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Featured Material

Plate Carriers • Run This Drill • Everday Carry Tools & Devices • Firearms Customizers •

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

Feature Firearm

Customized

KRISS Vector CRB Gen II Chambered in 9x19mm Machined, Stippled and Coated Paired with a matching G17

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:

Included

UN12 x SIG Sauer MCX Virtus Patch

ISSUE

UN12mag.com

002

DEPT.

Every Day Carry / 04

08 06

JH Audio

Kershaw

Roxanne

Pub, Carbon Fiber

MSRP: $1,855 (as configured)

MSRP: $30

URL: jhaudio.com

URL: kershaw.kaiusaltd.com

Chord Electronics

Louis Vuitton

Mojo - DAC/Amp

Pocket Organizer

MSRP: $529

MSRP: $385

URL: chordelectronics.co.uk

URL: us.louisvuitton.com

03 Keyport Slide 3.0 MSRP: $88 (as configured) URL: mykeyport.com

04 Prometheus Beta QRV2 MSRP: $59 URL: darksucks.com

05 Liong Mah Designs XV Folder

MSRP: $500

09 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona MSRP: $13,995 URL: rolex.com

10 Acura 2017 NSX key/fob MSRP: $279 URL: acura.com

11 Apple iPhone 8 Plus MSRP: $949 (256 GB) URL: apple.com

URL: liongmah.com

06 Rite in the Rain All Weather Trekker Pen MSRP: $38

URL: riteintherain.com

UN12 / Issue 002

UN12mag.com

Premium EDC Items

Roxanne

Mojo - DAC/Amp

MSRP: $1,855 (as configured) URL: JHAudio.com Our 2¢: If you’re serious about your music, you’ll want to use what the pros use. Countless professional musicians turn to Jerry Harvey Audio for their in-ear monitors. The Roxanne offers -26dB of isolation, eliminating ambient noise. This ability to block outside sounds not only enhances the listening experience. It also allows lower listening volumes to reduce potential hearing damage. Each Roxanne is custom molded and made just for your ears.

MSRP: $529 URL: chordelectronics.co.uk Our 2¢: If you’re still listening to music over your phone, you might as well be listening to it on cassette tape. We’re confident you’ll agree after you sample the incredible sound quality that the Mojo pumps out. Mojo is billed as the world’s most advanced portable digital-toanalog converter DAC/Headphone amplifier. This music player can not only make your music sound better, but will drive any pair of headphones you plug in to it.

Pub, Carbon Fiber

All-Weather Trekker Pen XV Folder

MSRP: $30 URL: kershaw.kaiusaltd.com Our 2¢: If keeping a low profile is your thing, you’ll appreciate the Pub. At a quick glance you wouldn’t realize that there was a blade hidden inside this key ring. Designed by Dmitry Sinkevich, the Pub features a bottle opener and a slotted screwdriver tip. The modified sheepsfoot blade features a straight edge and is finished with a slick-looking carbon-fiber front scale.

MSRP: $38 URL: riteintherain.com Our 2¢: If you’re going to carry a pen, it might as well be one that writes in any condition possible. This all-weather metal pen can write on wet paper, and thanks to its pressurized ink cartridge it can also write upside down and perform flawlessly in temperatures from -30ºF to 250ºF— all without the worry of ink leaking, evaporating or blowing up in your pocket.

UN12 / Issue 002

Slide 3.0

MSRP: $88 (as configured) URL: mykeyport.com Our 2¢: Keyport has been at the forefront of the anti-messy keychain revolution for years. Their latest iteration is the Keyport Slide 3.0. This allmetal, one-hand-accessible modular multi-tool consolidates your existing keys and combines them with optional tool inserts, such as a USB flash drive, pen, knife, mini-flashlight and more into a single unit. Available in 4-Port and 6-Port versions.

MSRP: $500 URL: liongmah.com Our 2¢: Famed knifemaker Liong Mah celebrates his 15th anniversary with his first integral handle folder—and is it a beautiful one. Featuring a hand-ground, 4-inch S35VN steel blade, only 300 examples of this limited offering are being made. Available in four different finishes, this first-batch knife is completed in a belt satin finish with stonewash handle.

Superior performance. Modest price. When you put yourself out there, our Hunter series stocks make sure that versatility, reliability, and accuracy go with you. See our full line of Hunter stocks and accessories for Remington and Ruger American at magpul.com/hunter

©2018 Magpul Industries Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Magpul holds a Trademark on all of its product names and logos. The following products are trademarks of Magpul Industries Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries: Magpul, PMAG

Customization: Dark Alliance Firearms shop. There’s a bunch of good Cerakoters in this industry, so to differentiate ourselves we bring in many other aspects of customization to our builds. Whether it’s machine work, laser engraving, leatherwork, custom grips or stippling, we try to bring multiple customization techniques to our builds so when people see the work they immediately recognize that they’re looking at an original Dark Alliance Firearms build.” We’re certain that there are many people out there who would like to start their own customization companies. Just how did Dark Alliance get its start? Schmierer says the company

AR-15/M1

was officially founded about four years ago, but points out that he never started out with the intention of making it a business. We’d say his inherent artistic talent, insatiable creativity and can-do attitude paved the way and that his thriving business is testament to how good he and his team are at their craft. Offering a unique look and

ariants .308 AR V

armed with multiple capabilities, Dark Alliance grew from there. About his team, Schmierer says: “We’re all artists. If you’re a part of the Dark Alliance team it’s

Schmierer explains that his is not a run-of-the-mill Cerakote shop, and to differentiate themselves his crew members bring in many other aspects of customization to their builds.

for a reason. You share the same artistic mindset. We have a very tight group of friends; each adds to what people see in the final end product. We all push each other, and because of the passion we have for the projects we take on it sometimes leads to arguments. But in the end we’re all family. We get over it and end up happy that we pushed each other to get the project to the next level.”

To see more of Dark Alliance Firearms’ work, check out darkalliancefirearms.com and follow their Instagram @dark_alliance_firearms for the most up-to-date pics. They are also on Facebook at /DarkAllianceFireams.

-74 AK-47/AK

nts and Varia

We’re sure that it’s this perseverance through adversity that helps his group achieve the

ts vor Varian a T & l li a G

consistently high level of work that they do. Schmierer sums it up: “You can’t just be happy with your current build or your work will never evolve!” If you’re looking for a truly original art piece that

We caught glimpses of everything from custom grip panels made of exotic materials to laser-etched receivers and magazines wrapped in leather.

can take a beating out in the field and still come back looking good enough to be passed on to future generations, look up Schmierer and his crew. They’ll be happy to flush out a unique build to suit their style and

MPX SIG MCX &

your mood. [ UN12 ]

HK MP5 & SP89

“When a bunch of buddies are talking about how they each have the best gun collection, my client can say, ‘Oh yeah?... Check this out!’—and be ruled the handsdown winner.” 30

UN12 / Issue 002

& HK 91/93 6 MR556/41 M-LOK™ is a trademark of Magpul Industries Corp.

16/17, Plus SCAR n, CZ Scorpio M249 SAW ! and more

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

Feature

: : Built for PCC competition & tactical classes : : Chambered in 9x19mm : : Paired with a matching G17

Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images by MICHAEL GREY

UN12 / Issue 002

UN12mag.com

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

Images courtesy of DOWN RANGE BABY

Text by JERRY TSAI

Feature

HARNESS THE FUTURE. V SEVEN STRONG.

150

he F-150 pictured here is more than just a

Shepard adds: “The bags I create for new dads are

slick-looking truck built for the sake of it. It’s

tough enough to go to war with and are made in

Officer Jeff Shepard’s calling card to bring awareness

America.” He points out that the company created

to first responders living with Post Traumatic Stress

opportunities for him to continue to participate in the

Disorder (PTSD). The law enforcement themed truck

firearms community. “I started meeting many other

was built for two purposes: to serve as a work vehicle

warriors and first responders struggling with PTSD.

for Shepard’s company Down Range Baby and as

I realized it would become my job to use everything

a tool to draw attention to police officers who have

I was doing to create exposure for a cause that was

been diagnosed with PTSD.

close to me and extremely important. Sometimes you

PTSD is an issue that’s dear to him in part because he has firsthand knowledge about its effects. “I was recently medically retired from the police department

see a problem and realize that it’s your problem to help solve.” As Shepard became more immersed in the PTSD

after being diagnosed with severe PTSD,” Shepard

community, he wanted to create motorcycle rides

says. “I was originally diagnosed in 2012 after an

to further support PTSD awareness. The first ride he

ambush shooting in my patrol car.”

