UN12 - 011 Magazine

U.S. $14.95

Featured Material

• B&T APC9 PRO Pistol Outfitted for Night Operations • Collector Design Werks’ Custom Berettas • Glock 19 Customized for CCW • Examining a Plate Carrier Setup • Vehicle Firearms Storage Guide

Included

UN12 MRE Bag Patch

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

ARQ-15 SBR Transport of Dangerous Goods Ammunition, such as for rifles, handguns, shotguns, starter’s pistols and power tools that contain explosive material are dangerous goods listed under Class 1.4S. The information presented here is for the following UN numbers only:

Feature Firearm

Fully Equipped & Suppressed

ISSUE

UN12mag.com

011

NO EXCUSE.

Table of Contents

110

UN12 Issue 011

32

68

106

Night Defense B&T APC9 PRO Pistol Firearm Feature

The Hunt General Feature

An Instructor’s Perspective General Feature

74

120

Collector Design Werks Customization Feature

Vehicle Security General Feature

80

124

“The Riddler” AR PCC Pistol Firearm Feature

CMMG Banshee 200 MkGs Product Review

90

128

Plate Carrier Setup General Feature

Personalized Knife Customization Feature

100

136

Vehicle Firearms Storage Buyer’s Guide

Strike Industries AR-15 Magazine (32-Rounds) Product Spotlight

42 Blue Force Gear MARCO Product Review

48 Off The Grid Company Profile

52 Customized Glock 19 Firearm Feature

62 Ready, Set, Anza-Borrego Adventure Feature

04

AR-15 Suppressed SBR Firearm Feature

UN12 / Issue 011

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

DISCLAIMERS: UN12 is created for MATURE AUDIENCES and may include adult language and humor. PRICES shown are deemed accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. FIREARM SAFETY is paramount. Obey firearm safety rules at all times. UN12 assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The opinions expressed in each article are the opinions of its author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UN12.

The all-new, micro-compact XSC WeaponLight brings SureFire performance and reliability to the best concealed-carry handguns on the market. Virtually indestructible, extremely compact, perfectly concealable. If you’re serious about self-protection, there’s no excuse not to carry an XSC.

“FORTUNE FAVORS THE PREPARED MIND.” - Louis Pasteur

22 Every Day Carry

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

Dept.

8

137

Editor’s Letter

Guns of Instagram

30

12 New Products

132

18

DISCOUNT CODE:

Morale Patch

UN1220

20$ off any order of $150.00

30 Called Out

132 Shoot This Drill

06

UN12 / Issue 011

WWW.TNVC.COM

© Copyright 2020, TNVC, All Rights Reserved

Editor’s Letter

011

DEPT.

Transport of Dangerous Goods Ammunition, such as for rifles, handguns, shotguns, starter’s pistols and power tools that contain explosive material are dangerous goods listed under Class 1.4S. The information presented here is for the following UN numbers only: UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS

—

A

s we were working on the UN12 issue that you’re

controls of a purpose-outfitted B&T APC9 PRO Pistol

Publisher

now reading, we received word that the 2021

whose mission is to operate in the darkness of night.

Howard C Lim

SHOT Show has been called off. The cancellation of the

Handgun fans will want to join in as we check out a

largest firearms trade show is disappointing to say the

Glock 19 built for concealed-carry, one that any owner

least and is just one more sign of the crazy times that we

would be proud to show off. We also get a good look at

currently live in.

a Tombstone-themed wheel-gun that’s been fully laser-

The feeling that the firearms

etched and Cerakoted in

world has never been more

our newest department,

important than it is now is

Called Out.

Editors The UN12 Creative Team

Associate Editor Danny Chang

Technical Editor

almost palpable. Gun sales

UN12 is always proud

from complete firearms to

to showcase some of the

components and ammunition

visionaries that make the

Creative Direction

continue through the roof,

industry what it is. We

James Ho, Jerry Tsai

to the point that finding

dropped in to pay Collector

almost anything in stock

Design Werks’ Michael

Art Director

is a challenge, which can

Tsay a visit and learn more

James Ho

be especially frustrating if

about his Beretta-based

you’re trying to start or even

creations... 93R clone

complete a new project build.

anyone? We also talked

But firearms ownership is up

to Off The Grid’s Josh

and business is booming, and that’s a good thing for the industry we enjoy so much.

We’re also thrilled that the increased interest in guns also boosts the popularity of firearms customization.

“Business is

booming, and that’s a good thing for the industry we enjoy.”

Gun modification and

Patterson to find out what

Martin Anders, Jay Canter, Jason Davis, Jon Dufresne, Michael Grey, Randy Hynes, Charles Lasky, Chris Lee, John Pangilinan, John Scott, Tatiana Whitlock, Roland Wilkes, Rodney Wills, James York

clothing brand from the

Special Thanks

ground up. Elsewhere,

Aristotle Bartolome, John Hwang, Che Chon

resident gear expert Charles “Chip” Lasky shows us how he sets up his personal plate carrier

for an active assaulter role. Truly, we can never get

is why UN12 exists. UN12 is a magazine that celebrates

enough of his invaluable nuggets of knowledge.

and honors the creativity and artistry found throughout

As always, we’re on the lookout for innovators and

the firearms world. Like you, we truly enjoy customized

custom guns and knives to feature. If you have a firearm

firearms and all their ancillary gear.

or other piece of gear that you have customized, we want to know about it. Tag us @un12mag on Instagram

a custom SBR AR-15 that features not only a sound

if you have something you feel UN12 readers would like

suppressor but a customized drum magazine. Another

to see. Let’s continue to build UN12 together. Let us

wild custom build is themed after The Riddler, one of

know what you think we got right or could do better in

Batman’s arch-nemeses. It’s a really detailed concept

this issue on our Facebook page at: /un12mag.

build you won’t want to miss. We also get behind the

Contributors

it’s like to launch your own

customization work seems to be at an all-time high. This

In this particular issue you’ll get an up-close look at

Michael Penhall

—The UN12 Creative Team

Copy Editor Frank Stroud

Advertising Sales George Nogal george@un12mag.com

Ad Coordinator Frank Stroud

Printed in the USA 011-2020

08

UN12 / Issue 011

DEPT.

New Products

Blackpoint FO3 Light Mounted Holster The FO3 is designed to be worn just forward of 3 o’clock on your strong side. The holster’s front clip is hard-mounted to the Kydex body while a modified wing extends from the rear to provide needed flexibility. The holster’s leather portion allows it to move with you as you move, thereby maximizing comfort. Built to accommodate your choice of weapon-mounted lights. UN12 readers get 10% off and free shipping when using coupon code “UN12” at check out.

Swampfox Liberty Red Dot Sight Liberty is an all-new open reflex red dot sight that is intended for everyday carry and competition on pistols, carbines, and shotguns. The Liberty touts advanced features such as Shake ’N Wake motion-sensing illumination, a scratch-resistant hardcoat finish, extended battery life, and a 1x22mm window.

From $100

$249

blackpointtactical.com

swampfoxoptics.com

Arrowhead Tactical Apparel Carrier Joggers Experience the best in comfortable self-defense with Arrowhead Tactical’s Carrier Joggers. Every aspect of the Joggers was designed to optimize your everyday carry, starting with your handgun and extending to anything else you may need to feel comfortably prepared.

They’re compatible with Arrowhead’s unique Carrier Retention Waistband.

The package includes Carrier Jogger pants, removable Carrier Rapid Clasp Retention Belt, and a removable Arrowhead morale patch.

Faxon Firearms 5.56 MuzzLok Ported Flash Hider

Outdoor Edge Swinky

Faxon’s integrated “MuzzLok” feature allows for easy timing and installation of your muzzle device without the need for employing a crush washer or shims. You can adjust the rotational timing by using the extension nut to adjust the device’s overall length. Not having to overcome a crush washer’s resistance allows the flash hider to be removed and reinstalled in the field if desired.

The Swinky is a swanky little multitasker that swings 180 degrees from blade to bottle opener when you’re ready to go from work to play. Its palm-sized design is intended to keep it agile yet powerful enough for any cutting task, and the pocket clip ensures it’s always ready when you need it.

$60 faxonfirearms.com

CRKT Jenny Wren Compact Compact as a wren with a bite as big as a bear, the Jenny Wren Compact outdoor tomahawk is built to thrive in the backwoods and beyond. With its three edged sides, no branch, log, or camp meal is safe. It includes a MOLLEcompatible sheath with buckle strap for greater gear compatibility. $135 crkt.com

$25 outdooredge.com

$100 arrowheadtacticalapparel.com

12

UN12 / Issue 011

UN12mag.com

13

DEPT.

Filson Dryden Backpack

Maven RF.1 Laser Rangefinder

Made to withstand the bumps and scrapes of travel and everyday use, the versatile Filson Dryden Backpack is constructed from 1,000-denier Cordura nylon to be durable and weather resistant. It features a doublelayered reinforced bottom for added durability and a zippered rear panel that conceals a padded laptop pocket. Heavy duty coil zippers help prevent snagging. It’s finished with bridle leather and nylon webbing for multiple convenient carrying options.

Maven’s RF.1 Laser Rangefinder is capable of ranging reflective distance out to 4,500 yards, to trees at 3,000 yards, and to deer out at 2,700 yards. It has a magnification of 7x with an objective lens of 25mm. The advanced waterproof unit is constructed with a magnesium chassis and an aluminum housing.

$225 filson.com

Vortex Diamondback HD 20-60X85 (Angled) Glassing out west demands an HD optic, but other systems can’t give you the clarity you need to see a tail twitch in low light or pick a tine out of dense cover. The redesigned series of Vortex Diamondback HD spotting scopes is engineered to impart all the horsepower the long-distance hunter needs and to excel in low-light conditions—right when you need it most. $600 vortexoptics.com

14

UN12 / Issue 011

$400 mavenbuilt.com

DEPT.

SIG Sauer Electro-Optics Romeo1PRO Open Reflex Red Dot Sight

It’s the little things that mean the most™.

The SIG Romeo1PRO is a miniature open reflex red dot sight available with either a 3 MOA or 6 MOA red dot. It comes with 12 brightness settings to suit a full range of lighting conditions and incorporates a TruHold Lockless Zeroing System designed to endure recoil and return to zero, shot after shot. Available in black or FDE.

Introducing the new Spek™ red dot and Flik5™ magnifier by American Defense Mfg. Sold individually or together as a Dual Use Optic (DUO™), the 3.7 inch Flik5 is an extremely short and ambidextrous 5X fixed power magnifier with generous eye relief, capable of quick transitioning from 1X to 5X, and adaptable with all red dot and holographic sight heights. The 2MOA Spek micro red dot is powered by (1) AAA lithium battery, includes push-button brightness adjustments and offered in low, co-witness, and lower-third co-witness mounts in either aluminum or full titanium.

ADM is Intentionally Superior.

duo

DUal use optic

From $520 sigsauer.com

YETI Trailhead Camp Chair This chair is perfect for anywhere you need to sit, especially during a range outing. YETI’s Trailhead Camp Chair is designed for the legendary durability the company is known for, as well as hardcore comfort. The included carry bag makes it easy to take your chair out on the trail. And the ultra-supportive FlexGrid fabric makes for a comfortable landing area for your posterior. $300 yeti.com

Vaultek Universal Car Mount

Spek MSRP starts at $369

This is a truly universal single-strap system designed to provide a simple and well-integrated vehicle safe mounting solution. It works with all Vaultek Slider Series safes, allowing them to be mounted behind the passenger front seat for concealed placement, while remaining quickly accessible from the driver’s position. Included security cable secures the safe while inside the vehicle to prevent loss from the common smash-and-grab. Includes a new mounting plate to work with the single-strap system.

Flik3 MSRP starts at $369 Flik5 MSRP starts at $475 DUO MSRP starts at $685

$38 vaulteksafe.com

16

UN12 / Issue 011

For dealer inquiries, email dealers@admmfg.com

www.admmfg.com

DEPT.

Patch-11

UN12 MRE Bag Patch Text by JAMES YORK Image by JERRY TSAI

O

nce considered unique to the

inspired pouches. If you’ve served in the

military and tactical worlds, morale

armed forces, you’ll be more than familiar

patches are now creeping into other

with these field rations and have probably

realms to include that of off-roading and

gotten a kick out of the pouch design.

other outdoor activities. There’s a simple

If this issue’s patch design looks

reason for their universal appeal—they’re

familiar, it should. The patch included with

fun. It’s in this light that we are excited to

this issue is based on our MRE-inspired

include yet another fun-themed morale

morale patch bag design. For those

patch with this issue.

keeping score, yes, you get a mini-MRE

Every print issue of UN12 comes with

patch in a mini-MRE bag with the print

an exclusive morale patch designed

version of this issue. Now you can slap

specifically for our readers. Since the

your “favorite” constipation-inducing

magazine’s inception, our morale patches

meal, re-imagined as a Velcro-backed patch, onto your gear or clothing.

When’s the last time you got a morale patch with a magazine? If the answer is never, then we suggest picking up a few more print issues of UN12. If you said “With this issue,” then we thank you for your support. Each print copy of UN12 includes an exclusive patch, so if you’ve missed a previous one, look for UN12 back issues before they sell out online or at one or more of our retail partners (listed at the back of this issue).

We hope you enjoy Issue 011’s morale patch; we certainly had fun making it. [ UN12 ]

have been packaged in miniature MRE (Meal Ready to Eat)

18

UN12 / Issue 011

UN12mag.com

19

Every Day Carry

Every Day Carry / 23

01 Danner Trail 2650 GTX Mid MSRP: $180 URL: danner.com

02 Catalyst Vibe iPhone 12

01

MSRP: $40

02

URL: catalystcase.com

03 Lifesaver Liberty

04

03

MSRP: $140 URL: iconlifesaver.com

05

04 Pelican 3310PL LED Flashlight MSRP: $36 URL: pelican.com

05 Pelican Dayventure Field Wallet MSRP: $40 URL: pelican.com

Text & Images by JOHN PANGILINAN

W

06

hen it comes to everyday carry solutions, the beauty is in the personalization. Each

loadout can be tailor-made for anyone and any daily adventure. Some keep it simple with just

06

Buff Filter Tube

07

MSRP: $29

the bare essentials, while others may require a

URL: buffusa.com

more specific and focused set of products for

09

their tasks.

Given the way 2020 has progressed, you may

07

find COVID-19 has introduced a couple of new

Mechanix Gloves Durahide Original

additions to your daily carry kit, as it has ours,

MSRP: $30

which can be used well after things go back to

URL: mechanix.com

normal. We’ve selected a few items that can help aid in the daily routine and beyond, and we’ve included a couple items that can help keep the germs at bay.

08

08

VSSL First Aid Mini

For some, combining technology and the

MSRP: $70

outdoors may seem like trying to mix oil and

URL: vsslgear.com

water, but for those who work in nature we’ve also curated a few items for a tech-inspired

09

loadout for anyone actively on the go. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or simply looking to nature for an escape, there are always a few

10

Gerber Pack Hatchet

new accessories and tools to ensure you’re well

MSRP: $35

equipped to handle your next adventure.

URL: gerbergear.com

10 TOPS Knives Bull Trout MSRP: $160 URL: topsknives.com

22

UN12 / Issue 011

UN12mag.com

23

23

Premium EDC Items Mechanix Gloves Durahide Original

24

Danner Trail 2650 GTX Mid

Pelican Dayventure Field Wallet

MSRP: $30 URL: mechanix.com Our 2¢: A good pair of gloves may be a luxury for the outdoors, but is something that we highly recommend having. With their strong leather palms, these gloves will provide protection while gathering wood for the campfire without the worry of picking up splinters. We found them to be form-fitting and very comfortable.

We also appreciate the ease of cleaning them as the leather is machine washable.

MSRP: $180 URL: danner.com Our 2¢: We love a good boot and Danner makes some of the best around. The Trail 2650 is a very lightweight and extremely comfortable hiking boot. The Gore-Tex liner ensures your feet stay dry and the boot construction offers ample protection while exploring the wild. Not only are they comfortable for walking, we found them to be comfortable on long drives as well. From the car to the campsite and beyond, these boots are built to perform.

MSRP: $40 URL: pelican.com Our 2¢: This is the latest product from the company known for its protective equipment cases. The compact Dayventure Field Wallet is as durable and tough as expected, and also waterproof to keep your cards and cash dry. The exterior is RFID-protected to keep hackers at bay. We found the exterior cash strap useful for quick and easy access to cash or other items like your hotel room key.

Buff Filter Tube

Lifesaver Liberty

TOPS Knives Bull Trout

MSRP: $29 URL: buffusa.com Our 2¢: As a group who enjoys winter sports, we’ve used Buff products to keep our necks and faces protected from the wind and cold. This new filter tube now also protects you from particulates with its built-in filter pocket. Lightweight and comfortable, it can be easily pulled up or down as needed. We found it to be great for hiking and for providing extra protection from the sun.

MSRP: $140 URL: iconlifesaver.com Our 2¢: This is the world’s first and only portable water purifier with an integrated inline pump.

The attached filter cartridge removes pathogens that can live in water to help sanitize it for safe drinking. The bottle is soft to the touch, has a 400ml capacity, and is BPA- and BPS-free. It’s a little pricey, but can you really put a price tag on your health in a survival situation?

MSRP: $160 URL: topsknives.com Our 2¢: A quality knife is essential for any angler.

This compact knife features a fixed blade made from 154CM steel, enabling it to remain extremely sharp with minimal maintenance. The handle is detailed and built from contoured burlap Micarta, which feels solid in-hand with an ergonomic grip.

The dark brown sheath is a nice touch to keep the blade safely secured until needed.

UN12 / Issue 011

REINVENTING THE PHENOMENON In an industry reluctant to challenge conventional wisdom, we are the originators of the Pistol Stabilizing Brace® and committed to providing the next breakthrough in firearm technology even if it means inventing, or reinventing, an entire category. sb-tactical.com US Veteran Designed Made in the USA

DEPT.

Every Day Carry / 24 05

01 DSPTCH Sling Pouch (Medium) MSRP: $77 URL: dsptch.com

02

01

Leatherman Free T4 MSRP: $60 URL: leatherman.com

03 Pelican 5000 Flashlight MSRP: $30 URL: pelican.com

06

04 02

Buff Filter Mask

03

MSRP: $29 URL: buffusa.com

05 G-Technology Armor ATD Portable Hard Drive

07

MSRP: From $80 URL: westerndigital.com

08

06 KeySmart CleanKey MSRP: $25 URL: getkeysmart.com

07 04

Griffon Industries Hypalon Wallet MSRP: $28 URL: griffonindustries.com

09

08 Qalo Men’s Step Edge Silicone Ring MSRP: $25 URL: qalo.com

09 Renogy E.Power 16000MAH Solar Power Bank MSRP: $60 URL: renogy.com

26

UN12 / Issue 011

UN12mag.com

27

24

Premium EDC Items

28

Qalo Step Edge Silicone Ring

Griffon Industries Hypalon Wallet

MSRP: $25 URL:2¢: Our qalo.com For those seeking an affordable jewelry solution, this is a great option for anyone prone to losing things like their wedding band (which this author did within the first year of marriage).

It features a nice design detail with its stepped edge, is very lightweight, and is extremely comfortable to wear. It’s great for activities like working out or swimming, or for those who work with their hands.

MSRP: $28 URL: griffonindustries.com Our 2¢: If you’re looking for a minimalist wallet, the Hypalon is a great portable and lightweight option. It works well as a money clip alternative for securing cards and cash. We found the wallet easily connects to our belt with the Velcro straps, keeping it out of sight and out of our pockets.

The straightforward layout makes it easy to use and arrange.

Renogy E.Power Solar Power Bank

MSRP: $60 URL: renogy.com Our 2¢: If you’re like us, then you’ll probably need extra power at some point during the day, whether it be for your smartphone or to charge a dead camera battery. This is a very well-equipped portable battery bank with a built-in flashlight and durable exterior to help it endure bumps, drops, or splashes of water. The solar panel is efficient and captures sunlight to help it supply more power on demand, which is clutch while you’re on the go.

DSPTCH Sling Pouch

KeySmart CleanKey

Leatherman Free T4

MSRP: $77 URL: dsptch.com Our 2¢: This compact sling can ensure all of your daily essentials are at hand. It’s built tough to withstand the elements while providing ample storage for items such as a smartphone, external batteries, or even a tablet. The minimalist design includes a MOLLE panel that makes it easy to attach additional items for quick accessibility.

MSRP: $25 URL: getkeysmart.com Our 2¢: This is a clever product that can aid in keeping germs off your hands. Use it to activate buttons, like elevator switches or the keypad at the gas station, that potentially thousands of people have previously touched. It also works on touchscreens, can help hold a door open, and it’s small enough to fit on a keyring.

MSRP: $60 URL: leatherman.com Our 2¢: One of our favorite EDC items, this multi-tool has 12 essential tools that we may need during the day, from a small blade to a bottle opener. Its lightweight, compact design lets it fit nicely in a pocket or attach to a belt. The Free T4 has a solid feel and is durable to withstand the occasional drop, but if it does break Leatherman covers it with a 25-year warranty.

UN12 / Issue 011

INTRODUCING THE NEW

MAG-EX²

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DEPT.

Called Out I

’m your huckleberry. That line and a long list

Gilbert, Arizona, making this an all-AZ affair. That

Amanda’s main request was to have some of

of other great quotes have been ingrained in

the revolver is dedicated to a movie based in the

her favorite quotes from the movie worked into

Arizona town of Tombstone only seems natural.

the revolver’s laser work and overall motif. The

our minds ever since we first watched the 1993 film “Tombstone” starring Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday.

Being a big fan of the film, Amanda wanted

creative minds at 2A Tactical LLC took it from there.

Both the actor and the character really stole the

to create a conversation piece to help promote

After a ton of intricate laser engraving and detailed

show. Decades on, we can still recite dialogue from

the shooting range and retail store. It’s worthy to

Cerakote work, the Tombstone-themed revolver

the movie by heart. We’re betting you can too.

note that she’s also a big fan of wheel guns, so

was complete.

Apparently, we’re not the only ones. Amanda,

inspiration and motivation didn’t have to go far to

We must say that we absolutely love this piece. It

co-owner of Ted’s Shooting Range in Queen

get the ball rolling on this project. The base gun is

certainly should start plenty of conversations over at

Creek, Arizona, had this revolver customized as a

a Smith & Wesson Model 629 Performance Center

Ted’s Shooting Range. To see it in person, pay them

tribute to the movie. It truly is stunning to look at.

Stealth Hunter chambered in an authentic Old West

a visit—and tell them Doc Holliday sent you.

The custom work was done by 2A Tactical LLC in

caliber—.44 Magnum.

[ UN12 ]

Text by JOHN SCOTT Images by JAY CANTER

Based On Smith & Wesson Model 629 Performance Center Stealth Hunter MSRP: $1,638 (unmodified) Caliber: .44 Magnum, .44 S&W Special URL: smith-wesson.com

I’m Your Huckleberry Tombstone-themed Smith & Wesson Model 629 Performance Center .44 Magnum

Work by 2A Tactical LLC FB: @2ATacticalAZ URL: 2atacticalllc.com

Owner Amanda Ted’s Shooting Range FB: @ShootingRange URL: tedsshootingrange.com

30

UN12 / Issue 011

UN12mag.com

31

FEATURE

“The Swiss-produced Brügger & Thomet (B&T) APC9 PRO Pistol, a semiauto compact PDW chambered for 9mm, is closely related to the U.S. Army’s B&T APC9K submachine gun.”

Night Defense B&T APC9 Text by JOHN SCOTT Images by MICHAEL GREY

B&TAPC9 : : Based on B&T APC9 PRO Pistol

: : IR light & laser equipped : : Sound suppressed

32

UN12 / Issue 011

UN12mag.com

33

B&TAPC9 FEATURE

C

ount ourselves lucky; we are living in the middle

caught his attention the first time he saw it. “You know that

of a firearm customization boom. With so many

meme with Fry from ‘Futurama’ saying, Shut up and take

aftermarket parts and talented craftsmen at our disposal,

my money?” he asks. “Yep, that was me when I saw this

it seems as if we can create anything that we can imagine.

bad boy.”

But as much as we enjoy a fully customized gun, there are

The Swiss-produced Brügger & Thomet (B&T) APC9

times that simple bolt-on upgrades are all you need to get

PRO Pistol means business and is closely related to

your piece situated just right.

the U.S. Army’s B&T APC9K submachine gun. The

This is the case for Ward Limann, a marketing executive

semiauto compact PDW is chambered in 9mm. Its

by weekday and tactical training addict by weekend.

aluminum upper receiver features a 6.9-inch,

Limann started off training with AR-15 carbines as his

tri-lug-tipped barrel, and a full-length

go-to weapons but has since switched over to shorter,

Picatinny rail runs from nose to

9mm PDWs. “I enjoy the softer shooting characteristics of

tail across the top. The

9mm,” he says of the switch. “Its lower cost is a plus, too.

pistol runs

I still use my 5.56mm and 7.62mm carbines, but I also like

on a

to keep my options open and love training with my 9mm PDW-style pistols.”

A couple of years ago Limann discovered his current predilection to low- and no-light shooting. Taking a deep dive into the Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) website, Limann went all-in and decked himself out with a TNVC Gen 3 PVS-14 night vision monocular, OpsCore helmet, and countless other night-vision-related accessories. He acknowledges it’s a heavy investment, but one he says is well worth it. “You haven’t experienced shooting until you’ve shot lights-out with only moonlight or infrared to guide you,” he declares.

Piling on to his treasure trove of gear, Limann recently picked up a B&T APC9 PRO pistol. Like the rest of us, it immediately

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

01 02

34

UN12 / Issue 011

01 Primary targeting is facilitated by an Aimpoint ACRO P-1 red dot on a QD 22mm mount.

02 Secondary targeting is facilitated by a compact set of Griffin Armament M2 backup sights.

“The owner discovered a predilection to low- and no-light shooting; based on his training experience, plans were laid early on to deck this APC9 out for nightvision-assisted shooting.”

UN12mag.com

35

B&TAPC9 FEATURE

01

“The APC9’s strengths are its short length, light weight, and maneuverability.

It was perfect as a home-defense weapon.”

NV-enabled operation is made possible using a Steiner OTAL Class 1 IR laser and a SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro, which can toggle between IR and white light illumination.

01

Limann was quick to order and install an SB Tactical SBT pistol brace. The brace features an integral side-folding mechanism that locks solidly in place. Folding the brace to reduce the length of the gun is quickly done by pressing a button and manually moving it to the right side.

Limann chose to go with an adjustable grip from XTech Tactical for a more comfortable grip angle.

The Adjustable Tactical Grip (ATG) design allows it to be installed in the user’s choice of 17-, 25-, or 33-degree grip angles. Because of the short overall length of this firearm, he chose the steepest option of 17, which is more comfortable for his wrist.

Due to the front end’s short length, Limann also installed a Knight’s Armament Handstop on the end of the bottom includes ambidextrous controls

rail. This acts as a hand stop but also incorporates a QD

including the magazine release.

socket for sling attachment. Limann’s pistol came with

After getting familiar with the pistol

Picatinny rail segments that covered the built-in m-lok

over the course of a few trips to his local

rail slots. He left the detachable rails in place since all

shooting range, Limann decided that

the accessories he chose happened to utilize Picatinny

mechanically the gun had nothing he

attachment points.

commit to. With limited rail space, he knew he had to make sure everything he wanted would fit. “I’ve always been

good. He did, however, think that a pistol

a fan of SureFire lights,” he says. “I’ve carried them ever

brace was a must for stable shooting. He also

since acquiring my first pocket flashlight, a SureFire 6P.

and features a dual auto-folding, non-

up sights as well as the pistol grip for one with

reciprocating charging handle. A stick-type,

a steeper grip angle.

The APC9 PRO’s polymer lower receiver is

UN12 / Issue 011

reciprocating charging handle and the ambi controls, and he felt the trigger feel was

wanted to change out the factory polymer flip-

comes standard.

36

considered what light and laser combination he would

reliable closed-bolt blowback system

translucent polymer 30-round magazine

After getting the APC9’s controls dialed in, Limann

of basic operation. He liked the non-

Limann further thought about how else he would accessorize it. He considered its

They’ve never failed me.”

He decided on a SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro Infrared, which is powered by a single 123A lithium battery and produces 250 lumens of white light or 100 mW of infrared illumination. Its space-saving, low-profile mount allows

strengths, which he says are its short length, light

the light to swivel into position relative to the rail so that

improved over earlier APC9 models through the

weight, and maneuverability. It was perfect as a home

it can be tucked low and tight along the top rail. Limann

introduction of a side-positioned bolt hold-open/

defense weapon. After more consideration, he made plans

chose to place it so that it sits on the ARC9’s left side, just

release and replaceable AR-15-compatible pistol grip.

to deck it out for night-vision-assisted shooting in both

forward of the side-charging handle. The weaponlight’s

The PRO model also includes m-lok compatible slots

home defense and training roles, and he based his parts

included SureFire Z68 protected tailcap ensures accidental

for flexible accessory mounting options. The APC9 also

choices on his training experiences.

discharges don’t happen. When gripping the bottom of the

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

thought required improvement in terms

UN12mag.com

37

“The pistol’s controls and IR illumination capabilities were arranged to be fully ambidextrous.” rail and part of the magwell with a support hand, his thumb is within easy reach of the Mini Scout Light’s tailcap button.

As for IR laser options, he decided to use a Steiner Offset Tactical Aiming Laser (OTAL) Class 1 IR that he previously picked up from TNVC for a different gun he had in his safe.

The OTAL sits on the APC9’s right side. The OTAL Class 1 IR laser features a 0.7mW rating, which is eye-safe and rated to target at ranges out to 450 yards. It can be toggled from constant-on to momentary mode via a remote switch.

In order to take advantage of the laser’s momentary mode, Limann went with Unity Tactical’s Picatinny-mount Hot Button. This innovative control device is currently available for use with either lasers or SureFire lights. The Hot Button was developed out of the need to conserve rail space and improves ergonomics and overall weaponlight and laser utility. “The Hot Button frees up so many options on where you mount your lights and lasers, so it has become an indispensable accessory to me,” Limann adds. He installed his on the left-side rail, where it’s easily activated by his support-side thumb.

01 The APC9’s compactness (sans suppressor) allows it to be easily stowed in a small pack or bag.

02

01

The SB Tactical SBT pistol brace’s integral side-folding mechanism greatly enhances the APC9’s compact profile.

02

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

&TA

FEATURE

AEROPRECISIONUSA.COM 38

UN12 / Issue 011

FEATURE

UN12

Night Defense B&T APC9 PRO Pistol

E X P L O D E D VIEW

Specifications Caliber: 9mm Capacity: 30 rounds Minimum Length: 15.25 in.

“Even without a coat of custom Cerakote, custom machining, or stippling, this APC9 PRO is still a headturner.”

Maximum Length: 23.5 in.

Weight Unloaded: 6 lb, 8 oz.

Barrel: 6.9 in.

B&TAPC9 Featured Accessories Suppressor: SureFire SF Ryder 9-MP5 Suppressor Optic: Aimpoint ACRO P-1 (3.5 MOA)

Optic Mount: Aimpoint ACRO QD Mount 22mm Sights: Griffin Armament M2 iron sights

Light: SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro Laser: Steiner Offset Tactical Aiming Laser (OTAL) Class 1 IR

Parts & Accessories: SB Tactical SBT Pistol Brace; XTech Tactical Adjustable Tactical Grip; Unity Tactical Picatinny Hot Button; Knight’s Armament Co. Handstop

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

Limann was more than happy that B&T delivers the APC9

Limann carried on the rail-space-saving theme with a compact

to the barrel. This means that his MP5 clone’s SureFire SF

and handsome set of Griffin Armament M2 sights. The robust

Ryder 9-MP5 suppressor could pull double duty and be

spring tension of the sights ensures accurate repeatability

used on the APC9 pistol as well. Although the stainless steel

every time the front and rear sight towers are actuated.

duty-use suppressor was designed specifically for the H&K

From the looks of it, Limann’s B&T APC9 PRO Pistol is set

MP5 submachine gun, it seems right at home on the semiauto

up from some serious night action. Suppressed and bristling

About the Owner

APC9. The suppressor attaches to the APC9’s standard tri-lug

with IR light goodness, this APC9 is ready to go to the next

Name: Ward Limann

muzzle device via SureFire’s quick-to-attach proprietary Fast-

training class or to pull security duty at home. Even without a

Occupation: Marketing executive

Attach system.

coat of custom Cerakote, custom machining, or even some

Aiming is done through an Aimpoint ACRO P-1 red dot

40

the APC9 as compact as possible. For back-up targeting,

with an HK-compatible tri-lug muzzle device already attached

grip stippling, this pistol, with only bolt-on parts, is still a real

optic. The small and rugged 3.5 MOA red dot is mounted in an

head-turner.

Aimpoint ACRO QD 22mm mount. The pint-size ACRO keeps

[ UN12 ]

UN12 / Issue 011

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41

PRODUCT REVIEW

Text by CHARLES “CHIP” LASKY Images by the author & BASECAMP CREATIVE GROUP

I

f you’ve seen photos of SOF personnel

Warfighters would typically carry either

in action over the past 20 years, you

standard-size 6- or 4-inch chemlights in

have undoubtedly seen bundles of glowsticks

bundles hanging from 550 cord loops. The light

hanging from their belts and plate carriers.

is pulled off the cord loop, tearing a molded

These items, known as chemlights, come in different shapes and sizes and are carried for a variety of purposes, most commonly for marking people, places, and things.

Chemlights are activated by bending the translucent plastic housing and breaking a tiny internal container, allowing two chemicals to mix. The reaction produces a bright glow that illuminates the flexible outer housing and creates a colored light. Once activated, the chemlight cannot be deactivated—meaning it’s a one-time-use device.

Mil-Spec chemlights are a lot tougher than

“Chemlights are carried for a variety of purposes but are most commonly used for marking people, places, and things.”

commercial versions used to mark children during trick-or-treating or MDMA-addled

: : Magazine-fed chemlight dispersal system : : Enables more chemlights to be carried in a smaller space

millennials at the club. Standard-issue chemlights are made by Cyalume and are

hole, to free it from the bundle before activation.

Chemlights are not without their limitations.

strong enough to survive being run over by

As a marking device that emits a visible glow

a deuce and a half without breaking open.

on the battlefield, the amount of light produced

: : Competitive pricing versus traditional chemlight bundles

Blue Force Gear

MARCO 42

UN12 / Issue 011

UN12mag.com

43

Product Review: Blue Force Gear MARCO is sometimes too intense. Concern may arise from more than just uncontrolled visibility to opposition forces; the glow can also be too intense for operators wearing night vision goggles. Therefore, most chemlights are heavily wrapped with 100 mph tape to control the visible output surface area.

Additionally, chemlight bundles carried into war are bulky. Each bundle of 4-inch chems consists of 5-10 sticks. Multiple bundles are usually hanging off a single operator, with each bundle being a single color.

Bundles take up a lot of space and the prep time for taping individual chemlights is tedious. Dangling bundles are exposed to the harsh conditions of the battlefield, allowing for potential accidental activation and an operator running around with a targetindicating light on his person.

Blue Force Gear is a household name in the tactical community and is known for top-quality products. Several years ago they released the MARCO and completely shifted the chemlight paradigm. Developed in conjunction with a U.S.

“Traditional chemlight bundles carried into action tend to be bulky. The Blue Force Gear MARCO is a magazine-fed dispensing system that can hold 30 smaller chemlight capsules in the same space as typically taken up by a bundle of six 4-inch chems.�

Army SMU, the MARCO is a magazine-fed chemlight dispensing system that holds 30 2-inch chemlight capsules. Each 2-inch MARCO chemlight puts out as much light as a taped 4-inch light. The 30-count dispenser takes up less space than a bundle of six 4-inch chems. MARCO chemlights are protected from impact within the magazine dispenser. The magazine itself is carried on the body in a Kydex belt pouch, a Ten-Speed hanger pouch, or a Ten-Speed MOLLE pouch. A pre-loaded MARCO Marking Light Dispenser costs $49.95.

As someone who came up on chemlight bundles, I was honestly used to the standard carry and deployment method. After running with the Blue Force Gear MARCO, I can honestly say I did not know what I was missing. First, the fact that I can now carry 30 lights in the same space as one-fifth that many is astoundingly appealing. Warriors should always be looking for ways to make their loadout smaller, lighter, and more capable. As a former assaulter, I can attest to having run out of chemlights

44

UN12 / Issue 011

Product Review: Blue Force Gear MARCO

For more information: Blue Force Gear URL: blueforcegear.com

during raids on large compounds or while training in large buildings with many rooms. The smaller 2-inch design does put out as much light as a taped 4-inch legacy chemlight. And since we always taped chems to get the proper amount of light output, the smaller size is a welcome upgrade. Speaking of tape, the MARCO completely eliminates hours of prep time.

Deploying MARCOs is a smooth, single-hand operation. The topmost chem can be slid halfway

“MARCOs come in at a very competitive price point versus traditional chems.

Factor in prep time, and they become less expensive.”

out of the dispenser, activated on the edge, removed, and placed. Of the three MARCO dispenser pouch

All things being equal, MARCO is a huge leap forward in the chemlight marking department. In fact, the only application I can think of where the traditional larger chems are more useful is “buzzsaw” communication, which involves tying a length of 550 cord through the hole in the light so it can be swung of aerial assets or distant friendly teams. But this slight limitation is easily fixed by carrying a pre-made everything else.

options, I prefer the Kydex belt pouch or the MOLLE

in at a competitive price point. Considering you get 30

While a new mode of Chemlight marking may not

pouch. Both secure the dispenser to my kit rather than

lights in a dispenser for $50 versus a 10-pack of 4-inch

be what wins a fight, the MARCO certainly makes the

letting it dangle freely. This is important for stealth and

chemlights for $15.95 ($47.85 for 30), the difference

process more effective. And it is generally the sum of

because I don’t want the dispenser getting caught up

is negligible. If you factor in the time and materials to

these little innovations and improvements that increase

in my weapon sling, on ropes, or with any of the other

prep legacy chemlights for use, the MARCO system

the warrior’s capabilities and lethality.

gear I’m carrying.

becomes less expensive.

[ UN12 ]

46

UN12 / Issue 011

•

around in a circular motion to capture the attention

buzzsaw chem in a survival kit along with MARCOs for The budget drives the gear train, but MARCOs come

MIDWEST INDUSTRIES DROP-IN AK HANDGUARDS • • • •

Easy drop-in design does not permanently alter the firearm Models for AK47, AK-74, Yugo M70, M85, and M92 Pattern AK’s Installs in minutes with minimal fitting required Hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum with three sides of M-LOK slots 100% Made in the USA

FEATURE

Company Profile

Off The Grid Witnessing the birth of an outdoor clothing company

Text by JOHN PANGILINAN Images provided by OFF THE GRID

S

tarting your own brand is no easy task. It takes a

UN12: What was your original inspiration for the Off

great deal of determination, patience, and a bit

The Grid brand?

of luck to create something from scratch. This is exactly

JP: I have a brother in law who owns his own plumbing

what Josh Patterson had when it came to launching Off

company and loves to go fishing, hunting, shooting, and

The Grid (OTG), an outdoor apparel brand. As a designer

off-roading. He has been my main inspiration for the

by trade having worked with an impressive roster of

brand. Our original motto was “From the jobsite to the

companies that includes DC Shoes, Quiksilver, Rip

campsite.” A brand that you could wear every day and

Curl, FOX Racing, and Prana, Patterson’s 17 years of

gear that would still function when it came time to hit the

experience provided insight and knowledge of the apparel

trails or the range.

industry, which in turn provided the foundation he sought to create his own brand.

