All posts by Soda_Pop

Mounts and durability

Scope MountsAdding the extra security may mean that your scope won’t come loose after a few thousand rounds.  I’ve seen guys with battle rifles with $1000 optics on them and after a few thousand rounds, the mounts came loose.  None of these individuals were using loctite.   Over torquing screws is something to be concerned about because screwing a mount in as tight as you possible can does not mean more security, it actually means more stress.   Loctite doesn’t add stress to your gun mount it just helps keep the grip on your screws so they don’t rotate after long firing periods.

There is much debate about which scope mounts are the most durable.   Some scope mounts are stronger than other just based on the quality of the metal, but the reality is that all scew on mounts can come loose over time.   One of the secrets that experienced shooters need to pass on is the use of loctite.   If you are going to be using a scope for serious shooting or putting an accessory in a firearm, you should seriously consider using loctite.

 

Top

How much further can you really see?

Spotting ScopesI’ve seen so many people on firing lines with spotting scopes complain about the optics they have and what they should have gotten or what they wish they knew before getting a scope.   Sometimes people have this idea that having an optics magnify 45x will make things easier to see at great distances and any experienced observer know that isn’t true.  Magnification can become void due to heat and mirage and even zero magnification can cause you to have trouble hitting an object at certain distances.
Expecting to see 22 Caliber holds at 600yds is a hard feat

One thing you may want to consider if you are expecting to use a spotting scope for long ranges is a different type of target other than paper.  Shoot N C targets can help improve your visibility and avoid any frustrations in trying to pin point your point of impact on paper.  They aren’t re-useable so you’ll have to expect to spend more money on them, but they work.  Spottings scopes are as good as the money you pay for them, but make sure you know what you can realistically do with them before you select one.

Top

Keeping sidearms clear of your Carbine

Blackhawk HolstersThere seems to be a big transition in the Law Enforcement community to leg holsters.   Its kind of funny how the old western look disappeared for a few decades but now it’s back again.  If we all road around on horses we’d probable agree that carrying a sidearm on a leg holster is appropriate and its not just for the cool Han Solo look.

Blackhawk Holsters are one of my favorite options, Primarily the Serpa holsters.  The Omega is a less expensive and more versatile when it comes to using different guns, but if you already have a favorite, you’ll want to stick with a holster that works for just that gun.   Whenever you are carrying a Carbine, and you are carrying a sidearm, carrying it in any position other than a leg holster can be a liability, especially when a sling is being used.   I’ve seen many novice operators show up on a training day and end up tangling their slings with a paddle holster or OWB holster.   The Blackhawk Tactical holsters will lock your gun in place and be below the waiste to give you more manueverability.

Top

Just like new

Glock BarrelsThere are a lot of Police trade ins and used firearms out there that can be purchased and 30%-40% below what NEW prices are.   There are a few online FFL dealers that pick up the police issued Glocks and Sigs and resell them for under $400.     I picked up a few that had a lot of holster wear but once I opened the action, they were hardly fired and they ran flawlessy.   Most of the time this is the type of condition most Police trade ins are found.
Some firearms may have actually been shot a lot, but if you think the accuracy in your Glock is starting to deteriorate, if you got it at a good price in the first place, replacing the barrel is easy and not a headache.  Most of the type a barrel will just drop right in.    Glock Barrels can be found for under $200 and will last longer than most shooters will ever know.

Top

Getting out this Spring

Gun ClubsSometimes knowing what you’re load is isn’t enough to get you on paper and 600-1000yds.   Paying attention to crosswinds and terrain will give you that extra improvement to avoid misses.   Its not about just bullet drop at those distances, knowing when to pull the trigger and paying attention to your target is what makes you an expert.

 

Spring is just around the corner and after a long winter like this one, I know you’ve probable been itching to get out to a gun clubs and test out some of the loads you’ve been working on while stuck in your home.   A few months ago I was lucky enough to get out to a 1000yd range here in Ohio and get expert advice on long distance shooting.   Sometimes you learn quicker when in the company of the experts instead of just trial and error on your own.

 

Top

What price to protect your guns?

