Richard from GunsHolstersandGear.com is over at the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers Expo and Meeting in Orlando. The NASGW Expo is an exposition of hunting, sporting goods, and shooting sports equipment and accessories by wholesalers, manufacturers, and independent sales representatives.
Follow the coverage here: GHG NASGW
Teaser of New Diamondback Firearms AR-15 Rifle
Randall
Protect Your Country. Protect Your Freedom. Protect Your Rights.
Randall
1:21 am: Well, that shit didn’t work… Sorry.
I am no longer an active Field Training
Officer, but I am now in charge of them on my shift. As an FTO supervisor, I had the duty this week of accepting the resignation of one of our recruit officers. It’s part of our natural selection.
For the last twenty-plus years, I have been involved in this drill in one capacity or another. We hire a nice kid, see him/her through the Academy, mold them further during department familiarization, then introduce them to the real job in a field training car. Percentages vary class by class, but generally anywhere from 10-50% of our recruits do not make it to being solo police officers.
This recruit’s job performance was clearly substandard in many areas. In a conference room, we talked to him at length about Daily Observation Reports, Standard Evaluation Guidelines, Officer Safety, Investigative Techniques, Report Writing, and even Punctuality. Along with me, a lieutenant and captain were present in the room. Long ago, I had been one of the LT’s training officers and he had, in turn, trained the Cap.
Like many rookies, this one had problems multitasking under “stress.” It would lead him to “blanking out” on calls and being unable to think about what to do next. Bad during normal service delivery, deadly in a critical situation.
Unfortunately for him (or maybe fortunately), this recruit had not even been under serious stress on the street to this point in his training. Vapor locking during a routine traffic stop and freezing up at the question of “why did you pull me over, officer?” is a sure sign that Continue reading
I’m too old to get the reference, but here’s Tampa PD’s video of Call Me Maybe. Everyone is a good sport, including Chief Castor.
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)
• Superior composition materials generate less carbon residue in the weapon’s bore.
• SDR proprietary mixture of powder creates consistent cycling of the weapon.
I had an opportunity to test three boxes of NPA’s Simulated Duty Rounds at recent practice and qualifications days on the range. NPA’s Vice President Adam Oliver sent me ammunition in .380 ACP, .40 cal. S&W, and .223 Remington.
I shot the State Qualification course with the .40 cal. SDR’s in my issued Sig Sauer P226R. The 40 round course of fire is shot between 3 and 15 yards. There is a mandatory reload midway through the drill. The targets are timed to turn, so there is some urgency at points in the qual. I hit my blue B21E target in the 5 zone (C.O.M. and into the head) with all 40 SDR bullets. There were no malfunctions or misfires with the ammo.
I really could not tell I wasn’t shooting our 155 grain Speer Lawman TMJ practice ammunition. Subjectively, I think the NPA SDR is slightly lighter in recoil than my everyday carry 155 grain Speer Gold Dot Hollowpoints. The SDR in .40 has a 105 grain bullet weight, but launches it at 1420 fps at the muzzle. The GDHP leaves the gun at 1200 fps. Still, the difference in felt recoil to me was negligible.
My department mandates shooting the same State Qualification with any handgun carried either as a secondary weapon or an off-duty weapon. I had already qualled with my S&W Bodyguard 380, so I brought my trusty Kel-Tec P3AT out to the range.
Shooting the course with a P3AT or Ruger LCP can be a challenge because of their small Continue reading
In late October 2008, things were looking a little bleak for my political party. It seemed that there was a darkening cloud on the horizon that ultimately spurred me into action. I ran right out and bought an AR-15.
I found a great deal on a new Rock River Arms LAR-15. It was less than $900.00, out the door. I was issued a RRA LAR-15 at work and I had been happy with that gun for the previous five years of service. I co-witnessed an old EOTech Holosight with a new Yankee Hill Machine flip-up rear sight on the top rail of my new rifle. A sling was affixed and the gun was all set. Some extra Teflon-coated magazines came a little later.
Though I had an AR-15 and an MP-5 during duty hours, I needed to own a tactical rifle. Another Assault Weapons Ban? Oh hell no. I shot SWAT qualification with that new AR and have put quite a few rounds through it since. Buyer’s remorse? Never!
Well, here we are again. The 2012 election is teetering. The President’s statements about a return of the AWB have again surfaced. Scare tactics? Foreboding reality? Doesn’t matter. I checked out the gun locker. Hmmm. Any last minute requirements?
Not having unlimited funds, I try to strike a balance between what I want and what I actually need. I spied a serious equipment gap. With Speed, Aggression, and Surprise, I approached the laptop and fired off an order. Continue reading
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Attorney General’s Office have announced the first prescription drug death decline in ten years. I reported in March 2012 about AG Pam Bondi’s efforts to curb prescription drug deaths through the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The FDLE, DEA, and local law enforcement have all collaborated to shut down pill mills, prosecute doctors abusing their authority, pulling the licenses of drug distributors and pharmacies who violate the law, and arresting abusers who violate the law. Here is the press release from the AG’s Office:
For the first time in nearly a decade, prescription drug-related deaths have declined. I joined Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey today to announce that deaths caused by oxycodone plunged by 17.7 percent in 2011 and overall prescription drug deaths fell by 6.37 percent.
While much remains to be done, we should all take a moment to recognize the tremendous milestone we have reached. Thanks to the tireless efforts of everyone engaged in this battle, we have saved lives.
From 2003 through 2010, the number of lives claimed by prescription drug abuse steadily rose each year. Last year’s decrease in prescription drug-related deaths marks an abrupt reversal of that trend.
It has been less than two years since we worked with the Legislature to enact tough new laws and penalties, strengthen regulatory oversight, and enhance interagency coordination. In March of 2011, Governor Scott created Statewide Drug Enforcement Strike Force teams to coordinate statewide efforts Continue reading
The Longwitz S.L. Variant Speedloader, which is available from Bobby Mac’s Holsters in the U.S. or Sportshooter.de, is an excellent product for reloading the revolver. They have a positive hold on the bullets and will not release in a pocket or pouch. At $30.00 a piece, they are a little pricey, but, hey, how many do you really need?
HKS, left. S.L. Variant, right.
Available for .38/.357 cal. revolvers with 5, 6, and 7 (no, not eight) round cylinders, the S.L. Variant is my speedloader of choice. Though I like the HKS ones and Safariland Comp Continue reading
Jason Brous is a custom knifemaker whose work is the melding of his experience in CNC machining and his love of Biomechanical art. Biomechanical art is a synthesis of machine and organic forms. It was popularized by the renderings of artist H.R. Geiger, whose eerie designs are seen in the Alien series of movies (think of the curvy exoskeleton of the Alien).
Brous Blades have their own synthesis of curves and lines that make them visually attractive and strong. I saw one of Brous’ knives on a co-worker’s desk and I think I asked to examine it after I already had the knife in my hands.
The Brous Blades Silent Soldier is a stout neck knife made of ¼” D2 tool steel. Quarter-inch stock is very thick, especially for a knife so small. D2 tool steel is known for its high carbon, high chromium content. Respected knifemaker Bob Dozier was one of the first to use it decades ago. D2 holds a good edge and is reasonably “stainless.”
The wharncliffe blade profile has a 2” cutting edge. Overall, the knife is 4 ¼” in length. Brous’ knife has a flat double grind. The flat grind on the short blade leaves lots of steel behind and results in a rather beefy point. The point is sometimes a delicate area on lesser wharncliffe knives.
I was intrigued by the two chamfered 7/8” holes in the stubby handle. Placing my index finger in the forward hole gave me that “ah-ha moment” when the Silent Soldier locked into my palm. Very secure. Flipping the Silent Soldier around, I found it worked in the Continue reading
I received this release from my friend Ron over at When the Balloon Goes Up! He’s good people and publishes a great website. I Blogrolled him when I started my site. Much like Richard at BlueSheepdog.com or Paul at SafetySolutionsAcademy.com, I am proud to know these guys. Click on the orange Balloon logo to go over to the store!
Randall
HUNTERSVILLE, North Carolina – October 15, 2012 – When the Balloon Goes Up! (http://balloongoesup.com), one of the most popular firearms blogs focused on training and gear for concealed carry, pistol competition and 72 hour preparedness, has launched a new online store to further serve that market.
The When the Balloon Goes Up! store is organized into Gun Gear, EDC Gear, Preparedness and Range Gear sections, features select items from manufacturers including Comp-Tac Victory Gear, Crimson Trace, Surefire, Apex Tactical, Warren Tactical Sights, Crusader Weaponry, Rite-in-the-Rain, Adventure Medical Kits, and C-A-T Tourniquets.
President Ron Larimer said, “Our mission is to provide the best gear available for training, competition and preparing to survive the first 72 hours after a critical incident. We have Continue reading
I had the honor of attending yesterday’s unveiling of the new memorial dedicated to fallen St. Petersburg police officers. A few hundred citizens, law enforcement officers, and dignitaries stood in solemn tribute to the fifteen officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting and serving the citizens of St. Petersburg since 1903. The memorial proudly stands near the bay in Demens Landing, the waterfront park dedicated to city founder, Peter Demens.
A piper from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office began the proceedings with Amazing Grace. Speakers included St. Pete Mayor Bill Foster, Councilwoman Leslie Curran, representatives of the non-profit Heroes of the St. Pete Police foundation, and architects for the project.
The St. Petersburg Police Honor Guard laid a wreath and were assisted in the proceedings by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard. The names of the fallen officers were read by St. Pete Chief Chuck Harmon. A police helicopter flyover, 21-gun salute, and Taps concluded the ceremony.
The granite monument features a silhouette of a St. Petersburg officer, which represents those who are now missing. To the right and behind the granite slab is an aluminum monolith into which are cut the names of the fifteen officers. The American Flag completes the freestanding elements.
Though I don’t feel that a man-made structure can truly represent the lives sacrificed and contributions made by these men, I was heartened by the public attendance and reverence Continue reading
Last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi filed an amicus brief with the Florida Supreme Court in the case of Anthony Mackey v. State of Florida. The Supreme Court will consider the direct conflict between Mackey v. State (Fl 3rd DCA 2012) and Regalado v. State (Fl 4th DCA 2010), which relates to concealed firearms carry. The AG asks the Supreme Court to uphold the decision by the Third District Court of Appeal of Florida in this matter.
The AG brief addresses the authority of a police officer to conduct an investigation of a person carrying a concealed firearm. In short, on March 6, 2010, Miami Police Officer Alexander May observed Anthony Mackey leaning on an apartment complex fence with a piece of the handle of a handgun protruding from Mackey’s pocket. Ofc. May approached Mackey and asked if he had anything on him. Mackey said, “No.” Ofc. May conducted a pat-down and found the firearm. Mackey was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Mackey’s defense first contended the weapon was not concealed. Failing that motion, they argued that Ofc. May did not know Mackey did not have a concealed weapons permit, thus the stop was invalid. The defense argument relied on the Fourth District Court’s ruling in Regalado that “the firearm should be suppressed since it is legal to carry a concealed firearm in Florida, so long as you have a permit to do so, and the officer did not have reasonable suspicion unless he had reason to believe that the defendant did not have a permit.”
This assertion was rejected by the Third District Court, who sided with the case of State v. Navarro (Fl 3rd DCA 1984), which decided that a clothing bulge observed to be a firearm Continue reading
High Noon Holsters is a West Central Florida maker of custom cowhide and horsehide gun holsters. I saw the High Noon Holsters Side Effect hanging on a rack in the LGS. I needed a good concealed carry holster for my Glock 27, so I sprung for it.
As a bit of background, about ten years ago I met High Noon’s owner Justin. He was making his holsters out of the garage of his Florida home at that time. He was a super nice guy who had worked for one of the larger holster companies. Justin decided to go off on his own to produce holsters of his design and manufacture. He stresses high quality and customer service.
My holster need was for a belt carry holster with a thumb strap. The Side Effect is molded to the individual type of gun. It has an open muzzle design with a tension screw at the trigger guard. My Side Effect is in black unlined cowhide, though horsehide and lining are options. Available finishes are in tan, black, and natural.
The Side Effect can be ordered in right or left handed and is intended for belt carry on the dominant side from 3 to 5 o’clock. The single wide belt loop carries the gun at a 15 degree forward cant. All the stitching I have seen on High Noon Holsters is even and heavy duty.
To retain the gun, a reinforced thumbsnap breaks open the very tight fitting leather hood. The snap’s back is covered to prevent it from damaging the pistol’s slide. Continue reading
There have been many technological changes in the last quarter century that have made the copper’s job…different. Not always better, but certainly not the same.
When I started out, our duty belts held a .38 cal. revolver (S&W M64), 2 HKS speedloaders, large Motorola MT500 portable radio, handcuffs, and rings for a full-length Monadnock PR-24 sidehandle baton and Mag-Lite. My agency made the switch to Smith & Wesson 669 9mm semi-automatics pistols in 1987.
The firepower on a patrolman’s belt has definitely increased. We got hi-cap magazines for the S&W autoloader that topped off at 15 rounds. Forty-six rounds of 9mm sure beat 18 slow-to-reload wheelgun shots. My issued handgun now has .40 cal. S&W bullets. Some of our guys wear new triple mag pouches, bringing the deadly cartridge count to 49.
Several years after I was hired, we would get OC spray and collapsible PR-24’s. Monadnock kept our business when we switched from the old PR-24’s to the newer Autolock batons. I still miss my PR-24.
My agency had ECD’s back in the mid-1980’s. Our SWAT Team originally fielded the Continue reading
K9 Sasha
I am absolutely sickened by this story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about Warwick, GA Police K9 Sasha, who died of neglect in her Chevrolet Tahoe while her “handler” was on a three day vacation.
K9 Sasha, a 10 year old Dutch Shepherd, had been given to the Warwick PD by the Miami, FL Police Department about two years ago. She was a trained narcotics detector dog with many finds both in Florida and in Georgia.
Click the link above if you want to read the details of her death. I really do not feel like printing them here.
As a former Police K9 Handler, I had nothing but outrage in reading the story. I sincerely hope that the horrific death of this animal did not come about as described. I have had friends who lost their partners to faulty A/C and heat alarm units, but never something as criminally neglectful as forgetting a K9 dog in a car for three days.
The articles quotes the Warwick police chief’s report as saying, “(the ‘handler’) stated that Sasha must have let herself inside the vehicle over the weekend while he was out of town.” Wha? Continue reading