Growing up in Southern California gave him access to

Coming up in the action sports industry and working with so many amazing brands, athletes, and mentors has shaped the way we do everything. I have seen the good

not only the beaches of San Diego but also the desert,

and the bad and learned from some of the best. I’ve seen

where he would spend the winters piloting dirt bikes,

what makes a brand successful or makes it implode.

off-road trucks, and buggies on the sand dunes in Glamis

The best thing I learned was never follow the money;

and the trails in Ocotillo Wells. He would also find himself

follow your passion. If you focus on what makes your

shooting guns in the desert. This background would

customer tick and support your community, the money

become his inspiration in creating Off The Grid, which

will come.

combines the best features from the outdoor, workwear, and tactical realms into everyday wearable products.

As with many startups this dream started as a side gig,

JP: As I was building the brand from 2012 to 2017, I

make his idea a reality. After a successful launch via the

knew I needed to just spend time developing our image

crowdfunding platform Indiegogo of his Trailblazer pant,

and message, so I spent a lot of time in the community.

the brand was ready to grow. It hasn’t been an easy path.

I started the Instagram and Facebook pages and spent

Still fairly new, Off The Grid has amassed a loyal customer

time building awareness online and at off-roading events.

base that believes in the product and what the company

The whole time I had this idea for a pant that I had been

stands for, with its service to the off-road industry and

wanting to make, but I knew until I could generate enough

community in helping keep public lands open for OHV use.

interest there was no way we could sell that many pairs of

Off The Grid also recently opened its first flagship retail

pants. In 2017 I finally knew it was time to take a shot. We

store located in the San Diego area.

had grown our presence and launched with an Indiegogo

about Off The Grid.

UN12 / Issue 011

company via crowdfunding?

with Patterson often working nights and weekends to

We sat down with Patterson and let him tell us more

48

UN12: What was the experience like launching the

campaign, where we raised enough money to put down the deposit for production, and pulled the trigger.

UN12mag.com

49

Profile: Off The Grid UN12: You had a setback prior to production.

owned his own agency, took a leap and gave

wallets or phones—but when we’re out at the range,

is all business is constantly overcoming adversity.

What happened?

us the money to cover so we could bring the

everything is in the exact same location. That way

There is always an issue to attend to. One season

JP: I was working with a factory agent that I had

goods in. We received the pants, and with his

our customers can rest assured if they’re wearing

we placed our biggest order up to that point and

worked with in the past at some of the other

marketing help we sold out of nearly all the

our pants they’ll know exactly where their EDC

all our bottoms came in at least a size too big in

brands I worked for. Since we were new, we had

sizing in six weeks. This was when I saw what a

items are always stored.

the waist. I lost sleep for a few weeks as we tried to

a 30/70 pay schedule—a 30-percent deposit to

game changer online ads could be. Bobby was

start and then 70 percent when it hit the docks

really intrigued, as he had not seen the type of

UN12: What separates your brand from others

were just honest with our customers and coached

to get released. Everything was going smoothly

return we were getting with any other clients

with similar products?

them on how to find their correct size based on how

until we went to make our final payment of 70

at his agency. He made a decision right then

JP: We actually create updated versions of our

the inventory came in.

percent, which was a little over $10,000.

and there to become a partner and decided to

styles, like an iPhone, and are soon to release the

shut down his agency and jump on board for

5.0/5.1 version of our original Trailblazer Pant. When

issues, and as you grow they don’t go away—they

the ride.

envisioning the brand, this was something that I had

get bigger. We as a team have decided that we need

always wanted to do. Most brands make something

to grow individually so we can build the strength to

I was out at Outdoor Retailer in Colorado at the time with another brand I was working full

work through how we were going to fix things. We

time for, and on my lunch break I went to the

For a small business owner there will always be

bank to make the wire transfer with the banking

UN12: What is your inspiration and thought

and sell to a buyer who works for a store, get it on

overcome. We are big believers in having mentors

info I was emailed from the factory—or so I

process behind your designs?

the floor of the store, and that’s who interacts with

and coaches and being involved in mastermind

thought. After I sent the wire I went back to

JP: I want to create something that’s easy

the customers. This creates a huge gap between

groups. As your business levels up you need to level

the show and then had to hop on a plane that

to wear every day but remains incredibly

the brands and their customers.

up as well, and the fastest way to do that is with a

night to come home. When I got home I called

functional. Every cut-and-sew style has to have

the factory to make sure they got the wire, and

a purpose, down to the fabric. Being a direct-

use all the feedback to constantly update our styles.

they said no! I forwarded them all the banking

to-consumer brand, you just can’t come out

This does make things a little tough because we

UN12: You recently opened your first flagship

information and the confirmation, to which they

with another “me too” product. When we find a

then can’t have mixed inventory, so we have to

store in San Diego. How has that been?

responded that those weren’t their banking

function that works for our customers, we put it

put all the past versions that we didn’t sell through

JP: We had been working out of my house for

details. We did some digging and found out that

in every style.

on sale and we have to purchase a whole new

the last couple of years and that just became

inventory. It’s worth it to us because it will only make

unsustainable. We figured why just have a separate

for more satisfied customers.

location for us to work from when we can open up

the email thread had been hacked. Hackers

We have direct contact with our customers and

For example, all of our pants and shorts have

copied all the factory email names and just

a specific pocket system. So you know if you

added an underscore. Long story long, the

are wearing OTG you have upper hip “mag”

money was gone.

pockets, and one to three leg pockets. Most of our pants have at least seven pockets in very

UN12: How did you resolve that issue?

strategic placements. We hear “I don’t know

JP: My buddy, Bobby, who had just come

how I lived without them” all day long. We don’t

on board to help with the marketing since he

always carry spare mags—it’s usually just our

Off The Grid’s brand awareness was established serving the off-road and outdoor enthusiast communities.

Functional features like pockets in strategic locations are carried over between style updates.

mentor or coach.

our first retail location and let that help pay the rent?

UN12: Have you faced any other adversity in the

It’s been a longtime goal of mine to be able to have

past few years that you were able to overcome?

my own shop and to be able to showcase the brand

JP: It’s been crazy going from working for huge

the way I want. I got a little carried away and bought

companies to jumping in with both feet as an

a 1948 Willys Jeep and put it in the front window. So

entrepreneur. I know it sounds cliché, but the truth

this location is our retail store and office space.

“Our customers know if they’re wearing our gear they’ll always know exactly where their EDC items are stored.”

Off The Grid

UN12: What’s new and exciting that you can share with us?

JP: We are launching some new tech flannels and a new wider-leg “Standard Fit” in two of our best pant styles, Hideout Denim and Trailblazer Pros.

We have some big stuff coming up next year on the brand side but it’s still under wraps as we work out the details.

UN12: Where can people check out your gear?

JP: You can view our current inventory online and stay up to date with us on Facebook and Instagram.

We appreciate all the support from the community and always enjoy the chance to connect with likeminded folks, whether through social media or in person at an event sometime soon! [ UN12 ]

----------------------------------------------------------Visit offthegridsurplus.com and follow them on Instagram @offthegridsurplus.

50

UN12 / Issue 011

Off The Grid gear is designed to draw from the best of the outdoor, workwear, and tactical realms.

UN12mag.com

51

FEATURE

Customized Glock 19 Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images by JAY CANTER

: : Based on a Gen 3 G19 : : Vortex red dot-equipped : : Custom laser stippling & Cerakote

52

UN12 / Issue 011

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53

FEATURE

T

here are those of us who opt for basic, no-nonsense protection

and those of us who consider extensive pistol customization as a part of the “basic” defensive package. Count Mr. Fischbach, the owner of the featured pistol, as one of the latter. For him, simply carrying a factorystock pistol is not an option There’s no arguing that even in its stock form the Glock 19 has a legendary reputation for being a reliable and effective CCW pistol. Yet the allure of a custom G19 is understandably hard to ignore. In terms of function and form, the pistol, when customized, can definitely be improved upon.

Looking to improve his self-defense carry pistol, Fischbach entrusted his Gen 3 Glock 19 to the hands of Jay Canter, a gun photographer by trade and a custom gun builder by passion. Canter took us through the modifications performed to Fischbach’s carry pistol. He informed us that the goal of this build was to improve several elements including quicker target acquisition, improved controls, and increased grip traction. Making it look a bit sexier was also a consideration.

Starting at the top, the factory slide was replaced with an Alpha Shooting Sports Alpha Marksman V4 slide. This aftermarket slide adds lightening window cuts, additional serrations, and a provision for a red dot optic. In this case, a cut for the Vortex Viper was chosen. The Viper features a 6 MOA red dot and is co-witnessed and mounted between a set of a Trijicon suppressor-height night iron sights. The sight combination is much improved over the plastic sights of the factory slide.

The slide was completed with a beautifully dimpled Shadow Systems Match Barrel.

The drop-in barrel is DLC-coated for durability and precision-machined to fit tight in critical lockup areas for improved accuracy. The slide uses springs from KE Arms and a slide cover plate from Strike Industries. The rest of the internals, including the recoil spring assembly, are OEM Glock G19 parts from GlockStore.

54

UN12 / Issue 011

“The allure of a custom Glock is understandably hard to ignore. In terms of function and form, the pistol, when customized, can definitely be improved upon. The goal here was quicker target acquisition, improved controls, and increased grip traction.”

01 Upgrades to the pistol’s top end include an Apha Marksman V4 slide and dimpled Shadow Systems match barrel.

01 UN12mag.com

55

FEATURE

The slide isn’t the only part that has seen a dramatic transformation. The G19’s lower portion has been completely overhauled

parts were replaced with fresh OEM Glock components sourced from GlockStore.

The magwell is slightly enlarged but kept

to meet Fischbach’s requirements as well.

svelte enough for carry considerations

Starting with the stock Gen 3 frame, the

thanks to a carry magwell made by KE Arms.

01

trigger has been replaced by a unit made by

In it sits a factory Glock magazine enhanced

ZEV Technologies. The ZEV Pro Flat Face

by a KE Arms magazine basepad. This

The custom Alpha Marksman V4 slide includes lightening window cuts along with the enhanced serrations and the optic cut.

trigger includes a replacement trigger bar

extended basepad adds two more rounds to

designed to reduce travel and provide a crisp

the stock 15-round capacity.

trigger pull while keeping the factory Glock

01

safety provisions intact.

It’s an unfortunate fact that unexpected encounters can happen at any place and at

The controls have also been upgraded

any time. To this end, Fischbach decided to

to further increase the frame’s utility. Most

add a weaponlight to his pistol. After looking

noticeable is a Ghost Inc. G3 extended

around for one that fit flush with the Glock

magazine release, which is extended to a

19’s muzzle end, he finally decided on a

more useful dimension and features beveled

Inforce APLc.

edges that help eliminate potential snags.

The “c” in APLc stands for “compact,”

The extended slide lock by Boogeyman

and it really shows when the light is slung

Customs is made of titanium and finished in

underneath the front end of a G19. The light

an eye-catching blue. Most of the internal

truly sits flush and provides 200 lumens of

01 02 03 04

56

UN12 / Issue 011

01

02

03

04

An Alpha Shooting Sports Alpha V4 slide includes an optic cut enabling the installation of a Vortex Viper red dot.

A ZEV Technologies Pro Flat Face trigger imparts reduced travel for crisper actuation while keeping safety provisions intact.

2A Tactical laser stippling on the grip serves the dual purpose of improving grip traction and looking damn sexy.

Trijicon suppressorheight night sights were installed to cowitness the Vortex optic and improve on the factory plastic analog sights.

“The unique stippling job and subdued gray camo Cerakote lend an upscale yet subtle touch to this G19’s overall custom look.”

UN12mag.com

57

FEATURE

vibrant white illumination when called upon.

“Quicker targeting, improved controls, better grip traction... check, check, check. And a sexier look?

Double check.”

The slide, magwell, and magazine

It’s rated for up to 1.5 hours of runtime, giving

basepad were sent to FS Defense in Chino,

the user plenty of battery life. The polymer-

California, for a light dusting of Cerakote.

housed light weighs just two ounces,

The subdued gray camouflage pattern lends

which makes it almost negligible in terms

an upscale yet subtle touch. Of course, the

of added mass. The waterproof ALPc also

coating not only looks great but also protects

has textured paddles for a non-slip grip and

the pistol from the daily wear a CCW pistol

ambidextrous on/off switches that allow for

inevitably sees.

left- or right-handed activation.

With all the pistol’s parts collected,

From the beginning, Fischbach was looking to add some subtle improvements

they were divided up and sent off to two

over the stock Glock 19 and it certainly looks

customizers that lent their creative hand and

like that’s what was delivered. According

added so much more to this G19’s unique

to him, the upgrades performed on this

identity. The frame landed at 2A Tactical

G19 check all the boxes: quicker targeting,

LLC in Gilbert, Arizona. The laser specialists

improved controls, better grip traction…

there covered the frame’s grip surfaces with

check, check, check. And about a sexier

an all-over laser stippling job that provides

look? He says double-check on that point.

enhanced grip while giving the frame a

How fancy one upgrades a daily-carry

tastefully refined look. The laser work also

weapon is always up to that individual, but

has a nice depth to it that makes it look

from the look of things here, it would be hard

factory-issue in terms of quality. We really dig

to turn down carrying this piece.

the overall aesthetic.

[ UN12 ]

01 Improvements on the bottom end include a KE Arms carry magwell and KE magazine basepad that adds two more rounds to the stock capacity.

01

02 When installed, the Inforce APLc weaponlight sits largely flush with the pistol’s muzzle for a clean aesthetic.

02

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UN12 / Issue 011

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FI RE 4 E FF E CT W E A P O N S Y S T E M S L I G H T PA T RO L RI FLE

B U I LT F O R H A R D U S E

BY HARD USERS… - CU STO M MATCHED BILLET RECEI VER

Customized Glock 19

UN12

E X P L O D E D VIEW

Specifications Caliber: 9mm Overall Length: 7.4 in.

Weight Unloaded: 1 lb, 6 oz.

Barrel: Shadow Systems LLC Match Barrel, Dimple-Fluted Coating: Cerakote by FS Defense Laserwork: 2A Tactical LLC

- AMBI CONTROL SY STEMS - QU A LITY TRI GGER, BA RREL AND CO MPO NENTS

Featured Accessories Slide: Alpha Shooting Sports Alpha Marksman v4 Trigger: ZEV Technologies Pro Flat Trigger Optic: Vortex Optics Viper Red Dot (6 MOA) Sights: Trijicon Suppressor Height Night Sights Weaponlight: Inforce APLc Parts & Accessories: Ghost Inc. Extended Tactical Mag Release, KE Arms Magazine Basepad +2, KE Arms Carry Magwell, Boogeyman Customs Blue Titanium Extended Slide Lock, Glock Store OEM Parts, ZEV Technologies Pro Connector, Strike Industries Slide Cover Plate v2, KE Arms Slide Service Kit

LE O /M I L /FR P R ICIN G AVAILABLE LE O D E P T S EI Z URE / LOAN E R P ROGRAM C O U P O N C O D E U N 12- 1

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

S A L E S @ F I RE - 4- E FF E CT.COM 1 0 5 1 ME AD O W W E S T D RIVE , E L P A S O, TE XA S 79 9 32 • W W W .F I RE - 4- E F FE C T.COM

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ADVENTURE

Ready, Set, Anza-Borrego

: : Camping from a 2016 Yamaha TW200 trail bike (196cc) : : 144 miles from Costa Mesa, Calif., to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park : : All gear carried on the rider, bike, and a 3-day assault pack

A 3-day moto camping trip from ocean to desert

Text & Images by RODNEY “GCRad!” WILLS

Y

ou can be as ready for adventure as possible, but something is

just holding you back. Sometimes it’s simply the fear of the unknown that keeps a lot of people in their comfort zones, and understandably so. But you are reading this magazine, so you’ve either gotten over the hump—or you are about to.

For me, it has taken a while to get comfortable with the unknown. How did I overcome it? By preparing for it, and just pushing myself into it. And every time I pushed forward, I’d see someone else coming back out...

STEP FORWARD There’s a book that helped me as well on numerous levels: “The Complete Walker IV” by authors Colin Fletcher and Chip Rawlins. The book can be read in two ways—as a regular storybook or as a resource guide, since the index is set up so you can pick a topic and direct yourself to that particular section within the book.

The book’s original author, Fletcher, said that he thought he had gone as far into the wilderness as humanly possible, when, at that moment, out stepped two men from the dark depths of where he was headed. I’m a guy who does not read many books, so when I tell you this is a good book to own, you should get in on it. (This is also the one book that I have given as a gift more often than any other single item.)

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UN12 / Issue 011

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01

05

“The physical destination isn’t necessarily the goal.

If you rearrange your thinking the whole trip becomes the destination, end to end.”

THE BIKE For this trip, I had a three-day weekend ahead of me and I’d been wanting to do a moto camping trip completely on and from the bike. As for the bike itself, let’s start by saying I’ve had all kinds, so this is not my first or only one. But it is the one I am currently having so much fun with, a 2016 Yamaha TW200. It’s a small bike compared to what most consider an

are awesome, but the REI Passage 2 is my older tent and has seen a lot of use.

THE GEAR

I will say a good sleeping bag is more

All we really need are the essentials:

important than a good tent. Better yet,

food, water, shelter, fuel. I had four main

I will go on record to say having a great

carry points for my gear on this trip, with

01

very old Acerbis Adventure Jacket. So what did I pack and bring?

As mentioned, my Yamaha TW200 has

sleeping bag is way more important than The bike and primary mode of transport is a 2016 Yamaha TW200, with stubby, fat tires and a low seat height that inspires confidence in a wide range of riders.

02

I’ve found that the goosedown bags pack smaller than a synthetic bag, but the flipside is that I have to be more careful about

02

saw/machete. The front rack is made by Man Racks and hauls my moto tools and Helinox MultiCam camp chair. Inside the

getting the bag wet. I chose a Thermarest The bag is a London Bridge Trading 30L 3-Day assault pack, which carries anything not stored on the rider’s person or on the bike’s gear racks.

down pillow that while fluffy is not very supportive, so I also use an REI inflatable “dogbone” shaped pillow for more neck support.

As for clothing, it’s all about layering. I

Helinox chair bag I also added a toilet

want to sleep warm, so I use my thick pair

trowel, toilet paper in a Ziploc bag, a small

03

clutch level zip-tied to the frame, a North Face wide-brim bush hat stuffed between

Clothing taken on the trip is restricted to whatever is worn by the rider. Layering is important, both while riding and while camping.

the handlebars and dash, a RAM Mounts

04

pack is very rugged and carries a heavy load well. For this trip, its contents include

A very old JetBoil PCS stove and three days’ worth of Mountain House freeze-dried food keep the camper provisioned.

my Canon 7D DSLR camera (when it’s

aid kit, a 5.11 Tactical Packable Operator Jacket, a dry bag with Mountain Khakis wool shirt, thermal longjohns, thick sleep socks, beanie, toothbrush and paste,

64

UN12 / Issue 011

thermals both inside my moto pants when needed and inside the sleeping bag for extra warmth. Same goes for the wool

trip. The first night was 39 degrees, and warmer the second night as I rode further down into Anza-Borrego.

ANZA-BORREGO This trip was not really about the

not around my neck on an EchoNiner

bag of assorted nuts, nutrition bars, a first

chilly nights. Also, I wear the longjohn

sleeping bag, but I didn’t bring it on this

and a clear goggle lens stuffed in the dash

super-old JetBoil PCS stove, large Ziploc

of socks to wear in my bag for those extra04

top. I also have a bivy sack to add over the

X-Grip to carry my phone for navigation,

freeze-dried food, 3-liter water pack, a

even owning a tent. My current sleeping 600-fill goosedown, right-hand-zip bag.

camping gear. The rear rack is made by

three-plus days’ worth of Mountain House

03

bag is a very old REI Downtime +15F,

been outfitted with two racks to haul my

camera, a Braven BRV-Bank battery pack,

2 weighs in at 3 pounds, 8 ounces with

adventures (that is, bicycle). Both tents

attracts a wide range of riders.

strap), two lenses, spare batteries for the

Creek High Volume UV1. The REI Passage

Agnes more for my other bike packing

the perfect “comfort confidence” bike that

The London Bridge Trading 30L 3-Day

I have two tents for moto-bike camping: an REI Passage 2 and a Big Agnes Fly

cabin space for all my gear. I use the Big

has a very low seat height that makes for

in case I get caught out after dark.

containing spare gas for the bike.

