FOG HORN
March 2020 Twobirds Flying Publications
OTIS Technology Reality Based Training Cleaning Kit
Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
OTIS Technology Reality Based Training Cleaning Kit OTIS Technology Reality Training Cleaning Kit
Based
By: Sal Palma
2020
Law enforcement and military training has advance by leaps and bounds since I was in uniform. Today’s SWAT officers, FBI tactical agents and military personnel use reality based training. So, what is that? As the name suggests when you train to clear a room, you clear a room and engage live targets. You engage your fellow trainees using marker ammunition like Simmunition’s marker ammunition.
It’s always rewarding when you learn something new, it’s an enlightening and maturing effect that’s irreplaceable. While at Shot Show 2020, I had the opportunity to drop by the OTIS Technology booth to check out what the industry recognizes as the best weapon cleaning systems under the sun. And, by the way OTIS Technology is much more than just a gun maintenance supplier, they are growing but that’s a tale for a different article. Getting back to my Shot Show story… While perusing their exhibit my eyes spied an opaque plastic case displaying a colorful label with an “OTIS Technology Reality Based Training Cleaning Kit.” label. After starring at it for a second or two my mind screams out what the hell is “Reality Based Training?” Unfortunately, in my haste to make a number of appointments, I walked off without getting what I thought was a profound question answered. I did not make the mental connection between weapon cleaning and marking ammunition. I now see the picture and I want to thank OTIS Technology for sending a kit to review.
This training ammunition is a non-lethal low kinetic energy round tipped in a variety of colored water soluble paints. They are not toys and safety precautions are required but it adds a level of realism previously unavailable. There are several significant benefits to consider. The shooter trains using his or her own weapon, experiences weapon recoil and has immediate visual feedback. However, weapon maintenance is still required; although, a bit different because now you’re dealing with paint and plastic fragments from the marker capsules. When setting your weapon up to use marking ammunition, you remove your live fire bolt carrier group and replace it with a conversion kit consisting of a conversion bolt, bolt carrier
Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
OTIS Technology Reality Based Training Cleaning Kit assembly and safety-ring insert. This is done to ensure that live ammunition can’t be inadvertently chambered and fired, but like your live fire bolt carrier group it too needs cleaning and maintenance. OTIS Technologies recognized the need and filled it with the OTIS Technology Reality Based Training Cleaning Kit, which they announced in January of 2020. OTIS sells the kit in two calibers, for the moment, 9mm and 5.56mm. My review sample is the 5.56. So, let’s inventory what OTIS includes in the set.
The kit includes all of the Breach to Muzzle cleaning tools: Ripcord®, slotted tip, bore brush and 100% cotton patches. Also included is a chamber brush and solid rod set for proper cleaning of the chamber, a bent pick and single tip cotton swabs for removing any paint or projectile fragments from the chamber. Also included in the kit is a stiff blue nylon AP brush for removing plastic or paint fouling from the bolt face and lugs. Lastly, they’ve even included a can of Shooter’s Choice Quick Scrub and FP-10® Lubricant Elite®; in short, everything you need
2020
to maintain your weapon after training with marking ammunition. Although the scope of this kit is addressing the needs of training firearms, everything in this kit is what you would need to properly maintain your live fire weapon. OTIS Technology even includes instructions that walk you through the cleaning procedures and proper use of the OTIS patch technology. How’s that for thoroughness!
Whether you are firing marking ammunition or live firing, OTIS Technology has assembled an exceptional and comprehensive cleaning kit. Everything that you need is included at an M.S.R.P of $49.99. Whether you’re training or running live fire exercises keeping your weapon clean and lubricated translates to reliability, which in turn allows you to focus on concepts and technique uninterrupted by avoidable failures. The OTIS Technology Reality Based Training Cleaning Kit is what you need in the field or on your bench. Check it out. -SP
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved