Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2021 i Tactical Life

Some might not truly realize just how important selecting the proper scope/mount combination really is. There are five major variables in a rifle’s accuracy: 1. The shooter; 2. Ammunition; 3. The rifle’s action and barrel; 4. How well the optic is held within the mount; and 5. How well the mount holds to the rifle. Though rings/mount/bases aren’t typically part of the “cool factor,” together they make up two of the five variables, so 40 percent of the equation. Ammunition and the shot are too valuable to risk 40 percent on a lesser optic mounting solution. That is why it’s vitally important to select the proper product for your needs. Warne’s website has a nifty tool to help navigate you to the specific product that you are looking for. Learn…

The kind of man you send to kill the boogeyman is, without a doubt, one badass assassin who strikes fear in anyone who maliciously crosses his path. This man is known as John Wick. If you don’t know, and for great shame that you don’t, John Wick is the fictional lead character of a trilogy that generously delivers awesome, in-your-face action, gunplay and down-n-dirty jiu-jitsu and judo-style fighting moves. Keanu Reeves plays Wick, and he plays it to perfection. You, the viewer, believe without a doubt that this man is an unstoppable force of nature against anyone who wronged him or far worse yet, killed his dog. But is the John Wick story only the product of a screenwriter’s imagination and ultimate love of hardcore, revenge flicks, or does the…

Rimfire ammo is fun to shoot, inexpensive and quiet, but it certainly doesn’t have a flat trajectory. This has always plagued these cartridges and thus has driven their development nearly from the start. While Winchester’s .22 WMR certainly added a little punch to the more common .22 LR, it was still miles away from being treated like a centerfire cartridge. In the early 1970s, Remington introduced their 5mm Magnum rimfire, but unfortunately 5mm is an odd duck as far as bullets and barrels go, so the cartridge quickly fell out of fashion. This cartridge was still very important because it showed the masses what could be done simply by necking down larger, parent rimfires. It took about another 30 years to get there, but in 2002 Hornady created something that…

It’s a commute like no other. The morning fog burns off the surface of Black Gore Creek that parallels the loose, winding twists of steepwalled Eagle Valley en route to Alpine Arms’ range in Gypsum, Colorado. Unlike most training venues where lumpy beds in sketchy hotels greet students, fellow shooter Ian Ross and I have enjoyed an evening of walking pedestrian thoroughfares reminiscent of Alpine villages and coffee-flavored Jameson shots poured by an expatriate London publican at a local bar called the “The George.” Dinner at the Mountain Standard restaurant was a bone-in pork shank with artisanal bacon and pimento cheese to start. It’s “mud” season in the ski town of Vail, but prime time to enjoy its amenities and perfect weather for training. Before it even begins, the Alpine…

In 1968, the Army Small Arms Program developed plans for a new 5.56mm light machine gun (LMG). They were looking for something to replace the brutally heavy M60. As with all things bureaucratic, the discussions went on until 1970. In July of that year, the U.S. Army finally approved development of a new light machine gun. The nomenclature for this new weapon would be the “Squad Automatic Weapon” (SAW). Designs and trials soon began and when the dust settled, Belgium gun maker FN was selected to open the doors on this new era with their design. The new gun entered U.S. Army service as the M249 squad automatic weapon in 1984 and was adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps a year later. As they say, the rest is history. After…

IT came as quite a surprise. The Vermont big-game firearm season was still several months away and I was already getting itchy to draw blood. I had missed two deer bowhunting the previous autumn and I hoped to tag my first ever buck, any buck, with any tag, before I entered my twenties. But alas, I needed a gun up to the task. My pump smooth bore 12-gauge bird gun loaded with Foster-style slugs was not the weapon of choice for deep woods buck hunting—or for any deer hunting anywhere for that matter. Then one day my father took me downstairs to show me a rifle oiled and squirreled away in the cellar rafters that would definitely fit the bill. It was a customized Springfield M1903-A3 bolt-action rifle chambered for…