helped organized was last June 27, 2017, on National

Shepard is a career first responder who worked as

PTSD Awareness Day. This June, he will be riding his

a firefighter for 9 years and a police officer for 10. The

motorcycle from Seattle to Virginia in order to bring

door eventually closed on his beloved career after

awareness to warriors living with PTSD.

he was injured at work as a motor officer. He recalls:

Since last year’s ride, he has partnered with

“Losing my ability to be a first responder left me

PTSDFoundation.org. He explains: “I was deeply

feeling empty and in fear of what the future held.”

impacted by Lesley Mayne, the founder of

Rainier Arms. About the truck, Shepard says, “We

PTSDfoundation.org. Lesley has helped so many

are really excited about the way our truck has been

Baby, a company that specializes in manufacturing

charities supporting PTSD with her foundation. I will

able to participate in the military and law enforcement

diaper bags for dads. His products are made in

be riding to her son Kyle Farr’s grave to celebrate

community by bringing awareness to first responders

a manufacturing facility that also specializes in

his life on June 27, 2018, which is National PTSD

living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

providing the U.S. Armed Forces with tactical gear.

Awareness Day, and to thank him for his service.

Before long, Shepard created Down Range

: : Customized F-150 and motorcycle : : Built as a platform to draw attention to PTSD : : Driving/riding from Washington to Virginia to support ptsdfoundation.org

all those who work so hard for the well-being of our

support that’s saving the lives of so many military and

first responders and others who suffer from PTSD. If

law enforcement struggling with PTSD.” The bike

you catch a glimpse of the Down Range Baby F-150

Shepard will ride can be seen above hitching a ride in

or motorcycle out on the road, give them a friendly

the Ford pickup’s bed.

wave and show them your support for the good work

The truck has subtle hints of Kryptek camo pattern

UN12 / Issue 002

that they do.

[ UN12 ]

MAGNESIUM HYPER-LIGHT KEYMOD HANDGUARD AR15

LITHIUM-ALUMINUM ULTRA-LIGHT M-LOK HANDGUARD AR15

15" WEIGHS 5.4 OZ

15" WEIGHS 7.7 OZ

13.5" WEIGHS 5.0 OZ

13.5" WEIGHS 7.2 OZ

in its graphics scheme as well as a custom Thin Blue Line motif incorporated into its leather-trimmed

To learn more about Down Range Baby, visit their

interior. The outpouring of support for the cause came

website at downrangebaby.com. For more about Jeff

from many automotive and firearms companies,

Shepard’s journey, visit ride4relief.com/jeff-story

and includes custom Cerakoted rifles created by

We tip our hats to Jeff Shepard, Lesley Mayne and

He is a hero and his sacrifice has inspired a chain of

VSEVENWEAPONSYSTEMS.COM

ADDITIONAL LENGTHS IN 308 & 556 AVAILABLE

MADE IN THE

USA

Feature

Text by JERRY TSAI

Images by TRACER X

: : Built for 3-gun competitions

: : Constantly evolving build

: : Chambered in 5.56x45mm

3 60

UN12 / Issue 002

N UN12mag.com

FEATURE

Plate Carriers

Plate Carriers P Text by CHARLES “CHIP” LASKY Images by JERRY TSAI

corresponding belt kits, packs and

specialized medical gear or CBRN

combat uniforms that will integrate

kit. But we cannot let any of that

with these plate carriers in future

hinder our basic load that allows

issues of UN12.

us to fight.

The mission should always drive your gear setup, and there will be all things to all users for all applications. But I have found

life-saving armor over as many vital

tertiary. Primary gear is the stuff

that the primary and tertiary gear

organs as possible, and carrying

I need immediate access to in a

hierarchy can be applied to just

the myriad pieces of equipment

gunfight. Tertiary gear is everything

about any plate carrier build for

needed to prevail in a gunfight

else. Primary gear needs to be

most mission profiles. That said,

and accomplish the mission. This

immediately accessible with either

professional warriors should not

is not a “buyer’s guide” as such,

hand and should be located on

rely on a single plate carrier for

but the first installment in a series

the front of your body. Everything

every mission. While manufacturers

covering how to set up your gear

else can be carried elsewhere,

have recognized this and started

for your mission. I should make

spread across your body (but

developing scalable platforms with

clear that I do not work for any of

still easily accessible). The three

“mission configurable” structural

the companies presented here. The

things you need immediate and

components, the reality is that

manufacturers chosen have earned

unencumbered access to are:

you’re not going to rebuild your

the only “good to go” companies.

LE SOF units. Gone are the days of one-size-

UN12 / Issue 002

you will see it included on the

IZLID, breaching tools, ladders,

simple hierarchy: primary and

them to my brothers in military and

off the PC there is a reason, and

We may need to carry dual comms,

I break my gear down into a

and would wholeheartedly endorse

: : Equipment use and placement explained

carrier setups. If I left something

roles on top of the rifleman’s gear.

serve two functions: positioning

experience using their products

“No single

configuration will be all things to all users for all applications.”

PC before every mission. Invest in different plate carriers for different types of missions. Even if you like a specific system because it can be configured in multiple ways, buy multiples of the same carrier and preset them in the configurations that will work for your different missions. You can easily enough transfer the contents of one carrier

fits-all combat gear. Today, the

1—Primary and secondary

to another before a planned

name of the game is modularity.

ammunition; 2—A tourniquet to

mission. Or simply stock each

But as with anything else, the

stop bleeding; 3—Your radio PTT

carrier for “grab and go” (the smart

more options you have, the more

or mic so you can talk to your team.

kids will do this).

confusing it can get. In order to

Everything else is tertiary. I have

properly solve a problem, you

put a lot of years into figuring out

wear a plate carrier is you expect to

must break it down to its lowest

what works and what doesn’t.

encounter gunfire and explosives

common denominator. In this case,

Because I’m a little guy, tactical

on a two-way range—meaning you

we are talking about gunfighting.

real estate on my person has

are there to fight. Make sure you

Everything you carry into battle

always been at a premium. It has

are ahead of the power curve by

needs to trace back to the purpose

forced to me question everything I

setting up your gear for success.

of helping you win the fight.

carry and where I carry it. I’ve had

Afterward, train with it. The best

years to refine my gear loadout,

litmus for testing your gear setup

begins each of his classes by

and my overall approach can be

is to train at night. If you can

defining the three basic tenets

disseminated across multiple

effectively feed your guns, move

of gunfighting: Shoot, Move,

platforms for multiple missions.

quietly through various obstacles

One of my mentors, Buck Doyle,

as we look at the following plate

specialized gear to support our

is no single configuration that

However, I have had personal

: : Understanding hierarchy of gear

piece of gear. Keep that in mind

We will always need to carry

GEAR HIERARCHY

element to a modern

proven track record. They are not

: : 4 mission-driven plate carrier setups examined

to your PC as the carryall for every

shoot, move and communicate?

warrior’s combat loadout. They

innovation, quality product and a

entire whole. You should not look

we carry. How will this help me

late Carriers are the central

my trust and business through their

to interrogate every piece of gear

The number one reason you

and operate your comms in the

Communicate. I don’t think it can

While the plate carrier is the

be broken down any clearer than

centerpiece of a warrior’s gear

dark, you will have no problem

that. With this in mind, we need

loadout, it is only one piece of the

during the day.

UN12mag.com

FEATURE

ASSAULTER

to a Sharpie marker on my chest.

and holds easy-access tertiary gear.

This carrier is set up for an assaulter

The blades are secured in the built-in

The front zip pocket holds a small Rite

in a military Special Mission Unit. It is

cummerbund kangaroo pocket and

in the Rain notepad and pen along with

configured for a direct-action mission

the tops are secured with the RE

a dedicated flex cuff cutter. I usually

where the team may be flown directly

Factor Trauma Shear Holster.

keep a small handheld thermal imager

For a direct-action hit, I place a large

to the target location or maybe need to infil several klicks. A hit like this

ID panel on my chest. This is important

should expect moderate to heavy

for a couple reasons. A large, full color,

resistance, so a reasonable amount

friendly flag identifies us as the good

of body armor should be worn, but I

guys. It also makes for a nice “fuck

stop short of bicep protection, collars

you” before you shoot the bad guy

and yokes. I still need a high degree

in the face. And large flag patches

of mobility for infil, actions on the

provide ample surface to conceal an

objective and exfil.

important survival item: local currency.

