legion 229 stayed hot and dirty for several long days on the range throughout the Florida summer.

Coming from a long personal history of using lower profile sights such as the HK VP9 factory set or the Trijicon HD sights I run on all my Glocks, the X-ray night sights were learning curve of about two boxes of ammo. Once I adapted to the shot placement, I found the SIG night sights to be very fast to acquire in a wide range of lighting conditions.

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These sights were very durable to withstand getting raked off my belt and boot soles during one hand magazine changes and injured shooter drills. Over the test period, I became quite fond of the sights overall.

As a standard for the Legion series, the 229 comes equipped with SIG Sauer’s SRT system, otherwise known as a short reset trigger. By decreasing the length and arch of travel, the felt trigger pull is greatly decreased while still maintaining a pull of around 10lbs in double action and 4lbs with the following single action shots. This above any other redesign can increase a shooter’s performance the most.

For testing, I decided to stick with standard personal defense distances of 3, 7, 10 and 15 yards working on the draw from concealment. Using both paper targets up close and moving

FINAL THOUGHTS

Over the three-month loan period, over 1200 flawless rounds were sent through the SIG Legion 229 by current and former military and law enforcement operators visiting “The Swamp” training grounds. After the first 400 rounds, I felt the pistol finally came around to being broke in and running to its full potential. At no time, did I see any malfunctions other than one failure to feed due to the shooter not fully inserting the magazine during a speed reload. Overall, the Legion 229 held up to the high standards SIG has been known for setting in the professional industry.

Retailing for US$1349.00, the Legion 229 is priced the same is its Legion counterparts the 226 and 226 SAO while offering a wider range of concealability. While the actual over-the-counter price may be around US$100 less, the cost includes more than just the pistol, it also buys you into the “cool kid” club titled the SIG LEGION as mentioned in our previous article. What Sig has accomplished with this series is much bigger than good looking and great shooting guns. Sig Sauer is selling a lifestyle.

Much like the American motorcycle icon, Harley Davidson, the Legion series has drawn people to a multi-product universe that can only be unlocked by purchasing the featured item.

Over the past 50 years, people have spent just as much money on Harley related shirts, hats, helmets, jackets, etc. Speaking as a well experienced Harley lifestyle owner, I can attest to a period in life where my wife and I would have to purchase anything Harley from every shop visited while traveling. Once a customer purchases a Sig Sauer Legion series pistol, they can either fill out a form included in the gun box or call Sig customer service and give them the serial number. In return, they are shipped a complimentary custom Thermo-Mold Legion series case custom-fit for your specific gun as well a challenge coin matched to your model pistol. On top of receiving your new pistol case, you are given an exclusive access code for member only Legion branded products such as hats, shirts, holsters, and even cigar humidors!

As for the Legion 229 overall, I not only recommend this pistol for daily concealed carry, I also feel the 229 would be a great duty firearm as well. After the loan period expired, this pistol was purchased by a contractor friend of mine, Reggie, who was instrumental in his feedback for the article. Since then, the Legion 229 has become a daily work tool for him in the discharge of his duties not to be mentioned in this article. Professionals with top quality professional tools are the bottom line and the Legion series is more than ready to answer the call.

FIREARMS: SIG LEGION 229

out to our AR500 steel torso target from Steel Veteran Targets, I started in close from the draw and low ready. The full-size grip of the 229 allowed for a solid master grip and clean exit from the holster onto the target. With the hammer in the decocked position, my first shot would always be about an inch lower that the following 2 shots in my 3-shot string of fire. Due to my extensive personal experience using striker fired pistols daily, this learning curve lasted for about half of the initial training day but did not play a factor in following range trips afterwards to confirm load and accuracy data.

The first series of testing yielded impressive results using 115 grain full metal jacket target ammo from both SIG Ammunition and Fancy Brass Co. respectively. This is a very good thing for me considering the two types of ways I usually purchase ammo. If I am in need of a couple of boxes of 9mm ammo for Saturday and today happens to be Thursday, I am comfortable in running down to my local gun shop or Walmart and picking up what I need right now. If I have an event a week or more in the future, I can save a good bit of money by purchasing in bulk by the 1000-round lots from Fancy Brass Co. and I know it’s going to be top quality stuff just like the larger companies.

The final series tested on both paper and steel came with only about 300 rounds of V-Crown rounds in both 124 grain and 147 grain JHP from SIG Ammunition. Due to the limited amount of this ammo, every round was carefully observed by everyone on the team. The 124 grain JHP was a common weight and charge for most 9 mm pistols while the 147 gran JHP is specifically what SIG Sauer states they designed the Legion series around for optimum performance.

Like the 115 grain target ammo, there was a noticeable snap of the traditional 9mm round which is very manageable and accurate with the 124 grain V-Crown. The Legion 229 absorbed the recoil well and limit the amount of muzzle rise, allowing for quick sight acquisition and follow up shots. When switching to the heavier 147 grain V-Crown offering, the pistol seems to have just a bit more of noticeably softer recoil and muzzle flip.