Carrying a firearm while out and about in the wilderness camping, hiking, ATV riding, fishing or exploring to see what is on the other side of the hill seems only prudent. A hunter carrying a rifle is not wrong to consider bringing along a heavy-hitting sidearm, especially if in remote country. None of this is a new concept. The earliest settlers kept flintlock rifle and pistol muskets handy for peace of mind against nature’s threats—both four and two legged—and basic survival preparedness. The same trend continued as Europeans then Americans spread westward. The single-action revolver with a large hole in the barrel has been a constant carry-along companion for nearly 150 years. This practice continues today with a modern rendition—the Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum. It is the standard bearer…

FN’s SCAR (Special Forces Combat Assault Rifle) rocked the tactical world in 2004. A complete departure from the M16, the combat-ready and reliable FN SCAR offers interchangeable, cold-hammer forged barrels and ambi controls in a lightweight package that is easy to maintain in the field. Chambered in 5.56x45mm (SCAR-L or MK 16) then 7.62x51mm (SCAR-H or MK 17), it is a favorite of Special Missions Units. Both rifles are in military and LE service around the world. Since their introduction in 2008, the semi-auto civilian versions (16S in 5.56, 17S in 7.62) were equally successful. When the 20S was brought to the market, it continued the success of the line. FN SCAR rifles remain some of the most sought after carbines on the market today. BEHIND THE SCARS Chambered in…

Pistols with miniature red-dot sights (MRDs) are among the most popular firearms offered today. Much like the introduction of red-dot sights on rifles, once considered a “competition” toy, the MRD is now the norm for concealed carry, duty and combat pistols. Every major manufacturer offers full-size, compact and even sub-compact pistols with an MRD mounted or the capability to do so. While the MRD has been around awhile, the leader and first to offer it on a factory tactical pistol was FN in the form of the FNP-45 Tactical. Built in 2005 to meet USSOCOM’s Joint Combat Pistol program, it was an MRD-capable, 15-round, hammer-fired pistol chambered in .45 ACP. It’s multi-plate MRD mounting system with two plates mounting the only MRD available at the time set the bar high…

KIMBER R7 MAKO The shooting world’s latest micro-compact 9mm might also be the greatest. Kimber’s R7 Mako is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with a healthy capacity of 11 for its flush-fit magazine and 13 for its extended mag. Kimber machines the Mako slide from stainless steel, includes an optics cut for red-dots sights and then blackens the slide with a DLC finish. Best of all, Mike Detty, who reviewed the Mako for sister publication Combat Handguns, declared the gun a tack driver, reporting 0.53-inch fiveshot groups at 15 yards. (r7mako.com) SUUNTO CORE ALPHA STEALTH WATCH The Suunto Core Alpha Stealth combines key military features with robust construction and a strong, Berry-compliant textile strap. This non-connected and mission ready watch has a red-light mode for night vision goggle compatibility and comes…

Alexander Solonik: Known as Russia’s best contract killer, this former policeman was a machine when it came to accurate shooting with both of his hands. His claim to fame began as he killed numerous leaders of the Russian underworld. Some claim he died, while others believe he is living under a false identity. Chester Wheeler Campbell: A playboy of both the Italian Mafia and the Detroit drug lords, Campbell enjoyed fast cars, beautiful women and fine wines, in addition to killing with guns, poisons and even a high-powered rocket launcher. Giuseppe Greco: A high-ranking member of the Sicilian mob, Greco was rumored to have killed between 50 and 100 people. He loved the AK-47 and used it on numerous occasions against his targets. Richard Kuklinski: Recruited into the Gambino crime…

