Magpul's Art of the Dynamic Handgun (well, disc 1 so far)
Written by reg mathuszI am in CA, so little firearms-related has occurred for me.
Am I short on content? Yes.�
Still have commentary? Always!
Anyway, I have been meaning to watch the Magpul Art of the Dynamic Handgun for awhile and I just finished the first disc. VERY impressive. I especially like how they stress "dynamic" - meaning that necessity is situationally driven -- there is not a single way that is always right to do things. There is something to be said for consistency and repetition (like tap-rack-bang) however to me they get a big thumbs up for teaching folks to tilt the pistol and if they see that the slide is slightly out of battery smack it shut. hmm...I have been known to do that myself. I like the school of thought that encourages thinking rather than cookie cutter form.
And, less importantly at the beginning of the first disc, Travis says something like "..this is not a joke.." Well, I have that same shirt. Ok, onto disc 2.
It appears that they have discontinued the discount for individual sprays and sizes. However they offer a case (12) discount for instructors of the keyring size:
Link to website
Travelling by car to CA ... some thoughts on bringing a firearm/ 12 hrs in a car with a pistol strapped to my ankle
Written by reg mathuszSo I just drove straight through to California. 12 hour drive-my wife and I alternated driving all night/morning.
I am licensed to CCW for the majority of the trip until the CA border. So I will be darned if I am going to travel across multiple states because one state is ridiculously restricted. I will meet their requirements for that portion of the trip.
Just before the border my 9 shot pistol (Glock 27) - I didn't want to bring a CA restricted/banned mag since I dont know what the ramifications are - is unloaded, separated from the magazines, locked in a hard case, which is then locked in the trunk. My trunk has a "pass thru" so it is in its own lock box so there no question of it being "secure" (CA definition).
Anyway, I had my Glock 27 strapped to my ankle in a Renegade Leather Holster (great holster by the way). 12 hours? Not a good idea. Not comfortable, in fact hurt my back. As a matter of fact when the little Glock got packed up from hurting itself (per CA law) my back felt better! Definitely not carrying on the ankle back. Good thing I brought my Maxpedition Versipack bag.
I am a big proponent of shoulder holsters for driving but not when it is 95 degrees out. People at gas stations and rest stops look at you funny for wearing a cover garment. Still, if you have AC it is an option. I will have to get one for my Glock 23 and see how comfortable it is. Oh, and I guess, some 10 round mags for it too.
I am discontinuing the use of Flickr, but there may still be a few posts/links of pics that don't work. I will be fixing them as I find them.
I am also watermarking the pics now as I have had some recent problems with someone claiming that one is actually their own. They aren't great but they are mine and it does take some effort to take the pics and post them so I would like credit.
Actually, they are still on Flickr, but free accounts aren't allowed to edit pics which means when I re-uploaded them they now have new URL's. Boo. 200 pic limit stinks anyway.
...and yes, I am still searching for a new Wordpress theme. I am still getting complaints on this one.
Just something that I posted on S&W forum in response to carrying a full size M&P:
I have a 9c and 9fs. I carry them in a Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe. Obviously the 9c is easier to conceal. However, as of late since summer hasn't been too hot (mid 80's) I have been carrying FS to see how hard it is to hide.
So, my conclusion is that it can be done, however like others have said, it really does depend on your build, clothes (loose shirt is required), and the grip is the main problem to overcome.
For me, it works fine as long as I don't have to bend over significantly or I am not sitting in chair with an open back like in a restaurant (I am worried about printing), otherwise concealment is fine.
The looseness of the shirt is a big change for me. I am used to OWB with a cover garment, but it is a little warm for that. I found that most of my t-shirts, while far from tight, are a little too snug for the full size grip. Now, the 9c? In the same holster it hides easily with everything but tight shirts and I don't have to worry about bending over or sitting.
6.8SPC vs 6.5 Grendel ultimate shootoff has no Grendel takers
Written by reg mathusz
This is an interesting thread from 68forums.com with lots of rhetoric. Lot's of strong feelings on both sides but the end result was that no one on the Grendel side would submit their "best" rifle and "best" for Doc Roberts (DocGKR) to test.
There are sibling threads from ARFCOM (ar15.com and 65grendel.com) if you wish to follow the links.
Both rounds are very good and are superior to 223, well except for cost and availability of ammo.