As far as combat accuracy, I could not find a distinct advantage in accuracy. This is one avenue I will leave to the couch commando gun writers with self-professed science degrees to figure out, as my background is that of a shooter, not lab tech.

I was very impressed with how tight the pistols locked up and functioned even after crossing the 800 and 1000 round marks over the test period. As far as nice, clean groupings on a one-way flat range, I found the Legion 229 reached full potential only after the initial 300 – 400 rounds. Free hand, I could put rounds on top of each other out to around the 10yard mark and hold approximately a 2.7-inch group consistently when I did decide to reach out for a quick 10 round group at 25 yards from a bench rest position.

One feature I did not care for in the redesign of the Legion series as I mentioned in the previous Legion 226 review was the reduction of the slide lock and de-cock levers.

While the de-cock lever was manageable and not terrible, the slide lock was a different story. With most full-size framed pistols, I start out with a disadvantage of having relatively small hands, but combined with a slide lock lever reduced so small you must pull rearward at the same time as depressing the lever to send the slide forward on an empty magazine. Having plenty experience with both older models of the 226 and 229, I can tell you firsthand, this feature is more of a “minus” rather than “plus”. With gloved or freezing cold hands, a fast one handed load would be very difficult without striking the slide off a firm surface.

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FIREARMS: GLOCK

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CREATE THE MODERN COMBAT PISTOL This time we’re exceptionally pleased to be joined again by two expert guest contributors as Roger Eckstine and James Preston, Director of Training for Preston Tactical share with PMCI some quick Upgrades for Glock handguns by Lone Wolf Distributing and XS Sights.

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he idea of law enforcement professionals training civilians often means limiting the scope of methods and protocol that can be shared with the public. But with the rise of terrorism and active shooter/active attack events along with the proliferation of private citizens licensed to carry, the need to disseminate more information regarding response, engagement, trauma care and linking up with police is becoming imperative.

In the aftermath of the Sutherland, Texas church shootings requests are pouring in from private groups to formulate plans of action. Recently, Preston Tactical of East Texas, USA hosted individuals seeking to form a response team consisting of churchgoers who also happened to be experienced competitive shooters. The course of instruction offered many lessons on decision-making and problem solving during chaotic, violent attacks with the focus on saving as many lives as possible. One student arrived with a Glock 17 that had been enhanced with an over the counter complete lower receiver and night sights.

Carried in a BlackPoint Leather Wing holster the customised G17 mirrored a rising trend in specialised units and the private military contractor community. Preston Tactical’s offering of the Solo Active Attack Response course turned out to be an ideal proving ground for Lone Wolf’s Timberwolf frame and the latest night sights from XS Sight Systems.

When it comes to the U.S. and world police handgun markets Glock pistols are best sellers. Glocks are easily maintained, the armourer’s course is short and given the small number of tools and spare parts necessary for repair, field maintenance is simple. But when it comes to which handguns are considered for the next great sidearm for the United States military the name Glock fades into the background. Nevertheless, when it comes to handguns preferred by specialised units around the

Glock ergonomics, i.e. how the pistol connects with the hand is undoubtedly the most significant characteristic in terms of the evolution of Glock handguns.

Grip reduction is helpful to accommodate shooters with smaller hands but also to improve grip angle and afford more variation in how the trigger may be indexed. When it comes to changing what arrives new-in-box practical shooting competitors lead the way. Individuals have customized the Glock grip frame by shaving off the finger grooves, leveling the palm swell, reducing the overall circumference of the grip, undercutting the trigger guard, hollowing out the area above the web of the hand and creating an extended beavertail to increase control and eliminate slide bite. Not to mention changing the surface texture by sanding, adding grip tape, or even poking dimples into the polymer using a soldering iron. All of the above have proved effective but not after many frames were ruined in the process or left broken from the forces of repeat fire. Some tried and true methods have emerged however and the practice of grip reduction has become a cottage industry for the small time smith as well as more established gunsmithing houses that now find themselves servicing Glock owners almost as often as they do the 1911 enthusiast. The cost of modifying grip contour, retexturing and adding some measure of beavertail is typically in the US$150 range plus or minus shipping. It just so happens that new polymer frames meeting the very specifications shooters favor most are available from Lone Wolf Distributors for Glock 19, Glock 17 (and related models) for a list price of US$149.95.

ENHANCEMENT

When it comes to enhancing Glocks for the competitive shooter Lone Wolf was one of the first players in the game. So instead of modifying a spare box-stock G17 Gen III pistol a complete Timberwolf grip frame including all the proper mechanisms that work below the barrel and slide was chosen for test. Featuring Lone Wolf’s Ultimate Adjustable Trigger (adjustable for pre-travel and overtravel) the complete receiver sells for US$249. The trigger shoe was rendered from 6061 billet aluminum and finished in satin stainless to match the remaining action components. A Lone Wolf magwell upgrade (US$59) was added consisting of

FIREARMS: GLOCK

world deployment of Glock pistols is actually becoming more prevalent.

There are several reasons why the Glock pistol is making its mark in replacing other well-known handguns. For example, tasked with securing the run-up to the 2004 Olympics Greek special operations including the DYK combat swimmers chose Glock pistols enhanced with sub-aqua firing pin cups and a heavier spring kit.

Combat swimmers across the globe favor Glock including the SBS or Boat Troops of the SAS. Glock’s resistance to water was highlighted more recently during high water rescues necessitated by the flooding rains of Hurricane Harvey that lingered over Houston, Texas in 2017. Law Enforcement worked tirelessly in high water to rescue citizens and arrest looters. The need for a duty weapon that would function properly even after extended exposure to water and muck was essential and the polymer framed Glocks served with distinction.

Thanks to the war on terror pistols are no longer considered mere backup to the long gun because handguns can be carried constantly. The appeal of Glock pistols has increased due to several factors such as the need for reliability in harsh terrain. The war in Afghanistan, for example, has fostered a switch to Glock for several different units including British forces. Those working in advisory and training capacities have found that employing the same pistols as those used by indigenous military personnel has proven invaluable in shortening the learning curve. And durability, specifically of the 9mm Glock pistols, has been helpful in allowing personnel to take part in more extensive training without interruption.

The growing popularity of Glock pistols for military service has somewhat covertly been reflected in changes made to the company’s civilian offerings. The Gen 4 Glock pistols feature a pointed texture that favors the soldier who wears gloves over the civilian who may carry concealed, inside the waistband for instance. In what was only an option at first the short framed “SF” models offered a smaller circumference grip with a shorter distance from the backstrap to the trigger. The Gen 4 series are essentially SF pistols with add-on panels that can be applied to enlarge the grip when so desired. Indeed, the changes to

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FIREARMS: GLOCK

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a funnel-like guide machined from anodized aluminum. The guide mated readily with the grip, held in place by a solid pin.

Trigger shoe and magazine well are available in a number of colors but it was decided to avoid bling for what was intended to be a combat pistol.

The stock top end fit smoothly on to the Timberwolf frame despite offering a tighter fit than the original receiver. Bare in mind the subject pistol was only about 100 rounds shy of new-in-box. Trigger pull was set at about 4.8 pounds and the action was very smooth. The trigger shoe offered large radiused edges that proved a welcome upgrade. But it was the smaller circumference and vertical angle of the grip that made the biggest difference to the shooter. The Timberwolf frame offered a 3 slot accessory rail that was more usable than the original underlug. Two sections of backstrap were provided, one offering a slight palm swell and the other a flat profile. The enhanced magazine well not only smoothed the reloading process but offered additional purchase. Comfort and controllability were vastly improved thanks to the Timberwolf frame sitting lower in the hand. This was achieved primarily by extending the back strap higher up into the beavertail. The extension of the beavertail helped protect the web of the hand and increase support reducing the amount of time between shots.

The stock sights were swapped out for a set of F8 night sights, US$142 from XS Sights of Fort Worth, Texas. The F8 configuration offers increased peripheral vision with a large tritium dot up front and a smaller single tritium dot located below the rear notch. The F8 sights are tall enough to look past a suppressor that might otherwise interfere with vision. In dim light the desired big-dot-over-small-dot sight picture was bold and easy to find. Initially the student was concerned the comparatively open sight picture might be too coarse for fine accuracy. But by the end of the day the he was able to hit small steel targets standing unsupported from the 35-yard line with a full magazine’s worth of ammunition at rapid fire pace.

According to the shooter his breakthrough in controlling the sights came during one of the more realistic

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scenarios that required engaging a hostage taker with a headshot. The lesson was, leave the tritium for dim light and trust the notch and post in daylight.

Throughout the life of the Timberwolf/Glock 17 (standing at about 1900 rounds as of this writing) no stoppages of any kind have been encountered. The oversized magazine release still jettisons spent mags with rocket-like projection without being so large it scrapes the shooter’s palm or releases magazines by accident. And between the magazine guide, the beavertail and the flat sided grip the Timberwolf offers the sensation of wearing the pistol rather than holding it. The internals still look new and wipe down easily. Slide to frame fit is without play. Nothing has worked loose and the integrity of the trigger safety remains sure. The trigger pull continues to maintain about 4.75 pounds of resistance.

Choosing a Timberwolf frame or complete receiver instead of a grip reduction process makes a lot of sense from the standpoint of structural integrity and overall value. If you already have a Glock tuned to your liking you can simply replace the polymer grip and get the benefits of a custom reduction with your desired trigger pull. If you’ve purchased an older Glock out of service you can bring it up to date or refresh with parts from Lone Wolf. Or, you can stow the complete lower and keep it as a spare while transforming your handgun into what is becoming the modern combat pistol.

