Maxpedition Advanced Gear Research for 2016

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Randall

It would appear that Maxpedition is ascending to the next level of carryalls with their Advanced Gear Research products for 2016.  There are six new bags and six accompanying pouches from the company.  The imbedded link has the press release info, detailed photos, and product features.

Los Angeles, CA, January 11, 2016 – Maxpedition corporation debuts the Advanced Gear Research (AGR) line with 12 new styles at SHOT Show 2016, providing a glimpse into the future of the Maxpedition brand and its products. While the Maxpedition brand DNA of uncompromising durability is preserved, modernized aesthetics and a broadened palette of custom materials and components, elevate Maxpedition equipment to a new level of quality, innovation, and sophistication.

“For AGR, we drilled down to every minute detail and developed many of the components and materials from scratch with world-class suppliers. It was extremely rewarding to create a set of finely crafted products with a combination of features & benefits not found anywhere else in the industry. I feel we are carving out a new niche of higher end carry equipment in the shooting/hunting/outdoor space similar to what we did once before in 2003 when I started the company,” says Tim C. Tang, President and Founder.

Here are three of the bags.  All the items will be available in Black, Gray, and Continue reading →

Posted in Concealed Carry, Tactical Bags | Tagged | Leave a comment

New FLIR Scout TK Thermal Imager

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Randall

FLIR Scout TKFLIR Systems, Inc. introduced their latest handheld thermal imaging monocular at this month’s Consumer Electronics Show 2016.  The FLIR Scout TK entry-level device is the company’s smallest and least expensive model yet.  At an MSRP of $599.00, the Scout TK is more than a thousand bucks less than their Scout II model, which sells at about $1,900.

The new Scout TK measures just 4″ x 1.5″ x 1.5″ and weighs only 6 ounces, so it really is pocket-sized.  I got to play with their older PS24 monocular back in 2012 at SHOT.  It was like a handful of science fiction!  Even in the lit show area, looking at the heat signatures coming off people was faaaascinating.

FLIR states the Scout TK can detect a man-sized target at 100 yards.  This would, of course, be in optimal conditions.  From using a FLIR in our sheriff’s office helicopter, I can tell you that painting humans becomes Continue reading →

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U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Florida’s Death Penalty

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Randall

SupremeCourtBuildingToday, the U.S. Supreme Court, by a ruling of 8-1, struck down Florida’s death penalty system, saying in their majority opinion that Florida judges play too great a role in sentencing while juries can only give recommendations.

The court majority decided in Hurst v. Florida that, “The Sixth Amendment protects a defendant’s right to an impartial jury.  This right required Florida to base Timothy Hurst’s death sentence on a jury’s verdict, not a judge’s fact finding.  Florida’s sentencing scheme, which required the judge alone to find the existence of an aggravating circumstance, is therefore unconstitutional.” Continue reading →

Posted in Legal | 1 Comment

Gun Control Sells More Guns

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Randall

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This is an interesting graphic from the New York Times charting gun sales for the last fifteen years.  The tallies come from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.  The NYT article posits that firearms sales increase sharply after talk of gun control, as happened in December.

I think these numbers show how serious Americans are about exercising and maintaining their Second Amendment rights.  In 2014, handgun sales exceeded long gun sales for the first time in the U.S.  To me, this is indicative of people purchasing personal self-defense firearms rather than sporting arms.  The trends speak to our citizens’ waning sense of safety and security.

Gun sales spiked in late 2008 and late 2012, both years when Obama was elected.  The most recent increase began when the President said he would take unilateral executive action on gun control.  I expect we will see another buying surge later this year when there will undoubtedly be more talk of gun control from both parties prior to the general election.

Randall

Graphic:  The New York Times

Posted in Concealed Carry, Firearms, Media, Misc., Politics | Leave a comment

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Randall

10906510_10152985595931763_2721308753906539687_nThe following is from the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) website:

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.)

On January 9th, 2016, partnering organizations in support of law enforcement officers nationwide will promote National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.). In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.

On January 9th of each year we will call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged to take time on January 9, to show their support. Our citizens can show their support in a number of ways:

• Change your profile picture on social media to the .jpg image provided at www.facebook.com/nationalcops.
• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.
• Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.
• Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.
• Participate in Project Blue Light – Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement.
• Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers.
• Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.
• Post the public service announcement supplied by C.O.P.S. to your organization’s webpage or social media pages.

Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer.

I think I will be doing at least two things off the list above.  My thanks to all the men and women of law enforcement who do a tough job every day and keep our communities safe.

Randall

 

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Walther Releases New PPS M2 Pistol

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Randall

 

Walther-PPS-M2-1024x798Walther Arms has released a variation of the PPS to the market, the PPS M2.  The new PPS M2 has rounded looks that are more sleek than its blocky Teutonic predecessor, which is now called the PPS Classic.  The 9mm M2 is shipping to local gun stores now.  A .40 cal. version will come in the Spring of this year.

The PPS M2 retains the same dimensions and basic functionality of the Classic, but the M2 has had its ambidextrous paddle mag release and Weaver rail eliminated.  The magazine release is now a left side button.

