Winter Jackets and carrying gear
I’ve gotten the questions numerous times about what kind of jacket is best for winter carry. I’m not one to suggest that carrying a firearm in an outwear jacket is a good idea. There are expensive jackets out there where you can carry a gun and retain it in the jacket, but weight distribution is almost always an issue. Sometimes people need to realize that winter carry isn’t going to be as easy as summer carry because cold environments are going to mean big jackets or multiple layers of clothing.
One new option that may help you in your search for a spring/fall/winter carry option is the new Eotac Field Jacket, this is a very military looking jackets, but has a tactical jacket look that is a great thing to wear over layers of winter clothing. The Eotac Field Jacket is not a very heavy jacket even though it may look like it. The Field Jacket has multiple pockets for knives, flashlights, cell phones, pepper spray and spare magazines. The field jacket does not hang very lowe on the waiste so it may not be good for some ways of carrying, but even if this jacekt is zipped up, the front of the jacket is cut in a manor where reaching under and retrieving a firearm from a should holster or belt holster is not that difficult.
Modern combat optics are becoming more and more advanced. Back in the day people just used the European pole or standard crosshairs for rifle scopes, but not anymore. These days combat optics may be red dots, green dots, illuminated reticles, bullet drop compensators etched in glass or Mil-dots. Combat optics like IOR scopes may have a reticle that is almost a sizing guide for range estimation where you just simply hold the target into a range estimator and then make adjustements on your target knobs or just hold over.
If you are searching the web for a gun holster for a training class or you are looking for your first CCW Holster and your looking for a paddle holster or OWB holster, Fobus holsters are the staple for gun owners. There are always critics of various holster designs, but for those looking to carry a gun, the Fobus Paddle holster is a very comfortable and reliablie firearm retention device. Fobus holsters are excellent for carrying full size autos. From my own experience, most people prefer to train with full size autos for accuracy and capacity reasons and carrying a gun IWB is pretty much a problem for most operators.
Eotac pants have an elastic waistband that give some versatility to users especially for those carrying a firearm IWB. The pants sizes from Elite Operator Tactical are consistant with regular clothing sizes. The shirts and vests are all gun generously to give a little more room. Eotac lightweight pants have a gussetted crotch that give them superior durability. The Style 204 Concealed carry pants have side zipper pockets that can hold a small firearm, wallet, keys or something like a Kimber Guardian Angel. The most tactical of the are the Style 201 Lightweight Operator pants that are based on the Army Combat Uniform Pants. These pants can hold up to 6 30rd M16 or AR 15 magazines as well as other gear. The new Style 702 Womens pants is a big step forward for Eotac and we’re waiting to hear from our Female Operators on what they think about them. These pants should be available in March of 2010.
This style of vest was designed for security contractors that don’t want to wear the heavy chest rigs ect. that standing Army usually wear. The Eotac field vest style 103 is more of a tactical casual vest that is similiar in design to the Eotac Field Jacket. The Style 103 Field Vest is also an excellent hunting or outdoor outerwear to securely hold flashlights, magazines, knives, pepper spray, tools, hunting and fishing gear.
There area a lot of good upgrades one can do to a firearm, a fighting rifle should be customized to fit an operator. Advanced Technology makes some quick and easy upgrades for your shotgun or carbine that can give you better grip or balance. Shotgun shell holders on the buttstock or riding side saddle is a practical tactical upgrade you can do on your remington 870. The fiberforce stock for the MAK90 is a way to legally get around some firearm bans and are a big step up compared to the stupid thumbhole stocks. Attach a rifle sling that fits yoru purpose from Blue Force Gear, they come in 1 point, 2 point and 3 point attachements. Minor firearm modifications make need to be done to attache rifle slings, but do some research on various rifle sling configurations to see what works for you.
We’re still waiting to get feedback from our operators to see how well this upper holds up over time. I don’t believe they’ve been on the market long enough to get combat worthy reports yet, but we shall see. There seems to be a dry spell on finding a good AK in 5.45×39 and the AR15 Upper may be your best option. The Upper comes in an flat top configuration and will be a great secondary or primary weapon to keep around.
I’ve spent enough time on the internet gun boards to hear all of the squabbling about the Mini 14 Ranch rifles. The short answer on Mini 14 accuracy is this, they are good for what they were originally intended to be used for, and that was to be used for “a few quick shots”. The Mini 14 Ranch rifle is highly recommended for those in Coyote Country or for varmint hunting. They are light and can easily accomodate 30-40mm rifle optics. While we are aware that the .223 has long range capablilities, I highly recommend something in the 3-9×40 power. You can the wider objective and some amount of magnification.
Tactical gun cases