I wanted a larger, more comfortable

with its very distinct, stubby, fat tires. It

steel knife. Also on the bike is a spare

but not least a 22-ounce MSR fuel bottle

the REI Passage 2 tent on this trip as

ways. But the first impression it makes is

Gerber hand saw, and a Morakniv carbon-

toilet paper in a Ziploc bag—and last

(LxW head/foot) inches. I chose to carry

benefits, and comforts in very different

pads, sleeping bag, extra water and a

latex gloves, assorted power cables, more

ounce with floor dimensions of 86x38/28

you may ask? It presents challenges,

Cycle Racks and hauls my tent, sleeping

paste, a 5.11 Tactical TMT A1 flashlight,

Big Agnes Fly Creek weighs 2 pounds, 1

riding motorcycles all over again. How,

Trading 30L 3-Day assault pack, and a

and Tissue Rejuvenator, Motul chain

floor dimensions of 90x54 inches. The

“adventure bike,” but it has made me love

two racks on the moto, a London Bridge

deodorant, Hammer Nutrition vitamins

destination, but more the ride itself. I

05

Traveling light is an important concern, but with a little careful planning you can maximize both your comfort and your available stowage space.

chose Anza-Borrego over Johnson Valley as AB is down in the lower desert and is a scratch warmer than JV, which is up in the high desert. Additionally, my previous trip was just out in Johnson Valley.

Furthermore, I have not spent as much time in Anza-Borrego as I have Johnson Valley, so it was an opportunity to add to my Anza experience while doing my first

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65

01

moto ride/camp in the park. But visiting Anza-Borrego on the tiny Yamaha TW200 came with some challenges, as gas stations are sparse, and this is California’s largest state park at 600,000 acres and 500-plus miles of dirt roads. Challenge accepted!

Getting to Anza-Borrego from Costa Mesa, California, is typically a 2.5-hour ride over 133 miles. But when you subtract highways in the Google Maps calculator, it’s a 3.5-hour ride at 144 miles.

The Yamaha TW200 is freeway-capable, but it’s not very fun because it makes you feel pretty small. Besides, the freeway is the most boring route possible. Side and back roads are where you see real life.

THE EXPERIENCE The whole trip, from the time the garage door opens, is part of the experience.

The experience also includes adapting to the small-displacement 196cc bike, which presented new challenges to my 48 years of experience riding motorcycles.

Everything is different, from thinking about trip-route plans and riding a limited-

01

A smaller bike presents its own challenges for a moto ride-and-camp, from mapping routes to planning how to carry all your gear.

02

Anza-Borrego is designated an International Dark Sky Park, meaning the night sky can be just as amazing as the daylit terrain.

suspension moto, to considering that the bike is loaded down with camp gear.

But it made for an entirely new, wholly

02

03

fun experience. For comparison’s sake, if your standard MX moto is a SCORE desert trophy truck, the Yamaha TW200 may very well be the Class-11 stock production Volkswagen sedan.

A lot of times it seems the whole world

04

is all about going fast. But for me, at this stage and age, it’s not about going fast; it’s about slowing down a notch,

03

The Anza-Borrego State park comprises 600,000 acres, and it’s known for its rugged terrain and indigenous vegetation like cactus and wildflowers.

04

No space goes to waste when it comes to stowing the needed gear, including any space located between the bike’s dash and the handlebars.

05

When planning for a trip like this, the author takes care to try and map out the “most dirt” route possible.

Side and back roads are where the action is...

06

...and even the paved roads in a lonely corner of the world like this present their own sort of romantic mystique.

finding the back way or the “most dirt” way possible in an effort to make even the most mundane terrain traversing an adventure. I want to see the landscape as it is, and to have a chance to take it all in. If the destination is the end goal, the time spent there better be double the time it took to get there. If you rearrange your thinking, the whole trip becomes the destination, end to end.

P.S.—When night falls, you’ll see why Anza-Borrego has been designated an International Dark Sky Park.

P.S.S.—There’s no such thing as lost; you are just temporarily displaced. You’re still somewhere on the map. Be prepared, and relax. If you do not have a good sense of direction, learn orienteering. Own it, and test your skills regularly! [ UN12 ]

Follow Rodney Wills on Instagram @gcrad1.

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UN12 / Issue 011

05

06

FEATURE

THE HUNT UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

Antiquated practice, or culturally significant?

Text & Images by RANDY

A

HYNES

s the undergrowth clawed its way across

Like him, I believe the outdoors are a university of

fenders and doors, the truck was filled

their own. They have a way of teaching lessons from

with a sound that was both deafening and nerve-

which a modern man can benefit. Time in nature will

racking. The same tree limbs finding gratification in

grant an education money can’t buy and give you a

scratching across the paint slapped the windows

perspective no book can bestow.

with a vengeance. Spinning tires slung mud over the

remember their first fishing trip. Neither can they

progress. It seemed as if the woods themselves were

recall the first time they slept in a tent or cooked over

angry at our attempt to navigate the narrow trail.

an open fire. Guns, bows, and fishing rods are a part

The rockers of the old truck were rusted, the paint severely faded, and the windshield was threaded

: : The significance of the hunt, then and now : : Hunting as a practice integral to early human life : : Examining the mindset of the modern hunter, and those who oppose him

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UN12 / Issue 011

Much like their own father, my sons don’t

windshield as the soft earth tried to further hinder our

with cracks. Although it had its share of scars, when

of their normal. Being in the outdoors has always been a way of life.

Considering how my boys were raised, it should

in four-wheel drive the faithful Chevy never failed to

have come as no surprise when my oldest son

get us to our favorite hunting ground. It wasn’t pretty

blurted, “We’re a strange family!” For his sixteen

by aesthetic standards, but I felt invincible when I

years of age these types of outbursts were not

was behind the wheel.

unusual, though only God knew where the thought

The state of Michigan would have said the boy driver was too young for such exploits and driving

originated and what was meant by it.

Before I could ask for an in-depth translation of

without a license was illegal. On the other hand, the

this capricious classification, he continued. “Just

boy’s father thought it was important for his son to

think about it. Almost everything in our lives has to do

experience the outdoors. I followed my father’s logic.

with hunting. We live on venison, Dad’s job revolves

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69

FEATURE

archaeologists once thought possible only of agricultural societies.

In his book “In Defense of Hunting,” James

If we’re willing to look deep into the human record we’ll discover hunting in its historical significance, rather than the false portrayal we

A. Swan reasons that “hunting is not a cruel

see today. The camo-wearing-Bambi-killer

act, nor one contrary to ecological harmony,

paradigm is not the image past generations

but rather an act that offers modern people

projected on hunters. Hunters were brawny,

a rare opportunity to experience one of the

wise, known to possess uncanny abilities, and

most basic impulses of human existence: the

were invaluable to the community or tribe as a

desire to hunt. Within each of us lives a hunter,

whole—they were anything but strange.

and repressing this instinct can result in personal and societal strife and violence.”

Based upon Swan’s assertion, could our

To ensure survival, early man taught himself to make a bow, shape an arrow, and knap a piece of flint.

While searching for petroglyphs and pictographs along Idaho’s Hells Canyon, I was given a vivid reminder that for millennia

modern McDonald’s mindset, where we find

hunting was considered a normality. Along the

it normal to get our food from a drive-through

canyon’s precipitous walls are a multitude of

window, be the better definition of “strange?”

motifs left by aboriginal occupiers depicting hunters and bighorn sheep. As I studied these

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

around hunting, every weekend we’re either

immoral, inhumane, or abnormal, weave its

THE DESIRE TO HUNT

hunting or preparing for hunting season, and

way into mainstream thinking? How could a

Both anthropologists and archaeologists

we don’t take family vacations—because

society become so distracted by keyboards,

believe that hunting played a pivotal role in

hunting is our vacation.”

screens, concrete cloverleafs, and cubicles

family, community, and tribal relationships.

until time spent outdoors would amount

Hunting, or a lack thereof, was a factor in

to nothing more than the minutes or mere

social ethos—determining the behavior of

seconds people spend getting from their

entire tribes or villages.

He was right. Our family is different than most... but strange?

My son’s observation forced me to ask myself a series of questions: Would our hunter-gatherer ancestors have thought a

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UN12 / Issue 011

vehicles to the door?

By turning a few pages in the historical

Recent archaeological discoveries suggest hunter-gatherers were not unsophisticated

family who is serious about hunting strange?

record, we find for thousands of years hunting

bands of roving meat-eaters lacking the ability

Would our great-great-grandparents have

was necessary and an integral part of life.

to domesticate. Rather, they were intellectuals

looked at parents who taught their children

Hunting was at one time as much a part of the

capable of constructing buildings, organizing

how to procure their own food as being

human experience as the shopping mall is

large settlements, establishing chieftains,

different than the majority? How did this

today. Within a historical context, hunting has

and creating sophisticated art. The hunter-

presumption, which fancies hunting as

never been considered “strange.”

gatherer’s social complexity equals what

“To an outsider, hunting may seem senseless, an act that devalues life.

But to those who partake, hunting is in fact an intimate undertaking.”

INTIMATE OR SENSELESS

stone transcripts from time immemorial, I

To an outsider, hunting may indeed seem

couldn’t help but wonder—was the hunter

cruel, senseless, or bloodthirsty, an act that

successful? Was his aim true? Did he bring

devalues life. But to those who understand

home meat for food, or did his children go

their prey and have felt warm blood on their

hungry that day?

hands, hunting is an intimate undertaking.

A non-hunter may hear the words “hunt”

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the archaeological discoveries in Hells Canyon

and “intimate” in the same sentence and

clearly demonstrate the Nez Perce people

consider it rhetoric perhaps bordering on

hunted and utilized bighorn sheep “for their

insanity. But true insanity is for us to dismiss

meat, their hides for warmth, and the horns

the fact that for thousands of years Homo

for spoons (ewes) and bow-making (rams).”

sapiens survived, physically and socially,

These ancient findings give us insight into

through hunting.

what it meant, and what it still means, to hunt.

To sustain life, man taught himself how to make a bow, shape an arrow, and knap a

They also reveal an era when hunters were revered, not reviled.

piece of flint. An innate sense to survive was understood as normal by the community as

A WAY OF LIFE

a whole, and both young and old celebrated

Those who condemn hunting often do so

when a hunt was successful.

by touting their post-modern ideology as

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71

FEATURE

Historically, hunting wasn’t just a way to find food; it was (and still is) a bonding experience.

Animals were not used solely for food but also to procure clothing, building materials, and tools.

superior to the menial activities of a few

the Amazon are granted a pass to preserve

reality. This is a reality I was recently reminded

million people who “deem it necessary to kill.”

their hunting heritage, the modern hunter

of when reading a sentence penned on the

These anti-hunters believe those who hunt

should be entrusted with the same.

dust jacket of “The Mindful Carnivore: A

demonstrate their obtuseness through the

The presupposition for many of the “anti” arguments is based upon a misconception

Cerulli: “In a time of intensifying concern over

activists will defend the rich and diverse

that people who hunt do so for the sole

ecological degradation and animal welfare,

cultures of native peoples who have held onto

purpose of killing. When in fact if these “antis”

how are we to make peace with the fact that,

their traditions, which often include hunting.

would ask a hundred hunters how many

even in growing organic vegetables, life is

days they spent afield, they would find very

sustained by death?”

A logical deduction discredits those who would like to cherry-pick where they applaud

few hunters who kill as often as they hunt.

hunting and where they condemn it. If the

Many don’t kill at all. The “you just like to kill”

others term it a passion, neither of these

Maasai warrior and the indigenous tribes of

argument fails to take into account the act

definitions would likely have entered the

of hunting at its core or to place value on its

minds of our hunter-gatherer ancestors.

historical essence. Our ancient ancestors

Hunting was a way of life, just as it should

understood hunting was never done for the

continue to be.

sheer thrill of killing.

Donnie Vincent, an outspoken

UN12 / Issue 011

While some may call hunting a sport and

More than 40 years ago my grandfather took me to hunting camp and passed on an

conservationist and noted adventure

ancient tradition. It was here I also learned

filmmaker, recently shared some personal

about family, community, and the value of

thoughts that touched on this subject. After

relationships. The lessons handed down to

hunting brown bear for more than 40 days,

me contained the same values we see passed

he wrote: “The more I watch the bears, the

on through human history. Hunting was never

more I want to hunt them, and the more I hunt

solely about killing. The whole essence of

them… the less I want to kill one.”

each hunt was to experience living.

Killing is an isolated outcome of hunting.

72

Vegetarian’s Hunt for Sustenance” by Tovar

act of hunting. But these same anti-hunting

So is it “strange” in our modern era for men

Killing is also a solitary result of gardening.

or women to hunt and kill a wild animal? It

Killing is also what provides wood for homes,

depends on if you believe hunting is simply a

furniture, and the paper this magazine is

cultural anomaly practiced by a few or an act

printed on. To make a leather belt, purse, or

that offers modern people a rare opportunity

sofa, or a seafood meal or steak dinner, an

to experience one of the most basic impulses

animal had to die. Unfortunately, our society

of human existence—the desire to hunt.

is becoming more disconnected from this

[ UN12 ]

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73

FEATURE

Customization

s k r r o e t c W e l l n o g i C es D R ES TO ILK LEC W L D O AN by C L RO ded

N SIG DE

KS ER W

i by ov pr xt Te ges a Im

s with anything else, when it comes to

customization exploits, for himself or for others,

my single most valued skill, as it’s what made

has always been one of the most important

firearms customization, the sky is basically

were only done on the side as a hobby.

everything I do today possible. But, as life

considerations for him, so while airsoft guns

As it happens, his background is perfectly

would have it, for 12 years I actually worked in

can be appear very much authentic and realistic

in builds that hark to a more of an OEM feel.

suited to producing well-crafted custom builds

the pharmaceutical industry, which as you can

aesthetically speaking (as we noted in UN12

Nothing wild, but dripping with understated

and the firearms accessories that comprise them.

imagine didn’t really offer much where I could’ve

Issue 007), there is only so far you can go with

goodness—for example, projects executed by

However, as with many of us, that background

applied my skills. So for a long time I relegated my

that.

builders like Michael Tsay through his company,

and its underlying passion were shelved for a few

CAD work to my spare time.”

Collector Design Werks, out of Southern

years in favor of the more immediate interest of

California.

simply making a living.

A

the limit. That said, there’s much to appreciate

Tsay formally established Collector Design Werks in the spring of 2019. Prior to that his

74

UN12 / Issue 011

“I majored in industrial design, where I learned to work in CAD,” Tsay says. “This alone is

Tsay’s appreciation for firearms stems from his

“As I got older, I came to the realization that [airsoft] could never truly satisfy my desire for

The CDW RoboCop AUTO-9 project was completed with a custom locking case and “official” user manual.

website you’ll surely note a predilection toward

20th century, a prime example of how form and

Beretta firearms. Tsay tells us this is largely a

function can be mutually inclusive. It’s also the

product of his upbringing, a certain nostalgia

first handgun I ever owned.”

that’s so far informed much of his effort within forming and developing his company.

“I grew up during the height of the Beretta

The 92 (whose production series also included the Beretta 96 and 98) was a semiautomatic pistol designed in 1975. Production continues to

92’s popularity, being that it was freshly adopted

this day supporting various calibers, from 9mm

by the U.S. Army and featured prominently in

to 7.65 Luger. The United States Army replaced

childhood, when he was primarily involved with

authenticity and realism,” Tsay relates. “So

major films and games of the era,” Tsay says.

the M1911 as its standard sidearm with the 92FS

the airsoft guns that were really the only things

eventually I graduated to real guns.”

“It made a huge impression. To me, it’s one of

variant, which was modified according to internal

the most elegantly designed firearms of the late

testing and designated M9, in 1985.

accessible to him when he was a kid. Authenticity

If you browse the Collector Design Werks

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75

Customization: Collector Design Werks

Tsay’s interest in Beretta culminated early on

anodized surface as seen on early vintage (’70s

in a reproduction of the 93R machine pistol—an

and ’80s) Beretta pistols. The authentic walnut

enhanced version of the 92 series that was

grips were painstakingly reproduced in a similar

developed in the late 1970s for Italian police

manner.

and military applications. It was a select-fire

While the Collector Design Werks version

Below: The Collector Design Werks 93R is a faithful aesthetic recreation of the original Italian special ops sidearm.

by side. In reproducing it, he pored over every aspect of the weapon to ensure an exacting appearance, even down to the proof marks. It’s this sort of attention to detail that he takes pride in carrying over to every project

sidearm engineered to be capable of laying down

features a foregrip that is pinned in the closed

three-round bursts (the R in its alphanumeric

and therefore non-functional position to maintain

designation standing for raffica, the Italian

its Title 1 status (and thereby accessible to your

the manufacturer in popular culture. Among

equivalent of “burst” or “volley”). On a service

average firearm owner), Tsay maintains that you

the various completed projects pictured on the

93R, an integrated selector switch enables the

would not be able to tell the difference between

website you may notice a sidearm carried by pop

user to toggle the pistol between burst fire mode

his 93R and a service 93R if you laid the two side

culture’s most notable cybernetic LEO—that, of

and normal semiautomatic operation.

Collector Design Werks’ 93R is in effect a world first—what Tsay describes as a “faithful, civilian-legal replica of the original.” As such, it has been painstakingly reproduced to display all of the 93R’s aesthetic values down to the smallest visual detail. The example pictured here was built using an original Beretta slide and barrel assembly. To convert it to semiautomatic function while maintaining the authentic appearance, Tsay designed a new frame from the ground up, machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, and incorporated several other Collector Design Werks proprietary parts. The frame was prepped by hand in a very specific way to reproduce the vintage look he was after, a 400-grit polished

“In recreating a firearm like the Beretta 93R, Tsay pores over every aspect of the weapon to ensure an exacting appearance, even down to the proof marks.”

Tsay’s enthusiasm for Beretta products has also expanded into well-known examples of

course, being RoboCop, and the sidearm being the AUTO-9.

For Tsay, the AUTO-9 was a logical progression from his Beretta 93R replica because the movie gun itself was in fact a concept derived from the 93R. The Collector Design Werks AUTO-9 Opposite page, below right: The deployable flip-down “foregrip” is pinned in place on the replica to maintain the functioning firearm’s Title 1 status.

is indistinguishable visually from RoboCop’s own, because in its production Tsay modeled his version after one of the functioning (livefire) prop guns used in the film’s production.

The heavily modified Beretta exterior uses components created using Tsay’s CAD expertise and incorporates CNC-machined components, among other proprietary parts. As a finishing touch, he devised a custom-fit locking case and AUTO-9 OCP Weapon System user manual.

AUTO 9 During the AUTO-9 project’s R&D phase, Michael Tsay reached out to a well-known Beretta collector who owned one of the four existing live-fire props from the RoboCop movie. Up to that point his preliminary drawings had been made from images taken from the Internet and captured in movie stills. He submitted those early drawings and the collector was impressed enough that he invited Tsay to come out and examine the movie gun in person, the caveat being that he would need to come to the pistol, located in Texas, rather than having it shipped to California.

“At the first opportunity I booked a flight, with my tool kit and laptops, and spent the better part of a day measuring every single component and updating my CAD model,” Tsay says. “This allowed me to replicate the exact dimensional detail as well as the material finish.”

He continues: “The part where I had to involve some creative licensing is the unique grip set with the extended integral magazine well that partially envelops the base of the frame. The reason being that the original pieces were handmade and as a result, when studied up close, you could see that many of the details were crude or irregular, not to mention there were signs of patch work that I believe were done out of necessity.”

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The end result is a working replica that is dimensionally and functionally as close to the AUTO-9 wielded by RoboCop as possible, one that’s finished to such a high degree of refinement that it might have been shipped from the Beretta factory itself.

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At home

Customization: Collector Design Werks

Video game culture is another well of inspiration for Collector Design Werks builds and products, in particular the Resident Evil

is completely correct and authentic according to the original source.”

Thus was the Samurai Edge S.E.02 Chris

Most of the heavy lifting takes place in CAD. At right is a rendering of a nextgeneration Samurai Edge.

franchise—and specifically, the “Samurai Edge”

Redfield model born. As Tsay tells it, and as

operator sidearms carried by characters within

some readers may already know, in the games

the video game series. While interpretations of

many of the characters are operatives in the

video game weapons are certainly not a new

fictional Raccoon City Police Department’s

development in firearms customization, fully

STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Service)

functional firearms take the replica game to a

division. Each is issued a Samurai Edge sidearm,

whole new level.

based on a Beretta 92, that is further customized

provide the parts to make the build happen. All

to each operator’s individual requirements.

products are designed to be installed at the user

the Samurai Edge through the airsoft industry.

Redfield’s pistol was selected because it’s one

level and are available directly through the online

Originally, [it] was available as an airsoft replica

of the most basic variants that still incorporates

shop.”

through the collaboration between [Resident Evil

enough features to make it interesting—and,

publisher] Capcom and Tokyo Marui, and only

Tsay adds, because Redfield is one of his favorite

Michael Tsay’s operation is constantly on the

marketed in Japan. Naturally, I thought, ‘How

characters.

move and constantly evolving. While he cut his

Tsay explains: “I was actually introduced to

firearms. A customer who desires such a build will have to procure the firearm on their own, while we

Like any artisan, or artist as the case may be,

awesome would it be to have a live-fire version of

We should note that the builds pictured on

that, made to the exact details and specifications

the Collector Design Werks website represent

his projects derived from it do not represent the

from the game?’”

a showcase of Tsay’s abilities and past work

entire scope of his abilities or even the breadth

and are not meant for purchase. He explains:

of his interest. If highly authentic, meticulously

have the idea. Many before me have built their

“Although I’m happy to help answer build

designed project guns and the parts used to

own interpretation of the Samurai Edge using real

questions, Collector Design Werks is not an FFL

assemble them interest you, as they do us,

Beretta 92s. However, I wanted something that

dealer and does not offer build services or deal in

He continues: “I wasn’t alone, nor the first to

teeth on Berettas, that one manufacturer and

it behooves us all to keep an eye on this (still Various accessories are available to turn your Beretta 92 into a sidearm reminiscent of the Samurai Edge from Resident Evil.

relatively new) company in the coming months and years.

“My scope of interest covers things ranging from pre-1898 to the 2000s,” Tsay says. “I constantly have projects in the works, ranging from a single part to full builds. Examples of things that I’m working on are a T86 (Taiwanese

And on the go

rifle) clone, 10-inch Desert Eagle as carried by Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 2, and a Type 89 (JGSDF rifle)—just to name a few.”

He adds: “I often find myself interested in subjects that are either niche or completely unexplored by others. I’m not afraid to make something even knowing it might not be flying off the shelves.”

Finally, Michael Tsay offers some insight into his overall philosophy when it comes to customization, and firearms ownership and enthusiasm in general—one many of us can wholly appreciate.

SAMURAI

“As strange as it may sound, I’m generally a purist when it comes to gun customization,” he says. “Many of the guns in my own collection actually stay factory original. This may sound counter-intuitive, but I believe it goes hand in hand with my philosophy. I see what I do as recreating something in its purest, most authentic form, rather than it being a customization of sorts.”

For a detailed look at the completed Collector Design Werks projects, a few works-in-progress, and the catalog of accessories for sale, visit the company website at collectordesignwerks.com. [ UN12 ]

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EDGE

For more information, follow Collector Design

Get organized with

Werks on Facebook @collectordesignwerks and on Instagram @collector_design_werks.

tacticalwalls.com

540.298.8906

Proudly made in the usa

Shenandoah, virginia

FEATURE

Text by ROLAND WILKES Images by JAY CANTER

: : Quentin Defense ARQ-9 billet receiver set

PCC AR

The Riddler

: : Chambered in 9mm : : Custom-themed laser engravings & Cerakote

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FEATURE

I

t should go without saying that we’ve seen our

kind of devotion to take brand-new parts—integral and

share of customized firearms. We’ve nothing

relatively costly parts like the gun’s receivers, no less—

against complete off-the-shelf gun builds, but with such

and put them to the knife. Or more accurately in this case,

a robust firearms market, particularly in the AR realm,

the laser.

the sheer volume of product available has our gears constantly turning.

The Riddler’s owner and the project’s chief mastermind, who goes by G. Pierre, is both a firearms enthusiast and a

At any given time we might have two or three or half a

fan of the Batman universe. More specifically, the darker,

dozen potential builds floating around in our heads, based

grittier side of the Batman universe, which can generally

around parts or combinations of parts we’ve seen on

be summed up by the descriptor “Arkham”—Arkham

the Internet, on Instagram, at the show, or at the range.

being the insane asylum on the outskirts of Gotham which

For anyone looking to do a build from the ground up and

housed such infamous miscreants as Batman’s arch-

tailor every aspect to his or her liking, there is no time like

nemesis, Joker, and The Riddler himself.

the present. It’s no stretch to say we’re living in what you

The seed for the build was actually planted

might call a Golden Age for gun building, tinkering, and

in Pierre’s mind a few months prior to

customizing.

starting the build, when he dressed up

Which brings us to the build featured here. It is dubbed

as Riddler for a Halloween costume

“The Riddler,” for reasons that, if they aren’t obvious at first

contest and ended up winning. He

glance, will become more evident the longer you look at

explains: “Arkham played into the

it. This build is one of the more unique we’ve come across

theme, as I wanted to do a built from

lately, not just because of the underlying concept that

the ARQ—pronounced ‘ark’—upper

drove it, but also because of the level of work that’s been

and lower from Quentin Defense. It

performed to the various components. It takes a special

seemed to work out perfectly, you

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PCC AR Pistol Trigger The Velocity Precision Engineering MPC was chosen for its function, purple hue, and unique shape.

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Handguard The angled cutout in the Tiger Rock handguard complements the shape of the angled muzzle tip.

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FEATURE

SB Tactical & the AR Pistol

to be.”

The receiver set in question is QD’s ARQ-9, designed as the basis for a pistol-caliber platform, which this gun obviously is. The upper and lower are machined from 7075 billet and together weigh about 14 ounces even. The lower is engineered to accept Glock-style magazines running 9mm cartridges.

Acquiring the QD receivers was just the beginning.

Envisioning the finished product, Pierre entrusted the receivers to Steve Gonos and 2A Tactical LLC in Gilbert, Arizona, for extensive etching, cutting, and engraving.

Among the various surface treatments they performed, which are extensive, 2A cut out three question marks (Riddler’s signature motif) from the lower’s front end.

These cuts extend through the billet aluminum material and form in effect windows into the magwell itself. It represents painstaking custom work at its finest.

was the target date.

PCC AR Pistol

Part of the various engravings include a riddle that Pierre

Similar work was performed on the pistol grip, a

says he borrowed from the old ’60s-era Batman show

billet Quentin Defense Fat Bastard, which comprises

(starring Adam West as the Caped Crusader and John

several window cuts that extend all the way through the

Astin as Riddler): You can draw me, fire me, and fill me in.

aluminum. Various other “?” accents have been added all

What am I?

over the firearm’s main body. In fact, there are no fewer than 121 of them cut, engraved, or embossed all across the pistol. That number is not merely incidental. In the early

“I don’t remember the actual answer, but for me it was a no-brainer,” he says. “A gun (duh).”

The lower was completed with various parts

Muzzle

The Yankee Hill Machine slanted muzzle brake was chosen for its form as well as its practical function.

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

know, ARQ for Arkham… it just seemed like it was meant

Elsewhere in this issue we examined the ins and outs of SBR registration and what differentiates an SBR AR and

stages of product planning, Quentin Defense agreed to

from CMMG (takedown pins, bolt catch), a TacFire

an AR pistol. As noted there, for anyone desiring a PDW or

feature the build at SHOT Show, and January 21 (1/21)

ambidextrous safety selector, and Quentin Defense mag

compact AR platform for use at the range or for self-defense, a pistol brace can allow you to forgo the wait time and cost of registering your weapon with the BATFE. SB Tactical was the first company to develop and register

such a device with the Bureau. Alex Bosco, one of the company’s co-founders and inventor of the original pistol stabilizing brace, was shooting one day with a disabled friend when he came up with the idea. He designed the prototype in his garage in 2012 and ran it through initial testing with other disabled vets.

Bosco then sought government approval and was granted it

later that same year. He and Grant Shaw founded SB Tactical shortly afterward and began producing braces for AR and AK platforms. In 2013, after a trip to SHOT Show in Las Vegas, sales agreements were reached with SIG Sauer for the SB15 (AR) and Century Arms International for the SB47 (AK) pistol stabilizing braces.

Since those initial exclusive distribution agreements expired

in 2015, SB Tactical has gone through a significant re-branding effort and today continues to innovate on the pistol stabilizing brace concept, offering a number of iterations for various firearm platforms beyond AR and AK. Other companies have followed suit in developing their own brace mechanisms.

Since 2012, there has also been ongoing correspondence

between SB Tactical and the BATFE, which is documented on the SB Tactical website (sb-tactical.com), including the complete letters received from the agency regarding the braces and the interpretations of their intent and use. If you desire to build a pistol platform using an SB Tactical brace, or any stabilizing brace by any other manufacturer, it makes for an interesting read and may be well worth your time to check out.

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FEATURE

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release (which was included with the receiver set). The

Riddler color scheme of purple-accented green, with just

upper was fitted with a 7-inch Ballistic Advantage barrel,

the right touch of darkened, Gothic-inspired grittiness—

which in turn was fitted with a Yankee Hill Machine slanted

and his co-conspirators at Quentin Defense used a local

muzzle brake whose 45-degree angle nests within and

Cerakote applicator, Koted Arms in Mesa, Arizona, to

nicely complements the angles imparted by the C-shaped

handle the application

cutout at the Tiger Rock m-lok handguard’s business end.

In fact, the aesthetics of the build, such as the angles

All in all, The Riddler AR pistol embodies all that can be interesting about a custom themed build. Colors, shapes,

present on the handguard and muzzle brake, became an

fit, and function all work together to make this weapon

important part of matching up the various components. “In

into something that’s more than just the proverbial “sum

creating this piece I searched for specific parts I thought

of its parts.” It’s an idea, an object, and at some level, an

would fit the overall look,” Pierre says. “Colors and shapes

obsession.

played a big role in the process.”

The trigger, for example, was selected in part because

And lest you think this is just some gun that was put together with a SHOT Show display in mind, Pierre tells

of the purple color option offered by Velocity Precision

us he has put more than a few rounds downrange since

Engineering. The MPC drop-in unit offered a hue suitable

it all came together. In addition, the process of putting it

for what Pierre wanted, along with a unique offset curved

together was more than just arriving at the destination. It

shoe that called to mind a question-mark shape. The

was about the journey itself.

trigger interfaces with a New Frontier Armory BCG for

“It was a fun build as a collectible or conversational

9mm, which is in turn harnessed by a Radian Raptor

piece, and it was even better working with [Quentin

charging handle.

Defense] and everyone else who played a part in bringing

The rear of the gun was completed with an SB Tactical

The Riddler to life, for the enjoyment of myself and the 2A

PDW pistol stabilizing brace, ensuring the AR’s pistol

community,” he says.

classification and adding the needed stability for accurate

[ UN12 ]

shooting. The SB Tactical brace package encompasses the buffer tube, end plate, and castle nut. The assembly also includes the recoil spring and a pistol buffer optimized

PCC AR Pistol Grip

A Quentin Defense billet Fat Bastard pistol grip was customized with cut-through question marks.

for the 9mm PCC configuration.

Targeting is accomplished using a Vortex Spitfire AR. This optic is designed to give shooters the best of both worlds, using a glass-etched DRT (Dual Ring Tactical) reticle than can be used with the red/green illumination or without it, like a traditional riflescope. For shooting days, The Riddler is fed from a KCI 50-round drum (unfortunately not pictured here) The finishing touch, of course, was the finish itself.

Pierre supplied the desired overall direction—the classic

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Brace An SB Tactical SBPDW pistol stabilizing brace shores up the rear end and enables The Riddler’s pistol classification.

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87

PCC AR Pistol

FEATURE

The Riddler AR-15 PCC Pistol

Specifications Caliber: 9mm

Receivers: Quentin Defense ARQ-9 7075 billet

Barrel: Ballistic Advantage 7-in.

Laser Engraving: 2A Tactical LLC

Coating: Cerakote by Koted Arms

Featured Accessories Trigger: Velocity Triggers 9mm MPC Optic: Vortex Spitfire AR

Handguard: Tiger Rock Inc. 7-in. m-lok Slim Muzzle Brake: Yankee Hill Machine “Slant”

Pistol Brace: SB Tactical SBPDW

Parts & Accessories: New Frontier Armory 9mm BCG; Radian Raptor charging handle; CMMG takedown pins, bolt catch; TacFire ambi safety selector; Quentin Defense “Fat Bastard” pistol grip

About the Builder Battle Arms Development UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

Social: Facebook @BattleArms, IG @battlearms URL: battlearmsdevelopment.com

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FEATURE

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PLATE CARRIER SETUP Text & Images by CHARLES Images by THE

T

“CHIP” LASKY

AUTHOR & BASECAMP CREATIVE GROUP

oday’s warfighting gear bears little

gear is set up thoughtfully for the mission. With

resemblance to the kit worn into battle

myriad options in plate carriers, pouches, and

over the past half century. The evolution of

accessories, setting up gear for success can be

the past 20 years in the Global War on Terror

a daunting task.

has been so rapid that the original gear worn

To this end, I’m going to share my personal

during the invasion of Afghanistan looks

plate carrier and belt kit setup to hopefully

almost ancient. Advancements in technology,

give you some ideas on which to base your

materials, manufacturing processes, and

own. I have spent years refining my kit and will

designs based on years of intense combat

continue to do so as new products become

and ever-evolving mission sets have created

available. Over time I have learned what works

stronger, lighter, and more effective kit than ever

and what doesn’t, and as mentioned above,

before. The sheer modularity allows individuals

the modularity of today’s gear allows different

to tailor their loadout to the mission.

setups for different missions.

A warfighter’s job is to destroy the enemy

Since I come from an assaulter background,

and win. A properly kitted warfighter will be

my current kit is set up for that role. And while I

able to achieve this much more effectively with

no longer jump out of airplanes and shoot bad

proper gear. Perhaps more importantly, the

guys for a living, I train people who do. So I

warfighter will be able to win more easily if his

keep my gear set up for the same roles so I can

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FEATURE

“The three main tenets of gunfighting are Shoot, Move, Communicate.

Every piece of gear should be interrogated to determine if it helps you do these three things more effectively.”

My plate carrier is a London Bridge Trading

Plates. Armor should certainly be tailored to

Carrier is the latest evolution of the storied

the mission, but Velocity Systems is the best

6094 plate carrier series popular with SOF

in the business when it comes to ballistic

for decades. I like it because of its minimalist

protection. I can personally attest to the

design and weight-saving features. Rather

requirement of quality plates. Go cheap, and

than separate sewn-on nylon webbing PALS

you might go home in a box.

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rows, the G3 has laser-cut slots for weaving

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Velocity Systems API-BZ Standalone Rifle

Gen3. Made in the USA, the LBT Gen3 Plate

Quality armor will save your life. Quality

better relate concepts to students. After all,

modular pouches. The cummerbund has

lightweight armor will save your life and allow

it’s easy to run drills and accomplish tasks as

reinforced internal substrates that add

you to fight more effectively. As a little guy, I

an instructor wearing a relatively slick plate

structure without adding unnecessary weight.

have always appreciated lightweight gear as

carrier with no radio, tools, or cables to get

And the shoulder straps are narrow so as not

well as any technology that could help make

in the way. And while my gear is set up for

to not interfere with stock placement or other

me more effective for longer periods of time.

a military role, the basic principles I abide

physical activities that require a wide range of

Overheating is one of the biggest dangers

by can easily be translated into domestic

motion (like climbing or driving). The laminate

facing a warrior. Not only are many conflicts

law enforcement missions with very minor

attachment points of the straps to the carrier

fought in hot climates, but the highly physical

modification.

allow for heat aspiration from the upper chest

act of fighting for your life tends to raise blood

and back. The LBT Gen3 is one of the lightest

pressure and body temperature.

The plate carrier is one of the most iconic items worn by today’s gunfighters.

and most capable designs on the market.

Qore Performance has developed an

It carries the wearer’s ballistic protection

This is not my only plate carrier, but it is the

extremely innovative cooling technology

as well as much of his primary kit. The

one currently getting the most use.

called Ice Vents. These 90% air-by-volume

three main tenets of gunfighting are Shoot,

Mom always said, “It’s what’s on the inside

“pads” help float gear slightly off the body

Move, Communicate. As a professional, I

that counts.” And while she was probably

while providing the most airflow of any air

interrogate every piece of kit or pouch I wear

telling me that because I have never been a

channel on the market. I became a believer

to determine if it helps me shoot, move, or

natural beauty, the lesson certainly applies

after trying them just once. And I went so far

communicate more effectively.

here. My plate bags hold front and back

as to modify my LBT Gen3 to accept the Ice UN12mag.com

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FEATURE

01 FRONT The author’s carrier of choice is an LBT Gen3 fitted with Velocity Systems API-BZ Standalone Rifle Plates. Qore Performance Ice Vents have been integrated to help regulate body temperature.

02 BACK

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A Ferro Concepts ADAPT Back Panel Banger includes three multi-fit pockets for various ordnance and a lower general purpose pouch; it interfaces with MOLLE-compatible carriers using a zippered adapter kit.

Vents. A night on

retention and allows for fast extraction of

specific role. I would not advocate carrying

the sofa with a

mags with absolutely no binding. The two

a bang in this method during FRIES (Fast

needle, thread,

levels of retention are extremely important

Rope Insertion Extraction System) or airborne

and a few movies

for professionals. Gamers can get away with

operations. But if your mission is literally

saw me hand-

open-top Kydex pouches that allow lightning-

hitting a target during a Direct Action raid,

stitching large

fast reloads. But operators need to be able to

then this method of flashbang carry is a solid

patches of Velcro

fast-rope, climb caving ladders, scale walls,

option. I used to use rubber bands for this

pile to the insides

crawl through tight spaces, go hands-on

same task.

of my plate bags.

with bad guys, and roll down mountainsides

Similarly, I cut

essential and can save your life.

and immediately running into

set up as an example to my government

a bad guy. If the fight gets so

students. Behind the frag pouch is an

close that my big gun is pinned

upside-down handcuff case. While cuffs are

between us, I can still extract

generally associated with cops, it’s good

the knife and bring it right

practice to have a pair in the military for bad

I’ve placed a Juggernaut Case PALS Armor

I often see ratty tourniquets with

down behind the enemy’s

(don’t ask) while retaining gear. Open-top

Mount on my chest. This allows me to put my

frayed edges and other damage

clavicle.

large pieces of

mag pouches on the front of a carrier will spill

cell phone (encased in a Juggernaut IMPCT

on my students’ gear. And

Velcro hook to shape and adhered them to

mags everywhere during these activities.

case) in a flip-down platform for use in the

while we used to simply affix

of the cummerbund is

a radio behind the cummerbund to save real

the backs of four Ice Vents with Shoe Goo.

Even initially tight-fitted mag pouches will

field. Today I use it for referencing PDF drill

TQs with rubber bands, leaving

intentionally left open,

estate. The PTT is mounted to the upper

The result was two or three bloody fingers

eventually loosen over time and hard use.

sheets while teaching class. In real life it can

them completely exposed, there

giving me a clear path to

and a plate carrier that promoted cooling

(Super-fast mag reloads cannot help you if

be used for any number of military-specific

are better options available today. I

across my entire torso. In the process I

your magazines fell out 5 klicks back.)

battlefield electronic applications.

cannot stress enough the importance of

also attached a couple Qore Aero Ice Vent shoulder pads to the shoulder straps.

A Blue Force Gear Tourniquet NOW! Strap

Flanking the KTAR Front Flap are two

protecting your tourniquets.

Around the right side of the front flap is a Crye Precision MBITR radio pouch. It holds

left chest for easy access and retained with

my holster during transitions.

a rubber band. I have carefully threaded

Again, this is extremely important.

the cable under and behind pouches and

Transitioning to my sidearm means I’m in

components to secure it from snags as

a situation where my big gun is no longer

much as possible. The violence of a fight

JTACtical Solutions Multi Mount Tourniquet

for holding a fast-access flashbang. I always

Pouches. I much prefer enclosed tourniquet

a Half Face Blades Crow Scout knife in a

operational and the threat is close enough

can cause all sorts of things to snag radio

customizations, I replaced the front factory

like having a ready-access banger in case I

pouches to straps. Tourniquets are UV-

Kydex sheath zip-tied to the cummerbund.

to forgo taking the time to fix the rifle. My

cable loops and result in me getting hung up

LBT cummerbund flap with a Ferro Concepts

need to deploy my own. While it may not be

sensitive, and keeping them in an enclosed

I much prefer small knives/daggers to the

pistol presentation speed could save my

on something (at best) or cause the cable

ADAPT KTAR Front Flap. I personally

as secure as a pouch, strap attachments like

pouch will protect them from snags and

giant Rambo survival knives of yesteryear.

life. Around the back is a single frag pouch

or radio fitting to break (at worst). Being on

prefer its polymer inserts with shock cord

this will allow for silent and rapid deployment

damage. Dangling below the front flap is a

This blade placement is for fast access

mounted upside down for easier access

mission without comms is a serious liability.

secondary retention to the factory LBT

of bangers during direct action missions.

T.Rex Arms CAT Tourniquet Holder for a third

during close encounters. For example,

behind my back. No, I do not get to play with

Remember—one of the three tenets of

panel. The KTAR has two levels of magazine

Note: This practice is for a very mission-

TQ on the front of my carrier. Tourniquets are

coming through a door or rounding a corner

frags anymore. But I try to keep my carrier

gunfighting is “communicate.”

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The right side of my plate carrier features

The direct right side

guys who are especially belligerent.

is woven onto the front of the flap. This is used

Speaking of modifications and

94

“Tourniquets are sensitive kit, so keeping them in enclosed pouches is a good idea to shield them from damage.”

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FEATURE

04 HOLSTER

Modular Holster Adapter. This piece of kit made a much bigger difference in my pistol presentation than I ever thought it would.

Directly behind the holster is another frag

A Safariland holster mounted to a True North Concepts modular adapter, which the author claims have made vast improvements in his pistol presentation.

grenade pouch. An LBT Small Blow-Out Kit Pouch is centered on the back of my belt.

This is my IFAK. There are plenty of mini IFAKs on the market, but the contents are either miniaturized or outright omitted to keep them small. Medical kit is not as sexy as shooting or blowing-shit-up kit, but it will be the most important thing in your life when you need it. I usually advocate for smaller pouches if possible, but if you are a warfighter or on an LE tactical team, you should have a full-size IFAK. I also keep one more tourniquet in a Blue Force Gear Hammock under the Blow-Out Pouch. Four limbs equals four tourniquets.

The left side of the belt has two pistol mag

03

pouches and a rifle-reload pouch. The rifle mag pouch is an S&S Precision Skeletonized

RIGHT & LEFT

Magazine Retention (SMR). This is the only

The right side is left relatively open for quick access to knife and sidearm. The left side accommodates PTT comms, general purpose pouches, and magazines for rifle and pistol carried on the belt.

Medical kit resides in an LBT Small Blow-Out Kit Pouch centered on the belt’s back center.

magazine. The SMR has proven reliable

“If you need to transition to your pistol, things have gone from bad to worse and a threat is in close proximity.”

with the Ferro ADAPT Back Panel MOLLE

has been replaced with a 215 Gear Ultimate

dispenser in a MOLLE pouch is located

Zipper Kit. I really like the “Banger” version

Rigger’s Belt for load-rated applications (such

right up front for easy-access, single-hand

of the ADAPT back panels. The top has three

as being hooked into a helicopter). There

distribution of marking lights. A small

flashbang pouches with silent latches (kind

are tons of great belt options on the market,

general purpose pouch sits on my left side.

of important when deploying bangs that

and choosing one should be solely based on

Nowadays it holds various items I need while

are meant to startle or distract bad guys).

your mission requirements. I still work in and

teaching classes. I’m not a fan of general

Beneath those pouches is a large GP pouch

around helicopters, so it’s important that I

in holding a loaded AR magazine during

purpose pouches because they tend to get

where I keep prisoner handling gear.

have a load-rated belt that allows me to safely

athletic activities... so far. The material has

clip my personal retention lanyard in.

a rubberized feel, which adds extra friction

stuffed with non-essentials. The trick to a

I cannot access these items on my back.

properly loaded GP pouch is ensuring that

However, I’m not meant to do so. Back panels

you know exactly what’s in it and keep it

are meant to be accessed by teammates

holsters for two decades. As far as I’m

rifle reload mag and I will always reload

organized internally. This is a Crye Precision

to “work off your back.” Moving through a

concerned, they are the best duty holsters

from this pouch. Once I have reloaded, I’ll

pouch internally lined with Velcro pile to

structure will have various operators ending

in the world. If I need to transition to my

backfill the pouch with a magazine taken

accept various dividers and inserts. Behind

up in various positions. If items like bangs

pistol, things have gone from bad to worse

from my plate carrier. The reason I always go

that is a single smoke grenade pouch and

need to be deployed, you would generally pull

because it means my rifle is out of the fight.

to the belt to reload is because it provides

then an antenna relocation pouch for the

one off the back of the man in front of you. His

And the threat is in such proximity that it

the most consistent access regardless of

radio. I don’t like having antennas poking me

job is to maintain focus on the door, so the

is faster to transition than reload or fix the

body position. I can get to it while standing,

in the face and snagging on boom mics. The

guy behind him will toss the bang. Likewise,

big gun. In other words, my pistol better

kneeling, or prone. The SMR presents a large

relocation kit is a must-have, but also requires

if I’m holding an “unknown” at gunpoint, a

be in my holster and ready to save my life.

grip area on the mag. Time will tell if it wears

periodic maintenance checks. All fittings

teammate would be able to access my flex

Safariland is the number-one duty holster in

out or I end up losing its contents. But as I

must be checked for wear or damage.

cuffs and prisoner hoods off my back as he

the world for protection, retention, and speed

mentioned before, I am constantly refining my

moves up to take custody.

of presentation. If you are using anything

gear and trying new things.

The back of my plate carrier has another addition from Ferro Concepts in the form of

UN12 / Issue 011

IFAK

time I will forgo secondary retention on a

A Blue Force Gear MARCO chemlight

96

05

The second part of my personal kit is my

I have trusted my pistol to Safariland

else for direct-action application, you are

to the fit. This magazine is my emergency

06 MAGS Spare pistol magazines and a rifle mag reside on the belt. This is the rifle’s primary reload, which is then backfilled as needed.

Last, I have a Blue Force Gear Ultralight

an ADAPT Back Panel Banger. I have adapted

belt setup. I have used the Crye Precision

wrong (bold, controversial statement). The

Dump Pouch. This pouch is used exclusively

the rear plate bag to accept this zip-on panel

Modular Rigger’s Belt for years. The outer belt

holster is mounted to a True North Concepts

for Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE). I UN12mag.com

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FEATURE

11 ICE VENTS These 90% air-byvolume spacers allow gear to “float” away from the body and create cooling channels to help regulate body temperature.

07

08

BANGER POUCHES

JUGGERNAUT CASE

Ordnance is typically carried on the back and positioned to be primarily accessed by teammates.

Positioned on the plate carrier’s chest area, this enables a smart device to be positioned as a flip-down platform for use in the field.

09

10

KNIFE

PTT

The blade of choice is a smaller-sized Half Face Crow positioned so it may be accessed if the wearer is going handson with an adversary.

Communication is critical, so wires, cables, and antennas should be carefully arranged so they don’t snag or tear away during intense activity.

hate dump pouches. They’re bulky, snag

That doesn’t mean you should not have easy

on everything, and make a ton of noise

access to it, though. Figure out how your

with spent mags banging into each other.

body moves and your range of motion. For

However, a small stowable pouch that can

example, while I can access the frag and

store documents, small weapons, and other

handcuff pouches on my cummerbund, over

intel items in a pinch is good to go. Unless

my kidney, I can only do so because they are

being used explicitly for SSE, I keep it stowed

inverted. My shoulder does not allow me to

in its elastic keeper.

pull items upwards in that location.

The main things to consider when setting

98

After you’ve chosen a carrier and belt,

up your plate carrier and belt are mission

loaded them with gear that supports your

profile, weight, and relevance. It’s easy to get

mission, and arranged everything in a way

carried away adding items and pouches for

you think best supports your needs, you need

things you think you might need. However, a

to test it out. That means going to training

plate carrier and belt should be as slimline as

classes and working with it. Ensure you can

possible, adding minimal profile to your body.

access your ammo and other munitions.

You should be able to run, crawl, walk, and

Ensure your medical gear is as easily

fight in this kit. The bulkier your loadout, the

accessed as it needs to be. Run an obstacle

harder time you will have accomplishing these

course that involves climbing, crawling, and

tasks. I’ve found that creating a hierarchy

plenty of movement to make sure things don’t

to your layout is best. The three things that

shift around and that you don’t lose items.

will save your life in a fight are ammunition

Everything needs to be perfectly placed.

(so you can fight), a radio (so you can tell

You are preparing to go outside the wire and

people what happened and where you are),

engage in activities that may cost you your

and tourniquets (to stop the bleeding when

life. Set yourself up for success.

it happens). Everything else is secondary.

[ UN12 ]

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“Having chosen a plate carrier and belt, loaded them with missionappropriate gear, and arranged everything in a way that best supports your needs, you need to test it out, meaning go out and train and work with it.”

DEPT.

Buyer’s Guide

Vehicle Firearms Storage Guide Text by JOHN SCOTT

BG-14

Images courtesy of the manufacturers

N

o matter what type of vehicle a firearm owner

stood out to us, they barely scratch the surface. There

drives, the importance for secure gun storage

are plenty more alternatives out on the market. Also

options is paramount. Finding just the right setup for

remember that many of the manufacturers represented

your storage needs, however, can be quite the challenge

here offer many other types of vehicle-based solutions.

due to the breadth of storage solutions currently on the

Check out their websites to investigate more options.

market. Call it an embarrassment of riches for us gun

[ UN12 ]

owners, perhaps; we’re not complaining.

To help you sift through the many options available,

we’ve collected some of the most popular secure storage choices into this guide. Before you dive into the options blindly, it’s a good idea to assess your needs in order to zero in on which products will work best for your situation.

What type of vehicle do you drive? Do you need quick access to your guns and gear? Do you need space for an entire arsenal, or are you a minimalist? Answers to these queries will help guide you to the storage solution that works best for you and your vehicle.

Do keep in mind that this guide is only intended to

assist you in starting your search. While the storage products shown on the following pages are the ones that

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01 Vaultek SLIDER SERIES Those who are familiar with Vaultek understand that the company’s designs and approach to firearms security are nothing less than state-of-the-art. The Slider is a quick-access sliding safe that comes in different configurations from the most basic all the way to versions equipped with biometric scanners and smart-app-enabled Bluetooth technology. When desired, the safe slides open with a touch of its fingerprint reader or keypad for instant access to your pistol.

Thanks to an independent mounting plate, the Slider can easily be installed in your home or onboard in your vehicle.

An optional Smart Key Nano remote-access button can easily be hidden anywhere inside your vehicle as well for quick and stealthy access to the Slider safe.

MOTORCYCLE SAFE Console Vault’s latest safe is made for the Harley-Davidson Bagger motorcycles. It makes for the perfect add-on for bikers looking for a secure place to store valuables and/or firearms wherever their ride takes them.

Each motorcycle safe is built with heavy-gauge steel and a choice of three unique locking mechanisms engineered to prevent unauthorized access.

Each Console Vault safe for the Harley-Davidson Bagger motorcycle can be quickly and easily installed and is designed to fit perfectly in the Bagger saddlebag without compromising the profile, balance, or riding integrity of the motorcycle.

MSRP: $329

URL: vaulteksafe.com

URL: consolevault.com

Blac-Rac 1070

Designed for modern tactical weapons, the 1070 is specifically engineered for secure in-vehicle weapon storage. It’s a flexible platform featuring mounting accessories that allow easy fitment not only to your car or truck, but virtually any other land-, sea- or air-based vehicle. The adaptable design accommodates fully accessorized weapons with no need to remove critical accessories such as optics, flashlights, or 30-round magazines. The 1070 also restricts access to takedown pins, trigger groups, and magazine releases.

Vibration-damping padded grip plates prevent potential movement and marring of the weapon. Blac-Rac’s rifle storage option adjusts to nearly all weapon types and is capable of rapid weapon deployment when seconds count.

UN12 / Issue 011

Console Vault

MSRP: From $200

02

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03 04 Decked TRUCK BED STORAGE SYSTEM Get quick, ergonomic access to organized gear, tools, weapons, armor, ammo, and other essentials that smoothly rolls out from your truck’s bed at waist height. The Decked system is designed to be a customizable storage solution offering operators durable, reliable, deployable storage. The weatherproof system allows you to retain the use of your truck’s bed with a true 2,000-pound payload rating that also preserves the pickup bed’s entire footprint.

Secure lockable storage drawers are integrated to give the user total peace of mind. And for those who like OCD-level organization, many different storage options are available for the Decked line.

MSRP: $200

MSRP: $1,150

URL: blac-rac.com

URL: decked.com

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05

07 Great Day

TruckVault TruckVault’s SeatVault is designed to tuck your valuables under the rear seat of your pickup truck.

It offers the option of being configured into one or two tophinged doors integrated with low-profile silver T-handle locks or a more secure Kaba Simplex push-button combo lock. Each unit is finished with OEM-style carpet colors made to match and blend in with your truck’s interior.

SeatVault safes are engineered to fit securely under the rear passenger seats to provide the ultimate in both concealment and security. Available for select Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, and GMC trucks.

Great Day’s CL1500 CenterLok Overhead Gun Rack is designed to fit most full-size crew cab pickup trucks with center doorposts. It transports two rifles snugly against the cabin’s headliner, out of sight of passersby but allowing plenty of headroom for vehicle occupants. Firearms are held securely in cushioned, moldable gun clips with Velcro straps. CL1500 expands from 48 to 54 inches in length and can be adjusted independently to differently sized guns. The unique installation system involves no drilling and no screws or bolts yet locks the gun rack solidly into place in a matter of just a few minutes. No alterations must be made to the roof, leaving your truck’s warranty unaffected.

MSRP: From $1,195

MSRP: $214

URL: truckvault.com

URL: greatdayinc.com

SEATVAULT

06 Cap-Pack Truck Products CAP-PACK SPORT The Cap-Pack Sport’s innovative system utilizes the top space within the truck cap to organize and store valuable items. Available for 5-½, 6-½ and 8-foot pickup beds, the lightweight aluminum storage drawers lock into a sturdy elevated frame when closed.

The Cap-Pack frees the bed of clutter to make space available for larger items, holds up to 100 pounds, and boasts six inches of depth. Items can be easily accessed while it’s open, and adjustable dividers are included for convenient organization. The Cap-Pack drops down for ease of loading and can be locked in place using the lock on the unit’s pull handle. A key is included for the built-in lock.

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MODEL CL1500

08 Tuffy Security Products TOYOTA TACOMA LOCKING LID Tuffy’s heavy duty locking security Cubby Cover encloses the Tacoma’s existing plastic OEM rear seat cubby. Constructed from 16-gauge and 1/8-inch welded steel, it creates a secure storage area behind the 2005 to current Tacoma Double Cab’s rear seat. Ideal for securing valuable tools and gear, the cover’s unique design features Tuffy’s Pry-Guard locking system and a welded continuous steel hinge for confident security. The cover is easy to install using standard hand tools in just a few minutes. Installation allows for the continued use of the OEM childseat retention point.

MSRP: From $679

MSRP: $145

URL: cap-pack.com

URL: tuffyproducts.com

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FEATURE

W

hat is an instructor? According to the Google monster, an instructor is “a person who teaches something.” There is a lot of presumption and

expectations concerning instructors in the firearms and shooting industries.

Many presume we know everything about everything; we do not. Some may act like they do, but probably don’t. Some think we live a glorious life where people give us free stuff every day, but we don’t. Some think we do not fail, but we do. We are normal people who use our experience, training, data, and science to teach you about a subject. We are often lifelong students who continue striving to become better every day (or we should be). Most of us buy our own equipment, supply our own ammo, and handle our own logistics.

TEACHING Now, everyone has his or her own perspective, but this one is mine: “You create your own destiny.” Perspective is something needed to relate to, justify, or even explain a subject. Put another way, life is really what you make of it.

As a Ranger in 3rd Battalion 75th Regiment, my daily goal was to never let my brothers down. Whether it was being the best shooter or the best designated

An Instructor’s Perspective

lead, mentor, and teach. These expectations are not always met, but sometimes they are exceeded. Where an instructor lands on the spectrum is solely on them. One thing you will note from an exceptional instructor is a willingness to help, even help other instructors. I personally ask peers questions to learn from them, whether it’s about a range in a certain state or their explanation on a subject. Good dudes are going to do good things. No matter their background, most have something to teach.

As someone who teaches good people to do bad things to bad people, I keep something that Aaron Cowan once said to me at the fore prior to every class: “You never know who you will help or who you get killed with what you teach.” In other words, don’t teach crap that is untested, without data, and without science. I take that to heart.

The Internet is full of examples of someone telling someone else how things “are going to happen” in a life-or-death situation. Unless you have a working crystal ball, you can’t always know. Statistics are important, but

Text & Images by JON DUFRESNE

there is much more to any situation, like context. Instructors sometimes struggle to put things into perspective and context. For example, I cannot teach someone who conceal-carries a gun daily with the same examples and context as I do a soldier. They have different applications and that

driver, I was willing and able. Same goes for my current chapter in life. I never want to let my students down.

Every day I seek out more knowledge, whether it’s learning how to paint, doing my own accounting, or shooting at 1,000 yards. Anything can teach me something that may correlate to something else I do. I attend 12 to 18 classes annually (not always firearms-related). I try to become the best me possible.

I have goals and I try to meet them. I have good days and bad days just like any other person. I sustain injuries and I recover. I work hard and sometimes I fail. Just like you. Those of you who know instructors on a personal level can probably attest to this. Being an instructor is mostly about long days, determination, discipline, goals, logistics, and types of pants (joking, but not).

As with any other entrepreneurial pursuit, hard work must be put in to achieve what you want.

Most instructors come from some sort of background related to what they teach, and this sets a tone for the way they conduct themselves and the experience they bring to the table. Instructors’ points of view on certain subjects either strengthen or weaken a student’s desire to train with them. A lot of people are attracted by the personality of certain instructors, which is not always bad, but presumptions can be incorrect. All of that can be looked at in a positive or a negative light.

As an instructor, I look to my peers with high expectations—that they will

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FEATURE

Instructors’ backgrounds should set the tone for the way they conduct themselves and the experience they bring to the table.

“Instructors are normal people who use their experience to teach about a subject. They are generally lifelong students themselves who strive to become better every day.”

all day. Some forgo this step and end

I’ve found most people finish eating in

us have LE/MIL-only classes. It’s not to

up having to pay for it in the future. If my

15 minutes. I recognized as a student

divulge secret tactics; it’s for perspective

body needs more rest I’ll skip it, but most

that breaks take so much time out of the

and context. For a student, it’s about

of the time I force myself to get up and get

day, so an 8-hour class quickly becomes

applying things in a manner that makes

at least something quick in.

a 6-hour class depending on a 1-hour

sense for what you do and the way you want to live.

To illustrate my perspective when

Perspective and context are important; for students, it’s about applying things in a manner that make sense for what you want to accomplish.

lunch and 10- or 15-minute ammo

breakfast, I’m off to the range. I am

breaks. My breaks are quick, and you can

After instruction ends, guys break off and head home or head out for food. Once

again, I am happy to join. When the night is over, I again do my burpees, I catch up on emails or messages, and I once more fall asleep to cartoons.

normally way early. I like to be there at

snack in between. There’s a lot to teach

AFTER CLASS

0800 to get everything organized—plus,

and students deserve the information as

The last day is usually another travel day,

considerations concerning a two-day class

I get the best parking spot. Then the

well as reps. If I do take a break, I rarely sit

and depending on the travel method

that I teach.

gear comes out and gets its PMCs

still. I grab water or ammo and look over

I either begin my drive early or I head

(Pre-Mission Checks, a good habit from

my notes. At the end of the day I like to

to the airport and drop off my rental.

BEFORE CLASS

the military). Around 0820 is where I

get feedback from the students, which

Either scenario gives me time to further

The day before is usually a travel day for

see the early guys, and people trickle in

helps me improve the class.

dissect my class and change or alter

me. I get up early and take a ride to the

from there. I am a prompt guy; I like to

airport, or I drive myself to the location.

start on time, meaning 0900 sharp. Most

reflect on it. I replay the day’s events in

my classes, and this is where student

Once I check in to my hotel, I start my

instructors will probably appreciate you

my head and try and recall anything I may

input is applied. During flights I try to get

preparation for the next day and how it

guys being early rather than late. I also

have missed or consider what I might

certificates, writing, designing, online

will be conducted. I look over notes, the

appreciate when someone lets me know

want to add in the future. I digest student

learning, and various other things done.

points of instruction that I want to go over,

if they’ll be late.

feedback and critique myself harshly.

I try not to waste much time but do

That first night some guys like to go out

appreciate some chill time when possible.

and some alternatives in case things need

The morning brief is important in many

At the conclusion of the first day, I

certain aspects. I always try to improve

adjustment. I pick up food and water

ways. It sets the tone and breaks the ice.

to eat and I will happily join, even if I’m

for the class days. I’m usually excited—

From there, we are learning, shooting,

physically and mentally drained. Once

but not easy if you’re doing it right. It’s

excited to meet, teach, and shoot with the

and pushing ourselves. I demonstrate

the night is over, I usually try to do my

a lot of work and involves many moving

class. I also make sure all my equipment

everything I expect students to do or

burpees (come to class to learn why),

parts. There are long hours spent helping

is prepared for the next day. This is a time

perform. I believe every instructor should

catch up on some emails or messages,

others and bettering yourself and your

where I prep and then go to sleep with

demonstrate everything. It does a few

and once more fall asleep to cartoons.

program. So next time an email, message,

cartoons on. I’ve found it helps.

things—prove that you can do what is

Training Day Two is about the same.

Instructing is overall fun and fulfilling,

or comment to your instructor is not

expected, provide confidence in the

I wake up, work out, and head to the

reciprocated promptly, realize there may be

DURING CLASS

skill or exercise, and shows students

range. The second day is what I like to

a bunch of other things going on.

On training Day One, I set my alarm around

physically what needs to be done.

call Application Day. We take what you

I like to get in a workout prior to teaching UN12 / Issue 011

After working out and a quick

Being an instructor can be fun and fulfilling, but it should not easy if you’re doing it right.

it comes to teaching, here are some

0530 even though class may start at 0900.

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UN12

absolutely matters. That is why some of

There are many different perspectives,

Something I have stopped doing in

learn and push you further by applying

but this perspective is mine.

recent years is taking long lunch breaks.

the skills (come to class to learn more).

[ UN12 ]

FEATURE

: : Based on a Quentin Defense ARQ-15 billet receiver set : : Features quick-detach Dead Air Silencers suppressor Text by ROLAND WILKES

: : Chambered for 5.56 NATO

Images by JAY CANTER

AR-15 SUPPRESSED SBR

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

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111

FEATURE

DWs are a hot commodity these days and for

was something he wanted for both recreational and

good reason. Pandemics, political strife, social

practical purposes and as a marketing piece to support

unrest, and societal upheaval are on their own enough

his work in the industry. He tells us it even found its way

to set most reasonable people on edge. And while it

into his truck for a period of time for potential use as a

doesn’t really appear that the collapse of civilization as

PDW.

P

we know it is imminent, it never hurts to be prepared for any eventuality.

We, the publishers of this magazine, you, the reader

The “marketing piece” bit ties into Canter’s business, which is shooting product photography commercially for a range of firearms builders and suppliers. He’s also

of this magazine, and trusted contributors to the

a registered FFL who regularly engages in builds to help

magazine like Arizona’s Jay Canter, abide by a mantra

promote his own efforts and that of his various clients—

that might be expressed as “Hope for the best, but

or, alternatively, as a consultant to enthusiasts looking

prepare for the worst.” Canter is one of those who, like

to assemble and/or acquire their own custom build.

us and perhaps you, lives ahead of the curve when it

Having professional access to a wide range of parts and

comes to outfitting his personal armory.

accessories gives him a hands-on “leg up” in the field

A longtime resident of California, Canter found

what he likes, to decide what works for him and what

across the state line to Arizona. While that decision

doesn’t work, and thereby tailor each build to a high

wasn’t necessarily prompted by any kind of onerous

level of personal satisfaction. also illustrated in UN12 Issue 010 where the magazine

expanding his firearms collection.

showcased his AR-10-based, thermal-equipped 6.5 Creedmoor, is Quentin Defense (QD). QD has become

virtually any firearm off the shelf or create a custom one

a well-known supplier of AR components including

of my dreams,” Canter says.

receivers, receiver sets, and accessories, with a special

Concerning this particular build, Canter says he put

“Put together before pistol braces became widely popular, this SBR has been registered through all the proper BATFE channels.”

One go-to source of his for the basis of a build, as

freeing up his options considerably when it came to “[It] opened up the floodgates to being able to obtain

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

and also gives him the opportunity to really hone in on

himself some years ago striking camp and relocating

government oversight, it did have the added bonus of

01

03

emphasis on high-end billet components. This SBR,

it all together in the days before pistol braces blew up

similar to the Creedmoor build, is based on a billet QD

into the industry we see today. In that light, he went

“ARQ” receiver set. This particular pairing was made

through all the necessary steps to register the gun as a short-barreled rifle, paying for his tax stamp and going through the sometimes tedious process of shepherding the needed paperwork through the required avenues.

The gun was built as a kind of multifaceted project. It

02 01 The SBR can be run suppressed or unsuppressed; maximum length with suppressor and fully deployed buttstock is 33 and a quarter inches.

02 An X Products skeletonized drum magazine was Cerakoted (with some considerable effort) to match the rest of the SBR’s color scheme.

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113

FEATURE

01

03

Analog targeting is facilitated in part by a Night Optics USA “Chase” flip-up front sight with integrated laser.

A Strike Industries SI Link front grip is installed in a reverse configuration to make a more effective hand stop.

02

04

The Bushnell Elite Tactical CQTS 2.0 red dot optic is backed up in the rear by a Troy Industries Di-Optic Aperture folding sight.

The Strike Industries Viper PDW buttstock is part of a package that includes receiver extension, buffer, and flat-wire spring.

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

01

“Quentin Defense ARQ-15 billet receivers provide the basis for the build.” with a Quentin Defense ARQ-15 set machined from

[the receivers] I like the most. The design for sure, but also

6061 aluminum billet. Dealing with Quentin Defense

the way they were able to design something lightweight

greatly simplifies the logistics of a Canter project, being

but yet still totally solid.”

that the QD facility is only about a 20-minute drive

The upper receiver is fitted with a Rosco Manufacturing

from where he lives and works. Through developing a

10.5-inch barrel chambered for 5.56 NATO. Rosco is a

professional relationship with the manufacturer, he has

brand Canter has used in the past that has given him

also been able to take a look behind the scenes at the

perfect reliability at a very competitive price point. The

Quentin Defense operation and reaffirm the quality of

barrel is fitted with a Strike Industries gas block and

the product.

carbine-length tube that feeds to a nickel-boron BCG by

“Getting to see and experience the entire process

02

the same manufacturer. A BattleArms m-lok handguard

from design, to material choice, to different ops on the

shrouds the barrel and has been fitted with a Strike

CNC machines, to final assembly is pretty awesome,”

Industries LINK forward grip. The upper was completed

Canter says. “There really is not one single feature about

with a Strike Industries Extended Latch charging handle, Ultimate Dust Cover, and forward assist.

The lower was completed using various small parts from Battle Arms Development, including the takedown pins, bolt catch,

03

and magazine release, a Venom

Defense & Design Rebel pistol grip with carbon-fiber panels, and an Elftmann Tactical skeletonized curved trigger set for a 2.75-pound pull Bringing up the lower’s rear is a complete Strike

UN12 / Issue 011

short barrel configurations.”

Target acquisition is accomplished through both electronic and analog means. The former is accomplished using a Bushnell Elite Tactical CQTS. Canter appreciates

Industries PDW stock assembly—receiver extension,

the affordable price point compared to other high-end

flat-wire spring, buffer, and the stock itself. As the name

optics and the fact that the company has been around as

would indicate, the Strike Industries stock assembly,

long or longer than other manufacturers, which speaks to

which can be acquired as a complete package, is

the quality of the product. In particular, he recommends

designed specifically for compact builds like this SBR.

Bushnell to prospective builders who don’t have a huge

The stock mechanism facilitates minimal length for great

chunk of money left over in their build budget for some of

maneuverability in tight spaces and a rapid deployment

the more exotic glass.

system that lets it spring instantly to max length at the

114

04

“I have run everything from Bushnell’s AR Optics line

touch of a button. The buffer system is designed for high

all the way up to their high-end Elite Tactical line with

reliability with both standard bolt carriers and “extreme

fantastic results across the board,” Canter says. The UN12mag.com

115

FEATURE

01 The pistol grip is a Venom Defense & Design Rebel with screw-in carbon side panels.

02 The handguard is a Battle Arms Development BAD-EPS with m-lok attachment points at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock.

03 The Strike Industries Viper PDW buttstock is part of a package that includes receiver extension, buffer, and flatwire spring.

04 The Strike Industries PDW buttstock is quickly deployable from 7.5 to 11 inches.

Bushnell is backed up aft by a Troy Industries Di-Optic Aperture

once you’ve taken them apart,” he says. “The internal spring is

folding rear sight and up front by a Night Optics “Chase” flip-up

a very large piece that you can’t just shove back in. The folks at

front sight with integrated laser.

X Products were very nice to deal with after we were unable to

You will note that the gun can be readily run suppressed or

If someone is planning on purchasing one of these and wants to

Dead Air Silencers Sandman-S. The suppressor can be added

disassemble it, I highly suggest reaching out ahead of time and

to the barrel via a Dead Air Keymount muzzle brake that is more

letting them know. They might have a solution better suited than

permanently affixed to the barrel, and which presents a quick-

what we did with it.”

detach interface to equip or unequip the Sandman-S. The Cerakote scheme is a personal riff on a classic camo

UN12 / Issue 011

In closing, Canter has a few words of encouragement for those who would like to build their own verified short-barrel

motif with some blue thrown in the mix because Canter is partial

rifle: “This build was done before I was an FFL/SOT. So it went

to blue, and because it was something different from your

through all the correct legal documentation, which really isn’t as

run-of-the-mill camouflage pattern. The coating was applied

bad as some might think. The wait time absolutely is frustrating,

by FS Defense out of California. You’ll note that the theme was

especially when you’ve put time and money into something you

even extended to the drum magazine, which is an X Products

want to take out and enjoy. But the best thing you can do is forget

skeletonized 50-rounder. The mag looks incredible, especially

about the wait and focus on something else. Checking the status

with the Cerakote scheme engaged, but Canter tells us it

every five minutes is a lot like when you were a kid in school;

presented something of a challenge to get it to look that way.

constantly looking at the clock just seems to make it take longer.”

“It turns out these are a nightmare to put back together

116

reassemble it. I shipped the parts to them and they took care of it.

unsuppressed. Canter’s can of choice for this application is a

[ UN12 ]

MEET YOUR NEWEST ADDICTION UN12: The biggest and freshest firearms magazine focuses on customization and individuality.

Dealers wanted: UN12 is a premium and limited magazine that is not available on newsstands. It is only available online and through specialty shops like yours.

Join up as a UN12 retailer and we’ll drive customers to you. If you would like to carry UN12, contact us at retailer@un12mag.com today.

UN12

E X P L O D E D VIEW

Suppressed AR-15 SBR Specifications Caliber: 5.56 NATO Overall Length: 30-33.25 in. (w/suppressor) Weight Unloaded: 7 lbs, 9 oz. (w/suppressor) Receivers: Quentin Defense ARQ-15 6061 billet Barrel: Rosco Mfg. 10.5-in. 5.56 Coating: Cerakote by FS Defense

Featured Accessories Trigger: Elftmann Tactical 2.75-lb Optic: Bushnell Elite Tactical CQTS Handguard: BattleArms RigidRail 9.5-in. m-lok Muzzle Brake: Dead Air Silencers QD Keymount DA101 Suppressor: Dead Air Silencers Sandman-S Buttstock: Strike Industries Viper PDW Parts & Accessories: Redcon 1 Tactical nickel-boron BCG, 416 stainless nickel-boron gas block; Strike Industries Extended Latch charging handle, UDC 223 ejection port cover, SI Link front grip, forward assist; Troy Industries Di-Optic Aperture folding rear sight; Night Optics USA Chase flip-up front sight w/integrated laser; Battle Arms Development BAD-EPS takedown pins, bolt catch; Strike Industries buffer tube, spring, buffer; Venom Defense & Design pistol grip; X Products Skeletonized Gen1 drum magazine (50-round)

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

SBR vs.

PISTOL 118

firearm, or any weapon for that

an enterprising enthusiast got

SBR, but must submit all the

A civilian may legally own an

matter, that you can fire with

to thinking about the brace and

required paperwork to legally

one hand should ostensibly

whether or not it could enable an

register the weapon as such. You

qualify as a pistol—barrel length

AR build to retain its pistol status,

also need to pay $200 to the BATFE

notwithstanding. An AR lacking a

while at the same time granting

for the tax stamp and be prepared

buttstock, and therefore not meant

the stability desired for effective

to wait for up to a year or more to

to be fired from the shoulder, seems

shooting. The BATFE agreed that

be granted clearance. Importantly,

to fall into this category.

it could.

stabilizing brace on AR pistols and other “short-barreled” builds.

Using a brace can help alleviate concern about the cost and wait time tied up in the BATFE paperwork.

Please note that the foregoing

two parties is that the intent of

should not be construed as legal

Among other things, the National

weapon as a short-barreled rifle

if you desire to assemble an SBR,

Regarding braces, in 2012 SB

language is not always entirely

interpretation or advice, only as

Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934

(SBR). According to U.S. Code 18

you must receive the stamp before

Tactical introduced the first such

a good deal of back and forth

certain, and the interpretation

general information. We encourage

regulated barrel lengths for long

USC, a rifle is a weapon designed

acquiring critical parts to build the

device, which was originally

between the community and the

thereof is anything but.

any prospective builder embarking

About the Owner

guns to include rifles and shotguns.

and intended to be fired from the

weapon, such as the short barrel,

designed to assist disabled

bureaucrats, and parsing of the

on a short-barrel build to do his

Name: Jay Canter

It established the minimum length

shoulder. A pistol, by contrast, is a

much less put them together.

persons in stabilizing a firearm

language contained in the NFA ad

enthusiasts have enjoyed the

or her own research on existing

Occupation: Photographer

for a rifle’s barrel as 16 inches.

weapon that may be held and fired

As for AR pistols, the current

for more effective one-handed

nauseum. One thing that seems

simplicity and cost-effectiveness

law and to come to his or her own

Anything shorter would classify the

from one hand.

interpretation is that an AR-style

operation. The story goes that

to be agreed upon between the

granted by an approved pistol

conclusions.

UN12 / Issue 011

Since then, there has been

“A civilian may own an SBR, but must submit the required paperwork.”

In the meantime, many

Social: FB @Jay Canter Photography, IG @jcanterphotography, Twitter @JayCanterPhoto

FEATURE

VEHICLE SECURITY

Text by JASON

T

DAVIS

he Fourth Amendment is likely more challenged than any other amendment in our constitution. It keeps us free from unwarranted searches and seizures in

our persons, houses, and effects. For the most part the good guys play by those rules.

But what happens when somebody who doesn’t care about the law decides to seize something from you or your vehicle?

The short answer is if they get caught, likely not much happens to them. Let’s be honest—the laws in this nation are decriminalizing a lot of crimes. That said, we do not need to allow others to take what is not rightly theirs for their own good or usage. So how can we stop others from taking what does not belong to them?

Entering my 20th year in law enforcement, I’ve seen quite a few different ways criminals try to take what is not rightfully theirs, from simple break-ins to crimes rising to a decent level of sophistication. What I want to stress here is how to make sure you

Shutterstock / Virage Images 120

UN12 / Issue 011

UN12mag.com

121

FEATURE

do you keep anything inside it that may be easily viewed by passersby? Put another way, would somebody be able to easily see something they might want inside your vehicle? If there are items inside the passenger compartment that are easily viewed, do you have the ability to put them elsewhere? I don’t mean removing items from the cabin and placing them in the trunk where others can see you doing it. Activities like this should be done beforehand, ideally at home, and well prior to entering a space like a public parking facility.

If you are drive a crossover or SUV, are your rear windows tinted, or do you have the ability to obscure them with some type of cover? If the answer is yes, place anything that may be easily seen inside the passenger compartment into the cargo area so others cannot easily view the vehicle’s contents.

Criminals are lazy. This is why so many of them get caught. Somebody who’s out looking for an easy score will take the unlocked vehicle that offers something to gain over a locked vehicle that offers an unknown payoff. You have the ability to be aware of your surroundings, to lock anything of value up or otherwise keep it from view, and to keep all of your personal identification and information on your person when you leave your vehicle.

One of your biggest takeaways from all this should be recognizing your own ability of selfempowerment. I can’t always help you after the fact—no police officer can—but we can lend our experience and the reasons why we stress taking your own precautions.

Try not to ever think about you just being gone from your vehicle “for a minute or so.”

Things can happen when you’re out and about that can turn one minute into ten. Think about how thoroughly a criminal could go

Shutterstock / Voyagerix

through your vehicle in those ten minutes. and your vehicle do not stand out as potential

of personal belongings being taken out of

a criminal your complete personal profile to

targets. By changing up the way you do

unsecured vehicles. Locking your car or truck

take from you.

things while in and around your vehicle, you

may encourage a criminal to move on to the

can help make sure your belongings remain

next target and leave yours untouched.

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

yours.

122

UN12 / Issue 011

Speaking specifically about vehicles,

While we’re on the topic of items inside

A lot of damage can be done in a very short amount of time if somebody steals this information out of your car. How difficult is it

your vehicle, think about what you keep

to retain all of your personal information, kept

what’s the best way to keep it, yourself,

there. What’s inside your ride while you are

inside a purse or a wallet, on your person

and your belongings safe? The most basic

driving it? If you run into a store or leave the

while you go about your business? It takes a

action, which I cannot stress enough, is to

vehicle unattended while you’re running

very simple motor skill to lock your vehicle,

simply lock it up. Most modern vehicles can

some other quick errand, do you leave your

so please remember to do so, and also do

be secured with the press of a button, or

wallet, your purse, or anything else that may

your best to retain all personal identification

even a touch of the door handle. I can’t tell

contain personal identification, behind? If

or information on your person while you’re

you how many reports I read on a daily basis

the answer is yes, you’re potentially giving

outside of your vehicle.

“Most modern vehicles can be secured with the touch of a button, so the simplest action to keep your vehicle and its contents secure is to keep it locked.”

This is why it pays to remember to check Next, when you arrive at your destination,

your surroundings, keep anything of value

look at your surroundings and try and make

elsewhere, out of sight, or on your person,

sense of what you see. Think about where

and lock your vehicle every time you step out.

you are. Is it well lit? Are there surveillance

I could go on and on with ways to protect

cameras nearby? Are there individuals inside

your personal property, and could easily write

other vehicles, or do you see anyone loitering

month after month on how to secure your

in or around the area where you intend to

person and belongings. Criminals are out

park? This “pregame checklist” should

there for the easy score, so don’t give them

help give you a heads-up on the immediate

the easy opportunity.

environment you’re entering and where you’ll

[ UN12 ]

be leaving your vehicle and its contents for a period of time.

Speaking of the contents of your vehicle,

Follow Jason Davis on Instagram @southerncrossllc.

UN12mag.com

123

PRODUCT REVIEW

: : Drop-in upper receiver group : : Chambered in 9mm

Text by MARTIN ANDERS

: : Utilizes Magpul PMAGs converted to 9mm

Images by JERRY TSAI

I

f you haven’t fired a 9mm AR yet, you don’t know the fun that you’re missing

out on. Rifle-caliber ARs converted to fire pistol rounds may seem counterintuitive to some, but to others it’s a great way to shoot their ARs more often. Not only can it be less expensive to shoot due to lower ammo costs, but many firing ranges can only accept pistol-caliber rounds. On top of that, pistol-caliber ARs can also serve as a viable home defense platform.

Owners of AR-15 pistols or SBRs can now easily convert their platform to 9mm with CMMG’s innovative 9mm Banshee 200 MkGs drop-in receiver group. You may have encountered or even have a 9mm upper or two already, but we’d like to bring to your attention

“A rifle-caliber AR converted to fire pistol rounds may sound counterintuitive, but for some it’s a great way to be able to enjoy your AR more often, at lower cost.”

the fact that CMMG has built something a bit

Being that the upper runs a blowblack system,

different with their own version of a 9mm AR.

this is not an issue. We haven’t encountered a 9mm system quite like this until now. If you’re

THE UPPER

familiar with how to maintain a standard 5.56mm

The Banshee 200 complete upper receiver

BCG, you already know how to take care of the

features CMMG’s patented Radial Delayed

CMMG 9mm BCG.

Blowback operating system, which uses a

CMMG BANSHEE 200 MkGs 124

UN12 / Issue 011

The hardcoat-anodized 9mm upper comes

standard style AR bolt carrier group (BCG). That

pre-installed with a medium-taper, 8-inch,

is to say that unlike other blowback 9mm BCGs,

1:10-twist barrel, a CMMG RML7 m-lok

the CMMG unit looks and functions just like one

handguard, a standard charging handle, and

you would find in a rifle-caliber AR-15, complete

a muzzle-stabilizing CMMG SV brake. All you

with rotating locking lugs and a full-auto-style

need to do is to install sights, slap it on your

bolt carrier. The barrel extension and bolt each

lower receiver, and it’s ready to go. We observed

have the AR-15’s iconic lugs just like their rifle-

excellent build quality in the components as well

round counterparts. The gas key, however, is

as the great overall fit and finish many expect

solid and does not interface with a gas tube.

from CMMG. The upper operates with a standard

UN12mag.com

125

UN0012 / ADM UIC MOD2 —

“CMMG’s 9 AR Conversion Magazines make it possible to shoot 9mm from your AR lower when it’s paired with the 9mm Banshee 200 MkGs upper.”

CMMG

Product Review: CMMG Banshee 200 MkGs

THE MAGAZINE

rounds into your Banshee 200

Pushing innovation forward yet again,

MkGs-equipped AR. CMMG’s 9 AR

that for a nominal charge CMMG

CMMG decided to create a solution

Conversion Magazines make it possible

also offers its upper receiver groups

that allows standard AR-15 lowers the

to shoot 9mm ammunition from your

factory Cerakoted in your choice of no

capability of shooting 9mm cartridges

unmodified AR-15 lower receiver when

fewer than ten different color finishes,

without the use of a conversion block

it’s paired with a CMMG 9mm Banshee

including the ever-popular Burnt Bronze

and pistol-caliber mags or the outright

200 MkGs upper. CMMG’s 30-round 9

and Sniper Grey and classics such as

need for a dedicated 9mm lower.

AR Conversion Magazine is an internally

OD Green. Other more personalized

They did this by designing an all-new

modified PMAG that seats into your

choices include Midnight Bronze and

internal mechanism that converts the

AR-15’s magwell.

Stormtrooper White. The OD Green

popular Magpul PMAG so it feeds 9mm

Cerakote on our upper had no flaws in

ammo directly into the Banshee 200’s

from CMMG’s 9mm Radial Delayed

it whatsoever. We give CMMG props

chamber.

Blowback upper receiver while

AR-15 carbine buffer and action spring.

UN12 readers will enjoy knowing

for offering color customization options direct from the factory.

126

UN12 / Issue 011

That’s right folks—your converted PMAG can now reliably load 9mm

The unique design allows it to feed

maintaining last-round bolt-hold-open functionality. We absolutely love this

Banshee 200 MkGs Upper Group MSRP: $775 (Cerakote +$100)

Banshee 200 MkGs Upper Group Kit with Two 30-Rd Mags MSRP: $870 (Cerakote +$100)

9 AR Conversion Magazine, 30-Round MSRP: $45

9 AR Conversion Magazine Adapter, 3-Pack MSRP: $80

conversion. It maintains the overall feel of

the mag conversion kit can be modified

a regular AR-15 magazine setup, which is

to hold 10, 20, or 30 rounds within the

great for training. The PMAGs sit perfectly

30-round PMAG body.

in our AR-15 mag pouches and they allow our loading process to stay consistent.

The CMMG 9mm Banshee 200

FINAL THOUGHTS CMMG’s design innovations have us

MkGs upper is available by itself or in a

excited about the upper as well as the

bundle that includes a pair of the 9mm

9mm PMAG conversion. If you’ve been

AR Conversion Magazines. Complete

contemplating going 9mm or are looking

magazines are available separately, or if

for a 9mm conversion that can better

you want to convert PMAGs you already

replicate your current AR-15 setup, we

own CMMG also offers non-permanent

believe it’s well worth taking a good look

drop-in internal 9mm conversion parts that

the Banshee 200 MkGs and those freshly

will easily convert your Gen 2 or 3 PMAGs.

inventive conversion magazines.

For those who live in restricted states,

[ UN12 ]

: : For more information:

CMMG cmmginc.com

UN12

Packages

UN12mag.com

127

FEATURE

Customization : : Based on a Spyderco Spydiechef : : Customized by the owner : : Length: 7.78 inches open, 4.46 inches closed

Personalized Knife Text by CHRIS LEE Images by MICHAEL GREY

O

n its face, a knife is a simple tool, one

fisherman, and as such he has gone through many

seemingly as old as mankind itself. Dive

budget knives that succumbed to the corrosion

deeper and you may discover that a knife isn’t

brought on by the salty environs of the ocean air

quite as simple as it may seem. Sure, its main job

and, of course, by seawater itself. Understanding

is to cut, slice, or stab. How it goes about these

this, his wife bought him a Spyderco Pacific for his

tasks and how well it executes them comes

birthday some years ago.

down to many factors, including its shape, how it’s made, and what materials it’s made from.

The knife you see before you is a modified Spyderco Spydiechef owned by one Dean Brown.

He is an avid saltwater

128

UN12 / Issue 011

Featuring a corrosion-proof blade and low-lightvisible yellow handle, the Spyderco Pacific was the ultimate EDC folder for an ocean angler. Brown loved using it, but his wife rarely touched it since it usually carried the scent and remnants of fish or bait on it. She did, however, notice that the blade

UN12mag.com

129

Customization: Knives

03 A home anodizing kit was used to give the titanium a bit of custom color.

01

04 The wire clip adds needed utility and a bit of a different look from standard flat clips.

The corrosionresistant LC200N blade is 3.32 inches (84mm) long and a slim 3mm thick.

02 The Spydiechef’s pronounced bowed edge helps it emulate the ergonomics of a world-class chef’s knife.

06 05

The Spydiechef sports Spyderco’s signature hole for easy one-handed blade deployment.

A Dremel rotary tool and various sanding and brush attachments were used to add texture to the scales.

was getting smaller and thinner from

altering the overall lines of the design.

years of sharpening and honing.

After imparting a non-slip patina to the

For Father’s Day this year she bought

Spydiechef 130

UN12 / Issue 011

scales, he decided to go ahead and give

Specs PERSONALIZED SPYDERCO SPYDIECHEF

him a replacement, this Spyderco

them some color, too. He applied a burnt-

Spydiechef. The design concept, as the

bronze finish to the scales using a home

name states, is a folding knife suited for

titanium anodizing kit. The end result

chef and EDC duties. Equipped with

is textured scales that not only provide

Occupation: Textiles

a corrosion-proof LC200N blade and

additional grip, but a finish that gives the

titanium scales, it was also perfect for use

knife a “custom” look he intends to enjoy

Special Thanks: My wonderful wife Jill and my fishing buddies, Will, Joe, Greg, and Andy

as a fisherman’s EDC blade.

for years to come.

One issue that Brown had while testing

Overall it’s a simple yet clean

Owner: Dean Brown

Spyderco

out his new knife was that the flat titanium

aesthetic—which, incidentally, probably

Model: Spydiechef

scales became slippery when his hands

won’t stay that way for long. Brown told

Model Number: C211TI

were wet. Wanting texture like the FRN

us that he has a tuna fishing expedition

MSRP: $335

handle on his Pacific, he searched for

coming up soon and that his personalized

ways to improve the titanium scales.

Spyderco Spydiechef will be along for the

URL: spyderco.com

Using a Dremel rotary tool fitted with

ride—where we’re sure that it’ll end up

sanding drums and steel brushes, he

covered in fish bits.

was able to create added texture without

[ UN12 ]

Designer: Marcin Slysz

UN12mag.com

131

DEPT.

Competition & Training

Shoot This Drill Compass Drill—a foundation exercise Text by TATIANA WHITLOCK Illustrations by CHARLES “CHIP” LASKY

T

132

UN12 / Issue 011

he Compass Drill is designed to be a “balancing act” exercise

This drill requires a newer shooter to mentally shift gears between tasks

intended to even out how your body

to ensure correct grip structure,

and brain interface with the pistol in

trigger finger discipline, and muzzle

both the right and left hand. This is an

awareness are established before he

exercise I introduce to newer shooters

or she presents on target and begins

as soon as they grasp the essentials

to shoot. For more experienced

of safely handling and functioning

shooters who tend to lean heavily

the gun. By working ambidextrous

on two-handed, dominant-side-only

drills like this early on in the training

practice, the Compass Drill provides a

experience, new shooters tend to

number of detail-oriented explorations

avoid the learned fearful bias against

of ambidextrous work with their

one-hand and support-hand shooting.

pistols.

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133

Competition & Training

Set Up: The Compass Drill

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Focus and emphasis are placed on variations of grip position and

Tatiana Whitlock is a firearms instructor, hunter, and outdoors enthusiast residing in the majestic state of

pressures to achieve maximum

Maine. She works with men, women, and youth to establish a real-world foundation of firearm skills, safety,

stability, variations on the interface

and situational awareness.

A lifelong interest in martial arts resulted in the inevitable introduction to firearms as a means of self defense

with the slide lever and magazine release, and experience in what

and home protection. As a mother of two, Whitlock takes the safety of her family seriously and knows that in

it looks and feels like to become

a worst-case scenario the first responder on the scene is herself. The training she offers is intended to bring

cross-dominant at different “compass

participants’ mindsets out of the square range and into the context of daily life. She is an NRA BPI, RSO, and

points” within the drill.

Refuse to Be a Victim instructor in addition to being a featured host and instructor on “Trigger Time TV” airing on the Pursuits Channel.

This drill can be used for practice,

Whitlock is also an account strategist with San Diego marketing agency Fidelitas Development, director

for precision, or for speed and score based on the shooter’s experience

of training at Howell’s Indoor Range and shooting academy in Gray, Maine, and the director of training for

level, and it makes for an excellent

the national women’s shooting league, A Girl & A Gun. She is a contributing author for numerous industry

warm-up exercise at the range.

publications and the NRA Women’s Network and co-host of Civilian Carry Radio.

With a magazine of 4 rounds, make ready and holster.

NORTH

EAST

SOUTH

WEST

RESET

Draw, establish your dominantside-standard, two-handed grip and fire 1 round.

Release your support hand and bring it to your heart, fire 1 round, dominant hand only.

The inverse of North (aka southpaw), pass the pistol to your support hand and establish a reverse grip, fire 1 round.

Release your new support hand and bring it to your heart, fire 1 round, non-dominant hand only.

Perform a slide lock reload from your nondominant hand, pass back to dominant hand, and holster.

[ UN12 ]

X

NORTH

134

UN12 / Issue 011

EAST

SOUTH

WEST

UN12mag.com

135

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

A few IG accounts that we found to be follow-worthy

Strike Industries AR-15 Magazine (32rd) Y

et another polymer AR-15 compatible magazine has been recently released.

What we discovered is that the magazine delivers

It also has anti-slip finger grooves on either side for a confident grip while you’re inserting it into the

yourself wondering—do we need another one?

rounds. We tested it with Federal 5.56mm, Rainier

gun. The magazine’s sides feature a slick profile

We emphatically say yes. The more choices and

Munitions 5.56mm, and PMC .223 Rem cartridges

that makes it easy to insert into and remove from

sources from which we can draw gear, the better.

and came up with the same results. Down-loaded to

various magazine pouch setups, even double- and

The name of the Strike Industries AR-15 Magazine (32-rounds) may be a bit on the nose, but it’s the last part that gets us excited. Most standard-capacity AR mags, as you may know, are full when loaded to 30 rounds. And at maximum capacity, it can be a bit of a pain to load them into your AR. Many shooters recommend down-loading your mags by a round

Adding three rounds to the standard magazine’s capacity may not seem like a huge deal, but if you’re ever in need of a few extra rounds, it won’t seem trivial then. We’re glad to see innovation, especially

test trials.

becoming an issue, this 32-round magazine still fits

housing that’s only about a quarter of an inch taller

all your standard mag pouches without any hitches.

than a regular 30-rounder. It may seem like a small

Unlike some taller magazines, the SI’s extra quarter-

innovation, but it’s one we appreciate nonetheless.

inch length isn’t really noticeable and it doesn’t

Of course, this means if you down-load for easier

become a hindrance when moving your AR into

feeding, you’ll still have 30 or even 31 rounds in

firing position.

the magazine. Why does this matter? Because we always want more capacity, of course.

136

UN12 / Issue 011

The magazine’s body is made of a high-strength

Popular IG tags to follow:

in commonly used items, and look forward to taking

test ARs and continued to feed reliably.

designed to hold 32 rounds of .223/5.56mm in a

@topsknives

disassembly.

your effective capacity of 30 to 28 or 29.

mag, where the overall magazine dimensions start

@tacticalwalls

other magazines on the market features tool-less

a few of these magazines out for further extended

interest. The Strike Industries (SI) magazine is

@jaycanterphotgraphy

this magazine is made in the USA, and like most

31 rounds, the magazine was still easy to load in our Without stepping up to a 40-, 60-, or 100-round

@gunandtactics

triple-stack variations. It’s also good to know that

or two in order to ensure easier insertion, reducing This is where the “(32-rounds)” part piques our

@claskytac

feed tray and an anti-tilt follower for reliable feeding.

found that it does in fact comfortably hold 33

“If you ever find yourself in need of them, 2 or 3 extra rounds won’t seem trivial at all.”

@blowndeadline

INSTA-11

Images by MICHAEL GREY

With so many flooding the market, you may find

there’s innovation involved.

@bigdaddyunlimited

Text by JOHN SCOTT

even more than advertised. As we tested it, we

We always welcome more choices, especially if

@ballisticadvantage

[ UN12 ]

#un12mag #igguns

: : For more info: Strike Industries AR-15 Magazine (32-rounds) MSRP: $17 URL: strikeindustries.com

@vaulteksafe

Win glory for yourself and your collection and gain

#pewlife

hordes of IG followers. Tag

#sickguns

if you’d like a chance for your

#beltfed

future issue of UN12.

us with the hashtag #un12ig IG account to be featured in a

polymer and includes SI’s “AccuRamp” first-round UN12mag.com

137

RETAIL DIRECTORY

UN12 is a specialty magazine that is printed in limited quantities and is not available everywhere. Find your copy at these select retailers before it sells out.

ONLINE RETAILERS

CA

CO

NH

WA

Evike 2801 W. Mission Rd. Alhambra, CA 91803 Tel: (626) 407-0561 URL: evike.com

Danger Close Armament 6801 S. Emporia St. #102 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 Tel: (720) 638-6572

2A Tactical 99 Tolend Road Barrington, NH 03825 Tel: (978) 833-1215 URL: 2atacticalnh.com

Grey Ghost Gear 2916th 107th St. South Lakewood, WA 98499 Tel: (253) 984-7854 URL: greyghostgear.com

Evike 1400 W. 4th St. #2 Antioch, CA 94509 Tel: (925) 237-2560 URL: evike.com

LA

Wicked Weaponry 21 Londonderry Turnpike Hooksett, NH 03106 Tel: (603) 232-0621 URL: wickedweaponryusa.com

NW Safe Company 830 Cole St. Enumclaw, WA 98022 Tel: (360) 825-5953 URL: nwsafe.com

TX

Pantel Tactical 16926 116th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058 Tel: (425) 282-4186 URL: panteltactical.com

Canadian Tactical Cowboy Supplies URL: ctcsupplies.ca

Rainier Arms 2504 Auburn Way N. Auburn, WA 98002 Tel: (253) 218-2999 URL: rainierarms.com

DTS-Armory Tel: (+31) 475-202-153 URL: dts-armory.com

Kings River Coatings 2491 Avenue 400 Kingsburg, CA 93631 Tel: (559) 246-6426 URL: yooying.com/ kingsrivercoatings Rifle Gear 18065 Mount Shay St. Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Tel: (949) 209-6413 URL: riflegear.com Tactical Pro Shop 3503 W. Burbank Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91505 Tel: (818) 468-7837 URL: tacticalproshop.com

URL: dangerclosearmament.com

Iron Sights Weaponry Woodland Trace Ct. Sorrento, LA 70778 Tel: (833) 476-6486 URL: ironsightsweaponry.com

MI Firingline Guns 33000 Ford Road Westland, MI 48185 Tel: (734) 326-7320 URL: firinglineguns.com

ND Spartan Firearms 7101 Hwy 2 & 52 W. Minot, ND 58703 Tel: (701) 838-GUNS URL: spartanfirearms.us

NV New Frontier Armory 150 E. Centennial Pkwy, Suite #110 N. Las Vegas, NV 89084 Tel: (702) 479-1470 URL: newfrontierarmory.com

Custom Defense Firearms 1911 E. Rancier Ave. Killeen, TX 76541 Tel: (408) 597-4867 URL: customdefensefirearms.com Evike 100 Cypresswood Dr. #1302 Spring, TX 77388 Tel: (281) 771-3126 URL: evike.com Rifle Gear 6101 Windhaven Pkwy, Suite 145 Plano, TX 75093 Tel: (972) 292-7678 URL: riflegear.com

Rehv Arms 27623 Covington Way SE #2 Covington, WA 98042 Tel: (253) 630-5900 URL: rehvarms.com Wade’s Eastside Guns 13570 Bel-Red Rd. Bellevue, WA 98005 Tel: (425) 649-5995 URL: wadesguns.com

amazon.com evike.com rainierarms.com UN12mag.com weaponoutfitters.com INTERNATIONAL RETAILERS

CANADA BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS DTS-Armory Tel: (+31) 475-202-153 URL: dts-armory.com

THAILAND Thailand Tactical Mind / PP Tactics 135 Prachanaruemit, Pracharat Sai1 Rd Bangsue, Bangkok, 10800 Tel: (+66) 81-889-7855 URL: tacticalmind.co.th

If you are a retailer that would like to carry UN12 in your store, contact us at: retailer@un12mag.com

138

UN12 / Issue 011

P320 CUSTOM WORKS FIRE CONTROL UNIT

Introducing the P320 FCU (Fire Control Unit).

With it’s unprecedented modularity and unmatched capability, the P320 platform has become one of the most exciting pistols available to firearms enthusiasts today. The soul of the P320 and the driving force behind its modularity lies in the unique, patented design of its Fire Control Unit (FCU).

Now, SIG SAUER is offering the FCU as a standalone product, enabling an entirely new level of customization and personalization, giving users the ability to create virtually millions of combinations to suit any need and any level of personal style.

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MADE IN U.S.A.

WWW.SIGSAUER.COM/P320FCU