Yes, you read that right; and no, we didn’t start making scopes. Athlon Optics was one of the first companies to prove that a high-end scope doesn’t have to be a status symbol. The Midas Tac HD features high-definition glass alongside all the features precision rifles need to deliver the accuracy noted in this article. These features include a 4x zoom, precise reticle, an exposed elevation turret and a capped windage turret. The 30mm tube has enough elevation to get most cartridges out to their effective range, and its popularity makes it simple to find a 20-MOA mount for that little extra come up, should you need it. Best of all, you can find these online right around the $675 mark, making it an easy investment for your best shooting.…

Around the 21st century mark, STI took a run at making the 1911 platform run in a double-stack .45 ACP configuration. Dubbed the “2011,” their pistols even got looks from the guys at the U.S. Army’s Delta Force as an enhancement to the unit’s issue, single-stack 1911s. Unfortunately, the design wasn’t perfected. The pistols couldn’t meet the reliability standards, particularly the magazines, a historical failure point even in the traditional 1911 platform. Fast forward 20 years, under new management and a new branding, the STI Staccatos have cracked the code. Today, they are the duty carry choice for the U.S. Marshall Service, Special Operations Group (the Staccato Model P), and more than 280 other law enforcement agencies. Staccato has managed to marry the ergonomics of the 1911 with a reliable…

Terrorism is a plague on the world, and no country is immune. Even here in the United States—the greatest country in the world—we have fallen victim to the twisted ideology of terrorism. This includes not only international terrorism from the likes of Al-Qaeda, but from domestic groups such as Antifa and BLM. While the United States is a leader in so many different arenas, there is one country that is the gold standard for dealing with terrorism. That country is Israel. “IMAGINE THAT YOU LIVE IN A STATE THE SIZE OF NEW JERSEY, AND THE PEOPLE LIVING JUST ON THE EDGE OF YOUR STATE LINE WANT TO KILL YOU 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.” Israel is a unique country in that it has experienced terror as a…

What you carry on a daily basis has the ability to save your life. Dom treats what he carries with that level of care and intensity. You should, too. Don’t put a budget on your life. RevereBlade with IWB sheath CombatFlathead LVLComp Bag in sling mode with DFNDR LVIII Body Armor DynamisHead Lamp Flashlight IWBWeapon Panel GauntletGloves IWSPanel Small IWSPistol Mag Pouch DynamisP365 IWB Holsterwith lopro wing SigSauer P365 XL IWSPistol mag pouch w 365 XL Extra Mag DynamisLoPro Belt loaded with $3.25 in quarters, a handcuff key, cash and lock pick set ADXRendition dynamic stretch 9 Pocket Jeans with signature slash pockets SlashMed Kit GatorzSunglasses Salomons CrushEverything T-Shirt TacticalRosary Low-ProfileWallet ›…

When I first heard about the 5.7x28mm round a few decades ago I was instantly intrigued. The idea, as it was explained to me, was to have a smaller round that could be used in compact weapons that still had similar ballistics of the 5.56mm out to 100 yards. While the 5.7mm rounds I tested for this article were just below 2,000 feet per second (fps), they do make rounds that have a velocity in excess of 2,500 fps and on par with 5.56mm rounds. The FN Five-seveN pistol came out in the late 1990s, but it was several years before I saw one. It was the only pistol at the time that fired the 5.7mm round. I wanted one terribly but I shipped off to Afghanistan before I scraped…

Shawn Wright is also a die-hard Adirondack deer slayer who works as a caretaker on private lands in the Long Lake and Blue Mountain Lake regions of upstate New York. His favorite big-woods strategy is still-hunting. “I like to quietly sneak along pinch points that form between stands of hardwoods and the green timber growing along the tips of swamps, ponds and beaver dams,” said Wright. “Bucks love to hug that line in the woods as evidenced by the numerous scrapes and scrape lines and the rubs and rub lines you so often find here.” Wright also likes antler rattling. One calm morning he discovered a buck had been recently photographed on one of his trail cameras as it visited a nearby scrape. Wright pulled out his rattling horns and…