Velocity Systems Scarab. It is

E&E (Escape & Evasion) plan, I’m not

a lightweight, scalable carrier

going to rely on my dashing good

that’s highly adjustable and cut

looks to charm the locals into helping

for great range of motion. I installed

me get out of Dodge. Few things work

front and back Velocity Systems API-

“Set up for an assaulter in a military Special Mission Unit for a direct-hit mission where the team may be flown directly to the target location or may need to infil several klicks.”

BZ Multi-Hit Standalone Rifle Plates and Side Plates and backed them with Velocity Systems SAPI Soft Armor Inserts. Soft armor will dissipate the kinetic energy transfer of a projectile (which can be just as lethal), while the plate is designed to simply stop the projectile. Rifle magazine pouches, a tourniquet and my PTT are mounted at the front as my primary immediate-access items. All three are within reach by either hand. I prefer three rifle mags up front because I don’t want to stack mags on top of each other. Stacking mags or pouches on pouches limits your access to belt and pants pocket kit. I keep an extra

better to motivate people than cold,

rifle mag on my belt and 3 to 6 more

hard cash. The panel is also large

in an assault pack. I like closed-top

enough to conceal a chest-mounted

pouches because they keep debris

blast gauge that indicates what PSI

out of my mags. Blue Force Gear

I may have been exposed to if I’m

(BFG) Triple M4 Magazine Pouches

found unconscious.

01 Blue Force Gear (BFG) Triple M4 Magazine Pouch

Velocity Systems Scarab

03 Emdom Vehicle Hydration Carrier

Abdominal Carrying Kit) under my

material to make for an ultra-light yet

mags. It dangles over my belt buckle

robust pouch. I’ll tuck the flap of one of the pouches behind the mag for an

front flap of the cummerbund closure

easily grabbed emergency reload.

(behind the mags). This makes a great storage location for all the excess

Right next to the mags is a CAT (Combat Applications Tourniquet)

cables for radios. This PTT is a Tactical

in a BFG Tourniquet NOW! Strap

Command Industries Liberator III

Tourniquet Holder. It is super

LITE that puts control of both radios

into one module. I secure as much

lightweight and handy for rapid Above the mags is the PTT for my

of the cable as possible and leave a

can degrade over time. They are

radios. I place the PTT on the edge

flat, open launch pad on my chest for

one-time-use and should be replaced

of the carrier so I have a clear path

magazine access. The cleaner you

annually. The Rod Locking Clip faces

to my mags. I set this carrier up for

can keep your chest, the faster and

toward my body so it doesn’t hook on

dual comms and make ready use of

easier access you will have to mags.

slings or environmental obstructions.

the Velcro kangaroo pocket on the

I carry large EMT trauma shears next

UN12 / Issue 002

I run a Spiritus Systems SACK (Sub

use proprietary Helium Whisper

in the main compartment. I mount the

In the event I need to implement an

I built this carrier off a

access. CATs are UV-sensitive and

Assaulter 01

UN12mag.com

UN12: What is the goal for PDW?

our consumers largely choose ignore. Our core

who get it will get it. Being “tactical” means you are

CW: Mine is pretty simple. I keep it down to what

PM: To design and produce the best-in-class

consumers are about actions, deeds, and reaching

able to adapt and move forward.

I really need on a daily basis. Always a folding

example of each product we create, that performs

their objectives. We still service many members in

exceptionally for the user so they can be the best

professional services, agencies and units. We also

UN12: How do you differentiate your brand from

produced. A small pry bar that we did as a

they can be in their pursuits. Our finely produced

have many users who simply have a strong sense

the rest?

collaboration some years back. An AAA LED bar,

goods are intended to enhance and support the

of pursuing a unique life on their own terms, at a

PM: There is nothing we design and create that we

flood flashlight and the other basics: leather wallet,

excellence of the end user.

high level and with discriminating tastes.

ourselves do not use or want to use. We believe

beard comb, money clip and lighter. In my SHADO

CW: I would have to agree with Patrick’s statement.

CW: We also have a great number of customers

in an active lifestyle that is built on capability,

Pack I keep my laptop, extra food and clothing and

The support of the end user’s experience is a very

who are very engaged in what we’re doing, not just

intelligence, strength, independence, excellence

a small first aid kit. I also keep a mini ratchet set and

important factor.

our products but what we as people are doing. We

and good will. Our goods are created for those

multiple drive bits, pliers, screwdrivers and the like.

have met a lot of people and developed some good

users who have chosen to live life on their own

UN12: What are some key insights to your

relationships over the years. I’m sure other brands

terms, making their own way. And where their

UN12: What do you have in store for the future?

design and your vision for PDW?

can say the same thing and that it’s nothing new,

actions and deeds speak. Our brand’s purpose is to

PM: Creating more flagship evergreen goods in

PM: We learn from the best design and production

but we do like knowing our customers personally.

cater and build to that end.

all three categories. Products that will last in many

CW: It’s our commitment to doing what we think is

cases beyond your lifetime. Bringing in more

lessons of the past, look to the future and emerging

knife that’s from a rotating stock of knives we’ve

processes, and do everything we can to design and

UN12: Tell us about the details of your design

best and the fact that we only answer to ourselves.

updated classics and introducing new styles that

build the best for today.

and how it plays a role in the tactical world.

This gives us the freedom and mobility to produce

feature the best in technical manufacturing. We do

CW: One of the other important aspects is that

PM: We are firmly in the camp of form follows

the best products possible.

enjoy the occasional novelty design and you’ll see

we design goods that we want to use and that we

function. We often look to the 10 Design Principles

want people to have. We don’t design goods just

of Dieter Rams to guide our own design and

UN12: What does your EDC look like?

CW: We also have an interest in expanding from our

because we think it’ll make us a buck. It’s more

creative process. A product needs to make sense—

PM: I’ve pared down my EDC over the past few

flagship outdoor goods into some bridge products.

personal than that.

its functions should be as obvious and intuitive

years. I’ve been a knife guy all my life so I always

There is a need for a high-quality means to tie our

as they can be. There is an academic sensibility

have a folder in my pocket, either a PDW Invictus

outdoor products to our home life experience. Early

UN12: Who are your current consumers?

in subtlety and an understated purpose-driven

or Badger, a high-efficiency AAA pocket flashlight,

on this will manifest with some of our smaller goods,

PM: Many of my core consumers who have

aesthetic. Most of our design criteria for any

a mini Bic, the PDW Dog tag Tool and a horsehide

but there is no telling where the idea will take us. [ UN12 ]

followed my previous brands have chosen to

product [is that it] needs to perform for a user who

wallet. I usually have my SHADO Pack with me and

continue on with PDW. The marketplace, styles,

spends a good deal of time in the wilderness, is

keep my supporting EDC items such as a fixed-

For more information about Prometheus

user needs have evolved and so have we. One of

familiar with or active in the shooting community

blade knife, first aid kit, charging cables and backup

Design Werx, visit their website at

the most notable aspects of our consumers is their

and understands the value of discretion. We do not

battery, a SAK, a pocket notebook with my Rotring

prometheusdesignwerx.com and follow

authenticity. The overt affectations other brands

feel a need to beat someone over the head with our

mechanical pencil and some personal effects in

them on Facebook and Instagram at

may feel necessary to present is something we and

designs that may serve a tactical purpose. Those

case I find myself stuck overnight somewhere.

prometheusdesignwerx.

those punctuate our offerings here and there.

“We also have a great number of customers who are very engaged in what we’re doing, not just our products but what we as people are doing.”

UN12 / Issue 002

UN12mag.com

Feature

“Intended as a tribute to his brother, Axelson based this special build on the same type of pistol Matthew carried into battle.”

AXE SIG P226 MK25 Text & Images by JERRY TSAI

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

: : Built as a tribute to fallen U.S. Navy SEAL Matthew Axelson : : Collaboration build between Axelson Tactical and TMT Tactical : : A customized U.S. Navy SEAL-inspired version of the SIG Sauer P226

UN12 / Issue 002

UN12mag.com

Milliradians: A Novice Primer

KNOWN TARGET SIZE TO CALCULATE DISTANCE TO TARGET I noted earlier that knowing whether your scope is Second Focal Plane or Front Focal Plane is important. Here’s why. When looking through a second focal plane scope, the reticle image remains constant regardless of the magnification. A front focal plane scope’s reticle will change along with changes in magnification. This obviously presents a challenge for second focal plane shooters in that their subtensions may no longer be accurate at certain magnifications. Most second focal plane scopes require the magnification setting to be on full power in order to accurately calculate subtensions. Remember, whatever unit of measurement you use and whether it be yards, meters, centimeters or inches, the distance will be in that same unit of measurement. Let’s go with yards for now because those are really easy. For example, if I have a 3-foot-high target, I know it’s 1 yard tall. If I measure my target with my mildot scope and measure my 1-yard-tall target to be 3 mils, I can then calculate my distance to the target.

