Alarm alerts man to attempt to steal the batteries from his golf cart.
WINTER HAVEN, Florida – Two would-be thieves didn't count on a motion alarm and a gun-toting 70-year-old Winter Haven man when they tried to steal the batteries from his golf cart, according to Polk County Sheriff's Office reports.
Robert Rowley, of 28 Henry Drive in Winter Haven, awoke to the sound of a motion sensor alarm about 2:15 a.m. Monday.
When the alarm sounded, he grabbed his handgun and flashlight to investigate, sheriff's reports said.
As he walked outside his home, he saw two men, who investigators said were trying to cut the cables to the battery packs on Rowley's golf cart.
When he challenged them, one of the men began to walk in Rowley's direction, he told investigators he tried to scare the men away by firing his gun.
Rowley fired three shots – once in the air, another at the ground and a third at the men's truck as they tried to quickly get away.
Deputies were later called to Winter Haven Hospital for two men who showed up with gun shot wounds, reports said. Read more
A Modesto woman walked into her home this morning to find a suspected burglar and fired her gun at him before he fled the scene, authorities said.
Modesto police received a call at 11:21 a.m. of a possible burglary in process on Kingfield Drive, which is northeast of the intersection of East Orangeburg and Sunrise avenues.
“A female in her 40s came home to her residence and interrupted a burglary in process,” said Sgt. Rick Armendariz, a police spokesman. “She was able to arm herself and when she confronted the suspect, she feared for her safety.”
My new Ring's Blue Gun arrived the other day. It is the Glock 17/22 clone. Now I can do holster evaluations and practice my draw and sight picture. True, the Blue Gun is not the exact weight of a fully loaded Glock 22, but is its the exact size and the detail is actually quite impressive. It even accepts weapon lights and so far has worked in all the holsters my real Glock fits into. I now own 1911 and Glock 17/22 Blue Guns. Meaning I have the two most popular pistol styles as far as holster tests are concerned.
Perhaps now I can begin to brush up on my weapon retention/weapon take-away drills. There is no substitute for repetitions and Rings products are durable, dependable and ready for training. If you don't have one, get one. Check them out at www.blueguns.com.
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Inside This Issue
Choosing the right load for cowboy action shooting just got easier, writes Dave Morelli.
Century International Arms’ CETME has a storied past and proves to be a solid shooter. Jerry Ahern takes a look.
Rifles: Harrington & Richardson
Shotguns: Lefever and Marlin
Handguns: Manhattan
NRA Update: Museum Pieces On Display
Precision Handloading: Final Factory Ammo Tests
Troubleshooting: The Savage Model 1912
Field Gun Review: The Handi-Rifle
Gunsmithing: Tale of Two ARs, Part III
Precision Marksmanship: Mounting Scopes the Right Way
Burris Company unveiled its new Eliminator LaserScope at the 2010 SHOT Show in Las Vegas recently. The new laser rangefinding riflescope integrates easily-programmable and customizeable automatic trajectory compensation with built-in rangefinding capability.
The 4X-12X-42mm Eliminator LaserScope features an integrated 800 yard rangefinder coupled with a very simple yet very accurate method of customizing the trajectory compensation capability to virtually any cartridge.
The Eliminator has 39 ballistic curves on board to select from and Burris provides a listing of nearly 600 factory loaded cartridges and the two digit ballistic curve number associated with each. A few clicks in the set up mode is all it takes to enter or change the ballistic curve to perfectly match your specific cartridge’s performance.
Burris has marketed their original LaserScope for four years having now field-proven it’s reliability under severe recoil and tough field conditions. The new Eliminator takes this proven technology to a new level of technology and begins a new era for precision long range hunting. In combining these technologies, the Eliminator LaserScope provides the following benefits:
– Eliminates the need for a separate hand held rangefinder. – Eliminates the lasering inaccuracies associated with an unsteady handheld laser. – Eliminates sometimes crucial seconds switching between an handheld unit and the rifle during times game is moving closer or further away. – Eliminates estimating distance. – Eliminates estimating holdover. – Eliminates loosing a black crosshair on a dark target by providing a 1/3 MOA illuminated dot that is highly visible under any light condition. – Eliminates the lack of confidence in making a long range ethical shot. – Eliminates missing or wounding shots. – Eliminates missing out on a once in a lifetime trophy. The Eliminator LaserScope is affordable at well under $1,000, and is of a size and weight that is workable for everyday field use.
The Burris Eliminator scope reticle is calibrated for your cartridge and can be fine-tuned to match your gun/cartridge combination. It automatically adjusts for bullet drop.
Also, the Eliminator delivers the extremely vivid, bright, and crystal clear optics for which Burris is well-known. A single button to activate the laser is located about mid-section on the left side of the scope. In addition, Burris provides a remote activator that can be strapped either to rifle’s forearm or to the objective bell of the scope. The remote activator makes ranging while viewing through the scope more natural and steadier.
The unique mounting system allows the lowest possible mounting of the LaserScope to the rifle. The LaserScope by nature of it’s shape positions the shooter’s eye higher than with a conventional riflescope. The Burris mounting system allows the LaserScope to be mounted at it’s lowest possible mounting which compares to normal high rings on a conventional riflescope.
The C3 Defense lowers, surrounded by some of the small parts that go into them. Note the enhanced model on top with the integral trigger guard. These are excellent, excellent receivers.
The gun-loving American is fortunate to live in these times. Even through the constant efforts of the statists, in the open or darkly concealed, we have at our fingertips the greatest assortment of firearms, and the greatest ability to possess them (Okay, not including early America), of any people that have ever lived. Also as Americans, we are innately susceptible to the “Flavor of the Month” complex. We love the newer and hopefully better.
Our market economy allows any itch to be scratched. If someone wants to hang some thing on his rifle, someone else will produce that thing to be hanged, and another the method for the hanging. Higher tech materials and production methodology multiply the effects even further. In practice, this makes an almost limitless selection of goodies available to the modern American gun owner.
This brings us to the subject of this particular excursion into gun goodness. The current flavor of the month (decade, really) is the AR-15. While this rifle has been discussed and touched upon in this column in more than one installment, the actual elaboration of the beginning to end construction of such a device has not been explored, and indeed is difficult to do, as there are so many steps to go through.
The proper alignment of the cover spring, with the short leg touching the port, and the long leg lying in a groove on the inside surface of the cover. It’s important that this step is completed before attempting to install the barrel.
Don’t confuse multiple steps with complexity, however, as this is easily the simplest repeating firearm to assemble, requiring very few specialty tools. The average homeowner or tinkerer has most of the tools required.
Post the recent elections, the sales of ARs and similar themed firearms skyrocketed. Indeed, beyond the purchase of complete rifles, many thousands of stripped lower receivers were obtained, often with customers buying several “for a rainy day.” Most were shoved in a safe, but others were destined to be built to conform to the owners’ mental architectural designs. Manufacturers rushed to fill the demand for these lowers, delaying production of other components in order to feed the buying frenzy.
So what do we do with those stripped lowers? This author decided to explore a pattern of extremes. Building an inexpensive (not “cheap,” however), affordable carbine, and building an expensive (“expensive”) deer rifle should sufficiently illustrate the wide range of possible outcomes.
WHAT RECEIVERS ARE THOSE?
I chose to order my stripped lowers from a new company on the scene, C3 Defense (www.c3defenseinc.com, 678-363-5899). When initially ordered, C3 offered only upper and lower receivers, but they have now expanded into full rifle production, concentrating on the personal defense and law enforcement markets. C3 Defense is one of the expanding numbers of manufacturers that are machining receivers from billets rather than forgings (the normal run of the mill Mil-spec method). These types of receivers are identified by a more linear, “slab sided” appearance, one characterized by straight lines rather than curves.
They do tend to be a bit heavier, but cosmetically and functionally have properties that forgings do not.
Both C3 lowers show these trends. Thicker sidewalls allow a more aggressive magazine well bevel, more structural reinforcing around the buttstock attachment area (weak point), mag well, bolt catch, mag catch, and trigger guard, a raised gripping surface on the front of the mag well, and a great looking appearance. The enhanced model also features a machined-in expanded trigger guard, large enough for thick-gloved fingers.
Both sport a helicoil in the pistol grip screw hole (these threads are easily cross threaded, but not now), and a nylon tipped screw to place tension on the rear lug of the upper receiver to keep the rattle down, and enhance accuracy. Made of 7075 aluminum, the anodizing was flawless and completely even. This doesn’t happen much. Most AR receivers have some little color or finish flaws, and one major manufacturer, a while back, had at least one production run that was actually purple.
Most impressive was the mag well. Some manufacturers finish cut the mag well by wire EDM, but most use a broach to form the corners of the well. Broaching has a tendency to bow out the sides a bit, leaving a mag well that is not perfectly “square” with the outer wall. The result is a tight mag well that pinches magazines from the sides. Wire cutting them makes a perfect cut, but is more expensive. These lowers were broach cut and showed no bowing, and from a gunsmith and armorer’s standpoint, this showed top quality control and attention to detail. Very pleasing to see.
The rifle parts kit came from Del-Ton (www.del-ton.com, 910-645-2172), a known source that has a reputation for very competitively priced, yet well-made products, and a very customer friendly customer service. They have a variety of basic choices, all of which can be heavily customized at your whim with easy to use, drop down menus. The kit that was ordered was a 16” heavy barrel carbine flattop kit. Why that one? It was available, that’s why.
The flared mag well is obvious here. Also note the helicoil in the pistol grip screw hole and the tension screw hole just aft of that. These are all cool, useful features not commonly found on a standard forged lower.
Everybody wants one of those silly looking M4 barrel kits. I didn’t care. I just wanted a kit. It includes everything needed to turn a stripped lower into a fully functioning rifle. This was used to build on the standard lower, the process of which is soon to be relayed. The enhanced lower will begin receiving next month a variety of my favorite parts from my favorite manufacturers, to produce the ultimate AR deer rifle.
I should point out that to illustrate in this article, Del-ton kindly sent me the kit in parts, but normally they sell rifle kits with the upper half already assembled. The following processes should be representative of any basic part or kit builds that the reader would likely attempt.
•Bench vise with hard padded jaw covers •AR-15 action wrench (pick one, they all work and you must have one) •Carbine stock wrench (absolutely necessary, but cheap, like ten bucks cheap) •Upper receiver vise block (not completely necessary, but very useful) •Needle nose pliers •Anti-seize •Brownells or Wheeler screwdriver set (I have both and love them both) •Punch set •Roll pin punch set •Roll pin starter punches are recommended as well •Small hammer •Fingers with a moderate amount of dexterity •GO, NOGO, and Field headspace gauges (you can pay your gunsmith a small fee to test headspace, but they are nice to have) •It also doesn’t hurt to have a few spares of the really small springs and detents. I won’t bother to tell which ones. You’ll figure it out.
A stripped upper needs these parts, the completely useless forward assist assembly with spring and pin, and ejection port cover with spring, pin, and clip. The handy white T-lettering helps you to remember where you mounted the scope, after you took it off to clean the rifle.
We’ll begin with assembling the stripped upper receiver. The first thing to do is to add the completely useless forward assist. This is used to fill the large hole on the right side of the upper that houses the completely useless forward assist, preventing lots of hot gases from coming out of that hole that should house the completely useless forward assist (like the arguments supporting evolution, this is called a tautology). It is retained by a simple roll pin. Put it in, then function test by inserting the bolt carrier in the upper and pushing the big button. The carrier should move slightly forward, thus displaying that even a completely useless device can still justify its own existence.
Next: the ejection port dust cover. Put the little E-clip in the slot on the cover pin first. After you drop it, pick it up and try again. Then insert the other end of the pin about one fifth of the way through the front loop on the receiver. Take the cover itself and put it in place and push the pin until it comes halfway through the gap in the middle. With the cover in the open position, place the spiral spring on the pin so that the long arm is on the inside of the open cover.
Then twist the short arm of the spring so that it will bear against the bottom edge of the ejection port, while simultaneously pushing the pin all the way through the spring, cover, and rear loop. From the installer’s perspective, the long leg will be pointing down, on top of the cover, and the short leg will be pointing up into the ejection port. Test it by closing the cover and inserting the bolt carrier. The carrier should cause the cover to spring open.
If the port won’t stay closed on its own, check that you put it on with the little springy detent on the top positioned to the inside when the cover is closed. If you put the thing on backwards, you deserve ridicule. Don’t show your face in public for at least 14 hours.
That’s all we have room for this month. We’ll continue the detailed examination of this build as it progresses next month. Till then, go out and buy another lower or two. The buying spike has all but flattened, and the manufacturers really need to keep selling stuff. Plus then, when the ban legislations actually start showing life, and you know they will eventually (probably in December of 2010 or 2012), you will already have something to build on. Or sell.
This article appeared in the November 23, 2009 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
Whether you’re in the brainstorming phase of planning the future of your AR-15 and what it will become, or you’re already applying the finishing touches to your custom AR-15 creation, Gun Digest Guide to Customizing Your AR-15 by Kevin Muramatsu will help you wade through and understand the wide variety of available options for almost every imaginable variation. Though the array of AR accessories and customization options seems to constantly grow, turn to this book for an examination of the customization landscape and helpful recommendations for which options would work best for the growing population of AR owners.
AR 15 M16 Gas Piston Conversion Kit Primer Download
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The new P-223 series of riflescopes broadens Nikon's line of precision optics for AR rifles.
Designed with sighting speed and long-range accuracy in mind for both AR platform rifles and .223 cartridges, the P-223 is offered in 3-9×40 long range and 3×32 Carbine models. The P-223's entire optical system is fully multicoated for extreme brightness and light transmission.
The 3-9×40 features the patented Nikon BDC 600 reticle and tactical-style turrets with Zero-Reset feature to simplify field adjustments. Developed specifically for the trajectory of the .223 Rem /5.56 NATO round with 55-grain polymer tip bullet, at 3240 FPS the BDC 600 reticle offers shooters unique open circle aiming points and hash marks from 100 to 600 yards. MSRP for the P-223 3-9×40 is $199.95.
The P-223 3×32 Carbine is an incredibly compact optic designed specifically for fast-handling, shorter barrel ARs. The all-new, fast-sighting BDC Carbine reticle was developed specifically for the 3×32 and .223 Remington cartridge to make engaging targets out to 600 yards a snap. MSRP for the P-223 3×32 Carbine is $149.95.
The P-223 is optimized for use with Nikon Spot OnTM Ballistic Match Technology. The Spot On program provides users with exact aiming points on the BDC reticle for any load or ammunition at a specified range. Spot On can be purchased for iPhone and Android or tried out for free at nikonhunting.com/spoton.
Also available is an all-new P-Series Mount. Developed to fit Picatinny rails found on most flattop AR rifles, this two-piece design allows proper height and positioning of either P-223 scope. The lightweight-but-strong alloy construction will hold up under the most brutal conditions.
The Nikon P-223 riflescopes include the following features:
Fully Multicoated Optical System Provides up to 98% light transmission and maximum brightness from dawn to dusk.
100-yard Parallax Setting Eliminates parallax for precise shooting.
Generous, Consistent Eye Relief Keeps your brow safe-even with the heaviest recoiling cartridges, lightweight rifles, and severe shooting angles.
Precise, 1/4-MOA Hand-turn Tactical-Style Turrets Positive click reticle adjustments get you zeroed in quicker and maintain your setting.
HB 4235 also partially strengthens preemption, cleans up confusing and contradictory hunting laws regulating handguns, restores firearm rights to individuals who have received a pardon, expungement, or certain forms of relief from disabilities for a disqualifying crime, and maintains optional concealed weapon licenses for West Virginians to be able to carry in other states via reciprocity.
Currently, only Alaska and Vermont recognize the right to carry without a license.
Alaska issues optional permits for reciprocity purposes in other states, as would HB 4235. Learn more
In a 2007 report released by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), the crime rate in Maryland was approximately 8-percent higher than the national rate.
According to the study, Maryland’s property crime rate – which accounts for roughly 87.2-percent of the overall crimes committed – was 5-percent higher than the national average, and violent crime clocked in 27-percent higher.
In 2009, CQ Press released their annual Crime State Rankings, and Maryland was listed as the ninth most dangerous state in the union, finishing second in murders, second in robbery, sixth in auto theft and ninth in assault.
And Maryland has – according to the National Rifle Association – some of the toughest gun control laws in the country.
So to capitalize on that documented ‘success' thanks to previous get-tough-on-guns legislation – and to remain indifferent to properly enforcing laws currently on the books – the Maryland General Assembly is once again seeking passage of an ‘assault weapons’ ban that does little more than regulate the people who actually abide by those laws.
SB 516, introduced this week by Senator Mike Lenett (D – Montgomery County) and numerous other members of the anti-gun sect in the Maryland Senate, would designate “specified firearms as assault weapons; prohibiting with specified exceptions a person from transporting an assault weapon into the State or possessing, selling, offering to sell, transferring, or receiving an assault weapon; requiring the Handgun Roster Board to compile and maintain a roster of prohibited assault weapons; etc.” Read more
After the war, both Colt and Smith & Wesson resumed production of commercial-grade guns for the police and civilian market. As it had been before 1941, the O.P. proved a bigger seller – but the situation was about to change.
During the war years, Colt had concentrated on building 1911 pistols and other weaponry, letting their revolver line languish. S&W, on the other hand, had upgraded their manufacturing processes and had a large pool of trained workers. With the war’s end, Colt was stuck with outdated equipment and a shortage of skilled labor.
Additionally, Colt revolvers required more hand-fitting and detail work, which significantly increased their price compared to the competition. Lastly, while S&W embarked on a long-term R&D program to improve their revolvers, Colt’s management seemed content to live off their reputation and did little to improve equipment, efficiency, their labor force and, most significantly, the product. This recipe for disaster led to S&W’s capturing an ever-increasing share of the police and military market.
1948 saw the venerable M&P’s designation changed to the Model 10. Seven years later, S&W introduced a K-frame revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge: the Model 19 Combat Magnum. Police agencies seeking more powerful weapons bought them as fast as they could be produced. Colt attempted to play catchup by re-chambering the O.P. for the .357 cartridge and adding a heavy barrel, adjustable sights and larger grips. Known as the Colt 357 Magnum, sales were disappointing.
The popularity of S&W K-frame revolvers, however, continued to grow as such prestigious agencies as the New York State Police, FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police adopted them. S&W also sold large numbers of them to police and military forces in Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Instruction manual for a S&W .357 Magnum Model 13 revolver. This model, with a 3″ barrel, was adopted by the FBI. (Courtesy of Michael Jon Littman)
The handwriting was now on the wall. Colt went through a series of new owners, none of whom seemed interested in innovation; the product line remained stagnant; and quality control took a hit while a series of labor disputes adversely affected production and the company’s reputation.
As is evident from a 1976 survey taken by the New York State Criminal Justice Services, by that time, the police market was S&W’s private preserve The sidearms used by the 45 state police agencies responding to the survey broke down as follows:
In an attempt to stay solvent, Colt began dropping models and 1969 found the O.P. missing from the catalog. The name was briefly revived with the Mark III Official Police revolver, but sales were so disappointing that production ceased after only three years. Many shooters and collectors found it disturbing that Colt’s product line, reputation and popularity had sunk to such low levels.
The S&W Model 10 continued to be the firm’s bread and butter product, although with the advent of the troublesome – and more violent – 1970s, .357 K-frame revolvers soon became their most popular law enforcement product. Beginning in the late 1980s, the 9mm (and later .40-caliber) semi-auto pistol became the police sidearm of choice, and today it is rare to see an American police officer with a holstered revolver at his side.
Opinions regarding this change of equipment are varied, with both sides making many good points in favor of their preferred weapon but such discussions – which always threaten to become heated – is beyond the scope of this article.
Which Is the Better-Shooting Revolver?
You knew we were going to get around to burning gunpowder sooner or later, didn’t you? Accordingly I obtained samples of each revolver: my brother Vincent provided a very nice M&P made around 1940 while my fellow collector of oddities, John Rasalov, was able to supply an O.P. Despite its being of 1930 vintage, the latter was in very good condition and as mechanically sound as the day it left the factory.
