PDW PISTOL SPECIAL ISSUE U.S. $12.95
Featured Material
• Gear Head Works ONE Pistol Prototype • Flying with Guns & Gear • Inside Brimstone Gunsmithing • DIY: Stipple Like A Professional • Pistol Brace Buyer’s Guide
Included
UN12 x SB Tactical SBA3 Patch Feature Firearm
SIG Sauer’s Latest Release Customized by Battle Arms Development + Rainier Arms
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 Trio Of
SIGM400 TREADs
ISSUE
UN12mag.com
004
Every Day Carry W
Every Day Carry / 09
04 Key Smart Nano Torch MSRP: $20
09 02
getkeysmart.com
05 Metal Comb Works Titanium Skulls MSRP: $20 (3 pack) metalcombworks.com
01
06
ith so many cool
CRKT
everyday carry items
Knife Maintenance Tool
available on the market,
MSRP: $30
how do you choose what
crkt.com
to carry? For some the
03
choice is dependent upon available carry space, and
07 10
for others it’s all about
Guidesman
need. We agree that
Z-Tools Zipper Pulls
function is probably the
MSRP: $40 (4 pack, assorted tools)
most important factor when
amazon.com
selecting what to carry, but
08
we do insist that fun and style be factored into the
11
equation as well. After all,
TEC Accessories
what’s the fun of carrying
Pico Pen Ti
an EDC set up if you don’t
MSRP: $43
include a few items that
tecaccessories.com
you enjoy looking at or
04
playing with?
12
In this edition of Every
09 SIG Sauer
Day Carry, we look at
08
P320 Nitron Subcompact
two setups that include
MSRP: $679
important tools that also
sigsauer.com
inject a bit of fun as well.
(Step-by-step custom stippling is shown in DIY)
05
We also examine a variety of different items that can be used for daily as well as
10
emergency uses.
Casio Edifice EQB-501D-1ACF
01
07
MSRP: $298 edifice-watches.com
Kizer Knives
11
V3488A1 Vanguard Mini Sheepdog MSRP: $99
Kershaw
knifejoy.com
TX-Tool MSRP: $12
02
kershaw.kaiusaltd.com
Anker Astro E1
06
13
12
MSRP: $20
SOG
anker.com
Sync II
03 TeeJay Carbon Fiber Minimalist Wallet & Key Organizer Set
MSRP: $60 sogknives.com
13 Streamlight
MSRP: $25
JR LED
teejayonline.com
MSRP: $54 streamlight.com
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09
Premium EDC Items Anker Astro E1
Casio Edifice EQB-501D-1ACF
MSRP: $20 URL: anker.com Our 2¢: With 10 million loyal users and counting, Anker has a track record for producing reliable USB chargers, including the Astro E1. This compact charger can top off the power level on devices such as your Apple or Android smartphone twice and even a Nintendo Switch once. This is a great option for on-thego daily power.
MSRP: $298 URL: edifice-watches.com Our 2¢: With Casio’s renowned DNA for reliable and tough watches built into it, the Edifice is a dressier and technology-packed option to the company’s popular G Shock line of wristwatches. The EQB-501 is part of the Edifice Smartphone Link Series that connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth to keep time settings accurate as well as access to other features.
Kershaw TX-Tool MSRP: $12 URL: kershaw.kaiusaltd.com Our 2¢: Is that a pen in your pocket, or is it a really useful tool? The TX-Tool includes five key bits including T6, T8 and T10 Torx, a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a slotted screwdriver. Its magnetic bit driver tip makes it easy to change bits. To keep everything together, all the included bits are conveniently stored inside the TX-Tool’s handle. 20
UN12 / Issue 004
CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool
MSRP: $30 URL: crkt.com Our 2¢: Designed by Tom Stokes in Williamsburg, Virginia, the CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool is a compact and lightweight tool that keeps what might be your most useful tool in your EDC carry up and running. It’s equipped with T6 and T8 Torx bits, a tungsten carbide field sharpener and a ceramic honing edge.