James Preston is a Texas Peace Officer who holds a Master Peace Officer certification and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. James currently owns Preston Tactical where he trains law enforcement, government personnel, and qualified civilians. Go to www.PrestonTactical.com for details. Roger Eckstine is author of The Shooter’s Bible Guide to Home Defense, The Shooter’s Bible Guide to Knives and Watch Your Back, How to Avoid the Most Dangerous Moments in Daily Life. www.Skyhorsepublishing.com

KNIVES: SHADOW XL / SCAR BLADES

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SHADOW XL /SCAR BLADES The knife industry seems to be overflowing with blades falsely marketed as “tactical” with pricing ranging from that of a fast food meal to the cost of a new gun. Sadly, a lot of real world users are easily misled into purchasing an over priced inferior knife through clever marketing. Over the years, Trampas has tested and reviewed box after box of custom and production blades with only a handful of true, fighting knives earning their way into his “tool box”.

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ast year, I came across a company by the name of SCAR Blades while surfing knife related pages on Facebook (social media can actually be helpful at times!). Images of unique and thought-provoking blades led me to read the personal story of two brothers, Casey and Shane Radford, growing up in the Rocky Mountains with a dream of building everlasting, tough, and rugged blades for real world users, this was a good way to catch my attention. With over 22 years of combined experience between the two brothers making knives based on feedback from military, LE and contractors worldwide, I decided to learn more by reaching out to them. Inside of a day, I was conversing with co-owner Casey Radford, emailing back and forth ideas for test and evaluation. After a few days, it was decided the best place to start a blade review for PMCI Magazine would be with their Shadow XL fighting knife.

In doing a bit of research on SCAR Blades before the T&E sample arrived, I learned their knives are typically built with a full tang construction and are made from high grade U.S. steel, heat treated for hardness only along the sharpened edge.

According to their website, this process creates a Rockwell

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pointed rear bolster to give more protruding area for striking. The lanyard hole seemed to fit slightly under the ridge of my palm when gripping with a 550 paracord lanyard but did allow for me to keep the blade secure in my hand when slicing and especially stabbing through a rack of beef ribs while testing. The 1095 High Carbon construction give the knife a good feeling weight and made for re-sharpening the edge easy to do without having to have a professional do it for me.

If I had to pick a point of concern with the construction of the knife, it would only be with the screw placement on the grip. The hole drilled for the screw closest to the blade happens to be in the exact narrowest part of the handle’s construction. IF this was a blade designed for chopping or a lot of torque on the handle, I could see this as a breaking point for a very well-built knife. To combat this concern, I will say this: if you purchase this blade to do a lot of heavy chopping or prying open creates, you have totally missed the specific purpose of this knife’s design. Getting to brass tacks and being frank, this blade is meant for one thing and one thing only, helping evil souls shuffle themselves away from their mortal coils.

Overall, the Shadow XL performed well during the several months of carrying it as part of my daily range equipment serving to open boxes, trim targets, pry staples out of the wooden barriers. In addition to range duty, the knife was used as my EDC blade used for practicing knife fighting skills with posts, raw meat and cardboard dummies. The edge held up very well and always remained controllable and quick handling.

Retailing for US$199.95, the design isn’t over built or too bulky for quick, decisive movements. For those who may think that is pricey for a knife, consider this isn’t a bulk stamped production blade, each one of SCAR’s knives are hand ground and will not interchange sheaths like production retail blades. In that context, good luck finding this quality for under US$200. The overall look of the knife is deadly to the trained eye. But, those not as familiar with blades it’s not as intimidating as the company’s other designs such as the larger Big Bear or the menacing Archangel with it’s tri-bladed design. To find the SCAR Blade knife that make fit your need or lifestyle, check out their awesome line up at www.ScarBlades.com.

KNIVES: SHADOW XL / SCAR BLADES

hardness of 57 to 58, while leaving the spine of the blade a touch softer to absorb the stresses of high impact. The blades are finished with a textured powder coat or Gun Kote and comes with a non-slip phenolic (micarta) handle which provides the user with a sure grip. SCAR Blades are built with the intent to survive and serve in the field no matter how harsh the conditions.

Within a few weeks after my last discussion with Casey, a package arrived from SCAR Blades. When I opened the box, there was a sleek medium sized combat knife sheathed in Kydex. I was assured this was the blade I was expecting when I saw “Shadow XL” printed on the side of the brown canvas micarta grip. The Kydex sheath was slotted along the sides for lashing to any gear or Molle available and had a Blade Tec Tec-Lok belt clip securely affixed via a single screw. The more I worked with this set up, the more useful positions I found to carry the knife. Ultimately, I switched the Tec-Lok out for a pair of Molle clips to mount onto the battle belt I use for training.