The knife has been around almost as long as a man has stood on two feet. It ranks as one of the most important developments in our history, and despite the addition of over 2.5 million years of knowledge, experience and technology, the knife—how we use it, and how we make it—has remained relatively unchanged. We have used blade analogies for centuries and nowhere are these more applicable than when referring to the members of our special operations community. Much like the children of Sparta, these warriors enter service untested, yet willing to heed the call that our nation places upon them. Much like a knife, they are forged in fire only to come out on the other end stronger, more resilient and far more capable. It is for this…

A recent announcement that U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland will be visiting Chicago and mingling with the criminal element to help finally put an end to the runaway violence in that city has residents extremely happy. “I’m sure Mr. Garland will talk some sense into these young ’uns,” said Catherine General Merrick Garland will be vis-Fittsbaugh, standing on a rough neighborhood street corner dodging 9mm bullets while waiting for her children’s school bus. “All this talk about cracking down on violent criminals is just that—talk. Finally, we’ll have some real action.” Timmy Glasser, a gang member and crack dealer, admitted Garland’s planned visit means imminent defeat for those causing the violence. “That’s it, the gang is officially disbanded,” Glasser said. “But at least it will be nice walking down the…

Over the years, FN has brought us some of the most popular and solid weapons in both the military and civilian market. As a writer, I am often allowed a brief look behind the curtain of what is coming next. It is my pleasure to share that opportunity with you. FN has been a leader in military weaponry for decades. From their FN MAG machine gun to the ever-popular SCAR rifle, FN has led the way. The latest news from Belgium is the release of the new FN Evolys Light Machine gun. The FN Evolys is a radically different, ultralight weapon that combines the firing capabilities of a belt-fed machine gun with ergonomics and balance similar to an assault rifle. With this new addition to FN’s product portfolio, the company…

There are many companies within the firearms industry that you probably never knew existed. These are companies whose products are at the forefront, looking you in the eye, and you still might not know who they are. One of those companies is Warne, one of the bestkept secrets in the firearms industry. They make almost every combo of scope mount and base that one can think of. And, out of some of those mounts that you debate over, they might have all been made in the same factory here in the good ol’ USA. Recently, I was invited to sunny Tualatin, Oregon, to tour and explore Warne’s manufacturing and research & development facilities. That was an experience for which I’m truly grateful, as there was so much to learn. Warne…

The world of handguns is wide and deep. There is honestly something for everyone no matter how specific their demands might be. From polymer grocery getters to handguns walking the line between art and firearm, there is an ocean of options. Even in the din of all this, I find my eye drawn to a classic—the sexy lines and classic design of the .45 ACP 1911. To the uninitiated and those influenced by social media memes, the 1911 is a horse that should long ago have been put out to pasture. This could not be further from the truth. Well-made 1911s are simply some of the finest handguns on the earth. I would stack a quality 1911 against any handgun in existence. The thing I share with anyone, however, is…

NINJAS: These deadly assassins from ancient Japan were masters of stealth, a variety of weapons and deadly hand-to-hand combat. Ninjas would infiltrate a stronghold, kill their target and be gone without being seen. Not to be upstaged, female ninjas also were talented assassins. These women would disguise themselves and gain the trust of their targets. When it was the right time, the unsuspecting Lord was killed with knives or metal claws on the assassin’s fingertips. THE VISHKANYAS: This group of female assassins, based in India between 340 and 293 B.C., killed using poison. But not content with just poisoning food or drink, these young women ingested small amounts of poison to become immune to the deadly liquid, so their targets wouldn’t be the wiser if they also had to drink…

There are average days at the range and then there are incredible days at the range. One such incredible day occurred recently as I walked out in the warm May sunshine in New Hampshire. The purpose of my journey up north was to visit the good folks at Sig Sauer and get some time on their new belt-fed machine guns. As I said, it was an incredible day on the range. While we would ultimately get time on a variety of weapons during the stay, my focus and deep interest was on the new go-fast shooters. The genesis of Sig’s development of belt-fed machine guns is based on the military’s NGSW or Next Generation Squad Weapon program. The Army states, “The Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program is a future…

Like the pistol red-dot sight, the affordability and reliability of night observation devices (NODs) have improved dramatically. With threats at least as likely at night as in the day, is it not as responsible to train with night-vision gear and for low- or no-light engagements? Alpine Arms also trains students to utilize and adapt their weapons systems to the dark. “The fundamentals are the same, but students need to learn how to properly mount, adjust and zero their lasers along with the helmet-mounted NODs,” Grindel said. “Once the students are comfortable with the equipment, our training evolves from the fundamentals into barricade work, as well as ‘shoot/no-shoot’ drills and injury drills. “Students have to learn not only to shoot but also move and orient themselves to a low-light environment. This…

When the average firearms enthusiast puts the words “tactical” and “rifle” together, they’re usually thinking along the lines of a tricked out AR-15 or maybe a sleek and sexy AK. It’s a good bet that a lever-action .30-30 is nowhere near the top of the list. It doesn’t have the high capacity, quite as much aftermarket support, and it carries a certain “Fudd” connotation with it. However, I ran into one recently that, in the right situation, could be an ideal choice for both tactical and practical applications, and it wasn’t bad looking either. There’s a guy named Brad Gilliam at my local gun shop. He’s a friendly, thoroughly likeable fellow that has an affinity for high-end, thoroughly decked out firearms. Despite living in the heart of Appalachia where hills…

Hatsan just knocked it out of the park with the Factor, a new offering for 2021. The Factor is a sleek, extremely powerful pre-charged pneumatic air rifle with tactical styling. Two models are coming out of the Turkish factory, the basic version and the Factor RC, but only the Factor RC is being sold in the United States at this time. This aluminum-chassis air rifle sports a four-position telescoping stock with an adjustable cheek rest and comes in under 8 pounds, making it nimble and a joy to hold and shoot. It will be available in .177, .22 or .25 calibers. As to its name, the “RC” suffix stands for Regulated Carbon Fiber, and that designator is the main difference between the two models. The Factor RC is the regulated…

The CZ Scorpion pistol and carbine that first appeared in 2015 and 2016 are among the most popular 9mms to modify with aftermarket stocks, grips, safety levers, triggers and magazines available from several companies. Though some of this customization is done out of desire to own something that looks a lot cooler than the next guy’s at the range, serious users modify their Scorpions to improve its capabilities and function. And improved weapons capability and function best describe Magpul’s approach dating back to its very first eponymous device that made pulling an M-16 magazine from a military mag pouch easier. Decades later, the company now focuses a critical eye on improving a broader array of weaponry including the AK-47, HK MP5 and others. As for the Scorpion, Magpul seems to…

San Jose, California, city councilors, not happy with their newly increased tax on legal gun owners since violent crime continues to run rampant, have decided to up the ante. Their newest proposal is to crack down on law-abiding gun owners by requiring a one-time payment of all gun owners’ firstborn children. “We don’t seem to be getting our point across,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo. “We’re taxing the holy crap out of people and they still choose to be gun owners. Maybe this will make them rethink that poor decision.”…

Mankind seldom comes up with much de novo. The world’s first nuclear bomb was indeed unprecedented. However, such stuff as the television, laptop computer, cell phone and spacefaring rocket were all themselves simply evolutionary adaptations of existing technologies. So it is with firearm cartridges. The 300 AAC was based upon the 5.56x45mm, while the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge began life as the obscure .300 Savage. The ubiquitous 9mm was born of the 7.65x21mm Para, which was itself an evolutionary development of the 7.65x25mm Borchardt. By contrast, the radical FN 5.7x28mm was designed from scratch. This peerless round broke fresh ground. THE BACKSTORY The 5.7x28mm had no parent case. It was, indeed, without precedent. Developed in the late 1980s, this adorable little bottlenecked cartridge pushed Lilliputian .22-caliber bullets between 23 and 31…