Tactical World - Winter 2018

PROVEN SPEED & RELIABILITY: REMINGTON'S 870 DM SHOTGUN

NIGHT VISION SPECIAL • NEW AGE GOGGLES • ATN'S X-SIGHT 4K TESTED • BUYER'S GUIDE VIRTUAL BATTLESPACE ENHANCE YOUR QUICKNESS & ACCURACY FASTEST DRAWS TOP HOLSTER OPTIONS

THE

MASTERPIECE COBALT'S HIGH-PERFORMING CUSTOM OVERWATCH

FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLD WINTER 2018 • U.S. $9.99 •DISPLAY UNTIL: 12/25/18

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ENGAGED MEDIA INC.

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GET THE UPPER HAND LOW-LIGHT GAME CHANGERS ADVANCED SUREFIRE'S FURY AND SCOUT SHOOTING TIPS

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CONTENTS COVER STORY 58

HARD-HITTING PERFORMANCE Get your first in-depth look at Cobalt Kinetics’ Overwatch-XL P.R.S., which scores high on accuracy.

By Mike Searson

vehicle, there are key elements you must know. In Part II, we have more.

By Rob Pincus

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TACTICAL ADVANTAGE For an expert’s opinion, we put Remington’s 870 DM, the 12-gauge pump with the detachable magazine, in the hands of a LEO.

By Bob Campbell VIRTUAL BATTLESPACE We’re talking better speed, accuracy and judgmental targeting. We’ll also tell you how to get them.

By Doug Jeffrey TALES OF TWO FUELS What do you call 1,500 lumens?

For us, crazy bright comes to mind. Whether you’re a LEO or a homeowner looking to enhance home security, SureFire’s Fury DFT and M600DF Scout should be on your buy list.

By Jason Davis THE REAL WORLD We turned to a decorated war vet to provide tips on realistic, practical training.

By Chuck Taylor A NEW AGE Big things come in small packages, such as the SIG P320RX compact.

By Dave Rhoden SMART AROUND CARS When you are training for armed defense with a rifle around a

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FIT FOR A KNIGHT Do you want tough? Then you’ll want the latest tomahawk from Flagrant Beard, the Templar.

By Joshua Swanagon

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DRAW YOUR CONCLUSIONS The staff at Double Tap Training ran some of the top holsters through some rigorous tests.

By Simon Cruz, Jr.

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THE ULTIMATE OFF-ROAD VEHICLE Our editor got behind the wheel of Franklin Armory’s BFS-3. Find out how both performed.

By Mike Searson

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Special Section: Night Vision 34

INTRO

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ANATOMY OF NIGHT VISION GOGGLES If you’re ready to jump into the world of night vision, this is a must-read.

By Daniel Bales

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THE IPHONE OF RIFLESCOPES The smart features on ATN’s X-Sight 4K Pro will blow you away.

By Mike Searson

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STRUGGLES, SUCCESS, LESSONS Find out how Night Ops Tactical has grown to a giant in the industry and what this means for you.

By Amelia Earl

BUYER’S GUIDE 98

NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

COLUMNS 06 08 12 16 122

FRONT SIGHTS TACTICALLY SET WARFIGHTERS THREADS RANGE TIME

ON THE COVER Rifle: Cobalt Kinetics’ Overwatch-XL P.R.S. Photographer: Ben Davis Designer: Candice Ota

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FRONT SIGHTS

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD W elcome back to another exciting edition of Tactical World!

If you were to look back over the past 30 years or so and identify the one major innovation that has helped our warfighters dominate the battlefield as individual soldiers, sailors and Marines, there is only one obvious answer.

Night vision.

This same technology has, in recent years, helped law enforcement tactical teams take out the real bad guys because it gives them an advantage during the time the worst things in life can happen—at night, in the dark.

Night vision is a very expensive option; however if you need it, you’ll want the best you can afford. We put together a buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision. But, we realize there is a language to night vision all its own that can be confusing, so we had an expert break down the components of the ideal set of night vision goggles, from tubes to mounts.

Far from being a one-trick pony, we sought out some of the best gear and weapons we could find, whether it’s a state-of-the-art precision gas gun in 6.5

“… TRAIN LIKE A MADMAN, FIGHT LIKE A WARRIOR AND MOST OF ALL … STAY SAFE.”

WINTER 2018 EDITORIAL Doug Jeffrey Editorial Director Mike Searson Editor Kelly Nomura Executive Managing Editor Margaret Kavanagh Managing Editor DESIGN Candice Ota Art Director CONTRIBUTORS Larry Atil, Daniel Bales, Simon Cruz, Ben Davis, Jason Davis, Amelia Earl, Pfc. Cedric R. Haller II, Dean Halloran, Sgt. Luke Hoogendam, Dean Halloran, Shoji Hattori, Jaimee Itagaki, Richard Mo, Rob Pincus, Sgt. 1st Class Corey Ray, Dave Rhoden, Mark Schauer, Joshua Swanagon, Chuck Taylor, Wodward Photography, Sgt. Brittney Vella, VERTX ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930 gfrimmel@engagedmediainc.com Casey Clifford Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1982 Mark Pack Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939 Spencer Redmond Account Executive (972) 448-4649 John Bartulin Account Executive (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746 Eric Gomez Advertising Traffic Coordinator MARKETING Michael Chadwick Digital Marketing & Media Coordinator OPERATIONS Surajpal Singh Bisht Prepress Manager Devender Hasija Newsstand and Circulation Analyst Shailesh Khandelwal Subscriptions Manager Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant Manish Kumar Mishra Operations Specialist Victoria Van Vlear Intern Program Manager EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614 (714) 939-9991 • Fax: (800) 249-7761 www.gunworld.com www.facebook.com/eembybeckett Tactical World is published by Engaged Media Inc., LLC, 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614. © 2018 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Creedmoor by Cobalt Kinetics, or the latest SIG 320, shipping with a red-dot sight from the factory.

Additionally, we incorporated some thoughts on concealed carry, our follow up to Rob Pincus’ story about using rifles around vehicles, and we’re featuring some outstanding new products and a number of tips and tactics that could potentially save your life or the lives of others.

Enjoy this issue, train like a madman, fight like a warrior and most of all … stay safe.

— Mike Searson, Editor

CUSTOMER SERVICE Engaged Media, Inc. 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614 Subscriptions, Address Changes, Renewals, Missing or Damaged Copies (800) 764-6278 (239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries subscriptions@engagedmediainc.com customerservice@engagedmediainc.com Back Issues: www.engagedmediamags.com Books, Merchandise, Reprints (800) 764-6278 • Foreign (239) 653-0225 Letters to Editor, New Products, or to Contribute a Story or Photo djeffrey@engagedmediainc.com

ENGAGED MEDIA INC. Pinaki Bhattacharya CEO Nathaniel Phillips HR and Office Management Jason Mulroney Director of Content Philip Trinkle Newsstand Sales Director This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media Inc., as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

SIZE MATTERS bolt-action accuracy semi-auto speed

Overwatch-XL PRS The Overwatch-XL PRS is the new benchmark by which every long-range semi-auto rifle will be judged.

Available in .308 win + 6.5 creedmoor https://www.cobaltkinetics.com/product/overwatch-xl-p-r-s

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TACTICALLY SET

THE CUTTING EDGE RAISE YOUR SKILLS AND THE FUN FACTOR WITH THE LATEST GEAR

Text by a Staff Writer | Photos Courtesy of the Manufacturers

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TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

Photos by Michael Teagarden of iTeagarden, Inc.

FEATURED PRODUCT OF THE MONTH SHIELDS {01) VECTOR NIJ LEVEL III VECTOR LAW ENFORCEMENT SHIELD The NIJ Level III Vector Law Enforcement Shield is a lightweight, low profile, arm-secured shield that provides mobile ballistic protection to the upper body, head, face and neck of an officer. The Vector Shield is not a full-body shield, but it seeks to fill the gap where body armor may not be adequate in stopping a threat, and where larger riot or entry shields may not afford an officer ease of mobility.

Designed and patented by a veteran Special Forces Green Beret medic, the Vector Shield works with the body’s natural flinch response to guard against potentially lethal gun shots, blunt-force impact, knife attacks, dog attacks and needle sticks.

“The mobility of this shield allows it to be safely deployed in the field, inside a patrol vehicle, or in any constricted areas where traditional shields are not adequate,” said Vector officials.

Additional shield accessories include: active shooter disorienting ballistic cover, shield sling, seat mounting shield carrier bag, flashlight holster, vessel mount and bicycle mount.

QUICK SPECS • Weight: 8 to 8.5 pounds, depending on options • Size: 8 inches wide by 16 inches tall by 4.25 inches wide • Material: AR 600 ballistic steel • Ballistic Rating: NIJ Level III

Features • Made in the USA • Tactical webbing • Built-in trauma pad • Maneuverable • Three-point retention system for secure handling • Adjustable raised strap platforms to fit any arm length • Paxcon ballistic coating • Vertical shooting platforms for firearms, Taser or pepper spray use • Argive handle design disperses energy from blunt-force attacks and firearm rounds • Stores quickly in patrol vehicle, backpack or saddlebag • Stops multi-hit, point-blank 7.72, 5.56 green tips, shotgun and all handgun rounds The Bottom Line • MSRP $950 for a basic shield

Web: VectorShields.com

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GUN MOUNT {02) GO-MAGNETS We’re talking innovation here. GO-Magnets provides creative ways for gun owners to conveniently display, organize and store guns. The Texas-based company was founded by a U.S. Army veteran who handcrafted the GO-Magnet design while focusing on the “strength and versatility” of the product. Consider this: A single GO-Magnet will easily hold an object weighing up to 15 pounds. Starting at $13.99, a GO-Magnets Gun Mount allows you to conveniently store any size handgun within seconds while securely holding your gun to any steel surface.

“The GO-Magnet gives gun owners on-the-go protection while offering fast access to the handgun,” said a company official. Each GO-Magnet comes with a steel-mounting plate designed to offer a quick storage solution while riding in your vehicle, sitting at your desk and even at bedside. The mounting plates are designed to be installed on wood or plastic surfaces to make them compatible with the GO-Magnet. The GO-Magnet itself is coated in a soft rubber-like substance to prevent any damage to weapons while providing a serious hold to keep your gun safe from slipping or sliding.

VIKING COMBAT AXE {03) EMERSON Emerson Knives are seriously hard-use knives and designed with combative intent. After speaking with Ernest Emerson earlier this year about his love for historical axes, it was clear that his love for the Viking axe drove this design. Named after those who knew combat, but used their axes for everything, the Viking Combat Axe is ready for combat or the field. Although throwing your weapon is not recommended, in a pinch, this has the perfect balance point for consistently sticking it in a target.

—Joshua Swanagon Web: EmersonKnives.com

Web: Go-Mags.net

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MAXPEDITION RIFTBLADE

If you want to see a feeding frenzy, just stop by our office when a new backpack gets delivered. For Fall 2018, Maxpedition introduced two new backpacks in the Advanced Gear Research (AGR) lineup. Building upon the success of their Riftcore design introduced in early 2016, Maxpedition now offers the larger 30L Riftblade and the more compact 15L Riftpoint.

This, as you’ll see, nicely rounds out the ergonomic concealed-carry capable backpacks.

Maxpedition’s mission is to build military-grade tactical gear based on cutting-edge research using custom developed materials and components … with modernized aesthetics. Available in gray, tan or black; quadruple side compression; padded compartment with exterior loop field; and front admin compartment. MSRP: $259.99 TW Web: Maxpedition.com

VIPER PDW STABILIZER // SKU# SI-STAB-PDW

INTRODUCING THE STRIKE INDUSTRIES’ STABILIZER. CURRENTLY AVAILALBE IN 3 CONFIGURATIONS, UPGRADE YOUR PISTOL FOR ENHANCED ERGONOMICS & FUNCTIONAILIT Y. THE PDW MODEL FEATURES OUR PROPRIETARY PDW BUFFER & FLATWIRE SPRING, FOR INSTANT, ONE HANDED DEPLOYMENT & ULTRA-COMPACT STORAGE. THE VIPER STABILIZER IS A COST EFFECTIVE DROP IN SOLUTION FOR YOUR STANDARD 1.25” PISTOL TUBE (ALSO COMPATIBLE WITH THE STRIKE INDUSTRIES’ SLICK RECEIVER EXTENSIONS) & FEATURES QD SOCKETS AS WELL AS ENHANCED ERGONOMICS. THE MCX/MPX STABILIZER MOUNTS DIRECTLY TO THE HOST’S PLATFORM WITHOUT MODIFICATION & USES THE ORIGINAL ST YLE 3 POSITION MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A SEEMLESS LOOK.

AR PISTOL STABILIZER // SKU# SI-STAB-ARP

MPX & MCX STABILIZER //

SKU# SI-STAB-MPX

WWW.STRIKEINDUSTRIES.COM

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REAL WARFIGHTERS LIFE

TRAINING FOR BATTLE AN INSIDE LOOK AT TECHNOLOGIES & PROCEDURES Text by a Staff Writer

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hey are America’s heroes. The men and women of our military provide 24/7 protection so we can live in freedom. To do this, they employ the best tactics, cuttingedge technology, and ridiculous skill and talent. In this new column, you’re going to get a glimpse into their world.

Welcome to Warfighters.

Up Close: Electronic Warfare As part of ongoing efforts to advance Army capabilities in the area of electronic warfare, the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force will equip United States Army Forces Command with Electronic Warfare Tactical Vehicles this fall.

Photo by Mark Schauer

Concealment Tactics U.S. Marines use smoke as concealment during a training exercise as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) at the Penanjong Garrison, Tutong, Brunei. The smokescreen was one of the techniques U.S. Marines and members of the Royal Brunei Land Force used as they trained in military operations in urban terrain tactics.

CARAT is a nine-country, bilateral exercise series between the U.S., Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Cedric R. Haller II

The U.S. Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

Black Hawk Hovering Royal Brunei Special Forces assigned to the 1st Battalion, Royal Brunei Land Forces, fast rope from a Black Hawk while practicing military operations in urban terrain tactics with the 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, Indiana Army National Guard, during Exercise Pahlawan Warrior at the Penanjong Garrison, Brunei.

This is the first army-to-army exercise between the RBLF and U.S. Army. RBLF soldiers led training for U.S. soldiers during Jungle Warfare Operations, and U.S. soldiers took the lead training RBLF soldiers on military operations in urban terrain tactics.

Both armies shared best practices during a medical subject matter expert exchange on tactical combat casualty care.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Corey Ray

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Luke Hoogendam U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella

Fine-Tuning Procedures Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Marines conduct a controlled-burn training exercise aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort July 30. The training simulated a jet fire, and familiarized the Marines with their equipment and standard operating procedures. MCAS Beaufort’s ARFF unit is responsible to respond to fires not only aboard the air station, but also throughout Beaufort County.

Unleash the Fury Soldiers with 2nd Brigade, Afghan National Army 215th Corps fire at an enemy position with a T-55 tank during an expeditionary advisory package at Camp Nolay in Sangin district. Advisors with Task Force Southwest spent over two weeks in Sangin, training the 2nd Brigade commander and kandak (battalion) commanders on new or updated administrative and logistical procedures to maintain and sustain equipment and personnel deployed to the frontlines in Helmand province. TW

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Performance

THREADS

TACTICAL

DESIGNED FOR THE SECRET SERVICE AND THE FBI, HERE’S A LOOK AT THE LATEST IN 5.11 FOOTWEAR … & MORE

Text by a Staff Writer | Photos Courtesy of the Manufacturer

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hings happen. At any time. Anywhere. Just ask the FBI. Or the Secret Service.

In the recent past, these two organizations reached out to 5.11 Tactical because they were in the market for a “performance tactical shoe.”

“They tasked us to create this shoe,” said a company official. “These elite agencies wanted footwear that works in professional, tactical situations.”

For example, let’s say an agent is required to be in court.

“An officer, or agent, can look nice and still be ready to rock, should things get nasty,” she said.

“The background of the shoe is pretty cool,” she said.

We don’t disagree.

Company: 5.11 Tactical Web: 511Tactical.com

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MISSION READY CHUKKAS AND OXFORDS Let’s say you’re standing for hours.

Or maybe you’re moving through a crowd or de-escalating a situation.

Regardless, the Mission Ready Chukka is ready to back you up.

The D30 Lite EVA midsole and Ortholite X-25 footbed provide “maximum cushioning and all-day comfort.”

But they don’t stop there. The Ortholite Achilles cuff is designed to add to your comfort level and strengthen your heel hold. When it’s time to motor after the bad guy, the Vibram Overland high-traction outsole with XS Trek lets you “step up without slipping up.”

“This boot is perfect for complimenting your tactical undercover

QUICK FEATURES • Imported • D30 Lite EVA midsole • Ortholite X-25 footbed • Ortholite Achilles cuff for comfort and heel hold

• Vibram Overland hightraction outsole with XS Trek • Full-grain leather upper • $154.99-$164.99

gear or dressing up your favorite pair of jeans,” she said. • Plus, if you’re in the market for a new shirt to complement those new shoes, look no further than the following:

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AERIAL SHIRT

Soar to new heights with the new Aerial shirt. Aerial’s highly breathable, moisture-wicking fabric provides easy ventilation and superior airflow. It will keep you cool … and looking cool. TW ,QUICK SPECS • RapiDraw placket • Chest pocket • Wicking & ventilation • Pen pockets

• 2.8 oz., 100% polyesterdissolving yarn • Branded neck tape • $49.99

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REMINGTON’S PUMP ACTION 870 DM PACKS SPEED AND RELIABILITY TEXT BY BOB CAMPBELL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF REMINGTON

L ADVANTAGE

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“THE SHELL CARRIER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED, AND THE MAGAZINE TUBE IS NOW SIMPLY A BAR THAT THE FOREND WORKS AGAINST WHEN RACKING THE ACTION.”

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

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recently had a conversation with one of my friends at a major highway patrol agency.

During our talk, he mentioned the Remington 870 Magnum Action 13-inch barrel shotguns, which many of us envied, were being phased out for patrol carbines. At first, I thought both would be issued, but that is not the case.

While the carbine has many advantages, the traditional pumpaction shotgun has many advantages as well, and they are proven in combat. In reality, the shotgun is less of a firearm and more of a launching platform. Chemical agents, flash bangs, marking rounds, less-lethal rounds, buckshot in several varieties, and slugs (solid shot) can all be fired from a shotgun.

There are reliable self-loading shotguns, but the pump-action shotgun may ride in the back of a cruiser or behind the seat of a truck for months, and come up shooting with little or no maintenance. The pump may use light loads for training, which would jam the self-loader.

On the other end of the spectrum, perhaps there are some valid criticisms of the pump. The piece kicks, but it is also very effective at the other end. It also may be slow to load, but Remington has introduced a solution to the loading problem.

Let’s talk about the Remington 870 DM, which features a six-round detachable magazine.

A LITTLE HISTORY The Remington 870 has proven itself in action for more than 70 years. It uses dual action bars, and it operates smoothly. The original design featured a tubular magazine under the barrel that holds four shells. Today, extended magazines may hold as many as eight shells.

The payload is loaded, one at a time, into the tubular magazine. A helical

spring provides feeding power. The forend is racked to move the action bars to the rear with the bolt, and it loads the shells through a shell carrier.

