Category Archives: SWAT

MagPod Magazine Monopod Mount

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Randall

MagPod is a simple idea.  Here is MagPod’s take: Designed specifically for PMAG Replaces standard floorplate, no tools required Lightweight (weighs less than 1 ounce) and compact Always ready to use, nothing to deploy Optimized footprint virtually eliminates see-saw motion when using the magazine as a monopod Overmolded Santoprene basepad for improved traction on hard/slick surfaces Stippled side panels provide sure gripping surface for reloads PATENT PENDING/AVAILABLE MID-2013 If you have ever gotten down into a prone shooting position with an AR-15,  you know that, sans-bipod, resting the base of the magazine on the ground makes sense to steady the weapon.  In the photo below, metal mag floorplates meet cement. … Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, SWAT | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Transparent Ballistic Shields by AP&T International

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Randall

At SWAT Round-Up’s vendor area, I spied a product with which I am very familiar—transparent shields!  I stopped at the booth and met with David Malouff, AP&T International’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing.  We have been using AP&T’s 11” X 16” Level IIIa handheld transparent shields on operations for over 12 years.  I told Malouff we were very happy with their attributes and performance. AP&T International is a corporation that specializes in ballistic protection through the use of their proprietary transparent material that is H.P. White Laboratory tested for ballistic integrity and compliance to current NIJ Level IIa through IV standards. The advantages to a transparent shield are obvious.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Protective Armor, SWAT | Tagged , | Leave a comment

UTAS UTS-15 Bullpup Shotgun Review

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Randall

On SWAT training days, you see some strange weaponry brought out to the range.  This is an UTAS UTS-15 military and police combat shotgun.  It has a 15 round capacity of 2 3/4″ 12 gauge shotgun shells, feeding from two 7 round tubular magazines above the 20.5″ barrel.  Overall length of the gun is 28.3″ and its weight is a light 6.9 pounds. UTAS (pronounced YOO-tash) is a Turkish firearms company that prides itself on innovative design.  That is apparent in the UTS-15’s build.  UTS-15 is a pump-action, bullpup shotgun. The receiver is 100% fiber reinforced injection molded polymer.  In fact, 80% of the gun is polymer. Between photos one … Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, SWAT | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Shooting a Venture Ballistics Level III Shield

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Randall

In a earlier article, I talked about visiting the Venture Ballistic Composites manufacturing facility.  I was given a few test shields by Venture President Todd Garrett.  He also “loaned” me a Level III shield from one of their upcoming projects.  He encouraged us to shoot it.  So we did. On the range, we fired two .308 Winchester Federal Match Grade 168 grain BTHP bullets and an American Eagle 5.56 X 45 FMJ at a Venture Ballistics Level III blank.  The distance was 25 yards.  The .308’s were fired by a Springfield Armory M14.  The 5.56 was shot from an Adams Arms AR-15.  The firing order was .308, 5.56, and .308.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida Companies, Protective Armor, SWAT | Tagged | Leave a comment

Intrepid Networks “Sting” Police Technology

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Randall

If there is one thing I have noticed that is lacking in our tactical operations and drug busts, it is a solid situational orientation to our ground assets in a fluid incident.  For example, when coordinating a buy-bust takedown you may have multiple units working within the scenario:  narcotics officers, confidential informants, SWAT members, uniformed patrol, heck, throw in a K9 team or two.  Each of these personnel has distinct function, but often no one knows exactly where the other one is in relation to the target. Intrepid Networks, with roots in Central Florida, has designed their Sting software platform as a way to increase law enforcement’s situational awareness and … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida Companies, SWAT, Tactics, Technology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sniper Tryouts Are Today!

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Randall

SWAT is holding sniper tryouts today.  I’ve never attended a sniper tryout, so this was an eye-opener.  Ah, the human suffering.  We had three candidates who were scored on marksmanship, physical ability, intelligence gathering, communication, teamwork, and attitude.  Real life stress cannot be simulated, so physical exertion and problem solving substituted. A hundred yard slow sniper crawl with a broom for a long gun, berm runs with “boxes of pain” (cases of ammo), endless calisthenics, and a healthy dose of verbal berating made for much fun for the assessors and no fun for the candidates. It was a very full day.  All the candidates put forth tremendous efforts.  After witnessing … Continue reading →

Posted in SWAT | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Vendors Row at SRI

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Randall

Half a day is not enough time to spend checking out the vendors at the SWAT Round-Up International.  I arrived at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office firearms range with two of my agency’s assistant team leaders.  Even during years we don’t attend, we try to make it over to the outdoor vendor row under the range roof.  In our line of work, it is important to stay abreast of new products and technologies–it can save lives.  The emphasis for this trip was to look at both vehicle and personal armor options and at replacement guns for the aging HK MP5’s in our arsenal. I’m always surprised at how close the … Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, SWAT, Technology | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

SWAT Round-Up International This Week in Orlando

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Randall

I’ll be heading over to Orlando tomorrow to check out the vendors at SWAT Round-Up International. We were not able to send a team over this year due to budget constraints–again. It is a shame, because the classes are valuable and the competition is a good exercise in team-building. I competed at SWAT Round-Up in the 1990’s and one last time in 2006. I felt it bettered my knowledge and skills each time. I’ll let you know if I see anything new and interesting… Randall

Posted in Misc., SWAT | Tagged | Leave a comment

Testing National Police Ammunition’s Simulated Duty Round

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Randall

National Police Ammunition is an ATF licensed South Florida manufacturer of law enforcement ammunition.  NPA specializes in lead-free, frangible ammo and has developed the SDR, or Simulated Duty Round, for police applications. The SDR is designed to mimic the performance of police duty rounds and be an accurate, reliable, and cost effective alternative.  NPA lists some of the following advantages: • Proprietary loading techniques prevents projectiles breaking when chambered which is common with frangible ammunition • Power factor equivalency “Felt” recoil • Line of Sight = Point of Impact • Fully Frangible non jacketed projectile • Reduced ricochet • Available with lead-free, heavy metal free primers (standard primers also available) … Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Firearms, Florida Companies, Street, SWAT | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

H&K MP5: The Best CQB Weapon I’ve Ever Kicked to the Curb

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Randall

I carried a 9mm Heckler & Koch MP5A2 on SWAT operations and patrol from 1990 until 2009.  My gun was #364 and she was my assigned weapon the whole time.  Together, we went on hundreds of callouts, buy-busts, and warrant services over the years. I kept #364 stone stock, except for the Surefire light kit up front.  That’s all the technology I needed for close quarters battle.  I loved the three point sling, the curved thirty round mags, SEF trigger group, and the left-side charging handle.  The adjustable diopter rear sight and front hooded post were simple and fast to employ. I could change those 30 round coupled mags in … Continue reading →

Posted in Firearms, Street, SWAT | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

SWATting Brings Controversy

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Randall

I’m a big fan of Robb Allen over at the blog Sharp as a Marble.  He’s from my neck of the woods and is passionate about the Second Amendment.  Heck, I even put him on my Blogroll.  But I’m annoyed at a recent post about SWATting. In his entry, he condemns the militarization of the police, and its abuses, which include the practice of sending the police to a fake critical incident (SWATting).  His post was prompted by the SWATting of blogger Patrick Frey.  However, Allen and others assert that apparently SWAT is part of the problem: “This entire episode has been enabled by the constant militarization of the police … Continue reading →

Posted in SWAT | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

S & S Precision’s Holster Extender

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Randall

S & S Precision is a product development and manufacturing company in Virginia Beach, VA.  I saw this on their show table at SOFIC.  It is a Holster Extender made for Safariland  patterned holsters utilizing the ALS system.  The actual extender is the aluminum-colored plate you see between the tan holster and black belt loop attachment above. The extender is a simple sliding aluminum base with a large button on the front to let the holster drop into detents at 1.5″ and 3″ below the hip-riding holster position.  The aluminum extender is protected by a special ceramic coating that also subdues the finish.

Posted in SOFIC, SWAT, Technology | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

ArmorWorks New MOLLE Solution

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Randall

ArmorWorks is a Chandler, AZ company that makes high-tech military armor protection.  While they can up-armor your HMMWV or UH-60 Blackhawk, ArmorWorks also makes personal protective rifle plates and accessories for the soldier. At the SOFIC Show, I met ArmorWorks associate director Alex Gallo.  He showed me some of his company’s latest Modular Plate Carriers, which incorporated an interesting feature:  an alternative to the standard nylon gear mounting system ArmorWorks calls their MOLLE Solution. Gallo explained that common MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment attachments are rows of nylon or canvas-type material sewn in strips across the garment.  The nylon and stitching has limited durability, as abrasion and the weight of the … Continue reading →

Posted in SOFIC, SWAT, Technology | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Special Operations Forces Industry Conference 2012

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Randall

I just got back from the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa, FL.  This was the second year we attended the Exhibit Hall.  There is some cross-over from military operations to police services, especially in the SWAT arena.  Funding for military experimentation often leads to technological developments that trickle down into law enforcement.  While I doubt our TAC van will be sporting a Dillon Aero Titanium Gatling Gun anytime soon, I am always interested in seeing new products for the Warfighter.  You never know when some of these things will be the latest rage for those of us defending the streets. I was particularly pleased to speak to a … Continue reading →

Posted in Officer Safety, SOFIC, SWAT, Technology | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment