DEC2020
CONTENTS 4 “FIVE YEARS STRONG”: FIVE YEARS AGO EDITOR BILL AND DEPUTY EDITOR TRAMPAS CAME TOGETHER TO GIVE REAL LIFE TO PMCI! ALONG WITH A GREAT TEAM OF CONTRIBUTORS AND INPUT FROM SOME OF THE BEST NAMES IN THE TACTICAL WORLD GIVING INPUT IT’S BEEN A WILD RIDE, BUT WHAT OF THE FUTURE! 10 SILENCE IS GOLDEN!: TRAMPAS TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT THE 22- SWARM FROM ELEVATED SILENCE AND FINDS THAT THIS MULTI-CALIBRE SUPPRESSOR IS THE REAL DEAL. 16 GEAR ON TEST: “GEAR FOR THE GOOD GUYS” COURTESY OF THE PMCI TEAM 20 GEAR: SOFTSHELL UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: AN OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD BUT INCREDIBLY USEFUL TECHNOLOGY, BILL GETS TO GRIPS WITH SOFTSHELL TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE IDEAL GARMENT! 24 TACTICAL TECH: MAINTAINING YOUR GEAR: AS MANY OF US AROUND THE WORLD ARE STUCK AT HOME, BILL TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT YOU CAN BE DOING WITH YOUR GEAR DURING “ENFORCED DOWNTIME” 28 TACTICAL TECH: CARRYING THE “BIG GUNS”: LOOKING FOR A HAUL-PARTNER FOR THE BIGGEST OF RIFLES? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN GALATI! 30 KNIVES AND TOOLS: HAND HAWK BY HOFFNER KNIVES: HOFFNER KNIVES ARE KNOWN FOR MANY SUCCESSFUL DESIGNS INCLUDING THE HAND SPEAR AND THE BEAST, AND NOW TRAMPAS GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS WITH THE HAND HAWK AXE AND CHANNELS HIS INNER VIKING 34 FIREARMS: RUGER PRECISION RIFLE .338 LAPUA: WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING EFFECTIVE ROUNDS ON TARGET AT LONG DISTANCE YOU REALLY WANT AS MUCH “BANG FOR YOUR BUCK” AS YOU CAN GET, AND THE RUGER PRECISION RIFLE CHAMBERED IN .338 LAPUA OFFERS BOTH HIGH PERFORMANCE AND VALUE FOR MONEY! 38 OPTICS: TRIJICON SRO: TRAMPAS TAKES A LOOK AT THE LATEST SRO (SPECIALIZED REFLEX OPTIC) FROM INDUSTRY-GIANT TRIJICON AND FINDS IT AN IMPRESSIVE EVOLUTION FOR THE PISTOL RED DOT WORLD. 42 SKILLS AND DRILLS: CASINO DRILL: FORMER CONTRACTOR ANDY N CONTINUES TO PLAY HIS CARDS RIGHT AS HE LOOKS AT THE APTLY-NAMED CASINO DRILL! 44 6MM TRAINING: PTS BARRICADES: TRAIN LIKE YOU MEAN IT, ALWAYS MAKING THE BEST USE OF YOUR COVER, WORKING THROUGH AND AROUND BARRIERS TO GIVE AN IMPORTANT ADDED DYNAMIC TO YOUR TRAINING.
Deputy Ed (USA): Trampas Swanson Graphic Design: Baz Thakur/ Deadshot Design Publisher: Nigel Streeter Cover pic: PMCI collection PMCI magazine is a digital-only publication available FREE OF CHARGE via the PMCI App on a wide range of digital platforms, including iOS, Android and Windows. For more information, visit www.pocketmags. com and search “PMCI”. PMC I c a n a l s o b e rea d o n l i n e at : www.issuu.com, www.magzter.com and www.readly.com Calibre Publishing Limited Wyche Innovation Centre, Walwyn Road, Upper Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6PL Tel: 01684 878 003 Web: www.pmcimagazine.com ©Calibre Publishing Limited 2019
49 BOOK REVIEW: “THE MYSTERIES OF HADITHA”, A COMING-OF-AGE STORY AND AN UNPRECEDENTED GLIMPSE INTO THE HEART OF THE WAR ON TERROR
Letter, idea or question?
50 INDUSTRY VACANCIES: LOOKING FOR WORK? JUST CHECK HERE.
Got something to say? A question for our
Copyright © Calibre Publishing 2020. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
line and let us know. Either email the editor
system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the
(editor@pmcimagazine.com), write to us at
express permission of the publisher in writing. The opinion of the writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The
the Calibre Publishing address above, or talk
Editors reserve the right to edit submissions prior to publication. Thank you for downloading this Edition of PMCI, the FREE digital publication dedicated to PMC Operatives. PMCI is written by individuals with first-hand knowledge and experience of the subject they write about - and all of whom have an intimate understanding of what the role entails and the day to day challenges faced by those working in this industry. PMCI will provide a platform to review and discuss the things to matter to all of us, such personal equipment, training, employment and lifestylestyle management - and these are also our core fundamentals. We hope you enjoy this Edition of PMCI and if you have any feedback or comments, or would like to contrubute to future issues, please let us know by email to: editor@pmcimagazine.com
2
Editor (UK): Bill Thomas
experts? An article or article idea? Drop us a
to us on Twitter or Facebook.
TELL THE TIME, ALL THE TIME. Trit ium illuminated watches t hat stay visible all night.
Exclusively available online WWW.NITEWATCHES.COM
FIVE YEARS STRONG! AT PMCI WE PREFER TO CONCENTRATE ON BRINGING YOU THE MOST INSIGHTFUL AND VALUABLE INFORMATION WE CAN IN EACH AND EVERY ISSUE, CONCENTRATING ON PRODUCTS AND PROVIDERS THAT WILL GIVE YOU THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO TRAIN AND PLAN EFFECTIVELY RATHER THAN BLOWING OUR OWN TRUMPETS! HOWEVER, WE’VE JUST REACHED A MILESTONE THAT WE FEEL IT’S RIGHT TO SHOUT ABOUT, AS THE EDITORIAL TEAM HITS THE FIVE YEAR MARK! BILL AND TRAMPAS GIVE THEIR THOUGHTS ON THOSE FIVE YEARS, AND WHERE THEY’RE HEADING NEXT… Bill:
But things they do move on, and even though I’ve weathered my own brush with mortality in recent years (cancer is an asskicker, don’t let anyone tell you different!), the close-knit PMCI team has rolled onwards unerringly, although the magazine has morphed quite naturally from one thing to another. Where we started out five years ago with a concentration on the world of the Private Military Contractor, and highlighted skills and best practices that were available to those leaving the military and wanting to enter the private security field of employment, we discovered that more and more of our readers wanted information for personal security reasons; as a direct reaction to reader contacts and requests, our tone developed from out and out “mil” to something a little more “user-friendly”, whilst still providing the information we intended to provide from Day One. And there’s one man in particular that has made this journey possible, my brother and friend Trampas Swanson. When I took over the reins at PMCI on Issue 4 I brought with me a fledgling but already fine writer who was based in the USA, and as a prior-
FIVE YEARS STRONG!
Wow, where did that five years go? It’s actually just over five years ago, at the end of 2014, when PMCI was on Issue 2 that I got a call from our publisher, Nigel, asking me if I would like to get involved with this (then!) new publication. Dan Eastes, the founding Editor of the magazine needed a writer who understood both the tactical and military worlds, and as I’d been writing for another publication in this area, he and Nigel asked me if I’d like to come on board to help get things rolling, and as I was between commitments I readily agreed. Sadly, as things moved forward it became apparent that Dan was having a tough time with his health, especially his mental well-being, as like many prior-service and contracting personnel, his “demons” were catching up with him… to cut a long story short my “contribution” soon turned into a much bigger role and I took over as Editor. All of us at PMCI owe Dan a huge debt of thanks for getting things started, and he’s still a welcome member of the team when he feels well enough to come in and see us!
pmcimagazine.com
FIVE YEARS STRONG!
pmcimagazine.com
service SWAT LEO had an in-depth knowledge of that sector; like me he is a real guns n’ gear bunny, and the rest, as they say, is history, as Trampas has flourished as a writer and justifiably has become my trusted wing man and Deputy Editor of PMCI as well as creating his own successful businesses (and a wonderful family)! I wish I could tell you all that we ‘d started with some grand “five-year-plan” when we got rolling, but the truth of it is we all know that “no plan survives first contact”; whilst we have rolled effectively with the changes in the world and the industry, we have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to the tools of the trade and best practice, and have been blessed to work with some of the best and brightest stars emerging in the world of our beloved “training, guns n’ gear”! We’ve also amassed a huge amount of friends who are amongst the established “names” in both the shooting at tactical worlds, a fact that was driven home to me when I attended SHOT 2020 in January. As I’m based in the UK these days I sometimes feel a little removed from some of the industry we work with on a daily basis, but at SHOT I felt like the loved but slightly wayward son finally returning home to my family! And a “family” it is, and I feel privileged to be a part of it! We’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the very best in our industry, and gained them as “family members” along the way; heck, Roger Eckstine and I now exchange funny memes and messages with each other on messenger, I’ve travelled to yet more countries in search of stories and shot on more ranges than ever before, and made some righteous new friends along the way; sure enough, there have been times when I’ve been cold, wet, tired and hungry, but with the right brothers and sisters beside you, this fades to nothing when you have a mutual goal, and a drive to succeed.
6
Five years has gone by in a blink, and although it’s only a 1/10th of my years, I feel like it has been the most important and meaningful of them so far! As a kid I wanted to be a gunsmith, and although that never came to pass, I now work inside that industry, and I’m thankful for this every day of my life, to everyone, my teams in the UK and USA at PMCI, those in the industry, and to you, all our valued readers who have made this possible. We’re also blessed with a great designer, Baz, who “gets it”, and a publisher who gives us super leeway but supports what we do every step of the way which, trust me, is a rare thing these days… So what’s to come in the next five you may ask? Simple, we’ll continue to adapt and overcome, and bring you more
of the same in our usual “Zero BS” way, and we’ll keep on enjoying what we do every step of the way! I hope you’ll continue on this journey with us.
Trampas:
FIVE YEARS STRONG!
Where does the time go? It truly flies when you’re having fun! I was invited to join the PMCI staff by Bill, the very man who helped me break into the media industry five years prior. There was no question IF I would do it, simply how soon could I? To have a friend and mentor like Bill has been one of the greatest honors and biggest benefits to myself and my family, I could ever imagine. Starting from our very first project together, Bill has enabled me to grow in ways I would have never imagined. His support and leadership have inspired me to create my own media group in which Bill holds a very special place as a member of and in many ways aided in the success of two other businesses. Coming on board the PMCI team for me held the pressures of not only hitting the ground running with bringing top content to our readers but to also show Bill that his gamble on me would pay off. Before I knew it, I was asked to become the Deputy Editor by Bill and Nigel. I was grateful to be asked to become a bigger part of PMCI. In my opinion, it reflected on not me but our entire US based team’s hard work in which I captain as Bill does the UK team. Nigel has been amazing with his support and understanding of my short- and long-term vision for both PMCI and soon The Armed Lifestyle. His life’s experiences, maturity, wealth of knowledge and tales of adventure around the globe are awe inspiring. When he says something WILL HAPPEN, it does. There is not even a blink of an eye of doubt because it continues to be proven true so many times. Over the past five years, Bill and I have managed to have some of the most amazing people you could ever meet gravitate to the team and become valued contributors. The
level of respect and recognition we have been able to achieve within the industry has been amazing. The warm welcomes and “bro hugs” at events such as IWA, SHOT SHOW, NRAAM and USCCA Expos are a testament to treating our industry partners well and promoting top tier gear, training and more. Two Teams, One Family is something I cannot stress enough. We have the US team and the UK team, with Nigel being the glue that bonds. When we are together running the floors of SHOT Show, we do not skip a beat. We are all interchangeable as teammates and celebrate our successes as brothers. PMCI has put us in touch with some of amazing warriors from around the globe current to present. Their sacrifice and their stories will always have a home to be echoed and retold for generations to come. THAT my friends, is called a legacy and PMCI aims to continue setting the standard for how these warriors’ experiences and knowledge are always to be shared, with honor, respect, and integrity. Over the years we have had the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s top names and personalities such as Jim Fuller, founder of Rifle Dynamics and Fuller Phoenix, World Champion shooters such as Team Smith and Wesson shooters Julie Golob and Jerry Miculek, NotchGear Hats, Skallywag Tactical owner Craig Burhart, Spartan Blades Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey, Violence of Mind author, Varg Freeborn, Reuben Aleckson of Vortex Optics, Torrent Suppressors, Olivia Gallivan at SIG Sauer, Jim Hood, owner of Elevated Silence, and author and guru Roger Eckstine. We have been blessed to work with many of the top names in the industry and still have an eye to “discover” many up and coming companies in their infancy that are clearly destined to make their mark in the years to come, as we at PMCI continue to do so as well.
TECH: ELEVATED SILENCE 22
pmcimagazine.com
ELEVATED SILENCE 22 - SWARM
FEW CALIBERS ARE AS VERSATILE AND FUN TO SHOOT AS THE RIMFIRE PLATFORM. REGARDLESS IF IT IS FOR TRAINING, CLANDESTINE OPERATIONS, OR SIMPLY PLINKING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, THE .22 AND ITS RIMFIRE VARIANTS OFFER A WIDE ARRAY OF PRACTICAL AND TACTICAL APPLICATIONS. FROM OPERATOR TO YOUTH SHOOTER, THE ALMOST NONEXISTENT RECOIL AND HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ACCURACY ARE GREATLY FAVORED. - TS
F
or forty of my forty-four years of life, I have been an avid .22 shooter enjoying every opportunity to work with suppressors for both handguns and rifles for the past two decades. During this time, I have owned a half dozen or so .22 cal suppressors and worked with over two dozen for tests and evaluations for ammunition and firearm reviews. I have found that some suppressors either work great for rifles but not handguns or they do great with handguns but give subpar performances with rifles. Not long ago, I shared my frustrations about specific suppressors on the market to a good friend and brilliant mind in the gun industry, Jim Hood of Elevated Silence. Jim’s reply to me was, “Trampas, not a problem brother. You obviously have not had the opportunity to shoot our 22-Swarm model suppressor yet. We’ll fix that!” As usual, Jim was right, I had not. True to his word, I had one arrive at my office door within 48 hours later. For most people, that is highly impressive but for those who know Jim, is simply the type guy he is known for being.
10
As I opened the cardboard shipping box labeled Elevated Silence, I removed the small, two-piece tube and a large Allen wrench. As I examined the suppressor, I noticed the muzzle was hexagonal rather than circular. According to the instruction manual in the box, the Allen wrench could be inserted into the front of the suppressor to remove the end cap and baffle stack inside. This is allowed for detailed cleaning or shortening the suppressor body to a “K” or short,
SPECIFICATIONS: CALIBER: LENGTH: DIAMETER: THREAD: WEIGHT: FULL AUTO: MATERIAL:
RANGE TIME
.17 HMR, .22LR / SHORT, .22 MAGNUM, 5.7X28MM 6.1” FULL CONFIGURATION, 4.5″ SHORT (K) CONFIGURATION 1.0″ ½ x 28 4.5OZ FULL CONFIGURATION, 3.0OZ SHORT (K) CONFIGURATION YES TITANIUM
A few days after receiving the 22- Swarm from Elevated Silence, I was able to get to the range and try it out on a few different firearms I owned. According to the specs, the suppressor was rated for everything from .17 caliber to 5.7 x 28 mm. Using the direct thread (½ x 28) end of the suppressor, I screwed it onto my Ruger Mark IV .22 pistol in the “K” (short) configuration. For accuracy and reliability, this gun has been a favorite for the past three years. It and its predecessor, the Mark III were the pistols I had my daughters take their first shots with so its safe to say, I will always own them. Having shot this pistol for quite some time, I already knew the gun was sighted on for Point of Aim / Point of Impact to be dead on at 7 yards. (POA / POI). Starting at 3 yards, the gun ran flawlessly at the same POI as unsuppressed just with much
less report. The same results held true at 5 yards, holding the same ¼” low POI as normal. At 7 yards, the pistol was spot on center punching the 2” circles on the target. The back pressure from the suppressor was barely noticeable and kept the Mark IV running well using CCI Suppressor and full power Mini-Mag loads. I then switched over to a much newer acquisition on my armory with the Glock model 44 in .22 caliber. This is gun is not only just new to me, its relatively new to the market as well. I first received this gun earlier this year just prior to leaving for the annual industry only gun industry trade show, SHOT SHOW. While I did not have time before my trip to try the gun out on the range, I had plenty of opportunity on my trip during the Industry Day at the Range at the Glock booth. In a span of about an hour, I probably exceeded putting 200 or more rounds through one of the factory sample G44 pistols on hand. The gun shot well, but when I picked up the sample with an unknown suppressor featuring a hexagonal shaped tube, the POI varied almost 3” at 10 yards than the POA. Fortunately, during my test session with the 22-Swarm mounted onto my personal G44, this was not the case. At the same distance, the Glock was an absolute tack driver with the Swarm mounted on it. Even with ammo that tended to cause some difficulties in the gun without the suppressor mounted, the Swarm’s mild back pressures keep the pistol running flawlessly for over 100 rounds before wrapping up the range session. Only later during a separate testing date, after the suppressor had approximately 500 rounds through it without cleaning did the G44 have two failure to misfeed issues late during the round count. (It should be noted this was also during testing with the suppressor in its full “long” configuration.) A week later, I was back on the range, outdoors this time,
TECH: ELEVATED SILENCE 22
configuration for handguns. In my opinion, the coolest factor about the suppressor was that it was completely constructed of Titanium which made it ultra-light and durable for hard use including full auto applications.
pmcimagazine.com
TECH: ELEVATED SILENCE 22
12
to further test the 22-Swarm. This time, I ran the suppressor in its full configuration to test out a pair of .22 platform rifles. The first was a bolt action Savage Tactical model Mark II and the other was a complete ground up rebuild of a Ruger 1022 semi-auto featuring a Volquartsen match grade barrel and Timney trigger system. I love both these platforms for specific reasons and could not wait to see how the 22-Swarm performed on them. With the bolt action Savage, I love that I can run the lowest pressured round possible to still get reliable shots and achieve true suppression minus the loud slap of a bolt flying rearward and returning home. With the full configured 22-Swarm mounted, I heard only two sounds, the firing pin strike the .22 rimfire round and the round striking the target 15 yards down range. Due to the reduced pressures of the load, I had to adjust my hold to approximately 1” above the bullseye. Afterwards, shots grouped well under 1.5” at the given distance with a slight noticeable wind coming in from the east. When it came time to switch the Swarm to my custom Ruger 10-22 semi-auto, it is obvious from the investment made into the build just how much I enjoy shooting it. While the action is a bit louder when shooting, I do use a polymer buffer behind the bolt to mask the rearward bolt slap on the cross pin. Although it makes more noise than the bolt action Savage, I do love the crisp Timney trigger and the ability to put 10 rounds of 40 grain ammo quickly on target with the rapid press of the trigger rather than frantically working the small bolt action of the Mark II to even come close to competing with the accuracy and speed of the 10-22. The best suppressor friendly ammo I have found to reliably function using the back pressure of the suppressor and the recoil of the round to cycle thus far has been CCI Suppressor ammo. Hold over is approximately 1” over the bullseye as to
where I would group with CCI Mini-Mag supersonic ammo. Its dime size groups at 20 and 25 yards had a ½” shift to the right from its unsuppressed results shot approximately 20 minutes prior to the switch. This was however also factoring in the first round of shooting started from a clean, cold bore versus a 50-round count before starting suppressed testing. (Did I mention having to break periodically for irritating Fall wind gusts coming in from the east with the target oriented to the south of the range?) One quick note before moving to my final thoughts on the suppressor, the 22-Swarm is rated for 5.7x28 mm. This platform has been traditionally limited to the FN Five-seveN pistol and the FN PS90 for civilians and full-auto P90 for Military, Law Enforcement and PMC operators for over 15 years now. Recently there has been a resurgence in interest from 5.7 round with companies such as Double Star and CMMG in the AR platform and Ruger in a sleeker, more shooter friendly pistol configuration. I hope to soon receive the treaded barrel direct from Ruger for my sample of their 5.7 pistol version for further testing. During the initial test period, I did fire several shots from my short barrel version of the FN PS90. While the POA / POI was spot on and the rifle functioned flawless with the 22-Swarm easily withstanding the pressures, it was not the most pleasant of suppressed experiences. Without hearing protection, the report of the muzzle blast coming through the relatively short suppressor still made my teeth feel like the rattled and my ears ring. In video taken unsuppressed and suppressed, there was a noticeable difference in sound levels, but not enough to make it human ear friendly without using ear pro. Until then, I had regularly been using Elevated Silence’s Mil / LE Only 5.56 suppressor with the PS90 with great results and at comfortable hearing levels of that of a mild .22 round being fired. While the 22-Swarm technically
FINAL THOUGHTS
Retailing for US$420, the 22-Swarm is not the cheapest suppressor on the market, nor did I expect it to be given its fantastic performance and complete Titanium construction. The simple fact is this multi-caliber suppressor is the real deal. The unique blast baffle and baffle stack design produces a lower FRP (First Round Pop) and quieter overall average than traditional baffle and mono-core designs. The 22-Swarm’s performance and durability are equal to or better than anything else you will find in the industry. I have been privileged enough to test several multi-platform suppressors from Elevated Silence and there are always two things I take away from each experience. First, I have found Elevated Silence suppressors to be some of the best functioning tools on the market. This however is not only for sound suppression but at long distances, aiding in truer than unsuppressed fire for both the .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor platforms. The durability and POA / POI shifts have all been minimal if at all. Bottom line, Elevated Silence suppressors do their damn job and clearly do it well. The difference in their performance over many of the other brands does not need a fancy sound meter to determine results for the human ear to know what real quality is and what is just unacceptable. For long range, the proof is in the target groups as well. Secondly and most importantly, the people involved with Elevated Silence themselves. These are some of the most amazing people I have ever met during my decade of being behind the scenes in the industry after my law
enforcement career. The owners, Jim and Kendall Hood are the personification of what the American Dream is all about. It is evident in their knowledge and experience that Jim and Kendall have worked hard all their lives in and out of the industry, making long drives to shooting events and investing a fortune into gambling on making their dreams come true. According to Jim, they have won some, lost some and admittedly gotten lucky at times but always had each other’s back providing for their family. What they have accomplished is truly inspirational. Together, they have able to raise a beautiful family and now bring combat ready products for the pipe hitters and back yard plinkers alike. The entire Elevated Silence team works tirelessly to deliver top shelf quality suppressors to their customers, especially in a time in which the world seems to be turning upside down. To find out more about these amazing people and products, visit www. elevatedsilence.com and discover a new era in firearm suppression.
TECH: ELEVATED SILENCE 22
did its job, this was simply a case of using the right tool for the right job, which is why Elevated Silence offers several suppressor options.
VX BUCKLE UP GUN CARRIER BLACK / DARK COYOTE / GREEN / VCAM / SRP: £79.95
pmcimagazine.com
GEAR ON TEST
DIRECT ACTION DUST MK2 BACKPACK
If you’re training, on the range, or indeed in need of a fine partner to carry all your EDC items, then sometimes a small pack can be the answer! We’ve been trying out the latest version of one of our favourite designs, and find that it still meets our needs as well as ever. Whilst not a new model per se, the DIRECT ACTION DUST MK2 BACKPACK is worth a look at this time of year as bizarrely hydration is equally important in cold weather as it is on hot summer days! You also need to be mindful of nutrition, and the ability to carry extra fluids and a few more snacks during your training sessions, and this super little pack delivers on all fronts! This upgraded version of Dust Backpack from Direct Action is undoubtedly an answer to all daily load carrying needs and has all features expected from new generation of EDC hydration packs. At 20 litres overall, the main compartment of Dust Mk2 features an internal padded sleeve secured with a hook-and-loop elasticated tab that can be used for a hydration bladder; there is also an external port for a hydration tube. The smaller front compartment has a clear vinyl pocket for maps and documents, an internal organiser for notepads, GPS, writing utensils and other essentials. The presented pack has a sturdy paracord carrying handle and ergonomically designed padded shoulder straps, as well as an adjutable waist system, which helps to distribute weight evenly throughout the upper body and ensures comfortable carry. An innovative Combat Vent System, made of contoured foam profiles with multiple air channels, ensures comfort and keeps the pack off the back which enhances air circulation preventing heat build-up and aids in moisture transfer out of your clothing system.
16
Multiple quick-release buckles allow the backpack to be quickly dropped on the ground when required. The compression straps allow the pack to be adapted to the size of carried gear and prevent it from shifting inside the bag, which may cause discomfort, unnecessary noise, and disturbance to the balance. Laser-cut MOLLE system, which absorbs less water than traditional webbing, makes the backpack not only fully modular but also still maintains a low-profile look. To save weight, the backpack is made of the 500D Cordura fabric, which allows for a lighter weight, and thanks to the egg shape, the pack has smaller height and width than other bags with similar capacity. All these features allow for high level of flexibility, quick adjustment and provide maximum comfort, fit and ventilation, which make this lightweight and durable backpack a perfect companion for the cold-weather months. We’ve used the original DUST pack extensively over a sustained period now, and we’ve found that it stands up perfectly to everyday use and the abuse of a range setting! The latest model builds on the sturdy, well-featured original “SF-inspired” model, adding new fabric tech where appropriate to create an even tighter package. Although we certainly won’t be replacing our original DUST pack anytime soon, we are looking forward to putting this latest version properly through its paces soon! For more information please go to eu.directactiongear. com if you’re in Europe, or us.directactiongear.com for the USA and Americas
NEW MERRELL BOOTS FOR FIELD AND RANGE As waterproof footwear becomes a seasonal “must have” as always we keep our eye open for great boot solutions, and a visit to our local outdoor store prior to lockdown ended up with a certain member of the PMCI crew returning home with a new lightweight model from footwear giant Merrell!
GEAR ON TEST
Beloved of units like the US Rangers, Merrell boots from their outdoor line are certainly worth a look if you’re running a “tactical athlete” set of range gear, and a trip to our local outdoor pursuits store showed us that Merrell definitely still have what it takes! Two new models that we’d not come across before took our eye in particular; the ACCENTOR GORE-TEX MIDS look the absolute business if you’re running fast and light! With a waterproof inner to keep your feet dry and comfortable, the body has been designed so that water can’t get in, but moisture vapour can escape through the billions of pores in the Gore-Tex membrane. In addition, an Aegis antimicrobial, odour-fighting treatment keeps your feet fresh for longer. Humidity isn’t a problem in these breathable boots either, as a membrane keeps your feet dry and a large bellows tongue keeps debris away from the foot. When you encounter slippery patches after rainfall, you’ll be thankful for two features, a mid-length cut that adds ankle support, and a durable rubber outsole for better grip. If you favour something with a more traditional “outdoorsman” look and feel though, then the MOAB 2 MID GORE-TEX could be exactly the boots you’ve been searching for! Merrell’s second-generation Moab 2 takes the best of the original and mixes in new improvements to create a superb feel and fit. Built on the same classic last as the first generation, the Moab 2 boasts GORE-TEX technology to keep your foot comfortable and dry in use on foul-weather days on site and the Merrell M-Select™ FIT.ECO+ blended EVA footbed with zonal arch and heel support just add to this high level of comfort. A Vibram® TC5+ sole delivers unrivalled grip, and the mid-height design of this boot provides excellent ankle support and is combined with an improved fit to create well-formed boot that is designed to last, and to perform. Footwear is massively important, and these new models show that you can have comfort, durability, and a great fit all wrapped up in one great performance package that benefits from all the very latest waterproof/breathable technology; they also both feel light as a feather on your feet, whilst giving great levels of protection and support. So, which one did we come away with? The stealth-black ACCENTOR SOPRT GORE-TEX MIDS, as we’re as vain as the next guy when it comes to putting the cool in “tacticool”… although the fact that they weigh in at just 1lb 15oz/860g and fit perfectly may have had something to do with our purchase too! For more information on their extensive footwear range, please check out www.merrell.com
pmcimagazine.com
GEAR ON TEST
HELIKON TEX COVERT M65 JACKET Needing a jacket for the winter months that has all the features you’d ever need, but that won’t make you stand out in a crowd? The reworking of classic old friend to thoroughly modern spec in the form of the M65 COVERT JACKET could be the answer! Some designs are truly timeless, and that’s the same in the tactical world as it is in the realms of high fashion! We were really pleased to receive a test sample of the very latest “take” on the classic M65 field jacket from our friends over at helicon-Tex in Poland recently, and it’s proving to be a real favourite amongst the PMCI team both young and old! The guys at Helikon-Tex have told us that: “We all know that purely iconic garments are here to stay, no matter the trends or sceptics’ opinions. It doesn’t mean though that we can sit complacently and just reproduce the old styles there’s always room for improvement!” And improve they have with their own, well-considered take on what is a superbly functional jacket; their main goal was to stay as close as it’s possible to the vintage M65 Jacket design, with a stand-up collar, a fly front closure with a zip and the classic chest and hip pockets, and these are all there, just as in the original version. The new jacket also keeps the length of its forebear as well, so it ends at the bottom of the hip, providing you with better protection from cold. That old school military-style jacket left the team at Helikon-Tex with lots of possible ways to improve it though, so they’ve spiced things up with modern tactical features. For example, the zip closure is now provided with a breakaway system, so you’ll be able to access your concealed carry extremely fast.
18
The inner pockets as well as the hip outer pocket will suit carbine magazines and other essentials, and there’s also an additional inner pocket that can be turned into an improvised takeaway butt-pack. The upper part and the elbow areas are made of elastic materials not to restrict you while in action. With this mix of old and new-skool and with the addition modern tactical features, it’s totally up to you whether you’d use the M65 Covert Jacket as a concealed carry garment or a day to day vintage-looking outerwear, but whatever your choice, you can be sure you’re wearing a reliable and truly protective year-round jacket. It’s a great update for that venerable classic that many of us still have hanging in the gear locker, and for once the update has been for good reasons rather than just because they could be done. There’s still nothing on the M65 COVERT that is unnecessary or superfluous, and it’s our belief that it will bring the classic field jacket design into the hearts of a whole new generation of users! For more information, please visit www.helikon-tex.com
HELIKON-TEX WOLFHOUND HOODIE JACKET
Need an extra layer for those chilly range days? The Wolfhound Hoddie from Helikon-Tex may just be that extra shooting partner you’ve been searching for, one that will be with you when the mercury plummets to give you that added spur-on you need to keep training when others head home.
The full feature set and benefits of this super jacket are: • Lightweight and breathable water repellent jacket • Extra warmth with Climashield® Apex™ filling • Designed for everyday use in urban and outdoor environments • Main zipper with glove-friendly zip pull, chin guard and a wind flap • High stand up collar with warm, adjustable hood with an elasticated edge • Spacious left chest pocket • Right chest inner pocket for extra storage • Two zipped hand pockets with fleece lining • Loop panel on the left bicep for additional patches and IDs • Thinner elasticated VersaStretch fabric in the armpits area improves air circulation and enhances comfort • Elasticated wrists and bottom hem • Genuine YKK zippers with glove-friendly zip pulls • DWR coating (Durable Water Repellent) to protect against wind, light rain or snow • Shell material: 100% WindPack Nylon • Filling material: Climashield® Apex™ insulation (67 g/m2) If you’re happy to embrace the latest technologies to help you push further, then the WOLFHOUND HOODIE JACKET comes with our thorough recommendation, and ours came from www. military1st.co.uk
GEAR ON TEST
As we’ve looked at the M65 this time, we thought we’d stick with Helikon-Tex as we’re also loving the WOLFHOUND HOODIE! Regulars of PMCI know that we’re true believers in the layering system when it comes to performance clothing, gear that can make your day just that little bit better whatever “Ma Nature” throws at you. We’re also great believers in embracing fabric technologies and designs that push the “trad layering system” just a bit further, and the Helikon Wolfhound Hoodie Jacket is a garment that adds to the versatility of your “gear locker” during the cold weather months. Made from lightweight and durable 100% WindPack Nylon shell with additional Climashield® Apex™ insulation, the Helikon Wolfhound Hoodie Jacket features a hard-wearing YKK main zipper with glove-friendly zip pull, chin guard and warm stand up collar and multiple zipped pockets. The thinner elasticated VersaStretch fabric in the armpits area improves air circulation and provides the maximum comfort of wearing. In addition to that, the left hand loop panel allows to attach custom or unit patches while the elasticated wrists and bottom hem ensure maximum body warmth. Recommended for security and armed forces personnel, the Helikon Wolfhound Hoodie Jacket is also a fantastic choice for any shooter when the conditions start to deteriorate!
KIT: SOFT SHELL
pmcimagazine.com
SOFT SHELL – WHAT THE (S)HELL? It would seem that everyone loves a softshell, especially a jacket, but are they worth the money you have to fork out for them when a hardshell does more? Bill takes a look at the technology and principles behind the “Softshell Revolution” and brings everything into focus!
M
any years ago I worked full time in the outdoor performance industry for a great clothing and equipment company called Lowe Alpine, and at the time we were at the head of the pack with our own inhouse fabric technologies and some pretty neat design solutions to boot! The company made clothing and packs for every part of the outdoor pursuits community, and we liked to think of ourselves as being a bit “rogue” in the industry as we liked to do things our own way and use or own technologies… namely the way that we felt worked best for the end user, and gave the very best “bang for buck” in all ways! At this time, hardshell, both laminates and coatings, were the name of the game, and although there were some excellent other technologies available, it was all about the Triplepoint Ceramic, eVent, and Gore Tex. Each had its own distinct properties, and my life at the time revolved around moisture vapour transmission rate and hydrostatic heads (breathability and waterproofness basically…), and how best
20
these could be balanced to create a first rate, high-performance garment that was durable enough for use in the widest range of environments and conditions. Around this time though, everyone in the outdoor industry started to rave about a “new thing”, something that would give high levels of water resistance, be incredibly breathable, provide huge levels of comfort, and yet still be durable enough to stand up to mountain-level abuse. At the time the outer face fabrics were far softer than those offered in the dedicated wet-weather jackets, so for want of a better description they became known as “soft” shells. Fast forward to 2020 and nowadays you can’t move in an outdoor setting without seeing softshells, and to many they are the “holy grail” when it comes to truly high-performance garments. I for one though would beg to differ with this, and although softshell technology is truly excellent these days, and eminently more affordable, to me it is just another part in the ever-expanding range of possible solutions to staying comfortable even in the very worst conditions. To fully explain what I mean with this, let’s look first at what “softshell” actually is, and what it can realistically do.
• • •
Maximum performance from a minimum of layers, often with one layer replacing two or more other layers (base, mid and shell). Weather protection that is robust and achievable even though breathability takes PRIORITY over waterproofness. Clothing that is comfortable in a wide range of temperatures and conditions, does not restrict the user and is tough.
If you’re really interested in truly understanding softshell, then you can access his full article at https://www.andy-kirkpatrick.com/ articles/view/cut_the_crap1.
TACTICAL SOFTSHELL DESIGN
Now you might think that it was a smart move for tactical clothing companies to embrace softshell technologies, and you’d be largely right in that, as those same “three principles” are ones that we often hear now from the “light is right/tactical athlete” brigade; in truth, this idea is nothing new to the world of mountaineering and alpinism, and climbers have been embracing it for years already! Of course, when it comes to plate carriers and chest rigs you might think that this is something different, but as always, many innovations are driven at the extreme end of the spectrum, so lighter climbing harnesses and lighter-yet-tougher packs have always been “a thing”, and they’re made from many of the same fabrics that we see in “tacticool gear”, but I digress… Softshell would appear on the face of it to be the ideal fabric technology for tactical garments, and it is, but with provisos on the design side… what is made for hill-walking, and even extreme alpinism has a different “feature set” or “style set” from that needed for a shooter. What do I mean by this? Well simply put the “style set” determines such features of the finished garment
KIT: SOFT SHELL
Ultimately designed with breathability in mind, a softshell garment (in principle) offers greater comfort than a traditional hardshell one, with the softer fabrics making it much more dynamic. The fabrics used are far less rigid and don’t “rustle or creak”, allowing for quieter movement, obviously ideal in a tactical setting. Softshell garments are more like the “all-rounders” for the performance-oriented user, and it’s an ideal choice when you’re looking for a versatile layer that can either be worn in place of a heavier hardshell waterproof, or indeed as an extra layer underneath one in more extreme conditions. It’s the choice of the user that demands a high degree of movement, but who also understands the need for moisture management inside their clothing system. Softshell garments are usually made from a woven fabric (although there are exceptions to this), making them an additional warm layer that provides comfort without the restriction or limitations of other materials; a good softshell fabric wills provide a high degree of perceived “warmth”, although they will also offer significant breathability, preventing you from overheating when active. The very best softshell garments are also windproof, which negates the “chill factor” and maintains a comfortable microclimate around your core. Whilst a softshell will keep you dry in light rain (and the face fabric itself may be deemed “waterproof”), many do not benefit from taped seams so they’re not going to keep you anywhere near dry in persistent or heavy rainfall. Most softshells are described and being “highly-water-resistant” rather than fully waterproof. To me, all of this information was best put together by worldclass climber and alpinist Andy Kirkpatrick some years back when he wrote in a great article his “three principles of softshell”, which are:
pmcimagazine.com
KIT: SOFT SHELL
treated myself to at the beginning of the year! I’m lucky that I’ve been doing this for a while now, and working directly with some of the great brands out there, I’ve had experience of being able to try many, many garment models, and know what size to buy from each brand. With this information in hand it’s far easier for me to order gear online knowing full-well that it will fit, but my advice to you is to make the most of your local store, and buy from them in the first instance after physically trying things on for size! If you know a brand well, then it’s safer to order online, and for this I tend to use www.military1st.co.uk as frankly they have one of the biggest ranges of gear in one place that I’ve ever come across, and their customer service is brilliant! Just head on over to their website, use the search box, and type in “softshell”…
like the shape of the neck/collar/hood, the length, shape and fullness of sleeves (with or without cuffs), the length, shape and fullness of a top or jacket, and the number/placement of pockets and zips. Many garments for the more generalised “outdoor user” follow a similar pattern; let’s take a classic jacket for instance, with two zipped base pockets, possibly a zipped chest pocket, a high collar or hood, comfortably fitted sleeves, and a drawstring waist; you can pick up softshell garments like this virtually anywhere, and these days not even pay very much for it, and for the average “Skirmish Sunday” user these are great to wear, and superb value for money. However, when you up the ante a bit this “classic feature set” doesn’t actually work too well for what we do; what use are base pockets when you wear a pistol belt, and what use is a chest pocket when you’re wearing a plate carrier? Is the hood big enough to accommodate a helmet, and does it move WITH the helmet when you turn your head? Are the sleeves cut to ensure dynamic movement when you’re transitioning from target to target, and indeed, are they long enough to take into account a shooting stance without ending up round your elbows? I believe that you’ll see where I’m heading with this, and why when I review a “tactical softshell” I go to great lengths over the feature set. To me, design really is king when it comes to garments for use in “our world”, and that’s why I tend to focus on gear generally that is purpose-built for shooters, and not just taken off the peg at your local supermarket… although even those are getting better and better these days and you can find some great bargains if you search around!
GETTING YOUR GEAR ON!
