A corner for whskee

Viridian C5L

2013-08-03T22:11:00.000-04:00

Well...I went and did it. I mentioned in another post about wanting a Viridian C5L before getting an Inforce APL. Well, after a little searching online I found out there was a guy right around the corner from me wishing to sell his unit since he rarely shoots anymore. The offered price was very generous considering the retail is upwards of $300 so I hurried to an ATM and went to see it for myself. After mounting it up, I'm extremely happy with it.

HSGI Sure-grip Battle Belt

2013-07-21T09:35:00.000-04:00

I recently had need of a new battle belt for work and decided that I'd like to upgrade beyond what was offered in the military stock system, so I purchased a HSGI sure-grip padded belt. I have used quite a few different battle belt rigs over the years, from a standard duty belt to my unit standard Tactical Assault Gear (TAG) belts. I have worn belts with no sub-load panels, with both leg panels, with holster attached to the belt and not. So many ways to solve the problem.

Hit the jump and have a look.

INFORCE APL SALE, 39% OFF ($92)

2013-07-13T10:26:00.000-04:00

The popular INFORCE APL (Auto Pistol Light) is currently on sale from Ares Armor at 39% off from their price of $150. Their version is branded with their logo on the flat opposite the rail and is $92 with the sale. As of writing, only 286 are in stock remaining. I have used INFORCE lights in the past and they are outstanding, very bright and with excellent features.

I have the 9vx light and have been seriously considering getting the APL due to its size and bright 200 lumen output. I was turned on to this light when Snake Hound Machine decided to produce a Glock package utilizing these and I love the look of it mounted. The profile of the slide matches up with the light shape giving a very neat and clean appearance. I can't wait to see this light paired up with the Silencerco Osprey, I think that will be quite a pretty package. I'm going to wait until the end of the month to bite on this one, but I want one despite my intent to also get a Viridian C5L (100 lumen for comparison) if that tells you anything.

US Cavalry Ch. 11 Filing

2013-07-07T11:18:00.001-04:00

I just saw an email come in from US Cavalry stating that they have filed for a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. This while I'm patiently waiting for an order I placed almost a month ago. At least that order was partially filled, 1 of 3 pieces shipped, I do hope the rest get here quick now...

I've visited their store in Kentucky outside of Fort Knox quite a few times on training trips, and usually found my wallet beaten and bruised after. Don't get me wrong, they usually had decent and sometimes great prices, but I suffer from 'That-would-be-nice-itus' and snatched up some good kit. I've been getting their catalogue in the mail for years and I'm going to miss getting that surprise nugget in the mail. Let's hope they come out of this for the better, I would hate to see them go under. I think with the sequester more of us will be paying out of pocket for decent kit again, and it would've meant some continued business for them.

**UPDATE** Well, I guess they sent out some courtesy emails regarding delayed orders. I should have my remaining goodies in about 15 more days. In all, 2 months total time if it arrives when they say.

News... and Happy Independence Day!

2013-07-04T14:16:00.003-04:00

So...It has been longer than a year since my last post here. So much has happened and changed. I had a deployment of my detachment, now returned. All were safe and whole, only injuries sustained were from being the rowdy bunch they are. They still have some post-deployment hurdles to meet however with the command change and mergers.

I've been slipped into a new military project that has devoured an enormous amount of my time. It's just me and a select group of other choice individuals. 12 of us in all, and thankfully we all know each other from previous work (mostly) so we've become very family-like in our endeavours. We just had a major set-back yesterday (No fault of our own! Contractors and Engineers...) that may allow us some room to recoup, reform, and breathe. I'm committed to this thing until 2016 at a minimum. It's early but so very busy already, and we expect the pressure to continually ramp up. Sorry I can't go into much detail here, maybe later on.

As if that wasn't enough, I've had a personal setback that I'm just getting back up from. Due to an accident, I've suffered a broken neck. It's been over 3 months now and I'm still in more pain than I feel I should be. There were some nerve damage concerns early on that seem to have resolved thankfully. I'm finally out of the brace and allowed to drive but that's been a bit of a challenge. I've had to play desk-jockey for a bit at work, and I've been chomping at the bit to get back to doing what I do. I have to remind myself constantly to take this slow and easy and not rush it, but there's that part of me that refuses to listen to reason.

And for the best news of all of it...I've got a baby on the way! We are expecting for late December or early January. I'm terrified! I want to do the best I can, and want to be there when I'm needed. I have military obligations that demand attention first and I know that's going to be difficult for us. I always planned to have kids AFTER the military but I've since realized that there's no better time than now, it won't get easier by waiting.

Hit the jump for more about the painting and the crossing.

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New Imaging Technology

2012-03-24T20:03:00.000-04:00

I am constantly impressed by what we can achieve with smart use of technology. I used to think that the Laser Microphone used during the Cold War was pretty clever, but now a camera has been developed which can see around corners by bouncing timed pulses of laser light as explained in the video. While neat, I think the 'see-through-walls' stuff is further ahead in practical development, and has actually been fielded. I posted a quick video of that after the jump for comparison.

The ASP Baton

2012-03-22T13:16:00.000-04:00

A write-up of the ASP baton and employment considerations. A decent read if you keep ASP batons or similar designs. From The Loadout Room.

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Great Photo

2012-03-17T13:36:00.000-04:00

This is a B-52 Stratofortress in 1990 doing a low pass during a joint exercise in the Persian Gulf. Saw it on Gizmodo and had to share! That bird has a 185' span and looks to be about 125-150' off the deck. Just plain cool. Updated w/ 2nd shot.

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Police Officer stabs, shoots at fire-fighters

2012-03-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

My news ticker had a wild story tonight. An off-duty Virginia Beach Police Officer wrecked his car Sunday morning. A passer-by saw the accident and called 911, and when 2 local fire-fighters arrived, the off-duty officer got into an altercation with the responders. The officer stabbed two of them, and then went back and retrieved his gun from the vehicle and began firing on the responders. Thankfully missing. He then began walking away from the scene where responding State Police found him with the pistol, and arrested him. Video after the jump.

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The Loadout Room

2012-03-05T19:43:00.002-05:00

If you haven't seen it yet, check out The Loadout Room. It's still in the early stages but is being published by Brandon Webb and Jack Murphy, who were recently affiliated with Military.com's Kit-Up! website and broke off to form SOFREP. Brandon also has a new book releasing soon, Red Circle, keep an eye out.

Ghost Rocket 3.5lb Trigger Glock Install

2012-03-03T21:54:00.000-05:00

Let me start out by saying this loud and clear. There is nothing wrong with the standard Glock trigger! They work well and as intended. Is there room for improvement? Yes, always! I personally became curious about a product by Ghost Inc. called the Ghost Rocket 3.5lb with a 'trigger control tab' which is designed to reduce trigger reset travel. That reduction and the low cost of the accessory made it something I wanted to try out.

Make the jump to go over my review of the installed product.

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Virginian's Take Notice...Bad Law Warning

2012-03-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

I posted earlier briefly reminding us to pay attention to more than just our 2nd Amendment rights and laws. This is one of those times for those of us in Virginia. Our Governor is pushing to get a new law enacted making warrants secret (sealed) when placing GPS trackers on vehicles automatically. I don't see what's so difficult about doing it the regular way...going to a judge and making a case. You know, like they're supposed to? This blog is ringing the alarm bells. The FBI was told their practice of doing this was illegal by the Supreme Court already. They (FBI) couldn't be bothered with the whole hassle of using the legal system. In addition to the secretive tracking warrants, if a blogger/press tell anyone about a tracker in place, they can be charged as well. Freedom of the press? Senate / House Bill.

Most awesome thing you'll see today...

2012-03-01T23:49:00.002-05:00

I put forward this, Enjoy ;)

Lethality of 5.56mm

2012-02-29T21:46:00.000-05:00

Being a military armorer, I get a lot of discussion about what round is better than the next. The 9mm vs .45 debate comes up a lot. I also hear a lot of misconceptions around military ammo, specifically the 5.56x45mm. My thought process is the best round is the one that you have, that works. I'm issued a variety of calibers, and have a lot of experience with unusual (for regular troops) military ammo. In this post I want to go over some of the 5.56mm options and lethality, and what is being done to close those gaps.

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Busy busy busy...

2012-02-29T17:47:00.000-05:00

I mentioned before one of my motivations for starting up this site was born from free time due to a surgery. Well, I'm stubborn. I went to D.C. over the weekend and only really went out and about on Sunday. That took a lot out of me so I've spent the last two days just relaxing again. I can say that the area there has improved a bit and is notably cleaner than in the 80's and 90's. I also found out that even a pocket-knife will draw the long-stare of security. And a 4" folder is illegal...but I discovered that after getting home to VA Beach. I need to remember to look-up ALL laws next time. Apparently being military exempted me as I was frequently asked to sidestep security. Odd... I'm also working on a side project, so I'll be splitting energy there as well.

Dream Car? LM Rally Fighter!

2012-02-27T17:50:00.000-05:00

I got around to talking cars recently, and like all guys, we got on the subject of what would be in our dream stable. My pick for all around bad-assery? The Rally Fighter built by Local Motors. Not a lot of people have heard of them. Check out this spot from Top Gear (US) and skip to 2:15 if you don't care about the intro.

Another School Shooting: Chardon, Ohio

2012-02-27T09:29:00.001-05:00

As I drag my butt downstairs and turn on the news, there's been another school shooting. The news coming in is still conflicting. Fox reported 4 injured and a shooter in custody. 3 boys and 1 girl were apparently shot by a fellow student in the cafeteria. One report says 5 shots were fired. 3 students are said to be in critical condition and a LifeFlight-type helo medevac was dispatched to airlift them to area hospitals.

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Hat tip...Down Range Report

2012-02-26T11:00:00.002-05:00

I was doing a quick roll through the sites I like to visit and found my name listed on the Down Range Report with a welcome from Duke (the author there). I appreciate the gesture. Thanks!

Excercising ALL your rights

2012-02-26T00:23:00.000-05:00

I saw a link via Say Uncle pointing to this post, 'Never agree to police search'. I mentioned in my last post, I strive to stay right by the law and I'm also in Washington D.C. where I have no right to defend myself with a handgun, despite area violence being routine. So I'm thinking about rights tonight I suppose. Some highly suggested videos after the jump and commentary.

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Criminals amaze me... 173 firearms, 1 man

2012-02-25T18:30:00.000-05:00

I do my best to follow the laws and to keep myself on the right side of the law...even if I don't agree with them. I am currently in Washington D.C. and unarmed other than my EDC folder, a CRKT M21-14SFG, a fine and sturdy folder IMHO. I don't make a lot of disposable money to afford the firearms, ammunition, and range time that I desire. So when I hear that a criminal has 173 firearms including EIGHT machine guns...I might be a little jealous. Emily Miller here in D.C. could have broken the law and acquired a pistol illegally overnight from just this sort of person, but documented going the legal way instead. To qoute her article on success:

"After months of aggravation, hundreds of dollars in fees, countless hours jumping over hurdles, I am now a gun owner and finally exercising my second amendment right to keep arms (bearing arms is still illegal in the nation’s capital)."

When will people understand that criminals don't care about the laws, and the laws are hindering honest and law-abiding people? I hope the situation get's better for us respectful of the laws of the land...

Act of Valor

2012-02-25T17:04:00.003-05:00

Ok...so I'm going to spill some beans. My team was involved in shooting some of the scenes for Act of Valor. I was an NSW Armorer for SBT-22 at the times of filming. So there is no confusion, I am not a SWCC or SEAL, I am an Armorer. I was not in any scenes, I was on the side-lines doing ordinance and maintenance tasks and checking out the weapons Bandito Bro's weapons guys brought down. Our guys had a blast working with the Bandito Bro's team, and I'm a little disappointed they didn't get more face-time. They got included in some making-of stuff it seems and of course they got face-time as a unit. I want to share some stuff about my experiences regarding filming.

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Seen on Gizmodo...'Tactical Mug'

2012-02-24T18:11:00.001-05:00

Seen on Gizmodo. I just _know_ someone is paying for this thing. And I hope they are being ridiculed. The ultimate mall-ninja mug? I respect Optics Planet but...really? I could *maybe* see getting this as a gag gift for the gear-queer at work but even that's a stretch. Whatever floats your boat...
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Carbine's SMG's and Conversions...

2012-02-23T13:18:00.000-05:00

What to choose...I have interest in a Ruger 10/22 for tinkering. Now I'm seeing the Kel-Tec RMR-30 prototypes and am seriously interested. Then there's also the thought of building an M4 lower and adding a specialized upper (AR-57 / 9mm / .22lr). And then.... there's the wish I could get the Skorpion EVO III which looks like a sexy little beast. I fear the closest I'll get to that would be the RONI-G2 system.

In this post I'll go more into detail about options with the above systems and similar systems that grabbed my attention.
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Blackhawk! Serpa Holsters

2012-02-22T21:39:00.000-05:00

I have seen a growing wave of very serious hatred elsewhere on the net regarding the Blackhawk! Serpa line of holsters, the latest via Say Uncle (here) where an instructor says no more Serpa's in class (unless modded/ruined). I am military, and have been issued several of the CQC Concealment variant. I've even bought one for my own Glock. I have utilized it chest-mounted overseas while sitting in a turret, thigh strapped (I dislike this method), and most preferred, mounted on an extension to my battle belt so it rides below my armor. I have trained extensively with this holster system, and so have my brothers-in-arms. I have never witnessed a single incident in our thousands of rounds, and hundreds of hours of training. I'm not saying it hasn't happened elsewhere because it most certainly has. Let me dive into my take on this matter...
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Local News...

2012-02-21T21:22:00.001-05:00

So...I was scouting the local news and I'm none too happy. In one story a woman is abducted at gunpoint from the grocery store, forced to drive to an ATM, robbed, and left at the ATM. Thankfully she wasn't raped or harmed (physically) according to the report. I REALLY want Grace to get a concealed permit, and maybe a pocket pistol. Glock 26 comes to mind... I kinda want one too...

In a more feel good story, a local man, Doug Kennedy, apprehended one of a pair of sword-wielding Best Buy thieves. Doug was just getting to the store as the two robbers came out. He tells his son to stay put, and ran one of the robbers down. Across 4 lanes of very busy traffic. Another passer-by saw the struggle and assisted in the take-down. Damn good job sir, I only wish more people had your courage and tenacity in these times. Thank you. Video after the jump.

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