When I gripped the knife to remove it from the sheath, I noticed it seemed to melt into the contour of my hand. My first thought was, this would disappear in much larger hands but fits as if it was made specifically for my size. I can see this knife serving as a concealed carry knife very easily in non-permissive environments where operators were reduced to either no firearms or at least very limited options such as a handgun.

As the blade was unsheathed, I noticed the flat black / gray coating on the blade matched well with the grip color and offered a well-protected non-glare surface. My thumb naturally fell perfectly on the raised 3/16” spine of the blade and dug into the serrations to give it great purchase and control over the blade. This eliminated any concern I may have had about the lack of a large defined guard of some more traditional styles. My eyes immediately went to the wicked looking blade point and the wonderfully aggressive top edge leading away from the tip to form an offset dagger-like geometry. With a 4.5” razor sharp edge, the top of the blade boasts almost a full 3” of secondary razor sharpness for close in work on the backswing or stab.

With an overall length of 9.5” and a full tang design, the blade felt well-balanced in my hand even when employing a reverse grip technique. I wish there was a bit more length on the dull

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TECH: TRACKING DEVICES

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TRACKING DEVICES Sometimes the greatest learning can come from a disaster! You’re forced by circumstances to sit up and take notice or action. In an ideal world, it would be better to learn from others’ mistakes, but life doesn’t always work that way! Industry veteran Rupert G tells us more…

W

hen I began working for myself I put a memo on my phone to back up my hard drives at the end of every week.

I did it once (felt smug) and then the reminder just became another annoying “buzz” in my pocket which I came to ignore, until down the line and “Bang” an electric surge went through my hard drive. The cold sweat crept down my neck as I did the maths and I realised that this disaster wasn’t going to be measured in months but a few years. When I took it to the computer guy he sagely nodded and said “Well sir, you’re not alone, it happens to most people only once”. Very helpful, thanks.

Years later (and a bit wiser) I was chatting with a client on a pleasant sunny afternoon, cups of tea in hand. Not far off his staff were being shouted at at a vehicle check point at the culmination of a HEAT course. The Arab Spring was ongoing and stories were circulating that one or two crisis responders had been caught out when they couldn’t get their clients staff out of Libya.

The result had been red faces and some very annoyed clients whose staff had been left stranded.

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My client asked me if we had an Ops Room full of serious looking ex-soldiers (like some scene from a Jason Bourne movie) who were just waiting to kick into action once one of his team got into a sticky situation. I replied “No, we concentrate on the situational awareness side of the training. But I can certainly recommend a couple of very good companies that I like and who have watched over me when I was overseas”.

I confess in the past I had always been a bit dubious about how useful tracking gadgets and ops rooms were. After all, even if you knew where your charges were last seen or heard from, what practical use was it to you half way around the world looking at a screen. Was travel tracking just a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes, which we all went along with because the alternative was to admit (to our client) that there was precious little we can do in certain situations. If we had done, they probably wouldn’t have been our clients for much longer.

So I decided to look into some of the gadgets responders recommend and people buy as well as how useful they are.

It must be said that tracking devices in isolation are not the silver bullet that some clients think or wish to believe they are. To be of any real use to the traveller they first need to get some professional advice as to what’s right for them. They need to be tested and used in conjunction with other platforms to support the traveller.

PEARL POCKET BUDDY

One of the most commonly used personal trackers is the Pearl Pocket Buddy. Mercifully it is very easy to set up for an individual traveller, and has an astonishing number of features for such a small device. With current GPS wizardry inside it’s sleek lightweight shell it can lay a bread crumb trail refreshed every minute and is accurate down to 5 metres.

If your team are unfamiliar with their surroundings, their driver didn’t listen to the brief or if something more sinister happens the Ops room will know. The alert can be followed up with a phone call or message which will enable the response team to escalate their actions until you’re located.

Pocket Buddy has an internal motion sensor, triggered if you fall over suddenly or stop abruptly (in an RTC or an ambush) in which case a message will be sent to the Ops Room. A covert one button alert so you can activate it without any tell-tale beeps. In some cases it might be more sensible/useful to alert someone locally rather than in London on New York, so Pocket Buddy has 4 reprogrammable phone numbers so you can choose who you alert. Unlike a bulky phone or GPS you can secrete it about your person if abducted or subject to a brief or long detention.

Should the worst happen and you press for help, the response team will be immediately furnished with your name, number, date, time and Lat/Long co-ordinates. All of which is vital information that they can utilise to start the search. You can just imagine how difficult it would be without this head start.

IN REACH SE

Holding it in the palm of your hand the InReach SE feels a lot like a cross between a classic handheld GPS and a mobile phone, but with the addition of a stubby antenna on the top. Like the smaller Pocket Buddy it has a 4 day battery life but also comes with all the cool functionality of a phone and GPS. Users can send and receive 160-character messages and even access Twitter (a must for Donald Trump when he’s travelling).