First, several observations as to each revolver’s strong and weak points: I found the S&W to be the better balanced of the two, making it a more naturally pointing revolver.
Double-action trigger pulls are a subjective matter and while some prefer the way the Colt’s stroke has a noticeable stage just before it breaks, I prefer the lighter, stage-free pull of the M&P.
The O.P. was graced with a superior set of sights: a wide, square notch at the rear and the blade of ample proportions up front. While having the same style of sights, the Smith’s were smaller and harder to align quickly. In addition, the tip of M&P’s hammer spur actually obscured the rear notch until the hammer was slightly cocked. For the life of me I cannot fathom this, and wish someone could explain the reason for it.
When it comes to grips it was a tie. Both were horrible! I do not understand why it took the firearms industry several centuries to figure out that the odds of hitting the target would be greatly improved by a set of hand-filling, ergonomically-correct grips?
In keeping with the proper historical spirit I decided to limit me test firing to the type of ammunition that was most widely used during the era during in which this pair or revolvers had seen service. Black Hills Ammunition kindly supplied a quantity of .38 Special cartridges loaded with the traditional 158-gr. LRN bullets.
While I served as cameraman, my brother Vincent fired a series of six-shot groups with each revolver from a rest at a distance of 15 yards. As can be seen in the photos, both shot to point of aim and produced some very nice six-shot groups. I then set up a pair of USPSA targets at seven yards, and Vince ran two dozen rounds through each revolver, firing them both one-handed and supported.
What can we deduce from this expenditure of ammunition? Inasmuch as my brother Vince did all the shooting, I will quote him: “I can make several observations,” he says. “First of all, both revolvers proved capable of excellent accuracy, whether fired from a rest or offhand. And while the Colt’s sights were of a more practical design, I shot slightly better with the S&W. Whether or not this was due to the fact that I have much more experience with S&W revolvers, I can’t really say. The grips on both revolvers were poorly designed and I believe something as simple as the addition of a grip adapter would improve handling to a significant degree. The Tyler-T Grip Adapter was first marketed in the 1930s and I can understand why! As regards recoil control, with its greater weight, I found I could shoot the O.P. faster but, considering the rather sedate ammunition we used, the difference was not all that great.”
Vince summed it all up by saying, “I have long been a fan of the fixed-sight, double-action revolver and the performance of this pair only serves to buttress my long-held belief that they are one of the most practical type of handguns ever invented. I contend that for over a century they were proved capable of performing any law enforcement task they were called upon to perform and – despite the present popularity of the semi-auto pistol – still are!”
I then pressed him to choose a “winner.” After a few moments of hesitation he said, “The M&P. But then I’m prejudiced.”
NOTE: I would like to thank Vincent Scarlata, John Rasalov, Charles Pate, Michael Jon Littman, Donna Wells, Jeff Hoffman and Clive Law for supplying materials used to prepare this report. And I’m indebted to Black Hills Ammunition (PO Box 3090, Rapid City, SD 57709. Tel. 800-568-6625) for their kind cooperation in furnishing ammunition.
One of the many things that I have discovered over the 16 years of my law enforcement service is that cops don’t scare easily. They deal with pandemonium with the 360-degree sense, control people with just a tone in of their voice, they walk into the dark when others would be afraid to do so.
However we cops are just humans with special conditioning; proficiencies if you will. We, like other creatures, fear the unknown that affronts us. The constant in police work is darkness. Whether it be nighttime activities, a darkened room or lack of clear vision that allows us to take proper action, darkness plays a big part in what we do and how we do it.
Scott Wagner’s book “Own the Night” address those problems square on. He covers the history of the patrol flashlight from the early days where it doubled as a baton to the modern micro lights that are used as a force alternative to control subjects. The book covers every aspect of using modern tactical lights.
One you might not consider is that with the smaller lights comes the the by-product of heat, and it can be quite intense. This hits home with this particular cop. While on night patrol I left my Streamlight on lens down on the front seat of the Crown Victoria. Needless to say the next day when my chief pulled out a half inch of burned seat upholstery; he had words with me the next shift. It is small details like this that Wagner so aptly covers that makes the book more than just a flashlight manual.
Throughout the book Wagner gives simple do’s and don’ts noted on the pages of the text. (Mine would be principle #1- Use the light sparingly.)
The first half of the text covers the use of patrol flashlights and the physical positioning and tactics that come with the uses of compact high-intensity lights as they apply to traffic stops and building clearing. These were illustrated with both patrol rifles and sidearms. I personally appreciated Wagner’s respect for the Harries method and the variations that were basics in every patrol officer’s schooling.
At one point I felt the book teetered on becoming a combat handgun guide with the application of hand held lights as a secondary skill. But the truth of the matter is that when both a light and a gun are needed, they need to be used together seamlessly. When you need both, you can’t teach one without teaching the other.
The second section covers lasers and their application. For me, the meat of the section came with the first three pages that answered those darn nagging questions; the ones that administrators who can’t even find their gun, seem to always come up with when the request for lasers is made. (I can say that, I am a former chief.). Some questions that throw a roadblock in the way of getting the gear out to the troops might include, “How do you tell which target dot is yours?”
Wagner answers the question simply, if it is on your gun you know which laser dot is yours because you have TRAINED with that unit and only highly trained operators should have their units fitted with lasers. That and many more logical reasons sold me on the limited use of lasers. It seemed to me that most of the illustrations and examples were SWAT-based scenarios. That could be because Wagner runs a Counter-Terrorism Training Unit, but I also believe the author is quietly saying only the highly trained should be issued laser gear.
The remainder of part two seemed to cover the care and maintenance of laser gear and wrapped up with an extensive reference of products currently available. This include some reviews of gear and schools were training can be obtained.
This cop found Own the Night not only an excellent reference for “beating the night”, but also I found useful tactics to apply to that all but forgotten part of firearms training: low light and night shooting. I would refer this book to both mid-level and upper administration that is looking to upgrade both intense patrol and SWAT units.
Curt Field is a veteran police officer who has served in patrol, narcotics enforcement, SWAT, and sniper roles during his career.
The next edition of Tactical Gear Magazine includes a gun review by Bob Campbell of Kimber's Gold Combat. This always stirs debate. The picture below is of the Doublestar 1911 pistol and a nicely perforated target… now comes the question.
While the 1911 is still an efficient, functional platform is it the pistol for you? A long time ago I wrote an article asking “Does the 1911 really fit perfectly in the hand or, is it just so common that we all expect a pistol to feel like a 1911?” Personally, once I got over the “odd” angle of the Glock grip frame, found that it points better for me than does any 1911. Here is a little test… with your arm hanging at your side make a fist. Now bend your arm to raise that fist to your shoulder. Now… quickly… thrust the fist forward and point at an object in front of you. That angle between the index finger and the line of your knuckles is the grip angle on a Glock. I think it is just more natural. As the picture above shows. I can shoot OK with a 1911… I just happen to like the Glock better.What do you think? Tell us why you like one or the other. But be nice about it.
The federal government is claiming in court documents demanding the dismissal of a gun-law challenge in Montana the authority to regulate in-state commerce under the Constitution's Commerce clause.
But the plaintiff in the case says the court needs to review that provision in its amended form – since the 10th Amendment, adopted after the Commerce Clause, can be viewed as modifying the Constitution's provisions regarding the regulation of commerce, specifically granting additional authority to states.
The argument is arising in a lawsuit filed in Montana against U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and others. The complaint seeks a court order that the federal government stay out of the way of Montana's management of its own firearms within state boundaries.
As WND reported, the action was filed by the Second Amendment Foundation and the Montana Shooting Sports Association in U.S. District Court in Missoula, Mont., to validate the principles and terms of the Montana Firearms Freedom Act, which took effect Oct. 3.
Order Gun Digest 2010 – The World's Greatest Gun Book. Click Here
The law provides guns and ammo made, sold and used in Montana would not require any federal forms; silencers made and sold in Montana would be fully legal and not registered; and there would be no firearm registration, serial numbers, criminal records check, waiting periods or paperwork required.
The idea is spreading quickly. Similar plans have been introduced in many other states. Read more
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
Tactical Gear Tip: Order the Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry so you too 