As the forend is pushed forward, the bolt moves a shell into the chamber.

This action is seldom problematic. In 23 years of service, I saw exactly one Remington 870 stop working, and this was a well-worn example that suffered a broken trigger spring.

The new 870DM is based on this action. The version I have on-hand, and which I have tested, is the standard wood stock version. I have used this configuration for many years and find that for close-range handling and fast delivery of a hard hit, the simple front bead works. A dedicated special team version would be best equipped with the available aperture sights for delivery of slugs and other munitions.

There is also a hunter’s version that will prove a dandy choice for those that hunt with slugs. I do not feel under-gunned with my Remington, and as I learned, slug accuracy is better than expected.

SHOTGUN SPECIFICS The Remington 870 DM isn’t a converted shotgun, as it is a factoryproduced shotgun. However, the plate that accepts the magazine looks like an add-on. This plate accepts a steel six-round magazine. To load, you press the magazine straight into the magazine well.

The magazine release is located in front of the magazine, and you can use either hand to operate it.

To release the magazine, you press the spring-loaded lever toward the buttstock. The magazine does not drop free. You must remove it by hand. Be certain the magazine is firmly seated before you fire.

There is some concern that the magazine will affect the balance and handling of the 870. Compared to the

top: Hornady Critical Defense buckshot provides excellent results. opposite: The author said he believes the 870 DM will see a great deal of military use.

SPECS • Choke: Cylinder bore • Sights: Bead • Finish: Matte blue • Overall length: 38.5 inches • Length of Pull: 14 inches • Drop at Comb: 1.5 inches • Drop at Heel: 2.5 inches • Stock: Black synthetic • Weight: 7.5 pounds • MSRP: $529

CONTACT Remington.com

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standard shotgun, this is not really the case. The balance point is in the center under the bolt, which has been considerably modified into a bolt with a cocking block that pushes the shell into the chamber, rather than picking the shell off a shell carrier.

The shell carrier has been eliminated, and the magazine tube is now simply a bar that the forend works against when racking the action. I find that the 870s with an extended magazine that holds six to eight rounds are uncomfortable and muzzle heavy while performing tactical maneuvers.

I prefer the standard four-shot tubes,

although the Remington Tactical Magpul with six-shot magazine isn’t too heavy.

I cannot say if the new magazine design will eliminate short-stroke errors and jams, as these are operator induced. I do believe that the short cycle may be easier to clear using a rapid-action drill and dropping the magazine.

The 870 DM isn’t as easy to carry behind a truck seat due to the detachable magazine. If the 870 DM becomes a truck gun, it should be carried in a good quality case.

The author said the 870 DM is a fast-handling shotgun. While there may be concern that the magazine will affect balance and handling, the author said that is not really the case compared to a standard shotgun.

The shotgun comes with one magazine. Spare magazines are about $38, as of this writing. They are very difficult to find now, but Remington is a giant company, and I am certain the situation will abate soon. The magazine fits most carriers made for the Springfield M1A 20-round magazine.

The Remington 870 DM magazine requires the shell to be brought under the feed lips to load and then pressed to the rear and down. Subsequent shells are loaded by pressing the shells down, over the preceding shell.

The magazines may be loaded with

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AMORESOLID PUNCH THOUGHTS ON PERFORMANCE I elected to test the 870 DM with several slug loads, including the Hornady American Gunner. I also fired a couple of Lightfield’s 3-inch Magnum slugs. I will long remember the experience!

The Remington accepts 3-inch shells.

While the majority of situations are easily handled by 2 ¾-inch buckshot or slugs, the 3-inch Magnum slug is an awesome load for defense against the largest animals.

“I BEGAN FIRING THE REMINGTON 870 DM WITH A VARIETY OF LIGHT-RECOILING BIRDSHOT LOADS. … FUNCTION WAS EXCELLENT AT EVERY TURN.”

all buckshot or all slugs, or a mixed payload, just as a tubular magazine may be.

Some shooters load buck and ball with a couple of buckshot loads up first, followed by slugs. The assumption is that an adversary may be behind cover after the first two shells, or wearing body armor. The tubularfed magazine may be topped off if you have a shell carrier mounted to the receiver, or if you use a speed feed stock. Fire a shell or two then quickly reload. While this works well for seasoned individuals, it is much quicker to simply replenish the

For home defense, you cannot beat a high-capacity shotgun. The author, a retired LEO, also said the shotgun is most reliable.

There are also reduced-recoil slugs that offer excellent penetration and wound potential.

Function was good. The 870 DM fired about an inch to the right of the bead at 10 yards, so I corrected that.

At 15 yards, it wasn’t difficult to put three slugs into a single ragged hole.

At 50 yards, taking all the time necessary and leaning against a barricade rest, I was able to put three slugs into 4 inches, on average.

I am confident the 870 DM will strike

a man-sized target in the chest at 75 yards.

Few realize that the 1-ounce slug expands in the body at moderate range, making for a very effective load. Buckshot offers greater hit probability against a running target or a target at maximum buckshot range.

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“SPEED TO RELOAD IS EXCELLENT, THE PIECE IS RELIABLE, AND IT HANDLES WELL.”

ammunition supply with a loaded magazine.

RANGE TEST I began firing the Remington 870 DM with a variety of light-recoiling birdshot loads. I used Fiocchi’s field loads in #8 shot. Function was excellent at every turn. This is a cleanburning load that makes for great practice.

Along the way, in firing over 480 shells, I experienced just one incident in which the magazine did not feed.

I believe I did not slap the magazine home, so this was an operator error.

When firing the 870 DM, the balance was scarcely different from the standard 870. The action is even smoother than my long-serving 870 riot gun. I fired several buckshot loads, including the new Hornady Black and Hornady Critical defense, as well

as Hornady’s affordable American Gunner.

I then fired several Fiocchi’s reduced-recoil buckshot. Buckshot is individualistic and will pattern differently from one shotgun to the other. When striking a target and penetrating through flesh and blood, buckshot travels in pairs. The American Gunner load is plenty tight enough for good effect to 20 yards, which is about the limit of shotgun effectiveness with an open choke and buckshot.

Some shotgun loads are effective to perhaps 15 yards. The cohesiveness of the spread on target is what counts.

Be certain to check and pattern your shotgun for the maximum effective range.

Additionally, I fired a small amount of Hornady’s #4 buckshot. This load is designed for use against predators

A self-defense weapon must be reliable, and the author said the Remington is certainly that.

He fired over 480 shells and experienced just a single incident in which the magazine did not feed. And he called that operator error.

such as coyote, and is at its best in a tightly choked sporting gun. (The 870 DM accepts standard Remington 870 barrels.)

However, for the recoil-shy or those concerned with over-penetration, the #4 Varmint Express load would do fine as a home defense. I prefer 00 buckshot and would never load a defensive shotgun with light birdshot.

A pellet meant to kill a small animal weighing a few ounces isn’t effective against motivated bipedal assailants.

IMPRESSED The Remington 870 DM is a marked improvement on America’s most popular shotgun, the Remington 870. Speed to reload is excellent, the piece is reliable, and it handles well. Concerns with the balance of a magazine-fed shotgun are unfounded.

Overall, Remington has given us a credible defensive option. TW

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VIRTUAL

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

BATTLESPACE IN REALISTIC SCENARIOS, LASER SHOT’S TRAINING SIMULATORS ARE DESIGNED TO INCREASE YOUR SPEED, ACCURACY AND JUDGMENTAL TARGETING TEXT BY DOUG JEFFREY PHOTOS COURTESY OF LASER SHOT

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“ … THE INSTRUCTOR CAN TAKE THE SCENARIO IN A NUMBER OF WAYS TO TRAIN AND TEST THE STUDENT’S JUDGMENT, REACTION TIME AND ACCURACY.”

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rom a distance, it was difficult to tell what was going on. The crowd—about five or six deep— surrounded the entire booth and was eerily silent. As we neared, we made our way through the people and finally reached an opening, where we saw a man, probably in his 30s, in the midst of a simulated hostage situation that was projected onto a 180-degree screen.

Likely running through his mind at about 200 mph was the thought, “Do I engage?” Suddenly, on the far side of the screen, an armed man entered the scenario. The “good guy” glanced over … just as the bank robber made his move …

At the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings, training simulators were all the rage … and Laser Shot was one of the biggest draws. In the following story, Anderson With a 3.9-inch Kith, Laser barrel, the SigShot’s P320 creative director, RX is easy conceal takes us to inside this popular training and everyday carry. methodology.

Join the crowd.

01.

TACTICAL WORLD: TELL US ABOUT LASER SHOT. WHEN WAS IT FORMED AND WHY? Anderson Kith: Laser Shot was formed in 1999 as a technological solution for shooting sports entertainment. Laser Shot soon evolved into developing firearm training solutions for military and law enforcement agencies, as it became a necessary training tool. Today, Laser Shot’s technology is utilized to train various top-tier special operations units and elite law enforcement agencies worldwide.

02.

To tailor-make the ideal training system, the Texas-based company offers a large selection of custom options … from HD scenarios to custom simulated-weapon models to scenarios for the military and law enforcement.

The projector displays the training software on the screen, and using a simulated firearm, the shots are tracked, while feedback is sent from the hitdetection camera, back to the computer.

Laser Shot simulators project the training software on either a single screen, multiple screens, or curved screens around the trainee.

Courseware ranges from basic skill drills to battlefield simulations.

Simulators can be as simple as a single screen or as complex as entire convoys with mock vehicles and crewserved weapons.

03.

TACTICAL WORLD: DESCRIBE WHAT A FIREARMS TRAINING SIMULATOR IS AND HOW IT WORKS.

TACTICAL WORLD: WE UNDERSTAND YOU MAKE THEM FOR MIL AND LE, AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC. EXPLAIN HOW THESE ARE DIFFERENT.

Kith: Laser Shot simulators consist of the following components: a projector, a screen, a simulated firearm or firearms, and a laser hit-detection camera. These all are utilized together to run various software training programs.

Kith: Although these systems function in the same basic way (projector, simulated weapon, hit-detection camera, software), each element is catered to its intended user. For example, for sports shooters, we have

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left: How often should you incorporate a simulator into your routine? It depends, says Kith. For military and law enforcement units, it depends on their training doctrine.

But, he quickly points out that daily trigger time improves a shooter’s speed, accuracy and judgmental targeting. bottom: There are 929 scenarios in their library, so there’s no shortage of situations. Moreover, instructors can take the scenario in a number of additional ways to train and test judgment, reaction time and accuracy.

several software titles that accurately simulate competition shooting courses. For the military, we utilize Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3), which can simulate geo-specific battlefields, including ports around the world. Our core courseware for law enforcement is Judgmental Training Software (JTS), which boasts the largest and most in-depth scenario library advertised on the market at 929 and counting.

Likewise, our simulated weapons mimic the firearms each segment would use in the real world, including recoil and reload characteristics.

04.

TACTICAL WORLD: WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCT UNIQUE? Kith: There are a number of things:

One, we have the fastest setup and user-friendly operation. Most of our customers are shocked to see how fast and easy our portable simulators can be deployed from a fully packed state. This means more time can be dedicated to training, rather than fussing with equipment.

Two, we have the smallest footprint in the industry for many of our simulator models. The SimRange, for example, can be placed within 18 inches of the projection surface.

Other simulators also feature shortthrow technology, which require the least amount of space for simulators in their class.

Three, we have the largest selection of simulated weapons with trueto-life look, feel, and function. If there is a weapon model that we

LASER SHOT’S FLAGSHIP

SIMULATORS 01.

MMTS - Mobile Marksmanship Training Simulator

This portable simulator features durability, capabilities, setup time/ease-of-use, and upgrade options. The MMTS is a “costeffective simulator,” designed to create success in weapon proficiency by utilizing virtual training vignettes. Simulators provide immediate feedback opportunities for both the soldier and instructor to master basic weapon fundamentals, such as grouping, zeroing, practice and qualification prior to going to the range for livefire exercises.

02.

PSATS - Portable Small Arms Training Simulator

Boasting the “fastest setup time in the industry for any portable simulator,” the PSATS typically comes standard with comprehensive law enforcement training software (most popular with law enforcement) and is designed to improved marksmanship, judgment, gun handling and mindset skills.

03.

SimRange

This has “ultra-short-throw technology” for the smallest footprint in the industry, says Kith. It includes integrated hit-detection camera for instant calibration, it can be portable or installed, it’s cost-effective, easy to use and scalable for larger training throughput.

04.

Curve Screen

This is a Laser Shot exclusive item that features “unmatched” immersion up to 270 degrees, and it has a seamless screen for an uninterrupted image.

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don’t offer in a simulated version, our in-house team of engineers will design and manufacture it to fill any order. Our simulated weapons can also come with key features like counting magazines and simulated malfunctions, and are designed to replicate the look, feel and function of real weapons.

Four, we have the largest library (and highest quality) of live-action scenario training. Our current library is 929 scenarios (and counting). Our scenarios also feature “branching,” which means that the instructor can take the scenario in a number of ways to train and test the student’s judgment, reaction time and accuracy.

Five, we have unmatched immersion with vivid training software and edgeless curved projection surfaces.

Our real-life ballistics engines are key features for long-distance (sniper) simulators currently in use by the world’s elite fighting forces and law enforcement agencies.

Six, ours has the most accurate hit

detection with the least latency. Subpixel accuracy means that trainees will know exactly where their shots hit, even on targets at long simulated distances. We utilize high-frame-rate cameras to eliminate any latency for moving targets or speed drills.

Seven, we have unmatched costeffectiveness, with many programs in place for smaller law enforcement and military budgets. Laser Shot is dedicated to serving those who serve us, and we do everything in our power to make sure that military and law enforcement have access to the best training tools available—both by developing them ourselves and working within budget restrictions— and with grant assistance programs to get this technology in the hands of professionals.

Eight, ours feature the most custom options. We understand that every customer has unique training requirements, so we offer the largest selection of custom options in the industry to tailor-make the ideal training system … with options such

Laser Shot’s projector displays the training software on the screen, while the officer's or soldier’s shots are tracked via computer.

as custom HD scenarios and custom simulated-weapon models. We have even gone as far as writing new software programs to fit the training standards of our customer.

opposite: Laser Shot officials say they have the largest selection of simulated weapons with realistic look, feel and function.

TACTICAL WORLD: ON YOUR SITE, YOU MENTION PROGRESSIVE TRAINING SOLUTIONS. DESCRIBE THOSE.

05.

Kith: Our progressive training solutions follow the “crawl-walkrun” paradigm. Each Laser Shot courseware title adheres to these principles by progressing students from the very basics of firearms handling and manipulation, to zeroing procedures, and then into a series of drills or courses that increase in difficulty. Instructors have the option to jump to the stage of training that best suits their students, or repeat stages for remedial training. Each student’s progress can be tracked for qualification purposes.

06.

TACTICAL WORLD: IS YOUR

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PRODUCT AIMED AT A SPECIFIC CLIENT OR IS IT FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS? Kith: Absolutely every skill level, ranging from our Hunter’s Education courseware that teaches children how to be safe around firearms, to our Crosshair Magnified Optics Simulator in use by our nation’s finest sniper/ spotter teams.

07.

TACTICAL WORLD: HOW IS IT ADAPTABLE TO A CUSTOMER’S NEEDS? Kith: Not only are most software titles editable for custom courses, scenarios or qualifications, but the simulator’s hardware can also be ordered with customizations or be reconfigured by the customer at a later date. Our flagship system— the Warrior Skills Trainer— which recently expanded to Fort Knox, Kentucky, is a great

THE CORE PRODUCT LINE FOLLOWING IS A BASIC SUMMARY OF LASER SHOT’S CORE PRODUCT LINE. THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ARE ORGANIZED INTO FOUR MAIN CATEGORIES:

01.

SIMULATORS

03.

TRAINING SOFTWARE

• Portable

• Battlefield simulations

• Installed

• Simulated military training and qualification courses

• Vehicle and Convoy • Custom/Live-Fire Range Integration

02.

• JTS - Judgmental training with HD live-action video • Skills drills

SIMULATED WEAPONS

• Inert (dry-fire) • Recoil (dedicated non-firearms and kits for real firearms) • Less-Lethal (pepper spray/tasers)

• Competition shooting • Hunting and adventure

04.

LIVE-FIRE RANGES

• Container-based and mobile • Large-scale shooting facilities • Upgrades and augmentation for existing structures

MEET THE DIRECTOR, THE COMPANY • Name: Anderson Kith

• Year the Company was Formed: 1999

• Title: Creative Director

• Based: Stafford, Texas

• Years with the Laser Shot: 7

• Web: LaserShot.com

example of this. This 5-pod convoy simulator is assembled with individual single-screen mobile simulators, which allows the U.S. Army Reserve to reconfigure their convoy trainer into a lanes-training system, or to send individual simulators out to their many home stations across the United States.

08.

TACTICAL WORLD: HOW DO THE SIMULATORS ENHANCE EXISTING PROGRAMS? Kith: Laser Shot simulators are not intended to replace live-fire training; instead, they are intended to augment existing programs by assuming many of the training steps taken up until live-fire.

For instance, at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), a recent study involved two sets of students with the same skill levels with firearms (virtually none). One group was put through simulator training before going to the live-fire range while the other went straight to live-fire training. After qualifying, the data showed that simulator training was not only slightly more effective than live-fire training, but it carried a host of other benefits, such as reduced costs of ammunition and travel time, reduced liability, ability for instructors to be heard since no hearing protection was required, and faster confidence-building with firearm handling, due to the lack of lethality in the beginning stages.

To reiterate, Laser Shot does not replace live-fire, but it provides an accelerated course with benefits in the form of reduced costs, liabilities and travel time, and the added value of customizable courseware that tracks each student’s progress.

09.

TACTICAL WORLD: DESCRIBE IMMERSIVE TRAINING. Kith: Immersive training is the approach to instruction whereby the user is

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“SUB-PIXEL ACCURACY MEANS THAT TRAINEES WILL KNOW EXACTLY WHERE THEIR SHOTS HIT, EVEN ON TARGETS AT LONG SIMULATED DISTANCES.” placed in a virtual environment that most closely simulates the real-world event. This is done through projecting the simulation onto large screens to engulf the user’s experience without encumbering them with bulky headsets or HMDs, as well as through full surround sound to more properly reflect the training environment.

10.

trigger time.

For military and law enforcement units, how often they need to experience simulations are defined by their training doctrine, although daily trigger time has been shown to greatly improve a shooter’s speed, accuracy and judgmental targeting.

11.

TACTICAL WORLD: HOW OFTEN DO YOU RECOMMEND THAT SOMEONE USES A SIMULATOR?

TACTICAL WORLD: IS THIS DONE IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRAINING AT THE RANGE?

Kith: That all depends on the person’s line of work with firearms. Max Michel, a world-record holder and speed shooting world champion, trains with Laser Shot as often as he can—especially before matches. Our SimRange portable simulator allows him to bring a virtual competition course to his hotel room the night before a match to get in valuable

Kith: Our Thermal Shot technology greatly enhances live-fire training by providing a self-healing screen and thermal imaging hit-detection camera to sense live rounds passing through virtual targets. This system is in use by top-tier special operations and elite law enforcement units worldwide in our proprietary line of live-fire shoot houses. TW

This shot shows the hardware adjacent to the sniper.