It has that all important one button alert that will immediately send your coordinates along with the time and date and your name to your responder. But you’ll also be able to take the call that will follow an activation just in case you’ve pressed it in your pocket by mistake and want to stand down the response.

I have heard of very expensive call outs where skimountaineers (safely back at their desks in the city) who have had their beacons accidentally activated in their homes by luggage being moved around and a knock on the door of their homes in the small hours with a puzzled responder who was none to pleased and a follow up bill. Which probably made the eyes water.

TECH: TRACKING DEVICES

aI did some consulting for an organisation sending their staff to work in a dodgy part of the world. I was tasked with briefing the team before they travelled to the site, conduct some First Aid and Security training, look at their plans and contingencies and advise them on the next steps.

I set off from Heathrow at some ungodly hour of the morning, three flights and a twelve-hour mountainous drive later I dropped my grip in the foyer of the office. Only to discover that they had grown impatient (keen to win favour with and impress the pushy boss) and had gone ahead a week earlier and were now missing and uncontactable.

There had been a contingency plan but it had more holes than a sieve and was worthless. The leader had insisted they push further on past their stated objective, he had browbeaten the younger members who had little appetite (despite being scared) for making an enemy of him so early in their careers with the company.

It didn’t end well for the team or the company sadly. Sifting through the evidence later I found the packaging and instruction booklets of the sat phones along with half the phones in the foot well of the car they’d used. The handsets weren’t charged and I suspected the staff didn’t know how to use them anyway. Later one of the staff confidently told me that they’d not taken them because they wouldn’t have worked anyway in the cloud.

It must be partly our responsibility if we recommend or provide these devices, that our clients know how to use them and are clear about their capabilities and limitations. We don’t want them thinking that they can just press the button and seconds later will feel that hot avgas down draught of a helicopter as Seal Team Six fast rope in to rescue them.

So, what kind of devices do people go for?

IRIDIUM GO

It can Geo fence your route so if you have approved routes or indeed out of bounds areas, your monitoring station will be alerted if your colleagues stray in to one of these areas.

If you’d prefer to just take your smart phone and don’t want a daysack full of additional handsets and chargers, you could add to its capability by turning it into a satellite phone. The Iridium Go is a sturdy no nonsense device which is ruggedized to a military specification and water resistant to Ingress Protection (IP65).

Simply flip open the antenna, pop it on the dashboard, balcony, rock or roof, turn it on and wherever you are (providing it can see the sky and you’re not at the bottom of a well) it will connect to Iridium’s network of 66 Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites,

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TECH: TRACKING DEVICES

allowing you to connect all your devices to the outside world as if you were sitting at your desk.

IRIDIUM 9575 EXTREME

Or you could just go for a good old-fashioned satellite phone, like the 9575 Extreme which is in fact not in the least bit old fashioned. Weighing only 247g it is fully programmable to your spec and can be transformed with an extra device into a Wi-Fi hotspot as long as you’re within sight of the aforementioned LEO satellites. The 9575 with its breadcrumb trail tracker and emergency button, is the all singing all dancing data, sms and voice solution for a traveller that’s not on too tight a budget.

Tracking devices such as the ones we’ve looked at are essential tools if your teams are going to areas where they need to stay connected, but only if your staff are trained in their use. If the devices are looked after, if they are accompanied by a fully supported web based travel safety system, a set of realistic protocols and procedures which are adhered to by the staff on the ground and of course supported by the stay behind team. And all of this requires work, effort, planning and money.

YOU CAN: CHARGE CAMERAS IPHONES & SMARTPHONES GPS TWO-WAY RADIOS AND MORE This is power without boundaries.

When your batteries fade or you find yourself way off-grid, the award winning powermonkey extreme gives your devices the power to keep on going. With Powertraveller, you can at www.powertraveller.com

Sometimes the greatest learning can come from a disaster, just make sure you learn from someone else’s and it isn’t them learning from yours.

Rupert and HASP Training run bespoke travel safety courses for a variety of clients including charities, TV production companies and one of world’s most successful advertising agencies. HASP staff are all ex-British soldiers who have taught throughout the world; for more information please visit www. hasptraining.co.uk.

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iPad, iPhone and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries

SKILLS AND DRILLS: GROUND COMBATIVES

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GROUND COMBATIVES 2 In the last issue of PMCI Andy took a look at the standard Prone position that is commonly taught in most tactical firearms schools, military and law enforcement programs. Although the prone position is a valid part of all tactical situational training, there may come a time that you find yourself on the deck and on your back!

I

f you do find yourself on your back, training in the standard prone position will be of little, if no help at all. You may not have the time or even the ability to orientate yourself into the prone position if you have been knocked down or even injured. So what’s the solution? Train to fight whilst on your back.