So, you may well think “that’s great, I get it now, but what should I look to buy?”, and the easy answer to that is simply head to a retailer that specialises in tactical/shooter gear! I buy from all over the place, but also from my “local” shop, Platoon Stores (https://platoonstores.co.uk), when I want something specific, like the Multicam Black softshell jacket I
22
This will lead you to some excellent jacket models like the Pentagon ARTAXES (abwhich is a comfortable and multifunctional soft shell jacket with a two-way full front zipper and high collar with a chin guard of grid fleece. A large “cobra-style” hood is concealed within the collar and is lined with a warm grid fleece. Its size and fit can be easily adjusted with elastic cords with cord-locks placed at the back and each side of the hood, and inside both chest pockets. The jacket features eight practical pockets placed on the chest (great with a pistol belt, not so much with a plate carrier!), both sleeves and lower back, all lined with mesh or grid fleece. The inner lining of super-fine Grid-Tech fleece offers both excellent thermal protection and body moisture management as it traps the heat inside while allowing moisture to escape freely. Breathable and water-resistant Storm-Tex membrane makes the jacket suitable for mild to cold weather conditions and its elastic outer shell offers optimal comfort of movement. Another cracker is the MISTRAL from Helikon-Tex; this is an extremely durable “anorak”, or smock, made from their StormStretch fabric with great breathable properties, and that provides excellent protection against wind, light rain or even snow. The jacket features a fully adjustable hood with visor and ventilation system secured with hook-and-loop closure and front anorak style zip opening with a chin guard. There is a large kangaroo pocket, accessible from the top with two-way zip, secured with a storm flap with a simple internal organiser
for documents, keys and other essentials. In addition, the jacket comes with another large pocket with vertical zippers giving access from both sides. The sleeves feature two bicep pockets, velcro panels for patches, reinforced elbow areas and ventilation pit zips. The jacket comes with an adjustable bottom hem with a drawstring cord stopper and hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs.
All of the jacket models quoted are models that I have tried and tested for myself, but they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to manufacturers working with this type of fabric technology, and if you have the coin then you’re going to want to get into the realms of UF Pro, Arc’teryx, and if you can find it still, Wild Things Tactical. Don’t forget that it’s not only jackets that you’ll find offered in “softshell” either, but pullovers, hoodies, and trousers too. As usual I’ll conclude by saying “do your research” before you buy, and nowhere is this truer than when it comes to softshell. Research, research, and research again before you part with your money, and this way you’ll end up with a clothing “partner” that will serve you for many years to come!
KIT: SOFT SHELL
Sticking with Helikon-Tex, the URBAN HYBRID (above), is an extremely durable softshell Jacket made of a great hybrid of their StormStretch and VersaStretch fabrics, and it also benefits from a DWR coating to add to water resistance along with great breathable properties, so it provides excellent protection in rapidly changing weather conditions. The jacket features a collar-stowed and elasticated hood with soft fleece lining and two-way main zipper with storm flap and a chin guard. There are two vertical zipped chest pockets with storm flaps and two zipped hand pockets lined with fleece for EDC items. The sleeves come with reinforced elbow areas and ventilation mesh panels in the armpit area, and the cuffs and bottom hem of the jacket feature elasticated ribbons for a really snug fit. One of the “crossover” models I REALLY like is the Haglofs Multi Flex Hooded Jacket; best known in the outdoor performance world, everything Haglofs’ do has a purpose, every detail is made to make your time outdoors simply better. When your gear and clothing are designed to be a reliable partner, helping you to get the work done a “shiny surface” isn’t worth a thing. Only high-quality crafted goods make the cut, and this jacket is one of them for me! The Multi Flex soft shell hooded jacket is made from stretchy fabric (made from recycled material!) with a solid feature set that provides great wind protection and breathability and is “flexible” enough to not restrict your movements, even the most dynamic! Made from a mix of 63% recycled polyester, 22% polyester, and 16% polyurethane, as well as being windproof and good at managing moisture, the jacket’s DWR-treated surfaces help repel water and dirt, and a coffee-based odour control treatment keeps you fresh, no matter how sweaty you get…. And any garment that contains “coffee” gets my vote every time! My personal “everyday wear” softshell though is the excellent Clawgear RAPAX. The Rapax is an extremely breathable and
uncompromising “mid-season” garment with a light build and low stowage volume for a wide range of tactical and range applications as well as everyday use. Weighing in at 580g this is a jacket that you can chuck in your range bag, having it there for when the weather turns. The seam-free shoulder area eases pack/range bag carriage without pressure points and prevents water from getting in, whilst the wind deflector prevents cold air getting inside through the zipper. The adjustable waist adjustment straps provide a close-fitting and functional waist design. The Rapax is extremely breathable, and uses a durable water repellent fabric throughout, a 97% Polyester, 3% Spandex mix that works extremely well; Claw Gear also make use of water repellent sewing yarn which adds to the overall protection level. With an innovative low profile pocket concept the Rapax is extremely comfortable to wear and the modern styling allows a full range of unrestricted movement. The jacket itself is water repellent and breathes extremely well, making it a superb layering piece under a hardshell jacket if things turn really unpleasant. The Rapax also benefits from two lower, mesh-lined handwarmer pockets, a pocket on the left upper arm, and velcro patches for team/unit patches; there’s also an inner pocket which allows routing for comms cables if you should need them. The Rapax is easy to pack and takes up minimal space in a pack, so it’s absolutely ideal if you want to stow it away “just in case”. Overall it’s a superbly designed jacket made of high end fabrics and components, and the finish of it just oozes quality and attention to detail. If you’re in the market for a new performance softshell jacket in the very latest “tacticool” colours then I would thoroughly recommend you take a very close look at the Rapax! (SEE BELOW)
pmcimagazine.com
MAINTENANCE
pmcimagazine.com
GOOD TO GO As some of us are still in our enforced “stay at home” time, it really is a great opportunity to ensure that ALL your kit is squared away and prepared for the day we can get back out to the range, full training, and training courses again! Bill gives the benefit of his many years as an outdoorsman to show you what you can be achieving positively in your downtime.
I
you’re spending a lot of money on your gear, then you really want to get the best out of it don’t you? Just like changing tyres or the oil in a car, all of your gear will really, really benefit from some regular “TLC”, a bit of a service if you like. Although the guidelines for staying safe in “The Time of Covid” varies from country to country, and indeed place to place, the fact is that like it or not, our normal activities have been necessarily curtailed; but that doesn’t mean we should be sitting on our hands, thumbs up behinds, and brains in reverse, now does it? Whilst many of us are looking at new ways to complete our routine training at home, and indeed coming up with some unique, interesting, and novel ways to make that happen, there is ALWAYS something you can be doing in “prep” for the change of seasons, and I’ll try to give you an idea of what I’m up to personally when it comes to looking after my tactical clothing and kit.
24
f
First up is clothing; I truly believe that there is a far better understanding of the fabric technology used in our clothing systems than ever before, and it’s a subject that is a bit of a “holy grail” for me. To recap from a more detailed article I wrote on clothing maintenance some while back, all too often I’m out on the range with my mates and when we get back in the car their “Gucci” waterproof shell gear just gets dumped unceremoniously in a pile in the trunk or even in the footwell underfoot! These are usually the self-same people that I will see at a later date bemoaning the fact that their expensive waterproof jacket “isn’t working”, complaining to all and sundry that somehow the technology has failed, and that they are wet and uncomfortable. The most common gripe I hear is that “this funking thing is leaking” when actually it’s still perfectly fine, and the fact is, it just isn’t “breathing” anymore! Like all performance items topend shell gear needs maintaining regularly to get the best from it. You might only change the tyres on your car infrequently (probably when the MOT or insurance inspection rolls around!), but on a Formula One car they may change the tyres during a single race to get the very best performance.
When you buy a Gore-Tex (or similar) jacket you’re investing in a high-performance item, and as such, it needs treating like one! Over time things like the hydrophobic (water-heating) Durable Water Repellent (DWR, think a microscopic “film”) on the outer face fabric of the garment will begin to wear and crack, and the fabric will start to hold the water that’s now allowed through to it. As new, water droplets will be held on the DWR layer, simply rolling off the fabric before they penetrate. You’ll notice after a while that this “beading” process will start to lessen, and that the water is being absorbed into the fabric itself; this is usually noticeable first in areas like the shoulders where pack straps or a plate carrier rub and abrade the DWR, or on cuff ends where the fabric rubs against itself.
treatments that let you refresh and restore the performance of your gear, ensuring your kit delivers the same protection it did when you bought it. The first step is obviously to clean your garments, and to do this you need to ensure that first and foremost you follow the manufacturer’s care guidance that’s given on the label you’ll nodoubt find inside the garment. Most garments, including hard shell, can be popped in the washing machine (check the care label!), and by using a dedicated wash product you can make certain that no harm is going to come to your beloved gear so it comes out all sparkly and fresh! Once your garment has been cleaned, you should clean out your washing machine’s detergent tray. This is a similar step for washing, but you’ll want to clear out any remnants of your washing product. Get yourself some wash-in proofer (unless your garment has a hydrophilic (water-loving) lining which is used sometimes to help transfer internal moisture, in which case use a spray on proofer to the outer face as directed!) then simply follow the instructions for volume and temperature settings before setting the washer. Let the cycle run with the proofer, and once completed, allow the cycle to repeat and remove excess moisture. Re-proofers usually activate with heat so if your garment allows you to tumble dry it the heat will help activate the replenished coating, and then you’re good to go all over again. All of your clothing system will benefit form a good wash and clean, and again cleaning products like sock, base and mid-layer washes will help your clothing system in its entirety. These wash products are specially formulated to work with both natural and synthetic “thermal layering and next to skin” garments to retain and improve performance, and aid in effective moisture wicking, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your entire clothing system.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND
MAINTENANCE
Internally over time, body oils, grease and general dirt will also build up and the net result is that your jacket will stop “breathing” as well as it did when it was new. You won’t really notice this until it becomes obvious, and water vapour that was previously being transferred out of the system stays inside and re-condenses. You’ll feel cold, clammy and uncomfortable, put your hand inside your jacket, feel “water” and of course your quite natural conclusion will be that the jacket is leaking! A re-proofer will restore the waterproof performance of your gear to ensure it continues to keep you dry and protected. To combat the degradation of performance you simply need to give your jacket (or pants) a bit of care and invest in a maintenance product. There are many of them on the market these days, and most can be ordered easily online, so check out brands like Grangers, Nikwax, Storm, Rockin’ Green, and Gear Aid. These brands create environmentally sustainable treatments used to clean, waterproof and care for fabrics, and the majority can be used in the same wash cycle in your washing machine at home; you’ll also find bespoke products for down, merino, and base layer care products to keep all of your gear tip-top. These products offer high performance cleaning, water proofing and after-care
There are places where you can skimp and save a bit of money with your gear, but footwear is not one of them! Choosing the wrong boots, or failing to maintain them properly, can make all the difference to having a superb day on the range or going home early! Just like your clothing system, your footwear choice is allimportant year-round, but especially so when the weather turns wet, cold, and even snowy! A good desert boot will inherently be made with less insulation than a winter, or indeed even a temperate model, so as much as a good waterproof technology will keep your feet dry the boot overall will leave you with cold feet, or worse, on an icy morning; waterproof socks can help if you have an unlined summer boot, but do bear in mind that these will fill up the inner volume of the boot more than your usual socks, and that can lead to heat loss via transmission so your feet will be dry, but still feel cold. Cuff height may also differ, as in general a winter boot will have a higher cuff to keep out snow and spindrift; I was at a range just not so long ago where I stepped into a water-filled pothole deeper than the height of my desert boot cuff, and although they’re membrane-lined water does tend to get in through the big hole on the top where your foot goes in! So why not just wear willies or rubber boots? Well, two things here really; firstly wellies are pretty much always not going to be breathable, so although they will keep water out, and with specialist socks be warm, but they will also keep moisture in; someone once told me that we have more than 250,000 sweat glands in each foot, making them the most perspiring parts of your body. Your body can produce as much as a pint of sweat per day per foot, and if you’re wearing wellies most of that will stay inside
pmcimagazine.com
MAINTENANCE
pmcimagazine.com
the boot! Secondly, most basic wellies offer very little support. You’ve also got to build into this equation that boot manufacturers make different outsole units for different conditions; this may not on the face of it be a major concern, but if the tread pattern of the outsole has been designed for warm, dry conditions how will it fare in wet grass or on wet-leaf covered rock? Let me tell you… not very well at all, and you’re seriously asking for a slip which could lead to a turned ankle or worse. A waterproof exterior or membrane is a crucial boot feature to keep you protected from the elements. By using breathable technologies waterproof boots prevent moisture from building up and potentially forming harmful bacteria and blisters, but also allow for perspiration to get out. For even greater protection in the winter months, look for boots that are both waterproof and insulated. Insulated linings keep warmth inside the boot so that you can stay comfortable and protected during cold weather activities. Winter boots go through a lot; they are subjected to rain, snow, mud, slush, salt, and a whole range of crud; by the end of a winter season poorly cared for boots will repay your lack of care by failing to maintain waterproofness, looking like “sh1t” or even falling apart completely! Even the best boots, leather or synthetic, will put up with plenty of muck and water during use, but mud can ruin your boot’s outer if it stays on too long, so when you get home stick your boots under the tap and then scrub with a stiff brush. Dry them with a boot dryer or in a warm room, but never put boots next to the fire or on top of a radiator as too much heat can crack the leather and melt the soles! Remove the insoles if you can at the same time you scrub your boots clean (ish!); insoles hold moisture, and will start to get soft and start to rot if you leave them in for an extended period of time. The same goes for boots made from synthetic materials; wet insoles can also become smelly and full of bacteria if they’re
26
allowed to sit in the boot. Just let them dry overnight, and they should be fine again. Water will ruin leather, so you’ll need to reapply a Durable Water Repellant treatment once in a while, and you also want nylon and Cordura tactical models to keep water out once the DWR coating wears off. I use items from the Nikwax Footwear Care Kit because it’s easy to use (and PFC-free). You should reapply a waterproofing agent whenever you notice that the outer materials, leather or synthetic, are becoming saturated and holding water. You don’t need to use much, just coat the entire boot with one thin layer, let that dry and you’ll be good to go again in no time. We may all face a range of weather conditions through the year, so don’t let your boots hold you back from getting the most out of your training time!