TEC Accessories PicoPen Ti
SOG Sync II
MSRP: $43 URL: tecaccessories.com Our 2¢: The PicoPen Ti features titanium construction and a unique rare-earth magnetic cap closure for one-handed operation. Its lowprofile shape is perfect for keychain or pocket duty, yet its increased body diameter and length are great for comfortable extended writing sessions. The pen uses standard Zebra F-refills for super smooth writing.
MSRP: $60 URL: sogknives.com Our 2¢: One way to never be without your multitool is to always have it on yourself. There are times when having a metal brick in your pocket just isn’t feasible. For those times, the SOG Sync II is the perfect companion. This multi-tool is designed to be worn as a belt buckle or clipped on a pack strap or boot. That way your multi-tool is with you anywhere you go.
KILLER INNOVATIONS GLOCK COMPENSATOR • 7075 T6 Aluminum2.1 oz • 1/2-28 Threads • Black Nickel Teflon finish on body • Black Nitride finish on hardware • 9MM Glock Gen 3 and Gen 4
www.RAINIERARMS.com
877-556-GUNS (4867)
UN12mag.com
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2018 GOLDEN TRIGGR FOR INNOVATION IN FIREARMS
FEATURE
Text by MICHAEL GREY
Golden Triggr Awards
WINNER: SIG SAUER P365 The P365 is an everyday concealed-carry pistol. This micro-compact pistol is smaller and lighter than other pistols in its class. It features a high-capacity, patented modified double-stack magazine for a 10+1 full-size capacity, and available 12-round factory-made magazines for 13-round capacity. “Innovation is the foundation for all of the products developed by SIG Sauer, and we are truly honored to be recognized in this forum by our peers,” said Tom Taylor,
f you haven’t heard of the Triggrcon convention
and gear, this is your convention. Some of the items
Chief Marketing Officer, and Executive Vice President,
yet, allow us to fill you in. Triggrcon was
displayed are prototypes and concepts fresh off the
Commercial Sales, SIG Sauer, Inc. “With the P365,
conceived as an event that showcases the top echelon
machine shop floor. This year’s TriggrCon was held
we fused together micro-compact sizing with full-size
of innovators in the small arms space. It aims to focus
July 26 through 29, 2018, in Bellevue, Washington. It is
capacity—an industry first.”
solely on the newest and coolest tactical wares,
part industry-only tradeshow, part public show.
I
including guns and related accessories. In fact, the
Marking the convention’s third year, Triggrcon’s
show’s name stands for Tactical Research Innovation
creators introduced the Triggrcon Golden Triggr
Guns and Gear Review Convention. It’s a wordy
Awards. The Golden Triggr Awards is a ceremony for
description but it tells you what it is quite well.
recognizing and displaying the latest in small arms
The convention stands apart from other major shows such as SHOT Show and NRA’s Annual Meetings in that this show was created for those
innovations with the top products of 2018 being awarded Golden Triggr trophies. Recipients of the Golden Triggr Awards are
For more information on SIG’s P365, visit sigsauer.com.
2018 GOLDEN TRIGGR FOR INNOVATION IN OPTICS
evaluated on the following criteria: 1) Concept and design—innovation that addresses a need and becomes a basis for future innovation; 2) Finish— quality of materials and manufacturing design; 3) End user—the innovation should provide a high value and benefit that exceeds the cost. Based on the above criteria, a panel of three judges viewed presentations from each company and placed their votes. Golden Triggr 2018’s judges panel included Eric Graves from Military Arms channel; Austin Weiss, famed motorcycle and automobile designer and a huge firearms buff; and UN12’s very own Technical Editor, Michael Penhall, who also owns and operates the firearms shop, OC Armory. companies who live primarily in the tactical small arms
There were many incredible innovations at this
WINNER: SIG SAUER ELECTRO-OPTIC BALLISTIC DATA XCHANGE (BDX) SIG Sauer Electro-Optic Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) is a fully
world. Plus, not just any company can attend. They
year’s Triggrcon that we wish they were able to hand
integrated rangefinder and riflescope system that utilizes Applied
are invited to participate. Sorry, you won’t find jerky
out more awards. In all, four were awarded, one each
Ballistics Ultralight and Bluetooth to calculate and illuminate the
dehydrators or deer scent at this show. While we like
for the firearms and optics categories and two for
exact holdover dot for the perfect shot. BDX is simple, fast, and
that stuff too, it’s not that kind of show. But if you want
accessories. Without further ado, here’s a look at the
intuitive—just connect the dot. The SIG BDX app is available for
to take a headfirst dive into the latest tactical guns
winners of the first annual Golden Triggr Awards.
