PMCI - October 2017

OCTOBER 2017

CONTENTS 4 DSEI 2017: THE PMCI TEAM RECENTLY TRAVELLED TO ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DEFENCE SHOWS IN THE WORLD, THE MIGHTY DSEI SHOW IN LONDON! 10 TRAINING: THE UNIVERSAL COMBAT STANCE ONCE AGAIN WE ARE JOINED IN THIS ISSUE BY ELI FROM PROJECT GECKO WHO BRINGS US HIS THOUGHTS ON A CRUCIAL AREA OF FIREARMS TRAINING. 15 EDITORS COMMENT: “VANISHING MINDSET, VANISHING SKILLS” 16 GEAR ON TEST: THE PMCI TEAM MAKE THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE LATEST GEAR TO HIT THE MARKET. 22 TACTICAL INNOVATION: PROPPER GEAR GETTING THE LOWDOWN ON THE VERY LATEST FROM A RESPECTED TACTICAL INDUSTRY MARKET LEADER. 26 GOOD GEAR TO GO: FIRST TACTICAL UPDATED BILL TAKES A LOOK AT SOME GREAT GEAR FROM FIRST TACTICAL THAT’S IN THE PROCESS OF BEING LAUNCHED RIGHT NOW! 30 TECH: ETYMOTIC PROTECTING YOUR HEARING WHILST TRAINING OR “ON THE JOB” IS ALL-IMPORTANT AND ETYMOTIC HAVE THE SKILLS TO BRING US THE BEST. 34 KNIVES AND TOOLS: ADKINS WOOD & KNIFE UNIQUE DESIGN AND QUALITY FROM THE US KNIFEMAKER IN THE FORM OF THE “BUSH GATOR” BLADE 38 FIREARMS: BUIDING AN “INSTRUCTORS RIFLE” TRAMPAS TAKES US ON A JOURNEY TO CREATE HIS PERFECT INSTRUCTORS RIFLE 42 TECH: NEO MAG A MINIMALISTIC AND INNOVATIVE WAY TO CARRY A SPARE MAGAZINE COVERTLY 44 PERSONAL DEFENCE: SOG BATONS SOG ARE WELL KNOWN FOR THEIR KNIVES AND TOOLS, BUT THEIR NEW RANGE OF BATONS IS SIMPLY STUNNING! 46 SKILLS AND DRILLS: ANDY BRINGS US PART II OF HIS VEHICLE “TIPS FROM THE TOP” 48 BOOK REVIEW: “TACTICAL USE OF LOW SIGNATURE WEAPONS FOR MILITARY AND POLICE” 50 INDUSTRY VACANCIES: LOOKING FOR WORK? JUST CHECK HERE. Copyright © Calibre Publishing 2017. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the publisher in writing. The opinion of the writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The Editors reserve the right to edit submissions prior to publication.

Thank you for downloading this Edition of PMCI, the FREE digital publication dedicated to PMC Operatives. PMCI is written by individuals with first hand knowledge and experience of the subject they write about - people like Col. Gerry Schumacher (USSF Ret.), author Simon Chambers and ex-TL Dan E, all of whom have an intimate understanding of what the role entails and the day to day challenges faced by PMCs. PMCI will provide a platform to review and discuss the things to matter to all of us, such personal equipment, training, employment and lifestylestyle management - and these are also our core fundamentals. We hope you enjoy this Edition of PMCI and if you have any feedback or comments, or would like to contrubute to future issues, please let us know by email to: editor@pmcimagazine.com

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Editor (UK): Bill Thomas Editor (International): Dan Eastes Deputy Ed (USA): Trampas Swanson Graphic Design: Baz Thakur Publisher: Nigel Streeter PMCI Magazine is a digital-only publication, published bi-monthly and available FREE OF CHARGE via the PMCI app on the following platforms: Apple iOS, Android, Windows 8, and Windows Phone.

For more information visit our publishing partner: www.PocketMags.com PMCI can also be read online at: www.issuu.com Calibre Publishing Limited Wyche Innovation Centre, Walwyn Road, Upper Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6PL Tel: 01684 878 003 Web: www.pmcimagazine.com ©Calibre Publishing Limited 2014

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NEWS: DSEI

2017

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NEWS:

DEFENCE AND SECURITY EQUIPMENT INTERNATIONAL (DSEI) In September 2017, PMCI travelled to the ExCeL centre in London to attend the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Show. Whilst contentious in some circles this is an event that shows the future for all things military and security oriented, and what a future it looks to be!

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f you pick up any decent newspaper or visit any sensible online news feed these days you are undoubtedly going to find a story that relates to tightened defence spending, if not outright cuts in funding. With procurement budgets being sliced on an almost global level it becomes increasingly important that new and innovative ways are found to counter the prevailing threats that we find ahead of us, and the DSEI show aims to showcase the very best of them.

From bullets to bandages, and from fighter jets to warships DSEI brings to the international procurement community a unique format featuring 1,600 exhibitors with 40 international pavilions that attracts over 35,000 visitors including international delegations from existing and both traditional and developing defence and security markets. The complexity of both national and international security grows each and every year, and DSEI aims to provide a “one stop shop” for inter-operability by melding the areas of maritime, land, air and even cyber in one place at one time.

It’s a bold show that has developed and evolved from the traditional “Exhibition” format; between 1976 and 1991, the British Army Equipment Exhibition and the Royal Navy Equipment Exhibition were held on alternate years in Aldershot and Portsmouth respectively. Overseas delegations attended by invitation only.

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In 1993 the two exhibitions were combined and held every other year until the British government decided to privatise the exhibition. Exhibitions company Spearhead launched the first DSEI, then known as Defence and Systems Equipment International, in 1999 at Chertsey in Surrey.

In 2001 it moved to its current location at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London Docklands. DSEI’s name was changed in 2009, replacing the word Systems with Security.

In April 2008, DSEI was acquired by Clarion Events. The Clarion Events’ portfolio of defence and security events is acknowledged as the world’s leading forums where high level government officials and senior military personnel converge. Leading global equipment and services providers meet to share ideas, discuss industry developments, conduct business, and develop partnerships and network for future growth. Whilst military systems and technology are at the core of the industry and the events, the sector is also diversifying and adapting to meet the changing needs of the world. In addition to the threat of war, national security can be threatened by humanitarian disasters resulting in mass displacement of people or food and water shortages, terrorism or pandemic.

All defence and security exhibitions in the UK including DSEI can serve only the legitimate defence and security industry which is the most tightly regulated industry in the world. This means exhibitors and visitors must adhere to the highest regulatory scrutiny, complying with UK and international laws, treaties and conventions. DSEI itself works closely with government departments including MOD, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, BIS and Home Office to ensure this strict compliance with all rules, regulations and laws. Furthermore, the UK Government itself is responsible for inviting international delegations.

2017 CAPABILITY ZONES

DSEI is divided into dedicated capability zones to make it more manageable to navigate, as it truly is a gargantuan show! DSEI 2017 featured its strongest aerospace offering to date, comprising fixed, rotary wing, and unmanned platforms. The popular Air Zone was fully supported by the Royal Air Force and Joint Helicopter Command and included a capability area dedicated to the aerospace supply chain. With an impressive array of static displays expected to feature around the ExCeL concourse, as well as a notable line up of rotary assets operating in the maritime domain,

DSEI was the must-attend event for the entire aerospace sector. Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier KCB CBE DFC, Chief of the Air Staff, delivered a keynote address at DSEI on Wednesday 13 September in the West Theatre. Chaired by Air Marshall Philip Sturley CB MBE FRAeS and industry expert Howard Wheeldon, the Air Capability Conference examined “The Next Generation of Air Capability”.

The Naval Zone was the most comprehensive dedicated Naval Zone in DSEI history. In addition to the 1,600 DSEI exhibitors the Zone incorporated over 50 specialist naval exhibitors and was fully supported by the First Sea Lord and Royal Navy. The Naval Zone was one of DSEI 2017’s greatest strengths with 16 nations represented, twice as many than the 2015 show. It provided the DSEI audience with unrivalled networking opportunities, insights from key decision makers and the opportunity to see first-hand the industry’s latest vessels in action with interactive presentations and waterborne demonstrations. DSEI 2017 hosted eight warships and a number of rotary assets that operate in the

NEWS: DSEI

2017 pmcimagazine.com

NEWS: DSEI

2017

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maritime domain. Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, delivered two keynote addresses at DSEI 2017. The first on Day Zero, Monday 11 September at the Maritime Capability Conference, and the second as the opening keynote in the Naval Zone on Tuesday 12 September on the exhibition floor.

The Land Zone for DSEI 2017 grew by 52% and surpassed the achievements of the 2015 event by introducing new features such as a dedicated showcase which opened up opportunities for even more suppliers to attend. This was complemented by the announcement of General Sir Nick Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen, Chief of the General Staff as keynote speaker. DSEI’s offering to the land sector was further strengthened by the Land Capability Conference which took place on Monday 11 September as part of the DSEI Strategic Conference programme.

Led by the British Army, the conference focused on ‘The Future of Robotics & Autonomous Systems in the Land Environment’.

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The emphasis on land systems innovation continued into the DSEI exhibition from Tuesday 12 September to Friday 15 September, with the event’s extensive offering from specialist exhibitors in the Land Zone. In addition, the Land Seminar Programme followed four central themes: Develop, Deliver, Generate and Operate, and People & Skills, focusing on transforming productivity, Army adaptation and intelligent procurement.

Delegates saw speakers including Major General Chris Tickell, Director Capability, and Lieutenant General Paul Jaques, Chief of Materiel (Land) from the British Army.

The dedicated Security Zone showcased security equipment and systems to counter priority threats, such as Cyber Attacks and terrorism, as well as an enlarged Special Forces and tactical equipment area. DSEI 2017 centralised the security sector’s expertise with a bespoke community in order to increase networking opportunities for both exhibitors and visitors.

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NEWS: DSEI

2017

As well as this the Minister of State for Security The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP made a Keynote Address on the 13th September. In 2015 the security zone was a huge success which resulted in a record number first-time exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment and technologies in conjunction with a catalogue of prime contractors such as Fujitsu, Dell, BAE Systems - Applied Intelligence, BT, CISCO and Intel.

Showcased within the Security Zone were products and services ranging from security & special forces training, tactical equipment, perimeter security covert & overt surveillance & camera equipment and PPE, with exhibitors including CEIA, Palo Alto Networks, International Armoured Group, Barrett Communications, SFD Global, H. Henriksen, Bergans and BeaverFit. DSEI 2017 also saw an enhanced Joint Zone with a plethora of products from exhibitors within the following sectors: C4ISTAR, Communications, DIO, Electronic Warfare, Joint Enablers, Logistics, Medical, Robotics & Telemedicine.

Following the huge success of 2015’s Medical Innovation Zone the area was expanded to include more companies along with an award winning demonstration area which once again was organised with a team from Defence Medical Services (DMS) Medical Directorate.

General Sir Chris Deverell, Commander Joint Forces Command commented; “DSEI 17 will offer Joint Forces Command the opportunity to report on our plans for the future, in particular on operationalising our Warfare In The Information Age concept. I am looking forward to it.”

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NEWS: DSEI

2017

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A SUCCESS FOR LONDON

As with any major defence show DSEI has its share of critics, but in a world where borders and allegiances are shifting seemingly on a daily basis, the importance of the show as a benefactor to the UK economy should not be undervalued. The UK defence industry represents ten per cent of UK high technology manufacturing and is the number one exporter in Europe, second only to the US globally. DSEI, which is based at ExCeL London, is a crucial part of that industry. The industry employs over 300,000 people and generates over £35 billion per year to the UK economy. The industry also works hand-in-hand with the UK Armed Forces from factory to frontline, for example over 6,000 industry personnel are currently working alongside our troops in Afghanistan.

The economic benefits are not just about the defence industry either, but directly benefit the London economy itself.

The 35,000 exhibitors, visitors and contractors attending DSEI occupy over 100,000 room-nights at London hotels during the week of the event, generating an estimated £23m direct benefit to the London economy in the process, even before taking into account all of their associated expenditure on travel, restaurants and the like across the capital during their stay.

We live in a world today where defence and security budgets are all under scrutiny, if not direct attack, and the DSEI show brings together the relevant “players” in the community in one place at one time. If we are to be protected we must support such shows as DSEI, not protest against them. It would be a naivety not to acknowledge that millions, if not billions change hands at shows of this nature, but if that money is well spent to support a safer future for all then it should be seen as an investment, and not a draw on increasingly limited funding.

DSEI 2019 takes place on Tuesday 10 September 2019 to Friday 13 September 2019. The PMCI Team certainly enjoyed their time at this year’s DSEI; we are but a humble publication in a vast marketplace and our priority as ever is on the individuals, the guys that will have their boots in the mud on the front line, so we hope that you’ll enjoy this gallery of images from the 2017 show.

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tactical

CROPS Tactical specialises in ‘Small Team Tactics’ for operations within high risk environments.

Delivering our enhanced training packages to Military, Law Enforcement, Government agencies and civilians within credible security positions, from both foreign and domestic communities.

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.

We ‘the instructors’ come with decades of operational experience within high stress theatres, working as small teams and individuals. We are current, and still, very much an operational organisation. Over the past twenty years, we have operated in 42 countries.

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

www.crops.uk.com

TRAINING : THE UNIVERSAL COMBAT STANCE

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THE UNIVERSAL COMBAT STANCE For this issue we are again pleased to be joined by Eli from Project Gecko, this time to give us some insight as to how and why he and his team train their students the way they do when it comes to the all-important Combat Stance.

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ecently during one of our Project Gecko shooting courses, I heard several students arguing about whether a tactic or a shooting stance should be 100% universal or on the other hand a purpose designated (CQB / LR context for example) stance that might not be 100% universal but more human behaviour compliant and flexible.

Back to the students argument; I asked the student: “What does a universal stance mean for you?”

He replied that the stance can be used in a firefight, hand to hand combat, in close quarters or on 200m. In a few words something that is legit for every task, doesn´t matter how different the context might be.

This sounds really efficient and simple in the first place right? It left me thinking quite often about it, because each fight has different priorities so the stance also has different tasks to fulfil. Nevertheless, the utilisation of Tactic, Terrain and Equipment plays a major role in our ability to do A B C….

As a small example you can ask a kitchen chef if he is using only one knife to prepare his food?

The answer is clearly no, because every meat is different.

So is fighting.

So for those who want a short summary, there is no universal combat stance, merely indifference’s that are normally dictated by the designation of your task. Let’s look into some fundamentals and principles.

STABILITY EQUALS TIGHT GROUPING RIGHT?

When you ask the average shooter why the shooting stance is so important, he will typically roll up his eyes and will say “Tight grouping bro.” Not so correct.

A shooting stance, or lets be more accurate, a combat stance, is a stance that allows you not only to be relevant to the application of action itself (shooting /punching for example), but also to what is going to happen straight after you take the decision to pull the trigger or deliver a blow with your fist. The combat stance should be one fluent movement that will allow you to remain proactive and responsive. In reality, human targets are extremely dynamic.

One of the most important characteristics of the combat stance is mobility. But what is meant with mobility?

Mobility equals survivability. One of the key components in a combat stance is applying a body posture that will allow default behaviour compliant of different parts of the body for a dynamic mobility. Majority of combat stances, like the German NSAK, are quite good for shooting, but terrible for rapid reactionary body mechanics such as moving away from the shooting tunnel instead of moving into it.

Compared to the modified IDF combat stance that we teach at Project Gecko, there is a huge difference in the leg position.

Through the different leg position we achieve the following advantages.

1. On Demand - In other words it has to be simple but effective that the individual could employ the body posture literally on demand as a behavioural default.

2.Proactive – In most cases entering a combat stance is done in a reactive manner, as the need for the stance obviously is triggered by something. But by being proactive for example you can say this:

The initial posture in the modified Israeli combat stance nearly forces the shooter into moving (not only stepping like NSAK) sideways rather than in a linear manner towards his threat (which increases fatality chances drastically).

3. Human Behaviour Compliant – We’ll get to this point later.

Additionally what we need to increase in our performance tremendously is a solid manoeuvrability provided by the legs on demand. Only through this we can maintain our centre mass in balance while simultaneously being able to move in any given direction as fast and safely as possible.

We reach this through bended knees and a nearly straight torso. Through “squatting” we increase the muscle tension what leads to a more stable position. The closer we get to the 90° in the knee joint, the less mobile we are. So what we want is to find the perfect balance between manoeuvrability and stability.

Typically we keep the hips projected in 45°, while the opposite feet to the rifle pointing towards the threat or point of interest.

Now after we talked about getting into optimal conditions we also need to talk about how to hold them. Through the physiology of the muscles we know that the leg muscles create more energy when they get slightly stretched. So similar to a sprinter getting ready at his/her starting block, we also get into a slightly bended knee position to provide optimal conditions.

ECONOMIC USE OF ENERGY IS KEY

During long operations the soldier needs to carry all of his equipment for days. Normally the weight of the average assaulter loads out is around 25 or 30 kg. (Dependant on role).

Due to the fact that magazines and other essentials must be reachable, most of the weight is normally in front.

So what happens now if we lean forward towards the enemy? Our lower back needs to work more to stop us from

TRAINING : THE UNIVERSAL COMBAT STANCE

MOBILITY

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falling over. We talked about physiology of the muscle before, so we want to continue here with more information about muscles.

Basically we can say there are 3 types of muscle fibres.

• Slow Twitch (ST) Type 1 • Fast Twitch (FT) Type 2a • Fast Twitch (FT) Type 2b We want to focus now only on Type 1 and Type 2b... Both have different characteristics and we want to summarise them quickly. Most muscles have both muscle types within with different distribution which leads us to the following; we can say that nearly all muscles fibres in the back musculature are Fast Twitch, so quickly exhaustable. On the other hand is the distribution in the Quads pretty even what leads to the conclusion that the musculature in the legs can be stressed longer before they show the same symptoms. So what we want is a nearly straight back to reduce the stress on the lower back to a minimum because a physical exhaustion will reduce the capability and ends in a lower ability to work under pressure.

WHY RISKING TO GET HIT?

There is a motto in the German Army which says “Wirkung vor Deckung” which means effectiveness before cover.

To minimize the vulnerability they teach you to stand with the plates towards the enemy so if somebody is shooting back the chance is higher they get hit in the plate. Before we continue I want you to ask yourself a question; if somebody is punching you, is your first natural instinct to go towards or away from the threat?

So what happens now is that we try to change our deepest instincts which only show up when it comes to life threatening situations. We don’t want to get too much into the neurosciences and human behaviour in a firefight but let me explain you something with the example of “Neuronal mapping”.

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To learn a simple movement it takes 300-500 repetitions.

To change the learned procedure it takes about 5000-7000 reps because as soon as you get tired you fall back into the old pattern. This may come out of a sports related context but is also expressive for combat.

So all this effort only to hope the enemy is hitting you in the 310mm x250 mm plate?

We asked ourselves the question: “Why are you taking the risk to get hit in first place, when you also could get out of line of fire first?” Additionally it is a fact that a moving target is always harder to hit which increases our chances to survive drastically. I think it’s also the place to note, that most tactics were created in theory and a sterile environment where everything is obvious and black and white. People are training in a square area with the targets placed perfectly parallel to the back because our brain tends to like everything in an exact order.

THE CONCLUSION

The problem is that the reality is a pure chaos and everything else then sterile. So following the old saying “train how you fight” we try to keep the stance as usable as possible to provide optimal conditions to start a moving firefight. Having this in mind it gets clearer that there is no use in finding a perfect position to shoot in any given direction but more finding a position which gets you out of the enemy line of fire as quick and as safely as possible in the first place and second gives me the opportunity to return fire as fast as possible.

Based on Bio-mechanics, Neurosciences, and Human Behaviour under stress and years of combat experience we designed our stance on the needs of a firefight to improve the capability of every student from the beginning. Knowing that every human is different we adapt on the individual needs of a person through trained instructors with scientific background to provide the best training progress possible.

Our thanks go to Eli for allowing us to share both the words and pictures featured in this article; for more articles, reviews, and details of the training courses offered by Project Gecko please do visit www.projectgecko.info

TRAINING : THE UNIVERSAL COMBAT STANCE

EDITORS COMMENT noses stuck to the screens they seemed to drift past me like aimless ghosts. Crowded trains and tubes make line of sight all but impossible, and the thought that the majority around me were not in any way “switched on” had me shaking my head.

In this issue you’ll find the report and photo gallery of what we saw at DSEI in London this year, and what a show it was!

I am not saying in any way, shape, or form that the threat of

However, when getting ready to head off to the city I found my

terrorist attacks should stop us doing anything, buy why will

head turning towards the current security situation; whilst I did

people not learn to be more aware? Skills that once were taken

not for one moment question my intent to attend the show it

for granted are perishable, and erode all too easily if they are

did go through my mind that I needed to, as they say, “have my

not worked on.

head on a swivel”.

Whilst PMCI is squarely aimed at, and indeed designed for those Further recent atrocities, perpetrated by cowardly pond-life that

that wish to enhance their personal skillset for professional

live in the darkest pools of our ever more fragile societal lake,

reasons, it strikes me that we are becoming equally as valid as

bring personal safety and security to the forefront. This summer

a publication for the wider community. Surveillance and CQB

I have undergone major surgery and although fitness is returning

skills are not necessarily needed for modern everyday life, and

I am by no means at the top of my game right now. Physically

thorough knowledge of tactical clothing, equipment, knives and

I am slower and less agile than I would normally be, although

firearms are frowned upon by many, but it’s the mindset that is

mentally I hope I’ve still got all my marbles in the jar!

the thing.

I found myself thinking how I might be able to react if an

If the mindset to be aware, to recognise where and when you are

“incident” were to occur, but once I started out on my journey

in life, even to simply survive is lost then we truly have already

I realised that all things are relative. Mixing with tourists and

started to hand over to those that would see ill done to us both

commuters both it struck me just how unaware people are,

as individuals and as a society.

EDITORS COMMENT

VANISHING MINDSET, VANISHING SKILLS

People were just not engaged in their situation, on the phone,

both spatially and situationally. Okay, I work day in, day out with the firearms, training and tactical communities so perhaps I am

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

more aware than many, but the seemingly blissful lack of any

and keep safe.

kind of place and time in others shocked me more than I would have liked.

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SKELTON BOOT FROM DR .

MARTENS SERVICE COLLECTION

GEAR ON TEST

“Dr. Martens” boots will be a familiar brand to many of you as they have a long and somewhat colourful history! But what happens when a boot maker best known for “fashion” turns their attention to footwear for the professional user?

If you’re of a certain age or a keen follower of fashion then I’m absolutely certain that at some point you’ve undoubtedly owned a pair of “Doc Martens”. Since the first Dr. Martens boots in the United Kingdom came out on 1 April 1960 quite literally millions of pairs have been sold worldwide, but the whole story began much earlier than that, and has a distinctly military heritage.

Klaus Maertens was a doctor in the German army during World War II. While on leave in 1945, he injured his ankle while skiing and after that he found that his standard-issue army boots were too uncomfortable on his injured foot.

While recuperating, he designed improvements to the boots, with soft leather and air-padded soles made of tires.

Using a salvaged cobbler’s last and a needle, Maertens made a prototype shoe and showed it to an old university friend and mechanical engineer, Dr. Herbert Funk. The two went into partnership by using disused military supplies to begin producing their unique shoes In the late 1950’s , British shoe manufacturer R. Griggs Group Ltd. bought patent rights to manufacture the shoes in the United Kingdom. Griggs anglicised the name and trademarked the soles as “AirWair”, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Now Dr. Martens have produced “industrial” models of their boots for years, but their “Service Collection” marks the dawn of a new era in design and materials.

Dr. Martens have been collaborating extensively with police and security officers to fully understand their needs. This comprehensive research has culminated in the “Skelton” which offers a unique sole with a high grip tread that provides comfort, durability and outstanding slip resistance.

The 8 inch boot is non-metallic throughout with sturdy moulded eyelets, and benefits from a tough leather and nylon upper with a very nicely padded bellows tongue, and a padded collar. Inside you get a durable EVA (ethel vinyl acetate) midsole; the midsole is that part of the boot that effectively provides cushioning and stability for the foot and you’ll find EVA in virtually all high quality performance footwear, so this is absolutely spot on. The Skelton’s also benefit from a “Softwair” insole and a moisture wicking lining to help keep your feet comfortable for extended periods of time.

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I was lucky enough to be sent a pre-release sample of the Skelton’s by the nice folk at Patrol Store a couple of months ago, so I’ve been able to give them a really good try before writing this review, and I have to say that other than a prominent “Dr Martens AirWair” logo on the heel cup you’d be hard-pressed to recognise these as “DMs”, as the design is right on trend with the style of the very latest tactical and professional boots out there.

Weighing in at just 735g per boot (size 10) The Skelton’s feel light on the foot, and that special outsole really does give you some bounce in your step! The toe and lower foot area of the boot is of one piece leather construction, with no seams to rub across your toes, and is a comfortable broad fit. The heel cup however is relatively narrow, and combined with a solid lacing system which keeps the foot positioned well, and helps to avoid unnecessary movement which could lead to blisters.

With the great British “summer” living up to its usual mix of weather I’ve had chance to wear the Skeltons in most conditions other than snow, and I have to confirm that the moisture wicking lining does keep the foot dry in the heat, again helping to avoid blisters or “hot spots”.

Whilst the boots are not quoted a being waterproof thus far I’ve not experienced wet feet, and regular maintenance of the leather and nylon elements will no doubt give performance longevity.

I’ve put a fair few miles under the soles of the Skeltons already and so far they’ve proved to be a comfortable and protective pair of boots. With a UK retail price iro £73.00 these are a cracking pair of boots that will undoubtedly bring even further success to the Dr. Marten brand, and bring great performance to a whole new group of users!

Our sincere thanks go to the team at www.patrolstore. com for providing the test sample, and you can expect to see the Skeltons loading up onto their comprehensively stocked web store in the very near future.

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BCB FIREDRAGON

Visitors to the world’s leading Defence and Security Trade event, DSEI, were able to see for themselves a new fuel made from sugar beet which British soldiers are now using to heat their combat rations and warm their drinks. PMCI takes a closer look.

GEAR ON TEST

163 year old Cardiff-based survival equipment manufacturers, BCB International Ltd, have developed the world’s first solid bio-ethanol fuel called ‘FireDragon’.

Following extensive laboratory and field trials, the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided to replace traditional hexamine fuel tablets with the novel ‘FireDragon’ fuel which is made in Great Britain.

BCB International’s Managing Director, Andrew Howell, said: “Warm food raises a soldier’s morale, energy and concentration levels. Unfortunately, for far too long soldiers were also unknowingly inhaling toxic fumes each time they used hexamine fuel tablets to cook their food in the field.

“FireDragon is a safer and cleaner alternative. The FireDragon fuel boasts many features. It is made from sustainable natural ingredients, it is non-toxic, burns cleanly, can be ignited even when wet and if necessary can be used as a hand cleanser.”

Many Armies, and indeed Cnotracting companies, worldwide are still issuing their personnel with hexamine fuel tablets. But as Andrew Howell explained, the British Army’s decision to make the switch to ‘FireDragon’ has encouraged others to rethink their military rations heating fuel: “There is a growing body of evidence about the health risks associated with hexamine based fire-lighting fuels.

This combined with the UK MoD’s decision to use a superior alternative, has led to those in charge of combat feeding programmes in other armies to reconsider hexamine’s suitability as a fuel for the future.

“We are currently in discussions with several armies that are interested in integrating ‘FireDragon’ into their operational ration packs.”

BCB formulated and developed the ‘FireDragon’ gel to help people who venture in the great outdoors cook their rations and boil their brews quickly, safeguard their health, while protecting the environment. The fuel is non-toxic, non-drip and made from 100% natural ingredients. It is easy to light, burns cleanly and BCB’s research shows that it boils quicker than meths.

FireDragon Gel fuel is an ideal companion when it comes to efficient cooking in hostile environments. Whether in driving rain, the freezing arctic or searing heat, the fuel will perform in extreme conditions. The fuel is also relatively inexpensive and comes supplied with a small lightweight cooker which can be packed with three ‘FireDragon’ fuel blocks.

• Easy to Light • Quick Boil – Boils quicker than meths.

• Non-Drip – The non-flowing gel and bottleneck widget prevent leakage.

• Clean Burn – The gel produces very little soot.

• All Weather – FireDragon gel is waterproof and will burn even when wet. The ultimate all weather gel fuel.

• Non-Toxic – Gives off an odourless clean burn.

• Environmentally Friendly – Made from 100% natural ingredients, FireDragon is kind to the planet.

• FireDragon Gel is supplied in two sizes: 250 ml and 1 Litre.

For more information and some excellent video of the fuel in use please visit www.firedragonfuel.com

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HELIKON-TEX WINDRUNNER WINDSHIRT & FIRESPARK “STEEL”

GEAR ON TEST

At IWA earlier this year we were introduced to some great new additions to the Helikon-Tex line, and it’s great to see those starting to filter through to the market now. Bill has been testing a couple of items from their “Outback” and “Bushcraft” collections and brings you his initial findings.

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I really like the fact that Helikon-Tex have started to categorise their clothing and equipment as it makes life far easier when you’re looking for a particular item. As a keen outdoorsman I’m therefore every bit as interested in what they have in the “Outback” and “Bushcraft” categories in addition to the “Range” and “Patrol” lines as good outdoor equipment can act as the backbone for any situation.

The “Outback Line” is their technical clothing and accessories line concept; everything from baselayers through all intermediate levels of insulation for both dynamic and static activities to outer layers including windshirts, softshells, hardshells and Climashield parkas is included in this category. Accessories developed for the Outback Line will focus on travel, gear packing and outdoor expeditions.

It’s that time of year where I live where the north wind is starting to pick up, and although I’m not yet ready to transition into a fully-fledged hardshell I do want something that can be worn over a microfleece to add an additional layer against wind chill, and ideally I look for garments that are lightweight and have a minimal pack size.

The new Windrunner windshirt is an ideal carry item because of its minimum weight and size when folded. At just 190g (size XL) it’s ultralight, tight-woven Nylon fabric protects you from the wind, and if the DWR coating is regularly maintained, also from light rain. The Windrunner would also be an ideal garment for any kind of outdoor training. Mesh ventilation slats in armpits allow increased air circulation for when you’re really working hard, and on a cooler day, worn on top of a fleece, it keeps your all-important core warmth from escaping and protects against wind chilling. A large front channel pocket easily accommodates a cap, gloves or a buff , and two small flat pockets inside the larger pocket help to organize small items like smartphone or ID. Additional features are sparse and minimalistic in that there is a lightweight hood, elasticated cuffs and a drawstring hem, and that’s it. On a garment like this though you don’t need a massive amount of features as that just increases bulk and weight.

The Windrunner has been with me a little over a month now and I have to admit that I absolutely love it; it’s a superb piece of kit that gives you just that little extra protection when things start to get cooler, and therefore I would thoroughly recommend it to you.

Body heat of course is all important when it comes to your efficiency, and another recent release from HelikonTex is their “FIRESPARK” firesteel. Designed and tested by specialists in bushcraft and survival techniques, a new FIRESPARK firesteel is a modern rendering of classic piece of equipment. A hollow aluminium handle may be used to house water purification tablets, tinder or rolled banknotes.

Instead of the traditional carbon steel though the FIRESPARK makes use of a long Ferrocerium rod; While ferrocerium “steels” function in a similar way to natural flint and steel in fire starting, ferrocerium takes on the role that steel played in traditional methods; when small shavings of it are removed quickly enough the heat generated by friction is enough to ignite those shavings, converting the metal to the oxide, i.e., the sparks are actually tiny pieces of burning metal. This long spark rod with durable handle make starting a fire with FIRESPARK and knife a breeze; combined with my favourite bushcraft knife created for me by Josh Curry of the Athena Knife Co. in the USA, the FIRESPARK is absolutely awesome, sending an array of sparks away with every stroke!

I am really enjoying the roll out of the new Helikon categories, and rest assured I’ll update things just as soon as another test piece arrives in the office!

For more information please visit www.helikon-tex. com for country stockists, and in the UK check out www. military1st.co.uk for the very latest brand updates.

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CANNAE PRO CLOTHING

GEAR ON TEST

US Brand Cannae Pro are fast becoming known and respected for their packs and bags, but they also make some cracking clothing. The team at PMCI got their hands on it and took a very close look.

Cannae Pro you may well ask, who are they, where have they come from, and why should I be interested? Valid questions all which I’ll endeavour to enlighten you on.

Cannae Pro Gear is now one of the fastest-growing tactical brands in the USA, producing superior quality gear, apparel and accessories. Based in Long Beach, California Cannae Pro works with active operators from specials operations units, law enforcement, first responders, and enthusiasts who specialise in the tactical, hunting, and active/outdoor markets to develop a cutting-edge, practical and diverse product line.

Cannae Pro Gear was founded by Robert Hollander, Chairman and CEO, a noted brand builder who has created and successfully launched numerous products, including those for the automotive industry and NASCAR, in addition to his ground breaking marketing of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Cannae’s experienced team is led by the company’s COO, Andrew Work, who has built an international reputation for product development, sales, and merchandising of consumer products ranging from outdoor, tactical, extreme sports, and lifestyle accessories.

Named for the famous battle at which Hannibal defeated a vastly superior Roman force in 216 BC (historians consider “The Battle of Cannae” one of the most brilliant military victories ever!) Cannae Pro’s stated mission is to provide the best possible products that they possibly can.

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RANGE READY!

Although you might think that the gear is the high point of what’s on offer from Cannae Pro I’d like to introduce you to their excellent clothing range. It’s a tight, meticulously thought out collection that right now amounts to just six items, Operator Tactical Polos both long and short sleeve, the Centurion Performance Pullover and Rig Fleece Performance Pullover, a superb Battle Ready Tactical Hoodie, and last but by no means least the Shield Soft Shell Jacket.

The Shield Soft Shell Jacket is a comfortable, flexible jacket which has been designed for the professional user.

Made from water and wind resistant Poly Soft Shell with a bit of elastic makes this a lightweight, all-weather jacket that provides soft and durable warmth with the flexibility to “move and groove” in extreme situations.

Features include an easy-entry chest zipper pocket, wide and deep abdominal side zipper pockets for heavy objects/concealed carry, side zip openings for side holster, generous sized inside pockets, and an easy-access left arm zipper pocket. In addition, there are patch fields on both arms to customise your ID or team patches, and velcro cuff straps help keep the heat in and the cold out.

The Battle Ready Full Zip Hoodie is the ideal tactical hoodie.

Made from cotton, poly fleece and a little bit of elastic, this lightweight tactical hoodie provides soft and durable warmth with the flexibility to manoeuvre in extreme situations. Features include easy-entry chest zipper pocket, wide and deep abdominal open pockets for heavy objects/ concealed carry, easy-pull hood/hem cinch straps, and easy-access left arm zipper pocket. In addition, there are generous patch fields on both arms to customise your identification patches.

Maximum comfortable and flexibility makes The Rig Fleece ½ Zip Tactical Pullover the preferred choice of the everyday user. Made from a durable polyester fleece with a terry weave interior with a bit of flexible spandex, this

functional yet comfortable clothing and I certainly hope that there will be more to come from them in this respect!

Scott Country International are currently busy sorting out retailers in the UK and I’m absolutely certain that we’ll be seeing a lot about Cannae Pro in the immediate future. I for one am looking forward to really putting test pieces through the mill, and I’ll report back in more detail when I’ve done so!

For more details on Cannae Pro gear go on over to https://cannaeprogear.com. For the UK please do visit www.scottcountry.co.uk in the UK and simply type “Cannae” into the search box!

GEAR ON TEST

lightweight tactical pullover combines the elements of tactical manoeuvrability with everyday comfort. Features include easy-entry chest zipper pocket, along with wide and deep abdominal zipper pockets for heavy objects/ concealed carry.

Extreme situations call for high performance gear.

Engineered for flexibility, The Centurion Performance Pullover provides the active user an ideal alternative for any scenario. The arms, shoulders, and chest material are made from a durable wind-resistant poly soft shell to absorb the tough contact while the body is made of a super soft breathable poly micro-fibre. Plus, a bit of flexible spandex is added throughout for tactical manoeuvrability with everyday comfort. Features include easy-entry left arm zipper pocket, elbow patches for additional durability, generous patch fields on both arms to customize your identification. I have to admit that this style is being discontinued soon, but my advice is to grab one if you can!

Last but by no means least are the two polos; The Professional Operator Polo (long or short sleeved) is the ideal attire for the everyday use. Made from soft and comfortable cotton plus a bit of spandex, this polo provides the user the tactical mobility and flexibility any job requires while looking professional. Features include left arm pocket organizer, radio clip openings on the shoulders, and generous patch fields on both arms.