GOOD GEAR TO GO
Whilst at this time of year it’s 100% important to ensure that your clothing and footwear is ready for the Winter months, this “pause” we find ourselves in is also a great time to give your fighting rig, load bearing kit, and sustainment gear the once over. Belt setups, chest rigs, and plate carriers are your all-important “tools of the trade” that you’re going to be using whether you’re in short and sharp training situation, or indeed something more serious, so it’s important to make sure that all this kit is completely ready for action! Empty your gear of all equipment, remove comms setups and have a close look at seams, straps and closures. Check them all thoroughly for any signs of degradation or excessive wear, and make repairs where you need to! If closures like buckles are starting to feel loose, then it’s worth replacing these. If you’re using MOLLE/PALS then check the fitment of all your pouches to make sure that the closures are secure, and it may also be the time to make those positioning changes you’ve been thinking about!
especially paying attention to the hoses if you use a Camelbak, Source, or Platypus system. Pull out your cooking gear, messtins, plates, KFS, and of course your stove and make sure that these are all spotless! If you carry a gas cooker with a hose connector then make sure that the connection is sound, and that the gas tube itself is free from wear and cracks… don’t forget to check gas canisters if you use them to make sure these are full! The same goes for batteries for any flashlights you may carry. If you store ration packs or long-life food items with your sustainment kit then make sure that this is all in date! Also, if you store your kit in a garage, outbuilding or loft then make sure even pre-packed foodstuffs are in sealed containers… it’s my experience that mice and tree rats love a good ration pack (and bizarrely also rubber hoses in your vehicle engine compartment… just sayin’…)! Finally, check your personal First Aid Kit; items like disinfectant creams can go out of date, and even simple plasters and blister pads can lose their adhesive properties over time. If you don’t carry a personal FAK I would thoroughly recommend that you do, and if you’re unsure of what to include then you’ll find some great articles about this over on the UF PRO Blog written by an SF medic to give you some pointers (https://ufpro.com/blog)! Fact is we all (sadly) have time to really get all these vital small jobs done at the moment, so use your time wisely and prepare! Don’t be “that guy” that’s always messing around with their kit when they should be “eyes on”, be “THE GUY” that everyone looks to as the one that always has their personal admin dialled and is ready and good to go each and every time!
MAINTENANCE
Packs and load carriers; just like your other “nylon kit” you need to go over your packs carefully and once again check all the straps and closures, replacing where necessary. Particularly important with packs is the main harness/carry straps; one common point of failure on a load bearing pack is the point where the bottom of the shoulder strap meets the base of the pack body, and if you see that starting to wear or separate, it’s time for a serious repair to avoid your pack falling off you when you most need it not to! Also check the water-tightness of any dry-bags you use to store gear inside your pack, paying attention to the seam-sealing tape runs! Sustainment gear; looking to what you carry for longer duration training in the field, it’s worth spending some time on your “snivel gear”! If you store your sleeping bag or lofted (down or synthetic) jacket compressed in a stuff bag, take them out, give them a wash (use a specialist product for this, my favourites are from the Nikwax range of cleaning products), and then hang them somewhere warm to dry naturally; if possible leave them hanging or laid out so that the fill doesn’t become overly compressed during longer-term storage. Do not store your sleeping bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will eventually damage the fill, and watertight storage bags are also a bad idea as condensation can build up inside and result in mildew. If you use a bivvy bag, again it’s worth checking all the seam tape, and then giving it a wash and re-proof like you would your other waterproof gear, and of course if you carry a self-inflating sleep-pad then also check this for wear and punctures; if you use a foam version ensure that this is not completely compressed, and if it is, replace it. Clean and sterilise your hydration systems or waterbottles (most outdoor stores/outfitters can sell you “steri-tabs” for this),
GALATI .50 BMG WEAPONS CASE
GALATI .50 BMG WEAPONS CASE When it comes to heavy hitting hardware, it is no doubt the .50 BMG rifle is always a crowd pleaser. Unfortunately for the end user, the firearms market has very few options for safely transporting these massive rifles and their expensive optics, but Trampas comes up with a perfect solution!- TS
M
28
ost cases for the “big guns” require the rifle to be partially disassembled to fit inside, which can cause an issue in consistency of accuracy. As a long time owner of an Armalite AR-50 rifle chambered in .50 BMG, I am all too aware of these issues. In this article, I am excited to share with other .50 BMG shooters a recent product discovery I made featuring a discreet rifle soft case by Galati specifically designed for the .50 BMG rifle. As with anything associated with the .50 BMG platform, I had budgeted a few hundred dollars for a rifle case during my search for one that would be durable and not require partial disassembly. To my surprise, I came upon one that as half of what I expected to pay and looked like it would do the job wonderfully. While I was familiar with the company, Galati (www.galatigear.com) for their durable AR-15 cases, it was during a search on www.opticsplanet.com that revealed this company also produced heavy weapons rifle bags for the .50 BMG platform. To find out more, I went straight to the Galati website and read the specs on their bag. Constructed of 600 denier material, I knew it would hold up in and out of the truck, on the gravel and grass as well as being dragged across shooting benches to unload and load the
massive rifle. The bag’s external dimensions were listed as 63” x 17” x 3.5” sporting a ½” of closed cell foam to protect its valuable cargo. Further reading revealed the internal dimensions given were 62” x 14 ½” x 3 ¼”. I thought to myself, this should fit the Armalite AR-50 without disassembly nicely! As a bonus, the interior of the case offered 12 elastic loops to stage the next rounds ready to go while shooting. Additionally, the interior offered a 5” x 1 1.2” x 11” pocket with Velcro closure large enough for a full box of ammunition, extra ear plugs and a much-needed bottle of Advil. Overall, the rifle fit ended up being perfect even with its massive Vortex Optics Razor Gen II 4.5-27x56 FFP mm scope mounted on top. Admittedly, when I first saw how thin the rifle case was, I was concerned it would not encompass the massively muzzle break on the end of the rifle. As I slide the rifle in and attempted to zip it up, there was resistance. Using the internal straps to secure the rifle in place at the correct angle, the case effortlessly zipped as designed. Once the cargo was cinched down tight and fully zipped, the flat lines of the case with a featureless exterior looked very unassuming for such a large bag. The rugged carry straps around the middle of the case balanced the load perfectly and prevented any awkward tetter-tottering during carry. Due to its massive size, the case
GALATI .50 BMG WEAPONS CASE
can be unzipped to lay flat and used as an extremely comfortable padded shooting mat. The closed foam padding does a great job of preventing ground moisture from coming through to its payload. Despite the great features and durable construction of the case, perhaps the best feature was its price. Ranging from US$104.99 to US$139.84, this case came in under half of what I had expected. The soft case design was well built and served its purpose well without the need for an overly heavy, hard sided option. If your hobby or profession involves making the earth shake 660 grains at a time, I highly recommend the Galati Heavy Weapons Case for your .50 BMG rifle!
pmcimagazine.com
HOFFNER HAND HAWK
pmcimagazine.com
HOFFNER HAND HAWK As time goes on, each generation of Military, Law Enforcement personnel, and civilian first responders such as Fire and Rescue, benefit from amazing technological advancements. Some of which border on what was science fiction only a couple of decades ago including the invention and application of Tasers, Automated External Defibrillators, (AEDs), modular night and thermal vision devices just to name a few. -TS
W
30
hile these items rely on sophisticated technology to save lives and combat evil there are still some tools that require good old fashion craftsmanship and elbow grease. One such tool that is commonly overlooked is the hand axe. In properly skilled hands, the hand axe, or tomahawk can be used for chopping, cutting, fighting, extracting, prying and many other applications. A great example that rises to the challenge is the Hand Hawk by Hoffner Knives. Based in Houston, Texas, Hoffner Knives is owned and operated by long time Law Enforcement officer and black belt, Brian Hoffner. Hoffner earned his black belt in Goju Ryu Karate while serving in the United States Air Force as a K9 Security officer assigned to Clark AFB in Manila, the Philippines. With over 30 years of service, Hoffner has trained more than 30 agencies across the country and hundreds of patrol and special operations officers in the art of hand-to-hand fighting, firearms, and knives. Hoffner Knives is known for many successful designs including the Hand Spear, and the massive pry bar/knife known simply as The Beast. Hoffner’s years of experience and firsthand knowledge are clearly evident in each one of his designs.
I first met Brian Hoffner while attending the 2017 NRA Annual Meetings in Atlanta. I was introduced by a close
I was immediately interested. Before parting ways I put in a request for a Hand Hawk so I could spend some quality time with this new axe.
HANDS ON
About a month after the show, a sample of the Hand Hawk arrived at my office. As I removed it from the packaging, I noticed it came with a very well made Kydex sheath featuring a Blade Tech style adjustable belt latch. From the factory, the Hand Hawk sheath is designed to carry the axe inverted on the belt for rapid deployment from the weak hand side. This mirrors Hoffner’s penchant for reverse grip or “Spine pick” presentation as per his prescribed personal manual of arms. Unsnapping the leather strap, I rocked the axe forward and out it came freely and quickly from the sheath. The Hand Hawk can also be carried right side up with the handle below the belt line. The Hand Hawk also attaches easily to the side of a daypack. Constructed of 440 Chromium Stainless Steel with a hardness rating of 56-58 HRC Rockwell, the axe was finished in a good looking and durable acid Stonewash. Dark Ops Green G10 scales covered the handle offering a comfortable and above all secure grip. When employing an inverted grip, the ringed loop at the bottom of the handle anchored my hand comfortably and aided in giving me complete control of the Hand Hawk.
HOFFNER HAND HAWK
friend and well-respected figure in the knife community, Roger Eckstine. For those who may not be familiar, Roger is a longtime writer for Knife Magazine and the author of the Shooter’s Bible Guide to Knives. So when Roger says you’ve got to meet someone, you go! After the first 10 minutes at the Hoffner’s Knives booth in the exhibition hall, it was as if Brian and I had known each other for years. We traded war stories from our Law Enforcement experience and spoke about all things blade related. Brian took time out of his busy schedule to show off a few of his top designs and a great new clothing line designed for covert weapons carry. In the months that followed I had the pleasure of reviewing several of his blades for a number of different publications. During the SHOT Show in Las Vegas in 2019, I ran into Brian on the show floor and started discussing some of his newest designs. One specific project Brian thought I would really like was the result of his collaboration with well-known outdoor survivalist and YouTube personality, Justin Leonidas. Brian and Justin had just spent the past two years discussing ideas for a “mini” tomahawk, which would become the Hand Hawk. As a lifelong student of the tomahawk I have followed its application and development from the western frontier to World War I and World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and around the globe in the hands of Military, Law Enforcement and Contractor forces. So naturally,
pmcimagazine.com
HOFFNER HAND HAWK
pmcimagazine.com
The forward cutting edge was 2-inches long with a 1-inch bottom edge that helped to free the axe head when chopping and did a great job feathering wood to start a fire. On the opposite side was a sharp-edged, spiked pick that can be used to pierce a coconut or even a car hood with ease. The serrated top edge serves to rip as the tool is retracted. Viewed from the side the Hand Hawk offered a series of cutouts for common items first responders will likely need to engage in their daily service. Such as O2, De-Con and gas valves. Along the top, there is even an emergency bottle opener to celebrate a successful mission with one‘s cold beverage of choice. The Hand Hawk has been a regular part of my daily kit for over 18 months now. It’s been in and out of my Chevy Suburban during road trips, its also been on the range teaching, hunting and in the field doing photo shoots. Its compact size makes it barely noticeable when attached to my daypack. I have found it quick to deploy and handy for trimming branches to fashion a makeshift hunting blind, chop firewood or when breaking up ice blocks for the cooler. The dog-legged handle offered at least two different grip positions, one higher than the other. It allowed me to choke up on the handle for greater control during more delicate cutting tasks as well as letting me sink my hand towards the bottom end for better leverage when chopping. With the pinky finger inserted inside the ring the Hand Hawk offered more leverage and superior retention. For tactical operations, the Hand Hawk’s small size does not hinder it from being able to puncture the tires of a suspect’s vehicle when necessary, break and rake most kinds of windows or allow operators to gain access into items such as interior walls in which prohibited or target items may be hidden or
32
secured. The pick penetrates deeper than one might expect given its limited surface area and the overall design offered good leverage for prying open small to medium crates with minimal effort. Overall, I am a fan of the Hand Hawk. It offers multiple uses in a compact yet functional tool that easily validates adding its mere ounces to one’s pack. The Hand Hawk is concealable and can also be used much like a large fixed blade knife.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In the world in which we are currently living, you never know when transitioning from a handgun to an axe may become a viable option and training to keep that skill fresh and applicable is paramount. The Hoffner Hand Hawk provides a certain mystical impression that harkens to the days of Vikings and beyond when an axe was deployed rather than just a simple knife. This interchange has proven to give warriors a mental and tactical advantage in many situations throughout history. Retailing for US$270, the Hand Hawk offers all the quality and rock-solid construction one would expect from a Hoffner knife. The Hand Hawk is a unique balance of practical versus tactical. It can handle everyday tasks for the first responder and even those required of a retired LEO / father of two, while instilling confidence in its lethality should he need to use it in a fight. To find out more about this handy little axe and the amazing tactical mind of its creator, Brian Hoffner, visit www. hoffners.com to explore further. Until next issue, keep your blades sharp and your mind deadly.