Gun CasesDo you own a rifle that could use a nice scratch up the barrel?  Well, I thought so, so why do people not think about buying a rifle case for every gun they own?   One thing I’ve found is it’s really a good idea to buy atleast, one soft case for each semi-auto you own and then put a tag or label on it so you know that gun will fit in it.   How many times have you gone to the range and had to figure out which rifle goes where?

Some rifles like lever action and shotguns may only need a gun sock for transportation and even a less than $10 sock can help protect against scratches.   Rifles with optics are another can of worms.  Not only do you need to worry about how long the barrel is and if it will fit in the case, but you have to consider that optics will widen the dimensions of the space you need and zipping up a gun case too tight is either going to cut your fingers or eventually break.   Make sure you put some thought into why you are buying a gun cases for your guns and make sure the gun is going to fit properly.

Top

Top Tier Rifle Optics

Nikon Rifle ScopesAnother thing to think about whenever looking for a good optic is clarity.  Some people seem to think that high magnification is  better for long distances, but it’s not true.   There is something to be said for too high of magnification and even on dark rainy days, you may notice the difference between a cheap scopes ability to see in low light in comparison to higher end scopes.   A good 3-9×40 scope can be better than a cheap 6.5-20×40 in low light.

In my many years of being on the firing line, one of the top tier rifle optics I see at the long distance ranges are Nikon Rifle scopes.  Nikon has had a tried and tested line of optics that can be used for long distance accuracy, clarity and adjustability.  Nikon rifle optics are reliable tools that I have first hand witnessed tack drive whenever the operator was up to it.   Rifle scopes need to be clear and reliable when shooting long distances.   The ability to hold zero becomes obvious when shooting beyond 100yds because those flingers at 100yds will be misses at 600yds if you don’t have a good scope.

 

Top

Getting your guns into gear

Speed LoaderWhen training for a class or tactical situation, dealing with an unloaded magazine or an unloaded gun in the situation is expected, all guns go empty at some point.   Most of us have the ability to plan ahead and carry extra magazines, but there may be a point where loading a magazine up will be necessary.   Maglula from Butler Creek makes a great speed loader that will help speed up the process of getting rounds from a box right into your 30rd rifle in a few seconds.   They will easily cut your loading time by 75% when used properly.

If you have a revolver, you know that bad guys may be walking around with semi-autos with 15-20 rounds and that you’ve got to make every round count if your carrying a 5 or 6 shot revolver.   You may only need 5 or 6 shots to win  a fight, but it is a fact that reloading a revolver can be done quicker than loading a magazine, so carrying a caliber specific HKS Speed loader or moon clips is always a great idea.

Top

Casual wear for concealment

Woolrich Elite ShirtsThe Woolrich Elite tactical polos come in short sleeve and long sleeve styles.   The shoulder pocket design is the same on both versions.   In winter time, everyone will wish they had a decent long sleeve shirt that will be slightly warmer to wear with a nice shoulder pocket that is large enough to hold a notepad or blackberry phone and pen pocket.   Woolrich Elite Shirts are designed for Law Enforcement and firearms instructors and concealement.

Lightweight shirts like the 4450 style shirt and 4445 style shirt are great for summer wear and are the lightest weight Woolrich Elite Shirts for hot climates.  They are designed after the popular Guayabera shirt.    The front lower button is a false button and has a magnet that breaks open easily and closes almost entirely by itself.

Top

Tactical Apparel

Woolrich EliteWoolrich Elite products are some of the most durable tactical apparel pants out there.   Their  tactical pants are long lasting and don’t shrink like some of the 5.11 stuff that so many people have complained about.  5.11 products are interesting, but the tactical pants they have been making are apparently taking a major downturn in the quality control arena.  Woolrich has been in the clothing business for over 100 years and one thing you have to acknowledge is they know how to make clothing.
Woolrich Elite tactical shorts style 4905 have pockets similiar to the 4429 and 4904 styles but a slightly smaller cargo pocket.   These have a longer inseam than some shorts, 9″ but are very comfortable especially when carrying lots of gear in the pockets.   Some of the lightweight shorts don’t seem to support carrying much weight and are really only good for wearing and not hauling.

Top
1 169 170 171 172 173 192 Page 171 of 192