These are all really super bits of kit which really show what Cannae Pro are capable of when it comes to highly

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MEET THE MAKER - PROPPER

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PROPPER GEAR Although not “fashion driven” per se tactical clothing and gear brands appear to go in and out of vogue, but there’s one brand that’s been with us for 50 years and that’s Propper from the USA; Bill takes a look at the brand and what they have to offer us.

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ver the years I’ve owned clothing and gear from just about every major tactical manufacturer out there; some of it has been absolutely first rate whilst other items have been relegated to the “not fit for purpose” bin, and I’m afraid to say that once I’ve found a brand wanting it takes an awful lot to rekindle my faith in them.

Whilst I was living in the USA and out on the range a lot more regularly than I am now I looked for relatively inexpensive yet hard-wearing tactical clothing, and found it in the form of the Propper BDU pant; believe it or not, even after many years and many washes the pants are actually still going, although in fairness they do look a bit beaten up and faded these days; that however is after nearly 16 years of use, so I’m not going to quibble in any way that this kit is not fully “fit for purpose”!

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PROPPER GOOD! Founded by William S. Propper in 1967, Propper International is a manufacturer of the American Army Combat Uniform, Propper Battle Dress Uniform and iconic white Navy “Dixie Cup” hats. Their line of products includes high-quality tactical apparel and uniforms, military footwear and combat accessories for Military and law enforcement, service personnel, firefighting professionals, public safety and outdoor enthusiasts. This year, they proudly celebrate 50 years of providing outstanding military, law enforcement and tactical apparel and gear to folks like us who understand what it takes to get the job done right.

And these already impressive numbers don’t even take into account things like gloves, sleeping systems, webbing, nylon gear, and even GORE-TEX rain suits (they’ve supplied over a million GORE-TEX suits to the US military and coastguard since 2004!) so you might say that this is a company that know more than a little about making good, solid, durable, and above all reliable clothing and gear!

UP TO THE MINUTE You might think with all of this going on that Propper would be pretty comfortable to rest on the laurels and just keep cracking on with those military contracts, but that’s far from the truth of the matter. Like any company worth their salt they’re always looking at new fabrics, new technologies and new methods of garment construction so that they can offer the user the very best they can!

Whilst they do still manufacture both the classic BDU and the more modern ACU in a massive array of camouflage patterns (and yes, you can still buy M81!) it’s in some of their latest directions that they’ve completely re-kindled my interest. To go back to an earlier comment

MEET THE MAKER - PROPPER

The 4,000-square-foot Propper “think tank” is dedicated to the research, development and design of new products. It’s where Propper transform gear concept sketches to finished prototypes that feel as authentic and durable as the real thing. From there, their product development and global sourcing departments work hand-in-hand to bring their biggest and best ideas to life.

Propper cut and sew their clothing and gear in their very own 9001-2008 ISO-Certified production facilities in Haiti and Dominican Republic. Propper’s Berry-Compliant production facility in Puerto Rico handles additional cutting and sewing, in addition to pattern-grading, permanent press, permethrin treatments, stone washing, enzyme and garment dying, and certified GORE-TEX seam sealing.

Their 200,000-square-foot distribution center in Dickson, Tennessee is EDI capable, RFID capable, and government

bill and hold capable, helping them deliver everything users need on time, and on spec. Propper’s website tells me that their core values are: • Authentic - From design to delivery, we’re driven by good people making really good gear. If it’s anything else, it isn’t ours.

• Deliberate - We’re calculated when it comes to what we make, how we make it and who we make it for – a difference you can feel in every stitch, every seam and every pocket.

• Responsive - Like our gear, our flexible service, fast shipping and product customization are designed to bring you more than you’d ever expect.

• Proven - We’re the leading gear and apparel supplier for the U.S. Department of Defense, having met their evolving needs for 50 years.

To put this last point in perspective for you in that 50 years Propper has a hugely impressive track record, and the numbers, whilst staggering, speak plainly for themselves; • 120,000,000 GARMENTS produced for the US military.

• 30,000,000 MILITARY PERSONNEL have worn Propper garments.

• 8,100,000 TOPS to the US Military.

• 11,800,000 TROUSERS to the US Military.

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MEET THE MAKER - PROPPER

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my Woodland ACU is years old now, but still performing, so Propper are definitely a brand that I personally trust.

To illustrate what I mean about new directions though I’m going to take a look at a few of their very latest developments, starting with the FULL ZIP TECH SWEATER. At £90.00 it combines the comfort of a stylish sweater with the functionality of a tactical jacket. Featuring a full zip-up front and stand-up collar, the Propper Tech Sweater is crafted from high strength anti-pilling fleece fabric, which makes the exterior durable but keeps interior warm and comfortable.

Reinforced fabric around the elbows and shoulders offer additional resilience and durability, while elastic binding at the sleeves make sure the sweater fits you perfectly during any activity. Two dual zippered hand pockets and side zippers allow quick access to bottom layer or your beltt, while the vertical zippered chest pocket provides safe storage for documents.

The Full Zip Tech Sweater from Propper offers excellent freedom of movement with superb protection against the weather and is perfect for casual wear as well as tactical use.

Priced at £56.00 the PROPPER V2 HOODIE is a classic bit of design updated with some new twists; Crafted from highly stretchable and lightweight smooth-faced jersey fleece material, the Propper V2 Hoodie comes with 3/4 front zip closure, contoured hood for added weather resistance, and two zipped pockets for storing smaller tactical essentials.

Warm and comfortable, the new V2 Hoodie is perfectly suited for both covert field duty and casual wear and is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. I love a good hoodie so

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one of these will most definitely be on my “wish list” for the winter!

T h e P R O P P E R M E N ’S LIGHTWEIGHT TACTICAL PANTS come in at a walletfriendly £44.00; made of durable and breathable Polycotton Ripstop fabric, these fully functional Men’s Lightweight Tactical Pants feature relaxed fit construction with action-stretch waistband, reinforced seat and knees for added durability and durable YKK zip fly with multiple easily accessible pockets for all storage needs. They’re perfect for tactical or for everyday use, so this is a case of money well spent!

With a slightly higher price-tag of £62.00 the PROPPER MEN’S STRETCH TACTICAL PANTS are made of highly stretchable Nylon and Spandex fabric mix, these fully functional Men’s Stretch Tactical Pants and feature relaxed fit construction with an action-stretch waistband, reinforced seat and knees for added durability and durable YKK zip fly with multiple easily accessible pockets for all storage needs. These are a bit more dynamic than the standard tactical pants, and it’s certainly easy to see where your money is going here too.

Now I’m really just touching the tip of the iceberg with these four garments. Speaking to the team at Military 1st they are aiming to offer their customers a massive selection of Propper’s high-quality products, including a comprehensive range of tactical pants, combat shirts and field uniforms, waterproof jackets, hoodies, vests and soft shells, as well as low-profile backpacks, duffles, gun cases, utility pouches and accessories such as belts, hats, socks and patches. It’s most definitely a case of “watch this space”!

Propper products are constantly being added at www. military1st.co.uk who kindly provided the test samples for this article, so take my advice and go and check out what Propper can offer you at your earliest convenience!

TAC GEAR - FIRST TACTICAL

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UPDATE - FIRST TACTICAL We are extremely pleased that the PMCI team have been working closely with US Brand First Tactical since they launched in Europe last year, as well as in America; since then they’ve gone from strength to strength and Bill brings you the very latest updates on what’s new and innovative.

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t’s really edifying when you support a brand that enters the market and within a year you see them gaining great plaudits from reviewers and users alike.

I’ve been very fortunate to have met the First Tactical Team in person a couple of times now, and they are super people that are intent on delivering the very best tactical kit and clothing that they possibly can.

Solid as their initial “launch range” was it’s become very apparent to me that they are not a company to sit on their laurels though, and 2017 has seen some cracking new designs launched, designs that are already hitting the stores, and continue to do so!

Let me take just a moment to recap on who First tactical are; essentially they are an American brand with “real world roots” who are focused on providing the end user with a product that is specific to their requirements, and guided by innovation and reliability. Their design process combines both advanced technical materials with state-of-the-art components. First Tactical products are built to offer fully functional gear precisely created for professionals in the military, emergency and police services.

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Working with real users from the tactical world, First Tactical strives to fully understand customer demand through a circular development process: Listen, Engineer, Field Test and Deploy.

First Tactical listens to its customers through regular product development sessions with real users in the field. They also ensure they engineer cutting-edge product to transform common gear into incomparable tools for professionals.

Through the use of Field Testing, First Tactical’s products are put under scrutiny in the most demanding conditions to ensure they withstand a variety of environments.

A year since I received it, and after some pretty extensive “use and abuse” my original Tactix 1 Day Plus Pack still looks and performs like new; I’m not at all kind to my kit as obviously I need to give you all the “heads up” on where best to spend your coin when you’re not exactly “loaded”, and I’ve got to say that First Tactical is worth every penny. Based on my experience of their nylon gear I recently got myself one of their Canyon Digital Compass Watches which offers the best of both worlds, durable enough to stand up to the toughest jobs and environments yet sophisticated enough to wear every day. Featuring an oversized display with a digital second hand, compass function, and an innovative utility

NEW AND IMPROVED

As a few of us at PMCI have been running First Tactical gear for a while, and have been extremely pleased with design, performance and durability we know that they are a brand we can trust, and in turn recommend to you, and the good news is that new models currently being introduced have really moved their game forward.

Earlier this year at SHOT their head designer, Cory, introduced me to the new “Defender” shirt and pant, and I have to say that this is to date the most overtly tactical clothing that they’ve put together! First Tactical’s Defender Series Shirts are the best of both worlds again; performance built to handle any mission while maintaining the sharp look needed when on by the professional user. In the performance department specialised pockets boast ample space for oversized gear, a specialised yoke eliminates unwanted bulk, and oversized sleeve pockets accept patches or embroidery. Creating the perfect warm weather shirt was at the forefront of their design as articulated elbows,

TAC GEAR - FIRST TACTICAL

strap it’s a solid piece of kit that feels right as soon as you put it on.

The Canyon Digital Compass features an innovative digital second hand allowing users to visualise seconds counting down based on their needs, as they would with a traditional analogue watch, and coupled with an enlarged time readout the digital second hand enables you to complete any job with precision and ease. Featuring a ruler (cm/in) and Morse Code guide on the back of the band you will be equipped for any situation, and STEALTH MODE switches the tactical watch to mute as you enter silent tactical situations.

This however is not what I’d call “subtle” as at 2.4in / 60mm long, 2.1in / 55.5mm wide, and 0.6in / 15.5mm thick this is a timepiece and tool that looks like it really means business, although the broad band width of 0.9in / 24mm makes it very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. Functions include World Time and three alarms in addition to the compass feature, and the watch is waterproof to 10 metres. So far it’s proved to be a first rate watch, but of course I’ll report back later with a long-term test report

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TAC GEAR - FIRST TACTICAL

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running gussets, and vented mesh locations provide advanced movement and breathability.

The Defender Series Pants offer a total of 28 (yup, you read that right, 28!!!) specialised pockets which give ample space for oversized gear, magazines, and all other equipment.

Articulation is at the forefront of design as articulated knees, running gussets throughout, and vented mesh pockets provide superb freedom of movement and breathability. Ventilation in multiple key areas make these the ideal warm weather pants.

The Defender Fabric features a breathable cotton and Cordura Nylon blend. The 2-way mechanical stretch Nyco, is one of the first to the market and has double ripstop fabric that is moisture wicking and perfect for warm weather.

Continuing down the clothing route, if you fancy something that will be equally at home on the airsoft field as well as being perfect for everyday use then the new Velocity Series Tactical Pants are most certainly worth a look. With the Velocity Series Tactical Pants, First Tactical took the fit and function of their existing Specialist Pants and found innovative ways to provide them at a lighter weight. The Velocity Series Tactical Pants boast a double micro ripstop polyester/cotton blend fabric, Teflon Shield+ stain repellent finish, and a mechanical two-way stretch perfect for when you need flexibility and performance.

Running gusset construction gives you full motion ability, while triple needle stitching at critical seams makes them bomber tough and durable. The lightweight fabric and minimal layers make these the ideal tactical pants for most of the year other than full winter.

And there’s also some new accessories to round things out even further! First Tactical’s Slash Patrol Glove combines

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extreme tactility with long-term durability; featuring a Kevlar lined palm, these great gloves will give peace of mind when dealing with sharp objects either in the woods or especially in

an urban setting. Notching things up a level the Slash & Flash Hard Knuckle Glove boasts a Kevlar lined palm that is Level II certified and a flame resistant Nomex jersey so you can be ready for any situation at hand. Finished with a hard, TPR knuckle protection and TouchTac fingertip this design comes together to give a really complete and functional tactical glove. In terms

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of headgear new models include a new, fully adjustable ballcap and a superb lightweight beanie for when things chill down.

STEPPING IT UP!

that this type of model requires no maintenance! Absolute “black arts and wizardry” that is…

All boots require maintenance (I’ll go into the whys and wherefores another time…), but just because a boot is unlined with an internal membrane or the like doesn’t mean it won’t protect you IF you look after it properly.

But sometimes you just need a boot that suits your foot

TAC GEAR - FIRST TACTICAL

One of the most regular debates I see online gear chat groups is that of boot choice. Obviously for the UK a fully waterproof boot is going to be a firm favourite, and recently I’ve seen some absolute “BS” written about the efficacy of lined or unlined footwear. Whilst a boot with a waterproof lining will give you immediate protection from the elements it’s a huge misnomer

shape and your enviroment, and if you’re going to be more in a CQB or range training setting rather than the dark, dank backwoods then the latest model from First Tactical is going to definitely be worth a look! Built for speed and comfort the First Tactical Operator Boot features a lightweight yet tough synthetic upper providing agility while welded construction ensures the boots can stand up to high-level use and abuse.

Lightweight and breathable while maintaining an unmatched level of durability needed for extended use the Operator Boots benefit from a Torsion Flex fiberglass reinforced composite shank that is 75% lighter than steel. The Operator takes inspiration from athletic shoes, providing the flexibility and comfort you expect from a running shoe but with the durability of your favourite tactical boot. From Ortholite foam to enhanced airflow pockets this boot is well ventilated and will provide comfort in the warmest of environments.

Overall the latest additions to the First Tactical range of clothing and footwear look absolutely spot-on, and test samples of both the Defender Shirt and Pant and the Operator Boot have been booked for further review. Be certain that I’ll report back in more depth on these in the future.

First Tactical are most definitely a brand to keep an eye on as they seem to be getting everything right so far. Their range, although there are both male and female styles, is still tight with strict adherence to the very best principles of both design and quality control; speaking to the guys at Military 1st they’re expecting the Defender gear to be landing with them imminently, with the Operator Boots not far behind, so I’d bookmark www.military1st.co.uk and keep up to date with their Facebook page for updates!

To find out more information about the brand please do pay a visit to either www.firsttactical. com or www.firsttactical.co.uk. For new products please make sure to visit www.military1st.co.uk

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ETYMOTIC

ETYMOTIC GUN SPORT PRO (GSP 15) ELECTRONIC EARPLUGS When it comes to range training there are two absolute necessities that we need, commonly referred to as “eyes and ears”. Whilst eyepro definitely has some “cool guy” appeal, looking after our hearing as well as our sight is vitally important! Bill delves a little deeper.

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ver the many years that I’ve been involved on shooting it’s always been the case that I’ve invested in my own eye and hearing protection, and the advent of the “noise-cancelling” ear defender meant that I could actually carry on a conversation on the range whilst ensuring that I was fully protected. As with “eyepro” hearing protection continues to move forward.

In the not too distant past if you wanted “noisecancelling” technology then it was a case of over the ear muffs, but as I’ve discovered from quite painful personal experience having the ear completely covered and encased can lead to irritation and even dry skin and rashes, especially in hot/dry or hot/humid environments. Whilst all the leading “earpro” manufacturers provide cleaning and sterilising “kits” for their ear defenders they are not always the most convenient items to carry with you; I always try to at least use a sterile alcohol wipe at the end of each day of shooting, but even so there are times when even this has been a challenge.

Over the ear “muffs” are not always the most appropriate form of hearing protection either, and for those involved in low profile Close Protection duties, the “muff” is a real nono; there’s nothing that screams out “I am armed” more than darn great cans! To this end, for both personal and professional reasons I started looking around for alternatives.

Etymotic Research, Inc. is an engineering-driven research, development and manufacturing company. The name “Etymotic” (pronounced “et-im-oh-tik.”) means “true to the ear.” Mead Killion, Ph.D. founded Etymotic Research in 1983 to design products that accurately assess hearing, improve the lives of those with hearing loss, protect hearing, and enhance the listening experience of all users.

With deep roots in acoustic research and the hearing aid industry, Etymotic invented insert earphones in 1984. Etymotic’s original earphone design used balanced armature receivers, which established these speakers as the gold standard for high definition in-ear earphones. The first versions were used for diagnostic testing and precision auditory research (ER-1, 2, 3). Etymotic produced the first noise-isolating high-fidelity inear earphone, the ER-4 (1991), which became the basis of all subsequent in-ear earphones and in-ear monitors worldwide, and created an entire category of consumer electronics. The ER-4 earphones are still produced and channel-balanced to within 1 dB in Etymotic’s labs in the US. The early 1980s represented a new electronic age which saw the introduction of numerous technical devices to assist consumers in telephone communication and increase their access to and appreciation of music. Products such as personal portable radio/cassette players, FAX machines, cell phones and compact disc technologies were introduced. This time frame was also a period of advancement of in-ear technologies and greater public acceptance of hearing aids. On September 7, 1983, during a routine press conference, the news media observed that President Reagan was wearing a hearing aid in his right ear, which proved to be a

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ETYMOTIC

priceless endorsement of hearing aids and helped boost sales to record levels. In fact, in 1983, U.S. hearing aid sales surpassed the one million mark for the first time in history.

This atmosphere of innovative technology set the stage for the establishment of a new company that would focus on the design of high-fidelity products that measure, improve and protect hearing. Armed with two and one-half degrees in mathematics, a PhD in audiology, and more than 20 years of experience in electronic component manufacturing, Mead Killion took the giant step forward to initiate his own commercial enterprise during the summer of 1983. On the introduction of a mutual friend, Mead was joined by Ed DeVilbiss, who brought a high level of sales and business acumen, both of which were invaluable to the success of the company.

The success of Etymotic Research is nothing short of remarkable. Etymotic Research developed insert earphones for audiometry and auditory brainstem response testing; otoacoustic emissions screening and diagnostic devices; directional and array microphones; a real-ear probe microphone for research; K-AMP and Digi-K hearing aid circuitry; Companion Mics; Musicians Earplugs; non-custom high-fidelity passive and electronic earplugs; personal noise dosimeters; a sound level meter and a direct-to-consumer personal sound amplifier. Along the way, Etymotic created an entirely new consumer electronics category: Noise-isolating, high-fidelity in-ear earphones.

Never losing sight of its mission, Etymotic Research has expanded from audiology-based products to innovative devices for the high-growth consumer electronics and telephony markets.

Etymotic has almost 70 employees and many consultants and colleagues who contribute to research and product development.

Etymotic is rich in relationships with passionate people from all over the globe. This amazing group shares a common goal: To make the world a better place.

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ETYMOTIC

ETYMOTIC’S GUNSPORT PRO EEARPLUGS

Adding electronic hearing protection to one’s arsenal isn’t new.

Hunters and marksmen have long been using passive earplugs and over-the-ear style hearing protectors. However, an inability to communicate while wearing some of these products, and the instability of bulky headphone-style muffs on the head, are clearly impediments. For these reasons, Etymotic’s in-ear electronic earplugs have distinct advantages.

Properly sealed in the ear, electronic earplugs don’t move around. More importantly, it’s their ability to automatically amplify for better situational awareness, protect against continuous loud noise and blasts, and pass through normal sound that make Etymotic’s GunSportPRO electronic earplugs a particularly good choice for hunters and shooters alike The GunSportPRO model benefits from a Dual-Mode Switch, Automatic Hearing Protection + Blast Protection Mode, and allows natural hearing. They provides 15 dB of automatic hearing protection when noise exceeds safe levels, and also protect from blasts whilst amplifying up to 5X. In The Box you will find: • 1 pair electronic earplugs • Assortment of ACCU•Fit eartips • Durable neck cord • Filter tool and ACCU•Filters • Cleaning tool • Batteries (#10) • Protective case • User manual The GunSportPRO electronic earplugs are designed for gun sport enthusiasts in the field or at the range where enhanced awareness, clear communication and blast protection are desired. They allow natural hearing when no background noise is present and gradually protect from loud continuous noise from vehicles, machinery or gunfire from nearby shooters.

At the flip of a switch sound is amplified, improving distance detection up to five times for enhanced awareness.

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The GunSportPRO electronic earplugs use Etymotic’s ACCU Technology with high-definition balanced-armature drivers, high-sensitivity microphones and proprietary wide-dynamicrange compression K AMP signal processing. The little units amplify sound up to five times, but switch to noise-cancelling mode when a blast occurs. And, they are much more natural looking than either oversized muffs or those orange foam plugs. Active circuitry allows the wearer to hear naturally as if nothing is in the ears.

Innovation, education and hearing conservation are central to Etymotic’s mission. Etymotic’s products are used by scientists, hearing practitioners, hearing-impaired consumers, professional and amateur musicians, and others who insist on superior sound quality. Audio engineers, audiologists and musicians working together have generated over 100 patents issued and pending.

And for us as shooters there’s the GunSportPRO, a dedicated model that offers all the protection we need, along with light weight and small pack size, so perhaps it’s time that we all tried something new!

For more product and stockist details please do visit www.etymotic.com Please note that PMCI readers get 10% off at Etymotic.com using the code EHP10TP at checkout

017 Y 3-6.3.2

G, GERMAN

NUREMBER

hall 9 booth 222 Large carry-all bag designed for bushcraft use – perfect for daytrips.

It has a wide shoulder strap, two zipper secured pockets for smaller items and PALS/MOLLE compatible side panels with additional sleeves for folding saws, knives or axes.

Features: YKKÂŽ zipper closure, One external zippered pocket one internal, 2 internal waterbottle pockets,

Built in sheaths for Knife/axe/saw, PALS/MOLLE side panels, Compression straps, Detachable, adjustable wide carrying strap.

KNIVES AND TOOLS

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BUSH GATOR

BY ADKINS WOOD AND KNIFE If you spend a lot of time exploring the great outdoors, one of the most critical supplies you regularly find yourself requiring is a tough blade. As Trampas has often expressed in his knife reviews, a good handling knife can mean the difference between life or death in extreme circumstances.

U

nfortunately, terms such as “bushcraft” and “survival” have been grossly over used and misused for commercial purposes. Large name companies are stamping out tools overseas mislabeled for what they consider a new rising market of bushcrafting seeing only profit to be made. These companies often incorporate famous faces, poor designs and inferior steel for real world use. The truth is, the best bushcraft tools are still being made by small companies, often in garages and backyard shops outside of the manufacturers “day jobs” right here in the good ‘ol USA. So just what makes a good quality bushcraft blade? To not only help answer that question but to build a perfect example of a hard use tool, I reached out to my good friend and blademaking Viking madman, Wes Adkins of Adkins Wood and Knife.

Located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Wes has been quickly making a good name for his company in the blade industry during the past few years. Prior to becoming friends with the hard-working craftsman, I was a fan of his work long before.

One look at the unique designs and quality within the wide range of noted projects from Adkins Wood and Knife will tell you why Wes is on track to be a big deal within the industry very soon.

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Through my initial conversation with Wes about the project, we agreed the blade would be designed to carry with minimal equipment. This would require the knife to serve in a wide range of duties such as a carver, skinner and chopper all in one. For this to be accomplished, the blade needed to be larger than the small utility blade from Two Rivers Knife Co that I regularly carry in my outdoor kit in conjunction with a 19” camp axe from Hoffman Blacksmithing Company. While not meant to be overly large and prevent the knife to be easily manipulated in fine skill tasks, the bushcraft blade would need a good “heft” to it to cut through small timber. These parameters would still support my oftenstated opinion against “survival” blades over 12” in length.

Basically, in my humble opinion, “This isn’t the Australian Outback and I’m no Crocodile Dundee!” If every presented against a knife wielding threat, I dually plan on there being no, “That’s not a knife, this is a knife”, scenario, it will be classified as a shooting after the threat is introduced to my other daily carry, a Glock model 19. Large knives look cool, but add bulk and offer limited uses, most in which a good hatch or axe could do better.