WHAT THEY RUN • $6,300 to $27,000

The cost range for the basic simulator (SimRange) with a simulated weapon and software packages.

The starting hardware is $6,332, and that includes the SimRange projector and camera, computer and keyboard and 1650 Pelican case. The customer then chooses his software and training weapons.

• $114,818.25

The MMTS 4 LANE starts at this price.

• $34,806

The LE PSAT starts at this amount.

• $26,456

The price at which the LE SIM RANGE PRO starts.

• Note: The prices are subject to change.

THE ANATOMY OF

PRECISION & PERFORMANCE

RIPPER UPPER & LOWER Durable and precise, machined from premium 7075-T6 billet.

RA-902 HANDGUARD Maximizes functionality and comfort. MLOK compatible.

CB-160 STAINLESS STEEL BARREL Superior accuracy with proprietary weight reduction.

Guaranteed sub MOA. RA-701 COMPENSATOR Holds it steady and on target. Reduces recoil by 67%.

RA-535 ADVANCED PERFORMANCE TRIGGER Fire faster and more accurately. Combines zero creep with a rapid reset, minimal overtravel, and a crisp break. Precision manufactured to aerospace standards.

OUR SUPERIOR COMPONENTS COMBINE TO CREATE UNRIVALED RIFLES. RISEARMAMENT.COM

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SEIZE THE DARKNESS

Photo courtesy of NIGHT OPS TACTICAL

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A

s performance goes up, the price comes down.

Such is the world of night vision, which was initially used in the later years of World War II, and then extensively during the Vietnam War. Law enforcement is another big user of NVDs, and now the technology is more affordable for civilians, who are also getting into the game.

In the following section, we will shed some light on the latest happenings in the world of night vision, as well as a review of one of the most sophisticated units available, should you decide to go digital.

Seize the darkness. TW

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WHAT’S INSIDE • Anatomy of Night Vision Goggles • ATN's X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20X • Q&A with Night Ops Tactical

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ANATOMY

I

f you are looking to purchase your first set of night vision goggles (NVG), you must go beyond the basic unit, itself.

Night vison is a system and requires several key components that work together.

With so many options when it comes to night vision, it can sometimes be daunting to understand what the part is and/or does in the NVG system.

Should the mount, shroud or J-Arm fail, or the tube somehow dislodge from the helmet, the lanyard will keep your $3,000 investment from shattering on the ground or becoming lost.

We’ll help you understand the required parts in detail to either help you better use your current system or assist you in purchasing a new system.

The required parts include the following: helmet, shroud, mount, J-Arm, NVG unit, and lanyard. Each of these parts assists the other in making a complete, useable night vision package.

01

Helmet

03

The helmet is the base to which all the other night vision equipment is mounted. The helmet can be one of two types. First is the ballistic helmet, which can deflect and/or stop certain rounds and shrapnel from striking your noggin, based on its protection rating. The second is a bump helmet, which will not stop projectiles and works more like the protective helmets you see bike riders use.

No matter which helmet you pick, there are a few things you will want that will make your NVG equipment more comfortable. They are the helmet padding and the chin strap.

The helmet padding is something that you don’t want to skimp on. The padding is what connects the helmet shell to your head, making it comfortable to wear over long periods

A properly designed night vision system contains several crucial parts that you want to make sure are up to snuff.

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OF NVGS

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A GUIDE TO NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

TEXT BY DANIEL BALES PHOTOS BY NIGHT OPS TACTICAL

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04

of time. The cheaper the padding, the faster your head is going to hurt.

Team Wendy’s Combat Helmet Liner system is a great padding system that you can adjust to your desired needs, based on your helmet and head size.

The chin strap is again something you do not want to cheap out on. I recommend Team Wendy’s CAM fit retention system.

The CAM fit system allows you to turn the knob and tighten the strap to your head without even using the chin straps. Once the CAM fit system is snug, you can adjust the Team Wendy chin straps to your head size and you are ready to move to the next piece.

Team Wendy Exfil Ballistic: $1,011.10 Team Wendy Exfil LTP: $299.95

02

Shroud

When buying your helmet, be sure that it comes pre-drilled for an NVG shroud. The helmet shroud attaches to the front of the helmet above your eyes and can be drilled in several ways, either three hole or single hole.

I recommend three hole because it is more rugged. Helmets can come from the builder without a shroud, or pre-drilled holes. You should have it mounted by the builder, so you have one less thing to worry about.

For the shroud, I recommend the Wilcox, based on their toughness.

The helmet shroud attaches the NVG mount and NVG unit to the helmet, making them a single unit ready to use.

Wilcox L4 Three-hole shroud: $60-$113

03

Other accessories can be added to your helmet, but they go beyond the scope of this article.

Lanyard

On your helmet, you should place some sort of lanyard retention device. There are several types

The helmet shroud attaches to the front of the helmet above your eyes. It acts as a base for the mount.

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J-ARM One of the most common units in Night Vision that is the military and law enforcement standard is the PVS-14. This is a Monocular Night Vision Device (MNVD) that uses a third-generation image intensifier tube, and is primarily manufactured by Litton Industries (Now L-3 Warrior Systems) and ITT Corporation. It is often used “hands free” using a head harness or attached to a combat helmet, but can be used as a weapon’s night sight.

The J-Arm is a device that screws to the PVS-14 monocular that allows the user to mount the NVG unit to the NVG mount and helmet. The Wilcox J-Arm has a dovetail interface that mates to the Wilcox G24 mount. With this mount you get little-to-no movement between the system.

This makes the system easier to use and work through. Older mounts had a J-Arm with a bayonet attachment. The attachment system was easily broken and fell off with minimal pressure on the release button. I recommend staying away from this type of mounting system for obvious reasons.

out there. Wilcox, again, makes my favorite. The Wilcox lanyard resembles a key lanyard that maintenance workers use on their belt. They can pull the keys to unlock a door and afterward let them go, returning them to their stowed position.

The Wilcox lanyard attaches to either the helmet shroud or the helmet rail system. The lanyard strap is then

attached to the NVG unit. This lanyard system keeps your expensive NVG unit from hitting the ground, should you drop it. Another lanyard system is similar to a shoe string attached to the NVG unit creating a large loop that can be placed on the user’s head.

This lanyard is inexpensive, but works nonetheless.

Wilcox NVG Lanyard: $113

“WHEN BUYING YOUR HELMET, BE SURE THAT IT COMES PRE-DRILLED FOR AN NVG SHROUD.”

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04

04

Mount

The NVG mount attaches the NVG unit to the helmet and allows the user to move the NVG unit into the correct position over the eye or eyes. I again turn to Wilcox; their G24 mount is top of the line.

Most mounts have several adjustments. One adjustment is for the stowing feature. This allows you to move the NVG unit up into a stowed position or down over your line of vision.

Mounts like Wilcox make use of an automatic locking mechanism—a small button is pressed to change between the two positions.

You will also find two or more adjustment levers and points that bring the mount closer or move it away from the user’s face, tilt the NVG unit at an angle, and slide the unit up and down on an arm for a more specific fit. This is important for individuals that wear prescription eyeglasses or shooting glasses and/or gas masks.

The last feature on the NVG mount is the NVG unit release. This releases the NVG unit from the mount and helmet, for tasks like changing batteries, cleaning the unit, or just stowing the unit when not in use. The release shouldn’t allow the NVG unit to be freed by something as simple as something brushing over it, causing your $3,000 unit to fall on the ground.

Wilcox G24 Mount: $463

The Path These are just some of the features of the night vision system and my recommendations are based on what I have used (and broken).

When looking for what you wish to buy, work with reputable companies and be sure to fit each part with the others to make sure they work well together.

If you are interested in training with night vision, or any other aspect of tactical shooting, check out LMS Defense for all your training needs. TW

CONTACT Team Wendy (216) 738-2518 TeamWendy.com Wilcox Industries (603) 431-1331 WilcoxInd.com Tactical Night Vision Company (909) 796-7000 TNVC.com

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TOP UNITS

The Author’s Recommendations There are many NVG systems out there, but the ones I have used on a regular basis are the PVS-14, BNVD (Binocular Night Vision Device), and DTNVG (Dual Tube Night Vision Goggles).

01 The PVS-14 is a monocular system that is used over one eye. There are several advantages to this system but the biggest is price. This is generally due to the other two having two image intensification tubes as opposed to one on the PVS-14. You will also need to purchase a J-Arm for the purpose of mounting the PVS-14 to a helmet.

The PVS-14 comes with an on/off switch and IR flood switch. The PVS-14 comes in 1 or 2 AA-battery compartment models.

It is manufactured or rebranded for a number of companies including Armasight, ATNm, E-OTech, Bering Optics and FLIR. Prices range from $2,200 to $42,499 depending on options.

02 The BNVD and the DTNVG each have two image intensification tubes, which allow you to look through both eyes at the same time. Both of these units have a dovetail interface that mates with the NVG mount.

With these units you do not need to purchase a J-Arm. The BNVD and DTNVG come with on/off and IR flood switches. Both have CR123 battery compartments.

BNVD-G: $7,914-$8,274 DTNVG Dual Tube Night Vision Goggle: $8,730-$9,900

PVS-14 monocular

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The iPhone

SPECIAL SECTION

OF

RIFLESCOPES

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THE SMART FEATURES ON ATN’S X-SIGHT 4K PRO 5-20X MAKE IT A WINNER

TEXT BY MIKE SEARSON | PHOTOS BY BEN DAVIS

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y first experience with night vision occurred when I was a 17-yearold Marine back in the late 1980s. It was an AN/PVS-4 (Night Vision Sight, Individual Served Weapon, AN/PVS-4), and its claim to fame was that it was the first second-generation passive night vision sight.

Although it was state of the art at the time, it left a lot to be desired. Major improvements to night vision have been made since then. The new gear is much clearer, lighter weight and probably a lot more expensive, even when adjusting for the rate of inflation.

Yet, I was recently able to lay hands on a weapon-mounted night vision scope that was different in several ways than even the multi-thousanddollar units used by the military. The best part, though, had to be the price.

The scope in question is the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x.

DIGITAL NIGHT VISION Standard optical night vision devices amplify ambient light from natural sources, such as the moon and stars, or manmade sources, such as distant streetlights, through an intensifier tube, which projects an amplified image onto a phosphor screen before the eyepiece.

Digital night vision, on the other hand, processes the external light within a

coupling device and projects it to a liquid crystal display (LCD). As a result, digital night vision devices can be used in daylight, as well.

Most digital night vision devices feature several display settings that allow the rendering of the image on the LCD in green, red or gray. Green is typically the highest quality, red is used for preserving night vision and gray decreases the viewer’s light signature when viewing. Instead of looking through a scope, it is more like looking through the viewfinder of a camera.

SET UP There is a bit of a learning curve when setting up, or at least there was for me.

Mounting the scope to the rifle is pretty straightforward. First you have to find room for the bases of your rings on the rail and make sure the rings engage the tube properly. Then, you make sure the scope is level and your eye relief is okay.

I mounted the scope on a Cobalt Kinetics Recon carbine. This is a fast-handling carbine built like a Ferrari. It sports a 13-inch barrel and a 3-inch permanently attached Cobalt PRO Muzzle Brake, making the total barrel length 16 inches.

A comfortable PDW stock allows the

Build quality on the Cobalt Recon is superior to just about every other AR-15 out there.

These are truly the Ferrari’s of custom AR-15s.

shooter the ability to make the rifle even more compact.

Zeroing the scope is completely different than a traditional riflescope, and I mean that in a good way.

However, it must be done at a range as opposed to boresighting in your backyard or workshop.

The shooter takes aim at the target and after firing the first round, you must move the reticle to your point of impact, press a button and set your zero.

Even better is the fact that the scope will store multiple “zeroes” for multiple rifles, so should you want to move from a 5.56 rifle to a .458 SOCOM or to a .308 bolt gun; you can do so with minimal shift in POI (Point of Impact).

The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x incorporates smartphone technology like we have never seen before in a riflescope from a rangefinder to an internal ballistics calculator. Imagine a scope that “knows” the wind, range, target angle, temperature, humidity, and as we mentioned, can be set up for different rifles. You no longer have to imagine, because now it’s a reality.

In keeping with that smartphone spirit, the shooter can stream HD

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“THE SMART FEATURES PRESENT IN THIS SCOPE MAKE IT A WINNER ON SO MANY LEVELS, AND THE PRICE IS A VERY GOOD ONE.”

SPECS:

ATN’S X-SIGHT 4K PRO 5-20X • Magnification: 5 - 20x

• Weather Resistance: Yes

• Objective Lens Diameter: 70mm

• Color: Black

• Lens Resolution: 600 lp/mm

• Refresh Rate: 30/60/120 fps

• Sensor Resolution: 3864 x 2218 pixels

• Battery Life: 18+ hours

• Focus Range: 10m to ∞

• Height: 3 inches

• Field of View: 240 feet at 1,000 yards

• Width: 3 inches

• Battery Type: Internal lithium ion

• Operating Temperature: -40° to +55° C

• Length: 14.9 inches

• Minimum Focus Distance: 10m

• Weight: 2.2 pounds

• Range of Detection: 10m

• Eye Relief: 90mm

• Water Resistance Level: Water resistant

• Diopter Adjustment Range: -5 to +5

• MSRP: $799

COBALT KINETICS RECON CARBINE

top: Although the crosshair was a bit thick, the scope is highly usable with wind speed, range finder and other extras built in.

• Barrel: 13.5-inch 4150 CMV steel

• Weight: 7.4 pounds

• Rifling: 1:7 twist

• MSRP: $1,995.00 to $2,470.00

bottom: Looking through the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x is more like looking through a camcorder than a traditional riflescope.

• Overall Length: 29 inches

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video directly from the scope, plus simultaneously record what they are viewing to the SD card inside. I am starting to think of this as the iPhone of riflescopes.

The view looks a bit different than a standard glass optic. I was worried at first that turning up the magnification might pixelate the view, but it turned out that worry was unfounded.

The view is crystal clear on every magnification setting.

The PDW stock may look uncomfortable at first glance, but after firing a few rounds down range, shooting is downright pleasant.

WEB GEM • American Technology Network ATNCorp.com • Cobalt Kinetics CobaltKinetics.com

THE RIFLE I mounted the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro on a Cobalt Kinetics Recon carbine.

This is a short rifle with a PDW-type stock, built by Cobalt Kinetics to give the shooter an almost “SBR” type of feel. The barrel is 13.5 inches with a 3-inch PRO Muzzle brake permanently attached in order to bring the barrel length up to 16.5 inches.

Cobalt Kinetics builds true custom rifles, and this one is more intended

for a personal protection role as opposed to a three-gun or precisiontype rifle, but it can double in a competition or hunting role as well.

Even though the Recon has a shorter than normal barrel, it has proven itself to be a 1 MOA rifle with low recoil due to the linear muzzle brake. It proved to be an excellent host for this particular scope.

I followed instructions to the letter and was averaging 1.5-inch groups with Aguila 63-grain 5.56 ammunition at 100 yards. At times, I felt more like I was watching my shooting on television as opposed to through the scope of a rifle. While I was not able to shoot in complete darkness, I was able to do so in low light conditions, and removed the scope several times to check its return to zero. All was satisfactory on that front.

SMALL HEADACHES The scope was not perfect, though. It is powered by an internal battery pack

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

“… the scope will store multiple ‘zeroes’ for multiple rifles, so should you want to move from a 5.56 rifle to a .458 SOCOM or to a .308 bolt gun; you can do so with minimal shift in POI (Point of Impact).”

The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x mounts like a traditional riflescope, but zeroing and general use take it to a whole new high-tech level.

that requires charging via USB cable.

A fully charged battery lasts about 18 hours. I found this out the hard way because I was playing around with it a little too much over the course of a week and when I finally got to the range, it died on me almost immediately.

After letting it charge up overnight, I returned to the range and was able to shoot with it extensively. Another problem that I ran into was that the red digital crosshair appeared too thick on low magnification and at close range. This may be something a shooter can get used to, but it took me a while to get as comfortable with it as I could be.

Perhaps a future enhancement could be the ability to change reticles, or at least reticle thickness. It may be

rapid fire, but it is something to note.

FINAL VERDICT Most of my testing was based on accuracy and functionality of the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro. I am convinced that this scope would make an excellent day and night hunting scope out to 400 yards.

It could serve well in certain tactical operations, but more long-term testing on durability, as well as overall reliability will be needed before I can give a final verdict.

The smart features present in this scope make it a winner on so many levels, and the price is a very good one. However, long-term durability in adverse conditions needs to be evaluated before mounting one on a duty or defensive rifle. TW

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Matthew Johnson said the company grew exponentially during the first 18 months, and it was a challenge to manage cash flow.

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STRUGGLES, SUCCESSES, LESSONS THE PRESIDENT EXPLAINS HOW HE BUILT NIGHT OPS TACTICAL FROM THE GROUND UP TEXT BY AMELIA EARL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF NIGHT OPS TACTICAL

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atthew Johnson isn’t your typical businessman. At age 24, he was running a $12-million company. From there, Johnson went on to enter the night vision industry and eventually started a company of his own, Night Ops Tactical. Despite his successful nature, Johnson has retained a humble demeanor. His years working for million-dollar companies helped him realize the type of leader he wanted to be. Today, around six years after he decided to start his own night-vision company, Johnson runs a thriving business with a family-business attitude.

In this interview, Johnson discusses his struggles, successes and lessons he learned along the way. Keep reading to find out what makes Johnson the successful businessman and leader he is today.

TACTICAL WORLD: TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. JOHNSON: I’m an avid wine collector and a huge sports fan. I grew up playing sports and have been involved in athletics all my life. It’s shaped me and helped become who I am. I coach my daughter’s travel softball team and my daughter’s soccer team. I love the outdoors and really enjoy camping, hanging out with family and working on cars. Being self-employed makes it difficult to go on a week-long vacation to Hawaii, so we make the most out of long weekends and often go out to nearby lakes.

TW: WHAT’S YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND? JOHNSON: I’ve worked in the night vision industry for over 15 years. Prior

to that, I worked in the sales and redistribution of wine.

Since I had experience in the tactical market, I just started working out of my home. My dad is a contractor, so he helped me build a cleanroom in the garage and I used an extra room in my home as my office. In the mornings from 8 to 12 o’clock, I’d be on the phone and working on marketing, sales and working on the website. After lunch, I’d be out doing production, building the systems and shipping orders. It required a cleanroom and it was a process to do this properly. It was a bit of a challenge because I was working in such a confined space. We stayed there for the first 12 months, and then moved to a larger facility and just hit the ground running.

TW: GOING FROM THE WINE INDUSTRY TO NIGHT VISION PRODUCTION IS A SIGNIFICANT CAREER CHANGE. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCES? JOHNSON: It’s a small industry, so you always have to be on your A-game.

There’s only a handful of people who do what we do in the nation. In this line of work, I believe I’m contributing to the homeland defense and safety of our nation. I think the technology we sell is paramount to homeland security and the safety of our soldiers as they go abroad to defend and protect our country.

TW: GROWING UP, DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D END UP BEING THE PRESIDENT OF A NIGHT VISION COMPANY? JOHNSON: No, not even close. I thought I’d be involved in something with the wine industry and some type of sales. I was told by my parents and a lot of my teachers that I would be good at sales because I’m very outspoken.