Android or iOS devices. “We are very proud to be involved with TriggrCon, as this event is a great fit for SIG Sauer,” said Andy York, President, SIG Sauer Electro-Optics. “To be recognized for the TriggrCon Golden Triggr Award just takes it to the next level. The BDX system is a really innovative new product platform and has the potential to transform the way we hunt and shoot.” For more information on SIG’s BDX, visit sigsauer.com.
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Golden Triggr Awards
2018 GOLDEN TRIGGR FOR INNOVATION IN ACCESSORIES
WINNER: TENICOR VELO AIWB HOLSTER Put away that bulky jacket. Tenicor’s innovative Velo holster is designed to make effective everyday concealment easy, even when wearing tailored or athletic fit clothing. The Velo is an “appendix carry” holster that is intended to be worn in front of the hip around one o’clock for right-handed shooters. This smart design is able to reduce the gun’s profile when being worn. By wearing the gun in front of the hip, you eliminate side bulges that even the best inside-thewaistband holster can’t hide. The belt runs across the raised trigger bar, creating a camming action that rotates the grip of the gun into the body. Velo also addresses one of the biggest challenges to carrying a holster daily, which is ride height. Tenicor carefully designed subtle and robust ride height adjustments into the Velo that allow the user to tailor the holster’s fit. For more information on Tenicor Velo, visit tenicor.com.
2018 GOLDEN TRIGGR FOR INNOVATION IN ACCESSORIES
WINNER: CMC TRIGGERS GLOCK MAGWELL Introduced at the 2018 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference, CMC’s new Glock Magwell offering has been tested to meet the stringent requirements of US SOCOM units. The magwell is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and will be produced for Glock models Gen 1 through 4, as well as a lowprofile version for conceal-carry applications. Visit cmctriggers.com for more information.
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CLARITY
WWW.TNVC.COM
UN12 / Issue 004
© Copyright 2018, TNVC, All Rights Reserved
Find Us On UN12mag.com
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FEATURE
Modified Ruger
: : Proof Research carbon fiber barrel : : Custom Cerakote : : Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor
“From its inception, Ruger wanted the RPR to be fully modular and able to accept as many AR-15 compatible parts as possible.”
PRECISION Rifle
Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images by MICHAEL GREY
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FEATURE
W
hat are some of your favorite disciplines of shooting? Are you into pistol competitions,
“I’m not sure if it’s an age thing or if I finally got my head spun on right, but now that I’m quickly closing
3-gun, cowboy action, precision long-range, or
in on 50, I have finally found great enjoyment in
casual plinking? As you are undoubtedly aware, each
precision, bolt-action shooting. Don’t get me wrong,
genre of shooting may require its own specialized
I still like to run and gun, but I now have added some
firearm—or at least a firearm that is outfitted in a
slower-paced, medium- to long-range precision
particular way. Sure, there are always crossover uses
shooting game to my repertoire. I now see that it’s
such as a precision rifle being used as a hunting rifle,
calming to get out there to strive to hit the perfect
but a gun configured for a dedicated use is often
shot, no matter how long it takes.”
the preferred tool when used for a particular type of shooting. The owner of the rifle featured here quickly found
On why Bill bought an RPR, he says: “I’m an AR guy. I like how modular they are and how there are a ton of bolt-on parts that I can gussy them up with. I
this out when he was assembling his first precision
also like how I don’t absolutely need to be a gunsmith
rifle, a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR). We caught up
to work on them. So when it came time for me to
with Bill Clay to find out what got him to buy and then
decide what rifle I was going to base my precision
modify his RPR. He started off by saying: “When I
build on, it really came down to two choices—the
first started shooting about a decade and a half ago,
Remington 700 or the Ruger RPR. I like the 700
I was relatively young, being in my early 30s, and
because of its heritage and aftermarket support.
eager to get out and blast targets at speed. Dynamic
There’s a good reason why Remington 700s are so
shooting really got me into shooting sports and I had
commonplace in the bolt-action world. When I first
a great time running around marked courses in pistol
learned of the RPR, however, it really spoke to me.
competitions or at tactical carbine classes.”
Similar to an AR, it’s made to be modular and can
He continues: “Whenever one of my buddies
be worked on by those who don’t hold a degree in
wanted to go precision shooting, I easily became
gunsmithing. For me, it was a much less intimidating
bored. I couldn’t fathom the enjoyment of spending
platform to get into.”
a couple of hours or sometimes much more at the range having only shot a handful of cartridges.
From its inception, Ruger wanted the RPR to be fully modular and able to accept as many
“Similar to an AR, the RPR is made to be modular and can be worked on by those who don’t hold a degree in gunsmithing. It can be a much less intimidating platform to get into.”
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DIY: Polymer Stippling
07 Complete With the frame stippled, we reattached the slide. The 16LPI stippling gave the pistol’s grip much more bite than the smooth factory surfaces. More or less aggressive textures can be achieved through the use of different tips as well as more heat and/or more applied pressure.
When Customers Ask.... We always listen!
BOTTOM LINE Overall, we are completely satisfied with our first try at stippling by using the Oregon Trail Defense Deluxe Firearm Stippling Kit. The kit allows for plenty of options and additional optional tips and parts can really take one’s stippling capabilities to another level. We can see how the procedure can become addicting. The only drag was waiting for the tips to cool down in between tip changes, but that can’t be helped. Considering that professional stipple jobs can run into the hundreds of dollars, you can really save some money and have some fun while you’re at it if you do it yourself. OTD’s kits start at $65, with our deluxe kit running $115. Optional tips start under $4. Our only problem now is that we’re close to running out of things to stipple. Now, where’s that TV remote?
Finish
Oregon Trail Defense Deluxe Firearm Stippling Kit MSRP: $115 URL: otdefense.com / ustacticalsupply.com
PF940CL™: 80% Hybrid Frame Kit
[ UN12 ]
Practice Makes Perfect Stippling takes plenty of practice and finesse to get right. There’s a reason professionals charge what they do for a proper stipple job. They are artisans who perform their craft extremely well. But just how did they get that good? It’s probably a mixture of natural talent and tons of hard work.
The industry’s only 80% Compact Longslide Polymer Pistol Frame offers Polymer80’s enhanced ergonomics and features with a twist. The hybrid design combines the advantages of the longer slide and barrel with the concealment of a compact grip. Built with high-strength reinforced polymer construction, the PF940CL™ comes with everything necessary to complete a Gen 3 Glock® 17/22-compatible pistol frame.
Oregon Trail Defense offers practice stipple sheets available in both plastic and Nylon 6/6, which provide a similar texture and feel as stippling a pistol frame—without the cost of actually using a frame. The plastic is a bit softer
50
than most frames, while the Nylon approximates
(Shown in the image from left to right are OTD’s
a Glock frame. Use these sheets to practice with
12LPI Waffle Tip, Hourglass Tip, Wagon Wheel
and experiment with the many optional tips.
Tip, 20LPI Waffle Tip, and Cutting Tip.)