As time progressed on with conversations weekly between Wes and I regarding what would be labeled the “Bush Gator” project, the design and build were slowly taking place. In true bushcraft style, Wes decided the 4140 steel needed for the knife would come from a repurposed guide bar from a saw. This was an endearing gesture for us both since we have a huge passion for reusing items from the past to give them new life and Wes is a licensed forester by trade. Combined with a hollow grind, some “experts” will say this wouldn’t be the best choice of material

and steel for a bushcraft knife. This was my first thought before keeping in mind the wide range of uses the knife will have to perform, the razor-sharp edge would be fairly easy to keep honed. If this were to be a small blade, I would prefer a flat ground edge in 1085 carbon steel or a Scandi grind on a large D2 steel blade for just chopping.

With a small treatment of Modern Spartan Accurizing Oil applied to the slightly heated metal, the quench is in no way affected and the microscopic pores are sealed with dry lube to protect it from hours or even days of wet, muddy conditions as I do with all my knives. After using this product for over four years now, I have yet to need to clean any of my blades beyond rising them off and wiping them clean.

The last thing discussed before Wes would shut the workshop doors and complete the project would be the sheath. A simple, straight forward Kydex sheath to hold up against the elements sporting a BullGator Camo, “the meanest camo on the planet”.

I specified this camo pattern to match the camo attire my Swanson Media Group team uses in the field due to its superior performance in blending with a wide range of environments.

Combined with pull-the-dot soft loops, the sheath was meant to be placed on and off belts and gear quickly as needed yet hold the blaDE

KNIVES AND TOOLS

PROJECT PLANNING

SECURELY THROUGH ANY TERRAIN.

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KNIVES AND TOOLS

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THE BUSH GATOR ENTERS THE SWAMP

SPECS

Blade Length: Overall Length: Weight: Steel: Edge: Finish: Scales:

Sheath:

Retail Price:

Website:

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5” 10” 11 oz 4140 (Repurposed from a saw guide bar) Hollow Grind Raw / worn / oil quenched Jade Ghost translucent G10 with carbon fibre pins and tubing Kydex featuring BullGator Camo with Pull-the-Dot soft loops Knife / $365 or complete knife / sheath package / $400 www.adkinswoodandknife.com www.facebook.com/AdkinsWoodandKnife/ www.instagram.com/adkinswoodandknife/

A few weeks after my last discussion with Wes Adkins, a package from his shop arrived at my door containing the Bush Gator. As I unwrapped it from the rustic burlap bag inside the box and admiring the new Adkins Wood and Knife patch that accompanied it, I finally had the custom knife in my hand.

I unsheathed the blade with a crisp “pop” from the kydex’s secure grip on the knife and immediately liked the feel of the knife. The contour of the 5” handle fit very well in my hand as the 5” beefy blade was surprisingly well-balanced. Much to my delight, Wes added a personal twist to the knife just below the plunge line and above the guard. A recessed edge for safely cutting fishing line and 550 paracord was added without sacrificing the rigidity of the blade’s design.

The Jade Ghost translucent G10 grips featuring pass through carbon fiber pins were well designed and offered a wide range of benefits over traditional wood options. In the sunlight, these grips would often resemble the under belly of an alligator.

The pass-through pins offer great lashing points to turn the blade into a makeshift spear for fishing, hunting or predator defense.

As impressive as the blade looked, I was ready to see how it would perform. The following weekend, I took a trip out to our private training grounds affectionally known as “The Swamp”.

This property offers a little bit of everything from a bushcrafting / camp area, shooting range with movable steel and paper targets and even a wetland access for torture testing gear. With recent heavy Florida rains, the blade’s two-day old Modern Spartan Accurizing Oil treatment would get just as much of a test as the edge would.

As I started out with a few push cuts and light chopping to gather materials for finer work later, I was welcome with a light rain shower as I moved from task to task. The hand-cut thumb jimping or groves along the spine allowed for great traction in applying pressure as the blade sliced into small sticks for notching. As the water began to bead off the knife, I found the G10 scales to continue offering a secure purchase on the knife during heavy chopping swings. The wide blade cut deep into

Another lesson learned came in the form of adding a length of paracord for a lanyard. Two specific reasons come to mind immediately. The first is for having an anchor for keeping control of the knife when chopping for long periods of time and your hand cramps causing the knife to come out of your grip. The lanyard prevented me from having to search the immediate area for where I may have pitched my knife. Secondly, the lanyard offered extra cordage during one outing when I failed to replace used cordage from a previous trip. By using the 550 paracord used for the lanyard, I saved myself a 45-minute round trip to complete my outing. This could have been a much greater cost if it had occurred during a weekend excursion deep in the woods.

FINAL THOUGHTS

After spending a long, hot summer with the Bush Gator, I have come to really appreciate its abilities as an overall bushcraft knife. The goal of this project was to construct a blade that could handle a wide array of tasks for the end user to travel as light as possible when in the outdoors and still have enough to survive. I feel like this is exactly what Wes Adkins provided in the Bush Gator project with his unique style and top-quality work. I enjoyed the way the knife handled during small, intricate tasks while still offering enough mass and size to baton through small logs and chop down tree saplings.

Retailing for US$365 without the sheath and US$400 with it, the price is right in line with any custom, handmade knife on the market. Sure, you can find cheaper knives, but to be able to call up a craftsman like Wes Adkins at Adkins Wood and Knife and have him build your dream knife to your specifications is well worth every penny! I highly recommend taking the time to discover exactly what your outdoor style and needs are and then discuss it with Wes to start your own bushcraft project soon. This is a first-class company providing top notch blades for those who know what they want. Don’t just take my word for it, visit www.adkinswoodandknife.com today and find out for yourself!

KNIVES AND TOOLS

the 4” tree sapling as I began to section it out. Before long, I had enough wood to start splitting for firewood. I began to use one of the small logs to baton the Bush Gator through the wood like a hot knife through hot butter. Most of the timber used was local white oak with a few small pines mixed in but it all split easily while the blade still retained a sharp edge an hour later.

Once it was time to start a small fire and make camp, the previously mentioned thumb jimping worked well in tossing an arch of sparks from the ferro rod as I worked it. Within minutes, the dry leaves and feathered wood I had protected against the temporary shower went from smoking to a nice blaze in the clean air. In no time, the larger sections of wood were ablaze and I had a full on campfire thanks to the Bush Gator.

The cord cutter came in handy several times while constructing toggles while stringing the cordage needed to put up the temporary shelter utilizing a medium size tarp. I have often had paracord skip off flat blades and send the edge rocketing upward from the applied pressure, but the cord cutter zipped through everything quickly and cleanly. Small details like this instead of goofy saw backed blades and archaic bottle openers are what make Wes’s designs functional while remaining minimalistic.

After surviving its first day in “The Swamp”, I left impressed with the new Bush Gator’s performance overall. While this was just its first trip out for a couple of hours of bushcrafting between photo and video shoots for other projects, I was eagerly ready to schedule much more time with this knife.

Thankfully, my schedule opened a bit over the following weeks allowing for several more trips to The Swamp. Thanks to the metal treatment I did on the knife immediately after receiving it, the elements did not harm the blade in any way despite the less than optimum care I performed other than re-sharpening the blade.

During one such trip, I inadvertently batoned the Bush Gator through a nail that was lodged into the piece of wood I was cutting. After realizing what had happened, I inspected the edge for any deformation due to the nail. Other than a bit of dullness, the edge was still perfectly intact. Any second thoughts on using 4140 steel were completely out the window at that point to say the least.

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FIREARMS: INSTRUCTOR RIFLE

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BUILDING THE INSTRUCTOR’S RIFLE

W

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hen anyone discusses the topic of the perfect carbine/rifle on the AR-15 platform, the answers vary everywhere from traditional A2 sight 16” barrel to sub-6 lb. carbon fibre ultralight minimalistic configurations ranging from 7” to 14” barrels. There have been tons of books and even more “experts” chime in with their builds and theories to pigeonhole one set up to handle every situation whether it was to sell guns, land government contracts or just for the “warm-fuzzy” of being the one who came up with the idea. The truth is, there is NO one singular perfect set up that fit every shooter’s style or preference. What does exist however is a certain basic list of items proven from in-the-line-of-fire experienced shooters have come to agree should be on any fighting rifle. Top quality parts consisting of iron sights, good trigger and a white light for low-light fighting are all on the must-have list.

As a former SWAT operator, current NRA certified firearms instructor and gun writer, I have had the opportunity to shoot a wide array of off-the-shelf AR-15 rifles. Some shot better than others, some handled much better. A few rifles offered more bells and whistles than others while discovering the price didn’t always dictate every increase in any of the noticed results.

What I learned the most from every rifle I tested was, in most cases I always had to add or remove some aspect of each one. While it’s great to start with a rifle that just needs a few tweaks, additions or subtractions I tend to see things

from an economic stand point due to the limited gun budget most of us live with. Whenever you take parts off, you are removing an item you paid for to be on the rifle only to buy another part to replace it. This leads to wasted money sitting in

UPPER / LOWER

To start this project, I reached out to my good friends at Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) in San Antonio, Texas. These Lone Star lead slingers (plus one wild Aussie) take their rifle craft seriously and hold all their products to the strictest standards. SOLGW has a great reputation for Mil-Spec (or better) 7075-T6 forged lowers with their contours being fully machined leaving no flash marks from the forging. Small details like that offer absolutely no worries with combining them with other top-quality parts from other areas of the industry. This would be the perfect place to get a stripped upper and lower receiver for my new rifle’s skeleton.

Within a week, I had my rifle’s starting point on my office desk and ready to move forward.

BARREL

The next step was to find the heart and soul for instructor rifle build commonly known as it’s barrel. This would be an important factor in how my new rifle would accurately perform with various

available ammunition was well as handle around barriers and obstacles when not on a traditional square one-way range. For this choice, I reached out to Ballistic Advantage and chose their economically priced Modern Series 16” 5.56mm government profile barrel. These affordable barrels offer a lot of the same qualities as high-end barrels offered by other companies and a 1 MOA guarantee where most do not. I choose to go with the 16” length to keep the rifle maneuverable without sacrificing too much loss in velocity as a longer service rifle length while also forgoing the need for a tax stamp that most of my students wouldn’t have with their rifles either. Very rarely do I see ATF classified short barrel rifles, aka SBRs, in my classes. To enhance reliability, I opted for the med-length gas system and tube to slightly reduce recoil and back blast commonly found in carbine length systems.

SPECS

Length 16” Material 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Profile Government Finish QPQ Corrosion Resistant Gas System Length Mid-Length Gas Block Journal .750” Twist Rate 1:7 inches Muzzle 1/2x28 Threaded Weight 28oz

TRIGGER

FIREARMS: INSTRUCTOR RIFLE

a parts bin collecting dust. With an investment in time learning some highly suggested AR-15 armorer skills and the right tools, you can build a rifle to your exact specifications and forego wasted money.

Recently, I decided to upgrade from the 10-year-old Smith and Wesson Viking Tactics edition AR-15 I have been shooting for 1000’s of rounds over the hard shooting decade. To compliment my old reliable rifle, I wanted a rifle specifically for teaching the classes I offer through my company, the Swanson Training Group, the sister company of the Swanson Media Group. The old S&W rifle has served me very well through numerous classes I have taken as well as taught over the years but as the industry changes and technology improves, it was time to incorporate some newer products on the market for a slimmer profiled rifle. To save money and not waste unwanted rifle components, I decided to build my instructor rifle rather than buy an off the shelf rifle.

One of the items I regularly stress to my rifle students is a good trigger. Too often, I have seen good shooters ruin their shots with gritty, overly heavy and poorly constructed triggers. For my instructor rifle project, I chose to go with an ELF drop-in match grade trigger from the great folks at Elftmann Tactical. I met these guys at SHOT SHOW in Las Vegas earlier this year and was immediately impressed with both them and their products.

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FIREARMS: INSTRUCTOR RIFLE

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When it comes to understanding what makes a lightweight, 100% reliable trigger for the AR platform, these guys “get it”.

The adjustable trigger ranges from 2 3/4 to 4 lbs. with the heavier of the weights being what I left it set on. These triggers offer almost a non-existent creep and one of the crispest breaks of any trigger on the market. If you’re going take quick, close quarter shots as well as longer range, precision shots, this trigger is the one you would want to use.