TW: DESCRIBE HOW YOU STARTED NIGHT OPS TACTICAL. JOHNSON: My father has been self-employed his whole life. At an early age, I always knew I would be my own boss someday. Several of my bosses throughout my life knew that I would be in charge at some point in time. It was an easy decision for me, once my former employer and I parted ways because I was basically already running that company on the day-today basis.

Confidence has played a role in the company’s success, and that came when the company moved to a larger facility.

The president said it gave him a sense of accomplishment.

Asked what separates Night Ops Tactical from other companies, the president said it’s their lead time. They turn out product quick for customers.

Night Ops Tactical offers a full line of night vision devices and accessories.

Even though it was a challenge, it was fun for me. Starting Night Ops Tactical was a big step for me and my wife.

She handled the admin side. My wife and I were ready to do it at the time, and I was up for the challenge.

TW: SUCCESS IS DEFINED DIFFERENTLY BY MANY PEOPLE, BUT WHEN WOULD YOU SAY NIGHT OPS TACTICAL STARTED TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? JOHNSON: Mentally, for me, it was the moment when we decided to move our home-based business to a 1,500-square-foot facility in Roseville, California, a year after we started. It was that moment where I felt like we had finally arrived. It gave me a sense of accomplishment. Driving up to our business in the morning, where I could see our sign and walk through the door and be greeted by the receptionist, made everything a lot more real.

“IN THIS LINE OF WORK, I BELIEVE I’M CONTRIBUTING TO THE HOMELAND DEFENSE AND SAFETY OF OUR NATION.”

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TW: EVERY BUSINESS HAS UNIQUE CHALLENGES. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOURS? JOHNSON: One of the biggest challenges we had, starting up, was capital and learning how to manage the cash flow as we grow. We grew exponentially during the first 18 months, and managing cash flow was extremely important. For me, that was definitely a challenge because that was something I had never done before. I ran the organizations I worked for in the past, but I never dealt with the finances. I never had to make sure that we had enough capital to operate and invest. I had to learn how to make those critical financial decisions.

TW: COMING UP WITH SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT DESIGNS TAKES A LOT OF SKILL. HOW DOES NIGHT OPS TACTICAL DEVELOP THEIR DESIGNS? JOHNSON: A lot of the stuff is already off the shelf. The things that we design in-house with our mad skills, pencil and paper—we work out our ideas and then outsource the engineering design for development. Every employee has an opportunity to come to me with their ideas. Any ideas we think could be successful, we will sketch out, mock up, and figure out how it would function. Once we have a concept that we like, we get in contact with the right people to make it happen.

TW: DESCRIBE THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. WHAT SETS NIGHT OPS TACTICAL APART? JOHNSON: All the night vision systems are built and assembled here in our

cleanroom in the warehouse. There are different processes for each system.

Each individual ground-based night vision system has a different operating procedure to build it, clean it, and certify it. We buy the core components: the housing, the optics, and the image tubes, which are basically the engine.

Then, we go through the assembling process and build them based on our standards.

The things that require huge machinery are not my forte. My grandfather always said, “Let the baker bake the bread.” So, I trust those people to do it.

We try to control as much as we can.

There can be times where you realize how much you rely on your supplier, and if that supplier has a problem, then you are kind of up a creek. We are trying to get to a point where we have more of our own production, and design our own night vision, then we could control our own fate. But, at the end of the day, we still must rely on our suppliers’ production. We are at the mercy of them and their production, but we control other things.

As far as what sets us apart, I would say our lead time. A lot of other larger companies have crazy lead times.

It can take them 20 days to deliver some systems and that’s not conducive sometimes, like when troops are deploying and need to get out with the gear in a couple of weeks, or a SWAT team that’s going to have its training and needs their gear to get certified.

We have a good amount of inventory to help offset some of that.

MEET THE PRES

Name: Matthew Johnson Age: 39 Title: President Family: Wife and 3 kids Location: Sacramento, California Education: Marketing Degree from San Diego State University

WEB GEM

NightOpsTactical.com

Night vision gear is becoming as essential to tactical teams as their rifles, body armor and gas masks as more operations are conducted in nolight or low-light conditions.

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

“THERE’S NOTHING THAT WE DO DIFFERENTLY FROM OTHER NIGHT VISION COMPANIES, IT’S JUST THE PEOPLE THAT WORK HERE.”

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TW: BEING A SMALLER COMPANY, HOW DO YOU MANAGE CUSTOMER SERVICE? JOHNSON: That’s one of our challenges with the limited number of employees we have. Making ourselves readily available for the customer service side can be complicated because we primarily sell night vision and learning about it is an educational process.

Whenever our customers called with a problem, I like to use the analogy that you’re not buying shoes. Night

vision systems are very complex, and you need to understand how to use it, the warranty that’s involved, and the service that we offer. Our customers can reach me, as an owner, anytime they want, on email or phone. Being available for them has a lot to do with time management.

Night Ops Tactical’s product line includes helmets (ballistic and bump), night vision systems, thermal imagers, lasers and IR illumination, scopes, sights and various accessories.

All our sales people and production people are required to understand the gear and how to use it. All our employees go through training and learn how

“THE PRESIDENT SAYS HE BELIEVES HIS PRODUCTS ARE SUPERIOR IN PERFORMANCE, PRICE, SERVICE AND WARRANTY TO THE OTHERS IN THE MARKET.”

to perform tasks that other people do.

Sales people learn how to work the production side, and production people learn how to handle the sales side. We like to know that our employees wear multiple hats. A lot of larger companies miss out on the benefits of that because the front end doesn’t know anything about the back end, and vice versa. At Night Ops Tactical, we really want to get rid of that, so everyone understands that they are an integral part of this company. When you understand more facets of the business, you’re a more well-rounded employee.

TW: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES NIGHT OPS TACTICAL STAND OUT AMONG OTHER NIGHT VISION COMPETITORS? JOHNSON: Us. The people, the employees. Were what keeps it fresh and keeps everything going.

It’s important that you have good employees and that they understand they play a vital role in the company.

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“JOHNSON SAYS HE NEVER WANTS TO BE SOMEONE WHO STOPS CARING ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR HIM.” what they’ve done and know how hard they work. I want to be a good boss and lead from the front. I care about my employees and I want them to feel appreciated for all the work they do.

There’s nothing that we do differently from other night vision companies, it’s just the people that work here. They’re what makes us great.

TW: ON YOUR “ABOUT US” PAGE, IT SAYS, “WE STRESS LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY AND LOYALTY TO OUR EMPLOYEES.” WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EFFECTS THAT THESE VALUES CARRY OUT? JOHNSON: We are a small business, so if we are not reaping what we sow, you can see it because we work together every day. In a larger company you can have all these meetings and not know what’s going on with other people. When I used to work with my former night vision employers, I would go to these sales meetings and listen to these big wigs running their mouths off—I’m talking about the process, the process, the process.

At one meeting, I met this man. I don’t want to name names, so let’s just call him John. We went out for beers and I had multiple meetings with him about our business. When I attended

a training they do annually, he made everyone wear name badges. I didn’t put one on because if John didn’t know who I was, then I didn’t want to be working for him. When he saw me, he was looking up and down trying to find my name badge. I engaged in a conversation with him and it was clear that he didn’t remember my name. He only had 30 distributors, so if he wasn’t going to take the time to remember our names, then he obviously didn’t care about us.

From that experience, I learned that I never want to be someone that stops caring about the people who work for me. It’s important that I lead from the front and lead by example and that I’m willing to box and ship a unit, sweep the warehouse and show everyone that comes to work that I’m willing to do anything with them. And I will do it. Doing it shows them that I can do their job and that I take the time to understand how long tasks take and what they have to do on a day-to-day basis. When my employees come to me at the end of the year, I’m able to discuss fair raises because I’ve done

The PVS-15 is a MilSpec night vision binocular which can be mounted on a helmet or used as a handheld unit. The dual tubes improve depth perception.

TW: DESCRIBE YOUR TRIAL PROGRAM. JOHNSON: Back when I was a distributor for FLIR, they used to offer a trial program. Distributors are always begging their suppliers and manufacturers for leads and opportunities. Well, FLIR’s trial program was a huge success. They would send their customers a demo where they could see the product being used in a real environment.

FLIR provided a shipping label for the customer so it was free to ship it back to them. Once the customer was ready to buy it, FLIR would call one of their distributors and tell them the customer’s information and what products they wanted to buy and how many.

FLIR basically took out all the work the distributors normally have to do.

By putting their product out in front of the customers, their product stood out from other competition and they got a lot of business.

As a small business, it is a little more difficult for us to do. FLIR’s marketing budget was more than we do in revenue. So, it’s a little different, but we’re trying to give our products exposure.

We’re willing to put our gear next to anyone’s in the country. Period. We believe our products are superior in performance, price, service and warranty. At the end of the day, you must put up or shut up. The trial program gives our customers the opportunity to experience our product first-hand and assess the quality for themselves.

We’re not afraid to put anything we sell in front of a customer. TW

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HARD-HITTING ORMANCE COBALT KINETICS OVERWATCH-XL P.R.S. SCORES HIGH ON ACCURACY TEXT BY MIKE SEARSON | PHOTOS BY BEN DAVIS What started life as a precision rifle for competitive shooting may turn out to be the ultimate tactical long-range lead slinger.

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I

f someone would have told me 10 or 20 years ago that a gas gun in a caliber less than .308 Winchester would outshoot any of my military-grade bolt-action sniper rifles for accuracy, as well as distance, I would have called them either insane, or a liar, or probably both.

When running a riflescope on any AR, it can be tough to get hold of a standard charging handle. The wings of the Radian Raptor charging handle protrude far enough to give you an easy grasp.

After test-firing the Cobalt Kinetics Overwatch-XL P.R.S. in 6.5 Creedmoor, I am finally willing to concede that point. Yes, now it can be done!

Hyperbole aside, semi-automatic precision rifles have been improving every year. No longer are our military and police snipers necessarily slaves to the bolt-action, or conceding with archaic semi-auto rifles that compromise on accuracy.

The Build All of Cobalt Kinetics’ rifles are custombuilt, one at a time. These are not mass-produced, cookie-cutter rifles, but true custom guns from the ground up.

The XL designation means that it is built on Cobalt’s larger-frame, or AR-10-size rifle, and the rifle will accept Magpul 308-pattern double-stack magazines.

There are Overwatch rifles built on the AR-15-size receivers in the shorter calibers like .223 Remington and .224 Valkyrie as well.

Cobalt Kinetics builds all their receivers and handguards out of 7075 aluminum, making for the strongest aluminum

Cobalt Kinetics’ Overwatch may be one of the most accurate semiautomatic rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor ever built.

you can use in a rifle build. In turn, these are hard anodized with a Type 3 coating and then Cerakoted over the anodizing. This makes for probably the most advanced and superior coating that we have ever seen on any firearm.

The heart of this rifle is a match-grade 24-inch full-profile barrel, crafted from stress-free 416-R stainless steel.

For those not familiar with the term, 416-R is formulated specifically for gun barrels. It has a minimal amount

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

of chromium (the metal that makes stainless steel “stainless”) and it is still susceptible to corrosion, but nowhere near that of plain carbon steel. The free-machining characteristics of the steel make it perfect for high-definition

rifling and crowning. It allows the gun maker to craft a more accurate barrel.

Cobalt’s bolt carrier is made of 8620 steel, which is a case-hardening steel-containing nickel, chromium and

The Pro Muzzle Brake utilizes a symmetrical linear array of five intersecting spheroid cuts that vent the blast to the sides in order to reduce dust signature and prevent muzzle rise.

molybdenum as alloying elements. The cam shaft in your vehicle may be made out of this same steel. The bolt head is made of 9310 steel, which is similar to 8620, but is more likely to be used in the construction of a tractor-trailer crankshaft or landing gear of an aircraft.

A lithium-iron surface conversion (or LiFe) is used to treat these components and it increases the steel’s hardness, strength, and resistance to erosion.

The bolt is micro-polished and QPQ (Quench Polish Quench) finished; this is a modern and very advanced form of case hardening through nitro carbonizing that creates an iron oxide layer to inhibit rust.

If you are unfamiliar with Cobalt’s rifles, you may think there are two forward assists, and while I have always

Specs

COMPONENTS

Each Overwatch rifle ships with an Atlas bipod, a custom hard case and three magazines.

Barrel Length: 24 inches Barrel Material: 416-R stainless steel Controls: Ambidextrous with shortthrow safety selector Stock: Cobalt adjustable PRS stock with bag rider Trigger: Timney Targa two-stage trigger Receivers: Mated serialized receiver set Bolt-Carrier Group: Nickel boron QPQ finished Handguard:16-inch Cobalt Pro billet M-LOK Muzzle Device: Cobalt PRO muzzle brake Overall Length: 46 inches Weight: 12 pounds, 6 ounces MSRP: $5,499

Website: CobaltKinetics.com

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thought that the forward assist was the most useless feature attached to the AR-15/M16/M4 platform, in this case, it is not.

Each one will function like a forward assist, and if you think it is a good idea to force a high-pressure cartridge into a chamber that is not allowing it, then

The trigger finger can remain indexed without having to search for a bolt catch extension.

A Condition One hard case with customcut foam is the actual shipping box that holds the rifle and magazines.

more power to you. In the case of a Cobalt Kinetics rifle, there is a better reason for their presence: they allow the shooter to send the bolt home by using the thumb of the shooting hand without releasing the hold on the rifle.

Speaking of the trigger, the Overwatch ships with a Timney Targa two-stage trigger that breaks like glass. The rail system is fully M-LOK compatible and the stock incorporates a Delrin bag

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rider for stability and accuracy when shooting from a rested position.

Pro Buffer System Cobalt Kinetics’ Pro Buffer System balances the rifle’s operating system to enhance performance and reduce felt recoil. The receiver extension is lined with a hard polymer film made of the same polymer that is in the body of the buffer. It eliminates the kinetic forces before they transmit into felt recoil, and, as a by-product, it eliminates that springing noise found in most AR rifles.

Because of the nature of the polymer film inside the receiver extension, you cannot have it Cerakoted, due to the heating process, as it will degrade or melt this film.

Pro Muzzle Brake I've never been a fan of muzzle brakes on rifles, as they tend to make rifles louder. The exception is when a brake acts as a silencer mount and serves as a blast damper by absorbing the brunt of the flash to prolong the life of the baffles.

However, in Cobalt’s case I can make an exception, having seen firsthand how the brake keeps the rifle shooting flat.

The PRO Muzzle Brake utilizes a symmetrical linear array of five intersecting spheroid cuts that vent the blast to the sides in order to reduce dust signature and prevent muzzle rise. Now, at this point, you may be thinking that somewhere on the internet, it states that three is the magic number for ports on either side of a linear compensator or

The short-throw safety selector is ambidextrous.

Fit and finish on the Overwatch is second to none. More importantly, though, is the rifle’s accuracy and reliability.

muzzle brake, and someone pointed out that anything else is excessive, wasteful, etc. For the most part we agree with that, but in the case of Cobalt, these muzzle devices are tailored for the competitive shooter and if those extra holes add as little as 0.05% of an improvement, that can be the difference between winning and losing a match, or in the case of the Overwatch and a trained sniper, the difference between life and death.

Additionally, the Overwatch ships with an Atlas bipod and a bomb-proof Condition One hard case. As you can imagine, the sticker price is not for the faint of heart, as all this custom work and the quality of the components adds up to an MSRP of $5,499.

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At the Range Our test rifle was equipped with a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22×50 riflescope.

The scope is nice, bright and crystal clear. This is the ideal class of scope you want to use on a rifle like this. The 50mm objective is big, but not too big, and the scope has a nice sleek look to it.

The first thing we noticed was how light the recoil was. This has to do with the weight of the rifle, the PRO Muzzle Brake and the Pro Buffer System, all working in conjunction with each other.

This is crucial for a precision semiautomatic rifle as it aids in recovery and allows for faster follow-up shots.

However, what really impressed me was the size of our first five-shot group at 200 yards.

Although it was a few inches to the left and above our true point of aim, the widest part of this group was 0.581 inch. I honestly think this was the tightest rifle group I have shot at this distance in a long time.

The farthest we could shoot at this particular range was 300 yards. After making our elevation adjustments and corrections based on our point of impact at 200 yards, we found the rifle shooting true to point of aim. This time the group measured 1.335 inches.

Despite its overall length of 46 inches and a total weight approaching 13 pounds, the Overwatch balances well for shooting in the off-hand position.

The stock incorporates a Delrin bag rider for stability and accuracy when shooting from a rested or prone position.

I am not a regular precision rifle shooter, outside of occasional reviews of long range/precision rifles, but I could see a rifle like the Overwatch-XL P.R.S. turning me into one. If I could shoot groups like these on my first time out, a better disciplined precision rifle shooter, like most of our readers, could perform much better with this rifle.

Some might think that the performance could be improved with hand loads.

The beauty of the Overwatch, however, is that Cobalt Kinetics designed this rifle to be accurate with the most commonly available factory ammunition. They eliminated the need to spend hours at the loading bench crafting hand loaded ammunition so that shooters could spend more time behind the trigger.

Convinced As a shooter, I have been on the fence about 6.5 Creedmoor for more than a few years. I have plenty of long range rifles in .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum. The Overwatch-XL P.R.S. finally won me over for both the caliber and the gas gun platform. TW

HEADED FOR THE BIG TIME If you are still under the impression that 6.5 Creedmoor is a flash-in-the-pan wildcat that will be obsolete in five years, consider the following: In October 2017, U.S. SOCOM (Special Operations Command) tested the performance of 7.62×51mm NATO, .260 Remington, and 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges out of SR-25, M110A1, and Mk 20 sniper rifles. SOCOM determined that 6.5 Creedmoor performed the best, doubling hit probability at 1,000

yards, increasing effective range by nearly half, reducing wind drift by a third and having less recoil than 7.62×51mm NATO rounds. Because the two cartridges have similar dimensions, the same magazines can be used, and a rifle can be converted with a simple barrel change. This led to its adoption and fielding by special operations snipers to replace the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge in their semi-automatic sniper rifles, planned by early 2019.

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The TIR lens shapes a “versatile beam” with enough reach and surround light for close to longer-range operations.

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

TALE of

SUREFIRE’S FURY DFT AND M600DF SCOUT WILL ENHANCE YOUR TACTICAL GAME

TEXT BY JASON DAVIS | PHOTOS BY JAIMEE ITAGAKI

TWO FUELS

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S

ureFire has done it again.

What is that you might ask?

They have blown me away with their ability to increase the number of lumens that come in not only a weapon-mounted light, but now a handheld light. In lumens, they hit 1,500 in both the handheld and the weapon light. It certainly gives an entire new meaning to the term brightness!

How bright is 1,500 lumens? Bright enough that if you’re in a room or an occupied dwelling, and this light hits you first, good luck seeing anything else for a while.

I found out just how bright that was during force-on-force training, and I still think I see blurred whiteness that has been forever burned into my eyes.

Okay, it’s not really burned into my retinas, but the brightness certainly made me unable to see anything or anyone else, in the direction the light came at me.

BLINDED BY THE LIGHT I first saw these two lights—the Fury DFT (handheld) and the M600DF Scout Light—at a training class in Ohio.