This is by no means a new method of training. Fighting whilst on your back is known as the Supine position. It’s taught in many establishments around the world but mainly only as an advance method of training. One of the main reasons to find oneself flat on your back is in the event of being knocked down. This could be that you have been struck by in coming rounds, stumbled or fallen, maybe even beaten to the ground by your adversaries. In any event finding yourself in the Supine position is no bad thing.

Not if you have trained for it that is…

Like all shooting positions, we need to think safety. Not just for our own survival but for the safety of others around us.

In almost all other shooting positions the safest direction for your muzzle is either directly at the intended target or directly at “Mother Earth”. Whilst in the standard prone position you can safely point the muzzle at the ground, however in the Supine position your important body parts tend to get in the way. So where is the safest direction when in the Supine position? Well in all honesty either your holster or pointing at the ground directly by your side. There is no safe position when in the Supine position. We can use safety positions such as position SUL whilst standing or kneeling, but being on

your back makes this impossible. The safest answer is to rest the gun by your side or adopt an upright seated position and have the muzzle of your weapon point at the ground out past and between the legs. Caution must be maintained here as it is all too easy to sweep the legs and groin area. Not a good thing to do.

THREE GOOD WAYS

There are three ways in which we can do this.

• Firstly we can simply move our feet to spin round, on our backside, to re-orientate our position. This will enable us to shoot

in a forward facing direction. This must be done with maximum muzzle discipline in mind. Changing direction in this manner will mean possibly sweeping unknown territory with the muzzle.

Also your legs and feet are moving, putting them at risk of being shot. We have already established that the safest direction for the muzzle is Mother Earth, but in this case pointing the muzzle in that direction will cause all sorts of tactical problems. Pointing the muzzle up, towards the sky, as you turn is a more desirable safe direction. Remember that your finger should be well away from the trigger when the weapon is not pointing at the target.

• Secondly we can roll to either the strong side or support side and engage the threat from that position. In doing so, again we need to consider muzzle direction in relation to our own body.

Using the rolling method, assuming we have been shooting to the front, we can maintain muzzle discipline in two ways. Either extend the leg and drop the knee, the same side as we are rolling to, and bring the muzzle over the leg as you roll, or point the muzzle to the sky as you roll. When you are in position you will find that you are now in an unstable position to be shooting from.

This can be avoided by bringing a single knee up to aid stability.

• Thirdly, if shooting no more than 45 degrees to the left or right of your front orientated position, then you can simply roll towards the target while rolling the same side knee towards the ground. This will put you in a stable firing position and maintain muzzle discipline at the same time.

No matter what direction you shoot from in the supine position, the danger always remains where your muzzle and body are concerned. A high stress environment and an adrenaline fuelled combat situation will always produce dangers to oneself from your own gun. Training in this type of situation calls for total focus to ensure that you perform to your maximum, ensuring your own safety, and the safety of those that you are protecting when the lead starts coming your way.

SKILLS AND DRILLS: GROUND COMBATIVES

Shooting in a seated upright position is relatively easy, but then this is not fighting while on your back. Supine warrants you to adopt a sit-up or crunches type position whilst shooting. This can really give your abs a massive workout if it is something that you are practicing many times on the range. So be sure to do your fair share of crunches next time you visit the gym. When laying on your back, if your handgun is still in its holster drawing is simple. Just draw as you would in a standing position. You will find, however, that you are slightly restricted around the elbow as you lift the handgun from the holster. To overcome this problem, roll slightly to the support side to enable you to control the draw.

Bring your support hand up and place it onto your strong side shoulder, as you roll, to keep it well out of the way of the muzzle.

Once the weapon is clear of the holster and being driven towards your intended target, the support hand can then play catch up and form a two handed grip on the weapon. As the handgun clears the holster you must be aware of where your feet and legs are in relation to your muzzle. It is at this stage that you are most likely to injure yourself.

Once the gun has been pushed towards the target it is imperative that you know all of your body parts, legs and feet, are out of the way. To aid stability, bringing your knees up and feet towards your torso, will be a much more comfortable position to shoot from. The problem here is making sure that you do not sweep the feet or legs if you decide and need to shoot at a secondary target in a different location . During a high stress encounter with plenty of noise, adrenaline and confusion, it’s easy to forget where your legs and feet are in relation to your defensive shooting position. This is where training comes in. We can all shoot from the Supine position when the target is to the front. Simply sit forwards with your legs wide apart and your knees bent, feet pointing outwardly. This position will give you maximum clearance of any body part. The problem arises when we need to change our shooting angle or direction.

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Advanced Security Protection

Blackstone Consultancy

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http://www.blackstoneconsultancy.com;

AKE Group

Blue Hackle

http://www.akegroup.com/

http://www.bluehackle.com/

Ambrey Risk

Blue Waters Partners Global

http://www.ambreyrisk.com

http://www.preparedex.com/

Antipirates.Org

BP Global

http://www.antipirates.org/

http://www.bp.com/

APPDS

Britam Defence

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http://www.britamdefence.com/

Aquatic Marine Ltd

British Maritime Solutions

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http://britishmaritimesolutions.com

Protect Asia Group

BW Offshore

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http://www.bwoffshore.com/

Secopex

Calibre International Security

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http://www.calibre-international.com/

Aspida

Chilport

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http://www.chilport.co.uk/

Associated Risk Maritime Risk Management

Chiron Resources

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Bancroft Maritime Security Solutions

Clearwater Special Projects

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http://www.bodyguarding.co.uk/

Bechtel Corporation

Control Risks

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Black Pearl

Decatur Maritime Security

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Drum Cussac

HP TerraMarine International

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Dryad Maritime

Hudson Trident

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Edinburgh International

ICTS

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Elite Maritime Protection Services

IMSA Ltd

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EOS Risk Management

International Executive Recruiting

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Erus Maritime

International Maritime Security

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Espada

International Maritime Security

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Ex Military Recruitment

International Security Network

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Exploration Logistics Group

ISC Gulf

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G4S Maritime

ISSG Sea Marshalls

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Genesis Security Group http://genesissecurity.com/

Global Executive Outreach http://www.geo-ops.com/

Global Risk Security http://www.globalrisksecurity. co.uk/

Global Solace http://www.solaceglobal.com/

Global Strategies Group http://www.globalgroup.com/

Grail Security http://www.grail.co.za

Halliburton http://www.halliburton.com/en-USage

Halogen Security http://www.halogensecurity.com/

Hart Maritime http://www.hartsecurity.com

Hill & Associates http://www.hillassoc.com

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Janusian Risk Advisory Group

MTResolution

http://www.riskadvisory.net/

http://www.mtresolution.com/

Kroll

MUSC

http://www.kroll.com/

http://www.sps-global.com

Longmoor Group

Naval Guards

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http://www.navalguards.com

Lotus Maritime Security

Neptune Security

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Lotus Projects

NNK Group

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https://www.nnkcorporation.com

Maersk

NYA International

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http://www.nyainternational.com

Magregor Protection Services

Ocean Marshalls

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http://www.oceanmarshalls.com

March Security

Ocean Protective Services

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http://oceanprotectionservices.com

Maritime Risk International

Oceaneering International

http://www.maritimeriskinternational.com/

http://www.oceaneering.com/

Marsec

Olchon

http://www.marsec.eu.com

http://www.olchon.co.uk/

MAST

Olive Group

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http://www.olivegroup.com/

McRoberts Maritime Security

Orchid Security

http://www.mcrobertsmaritime.com/

http://www.orchid-office.com/

Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre

Oxberry Risk Strategies

http://www.mmwc.org/

http://www.oxberryrisk.com/maritime_services

Minimal Risk

Pilgrim Group

http://www.minimalrisk.co.uk/

http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com

MSS

Pilgrim Security

http://www.mss-uk.com

http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com

Pistris

SEAL

http://www.pistris.com/Index.html

http://www.sealsecurity.com/

Protect Asia Group

Securescot

http://www.protectasia.com/

http://www.securescot.com

PVI Ltd

Securewest International

http://www.pviltd.com/

http://www.securewest.com/

Raven Special Projects Ltd

Security Networking Events

http://www.ravenspecialprojects.com

http://snespecialprojects.com/

Red Cell Security

Security Networking Events

http://www.redcellsecurity.co.uk

http://snespecialprojects.com/

Redfour-MSS

Securoquest

http://www.redfour-group.com

http://www.securoquest.co.za

Saladin Security Group

Shield Risk Consulting

http://www.saladin-security.com/

http://www.shield.eu/services/maritime-security/

Saladin Security

Shipguard

http://www.saladin-security.com/

http://www.mss-uk.com

Salama Fikira

SMS

http://www.salamafikira.com/

www.specialistmarineservices.com

SMS

SPS

www.specialistmarineservices.com

http://www.sps-global.com

Tor International

Tactical Intel

http://www.torinternational.com/

http://www.tacticalintel.com/

Trojan Securities International

Thalassic

http://www.trojansecurities.com/

http://www.thalassic.co.uk/

Orchid Security

Tor International

http://www.orchid-office.com/

http://www.torinternational.com/

Blackstone Consultancy

Torcuss

http://www.blackstoneconsultancy.com/

http://www.torcuss.co.za/

Pilgrim Group

Triskle TSL

http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com/

http://www.triskelservices.com

Maritime Risk International

Triton Security

http://www.maritimeriskinternational.com/

http://www.tritoninternationalltd.com

International Maritime Security

Trojan Securities

http://www.intmarsec.co.uk/

http://www.trojansecurities.com

Raven Special Projects Ltd

Veritas International

http://www.ravenspecialprojects.com/

http://www.veritas-international.com/

Salamanca Risk Management http://www.salamancarm.com

Sea Marshalls Ltd UK http://www.seamarshals.com

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