To make the instructor rifle suppressor ready and to ensure the best performance in suppressed and unsuppressed modes, I chose to use the GemTech bolt carrier group and quick detach flash hider. GemTech’s bolt carrier group offers a switch on the side of the carrier to maximize performance when running a suppressor. The quick detach flash hider allows for a simple twist to remove the suppressor and result in saving a lot of time when switching back and forth when gathering data.

HANDGUARD AND LIGHT

STOCK, GRIPS AND MAGAZINES

For my choice for a handguard, I wanted to incorporate a design Bill and I discovered earlier this year again at SHOT SHOW in Las Vegas, NV. You may have heard of the company, Hardened Arms, who have a very good reputation in the firearms industry but you may not have seen their cutting edge white light intergraded handguard combo titled the LumaShark. This M-Lok compatible free float 12” handguard is designed to eliminate bulky bolt-on lights and cables while giving the rifle’s overall profile a slimline feel and look.

The LumaShark incorporates two pods under the rail towards the muzzle end which house interchangeable twin bulbs and easy click “on-off” tail caps. According the innovative folks at Hardene Arms, these pods allow for CREE lights in 1,150, 500, and 200 lumen outputs as well as infrared and laser offerings. What caught my attention immediately was the equal access to light regardless of whether the shooter was right or left handed. In a lot of my training, students shoot from the weakside almost as much as they do from the strong side once the basic fundamentals are achieved. This seemed like the perfect item to incorporate into my instructor rifle.

BOLT CARRIER AND FLASH HIDER

During the process of deciding which parts I wanted to incorporate into the rifle build, I had the good fortune to start working with the folks at GemTech on a few future projects.

Through my interactions with the company, I really got to see what top of the line products they produce and how it all works hand in hand with their suppressors. One project I can freely discuss now involves using the instructor rifle to test ammo for reviews and feature the results with both suppressed and unsuppressed data.

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To finish off the major parts of the instructor rifle, I turned to a longtime trusted source for rifle accessories, MagPul. All my rifles feature some sort of MagPul product whether it be a pistol grip, foregrip or stock. To keep the same feel and reliability as my other rifles, I chose the MOE SL-S Mil-Spec stock, MOE K-2 Grip and the M-Lok MVG Vertical Grip.

Another set of standard equipment I like to use on most of my rifles are MagPul’s MBUIS or back up iron sights. These pop-up style sights are lightweight, reliable and simply work well without breaking the budget. While offered in 5 different colors, the traditional black sights have always stood out the best when acquiring a quick sight picture.

In addition to these parts, I ordered a stack of new PMAG 30 round magazines and an extended magazine release button MagPul calls their Enhanced Mag Release. The new magazines will compliment all the exact same mags I use for all my other 5.56 rifles. My general rule of thumb when it comes to magazines in general is to have at least 10 per firearm I own.

FIT AND FINISH

With a parts kit from CMMG, buffer tube assembly from Bravo Company and an ambidextrous safety lever from Strike Industries, everything was in place to get the rifle components finished and ready for assembly. If you have ever assembled a rifle using parts from different manufacturers, you will notice a lot of parts may be different hues of the same color such as black. While this does nothing to the performance of the rifle, I do prefer a clean and professional look to the rifle I will use to teach shooters paying their hard-earned money for the best services I can provide.

To add a good looking and durable finish to the rifle project,

I reached out to the Cerakote masters at Blowndeadline Custom Cerakote. When it comes to firearm finishes, this company is perhaps the best in the industry and comes with a lengthy waiting list for projects, regularly between 6 to 8 weeks. When you want the best, you must be patient. Trust me, this was well worth the wait. Roughly six weeks later, my parts returned with an amazing Multicam camo finish on them. After a couple of hours in the shop, my new instructor rifle was ready for its new optic to be mounted and sighted in.

OPTICS

FINAL THOUGHTS

able to hunt down a store that I can find a flat watch battery but AAA batteries can be found everywhere including hotel remote controls or a friend’s kestrel unit IF I were to need to “borrow” one. Once mounted, the SPARC AR lined up perfectly with the MagPul back up sights and my build was officially complete and ready for range time.

RANGE TIME

Like a kid with a new toy, I couldn’t wait to get to the range and put the new rifle through its paces. Once the red dot was bore sighted, I shot all my test rounds from a bench rest to reduce as much human error as possible. My first 3 round group at 50 yards to start dialing in the optic. Striking high and to the left, I made a couple of quick adjustments and sent the next 3 down range.

While not perfect, there was one round in touching the top of the bullseye. One quick adjustment and my next 3 rounds where all inside the bullseye. What impressed me the most was how tight each 3-round grouping was. In each round of fire, at least 2 of the 3 rounds were touching.

Moving back to the 100-yard mark, I wanted to test my 50yard sight in and see what my hold under would be further out.

After the first 3 rounds went down range, I was roughly an inch under the bullseye which was normal for a 16” barrel 5.56 rifle. The first group measured an impressive .76”. I returned to

Over the period of four months, a lot of thought and consideration went into the instructor rifle build. I was able to catch up with some good friends in the industry and see firsthand what new products were on the market revolutionizing the rifle scene.

With all the lasers, lights, bipods and other accessories, it would have been very easy to weigh my new rifle down with things not required on the project. By doing the research and having a realistic budget for the build, and spending the time on the range getting it all dialed in, I feel 100% confident in my new instructor rifle. In the end, my result was an affordable, accurate and reliable rifle with a clean, professional appearance. What more could you ask for?

If you are thinking about building your next AR-15 platform rifle, I urge you to consider some of the great manufacturers and products I had the pleasure of working with. I choose each company based on their strong reputations for quality parts and personal experience with how durable they are in the real world.

Below I have listed the name and websites for each company.

Until next time, Train Hard and Continue the Fight!

INSTRUCTOR RIFLE SPONSORS

Sons of Liberty Gun Works - www. sonsoflibertygunworks.com MagPul - www.magpul.com Ballistic Advantage - www.ballisticadvantage.com Hardened Arms - www.hardenedarms.com GemTech – www. gemtech.com Elftmann Tactical - www.elftactical.com Blowndeadline Custom Cerakote – www. blowndeadline.net Vortex Optics - www.vortexoptics.com

FIREARMS: INSTRUCTOR RIFLE

For the past 3 years, I have religiously used the SPARC II red dot

by Vortex Optics. This small, hard use optic ships with 3 different mounting optics including the co-witness pedestal mount I often use in conjunction with back up iron sights. For this new project quickly coming to an end, I decided to update my optic to the newer SPARC AR. This is a fixed pedestal mounted red dot with all the great features of the SPARC II but runs on an easy to find AAA battery instead a specialty watch battery most red dots run on. A lot of times when I may have a battery fail, I am not

the bench and shot two additional 3-round groups at 100 yards on the other two available targets on the board. The second grouping measured .75” and .74” for the third. Without cleaning the barrel, I decided to fire a fourth round of 3 shots which resulted in another .76” group. To say I was happy with a subMOA rifle build was a huge understatement. The quality parts from trusted manufacturers definitely paid off.

Over the next few weeks, the rifle would continue shooting well during CQB drills as well as stretching out a bit to 200 and 300 yards on steel. I was very happy with the performance received from the Ballistic Advantage barrel. With two builds pending for a local not-for-profit, I can definitely see using these barrels in both with no problem.

Two big differences in the new instructor rifle compared to my old S&W rifle come in the light control and trigger. First, while working through low-light drills on an indoor right, I was very impressed with the LumaShark handguard / light combo.

This seemed to be quite the gamechanger for a fighting rifle.

I no longer had to over reach my thumb or hand during fire to manipulate the white light and using the dual light mode allowed me to determine just how much light I wanted to use on target.

Secondly, my old S&W rifle featured a Geisselle trigger that was cutting edge for its time. The ELF drop-in trigger from Elftmann Tactical cut all the felt creep out of the trigger and narrowed the margin of error for other shooters who tried my rifle. I enjoyed how crisp the trigger break felt with each shot and how short the reset seemed to be. I found my shots came slightly faster while still being as accurate due the smoother and shorter reset.

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TECH: NEOMAG MAGAZINE CARRIER

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NEOMAG MAGAZINE CARRIER The firearms industry is a wonderful microcosm of the world financial market to observe with its trends, growth, rise in popularity and success from big business and small entrepreneurs alike. Trampas gets together with one of the latter to see what they have to offer!

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or shooters like me who love the industry so much that we invest our careers into both the “hardware” (guns, ammo and equipment) and “software” (training) aspects of it, one must always stay on top of the newest techniques and products. As a firearms instructor, I have noticed a huge increase over the past 10 years in people from all walks of life pursuing their state rights here in the US to obtaining a concealed carry permit for their handguns. As a direct result of this trend, the request from NRA instructors such as we employ with my business, the Swanson Training Group has sharply risen as well. As the managing editor of the Swanson Media Group, my fantastic team is always flooded with new firearms, gadgets and holsters claiming to make concealed carry easier, more comfortable and efficient.

During my trip to this year’s largest firearms industry event in the world known as the SHOT SHOW, I had the pleasure of meeting a sharp minded inventor by the name of Graig Davis, owner of a company by the name of NeoMag. Graig and I discussed a few issues about carrying concealed which face people who do so all the time.

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The first was the lack of people carrying spare ammunition. I mentioned to Graig the fact that when I was in law enforcement, we carried not only the ammo in the pistol but an additional two spare mags as well but when I was off duty, I normally just carried the gun. The reason why was because when I was on duty, I had a large utility belt to hang handcuffs, gloves,

ALL THE BEST COMPONENTS

Using the best quality materials available, Graig set out to build a magnet based pocket clip versatile enough to be used with a wide range of magazines. All Graig’s research and efforts resulted in a product known simply as the NeoMag. Made from CNC machined steel with a black nitrite finish, the NeoMag has a titanium pocket clip and powerful neodymium rare earth magnet. The steel black nitrite finished wings come in small, medium and large to secure magazines from twisting out of the grasp of the magnet.

Graig told me; “As an avid second amendment supporter and concealed carry advocate I wanted the best way to carry a backup magazine.

I engineered the NeoMag to use the best materials in the most minimal package possible. The NeoMag is completely made and assembled here in the USA. My goal is to provide you the best product and customer service possible.”

I left the show with samples of each size to try out once I returned home to Florida. My choice in a daily carry firearm is often dictated by weather and clothing choice and can range from as small as a Glock 42 .380 (size small) and as large as my custom Les Baer 1911 .45 ACP (size large). The highest percentage of the time will find my Glock 19 9mm in an inside-the-waistband

holster with a size medium NeoMag. What makes the NeoMag so versatile with only three size options is the open frame design which accommodates single and double stack magazines. The titanium pocket clip has a very strong retention to prevent it from working loose out of your pocket. Even with a full-size magazine sharing my front pocket with my wallet (you can thank my chiropractor for that habit) the NeoMag comfortably holds the magazine upright and ready for quick deployment.

Currently, I am well into my third month using the NeoMag carriers daily and I do not leave the house carrying concealed without my spare magazine and NeoMag. Retailing for US$44.99 each regardless of size ordered, you will find they quickly pay for themselves compared to other systems on the market you would order and only use once or twice. I should point out, if you are a fan of using aftermarket pistol magazines built mostly from polymer such as Magpul and ETS magazines built for Glock pistols, these mag carriers will not work due to the lack of metal in its construction. The good news is, if you use Glock factory magazines, the NeoMag works perfectly! Look for NeoMag to become a household name for shooters in 2017!

For more information on the very latest from Graig and NeoMag please head on over to https:// theneomag.com

TECH: NEOMAG MAGAZINE CARRIER

holsters, batons, keys, and mag pouches on. Off duty, I could only fit my wallet and cell phone into my Wrangler jeans. If I tried to toss in a spare magazine, it would sink to the bottom of my pocket wedged under my wallet or tangled into keys. As a strong supporter of the right to carry a firearm concealed, Graig wanted to create a minimalistic way to carry a spare magazine that would help promote gun owners in carrying spare ammo.

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KIT: Q SERIES BATONS BY SOG

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Q SERIES BATONS BY SOG Over recent years, the market has been flooded with a wide range of “multi-tools”. This is due to an increased demand in “all-in-one” products for the growing public with the trend to streamline their lifestyles and yes, even their tools.

A

general rule of survival, even in the “urban jungle”, is to carry items that serve at least three functions or it is just perceived as added bulk to your daily carry. Products range from bottle openers to lasers but all similar in shape and size. Truth be told, the multiple purpose tool platform has rarely changed from its Swiss Army knife roots starting in 1891. Over the years, various manufacturers have only added bulk and reduced user friendliness in the process.