Having used SureFire weapon lights and handheld lights for more than two decades, I have seen the increase and transformation of lumens as the years have gone by. I have been using SureFire products for so long that I remember when 60 lumens out of an incandescent light that you held in the palm of your hand seemed bright.

Since the time of the first SureFire handheld light, technology and engineering have bounded seemingly light years ahead, when it comes to the increase in brightness and lumens. SureFire houses engineers and personnel who have more degrees than a thermometer, and perhaps this is why SureFire keeps moving forward with technology and competitors can only give chase.

SureFire was able to engineer both the

left: The M600DF Scout mounts quickly and easily to most rifles, the heat tolerance in the head allow close proximity mounting to sound suppressors like SureFire's Mini Monster.

Fury DFT (handheld) and the M600DF Scout Light to accept both the SF123A batteries and the 18650 lithium ion rechargeable battery; hence the term Dual Fuel. How did they do this? Refer to the above paragraph. That being said, you can choose what you want your light output to be; or, if your rechargeable goes down, you can replace it with two SF123A batteries.

To get the most out of each of these lights, 1,500 lumens, you would need to have a charged 18650 lithium ion battery in your light. This will produce that 1,500-lumen mark, and you will get a runtime of about an hour and a half. Should you deplete your charge and change out to the SF123A batteries, you will see your lumens drop down to 1,200 for about 75 minutes. Is this still bright—brighter than any other light they have produced in this size light?

Absolutely. You will still be able to light up your environment and finish your job or task.

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

“THE QUALITY OF MATERIALS USED BY SUREFIRE ARE THE BEST AVAILABLE. THIS IS A TESTAMENT TO THEIR ETHICS IN THAT THEY ONLY WANT TO PROVIDE THE BEST FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS.”

Let’s now look at each light individually.

FURY DFT: RUGGED The Fury DFT (Dual Fuel Tactical) is a handheld light, made of aerospacegrade aluminum. The body and tailcap are then hard-anodized, which gives the parts amazing ruggedness. If you think dropping, throwing, and using this light to kick a field goal will destroy it, you have not used a light made by SureFire. They are built to last, and that they do.

Years ago, when my agency had motors, an old handheld light that we used in conjunction with our Colt M-16s had the light fall off, and it ended up between the running chain and rear sprocket. It pierced a pretty good hole in the body, but the light still worked. This use to be on display down at SureFire, but I am not sure where it is today.

The quality of materials used by

SureFire are the best available. This is a testament to their ethics in that they only want to provide the best for their customers. There is a reason I use only lights built by SureFire.

FURY DFT: CLOSE LOOK The Fury DFT is a small, compact package. It weighs just 6.5 ounces with batteries and produces an insane beam with its precision micro-textured reflector. The beam is far-reaching with a focused center, which is good for picking out details when searching.

SPECS AND FEATURES FURY DFT

• Length: 5.6 inches • Weight with Batteries: 6.5 ounces • 123A Output: 1,200 lumens • 123A Runtime: 1.25 hours • 18650 Output: 1,500 lumens • 18650 Runtime: 1.5 hours

M600DF SCOUT LIGHT • Length: 5.56 inches

• Weight with Batteries: 5.15 ounces • Batteries: 18650 • Output High White: 1,500 lumens

To get illumination, press or click the rear tailcap, and you are good to go. I like this taiIcap a lot and can momentarily give myself or those around me light, and I can shut it off by merely removing my thumb, or whatever was pressed against the tailcap. If I need to have continuous light emitting from the Fury, all I have to do is click, and permanent light will stay on until I click again, and it shuts off.

• Runtime High White: 1.5 hours

FAST FACTS WEB

SureFire.com

MSRP

Fury DFT: $199 M600DF Scout: $299

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Having just completed six straight months of a graveyard patrol shift, the Fury DFT was with me the majority of the time. I opted to use the 18650 rechargeable lithium ion battery as often as I could, but I also kept a six-pack of SF123A batteries with me just on the off-chance that I depleted my rechargeable battery during a protracted event. I had to change out batteries only one time during my six months; this was due to a six-hour, multi-agency, yard-to-yard search for three different burglary suspects.

working an area actively searching for people.

While the lithium ion battery lasted almost my entire time searching, the last two yards were searched with the SF123A batteries. Going from 1,500 lumens to 1,200 during the last 45 minutes of the search was not necessarily noticeable, but if I can have my choice of having 1,500 lumens constantly available, that is what I want.

The M600DF will fit onto any MILSTD 1913 type rail, or it can also be fitted with a number of different aftermarket attachments, depending on the attachment type on your weapon. The M600DF Scout Light comes with the Z68-type tailcap, which means you can depress the tailcap slightly for momentary light activation, or you can press it until you hear or feel a click, and that will leave the light on continuously. Depress and click again, and the light turns off.

In addition to the spare SF123A batteries, I now also carry an extra 18650 battery in the charger that can be charged in the vehicle. Having the ability to recharge batteries in your vehicle is a plus, especially when your vehicle is your “office� on patrol.

Having the ability to emit 1,500 lumens from the end of your carbine is an absolute game-changer, as well. The new M600DF Scout Light is exactly what I want when entering

left: The light checks in at 5.6 inches and 6.5 ounces.

M600DF SCOUT LIGHT: SPECS Getting into the working parts and the specifics of the M600DF, this weapon light is also made of the same aerospace-grade aluminum and is hard-anodized for ruggedness, as well.

Coming in at just over 5 1/2 inches in length and weighing a tad bit more than 5 ounces, this Scout Light offers output of lumens that has not been seen before in other weapon lights.

THE WEATHER FACTOR Both the Fury DFT and the M600DF come with ruggedized O-Rings at the head and tail of the body and serve to not allow any outside elements to get inside and impede function.

While I work in Southern California and I have 300+ days of sunshine a year, I do want to know that my illumination tools will work when wet.

right: DFT stands for dual-fuel tactical, and the light blasts 1,500 lumens.

Due to the construction and materials used in these lights, I have no issue getting them completely soaked and having them still work. A quick shake of any water on the lights, and they continue providing brightness where it is needed.

BRING THE LUMENS Having the ability to use a handheld and a weapon light with 1,500 lumens makes my low-light or no-light game quite a bit different. Having searched very large properties, both inside and outside for hours with these lights has made me a believer of the-morelight-the-better.

Of course, I hear people say that too much light causes light bounce-back and can illuminate your team or cause the light to reflect back into your eyes.

I have not found this to be the case, and I am happy to get as much light and as many lumens into a room or into an outside area as possible to help with our search. I welcome more lumens.

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“The TIR lens completely surrounds the LED, gathers all of the available light and then projects that light forward in a way that focuses the beam to be very tight in the center of the light emitted.”

COMMON BONDS, BENEFITS OF LEDS These two lights are very similar in many different ways. Length and weight, output and lumens and ruggedness are just a few.

Where they also share a similarity is in SureFire’s use of LEDs or light-emitting diodes. Years ago, when I first saw SureFire begin adding LEDs to their line of lights, I saw a different type of white light. In looking into the head of the flashlight while the light is off, of course, I also viewed what appeared to be a chip or microchip of some sort. That chip I saw was the light emitting diode.

In wanting to build a light that can stand up to recoil, being dropped, or the perils of heavy combat, SureFire began using LEDs that offer a number of advantages over incandescent light. What an LED is

first, is a semiconductor chip that converts electrical energy into light. It is classified as a solid state, so there are no gases or liquid components that are used to emit light.

Other advantages with LEDs are that they are extremely rugged. Again, there are no gasses, bulbs or filaments to break. LEDs also can last thousands of hours, which means most people will never see the end of the life of an LED. With the ability to manipulate and program LEDs with different energy sources, the ability to withstand vibration seen in handheld and weapon lights and the overall output of lumens, the use of LEDs in SureFire lights has been welcomed with open arms. While I am writing about LEDs, I will add a bit about the type of beam both of these lights emit. Total Internal

Reflection (TIR) refers to the type of beam that is cast forward from the light. The TIR lens completely surrounds the LED, gathers all of the available light and then projects that light forward in a way that focuses the beam to be very tight in the center of the light emitted.

This type of lens is very useful when searching, as the cone offers up the brightest of light, so you can clearly and effectively identify your target.

The remaining light that comes off the focused center helps illuminate items in the periphery. You can then move your light and/or weapon towards a target or threat if picked up in the outer light of cone. I like the TIR lens a lot and think it is a perfect reflector in both of these SureFire lights.

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TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018 To turn it on and off, simply push the tailcap.

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The Scout Light is 5.56 inches and weighs 5.15 ounces.

LIGHT CARE 101 Working in environments that offer little-to-no light means that you have to be adaptive with your gear, specifically when it comes to lights. For me, the ability to have the most amount of light with me during an event is paramount. When SureFire released a handheld and a weapon light that produced 1,500 lumens, I knew what I’d soon be using on patrol.

That said, there are some items and thoughts that will always be with me or in my head when using lights, regardless of the number of lumens.

Batteries: Always have extra batteries! If you think you may be okay with one extra set, keep two or three extra sets with you or in your kit.

Batteries can start dimming at the most inopportune times—plan ahead for this to happen. With the new dual-fuel lights, you can keep both the 18650 rechargeable batteries and/or the SF123A lithium batteries with you for on-the-go changes. Regardless of what light you are using, have the ability to change out batteries when your light dims past the point you need to conduct your patrolling or searching.

Clean Lens: Having a clean lens keeps your lumens in check. You’re using a tool that offers a high output of light, and you need that light for one reason or another, so keep your lens clean. A dirty lens will throw light differently than a clean lens, so keep your lens as clean as possible. Think about your dirty windshield on your vehicle—once it gets too dirty you clean it, as it’s not safe to look through. Same goes with the lens of your light. I use non-toxic weapon cleaner and a soft, non-abrasive wipe for cleaning and clean often.

Beams: Know your beams and figure out what is best for you and your given environment. The MaxVision Beam will give you a solid and seamless wall that is great for up-close type work, where close situational awareness is needed. The Total Internal Reflection (TIR) Beam, on the other hand, gives the user a bright center that goes out and into a tightly shaped cone pattern. The TIR gives off a good beam and is great for a long-reaching search. TW

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TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018 The Fury DFT, made of aerospace-grade aluminum, is rugged and able to handle any challenge.

“SINCE THE TIME OF THE FIRST SUREFIRE HANDHELD LIGHT, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING HAVE BOUNDED SEEMINGLY LIGHT YEARS AHEAD, WHEN IT COMES TO THE INCREASE IN BRIGHTNESS AND LUMENS.”

Special Ops Sniper Paul Martinez takes us inside the 3rd Ranger Battalion in his thrilling combat memoir detailing what is expected of our front line troops:

THE TRAINING THE CAMARADERIE THE UNRELENTING PACE OF MISSION AFTER MISSION . . .

AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD

St Martins_Fp_1.indd 1

8/31/2018 12:18:12 AM

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The author says that all training programs are not the same. The building of skill to higher levels is a gradual process.

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THE REAL WORLD SURVIVAL STEMS FROM REALISTIC, PRACTICAL TRAINING, WHICH CREATE A HIGHER SKILL SET TEXT BY CHUCK TAYLOR | PHOTOS BY LARRY ATIL AND GETTY IMAGES

O

nce the fundamentals of combat shooting are understood and the shooter has developed his skills appropriately, it’s natural that he seeks to elevate his knowledge and abilities to higher levels. Yet, surprisingly, a student occasionally comes to me who, due to a misimpression of their actual ability, seeks to bypass basic instruction.

dimid_86 via Getty Images

This is a very difficult personal situation requiring tact and diplomacy, because, while making every attempt to avoid offending him, this kind of prospective student must be advised that for maximum tactical, criminal and civil liability protection, this isn’t a good idea. How does this happen?

ALL TRAINING IS NOT EQUAL All training programs, even those teaching the so-called “Modern Technique” of handgunning, are not the same, and the building of skill to higher levels is generally a step-by-step process, based on the building-block principle. As such, best results can be obtained only if

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the student has already received “the complete package” of fundamental (basic) skills and academic knowledge, something that is by no means universal within the training industry.

In many cases, I have found that students who have received their lower-level instruction from other sources are unable to keep up with those who have trained with me all along. This not only prevents the student himself from receiving maximum benefit from the course, but it also slows down the class and may even cause a safety hazard to the student and others.

For this reason, in this age of constant liability concerns, neither the student nor the instructor can afford to make assumptions about the student’s skills—all it takes is a single incident to open the floodgates of litigation. For the most knowledge and skill in return for your time and expense, it really is best to start at the basic level with a

reputable, professional trainer/school and, at least until you have reached an advanced level, stay with them.

REAL WORLD DEFINED To say the least, advanced combat pistolcraft is highly challenging and, for the most part, focused more toward the tactical aspects of shooting. Without a doubt, at this level, the prospective student has a wide variety of instructors and schools from which to choose. However, when deciding from whom your more advanced training should come, be certain that it is based upon a realworld perspective.

By “real world,” I mean that the basis for the instruction should be real-world experience rather than being theoretical or competitionoriented. Certainly, no one can successfully claim that top-level competition shooters are not excellent shots—this goes without saying.

But, their repertoire of skills and instructional focus is toward winning

An advanced training program should include single targets in the open, as well as multiple targets in various configurations.

pistol matches, rather than knockdown, drag-out gunfights. And there is a difference, is there not? A big difference. In fact, the two are like night and day.

This being the case, make certain that the instructional program you choose is based on a real-world perspective, created and taught by instructors who know what deadly action is really like, and who understand its many nuances and foibles. Taken individually, these might appear minor, but when they surface in a self-defense environment, they can quite literally make the difference between life and death— yours.

Yet, in too many instances, the importance of shooting fundamentals is not proportionately emphasized.

Regardless of the tactical problem you are facing, if you do not pay careful attention to what I facetiously call, “The Three Secrets” of combat shooting—sight alignment, sight picture and trigger control—you will

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“BY ‘REAL WORLD,’ I MEAN THAT THE BASIS FOR THE INSTRUCTION SHOULD BE REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE RATHER THAN BEING THEORETICAL OR COMPETITION-ORIENTED.” be sorely (and possibly terminally) disappointed with the results.

DEVELOP ROUTINE From the very beginning of their training experience, students should utilize the weapon, ammunition and equipment they intend to carry in their daily activities, also something often ignored these days. Instead, too many utilize weapons, holsters and ancillary equipment geared toward good performance on a firing range instead of the real world. From an instructional standpoint, targets, too, should be realistic and varied, to expose the student to the widest possible array of visual impressions.

MULTIPLE TARGETS Next, the matter of multiple targets.

Any advanced training program should include exposure to not only typical confrontations—single targets in the open, for example— but also to multiple targets in various configurations. In a lateral configuration, the best bet is to

engage targets from the firing to supporting side, hitting each one with a single shot into the thoracic cavity.

This completed, bring the weapon down to “ready” and assess the situation. Anyone still functioning in what you consider to be a lethally aggressive fashion should, of course, be re-engaged, but as a “failure to stop,” meaning that you change your tactics and go for the head with subsequent shots.

Why shouldn’t you continue to shoot him in the chest? Because it does not usually work in failure-to-stop situations. What happens in a failure to stop? Put simply, in slightly under one second after the initial trauma is sustained, involuntary nervous system shutdown (an automatic phenomenon common to all mammals) occurs, eliminating the target’s susceptibility to shock.

As applied to a multiple-target situation, by the time you have shot

Grave errors occur when basic tactical principles are ignored in favor of the razzledazzle of highspeed shooting, says Taylor.

your attackers once each, considerable time has elapsed, and the nervous system is closed down, so shooting for the chest again is largely a waste of time and ammunition.

A failure to stop can also occur with a single target, even though you have hit him with two quick shots in the chest instead of only one. If the nervous system is not overpowered by the trauma of the initial wound, the target can, and usually will, continue to function for an indeterminate period, often as though he were uninjured. Given his ability to continue projecting deadly force during this time, shooting him in the chest again and again usually has little or no immediate effect—he feels nothing because his nervous system has already begun its protective process.

If we do not go to an alternate plan of action, we can only wait for “hydraulic failure,” a term used to describe the point at which, due to his wound(s), the target’s blood

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Getty Images

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pressure drops below that required to remain functional. The problem is that the length of time required for this to happen is unpredictable, so if you have a failure to stop, to continue shooting the target in the chest while awaiting hydraulic failure is not a viable alternative. Therefore, the concept of “keep shooting him until he goes down” is a dangerous fallacy.

To illustrate, here is an example. In the infamous 1985 Dade County, Florida incident in which two FBI agents were killed and three more seriously wounded, the felon who did all the damage had been shot through the brachial artery and heart with a 9mm 115-grain JHP during the first few seconds of the encounter.

Both were fatal wounds, yet he continued to function for quite a long time, during which he was able to traverse considerable distances and, in the process, successfully engage

multiple FBI agents. Had he been hit in the cranio-ocular area (eyes/ brain cavities), this could not have happened.

Thus, common sense and tactical necessity require that you abandon the old tactic of shooting each target twice because, given the situation involving the nervous system, it simply takes too long to successfully perform. Meanwhile, while you can deal only with one target at a time, each of those multiple assailants has only one target to hit—you— and will most likely be doing so simultaneously. So, a compromise must be made between the maximum stopping power potential of a quick, controlled pair of shots and the need to hit each target quickly.

If the targets are spread out in a linear (longitudinal) formation, stepping in line with the nearest target as you present your own weapon places him

Real-world experience is not theoretical or competition-oriented, says the author.

directly in his companion’s line of fire, obstructing their view of you and, to them, confusing the issue. This has the effect of changing a multipletarget problem into a series of single target engagements, allowing you to maximize your weapon’s stopping power potential by hitting each target twice in the chest, instead of only once.

Once the nearest target is neutralized, step clear to the left or right and engage the remaining targets on the move as they become visible, which also makes you a more difficult target to hit. Then, as previously discussed, lower your weapon to ready, assess the situation and respond accordingly, based on what you see.

CLOSE RANGE NOTES In addition to lateral and linear multiple targets and normal-size targets in the open out to 50 meters or so, the student must be able to

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present his weapon and hit small targets at close ranges, from both the ready (gun in hand) and from an open or concealed holster. Typical situations in which the need for this ability might occur are: failures to stop, targets behind cover or concealment, targets at odd angles, and vehicular situations. In each instance, only a part of the target is visible and thus susceptible to effective incoming fire.

In addition, he must be capable of dealing with the nightmarish situation we all wish to avoid—the human shield or hostage scenario, where only small portion of the hostage-taker’s head is visible—yet the actions of the hostage-taker mandate immediate action. As unpleasant or “politically incorrect” as it may be, to avoid experiencing problems like this and emphasizing easier scenarios instead won’t provide the student with a sufficiently realistic perspective to expect him to handle the situation “out there,” where the bullets fly both ways and real people—perhaps you or your loved ones—get hurt when things go wrong.

“TAKE A REALISTIC, PRACTICAL APPROACH TO YOUR ADVANCED TRAINING, BECAUSE IF YOU DO NOT, YOU MIGHT WELL BE UNWITTINGLY SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR A LIABILITY DISASTER.”

SIZES AND SHAPES

overlooked by most instructors and schools. Viewed historically, this practice came from using artificial or simulated barricades on the training or competition range and, though invalid, has over the years spilled over into the realm of tactical shooting.

Another issue generally overlooked is the need to be able to shoot through openings of different sizes and shapes.