www.arg.uk.com
FIREARMS - RUGER PRECISION RIFLE
pmcimagazine.com
RUGER .338 LAPUA MAGNUM PRECISION RIFLE When it comes to getting effective rounds on target at long distance, most civilian shooter outside of elite competition circles often think about calibers such as .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor. This makes sense due to the extreme commercial popularity of these rounds on the civilian market. However, to those who find themselves in professions that require real firepower and precision beyond 1000 yards, the real “Kings of the Caliber” are more realistically the .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua and the all too famous .50 BMG. In anti-personnel application, the .338 Lapua is perhaps most highly regarded combination of range and accuracy of the big three. It has even chalked up confirmed kills in the theater of battle up to a documented 8120 ft. That is just over a mile and a half! - TS
W
hen it comes to getting effective rounds on target at long distance, most civilian shooter outside of elite competition circles often think about calibers such as .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor. This makes sense due to the extreme commercial popularity of these rounds on the civilian market. However, to those who find themselves in professions that require real firepower and precision beyond 1000 yards, the real “Kings of the Caliber” are more realistically the .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua and the all too famous .50 BMG. In anti-personnel application, the .338 Lapua is perhaps most highly regarded combination of range and accuracy of the big three. It has even chalked up confirmed kills in the theater of battle up to a documented 8120 ft. That is just over a mile and a half! Often, precision rifles chambered for these large rounds can soar beyond the US$3000.00 US mark without even putting the optic into the discussion. With custom stocks, honed actions and other bells and whistles, these rifles
34
FIREARMS - RUGER PRECISION RIFLE
usually feature items that are nice to have but not entirely necessary to perform the mission at hand. This issue, we will look at a true “out of the box� performer that will not break the bank from our trusted friends at Ruger Firearms, the Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR). For the past few years, my family and I have enjoyed exploring the world of the 6.5 Creedmoor round and various rifles chambered for it. While on a trip to Utah, my wife, Candace had the opportunity to shoot with a few representatives from Ruger Firearms using their bolt action Ruger Precision Rifle series. It was love at first sight and since then, we have worked towards getting her very on RPR 6.5 Creedmoor. I had the occasion to test a RPR last year chambered in .308 Win to compare to my tried and true former Law Enforcement sniper rifle chambered in the same round. The results were very impressive similarities between the RPR and a highly custom $7000 Remington 700 action-based rifle. Earlier this year, I even teamed up with Vortex Optics and Torrent Firearms to review the Ruger .17 caliber rimfire version. All ran smooth as glass and held very impressive groups in which prompted a member of our team at the time to purchase the rifle from Ruger on the spot! In October of 2018, Ruger decided to step their game up from the Rimfire and standard production RPR, into the heavy hitter .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua level. The new rifle had a very impressive looking design that was awfully close in appearances the existing models, only 30% bigger to accommodate the much larger rounds. During this past summer, when I was asked to put my former Law Enforcement sniper skills to use running the Ruger Precision Rifle chambered in .338 Lapua for review, I jumped at the chance!
pmcimagazine.com
pmcimagazine.com
FIREARMS - RUGER PRECISION RIFLE
FIRST LOOK
Once the rifle arrived at the office from Ruger, I opened the box and started examining the rifle from muzzle to stock. Starting with the giant Ruger logo engraved muzzle break, the rifle begins with an impressive statement saying, “This ain’t no squirrel rifle!”. Its rear diagonal ports were reminiscent of those found on my Armalite AR50 chambered in .50 BMG. It propels gases rearward to push the rifle forward while offsetting the reward motion of the recoil. Anchoring the muzzle break was the 26” heavy contour Cold Hammer-Forged barrel with its 1/9 twist and 5R rifling. This impressive looking barrel ran underneath an M-Lok compatible free float handguard to allow for full barrel flex and accuracy advantages. While the handguard allowed for mounting a wide range of items from lasers to night vision including QD (quick release) holes for sling adaptors, I opted to use one of the M-Lok sections to mount an Atlas PSR Bipod to give the heavy rifle solid support when shooting prone. Its been my experience over the years that the Atlas series of bipods have been more reliable and sturdier than many others I have tried or had to rely on in the past. Moving into the massive bolt action receiver of the Ruger Precision Rifle, it was impressive to even the most seasoned shooter. The AR style pistol grip and ambidextrous safety set up is extremely user friendly to anyone comfortable with the AR-15 or AR-10 platforms. Along the right side of the receiver was a large, easy to access button that releases the stock to be folded to the left side. Despite the 52.5” overall length which fits a limited number of quality rifle cases, the folding stock brings the overall length down to a much more manageable 40.35” length. The bolt was butter smooth as I worked it back and forth doing a few dry practice (not dry fire, new terminology direct from NRA guidelines). The bolt handle featured an oversized knob which is standard on many high-end big bore precision rifles. With the stock partially folded, the bolt was easy to remove for cleaning by depressing the bolt stop lever located along the left side of the receiver of where the bolt handle levers downward into the locking position. Once the bolt is out of the rifle, the end of the bolt shroud can be removed with a simple twist to reveal a bolt disassembly tool and an Allen wrench for trigger adjustments. (These folks think of everything!) One of my personal favorite features of the Ruger Precision Rifle is the use of AI-style 5 round magazines to feed the long-range beast. Rather than create hard to find, proprietary magazines, Ruger opted to use one of the more popular large caliber magazine systems on the market. I have always felt the lack of doing this with the Mini-14 platform for AR-15 was one of the biggest obstacles in its success. Accuracy International style magazines are proven to be ultra-reliable and durably for heavy use. Finally, as my inspection came to the stock itself, I was pleased to see the minimalistic chassis style stock found on many top tier rifles. Unlike the heavy Magpul PRS stocks on my SR25 pattern rifles in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor, the Ruger’s stock was fast to adjust for length of pull (LOP) and cheek weld with a flip of a lever rather than a stiff plastic wheel. These features came in very handle when dialing in optics once mounted. When it comes to long range rifles, it’s safe to say, you can
36
have the most accurate barrel on the planet, but if you can’t clearly see what you are shooting at, it will do you no good. To match the capabilities of the .338 Lapua Ruger Precision Rifle, Vortex Optics sent over one of their Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56mm FFP scopes. Like the rifle, this optic is a beast among optics but fit the Ruger like a glove with a set of Vortex branded High 34mm rings. This series is the top of the line for Vortex Optics and offers some of the clearest glass in the industry comparable to that of Leupold and Nightforce Optics here in the US. Once everything was torqued to factory specs and laser bore sighted, the complete set up was ready to hit the range!
RUGER PRECISION RIFLE SPECS
Model: 18080 Caliber: .338 Lapua Mag (tested), .300 Win Mag Magazine Capacity: 5 Barrel Length: 26” Cold Hammer-Forged, 5 R Rifling Twist: 1:9.375 MSRP: $2099.00
VORTEX RAZOR HD GEN II SPECS Magnification: Objective Lens: Focal Plane: Eye Relief: Tube Diameter: Adjustments: Reticle: MSRP:
RANGE TIME
4.5-27 FFP 56mm First 3.7” 34mm MRAD Horus Tremor3 $2899.99
To break the rifle in properly, I called up my good friend and fellow instructor, Tom Martin, who owns a partner business to our training group called The Baldwin Pistol School. Since retiring from our local Sheriff’s Office, Tom has devoted his time to training civilians on pistol, shotgun, and rifle platforms at his private range. As I arrived to meet Tom and fellow PMCI writer, Clint Steele, I came across another close friend hanging out at the range, Marco Raymond. Marco is a former Special Forces Operator with whom we all train together with as well. I smiled as I thought to myself the RPR .338 Lapua could not spend its first day in any better company! As I began to set up the rifle for testing, I pointed out to the other shooters an often overlooked feature of the RPR’s handguard that earlier reviewers during SHOT SHOW tend to miss, that is the Arca Swiss adaptable tripod rail built into the stock. This feature allows for many RPR end users, including myself to take the rifle to a much wider level of shooting positions in places where shot opportunities may not have been available without the use of a tripod. To start things off, I used a carbon fiber CRECTAC Tactical Rifle Tripod from Feisol ( www.feisol.net ). With the handguard being able to directly mount to the Arca Swiss pan head, it allowed for a fast mount and dismount of the rifle in case of an emergency egress and gave me a butter smooth swivel platform for tracking targets. With the quick twist of a knob, I could pan side to side, up and down and all points in between then lock rock solid into a final position.
FINAL THOUGHTS
By the end of the three month test period, I made my most important and final decision about the Ruger Precision Rifle chambered in .338 Lapua. After weighing performance, price point and overall value for what the rifle delivers, I decided to
FIREARMS - RUGER PRECISION RIFLE
With the added weight of my range bag attached during longer shots, I could literally shoot the rifle one handed while standing behind it and continued to get vital hits on steel at 500 and 600 yards during later testing in Leesburg, FL. Working out from 100 yards to 200 yards for initial break in, the 5R barrel rifling produced 1/2” MOA at 100 yards with Hornady 250 grain BTHP Match ammunition after a 40 round break in period (I have seen 1/3” MOA with Hornady 285 grain ELD ammunition from the same rifle a good friend of mine owns). The 200 yard groups were equally impressive sub MOA groups despite late day full value winds moving in. Throughout the test sessions, the large muzzle brake does its job highly effectively to kill heavy recoil and keep the rifle on target for faster follow up shots. The crisp adjustable factory trigger broke right at 3.5 lb with a short reset. While the trigger can be adjusted down to around 2.5 lbs, I preferred the trigger set to the same weight as my other precision rifles to keep things consistent. With each shot, the smooth bolt action that ran just as fast during live fire as it did during dry practice. While this is fantastic during real world application, it does aid in hurting the bank account faster with each lighting fast bolt cycle it enables. To take advantage of the rifle’s QD mounts, I employed a padded sling from Magpul. The sling was wonderful for carrying a combined 20 lb weight of a rifle, bipod, and scope combo around on the range. It even made for manageable pistol transitions for those who may have to go to a secondary weapon prior to or post final firing position (FFP). I was impressed enough by the sling that I added them to three of my other long-range rifles. During two later test sessions, I was able to stretch the rifle out to distances of 500 to 600 yards with a max of 900 yards on the later of the two sessions. Compared to the over 30 ft drop of a 168 grain BTHP .308 round, I was very impressed by the extreme lack of drop out to max distance charting in terms of less than 30 inches rather than feet! It’s no wonder the .338 Lapua round is the choice of professionals.
KEEP IT! Fortunately, Ruger allowed me to purchase the media sample I had on loan and forego the heartache of having to send it back. As an avid rifle shooter and student of long-distance shooting, the .338 Lapua needed to be in my private arsenal for a plethora of reasons. I had heard great things from trusted friends who already owned the RPR in .338 Lapua and I had even witnessed some very impressive groups shot at distances most shooters never have an opportunity to attempt. The test and review loan period offered a huge advantage to spend a few months making my notes and getting firsthand experience with the rifle much less learning the .338 Lapua platform itself. I was very impressed by the lack of bolt binding and zero feed issues large caliber rifles often encounter as the rounds count on rifles grow. After almost a hundred and forty rounds during the test session, the AI style magazines continued to flawlessly feed the rifle. Coming from primarily the .308 platform as a former LE sniper, I loved how flat the .338 Lapua round flies. From factoring in the height of a telephone pole at 1000 yards to that of a yard stick is still mind blowing. I enjoyed the overall weight of the rifle as well. It was manageable to get in and out of a final firing position while being heavy enough to suck up much of the recoil. The factory Ruger adjustable trigger was equally impressive by far. In my opinion, the RPR exceeded in proving to me to be a true big bore performer at a “budget friendly” price. I mentioned “budget friendly” in my final thoughts as a relative term regarding other top performing big bore rifles on the market. The rifle’s MSRP is listed at US$2099 which is an amazing price given all the high performance features the rifle offers, but even better than that, the actual store pricing can be found a couple hundred dollars under MSRP after tax. The optic is listed at US$2899 and can also be found in most retail outlets for slightly less, however, with quality optics, the quality of the product is usually well worth the premium price. Combined, the total in store pricing of this rifle / optic set up still comes in under that most complete custom rifles would only begin to start to cost. The Tier 1 quality Vortex Razor HD Gen II scope greatly assisted in get the rifle’s peak performance at medium, long and extreme distances. The wide range of MRAD adjustments keep the target in view and allowed me to use the innovative Horus Tremor3 reticle to my full advantage. Within my first three shots at 500 yards, I was immediately hitting steel despite some unstirring winds preceding a Tropical Storm during one of the test days. Overall, the Ruger Precision Rifle and Vortex Razor HD Gen II optic are an impressive “big bore” budget package relative to other options in its field on the market. Both companies share an impressive reputation for their products’ durability and quality are truly second to none here in the United States. This combo would be ready for action anywhere around the world at a moment’s notice which makes it a top pick for the PMCI staff. To find out more about the RPR and other Ruger products, visit www.Ruger.com for your next long range rifle. Until next issue, Train Hard and Continue the Fight!
TRIJICON SRO RED DOT
pmcimagazine.com
TRIJICON SRO RED DOT There is no denying, the new narrative to pistol training and carry is quickly becoming pistol optics. With proper training, these pistol mounted optics have proven to help shooters get on target faster and help with pinpoint precision over traditional iron sights. This only makes sense when you consider the predominant fixture in short to medium range rifle training for the past two decades has been red dot sights. Running an electronic dot optic on both the rifle and handgun simply makes transitioning from primary to secondary firearms smoother and more natural. - TS
O
ne of the biggest names in red dots the industry revolution has been Trijicon. Their RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sight series of red dots has become a stable in the handgun platform. As with any great product, things often evolve into better products as technology improves. Trijicon’ s latest evolution of their industry leading optic is the SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic) model. Unlike the RMR series which was originally developed to cover a wide range of platforms from rifle, shotgun and handguns, the SRO is specifically designed for the challenges of using a red dot on a handgun. The new model offers a wider parallax-free field of field with a crisp, clear red dot to aid in rapid sight acquisition using both eyes open for shooting. Not long after Trijicon released the SRO, I placed me order for one of the new units.
FIRST LOOK
Approximately ten days after ordering the optic, it arrived at my office. I opened the Pelican style case and gave the optic
38
an overall look to compare it to the RMR mounted on my Glock. For those like me who were originally using the RMR but interested in upgrading to the SRO, I was happy to see the new optic does fit the same footprint without having to buy expensive adaptor. Each unit ships with User Manual, Trijicon Logo Sticker, Warranty Card, Lens cloth, 2 #6-32 Flat Head 1/2” Torx Cap Screws and Torx Head Key for mounting. Some of the features listed from Trijicon about the SRO are the eighter settings for both manual and automatic LED brightness settings, including two night vision compatible modes as well as button “Lock In” and “Lock Out” features to protect your optimum brightness level. For long time red dot users, these features have often created a headache when optics get bumped around during hard use in and out of gear. One of my favorite features of the SRO is the top loading CR2032 battery with a 3 year life expectancy when using the average intensity settings between 4 and 8. This makes switching batteries quick and easy without worry of needing to re-zero your gun. This was a pet peeve of mine over the four years I used the RMR. I was also happy to see the SRO was
REMODELING
Earlier this year, I decided to upgrade my Glock model 34 MOS from top to bottom, including a switch from the RMR to the new SRO. For this transition, I sent the gun off to my buddy Brad Amick of Amick’s Guns in South Carolina to work his magic on the frame, trigger, and finish as well as mount and sight in the SRO. A few weeks later, I received back a pistol I could barely recognize. The blocky, run of the mill Glock I sent off for customization returned trimmed out and coated in our signature sniper grey. The pistol looked as if it were ready for a fast run on a plate rack or long shift on patrol, it could handle it all. To say I was impressed is a gross understatement even though I have known for years how Brad’s custom work is truly second to none. The Gen 4 finger grooves were cleanly removed and replaced with a deep stippling. The overall grip contour and clean undercuts at the base and middle of the trigger guard really gave me a great purchase higher up on the gun to seat the pistol deeper in my shooting hand. The flat faced SSVI TYR trigger was polished and smooth as glass with a crisp trigger
break and short reset. The entire gun seemed to melt into my hand when I drew it from my holster. That feeling really is part of the magic Brad puts in his upgrades. Aside from the custom work, the Glock came back with both the Trijicon SRO mounted along with a set of Trijicon HD suppressor height sights to co-witness with the red dot. Although I had already compared the RMR and SRO side by side prior to shipping the gun off for its overhaul, I could not help but still be surprised at just how much wider the field of view was as I sighted down the gun. With the thinner frame of the SRO, the red dot truly seemed more like it was simply floating in open space rather than inside a window frame or tube like other electronic optics. I could not wait to get on the range and run this new set up!
SRO SPECS
Model: SRO2 – C – 2500002 (Tested), SRO1 – C – 2500001, SRO3 – C – 2500003 Material: 7075, T-6 aircraft grade aluminum construction Dot Size: 2.5 MOA (Tested), 1.0 MOA, 5.0 MOA Optic Footprint: Same as Trijicon RMR Special Features: Compatible with suppressor heigh sights, toolless adjustments MSRP: $749
TRIJICON SRO RED DOT
listed as being waterproof up to 10 feet. Trijicon assures users it is perfectly safe to run in the rain. With living in Florida and operating in and around water much less during fall monsoon season, this is an absolute necessity.
TRIJICON SRO RED DOT
pmcimagazine.com
RANGE TIME
In a span of two weeks, I was fortunate to test the new optic on both an indoor and outdoor range. This was important to me because for many, the dynamic of training inside and out changes greatly with depth perception and somethings even performance. For the indoor range, I chose to work with dot torture drills and the Haley Strategic Performance targets at distances ranging from 3 yards out to 20 yards. Starting with the dot torture drill target as a warm up, I followed the instructions printed on the target to go from slow, single fire shots to five shot groups before working transition drills from dot to dot and non-dominant hand techniques. This drill got both hands into the action while working both sides of the brain and loosing up my presentations from the holster. Once I ran a clean run at 3 yards, I set it back up for 5 yards. During both rounds, the red dot proved to be much faster and accurate than using the iron sights. Afterwards, it was time to transition to the larger HSP targets and move the distance back further. For those not familiar with the Haley Strategic Performance Targets, these offer a wide range of drills for different distance all on one target to save on down time and maximize range time. It features a traditional human silhouette with 4”, 8” and 12” hit zones, C – zone style box, octagon head box, two acclamation / natural point of aim lines, forty 1” focus circles (similar to dot torture), two 3” rhythm shooting circles, two 4” black circles with overlaid 1” zeroing grid. Working from 3 yards with the left side rhythm circle to get my multi-shot cadence down, I drew my pistol and began shooting upon full extension as the red dot came into view. The red dot continued being quick to visually acquire and focus onto target. I then worked on the left side group of twenty 1” circles by placing one shot in each one as I moved from circle to circle and changing magazines as needed along the way.
40
I noticed that at 3 yards, the dot to bore offset was almost an inch in variance. After the first 3 dots, I found the proper adjustment and continued by striking center hits afterwards. Once complete, I repeated the entire process again at 5 yards. This time, my offset was not as extreme. Moving back to the 7 yard line, I begin working from the draw onto the 4” circle inside the center of the silhouette. Round after round, the red dot put hits into the black with a rapid pace. I continued working from the holster again at 10 yards before moving back to 15 yards and working from the low ready. Out of ten shots, seven remained in the black with the other three less than two inches outside. At 20 yards, the red dot helped keep my grounds well within the 8” circle. This is commonly the distance that my eyes have a hard time seeing the target from behind traditional iron sights. The red dot’s small yet clearly visible red dot kept the target well in view and lined up for very satisfactory shooting for my standards. During my time visiting the outdoor range, I was able to work on shooting steel popper targets set up at 10 yards and 15 yards as well as two sets of 8” plate racks set up at 20 yards. The SRO’s red dot showed up quickly against the white spray-painted steel targets and almost made shooting them feel like cheating. The large steel popper targets rang out shot after shot as I worked on static and shooting on the move techniques. The plate rack dropped quickly one by one with only one user error miss for all four runs. Unlike using the RMR, I noticed I could see the entire rack in my field of vision while working each plate. For me, this was a great benefit over my original optic.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by both the magic Amick’s Guns (www.amicksguns.com) did to my Glock 34 and the Trijicon SRO red dot. The gun felt and shot like an entirely
My final thoughts on the Trijicon SRO are that it is an impressive evolution to the pistol red dot world. Despite being banged around with other gear, it never lost zero and performed well beyond my expectations. Special thanks to Brad Amick and all the great folks at Amick’s Guns in South Carolina for all their hard work in putting the Glock and SRO in the best platform possible for testing. If you would like to find out more about the Trijicon SRO and other great products, visit www.trijicon.com to find the one that best fits your shooting needs.
TRIJICON SRO RED DOT
different pistol. The recontoured pistol frame went from feeling like a tool to simply an extension of my hand while the SRO allowed my eyes to have a single focus point that put less stress on my vision and quicker target acquisition. As I learned to trust what I was seeing on the first glance, my speed greatly increased beyond what it has previously been before shooting these type targets. Between range visits, I discovered yet another feature of the SRO that I prefer over my RMR optic. Unlike the RMR unit, the SRO can be turned off when not in use. Since this was not my everyday carry gun, it is nice to be able to conserve the battery when it is locked up in the safe until the next training session. Fortunately, of those times that Murphy’s Law does come into play and you find yourself with a dead battery, the sight window of the SRO is so large, transition to the suppressor height sights is fast and easy to see. With most pistol red dots, either this would be impossible or basically using the bottom of the red dot housing as the plane in which to broadly sight across. While Trijicon representatives will not label the SRO as officially “duty ready” at this time, I do personally know of several units currently being used for SWAT and PMC duty. Retailing for US$749, I have seen online specials listing the SRO for around US$599. This is higher than the Venom and Viper red dots from Vortex Optics in which I also own, in my opinion, the SRO offers enough extra in durability, field of view and quality that it’s worth the extra money to go with the Trijicon at that point. Although these days I have partially transitioned to using more SIGs than Glocks in my training and daily carry, the combination of the rebuilt Glock and the Trijicon SRO has saved the Glock platform from ever completely disappearing from my shooting rotation. I would ultimately like to add one to the Glock model 40 chambered in 10 mm that I use for hog hunting here in North Florida. The rugged durability and wide field of view would match perfectly with the needs of carrying the 10 mm pistol through thick underbrush and taking 25 – 30 yard shots.
SKILLS & DRILLS
pmcimagazine.com
CASINO DRILL TARGET With our good friend and valued PMCI contributor Andy N is fully on form again this time as he continues to share the experience he has gained both in the UK military and “on the circuit” as he continues with his usual wry take on the “Skills and Drills” that are invaluable to any shooter!!!
F
ollowing on from my last drills article in PMCI I want to go over the very well-known Casino Drill. This drill has been around for an age and is a favourite of many tactical shooters! It requires the shooter to fire 21 shots at a distance of 21 feet within 21 seconds. To set this drill up you will need a Casino Drill target. This consists of a paper target with six shapes, two squares, two circles and two triangles, coloured red, blue and yellow. Each shape has a number from 1 through to 6. You will also need three magazines loaded with seven rounds per mag. On the cue to start the drill you will be required to fire one round in the 1 target, two rounds into the 2 target, three rounds into the 3 target and so on until you get to the 6 target. All this must be done in 21 seconds including magazine changes. If any rounds fall outside the shape, you need to add two seconds for each miss. Keep going until you can complete the drill in 21 seconds. You can purchase commercially printed Casino targets, but it’s cheaper to produce your own. I use a template and spray paint to quickly knock up a few targets in no time at all. When making your own targets, change the order of numbers and shapes so you don’t get used to one specific pattern.
42
CAN I CALL A FRIEND?
A bonus drill for the Casino targets is to have a partner call out specific colours or shapes to engage from 21 feet. For example on the cue to engage the targets your partner may call Blue Squares. This will mean that you need to engage all the Blue shapes, regardless of shape, and all the squares, regardless of colour. This will enable you to search the target for the right combination of colours and shapes. Calling out specific numbers is also a take on the Casino drill target. Your partner may call out any combination of numbers from 1 through to 6 that you will have to engage in order of sequence. For example if your partner calls out 3-6-2, you will have to fire one round in the 3 target then one round in the 6 target and finish with one round in the 2 target. You could also fire the same number of rounds as indicated by the number in the shape. I often have my students call out numbers higher than six. This means that you will have to fire two or more shots to complete the drill. For example, if the number eleven was called, the shooter may choose to fire five rounds in the 5 target and six rounds into the 6 target adding up to eleven. It doesn’t end there though. You can add in translation drills from primary to secondary weapons, magazine changes,
SKILLS & DRILLS
wounded shooter magazine changes, low light conditions, and stoppage drill to mention just a few. Have fun with this target. It’s a great target to have on your range as it can test your speed as well as your accuracy. To be honest, the possibilities with shooting drills on the Casino Drill target are endless and challenging! Train hard, Fight easy; until next time...
pmcimagazine.com
TRAINING: PTS BARRICADES
pmcimagazine.com
44
PTS BARRICADES One of the cardinal rules of gunfighting is to always make the best use of your cover. The term “Cover” is tactically defined as any object that can shield you from incoming bullets such as concrete barriers, engine blocks in vehicles or brick walls. This is a factor in training often overlooked as a primary focus and seems almost completely ignored in many competitions which claim to be based off defensive situations. -TS
BARRIERS FOR ALL SITUATIONS
The PTSB – 16 is the company’s flagship product which retails for US$180 - $210. It is a full-sized barrier measuring 16” wide with an adjustable height range from 51.25” - 72”. Along the sides and facing of the barrier there are various shaped holes in which force shooters to work on using the barrier to their advantage while firing through them at different heights and positions. This prepares shooters for the all-important realization between training and the real world that there are no “perfect” shot opportunities. If you must fire onto a threat, you should learn to adapt and overcome the obstacles you face proficiently without sacrificing the use of good cover. The full-size barriers are currently made of wood for production models featuring a wide base that locks into place with a standard window lock. The height of the barrier is controlled by a wooden dowel that holds the two vertically sliding panels together. If you remove the dowel, the top section can be adjusted for needed height or simply lowered down on the base section. Once unlocked and compressed, the unit can fold in half for easy transportation and storage. Weighing only 14.5 lbs, several units can be quickly be set up on the range and ready for use in a matter of minutes. Two additional variants are the PTSB – 24 and PTSB – Sniper. The PTSB – 24 features all the same features as the PTSB – 16 but offers a full 24” wide barrier surface for more windows for shooters to work through. The overall weight is still a very manageable 22.5 lbs and retails for US$220 - $250. The PTSB slightly larger, weighing 27.5 lbs, but features cutouts matching those for major sniper positions to help new Law Enforcement / Military snipers and designated
TRAINING: PTS BARRICADES
I
n most cases, training with barriers is a logistical difficulty in finding ranges with them already in place. Given limited time constraints, barriers are often bulky and hard to move objects. They are often kept in storage off range and need to be transported to set up and take down, thus taking up valuable training time and energy. I personally have seen these failures over the course of twenty years of dynamic handgun, shotgun, and rifle training which keeps me always open to new ideas and concepts to help offer a more complete training opportunity. Fortunately for those of us who view training as true matter of potential life or death, there is a company called PTS Barricades. This new company has decided to try and make barrier training easier, innovative, and fun with a series of portable barricades they have brought to market. I recently came across this company on the internet and started researching more about their two main products and their variants. PTS Barricades stands for Portable Tactical Simulated Barricades and was created to enable shooters to master shooting through or around barricades more conveniently and more often on both indoor and outdoor ranges.
pmcimagazine.com
TRAINING: PTS BARRICADES
pmcimagazine.com
46
THE PERSONAL TOUCH
My wife, Candace Swanson decided to personally test the PTSB LITE with her fellow members of The Well Armed Woman (TWAW) not for profit org. Candace leads four chapters herself and oversees 16 other chapters throughout the State of Florida as their State Leader. The lessons learned by the TWAW ladies were invaluable in extending the training opportunities a static range traditionally offers. Over the past three months, I have been successfully using the PTSB LITE barriers to teach shooters to work the barriers quickly
while switching from dominant to non-dominant hands on a variety of RE Factor targets. While PTS Barricades may be still be a relatively young company, I do believe they are on to something with their products. Between our Swanson Training Group volunteer work, training courses offered and one on one firearms workshops, the PTS Barricades have already great helped shooters understand the importance of working through and around barriers to give them an important added dynamic in their training. Moving forward, I would hope to see this company either team up with or license to a larger manufacturer to possibly reduce pricing and upgrade the materials used to something with easy to replace panels or even self-sealing polymers. For now, I am getting the most out of these barriers to help the next generation of gun owners achieve the added edge they need to survive in the real world. The simple fact is these barriers work and does so well while promoting continued training after initial range time. For more information, visit www.PTSBarricade.com to find the answer to your dynamic training needs.
TRAINING: PTS BARRICADES
marksmen as well as civilian competition shooters to learn offhand shooting. The curved contour of the windows fits most precision rifles while allowing line-of-sight clearance for the optics. Retailing for US$299 - $399, the PTS – Sniper barricade is portable enough to easily practice rifle fieldcraft just about anywhere. The second type of barricade in the PTS lineup is the PTSB LITE. Measuring 16”x30” and only weighing 2.7 lbs, this handy barricade works perfectly on indoor ranges. Retailing for $28.99, this is the most affordable of the barricade options for instructors to be able to afford several of these to use in classes for use with SIRT pistols and 6 mm platforms as well as on the range.
pmcimagazine.com
Helikon-Tex®
SFU NEXT Pants® Mk2 Improved battlefield classics
• Two large hook & loop closed cargo pockets on the sides • Redesigned to fit better • Reinforcements on seat and knees
CHECK OUT NEW HELIKON-TEX® SFU NEXT PANTS® MKII
Journey to Perfection
PMCI
BOOK REVIEW THE MYSTERIES OF HADITHA
BOOK REVIEW
When it comes to a war story, we always love to hear the words of another fellow journalist; M. C. Armstrong secured his embed as a journalist with the Navy SEALs in 2008. Shortly before he left for Iraq his father asked him to tell the story no one else seemed to be telling, the story of the people sometimes constructed as our friends and other times our enemies: the Iraqis. “But what about them?” he asked. “Who’s their good guy? Who’s their George Washington? That’s the story you want to find. Talk to them.” The Mysteries of Haditha is a war story unlike any other. This riveting and hilarious memoir of M. C. Armstrong’s journey into the Iraq War as an embedded journalist pulls no punches and lifts the veil on the lies we tell each other―and the ones we tell ourselves. This is a story about both the strong women in Armstrong’s life and his road to true manhood. Armstrong’s family was nearly ripped at the seams as he struggled to secure his embed with Navy SEALs in the Al Anbar Province in 2008. Armstrong’s searingly honest narrative about his relationship with his father, his fiancé, and his friend in the SEAL team takes the reader on a nosedive ride from a historically black college in the American South straight into Baghdad, the burn pits, and the desert beyond the mysterious Haditha dam. Culminating in the disclosure of a devastating secret, The Mysteries of Haditha explores the lengths Armstrong was willing to go to prove himself and to witness a truth he couldn’t have prepared himself to receive. At once daring, dark, and hilarious, honest and vulnerable, tender but fearless, The Mysteries of Haditha is a coming-of-age story and an unprecedented glimpse into the heart of the war on terror. M C Armstrong embedded with JSOF in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He published extensively on the Iraq war through The Winchester Star. He is the winner of a Pushcart Prize. His fiction and non-fiction have appeared in Esquire, The Missouri Review, The Gettysburg Review, Mayday, Wrath Bearing Tree, Monkeybicycle, Epiphany, The Literary Review, and other journals and anthologies. Hardcover : 200 pages ISBN-10 : 1640123024 ISBN-13 : 978-1640123021 Publisher : Potomac Books, Inc.; Illustrated edition (1 Sept. 2020)
pmcimagazine.com
50
Advanced Security Protection
Blackstone Consultancy
http://www.advancedsecurityprotection.com/
http://www.blackstoneconsultancy.com;
AKE Group
Blue Hackle
http://www.akegroup.com/
http://www.bluehackle.com/
Ambrey Risk
Blue Waters Partners Global
http://www.ambreyrisk.com
http://www.preparedex.com/
Antipirates.Org
BP Global
http://www.antipirates.org/
http://www.bp.com/
APPDS
Britam Defence
http://www.appds.co.uk/
http://www.britamdefence.com/
Aquatic Marine Ltd
British Maritime Solutions
http://www.aquaticmarineltd.com
http://britishmaritimesolutions.com
Protect Asia Group
BW Offshore
http://www.protectasia.com/
http://www.bwoffshore.com/
Secopex
Calibre International Security
http://www.secopex.com/
http://www.calibre-international.com/
Aspida
Chilport
http://www.aspida.org/
http://www.chilport.co.uk/
Associated Risk Maritime Risk Management
Chiron Resources
http://www.associated-risks.com
http://www.chironresources.com
Bancroft Maritime Security Solutions
Clearwater Special Projects
http://www.maritimesecuritysolutions.co.uk
http://www.bodyguarding.co.uk/
Bechtel Corporation
Control Risks
http://www.bechtel.com/
http://www.control-risks.com
Black Pearl
Decatur Maritime Security
http://www.blackpearlmaritimesecurity.com/
http://www.decaturms.com/
Drum Cussac
HP TerraMarine International
http://www.drum-cussac.com/Index.aspx
http://www.hpterramarine.com/
Dryad Maritime
Hudson Trident
http://www.dryadmaritime.com/
http://hudsonanalytix.com
Edinburgh International
ICTS
http://www.edinburghint.com/home/
http://www.icts.co.uk
Elite Maritime Protection Services
IMSA Ltd
http://www.elitemaritimeprotection.com
http://www.imsaltd.com/
EOS Risk Management
International Executive Recruiting
https://www.eosrisk.com/
http://www.iernetwork.com
Erus Maritime
International Maritime Security
http://www.erusrisk.com
http://www.intmarsec.co.uk
Espada
International Maritime Security
http://www.espadaservices.com
http://www.intmarsec.co.uk/
Ex Military Recruitment
International Security Network
https://www.exmil.co.uk
http://www.isn.eu.com
Exploration Logistics Group
ISC Gulf
http://www.frontiermedex.com/
http://www.iscgulf.com/
G4S Maritime
ISSG Sea Marshalls
http://www.g4s.uk.com
http://www.issg-seamarshals.com/
Genesis Security Group http://genesissecurity.com/
Global Executive Outreach http://www.geo-ops.com/
Global Risk Security http://www.globalrisksecurity. co.uk/
Global Solace http://www.solaceglobal.com/
Global Strategies Group http://www.globalgroup.com/
Grail Security http://www.grail.co.za
Halliburton http://www.halliburton.com/en-USage
Halogen Security http://www.halogensecurity.com/
Hart Maritime http://www.hartsecurity.com
Hill & Associates http://www.hillassoc.com
52
Janusian Risk Advisory Group
MTResolution
http://www.riskadvisory.net/
http://www.mtresolution.com/
Kroll
MUSC
http://www.kroll.com/
http://www.sps-global.com
Longmoor Group
Naval Guards
http://www.longmoor-security.com
http://www.navalguards.com
Lotus Maritime Security
Neptune Security
http://www.lotusmaritime.com
http://www.neptunemaritimesecurity.com/
Lotus Projects
NNK Group
http://www.lpyemen.com
https://www.nnkcorporation.com
Maersk
NYA International
http://www.maersk.com/pages/default.aspx
http://www.nyainternational.com
Magregor Protection Services
Ocean Marshalls
http://macgregorprotectionservices.com
http://www.oceanmarshalls.com
March Security
Ocean Protective Services
www.marchsecurity.com
http://oceanprotectionservices.com
Maritime Risk International
Oceaneering International
http://www.maritimeriskinternational.com/
http://www.oceaneering.com/
Marsec
Olchon
http://www.marsec.eu.com
http://www.olchon.co.uk/
MAST
Olive Group
http://www.mast-commercial.com
http://www.olivegroup.com/
McRoberts Maritime Security
Orchid Security
http://www.mcrobertsmaritime.com/
http://www.orchid-office.com/
Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre
Oxberry Risk Strategies
http://www.mmwc.org/
http://www.oxberryrisk.com/maritime_services
Minimal Risk
Pilgrim Group
http://www.minimalrisk.co.uk/
http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com
MSS
Pilgrim Security
http://www.mss-uk.com
http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com
Pistris
SEAL
http://www.pistris.com/Index.html
http://www.sealsecurity.com/
Protect Asia Group
Securescot
http://www.protectasia.com/
http://www.securescot.com
PVI Ltd
Securewest International
http://www.pviltd.com/
http://www.securewest.com/
Raven Special Projects Ltd
Security Networking Events
http://www.ravenspecialprojects.com
http://snespecialprojects.com/
Red Cell Security
Security Networking Events
http://www.redcellsecurity.co.uk
http://snespecialprojects.com/
Redfour-MSS
Securoquest
http://www.redfour-group.com
http://www.securoquest.co.za
Saladin Security Group
Shield Risk Consulting
http://www.saladin-security.com/
http://www.shield.eu/services/maritime-security/
Saladin Security
Shipguard
http://www.saladin-security.com/
http://www.mss-uk.com
Salama Fikira
SMS
http://www.salamafikira.com/
www.specialistmarineservices.com
SMS
SPS
www.specialistmarineservices.com
http://www.sps-global.com
Tor International
Tactical Intel
http://www.torinternational.com/
http://www.tacticalintel.com/
Trojan Securities International
Thalassic
http://www.trojansecurities.com/
http://www.thalassic.co.uk/
Orchid Security
Tor International
http://www.orchid-office.com/
http://www.torinternational.com/
Blackstone Consultancy
Torcuss
http://www.blackstoneconsultancy.com/
http://www.torcuss.co.za/
Pilgrim Group
Triskle TSL
http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com/
http://www.triskelservices.com
Maritime Risk International
Triton Security
http://www.maritimeriskinternational.com/
http://www.tritoninternationalltd.com
International Maritime Security
Trojan Securities
http://www.intmarsec.co.uk/
http://www.trojansecurities.com
Raven Special Projects Ltd
Veritas International
http://www.ravenspecialprojects.com/
http://www.veritas-international.com/
Salamanca Risk Management http://www.salamancarm.com
Sea Marshalls Ltd UK http://www.seamarshals.com