There are several

formula derivations out there, but the math is all the same. One of the easiest I’ve found looks like this:

HEIGHT OF X 1,000 TARGET = DISTANCE

“This primer is for the normal guys like me, who may be bad at math and have shied away from this evolution of shooting out of fear or anxiety or… attention span.”

KNOWN DISTANCE TO CALCULATE UNKNOWN SIZE TARGET For when the shooter knows the target distance (either on a known-distance range or by use of a laser range finder) but doesn’t know the size of the target, he or she can measure the target with the mil reticle and calculate its size. Here’s how:

Formula to

determine height of target:

mils I measured through my

yards or meters. If I know my range, say 436 yards, target measures 2 mils, I

scope reticle (3 mils) and then multiply that by 1,000, I can calculate my distance

X 1,000

would give you a distance in inches, which doesn’t translate terribly well. A second formula to go from

HEIGHT OF TARGET X 27.77 (INCHES) = DISTANCE MILS

to yards (distance) looks like this:

For a target that is 31

mils through the scope:

31 INCHES X 27.77 2 MILS

For those who care, the 27.77 is reached by dividing 36 inches (1 yard) into 1,000.

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= .87 YARDS

get the height of my target:

inches (height of the target)

inches tall that measures 2

1,000

3 MILS

smaller known target sizes, the formula above, but that

X 2 MILS

values into the formula and

= 333 YARDS

Not too bad, right? For

say in inches, you can use

436 YARDS

can plug those 2 known

to target:

1,000

Because the

matter if you measure in

MILS

1 (YARD)

= HEIGHT OF TARGET

proportional, it doesn’t

If I take my 1-yard target,

divide it by the number of

MILS

measurements are

and my unknown-size n

RANGE X

= 430 YARDS

“Understand that there are a plethora of reticle types out there, so it is important that you read the owner’s manual to understand whether your reticle has dots, ovals (adopted by the USMC), tick marks, and so on.”

Now that solution looks

pretty funky, but it works universally for yards and meters. If you’re like me and automatically think in inches, here’s an alternate formula that will convert

RANGE X

MILS

= HEIGHT OF TARGET

27.77

range in yards to target size in inches:

So, using the previous

numbers again:

436 X 2 MILS 27.77

= 31.4 INCHES

Obviously, long-distance shooting takes work, but it’s not an insurmountable skill to learn. We haven’t gotten into bullet trajectories, drop or holdovers, but that’s not what this article is about. What it comes down to is simply knowing your application. There are definitely differences between milliradian scopes vs. MOA scopes, but you must understand the differences first and then decide what measurement of angle system works best for you individually. I’d always shied away from learning about milliradians due to my irrational anxiety around math, but if someone like me can start down this path, anyone can. It’s nothing to be afraid of. Read, study, and take some classes from vetted professionals. There are many to choose from.

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DEPT.

Competition & Training

Shoot This Drill

s anyone who runs a gun knows, shooting accurately and effectively on the move is a damned hard thing to do. Even

professional warfighters and competitive shooters avoid it if at all

Total Shots: 24 Time: 20-30 seconds

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Don Edwards began his career in the 75th Ranger Regiment where he was a participant

possible. This is also why it’s important to train for it, or at least familiarize

Score to Beat: 25 seconds

in Operation Just Cause. He retired from 20th Special Forces Group where he served

oneself with the skill in case it is ever needed.

Equipment:

as Team Sergeant during combat operations in Iraq. He has served for five years as the

3 targets and stands (IPSC or VTAC targets recommended)

Use of Force training manager and primary instructor at the ATF National Academy in

Don Edwards, a 20-plus-year veteran of U.S. Army Special Operations and current Director of Training for Tactical Night Vision Company, came up with a drill that can help us hone this difficult shooting discipline. Read on to learn and then put into practice Edwards’ “X-Box” drill to help improve your shooting-on-the-move skills.

4 orange cones 24 rounds in the magazine.

Glynco, Ga., instructing in tactics and firearms. He has worked as tactical adviser to the Department of Defense since 2008, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan, is a FLETC certified firearms instructor and is currently the Director of Training for TNVC.

Text by DON EDWARDS Illustrations by CHARLES LASKY

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