Here at CTASAA, we deal with this by placing such openings both in front of the student and in front of the target, as well, forcing them to change their angles of fire and maintain maximum tactical flexibility always. In other words, they must think on their feet.

We also deal, in considerable depth, with shooting from uncomfortable positions and the quick use of the kneeling position to change the angle of fire upward in a crowded situation, to minimize the danger to noninvolved personnel near the target.

Provided the shooter can assume it quickly and utilizes it correctly, kneeling is very useful for support of the firing arm when engaging targets at longer distances or when you wish to make maximum use of available cover or concealment.

CROWD COVER Yet another advanced training issue is the tendency to “crowd” cover, a grave error nearly always

Real-world skill means being able to shoot through openings of different sizes and shapes. At the author’s academy, CTASAA, they teach students to change their angles of fire and maintain tactical flexibility.

The fact is that those who crowd cover increase their risk of being struck by ricochets, particularly when that cover has a resilient surface, as does, for example, the body of an automobile.

Positioning yourself at least 7 feet back from such cover allows ricochets to pass overhead instead of striking you in the face.

Though at times it seems to be a best-kept secret known only by a few trainers, it really is not. It’s just one of the many things that instructors with a real-world background know about and those whose background and resultant training programs are based upon theory or competition cannot.

Yet, its importance is irrefutable.

Another reason many instructors fail to deal with this issue is because they have misunderstood the FBI study in

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which it was determined that bullets ricocheting from a solid (non-resilient) surface—concrete, brick, cinder blocks, etc.—would assume a relatively flat trajectory parallel with that surface and would continue to travel downrange at a height above the surface of between 6 and 15 inches.

of time around automobiles, we emphasize shooting from both parked and moving cars and how to best exit them in a tactical environment. There are many theories on how this is best accomplished, but the plain truth is that there is only one way to do so— use a real car and proceed from there.

The key here is the term, “solid surface,” which is a totally different situation from a resilient surface, where bullet behavior is completely different. Unfortunately, it has been arbitrarily assumed that projectile behavior on a resilient surface will be the same as on a solid surface, a dangerous error, considering its potentially catastrophic consequences.

If the vehicle is moving, you will quickly find that vibration and up-anddown motion from the car prevents accurate shooting, unless the shooter uses his body to cushion motion by positioning his firing-side leg under him on the seat, pressing his firing shoulder against the top and rear area of the window frame. Only in this way can the shooter’s arms remain unaffected.

CAR FACTOR Since most of us spend a great deal

Students should know how to

From the outset of their training, the author says, students should utilize the same gear (weapon, ammunition and equipment) they carry in their daily activities.

approach and deal with targets in and around cars and how to ricochet bullets underneath and across the hood, roof and trunk to hit targets on the other side. And, again, the only way to gain a useful perspective on this subject is to get down and dirty and see what happens.

BASICS IGNORED Often, at the more advanced levels of instruction, attention to basic tactical principles are ignored in favor of the razzle-dazzle of high-speed shooting and movement. This, too, is a grave error and one which should, at all costs, be avoided. Basic tactical doctrine—use of the eyes and ears, remaining as far away as possible from danger areas as the terrain and/ or building structure allows, avoiding close-contact with corners, keeping

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“… THE FELON WHO ACTUALLY DID ALL THE DAMAGE HAD BEEN SHOT THROUGH THE BRACHIAL ARTERY AND HEART WITH A 9MM 115-GRAIN JHP DURING THE FIRST FEW SECONDS OF THE ENCOUNTER. “

one’s balance, use of the sights when actually firing if at all possible, and paying special attention to channelized areas—cannot be emphasized enough.

To be the “Fastest Gun in The West” means little, otherwise!

LOW LIGHT Since most handgun fights these days occur between sunset and sunrise, additional attention must also be paid to shooting in low light environments, both with and without a flashlight.

In our on-site advanced program, we always include shooting house and “jungle lane” exercises in the evenings, in addition to normal low light drills on the range. There is simply no better way to acquaint the student to the problems inherent to lowlight shooting, than to expose him to as many of its variations as possible.

ADVANCED CONCEPTS These are some of the advanced concepts you should address when endeavoring to reach your highest potential as a combat shooter. A clear perspective on what training is all about, in conjunction with an intelligent, real-world choice of the source from whom you receive it, will take you a long, long way.

The author (not shown), is one of the world’s leading weapons and tactics experts.

His accolades include multiple commendations from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Army Special Forces, among several others.

Moreover, as much of this text discloses, at the more advanced level, the correct execution of seemingly exotic or small things makes a great deal of difference when the chips are down, and your life hangs by a thread.

In fact, they can make all the difference, because it is not just practice that makes perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. So,

do yourself a favor. Take a realistic, practical approach to your advanced training, because if you do not, you might well be unwittingly setting yourself up for a liability disaster.

Whether it appears as tactical, criminal or civil liability does not matter—the consequences of ignorance can take many forms but constitute a catastrophe nonetheless. As such, you owe it to yourself to get the best, most practical training you can find, from someone with a real-world tactical, rather than competitive background. I don’t think you’ll regret it, and it just might save your life! TW

INFO • Chuck Taylor ASAA ChuckTaylorAmericanSmallArmsAcademy.com (928) 710-7099

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Shooting the SIG P320 compared to a Glock really is all about learning a new rhythm. But with consistent reps, you’ll quickly adapt and hit your stride.

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A NEW AGE THE SIG P320 RX COMPACT PERFORMS BIG

TEXT BY DAVE RHODEN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF VERTX

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With a 3.9-inch barrel, the SIG P320 RX is easy to conceal and everyday carry.

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S

o, I’m in an LE Protective Operations course. As a class, we’re discussing suits and apparel that match the assignment. I made the simple suggestion of having a cobbler modify the outsoles of your dress shoes, so that they’re not so slick, when I was immediately shown the error of my ways; the ensuing snickers and jokes confirmed if you use the word “cobbler,” you’re old.

“EVERY MANUFACTURER IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT WITH REGARDS TO THEIR SIGHTS AND WHERE TO HOLD THE IRONS IN RELATION TO THE BULLSEYE, BUT THE RX COMES WITH THE 3 MOA ROMEO1 REFLEX RED DOT SIGHT MOUNTED AND ALREADY CO-WITNESSED TO ITS SIGLITE NIGHT SIGHTS.”

Let me back up. The night before, I’m driving to my hotel in a brand new rental car, a 2018 Dodge Durango GT. Sweet ride, but God help you if you’re over 40 and the windows start to fog up. I swear I couldn’t figure out for the life of me how to work the new digital screen or knob to turn on the wipers and defroster. Up until that moment, I was in the market for a new car. Now, maybe I just need a newer car.

The icing on the cake? I’m looking for reading glasses to compliment my contact lens prescription. Man, when it rains, it pours, right? So, I figure, while I’m piling on the change train, why not really give myself a curveball and try carrying a SIG instead of my traditional Glock 19?

FIRST THOUGHTS I picked up a new striker-fired SIG P320 RX Compact recently. At the time of writing this, I have about 1,500 rounds through it. Let’s break down first impressions: Is it accurate? Absolutely. Every manufacturer is slightly different with regards to their sights and where to hold the irons in relation to the bullseye, but the RX comes with the 3 MOA ROMEO1 reflex red dot sight mounted and already co-witnessed to its SIGLITE Night Sights. I’ve trained extensively over the last few years with red-dot sights mounted on pistols, using both Leupold’s Delta Point Pro and Trijicon’s RMR, so this part was an easy transition. I can consistently punch the same hole

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standing, unsupported, with either irons or the red dot at 7 yards.

The irons are smartly placed in the bottom edge of the red dot optics’ field of view, which I appreciate, so that your target is not obstructed by either your front or rear sights. This is very similar to how Leupold sets theirs up. The ROMEO1 has a large field of view, similar to the Delta Point, which makes it easy to see your target and surrounding targets for faster transitions. The dot is clear and crisp. There are seven levels of brightness (the dot flashes five times when it hits the brightest setting) and holding either brightness button for three seconds turns the dot off.

The lowest two settings are night-

vision-compatible. I will say that on a very bright sunlit range day, I found myself searching for a couple brighter settings, but that, and other upgrades have been addressed on the upcoming ROMEO1T, which has 10 brightness settings.

You don’t have to worry about losing your zero when replacing the batteries, because access is simple and on top of the optic. In fact, in a recent SIG battering of over 5,000 rounds of .45 ACP, the optic shifted less than 1 inch at 25 yards.

The brightness settings for the ROMEO1 are on the left side of the optic housing. I did have to Dremel the top edge off my Pitbull Tactical

The FDE (flat dark earth) ROMEO1T with Shroud and 1913 mounts with riser on SIG’s MPX K PSB make for a perfect bag (or truck) gun combo. The ROMEO1T has 10 brightness settings (versus 7 for the ROMEO1), and is easily bright enough for a bright outdoor range day in Florida.

holster’s sweat guard to allow room for it to clear without hitting the brightness controls. (I’ve heard some officers ran into a problem when their duty holsters pressed against the optics side controls when seated in their patrol cars, accidentally turning them off).

In the EP course mentioned at the top of the article, I was in and out of cars all week long and fortunately never experienced that. When the ROMEO1T launches, there will also be an available shroud that further protects those controls, as well as the optic itself, not only making them perfect for tactical and duty pistols, but great for pistol-caliber-carbines, shortbarreled rifles, and side-mounting

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them on competition rifles with magnifying optics.

Both ROMEO1 optics have an IPX-7 rating for complete immersion in water up to 1 meter, and are fog-proof—a great benefit when transitioning from air-conditioning to the hot and humid outdoors.

Whether shooting the ROMEO1 or 1T, SIG has torture-tested the optics to assure your zero is maintained.

To save battery life, the dot turns off after two minutes of inactivity and instantly turns on when you move the weapon. That said, I hadn’t ever turned mine off and had already flown with this pistol several times, preventing it from entering “sleep mode.” Subsequently, I finally had a dead battery when I arrived on my latest trip. The ROMEO1T does, however, significantly improve battery life to over 20,000 hours.

Both versions of the optics use a single CR1632 battery that can readily be found at your local hardware store.

RANGE REACTIONS In the hand, the P320 feels fine, very pointable, though maybe a hair too smooth in the areas without the factory stippling (I will modify this in the future). SIG does offer varying grip modules for the P320, so you can get the fit that matches your hand size. I did swap out the stock trigger (which I found a little heavy) with

an Apex Tactical Flat Face trigger that also had a more pronounced reset, and I have been very pleased with it. The trigger guard has ample room to use with gloves, and I don’t see a need to do an undercut, like I have on my Glocks, to get a higher purchase on the grip.

The slide comes standard with front serrations that make press-checks a cinch (are you listening, Glock?).

That said, a press-check really isn’t necessary, as there’s just enough room between the chamber and slide to see with a quick glimpse the brass when it’s loaded, a very handy feature.

Shooting the SIG P320 compared to a Glock really is all about rhythm. The bore height (barrel over hand) is taller than that of a Glock, so the snap and felt recoil are simply different. Think about listening to a favorite tune in your car and then someone changes radio stations mid-song. The new rhythm isn’t necessarily wrong, it just takes a minute to adjust. About an hour after shooting the P320, I felt like things were starting to click, and I hit my new stride. Right now, I can accurately shoot my Glock faster than I can shoot my SIG. But that difference is minimal and improving with reps.

On my SIG P229, I rarely had the slide lock back on empty because my hands always seemed to ride the slide release, but I haven’t had that problem at all with the P320. I do like the SIG’s mag release better than my Glock’s; it’s more pronounced, easier

FAST FACTS 01.

02.

On the ROMEO1, the battery life is not as good as I’d like, and at five flashes, it was at its brightest setting. For me, that wasn’t bright enough.

In December, however, there will be a new sight, the ROMEO1T, and it will have a brighter setting, as well as 20,000-hour battery life and an aluminum housing. It will be exactly the same size as ROMEO1. This is a really good step in the right direction. The shroud is also new. Bang it around all day and it’s totally fine. The co-witness is at the bottom of the sights/irons.

03.

ROMEO1 can be run on a bunch of different guns. It is a good optic on a 45-degree angle for competition, and it allows you to transition from a big magnifier to your red dot.

04.

I took a night vision course in Exeter, New Hampshire, and used the ROMEO1. The bottom two settings are night vision. Turn them all the way down, then once up. There are at least 7 settings of brightness on the ROMEO1, and ROMEO1T has 10 settings.

05.

06.

I did a bunch of testing regarding zero hold (4 guns x 5,000 rounds of .45 ACP each—no zero shift). Our zero hold was better than every single one of them.

ROMEO1T will be shipping in volume by the 2019 SHOT Show.

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ONLINE AND THE BOTTOM LINE • SIG Sauer: SigSauer.com • MSRP: Starting at $887

to hit, and seems to have a more positive release. And my reloads are definitely faster with the P320, as the steel mags always drop free. It might just be perception, but I also feel I’m faster seating their mags, as well.

The compact P320 comes standard with 15-round mags, but the 17- and 21-round variants also fit and make for great backup mags. The slide release is ambidextrous, and the mag release can be swapped to either side.

Breaking down the P320 is simple and gets easier as the gun is broken in.

Lock the slide to the rear, rotate the breakdown locking lever, and then remove the slide forward and off the grip module. A huge advantage is in their serialized removable frame and trigger housing, allowing you to not only convert your P320 to another caliber or pistol size with the same trigger group, but it’s now easier to get a deeper cleaning on your internal components than on a Glock.

My preferred carry position is appendix and I usually want a light mounted to all my mid-size pistols (I’m running a SureFire XC1 on the P320). Initially, choosing a holster did pose a slight problem, as there were fewer options that also accommodated lights, but that’s changed even in the last 30 days as the P320s gain in popularity.

The SIG P320 RX comes with the 3 MOA ROMEO1 Reflex Red Dot Sight mounted and already co-witnessed to its SIGLITE Night Sights.

SPECS:

IG P320 RX COMPACT • CALIBER: 9mm Luger • ACTION TYPE: Semi-auto • FRAME SIZE: Compact • GRIP TYPE: Modular polymer • FRAME FINISH: Stainless steel • FRAME MATERIAL: Stainless steel • SLIDE FINISH: Nitron

My SIG is newer, so it’s past that whole drop issue from their initial release, but I have not experienced a single malfunction or failure to feed, even when running varying grains (115-grain, 124-grain and 147-grain), including factory and reloads.

• SLIDE MATERIAL: Stainless steel

THUMBS UP

• OVERALL LENGTH: 7.2 inches (183mm)

So, it’s accurate, reliable, customizable for fit through the grip modules, and can come standard with a red dot optic that’s co-witnessed. A SIG P320 RX is new tech that I can get used to. TW

• BARREL MATERIAL: Carbon steel • ACCESSORY RAIL: M1913 • TRIGGER: Striker • TRIGGER TYPE: Standard • BARREL LENGTH: 3.9 inches (99mm)

• OVERALL WIDTH: 1.4 inches (36mm) • HEIGHT: 6.1 inches (156mm) • WEIGHT: 25.8 ounces (731g) • SIGHTS: SIGLITE or Tall Contrast Sights

MI Combat Rifle Front Sight For AR-15/M4/M16 Rifles and other platforms ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Low profile .437” when folded down, flips up to Mil-Spec sight height Uses standard A2 front sight post Dual locking detent springs for added reliability and crisp positioning Constructed of ordnance grade phosphate finished steel and hard coated 6061 aluminum 1.5 MOA per click adjustments 100% Made in U.S.A. with MI lifetime warranty

MI Combat Rifle Front Sight #MI-CRS-F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retail $84.95

MI Combat Rifle Rear Sight For AR-15/M4/M16 Rifles and other platforms ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Super low profile .388” centerline when folded down, flips up to Mil-Spec sight height Intermediate aperture for long-range precision and close range rapid engagement Dual locking detent springs for added reliability and crisp positioning Constructed of ordnance grade phosphate finished steel and hard coated 6061 aluminum Rifle .5 MOA / Carbine .65 MOA click adjustments 100% Made in U.S.A. with MI lifetime warranty

MI Combat Rifle Rear Sight #MI-CRS-R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retail $84.95

MI Combat Rifle Sight Set ◆ Includes Combat Rifle Front and Rear Sight, and A2 Front Sight Tool

MI Combat Rifle Rear Sight #MI-CRS-Set

Retail

$159.95

W292S4498 Hillside Rd, Waukesha, WI 53189 ◆ Tel: 262-896-6780, Fax: 262-896-6756 ◆ www.midwestindustriesinc.com

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ADVANCED TIPS FOR SHOOTING AROUND VEHICLES, PART II TEXT BY ROB PINCUS | PHOTOS BY WODHAWK Try to use the “hard-on-soft or softon-hard” rule for improvised rests whenever possible, placing a jacket, bag or other soft item between the rifle and the hard surface of a car.

AROU

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SMART ND CARS

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T

he use of the rifle in defense around vehicles is a common theme in law enforcement and urban military training.

For people who regularly carry rifles in their vehicles, learning some concepts specific to using their long gun around that vehicle only makes sense.

In our last issue, we went over shooting through glass, shooting over cover, and using tires as cover. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind when you are practicing or planning for armed defense with a rifle around a vehicle. — Editor

reach out Name Rob Pincus Website IceTraining.us

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01Vehicles as a Rest

If you are in a situation where you are engaging a threat at a significant distance, or have another need to control deviation at a higher level than you can reliably manage offhanded, a vehicle can offer many opportunities for improvised rests. The hood or trunk, mirrors, bumpers, spare tires mounted on the backs of Jeeps or other SUVs, trailer hitches, or the roofs of shorter cars can all be used as improvised rests to increase stability.

Of course, using a vehicle as a rest decreases its value as cover or concealment. You should always try to use the “hard-on-soft or soft-on-hard” rule for improvised rests whenever possible, placing a jacket, bag or other soft item between the rifle and the hard surface of a car when you can. This will increase stability and improve recoil management. If you are using a vertical fore-grip or some rifles’ magazines or magazine wells as a brace, you may also be able to “lean into” the rifle to increase stability.

Remember that any contact with your barrel can affect accuracy in extreme situations and always keep your mechanical offset (the difference in the position of your sights/scope/optic and your muzzle) in mind when using a vehicle as a rest. Many a truck hunter has put a crease into their hood or a hole through the opposite side of their pickup bed after failing to account for this!

02Behavioral Cover

You may need to remind yourself that you have the ability to see the bad guy through tinted or dirty glass when he is looking for you around the vehicle. I coined the term “behavioral cover” in the mid-2000s after seeing several videos where bad guys hesitated on pulling the trigger at police officers or targets, because they did not have a clear line of sight to the part of their body they wanted to shoot.

One of the most dramatic examples was an undercover officer who simply put his hand up in front of his body after being knocked to the ground. The bad guy can be seen very obviously trying to maneuver and angle his handgun around the officer’s hand to get a “clear shot” at his head or chest. The officer continues to move his hand in front of the muzzle of the threat’s gun long enough for the quick response team to get into the room and take the bad guy out of the fight.

In some instances, you may have to shoot under the vehicle.

I have seen countless examples of police officers and others fighting around vehicles, when they had the option of both looking and shooting through the glass.

Having seen this phenomenon occur often enough to

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discuss it, I remind you that there is no guarantee that a bad guy won’t shoot through an upheld hand, a purse or vehicle glass, but human behavior is a strong thing in the heat of a dynamic critical incident. Before you peer out around a vehicle, or solely focus on the outline of a car looking for a threat to reveal themselves, remember that you can look through the vehicle and potentially gain a huge advantage.

a Rifle from the Trunk 03Deploying

Bullet behavior is predictably unpredictable.

When retrieving firearms or other gear from a car trunk, remember that the trunk lid and large windows of a car are unlikely to serve as reliable cover.

Traditionally, law enforcement officers kept their long guns in the trunk of their patrol vehicles. While it is more common these days to have patrol rifles and shotguns staged in quick-release locks inside the passenger compartment, many civilians stage their guns in the trunk, or simply keep them there when travelling to or from the range.

There is an out-of-sight, out-of-mind aspect to having your firearms secured in the trunk that makes sense to most people who leave their cars unattended while there are firearms in them. Even for police officers with long guns in the vehicle, many other tactical items, such as over-vests or tactical medical kits, are often still staged in the trunk.

7 PRO TIPS

When you are retrieving those items, remember that the trunk lid and large windows of your car are very unlikely to serve as reliable cover. Furthermore, it is generally pretty easy to see a person’s position clearly from the front of vehicle when they are centered behind the trunk.

Positioning yourself behind the A/B/C/D pillars and tires regarding a known threat’s angle of view, or at least not being centered over the trunk behind glass and visible under the car can give you an advantage.

With the stronger parts of the car providing additional cover and the tires concealing your feet and legs, you

01 A vehicle offers multiple opportunities for improvised rests.

02 When you use a vehicle as a rest, that decreases its value as cover or concealment.

03 For improvised rests, try to use the “hard-on-soft or soft-on-hard” rule.

04 When using a vertical fore-grip “lean into” the rifle to increase stability.

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may be able to avoid being shot at or hit while you are retrieving vital defensive tools.

04Cover AND Concealment

A typical vehicle is going to be composed of many different materials. You could burn a laser hole through 20 different vehicles and encounter 20 different sets of materials, thickness, angles and gaps. Shift the laser line an inch in any direction, and you’d probably have a completely different set for each vehicle. For this reason, it is important to remember that vehicles are both cover and concealment. And, this is even before we factor in what type of bullet is being fired into the vehicle.

Maintain a mindset that a vehicle is cover for your threat but only concealment for you.

Stronger parts of the car include the tires; they can provide excellent cover.

I have shot scores of vehicles in controlled environments with the most common types of defensive pistol and rifle rounds to educate myself, my students and my peer instructors in what actually happens, so that we may formulate some best practice-type advice for people who would be fighting around them.

05 For a potentially huge advantage, look through the vehicle.

06 When deploying a rifle from a trunk, try not to center yourself over the trunk behind glass.

07 A vehicle can be used for cover and concealment.

RECOMMENDED TRAINING

If you keep a defensive rifle inside your vehicle, you may be interested in attending one of the many classes offered on the topic of defending yourself in or around a vehicle. Before you do, however, I recommend taking at least a fundamental defensive course with your handgun or long gun before signing up for one of these advanced programs.

When you are ready to take a live fire course around a vehicle, in addition to I.C.E. Training’s classes, I suggest Centrifuge Training and Shivworks coursework on these topics. — Rob Pincus

In I.C.E. Training’s Armed Defense Around Vehicles class, we spend an entire day shooting and dissecting a vehicle from the inside and out. In the morning before class starts, I warn the students that the behavior of the bullets will be “predictably unpredictable.” I’ll have a good idea of what they will likely see with each round of experiments, but there is never a class that doesn’t offer some anomalies. Those anomalies are often able to be attributed to some unforeseen aspect of a particular car's design or a student’s shot that doesn’t land precisely where it needed to. Given that we are trying to apply the lessons learned to a dynamic and chaotic environment, it is important to remember that there is no 100% in this realm. One of the summary lessons of those courses is this: Assume that a vehicle is cover for your threat, but only concealment for you.

Whenever possible, get your sights on your threat’s body to increase the chances of stopping them, and never think that you are safe just because you are behind or inside a vehicle. TW

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BUYER'S GUIDE

LIGHTS OUT A BUYER’S GUIDE TO NIGHT VISION

TEXT BY AMELIA EARL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS

F

irst used in World War II, night vision devices have come a long way since their birth. Over the years, they have proven themselves invaluable to law enforcement agencies, military personnel, and even many civilians.

As technology advances, newer generations of night vision devices arrive and provide improved performance at a relatively lower cost.

Check out our array of devices to see what they have to offer. We have something to fit everyone’s wallet.

Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Alec Dionne

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3F COMPACT DUAL TUBE NIGHT VISION GOGGLE/BINOCULAR 01BNVD-51 ARMASIGHT BY FLIR Experience a large, 51째 field of view (FOV) with the ARMASIGHT by FLIR BNVD. This dual-channel night vision system has a built-in IR illuminator that enhances night vision and allows you to read in the dark. Able to run up to 20 hours on a single AA alkaline battery or CR123A battery.

The BNVD includes head and helmet mounting options and can be used as binoculars, as a monocular, goggles or stowed out of the way.

Operated by a single gain control knob, the BNVD utilizes features like a flip-up-turn-off, and a flip-down-turn-back-on option, when mounted to a helmet.

SPECS Magnification:1x standard (3x optional) Field of View: 51째 Lens System: F/1.26, 19mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Yes (built-in with pivotal flood lens) Power Supply: One AA or one 123A battery Weight: 1.35 pounds

MSRP: $11,995.00 Web: Armasight.com

F5032 LIGHTWEIGHT NIGHT VISION BINOCULAR 02HARRIS US NIGHT VISION Not many people are willing to pay such a large sum for a pair of night vision goggles, but if you are looking for quality, the Harris F5032 is hard to beat. Providing you with a cutting-edge advantage in low-light and no-light scenarios, the Harris F5032 goggles provide remarkable clarity. These hightech goggles come with a multitude of features that are designed to make your nightlife brighter.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40째 +/- 2째 Lens System: F/1.2, 26 mm Diopter Adjustment: -2.5 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: One AA battery Weight: 1.01 pounds

MSRP: $11,800.00 Web: USNightVision.com

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Gen 3 Select 1x21 Night Vision Goggle 03Challenger PULSAR This third-generation night vision goggle utilizes the latest night vision technology for vivid imaging. See human-sized targets up to 200 meters out. The Challenger Gen 3 is an excellent choice for tactical operators due to its durable housing and lightweight body style. A compact head mount is included, as well as a carrying case and warranty card.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40° Lens System: F1.2, 25mm Diopter Adjustment: -4 to +4 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: One CR123 battery Weight: 12.7 ounces

MSRP: $1,999.97 Web: PulsarNV.com

NVG7-3W 04ATN ATN Yes, these night vision goggles come at a high price tag, but the saying, “You get what you pay for” rings true with this device. Designed with high-quality materials, the NVG7-3W is an exceptional night vision goggle. It’s packed with features, such as: a total darkness IR system, pro-shield lens coating, automatic brightness control, bright light cut-off, and a high resolution image intensifier.

The ATN NVG7-3W comes with a case, battery and manual.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40° Lens System: F/1.2, 26 mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Built-in Power Supply: One CR123A battery Weight: 1.1 pounds

MSRP: $4,999.00 Web: ATNCorp.com

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GS 1X20 NIGHT VISION GOGGLES 05EDGE PULSAR The body of the Edge GS is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. This material is known to effectively resist moisture and dust, and withstand impact like a champ. Located on the top of the Edge GS are the easily operated control buttons, which help prevent you from fumbling around with your goggles in the middle of the night. The Edge GS has an image-intensifier-tube protection system to allow the goggles to reach the highest possible tube performance.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 36° Lens System: 20mm Diopter Adjustment: -4 to +4 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: Two AAA batteries Weight: 1.873 pounds

MSRP: $899.99 Web: OpticsPlanet.com

GEN 2ID NIGHT VISION GOGGLES 06NYX-7 ARMASIGHT When you need a night vision device that you can count on, the Nyx-7 GEN 2ID is it. Using simple, reliable electronics, ARMASIGHT’s goggles won’t trouble you with confusing technical difficulties. The Nyx-7 GEN 2ID features a wide-angle Infrared Illuminator, bright light cut-off, multi-coated all-glass optics, comfortable flip-up headgear, and a sturdy, lightweight design. Water- and fog-resistant, the Nyx-7 GEN 2ID also come with a 2-year limited warranty.

SPECS Magnification: 1x standard, 3x,5x optional Field of View: 40° Lens System: F/1.2, 24mm Diopter Adjustment: -5 to +5 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: One AA or one CR123 battery Weight: 0.9 pounds

MSRP: $1,899.00 Web: Armasight.com

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BINOCULAR - GOGGLES 07LN-PBG1M LUNA OPTICS Luna Optics’ most popular Gen-1 goggles have been improved and updated. Now featuring an all-aluminum body, the LN-PBG1M is compact and durable. The high-quality all-glass optics reduce light loss to provide you with clear, bright images. A new power supply allows you to operate the goggles for up to 120 hours when the IR is off. Luna Optics includes a head-mask with flip-up feature and chin retention for comfortable, long-use wear.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40° Lens System: F1.1, 26mm Diopter Adjustment: -4 to +4 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: One CR123 battery Weight: 1.05 pounds

MSRP: $649.95 Web: OpticsBrands.com

GEN 3 SELECT NIGHT VISION GOGGLE 08PVS-14 SIGHTMARK The design of these goggles was inspired by the military and they can be handheld, or head mounted. Headgear for the PVS-14 is included. View bright, illuminated images of your surroundings in low-light scenarios and in pitch black darkness. The lightweight device encompasses a 57-64 lp/mm resolution, giving operators a crisp, clear image every time. The unit will automatically shut off when exposed to bright light sources.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40° Lens System: F/1.2, 24 mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: One AA battery Weight: 12.4 ounces

MSRP: $2,999.97 Web: Sightmark.com

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09NVG7-2 ATN The NVG7-2 delivers competitive performance with an affordable price tag.

Great for handsfree use, this lightweight device is comfortable and easy to wear for extended periods of time. ATN’s NVG7-2 features auto-brightness, bright source shut-off, and high-resolution image intensifier. For missions with little moonlight, the NVG7-2 has a built-in IR for total darkness with an indicator ON light within the FOV and flip. A manual, case, and one CR123A battery are included.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40° Lens System: F/1.2, 26 mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: One CR123A battery Weight: 1.1 pounds

MSRP: $1,699.00 Web: ATNCorp.com

PRO GEN 2QS 10NYX-7 ARMASIGHT The Nyx-7 Pro is around a thousand dollars more than its companion, the Nyx-7 (also on this guide), for good reason: The Pro version kicks ass. Operate in extreme temperatures, from -40°F to +122°F, without coming across any issues. Simple, reliable electronics and high-grade optics provide clear, bright images on a device that won’t give you technical difficulties over time. Wear the Nyx-Pro handsfree on the flip-up head mount (included) or on the universal helmet mount. Only a single CR123 or AA battery is needed to provide up to 60 hours of night vision operation. Low-battery indicators are displayed to the user in the eyepiece.

SPECS Magnification: 1x standard; 3x, 5x optional Field of View: 40° Lens System: F/1.2; 27mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Yes (built-in with pivotal flood lens) Power Supply: One AA or one CR123 battery Weight: 1.0 pounds

MSRP: $2,895.00 Web: Armasight.com

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15-3AG NIGHT VISION GOGGLES 11NVS NEWCON OPTIK The NVS 15-3AG autogated dual tube night vision goggle has helped countless soldiers and peacekeepers carry out their mission with clarity and ease. This fully MIL-SPEC unit features a manual gain control system, an auto shutoff mechanism, two advanced Gen 3 image intensifier tubes, a built-in IR illuminator, and an autogated power supply to provide the user with superior optical performance in all light conditions. The NVS 15-3AG gives users full depth perception and allows for the detachment of the left or right eye device.

SPECS Magnification: 1 (3x option available) Field of View: 40° Lens System: F1.2, 25mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +5 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: Two AA or two CR123 batteries Weight: 1.5 pounds

MSRP: $14,000.00 Web: NightVisionUniverse.com

GOGGLES 12LN-EBG1 LUNA OPTICS These new goggles from Luna Optics feature a top-grade intensifier tube and complex optical system in each ocular for extreme clarity. Thanks to the improved focusing mechanism, the user is now able to comfortably read in complete darkness. The LN-EBG1 includes dual IR illuminators, automatic gain control and a light protection sensor to protect the user’s eyes from bright lights.

SPECS Magnification: 1x (4x, 7x optional) Field of View: 40° Lens System: F1.1, 26mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: Two AA batteries Weight: 1.25 pounds

MSRP: $1,999.95 Web: Adorama.com

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GEN 3 AUTOGATED GOGGLE 13PVS-7 NIGHT OPS TACTICAL When you want quality night vision goggles, look no further. Night Ops Tactical’s PVS-7 Gen 3 Autogated Goggle is the standard issue goggle supplied to the U.S. military and its allies. The PVS-7 delivers superior performance and is battle tested by the U.S. military. These night vision goggles feature automatic brightness control (ABC) and a built-in infrared illuminator.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40º Lens System: F/1.2, 25mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: Two AA batteries Weight: 1.5 pounds

MSRP: $3,899.00 Web: NightOpsTactical.com

GEN 3 SELECT NIGHT VISION GOGGLE 14PVS-7 SIGHTMARK Made with glass-filled nylon composite, the PVS-7 Gen 3 can handle extreme conditions. These goggles are military-inspired and are based on the most advanced image intensifiers, 57-64 lp/mm, for a better resolution. The PVS-7 comes with a three-year warranty on the tube as well as Sightmark’s lifetime warranty on the housing.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40° Lens System: F/1.2, 24mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: Two AA batteries Weight: 1.5 pounds

MSRP: $2,499.97 Web: Sightmark.com

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PRO GEN 3AG 15NYX-7 ARMASIGHT These rugged, compact night vision goggles from ARMASIGHT are constructed with the highest-grade optics and state of the art electronics. The Nyx-7 Pro GEN 3AG can be worn on a head mount or helmet mount. Automatic brightness control lets you adapt to your surroundings with ease and the ergonomic, simple control buttons make operating the goggles hassle-free. The Nyx-7 Pro GEN 3AG is adaptable for use with cameras and comes with a limited two-year warranty.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40° Lens System: F/1.2, 27 mm Diopter Adjustment: -5 to +5 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: One CR123 battery Weight: 1.102 pounds

MSRP: $1,625.00 Web: NightVisionHQ.com

UNFILMED OMNI VIII MIL-SPEC GREEN PHOSPHOR GOGGLE 16DTNVG NIGHT OPS TACTICAL Weighing only 18.8 ounces, the DTNVG Unfilmed Omni VIII Mil-Spec Green Phosphor Goggle won’t weigh you down after long periods of use. The DTNVG offers stowable NVG pods. Each NVG pod can be stowed individually allowing the goggle to be used as a monocular. The NVG pods feature an auto on/off system—when stowed (pivoted up) they automatically switch off, saving power for longer mission run-time.

SPECS Magnification: 1x Field of View: 40° Lens System: F1.2, 25mm Diopter Adjustment: -6 to +2 Infrared Illuminator: Yes Power Supply: One CR123A battery Weight: 1.175 pounds

MSRP: $9,999.00 Web: NightOpsTactical.com TW

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FIT FOR A

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KNIGHT THE FLAGRANT BEARD TEMPLAR IS A TOMAHAWK TO BE RECKONED WITH TEXT & PHOTOS BY JOSHUA SWANAGON

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T

ough men use tough tools.

I am a fan of tomahawks and any time that I get to play with one I am in a happy place. So, when I got the opportunity to get my hands on the Flagrant Beard Templar, I was pretty excited. I had been speaking with Dave Rhoden, of Flagrant Beard, for some time about this design, and it was obvious that a lot of thought was going into it.

Working in collaboration with Exit Edgeworks, Rhoden spent a year of research and development to produce a tomahawk designed for hard use in hard territory.

The Knights Templar were not to be trifled with, and the Flagrant Beard Templar pays solid homage to those medieval warriors with a tool they would have been proud to carry.

And now I get to go all medieval with one to see how it holds up to its namesake.

SOLID DESIGN Using design cues that harken back to the Knights Templar—with a fuller running along the top of the head and an inset Templar Cross emblem embossed at the mid-point— the aesthetics of the Templar stand out in a crowd.

The Templar measures in at an overall length of 12.75 inches of destructive power. The head is 6.5 inches wide with a 2.5-inch spike poll and 2.63inch edge. The beard comes to an aggressive tip and features a swedge for damaging hooking or penetration.

At the top of the head is a line of jimping, designed to act as traction during prying tasks. At the neck are notches rounded out and filled with jimping for a comfortable grip while choking up on the head for finer work.

The 11-inch haft has more of a straight

top: Each strike to this pallet produced a very clean, very deep cut. I had the pallet apart in minutes. bottom: The head is 6.5 inches wide with a 2.63inch cutting edge and features a spike poll.

design and features canvas Micarta handle scales and finishes at an oversized ring. The handle scales are lean, up around the shoulder, enabling the user to choke up on the head for detailed work, but they swell about halfway down for a handfilling interface while swinging hard.

Removing the handle scales reveals three oversized pin/screw holes and three weight-reduction holes down the

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haft, placing the weight at the head, with a balance point right at the swell of the handle scales.

The sheath is constructed of heavyduty Kydex, and the Templar drops into the top of the sheath and snaps firmly into place. There are two beta loops with “pull the dot,” directional, snaps for hanging the sheath off a belt or ruck. For added retention, there is a beta loop, with Pull-the-Dot snap enclosure, that loops over the top of the sheath and holds the Templar snuggly in place during heavy activity.

GETTING MEDIEVAL Getting the opportunity to test a tomahawk like this is definitely one of the perks of my job, and I tend to look at the world a little differently during the time I have it in my possession— everything starts to look like a potential target for testing.

“THE TEMPLAR MEASURES IN AT AN OVERALL LENGTH OF 12.75 INCHES OF DESTRUCTIVE POWER.”

top: In my attempt to open a Master Lock from the side, the tip of the spike got embedded between layers and broke off.

I think I could have popped this lock if I had kept going. I am impressed that this is the only damage to the spike. bottom: Using the spike like a can opener, I was able to open a sizeable hole in the hood of this car quickly and efficiently.

Although I am not a big fan of throwing my weapon, because it just never made much sense to me, I felt that a true test of a tomahawk should include some throwing. So, I took it over to a friend’s house, and we played for a while, throwing it into the end of a large tree he had cut down at the beginning of the year. It took just a little bit to find the sweet spot; once we did, we were able to get it to stick fairly consistently from about 12 feet away. During the beginning of this testing, the handle took quite a beating until we were able to find the consistency we were looking

for; it held up nicely and everything stayed tight.

After the throwing test, I went to another log—an oak tree that had been cut down at the beginning of the year as well—and began sticking the spike poll in and twisting and prying the wood with it. I then did the same with the bit and both held up beautifully. This is a great prying tool.

Next, I decided to cut a knot off the side of the oak log. The edge bit deep into the knot with each swing and made short work of the wood. At this stage, I did begin to notice that my hand was wanting to slip all the way down to the ring, and there was a lot of energy coming down into the ring and transferring right into my pinky— painfully so. So, I had one of my friends chop at the log, without telling him what I was noticing, and he had the same experience in the same spot on his pinky. I think I would have liked to have seen some kind of dove tail or something to stop the hand from going all the way down to the ring. As is, gloves may help to mitigate some of the energy transfer.

I then wanted to test the notch on the spike poll—designed for breaking locks free. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the lock to pop, because the latch just kept pulling right out of the wood. I couldn’t get it to stay securely in even very seasoned hard wood. In a way, that is still a testament to the

’HAWK SPECS: • Blade Material: 1095HC RC 56-58 • Blade Length: 2.63 inches

• Blade Finish: Graphite black with tungsten Cerakote

• Overall Length: 12.75 inches

• Handle Style: Custom, full grip with Jimping and scallops, tapered neck

• Blade Thickness: 0.25 inch

• Weight: 1.281 pounds

• Secondary Edge: 1.38 inches

• MSRP: $379.99

• Head Length: 6.50 inches

• Handle Material: Black and/or Tan Canvas Micarta

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prying power of the Templar, because either the lock is going to break, or the whole latch is going to give way.

Either way, something is going to give.

Not willing to give up yet however, I decided to still try to open the Master Lock with the Templar—from the side.

I was actually impressed with the level of damage it did to the lock. I was unable to get it to pop, but that was only because I didn’t want to completely destroy the spike poll at this point. Once the tip broke off between layers of the lock I decided to call it. Although the lock didn’t pop, it did get a little malformed and was not far from opening. I feel that I could have got it to do it if I had kept going.

I then chopped up an old pallet with no issues whatsoever. Each swing cut deep into the wood and every part of the pallet was chopped up within minutes.

Finally, I took the Templar to a car to give it a steel-versus-steel test. I

started by using the spike poll like a can opener and stuck it into the car and pried upward, causing a cut about 2 inches long. I repeated this process until I had opened up a nice hole. I then did the same with the bit and chopped, multiple times, straight into the car hood for a very clean entry. I finished by burying both the poll and the bit into the windshield multiple times to see how the finish would hold up.

After all of my testing was complete, the edge on the bit is a little worse for wear, but not as much as could be expected for this level of abuse.

It held up quite well. As mentioned, the tip of the spike poll broke off, but again, not surprising considering the level of torture I put it through.

The tungsten Cerakote showed an expected amount of scratching, but nothing down to the steel—it will still keep the Templar well protected.

STRONG PERFORMER Named for some of the most skilled

The coating held up pretty well to a lot of abuse.

There are noticeable scratches to the finish, but nothing deep enough to compromise the steel.

fighters of the crusades, the Templar lives up to its namesake as a solid fighting tool. The Templar stepped up to each test as if it were confronting and enemy combatant and knocked it down with fury. The tests I put it through were clearly outside of any kind of normal use, but for a tool like this—intended for hard use people—I felt it was only appropriate and was quite surprised at how well it held up to such abuse.

If you are looking for a tool to get your medieval on—whether on the battlefield or as a first responder—the Templar would make a great addition to your kit and will perform when and how you need it to. TW

HIT THEM UP • Flagrant Beard (931) 994-4707 FlagrantBeard.com

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DRAW YOUR

Conclusio TOP PROS REVIEW THE TOP HOLSTERS TEXT BY SIMON CRUZ, JR. | PHOTOS BY JAIMEE ITAGAKI & SIMON CRUZ, JR.

I

am asked a lot by clients about what’s the best holster to use for concealed carry. My response?

“I use different types of holsters for different occasions or attire I wear.”

I primarily carry Glock pistols, so I have collected quite a few inside-the-waistband (IWB) and outside-the-waistband (OWB) holsters through the years. Both holsters have the same purpose: to conceal. In layman’s terms, concealed means not in plain view, hidden.

Concealing your handgun on your person can be done in various ways, such as in waistbands, around ankles, in purses or bags, or in your pants pocket. In or on your waistband is the most common way to carry your gun concealed.

Whichever way you decide to carry concealed, training to draw your gun is very key.

So, let’s start with the inside-the-waistband holster.

The author says he uses different types of holsters for different occasions or attire.

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

ns The author, a LEO, said the Tactician is bright enough to be a force option and long enough to be an impromptu impact weapon.

Photo by Jaimee Itagaki

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IWB: Inside the Waistband IWB holsters provide good concealment under generally any type of shirt you wear (even tucked in), and provide effective access to your gun when needed. It can be carried in various positions, but you would need to wear your pants a size larger to fit your holstered gun.

Next, from what is your holster made? I used to carry leather holsters and they worked fine, but I ended up buying new ones after a year or so. The leather gets worn out and deformed. In the late ’90s, molded Kydex holsters were developed. They are very durable, a little expensive … but worth the money. I still have the holsters, and they still work. Now, let’s discuss methods of carry.

Methods of Carry Appendix: This positions the gun forward of your strong-side hip, preferably around 12 to 2 o’ clock on the body. I consider this as the most efficient way to carry, especially if

The G-Code INCOG Holster features a thick Kydex that prevents the holster from collapsing while inside the waistband.

you're seated, driving in your vehicle, or if you end up on your back on the ground. You’ll still be able to draw your gun effectively.

hole in your pants after repeated use due to friction of the holster.

OWB: Outside the Waistband

Small of the back: I am not a big fan of this carry method. This involves a very awkward draw, compared to conventional carry. Unless you train a lot on this method, you will find it very challenging to tuck your fingers between your body and your gun grip.

It’s very uncomfortable when seated (i.e. driving) and is prone to printing.

When you end up on your back, you are prone to back injury. Metal versus bone? You’ll end up with a spinal injury.

OWB provides good concealment but would require you to wear loose and longer clothing or outer garments like coats, jackets, or shirts. Gun access is excellent. Although you can carry this appendix style, the strong-side carry is highly recommended. You are also prone to printing, especially when seated with this carry method.

Strong-side carry: This is my primary method of carry because I have trained to draw my gun this way most of my career, and it’s second nature to me. Depending on how tight your shirt is, you may be prone to printing.

Access is good when seated and even on your back (supine position). You might end up eventually tearing a

G-Code INCOG Eclipse Holster

Holster Reviews Following are some concealed carry holsters my staff and I evaluated:

The G-Code INCOG Eclipse is a Kydex holster for the Glock 17 and 22 and was developed in conjunction with Travis Haley of Haley Strategic Partners.

It was designed to be used as an IWB holster in the appendix position.

The outer part of the holster is covered in a “fuzz” that is extremely

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

“THE INCOG ECLIPSE USES A THICK KYDEX, WHICH PREVENTS THE HOLSTER FROM COLLAPSING WHILE INSIDE THE WAISTBAND.” comfortable against the body. The INCOG Eclipse uses a thick Kydex, which prevents the holster from collapsing while inside the waistband.

The holster is molded well and provides good gun retention, but not so tight that the gun can’t be drawn quickly and efficiently.

While conducting several courses of fire on the range, not once did the pistol feel like it was going to be accidentally unholstered, even while sprinting. Also, while testing out the INCOG Eclipse, we noticed that it is very low profile (as the name suggests).

It did not print, even while carrying a full-size handgun. A Glock 22 with a 9mm conversion barrel was carried in the INCOG Eclipse, and with its full sweat guard, the pistol did not chafe against skin, although the pistol

was stippled. This holster is perfect for everyday carry. It’s compact, lightweight, secure, and comfortable.

The price range is around $80 plus shipping.

APPAREL & GEAR WORN 5.11 Men’s Chambray Shirt: This is a lightweight long sleeve shirt made of 100% cotton. It comes a size bigger than my regular size.

It has an easy-to-draw placket with two chest pockets and metal case buttons and snaps. Made in Indonesia. Suggested price range is $64.99 plus shipping.

G-Code OSH Standard Kydex Holster The OSH has been a staple of G-Code’s line-up for quite some time now. The OSH is an OTW holster that is made from a single sheet of Kydex that has been folded over and molded to a specific gun, in this case a Glock 17 or 22. The OSH that was tested was fitted with the GCA11 paddle that slips between the user and the waistband.

This holster is perfect for users who either want a simple holster setup for the range, or for concealed carry holders wearing an appropriate garment over this holster. In testing, a proper fitting button-up shirt was worn over the OSH. There was minimal The OSH is ideal for those who want a simple holster setup for the range or for concealed carry holders while wearing an appropriate garment.

5.11 Tactical Flex Jean Pants (Straight cut): A traditional prewashed colored pair of jeans with two additional rear hip pockets right above the two rear pockets.

The additional rear hip pockets can fit a folding knife, small flashlight and spare magazines. The pants are made of 76% cotton and 24% polyester. The pants stretch pretty well and are very comfortable.

Made in Cambodia. Suggested price range is $69.99 plus shipping.

Rudy Project Rydon Glasses with Chromatic Red Kit (Clear to Black Photochromatic Lens): A good quality set of shooting glasses, I have been using this brand for a few years now, and am very satisfied. The photochromic lens changes shades when exposed to sunlight, which allows you to save money because you don’t have to buy another pair or new set of lenses. The temples are adjustable, as well as the nose pads. The lenses are removable and can be changed immediately with different preferred shades (optional). They are distortion-free and shatterproof. Made in Italy.

Suggested price range is between $250-$299 plus shipping.

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seems to be the better carry position when using this holster. In this carry position, we did not perceive any issues.

The holster, in general, is very comfortable and definitely on the topfive choice list for carry options. The single clip provides enough stability and a low profile. Just be cognizant of what you’re carrying.

The suggested price range is $80 plus shipping.

DeSantis Slim-Tuk Holster

printing, however, while bending over at the waist, and it was clear that a gun was on the user’s hip.

The G-Code INCOG Eclipse is a premium choice for concealed carry of the 1911 platform.

For concealment, this holster probably wouldn’t be the best choice if you were wearing a T-shirt and shorts.

This holster would be quite suitable for colder or more inclement weather where some sort of outer garment was covering the gun. As for ease of use, it’s pretty simple. The OSH utilizes passive retention from the holster itself. It keeps the gun secure while moving and running, but not so secure that it impedes a good draw stroke and presentation of the weapon. In its niche, this holster does a bang-up job (no pun intended).

The price range is around $45 plus shipping.

G-Code INCOG Eclipse Holster (1911) The G-Code INCOG Eclipse for the 1911 is a premium choice for concealed carry of the 1911 platform. It has a modular mounting point on the holster and the Super Mojo adaptor to move the clip and multiple angle adjustments. The fuzzy texture provides a comfortable contact with the body.

The DeSantis Gunhide Slim-Tuk is an ambidextrous inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster made of Kydex.

However, there are some caveats.

The appendix carry of a full-size government profile 1911 was uncomfortable and not recommended.

Carrying it strong-side or at 4 to 5 o’clock (7 to 8 o’clock for left-handers)

I have used a few leather holsters in the past and DeSantis has a good reputation. Thinking that DeSantis only makes leather holsters, I was impressed to see a Kydex holster.

This is an ambidextrous IWB holster, precision molded, and it looked pretty sharp to me on first impression.

The 360 C-clip gave me numerous mounting options, and it’s easily reversed from right to left hand.

The suggested price range is $40 plus shipping.

DS Paddle Holster The DS Paddle Holster is the newest paddle holster by DeSantis. It is an OWB holster made of Kydex. The

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018 The DeSantis Paddle Holster, which is an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster made of Kydex, is compact and very light.

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COMPANY CONTACT INFO 5.11 Tactical (866) 451-1726 511Tactical.com DeSantis Gunhide (631) 841-6300 DeSantisHolster.com G-Code/Edge-Works Manufacturing Co. (910) 455-9834 TacticalHolsters.com

holster is compact and very light. The paddle can be adjusted to forward or rearward cant. It draws very smoothly with minimal friction between the gun and holster. It looks very good and seems to offer excellent retention.

The suggested price range is $47.99 plus shipping. TW

Dean Halloran and Richard Mo contributed to this story. — Editor

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ULTIMATE THE

FRANKLIN ARMORY’S BFS-3 TAKES A UTV TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL TEXT & PHOTOS BY MIKE SEARSON

I

n Northern Nevada, UTVs and ATVs are a way of life. Chances are, if you are a serious hunter or shooter, you have at least one of these vehicles and a trailer, to enable you to access some of the backcountry shooting and hunting spots. And let’s face it, when you’re shooting something like the Cobalt Kinetics Overwatch, it is more pleasant to drive 1,200 yards downrange to check your target, than it is to walk it, especially in the 100-degree heat.

Most people run their ATVs or UTVs stock with a few upgrades, but some go all out and turn their vehicle into something truly tactical.

Franklin Armory dialed it up to 11 when they kitted up their Can-Am. Franklin Armory is a firearms manufacturer based in Minden, Nevada that produces some of the most innovative rifles and parts that we have seen in a long time.

Known mostly for their Binary Triggers, the firm has produced some outstanding weapon systems, including a piston-driven AR-15 in .22 WSM. It may be the only piston-driven rimfire rifle in the world!

When I saw their Tactical UTV on display outside their booth at the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in January 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada, I pulled Franklin’s marketing director, Sun Naegle, aside and said, “When we get back home, you have to let me take this for a spin.”

The Package It started out life as a Can-Am X3 Maverick, which, for most enthusiasts, is a top of the line side-by-side UTV. However, Franklin Armory did this up right and went to RP Advanced Mobile Systems to have it “tacticaled out.”

The package they started this build on is known as the Strike-X. This is what they use when kitting up vehicles for military use, police use and use by emergency services.

two independent triggers on each grip.

The original fire control group is retained, and the linkage attaches directly to the trigger,

Work on the triple-turbo supercharged engine means that this baby runs 172 horses under the hood. That may not sound like much when you are talking about vehicles intended for the road, but off-road on the trails in the mountains of Northern Nevada means 85 miles per hour, and it is a teeth-rattler, to say the least.

The tires are Spartan runflats and the vehicle handles extremely well with the Elka Suspension Stage 5 high-performance race level shocks.

Franklin Armory would be remiss in not outfitting this vehicle with gun mounts.

An AR-15 with their California Compliant CSW is mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle.

This unique trigger system attaches to any existing MIL-SPEC AR-15 platform. It replaces both the pistol grip and the stock, with no permanent alteration to the firearm. The advantage to this setup is that the weapon is no longer classified as a rifle, which means that it cannot be considered an assault weapon by any existing assault weapon bans.

It is simply an “Other” firearm and doesn’t carry the restrictions that other traditional firearms may. In California, that means that an AR-15 pattern firearm with the CSW can use a standard magazine release instead of a bullet button, as well as any legally possessed magazines that can hold more than 10-rounds.

The CSW is a Spade Grip design that boasts

so the rate of fire is not artificially increased. This design aspect is intentional to prevent being classified as a “multi-burst trigger activator.”

It is particularly fun to shoot and departs the feel of firing a vintage machine gun in semi-automatic mode.

The rear of the vehicle stores additional weapons and gear, and an option can be ordered to include a stretcher for Medevac purposes. The tie-downs that secured the rifles to the vehicle’s rails were particularly impressive and held up well, considering the speeds we were travelling and the terrain we were crossing.

Tearing up the backcountry trails of Northern Nevada at speeds in excess of 60 mph was fun and I almost rolled it (only once), but on our ride back from the shooting spot, Sun had me put it in two-wheel drive and I was

TACTICAL WORLD WINTER 2018

Off-Road Vehicle

impressed with how much smoother the ride was. It handled more like a light pickup truck than a UTV. Some of the additional features include a complete custom MultiCam paint job and MOLLE panels on the doors for additional gear storage. You can never have too much MOLLE!

as the BFS-3. It is named for Franklin Armory’s award winning binary trigger.

Total cost of this performance package is around $80,000. It’s not for everyone, but makes a great vehicle for EMS, Police, military scouts or for the extreme shooter/off-road enthusiast. TW

TAKE IT FARTHER Franklin Armory FranklinArmory.com RP Advanced Mobile Systems RPAdvancedMobileSystems.com

Bottom Lines Advanced Mobile Systems offers the exact same package they built for Franklin Armory,

The author fell for this one at the SHOT Show, and then had a chance to take it for a spin.

For additional coverage, go to: Facebook.com/TacticalWorldMagazine

Can-Am Can-Am.brp.com/off-road

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REAL RANGELIFE TIME

THE MISCONCEPTION YOU CAN’T STAY SHARP MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY IF YOU DO NOT TRAIN

Text by Shoji Hattori | Photo by Photo guruX00X via Getty Images

T

here is a dangerous misconception out there. It affects law enforcement, and it very likely affects others, too. It is the misaligned perception of one’s own abilities.

Test Time I recently met a young officer, “Tony,” from a small agency in Southern California. He had come through my training school I run on the weekends.

His future father-in-law, who is a civilian and an avid shooter, brought him by because he wanted to see and evaluate how his future son-in-law shoots.

I found Tony to be a very confident young man, and he carried himself well. He seemed relaxed and got along with other students well, too. In fact, he appeared as if he was ready to smoke everyone there.

Someone told me later that Tony believed that he was one of the better shooters there—if not the best.

Otherwise, why would he be there in the first place with bunch of civilian shooters? Why would he want to embarrass himself in front of everyone, including his future father-in-law, as the only LEO in the class? The next six hours were truly an excruciating experience for Tony.

Smoked Of course, all eyes were on Tony, early on, to see what he could do as an officer. Tony shot his issued SIG P220 in .45. Sadly, Tony got smoked by everyone in the class and came in dead last out of 15-or-so students.

Tony shot poorly, with rounds going

all over the place, with absolutely no grouping. Many of the students were regular shooters and train regularly with me. Many shoot competitions.

Unbeknownst to Tony, we even had a USPSA GM shooting among them.

Many have a misaligned perception of their abilities, says the author (not shown). Thus, get out and train.

During the class, I had set up the range to simulate a recent scenario in which an innocent female was taken hostage by a knife-wielding suspect. Several officers shot multiple rounds from many angles, despite the difficulty associated with such a hostage situation, killing the hostage and the hostage-taker. The video caused an uproar among both the public and the law enforcement community.

During the exercise, Tony failed to neutralize the threat, and he was the only one in the class who shot the hostage from mere 5 to 6 yards away.

To me, the greatest folly was the fact that he believed he was good enough just going to the police academy for a few months and shoot qualification three times a year. I asked Tony during the class how often he shot. He said aside from department qualifications, he felt no need to shoot otherwise.

Good & Bad

contact info On the Web

Tony’s performance was so bad that many of the students came up to me in private and asked if Tony saw his own deficiencies. I replied, “He is bleeding inside. Trust me.”

7 Days Later About a week after the class, I was told that Tony was in deep, deep depression

after the class and even contemplated quitting the police force. Tony could not believe how insufficient he was as a shooter and was truly embarrassed that the civilians out shot him by a great margin.

www.Tac-1.org

By Phone (661) 857-7722 Through Email

All too often people treat their carry firearm, or in the case of an officer, their badge and their pistol, as if they are magical talismans that will ward off evil. You may have heard the saying, “The only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”

This is a misconception.

It is more correct to say that the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a well-trained good guy with a gun.

info@tac-1.org

In a gunfight, training, or software, will always trump hardware. TW

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