UN12 / Issue 004
Available for Purchase at:
www.RainierArms.com
FEATURE
HUNTING AR-Pistol Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images by MICHAEL GREY
: : Built for hog hunting : : Based on a Daniel Defense MK18 pistol : : Chambered in .300 BLK
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UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
FEATURE
Rainier Arms SIG Sauer SIGM400 Tread
01 SIG’s SRD762-QD Taper-Lok Muzzle Brake acts as a standalone brake and as a suppressor mount.
02 The combination of a LAW Tactical folding stock adapter and a Fortis LA Stock make for a compact, yet solid package.
03 SIG’s Juliet6 magnifier flips to the side to reveal a Bobro iron sight and Rainer Arm’s modular Avalanche ambi charging handle.
01
02
03
O
ne look at Rainier Arms’ version of the SIG Sauer SIGM400 Tread and you know
what the company is all about. Their decidedly upscale build mixes ruggedness with a certain quiet refinement. While this version of the Tread may look like a totally different rifle than its stock counterpart, it features all the rifle’s original core elements, including the upper and lower receivers, bolt carrier group, barrel, low-profile gas block and pistol grip. Rainier Arms added a collection of aftermarket upgrades, including SIG’s own SRD762Ti QD suppressor as well as SIG Sauer’s Romeo5 Tread red dot and Juliet6 6x magnifier. Danger Close Armament did the custom stipple work on the factory stock pistol grip, and the entire package was custom Cerakoted by Nevada Cerakote in their proprietary APODZ Elemntz camo pattern. All in all, this eye-catching rifle looks devastatingly good, doesn’t it?
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INIER A
FEATURE
Rainier Arms SIG Sauer SIGM400 Tread
Specifications: Caliber: 5.56 NATO Length: 35 in. Barrel Length: 16 in. Barrel Twist Rate: 1:8 Gas System Length: Mid Weight w/o Magazine: 9 lbs, 0.2 oz. Finish: Cerakote and Laser work by Nevada Cerakote
Featured Accessories: SIG Sauer Romeo5 1x20 mm Tread SIG Sauer SRD762Ti QD with Mount SIG Sauer Juliet6 6x Magnifier IronCity Rifleworks 15” Handguard Bobro Scout Light mount SureFire Scout 300 Light Bobro Low Rider back-up iron sights Battle Arms Ti takedown pins, Black Ion coated Danger Close Armament Stippling on SIG grip and Magpul MLOK MVG grip modified and stippled V7 Titanium grip screw V7 Titanium buffer retainer pin Battle Arms extended magazine release Rainier Arms trigger guard Hiperfire Eclipse trigger Fortis LE QD end plate and K1 castle nut LAW Tactical Folder Fortis LA Stock Ascend Armory Mod 2 ambi safety Rainier Arms Avalanche ambi charging handle V7 Classic ultra-light port door Scalar Works Optic Leap micro mount Grey Ghost Gear Apparition backpack Laser cut and Cerakote work by Nevada Cerakote
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Built by Rainier Arms
E X P L O D E D
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Rainier Arms SIGM400 Tread
VIEW
UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
For more information or to buy items used in this build, visit rainierarms.com.
UN12mag.com
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Customization: Brimstone Gunsmithing of software and technology. This also means that
finishing, and when you get it all finished and back,
zero communication, and he ended up ruining
we do, the customer walks up to my counter with
when you drop off your 1887 for repair, by the
it doesn’t work... but everyone is pointing fingers
the firearm. He didn’t have a mill (or lathe) and the
a firearm that is unique, with a unique history, and
time you walk out of our shop you can log into our
at everyone else. Nothing leaves our shop, so we
holes weren’t drilled in line with the receiver, but
this customer has a unique history and a unique
website and see a real-time status of your project.
own all of the success or failures of a project!
he blamed the receiver for being crooked. At this
goal for the project. So every single project is
moment I decided to go pro, opened a real gun
different, and comparing them is like comparing apples and oranges.
You are seeing the same notes and worksheet that
We also do consulting work for other companies
we use to track the project, updated in real time,
with their firearm-related projects, and we can
shop... and proceeded to make every mistake in
and, if necessary, pictures of what we are seeing
bring decades of knowledge covering 300 years
the book. But I hung on to the goal that I was going
inside your firearm.
of firearm technology, as well as real-world
to do gunsmithing differently, and it eventually
UN12: What is the most interesting build that you've produced? DS: In total contrast to the previous answer...
experience for what works and what doesn’t,
worked. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but now
of modern manufacturing technology with old-
to the project. And again, we can temper that
that we are here, I’m very proud of what Brimstone
One of the most interesting builds we’ve done just
school gunsmithing knowledge. We are currently
knowledge with an understanding of modern
has become.
got wrapped up this week. It was a Ruger Mk4
really focusing on the integration of red dots into
manufacturing technology.
But what really sets us apart is the integration
UN12: Can you tell us a little about your
that we turned into a total James Bond gun. We
modern firearms. Lots of folks are doing that, but
UN12: Why did you start Brimstone?
background? Did you train under other
threaded the muzzle, filled the front sight hole,
we are actually building computer models of all the
DS: I started tinkering with Ruger 10/22 triggers,
gunsmiths or are you self-taught?
custom machined a super-low-profile mount for
parts we’re working with. This allows us to digitally
doing them for friends and family. The results were
DS: I was self-taught, and I do not recommend
“install” the red dot in your slide with your iron
very well-received and I started selling trigger jobs
it. That meant me spending every waking minute
and drilled and tapped an underbarrel mount for
sights of choice, and show you what your sight
on eBay. Next thing I knew, these triggers were a
for almost four years eating, sleeping and living
the SureFire XC1 light, and machined the frame of
picture is going to look like before we ever start
full-time job!
firearms. I read everything I could find, and worked
the gun so the light could sit farther back and look
on every firearm I could get my hands on. Self-
more seamless.
cutting on your slide.
At this time I had an old .22 rifle that I wanted
the Leuopld Delta Point Pro, custom machined
to mount a scope on. Yup, I went through every
taught is way more expensive and time-consuming
(we do a lot of OEM Cerakote work for other
phase of “Fudd” myself, (.22 “sniper rifle,” Mosin
than just going to school.
companies too), we handle all the refinishing work
Nagant “sniper rifle,” SKS “sniper rifle.” I’m
on your firearm after we are done milling it. This
telling you from experience those are all bad
of some sort, either machining or gunsmithing, and
suppressor, custom-fit a Pelican case, and
ensures that when you get your firearm back,
ideas.) Anyway, I took it to my local gunsmith
most have extensive experience in other shops
Cerakoted the whole thing (including suppressor
everything is going to work perfectly since we
and wanted him to drill and tap for a scope. It
after graduating. I would hire someone who has
and red dot) in a grey/black/red pattern to match a
already fully assembled and tested everything in
was my first experience with a gunsmith, and he
been self-taught, but they would need to have
previous 300 Blackout pistol we did for the customer.
its finished form. This is different than you sending
checked every box. Unprofessional, working out
extensive experience in another shop and bring
a slide to one guy for machining, then another for
of his garage, took vastly longer than quoted,
good examples of their work. There are times
the top, but it’s still super useful and incredibly
where being self-taught has helped, where I’ve
fun to shoot. This is a perfect example of
been able to find an outside-the-box solution when
Brimstone being a one-stop-shop and helping
my guys have been beating their head against “the
the customer come up with a crazy awesome
way it’s always been done.” But that’s pretty rare.
build that’s still going to be useful and fun over
Usually I’m beating my head against a problem
the long term.
Since we are also a certified Cerakote applicator
“What really sets us apart is the integration of modern manufacturing technology with oldschool gunsmithing knowledge.”