Earlier this year, SOG Tools debuted their take on the multipurpose tool in the form of what they titled the “Q” series at the industry only SHOT SHOW in Las Vegas, Nevada. This new series of tools takes the platform in a new and different direction by simplifying and slimming down the traditional form by putting it into a small baton. While only the pre-production models were on display at the show, I arranged to get a sample of the first two batons in the four-part series once they were released.

A few months later after a pair of push backs on the actual production release, the SOG Q1 and Q2 batons arrived at the office for review. Each baton comes in a clear plastic box similar to a new cell phone accessory with only the baton and a one

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page instruction guide. Each baton was roughly shaped like a medium size highlighter in a very attractive black and matte grey anodized finish. Both offered a SOG branded metal clip to hold the baton upright in a pocket or backpack.

Q2 Specs Closed: 6.3” Weight: 3 oz.

Features: Straight edge blade

75 Lumen LED flashlight

Bottle opener

Flat screw driver MSRP: US$67.00 I have been carrying both the Q1 and Q2 batons regularly for over a month in my range pack and daily “go” bag with mostly positive results. Let’s take a look at some quick “pros and cons” have found during my time with these SOG tools.

PROS

I liked that the batons are slim and easy to slip into my pocket or even clip into an outside Molle loop on one of my bags if I need to quickly store them. There was no noticeable bulk and did not flop around in my gear like a traditional multi-tool would.

The Q1’s replicable pressurized pen came in handy when needed because I habitually do not carry an ink pen in my kit although I am always finding myself in need of one. The fact I can easily find inexpensive replacement cartridges for the pen is a huge plus.

The Q2’s straight blade arrived out of the box razor sharp and ready for real world use. I have used the blade regularly without having to re-sharpen it yet.

The Q2’s 75 lumen LED light is bright, easy to use and holds up to having been accidently dropped several times on tile, hardwood and concrete. It’s tough, bright and very user friendly.

Changing out the battery is fast and easy. The use of a very common AAA battery is a huge plus because it doesn’t involve a trip to a specialty store to replace.

With the Q1, the scissors feature a few years ago would not have very much use other than being the only allowed cutting

device to fit TSA standards. However, at this point in my life, I am a father for two young daughters who are constantly buying clothes, toys and other items in need of having tags, strings and wire holders cut off in a hurry before the world ends. My formerly least favorite multi-tool feature has now become one of my most used. While a straight knife blade could do the same task, the scissors offer a quick and safe way to cut small items while having small children hovering about in the zone a straight knife may swing once finally cutting through.

CONS

As with any product, there were things not very useful for my daily duties such as the bottle opener. Again, looking at social trends, the world is moving away from traditional bottles without twist-off tops which made the bottle opener feature on both the Q1 and Q2 an archaic item for my needs.

The flat head screw driver on the end of this opener tool was also not much use as the world is predominantly full of Phillips head screws if not individually licensed proprietary patterns. This space on each baton would be much better suited by eliminating two items for one decent sized Phillips head driver.

While I liked the Q2’s straight blade, I did end up poking myself in the finger with it a couple of times when I first learned out to fold the baton to expose it. The end of the blade is very close to the top of the baton where the hand naturally wants to apply pressure to fold it. There is a definite self-correcting learning curve built in for most end users.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Coming away from the SHOT SHOW, I was concerned about the MRSP of the Q series ranging from US$54 to over US$100 with the Q4. The product offers a limited number of features for the price of some full-size tools. After spending time with the Q1 and Q2, I clearly see where the value lies.

Both batons reviewed were very well-made, light-weight, easy to use and very durable. SOG has built a great reputation for quality products in the industry and the Q series looks to be yet another hit for this respected company. If you are looking for easy to carry daily items that meet the needs of urban survival, I urge you to check out the Q series from SOG (www.sogknives.com) for yourself and find out which is right for you.

KIT: Q SERIES BATONS BY SOG

Q1 Specs Closed: 5.6” Weight: 2.4 oz.

Features: Replaceable pressurized ball point pen

Flat screwdriver

Bottle opener

Scissors MSRP: US$54.00

pmcimagazine.com

SKILLS AND DRILLS: VEHICLES PT2

pmcimagazine.com

SHOOTING FROM VEHICLES PART 2 Last month Andy brought us the first part of his tutorial and advice on shooting from vehicles, and this time he wraps things up concentrating on the important differences in operating with Left Hand Drives.

T

o recap on the last issue as PMC’s we often find ourselves in transit, be it on route to or from work or with a VIP. The chances are that we will be safe, if all goes to plan that is, but in our line of work we all know that that’s not always the case. In fact we should always plan for the worst case scenario and train accordingly. Shooting from vehicles isn’t hard to do, it just needs time and practice to achieve the desired skill set.

Like all shooting skills, shooting from vehicles is a perishable skill and will soon be lost once it has been mastered if you don’t keep up to date with training.

This time I’ll concentrate on working from left hand drive vehicles as we’ll often be needing to deal with these when working overseas.

DRIVER - THREAT TO LEFT WINDOW:

Use the right hand to release and remove the seatbelt. The left hand and arm should be placed flat across the chest so the seatbelt does not get caught up when it returns home. Lean forwards and reach for the handgun with your right hand. It’s important to make sure that the seatbelt is clear of your body before you draw the handgun from the holster. The biggest problem here is the proximity of the steering wheel.

Once the handgun is drawn and out of the holster trace the muzzle of the weapon over the top of the steering wheel as you present it to the threat. The method of tracing the weapon over the steering wheel ensures that the muzzle of the gun does not flash any part of your body nor is it likely to be knocked out of your hand by catching on the steering wheel itself. Remember not to present the weapon out of the window.

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DRIVER - THREAT TO RIGHT WINDOW

Use the right hand to release and remove the seatbelt. The left hand and arm should be placed flat across the chest so the seatbelt does not get caught up when it returns home. Lean forwards and reach for the handgun with your right hand. It’s important to make sure that the seatbelt is clear of your body before you draw the handgun from the holster. Twist your body towards the threat and and engage your target.

If you have a passenger in the vehicle, the first thing that needs to happen is that the passenger needs to lean as far forwards as possible. Remove the seatbelt as before and grasp your weapon. Remember that the vehicle is dead so you will not be trying to drive away. Draw your weapon being cautious of the orientation of the muzzle at all times. Bring the weapon up from the holster, with the muzzle pointing towards the roof of the vehicle, then bring it around the back of the passenger. DO NOT muzzle sweep the passenger. Extend the weapon towards the threat. This will give you room to shoot to the right with the weapon passing the passengers back. Use your weak hand to assure the passengers position.

(This drill will ensure that spent cases will hit the passenger seat and not the passenger also it negates muzzle flash burns to the passengers face). Do not shoot in front of the passenger as the empty cases and muzzle flash will cause serious harm and burns to the passenger.

DRIVER - THREAT TO THE FRONT

Again you still have to remove the seatbelt as described above, however the draw is the simple task of presenting your weapon to the target. Remember that care and attention must be paid to safety. There is still a great risk that you can

PASSENGER - THREAT TO LEFT WINDOW

The first action is for the driver to push themselves as far back into the seat as possible. Reach down with your left hand and unlock the belt from the anchor. The right hand and arm should be placed flat across the chest so the seatbelt does not get caught up when it returns home. With the seatbelt out of the way you can lean forward and draw you weapon. Trace the muzzle of the weapon over the dashboard to avoid the muzzle flashing any part of your body. It is also very important to make sure you don’t muzzle flash the driver also as you draw the weapon. Twist your body to the left towards the threat. As you present the weapon to the target, make sure your muzzle blast is clear of the drivers face. Serious injury or death may occur if caution is not taken here.

PASSENGER - THREAT TO RIGHT WINDOW

Remove the seatbelt as before. The right hand and arm should be placed flat across the chest so the seatbelt does not get caught up when it returns home. Lean forwards and reach for the handgun with your right hand. It’s important to make sure that the seatbelt is clear of your body before you draw the handgun from the holster. Twist your body towards the right and extend the weapon towards the threat. Again remember to keep the weapon in a close-quarters retention position and not to present the weapon past the window in order to avoid the weapon being taken from you.

EXIT

Once the shooting stops or you have suppressed your adversary enough it’s time to exit the vehicle. Using your weak hand, reach

for the door handle and open it. Use your outside foot to keep the door open making sure it doesn’t swing back and close or trap you as you exit. Exit the vehicle while keeping your eye on the threat at all times and slowly retreat to the rear, or side depending on the orientation of threat, of the vehicle. If the glass in your vehicle is armoured then you will have to shoot through the V created by the windshield and the door, otherwise you can put rounds through the glass. Once at the rear, or side, of the vehicle you will need to reload and quickly assess your situation.

The use of smoke, if you have it, can aid you in your extraction and provide Concealment until you can get to safety or a backup vehicle.

Studies show that most people tend to shoot at the biggest targets and in this case it’s the vehicle, so try to put as much distance between you and the vehicle as possible without compromising personal safety. Of course you will have to have anyone that is sat in the back of the vehicle exit while you are giving covering fire.

Most vehicles are soft skinned and won’t stop a round. The only parts of a vehicle that are most likely to stop incoming rounds are the engine block and wheels, but don’t rely on these to save your life. Even the bodywork can play tricks on you. A low powered round may not penetrate the skin but can easily ricochet off a flat surface, such as the hood, and skip right into you. A general rule of thumb is to stay at a minimum of 6 foot away from the vehicle to help reduce ricochets from hitting you.

Just like all shooting skills and drills this must be practiced regularly for it to become second nature. Take it slow when running this drill and get it right first time every time as you may not get a second chance if you have to run it for real.

SKILLS AND DRILLS: VEHICLES PT2

flag yourself (or passenger if your drawing the weapon from the right) with the muzzle.

Unless you have armoured glass in your vehicle then all the shots you fire can go straight through the windshield. Ejected cases will be thrown to the right and may cause any harm to a passenger sat beside you in the vehicle. Unless the passenger takes action, instruct them to sit well back into their seat so as to prevent empty cases hitting them in the face.

pmcimagazine.com

pmcimagazine.com

TACTICAL USE OF LOW-SIGNATURE WEAPONS FOR MILITARY AND POLICE

BOOK REVIEW

Our Editor Bill was interested to read in his “Instructor Build” how Trampas had created a rifle that could be used equally well both suppressed and unsuppressed as tactical marksmen are employing low-signature firearms fitted with one or more devices to reduce both the sound and flash of the gunshot more and more.

When used with subsonic ammunition, a suppressed lowsignature rifle presents the ultimate in covert stealth for a wide range of missions. Although I’m more than aware of the science behind suppressors themselves I wanted to place this in a far wider context so decided to do some delving into the subject and came across “Tactical Use of Low-Signature Weapons for Military and Police” and what a gem of a book it has turned out to be!

Online sources state that “A suppressor, sound suppressor, sound moderator, or silencer is a device attached to or part of the barrel of a firearm or air gun which reduces the amount of noise and visible muzzle flash generated by firing. Suppressors are typically constructed of a metal cylinder with internal mechanisms to reduce the sound of firing by slowing the escaping propellant gas.”

But reading “Tactical Use of Low-Signature Weapons for Military and Police” takes this much, much further; it’s like getting an exclusive look at the notebook of one of the eminent experts on subsonic ammo and cutting-edge suppressors, Mark White. In this slim book, White dispels the myths about silencers and reveals the true nature of firearm suppression, including an illuminating examination of subsonic ballistics, a topic that usually gets short shrift in terms of research and development.

In clear and precise terms, he explains the science behind the use of subsonic ammunition and suppressed weapons for both military and law-enforcement applications. With the right equipment and subsonic ammunition, a bullet discharged from a suppressed .308 rifle can be quieter than an arrow shot from a bow. My advice is to read this superb little book and find out for yourself how professionals determine the best firearm and ammo combinations for suppressed fire.

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Paperback: 118 pages Publisher: Paladin Press (1 Mar. 2012) Language: English ISBN-10: 1610046463 ISBN-13: 978-1610046466

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Blackstone Consultancy

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52

Janusian Risk Advisory Group

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Longmoor Group

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NNK Group

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Marsec

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MAST

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Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre

Oxberry Risk Strategies

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Minimal Risk

Pilgrim Group

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MSS

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Saladin Security

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International Maritime Security

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Raven Special Projects Ltd

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

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

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