I won't debate the pros/cons as there has been far too much already written on that. I have my own reasons...But, the 6.8SPC continues to improve with better ammo and rifles. There is already 6.8SPC II, and performance continues (6.8x43) with an active group of supporters and developers like Silver State Armory (SSA). Hornady's new 120gr SST load has a very good BC.
Shoot what you like, but I am pleased with my 6.8s...
More...
Botach seems to get a mixed bag of reviews. They recently have moved to free shipping to be more competitive.
They also regularly run specials. Some are blah, but others are very good. The VERY good ones seem to sell out very quick (within the first hour). Oh well, guess you have to read your email pretty quick.
Anyway, they were sold out of the sale item that I wanted when I noticed that they had a couple of items on clearance. These were pretty small items (two of them) but I wanted to get them before they were gone. I ordered them figuring that I would probably have to add a couple items to make a minimum order.
Much to my surprise there was no minimum order! They not only took my $10 order but had it to my door in 2 days!
Kudos to Botach, that is great customer service!
Lots of folks have expressed doubt of W. VA's intention to purchase new S&W 4566TSW's to replace their current 4566's. A copy of the PO is attached at the bottom of this post.
A lot of us are hopeful because:
- It means that S&W will have to make a run of 3rd Gen's (which they have promised to do if someone orders a large enough batch).
- It means that not all agencies are jumping on the polymer striker bandwagon (GLOCK and S&W M&P's were evaluated)
- Hopefully, the current 4566 sidearms will be traded in and become available on the secondhand market.
People like to criticize the S&W 3rd Gen's but unless you have actually shot one, especially a 4566 (not even necessarily a TSW) you have little room to talk. The majority of people that express shock at how the Glock 21 and M&P45 were rejected vs the 4566TSW have no experience with one.
I like M&Ps and Glocks as much as anyone else (I own several of each) but there is something special about a 4566 (and its much more rare sibling the 1066).
pre-TSW:
I have had one for a while. Actually, this is my second one. The first one had its snaps pop off and after a couple of washes the nice dark black looked grayish.
Sig gave me an RMA to return it and they swapped it out. This one is much higher quality (snaps held, better threading, and dye). My coworker recently bought one and it is too is more improved -- better color, more pockets, longer -- so they are improving the product.
The draw of the jacket is that it has built in holsters on both sides so that you can carry a pistol and magazines without requiring any type of additional holster or rig.
It does this by having two HUGE caverns of pouches on the left and right side. They run the entire length of the jacket and are secured by a full run of velcro. Internally stitched are stretch loops that will hold anything from a pistol magazine to a full size pistol. My P220 fits into the holster!
The jackets are visually appealing. I like the wrist snaps (vs elastic), and the fact that the waist is also non-elastic. These are both reasons I chose it over a comparable 5.11 jacket. Additionally, I really like the look of the collar.
The jacket is very subdued looking. Nothing about it screams "CCW" and there is no visible "SIG" logo to give it away. It is very tasteful. Family members thought it was just another Carhart jacket.
How HUGE is the pouch?
I was able to carry a P220 on one side, and two 5lb bags of beef jerky in the other! It actually makes the 5.11 Vest pouches (which are quite large) seem small! (Link to my 5.11 vest review)
Does it conceal?
Heck yes. Big grip pistols do leave a small bulge (more like a small lump). It doesn't look like a pistol and is in a spot not normally associated with where a pistol would be. In fact, I think it looks more like you have a pack of cigarettes (or politically correct equivalent) in your jacket pocket. Thinner pistols seem to work better. My P225 was almost perfect (as would a P239 also).
Heavy pistols do weigh down one side significantly! You need to offset this with something like a 5lb bag of beef jerky, or you will feel it drag on your neck. It does distribute better than a vest (well, there is simply more material to distribute the weight). My P220 was very doable, however, a 5" 1911 was uncomfortable. Adding weight to the other side to counter balance caused more pressure to be pressed against the back of the neck. Best to keep the 1911 strapped to the waist if you are going to carry it for any length of time.
J-frame BUG (backup gun)!
I don't know if they did it on purpose but the outside pockets (one on each side for your hand) is PERFECT for S&W J-frame snub nosed revolver. I mean ridiculously perfect. Other owners (ok, 2) have remarked the same thing to me independently.
The bad that has been corrected?
Some features, that mine doesn't have (that I complained about previously) have been corrected! My friend's has them now...
Longer. Concealing a full 5" 1911 and bending over is now possible.
More pockets, mine only has the two caverns and two outside. The new ones have at least one more, and you can now actually carry that pack of cigarettes.
Each generation seems to have better dye to retain color.
Things I would still like to see..
A pull tab, or some quick way to access your pistol. Currently it requires some coordination to separate the velcro to gain access. It is also LOUD to hear the entire length of velcro unhook.
Maybe it is just because I am in the Pacific Northwest, but I would like to see a hood, whether it be a snap/button on or a roll up kind.
The weight/thickness. It is not really a good cold weather jacket, but it is too heavy/thick for a warm weather jacket. Not too bad for out here where it is always damp and dark but otherwise limited seasonally. I would like to see something lighter and either a vest liner, or a separate heavier version.
Conclusion:
I really like this jacket and Sig continues to improve it.
I have had a 5.11 Vest for quite some time. I got an extraordinarily good deal from Botach Tactical on it a while back ($30 or $40 bucks!)
I got it because I wanted a quick way to carry gear for walking the dog. Coming home from work I wanted a quick and easy way to grab my normal dog walking gear. I usually carry a pistol, spare mag, flashlight, extra leash, dog treats, poop bags, water, etc. For urbanites I should mention that seeing coyotes and other animals is common.
The vest was a good option because I didn't want a "duty belt" which still requires a cover garment. The 5.11 Vest is pocket happy. I don't even use half of them!
Some highlights...
Did I mention the thing has a ridiculous amount of pockets?
The front is great, two M4 double mag pouches on the bottom left (which can hold a lot), and a big dump pouch which has elastic magazine holsters on the bottom right.
The back left and right side has elastic topped pouches, big enough to hold a Nalgene bottle or 32oz Gatorade bottles.
It has a zipper but I really like the front center snap. It keeps the vest fairly closed and most importantly from flapping around in the wind.
It is VERY lightweight. I have some friends that swear by the Woolrich Elite Vest. I really am impressed by them - the quality and durability is top notch. However, it is very thick and that makes it heavier and hot. It also gives it a very streamlined look whereas the 5.11 looks kind of ... well ... frumpy.
Frumpy is not all bad however. Being loose and bulky makes it look less "tactical." The Woolrich Elite Vest looks very SWAT'ish to me (not that I don't think it looks good). I recently wore my 5.11 to work where there is a wide spectrum of folks. The only comments I got were people asking me if I was "goin' fishing?" after work. Since I live in the Pacific Northwest it fits right in. If you live in an ultra-urban area, that might not go over so well. For me, unless I pack every pocket full, including 4 AR15 in the front I think it is fine. I keep reading reviews where people say it screams "CCW" -- for here, and that includes trekking around department stores and malls, I simply do not agree.
The internal pouches (left and right side are huge). You can pretty much put anything you want in there. They are lined with velcro to carry accessories, like a pistol. Well, supposedly anyway.
The bad?
The "B.B.S." system is supposed to allow accessories to be attached easily. The big one is the internal gun holster. Well, first of all you have to BUY the holster attachment. Ok, I did.
The holster is TINY. The only things I own that fit it are my S&W J-frame snub revolvers and 380's. Small pistols like the Kahr P9 or Ruger LC9 will probably fit but ones like the Glock 27 or S&W M&P 9c do not. Unless you cut the holster...
So, cut the holster I did. The Glock now fits physically. However, I was very disappointed with the way it carries. Unless you offset the other side it drapes to one side uncomfortably.
Which brings me to the "load distribution" of the vest. This consists of two narrow snap straps on the inside at the waste level that work as tie downs. Well, this severely restricts your movement and if you move to much it becomes unsnapped. Additionally, with it cinched down it causes an OWB pistol to print.
On 5.11's site I saw folks wanted to carry full size pistols like a 5" 1911 or Beretta 92FS in the internal holster/pocked. I think that the pistols will fit in the pouch either without the holster, or with a holster like Maxpedition's (basically a velcro loop) but it is not going to carry well.
A couple of notes...
The vest could be a little longer for folks that carry a 5" 1911 OWB. Bending over causes the bottom of your holster to show. Anything shorter seems to be fine.
The sizes run kind of weird. I have read online that they run large. This was not the case for me. I normally run a medium jacket. The medium 5.11 vest fit, but it was snug. Forget about trying to conceal a pistol (in the pouch or the hip). I got a large. It is roomy.
Overall...
A well-built product that works and has a LOT of pockets. I like and use it during the summer.