All of my employees have professional schooling
and they look at me like I’m an idiot, because that problem was figured out 150 years ago and taught on day one of gunsmithing school. UN12: What are some of your favorite
We then installed the Volquartsen trigger kit, TandemKross HALO charging handle, Stoner CNC custom grips, provided a SilencerCo Warlock
This gun is awesome because it’s so over
UN12: In closing, what else should we know about Brimstone Gunsmithing? DS: The work that we do is cool, and I’m proud of the range and quality of work that
customization styles/designs? What do you like
Brimstone produces. But at the end of the day,
working on the most?
what really matters is the customer’s experience
DS: That’s hard to say. It seems like every genre has aspects that I love and hate. I think that
with the company. Our primary goal is to work with the customer.
precision rifle builds are probably my personal
We will work with you to meet your goals for
favorite; they are the most challenging but the most
the finished product, deadlines, and budget.
satisfying when you get them right. I really love
Since day one it has been our policy to provide
the machining and design side of things. Creating
$5 solutions and $100 solutions, but for the $5
something digitally from your imagination and then
solution to still be quality without pretending that
seeing it come to life is an amazing process.
it’s actually a $100 option.
I hate to say it, but some of my favorite projects
Our primary goal is for the customer to leave
are custom Glock builds. They are more satisfying
Brimstone satisfied and happy with the outcome.
than frustrating, which is always nice, and many
It’s customer service, but much deeper than what
of the customers we get for those builds are
most people think of for customer service, and that
REALLY running their guns. That’s probably the
is the single most important aspect of Brimstone.
best part, to have a customer who is excited for
[ UN12 ]
a project and they are really going to be working
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UN12 / Issue 004
the gun, and when it’s all done it does better than
To check out Brimstone Gunsmithing’s
they had hoped. I think that’s my favorite kind of
amazing builds, follow them on Instagram
customer, the guys who are really beating on their
@brimstonegunsmithing. If you’re interested
firearms and pushing what they can do. Building
in sending a project their way, check out their
safe queens is fun occasionally, but overall not
website (brimstonegunsmithing.com) to get the
satisfying for me.
ball rolling. They also have a walk-in shop located
UN12: What is your favorite build?
with SafeFire Indoor Shooting Range in Camas,
DS: I don’t have one. That’s the benefit of what
Washington, which is about ten minutes from
we do; over the past decade there have been
Portland International Airport. If you’re in the area,
hundreds of “favorite” builds. Every single project
pay them a visit. UN12mag.com
123
DEPT.
Competition & Training
A
key training objective I try to achieve when
NOTE ABOUT TARGETS AND FEEDBACK: Shooting at paper/cardboard, depending upon the
my bullet impacts on and around my target. I refer
going to depend on the target you’re shooting at
distance from the target, may not allow for reading
to this as reading target feedback.
(i.e., paper, static steel, 3D plastic/rubber dummy,
target feedback (shot holes) until shooting stops
or reactive targets). Generally, when shooting
and it’s safe to walk to your target.
A frequent question I get from my students
Shoot This Drill
shoot until the job is done! With that said, desired effects on target are
shooting is to always observe the effects of
Static steel targets typically allow you to see
is, “What is the most effective Method of
at paper/cardboard or static steel the shooter
Engagement (the number of shots taken during a
will engage with a predetermined Method of
bullet splash on the steel and/or hear the bullet
shooting drill) when shooting a given target?” My
engagement and then check for results or desired
impact without having to move from your shooting
answer is, the Method of Engagement that renders
effects afterwards. These targets typically stay in
position. The shooter receives both visual and
your desired effects on your target. Simply put,
place and don’t move or fall down.
audible feedback.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Buck Doyle served over 21 years in the US Marine Corps, including 17 years and multiple combat tours with Special Operations units. As a Reconnaissance Marine attached to 1st Force
Reading Target Feedback Text by Buck Doyle Illustrations by Charles Lasky
Recon, 1st Recon BN, and MARSOC units, Doyle served as Team Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and Chief Instructor at Special Missions Training Branch. He has current, extensive experience in hostile fire/combat zones in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Doyle retired from the Marine Corps a Master Sergeant with multiple awards, including the Bronze Star (with Valor). In 2010, Doyle founded Follow Through Consulting, LLC, and spent four years contracting with the Department of Defense as a member of the Joint Expeditionary Team (JET), advising and assisting combat units in Afghanistan. Follow Through expanded its training capabilities in 2014 to include law enforcement and qualified civilians in addition to military units and began consulting with corporate clients in the areas of leadership, team building, and product design/development and testing.
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Competition & Training
SET UP THE DRILL
an appropriate backstop. If a shooting
images are key because they will force
Since this drill is all about reading target
bay with left/right ballistic berm is
proper shot placement before dropping.
feedback, it can be set up in endless
available, targets can be safely set up
It also helps to set targets where they
configurations. The only limitation is
in three directions. Place targets in
are not immediately visible from the
the shooting environment. If a square
positions that force shooters to seek
shooter’s starting point. Shooters
range is the only thing available, set
cover/concealment positions (points
cannot progress down the trail until they
up a lateral direction of movement,
of domination) during engagement.
have achieved the desired result from
making sure all fire is directed toward
Reactive targets with realistic bad guy
each target.
Break Out Drill AT’s PT Droppers allow for cartoon targets to be set in its stands so that the plate can be positioned behind the target’s chest or the brain. Reactive targets allow the shooter to keep shooting until the desired result is achieved.
ACTION TARGET PT DROPPER AT’s PT Dropper is a great target for reading feedback. Cartoon picture
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targets are good for threat ID, but will not give gunfighters useable feedback on hit placement. Just because a bullet strikes a bad guy
X
doesn’t mean you’re going to get the feedback you want. In the real world, you can get “good hits” in preferred center-mass areas but not cause the enemy to go down. The PT Dropper has various sizes of counter plates that can be rigged up to make shot placement harder.
X
“Reactive” targets provide a defined objective or end-state: knocking the target down. Depending on the type of reactive target, it can take multiple impacts for the target to fall down. This provides the benefit of requiring the shooter to focus more on the fundamentals of marksmanship and situational awareness, rather than a specific method of engagement or “shooting drill.” One of my favorite courses of fire is the “Break Out Drill.” This exercise captures all
X
the fundamentals of fire and maneuver— shoot, move, communicate. • The shooter will start from one point of domination with the goal of moving to another point of domination, which can between 50100 meters away. • During the shooter’s movement, the shooter will engage reactive targets until desired effects are obtained—the target falls down. • The shooter will not move past reactive targets, and on to the next point of
BUCK DOYLE
domination, until desired effects are achieved. This prompts the shooter to sustain situational awareness and adjust his/her point of aim on target if necessary.
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+
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Learn more about Buck by visiting his company’s website, followthroughconsulting.com and following him on Instagram @followthroughbuck
While reading feedback, I also like to incorporate cover and concealment when engaging a reactive target. I personally use Action Target’s PT Droppers for my reactive targets when shooting the Break Out Drill. [ UN12 ]
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FEATURE
Customization
: : Based on a Liong Mah Warrior 2 V.2 : : Personalized at home : : Titanium and carbon fiber construction
Personalized Knife Text by DANNY CHANG Images by MICHAEL GREY
I
f you’re a knife aficionado, you’ve
The Gathering and this year wasn’t any
probably frequented the online forum
different. While walking the show, he visited
Usual Suspect Network (USN) and know
respected knife designer Liong Mah’s booth.
about its dedicated annual blade show, “The
It didn’t take long for a knife called Warrior 2
Gathering.” This is where makers, designers,
V.2 to catch his eye. He immediately recalled
’smiths and collectors converge to celebrate
a Liong Mah Design knife that he previously
their obsession for sharp and pointy things.
admired called the Lanny, which had a sleek
This year marked the tenth year of the
carbon fiber inlay in its handle as an option.
popular show and it’s where our featured
He was too late to buy one of those but really
personalized knife began its journey.
loved the look of the carbon-inlaid handle.
For the past seven years, Chris Q. and his friends have made the annual trek to USN’s
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Chris inquired to see if Liong Mah would consider making a Warrior 2 V.2 with a similar
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