The PPS, or Polizei-Pistole Schmal, was introduced in 2007 and has been wearing the same dress to the dance ever since.  The M2 is gussied up with ergonomic Continue reading →

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New SCCY CPX-3 .380 Pistol

Posted on January 3, 2016 by Randall
sccy cpx-3

Photo: SCCY

In 2016, SCCY Industries will be coming out with their first .380 ACP pistol, the CPX-3.  The Daytona Beach manufacturer’s new handgun will utilize SCCY founder Joe Roebuck’s patent-pending Quad-Lock system to stabilize the barrel and improve accuracy over their previous DAO guns.  The Roebuck Quad-Lock will likely be featured on future SCCY’s.

While maintaining the general looks of their 9mm Parabellum CPX-2 pistol, the CPX-3 will be just slightly smaller.  A CPX-3 holds 10 rounds in its double-stacked magazine, so it will not be a micro-380.  Pre-production photos show the “Dash 3” obviously bigger than a Ruger LCP or Kel-Tec P3AT.  For those who feel those latter guns are tough to grip and control, the CPX-3 will be a palatable addition to the .380 market.

When I reviewed the SCCY CPX-2, I had a bit of concern over the quality of a then-sub-three-hundred-dollar blaster.  My fears were unfounded and my CPX-2 has performed without quarrel in igniting over 600 primers.  I hope the new gun functions with this exceptional reliability.  MSRP for the SCCY CPX-3 is expected to be $339.00.  More to come.

Randall

 

Posted in Concealed Carry, Firearms, Florida Companies | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Uprising in The Villages!

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Randall
image

Yeah, this dude.

About sixty retired police officers in The Villages turned out at their Rialto Theater this morning to protest the opening of Quentin Tarantino’s new film.  You may remember Tarantino infuriated cops with his statements at a Black Lives Matter rally in New York City last October.

Said the film director, “When I see murders, I do not stand by. I have to call a murder a murder, and I have to call the murderers the murderers.”  The NYPD Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association urged people to boycott Tarantino movies.  I do not stand by. Well, thanks Q for being there and putting your life on the line for all of us.

Protesting retirees in The Villages held signs that said Support Your Local Police and Blue Lives Matter.  It is nice to see the old timers getting out and exercising the First Amendment rights they lacked when on the job.  Thank you, guys!

Randall

 

Posted in Media, Politics | Leave a comment

Ruger American Pistol

Posted on December 31, 2015 by Randall

Ruger American TBFSturm, Ruger & Co. has announced the debut of their newest striker-fired pistol–the American.  This is a full-sized handgun with all the latest amenities:  adjustable grips, 1913 accessory rail, ambidextrous controls, three dot sights, and a black nitride slide coating.

I can’t help but like the name and I am surprised it has not been used before on a semi-auto.  Bill Ruger’s company seems to have a winning touch and the American will likely continue their streak.  Here’s the press release:

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to introduce a new line of full-size duty pistols. Designed with the latest U.S. Military standards in mind, the Ruger American Pistol™ is built to perform in the harshest conditions. A true American innovation, this new pistol is a revolutionary platform for Ruger.

Continue reading →

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Indian River Sheriff’s Office OIS

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Randall

Indian River County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Lester pulled over this suspect, who was riding a tagless scooter, at oh-three-hundred.  After appearing to be minimally cooperative, the convicted felon sucker punched Lester, then took a revolver from the small of his back and shot the deputy.  Dep. Lester returned fire and chased the suspect on foot.  In the audio, you can hear the difference between the badguy’s .357 and Dep. Lester’s .45.

IRCSO K9 Falko found the suspect, who had two of Dep. Lester’s bullets in his gut, hiding at a packing plant.  Dep. Lester is in stable condition with a gunshot wound to the leg.  The suspect, who had done over 20 years in prison for attempted murder, will apparently recover.  He will likely face a similar sentence for this crime.

Although the suspect says he doesn’t want any trouble, his physical actions are a warning that his intent is just the opposite.  Kinesics are more important than the static that comes out of a suspect’s pie hole.  Thank goodness the deputy will be okay.  Stay safe on your shifts and as the fictitious Ofc. J. D. “Buck” Savage would say, “Watch those hands.”

Randall

 

Posted in Firearms, K9, Street, Tactics | Leave a comment

St. Petersburg Police K9 Officer Passes

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Randall

imageLongtime St. Petersburg Police K9 Handler James Olson passed away in his home last week.  He was 48 years old.  Jimmy, as he was known by those of us who worked with him, was a consummate police officer, K9 handler, son, and father.

It was my privilege to have spent time down at the Compound with Jimmy and the great guys at SPPD K9.  I trained my second and third dogs down there and I was a better handler for the experience.

Ofc. Olson’s funeral was today and I was honored to accompany my K9 Unit.  About forty dog teams attended and, Continue reading →

Posted in K9 | 1 Comment

A Christmas Concert

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Randall

imageMy daughter’s college held a Christmas Gala last week where she was a member of the chorus. It was a beautiful show celebrating the season’s good will toward men (and women). The audience was filled with festively-dressed folks, many of them smiling seniors. Was it wrong for me to be thinking about radicalized violence?

A Christian event drawing over a thousand people could be a prime target in these particular times. Once seated, I discreetly checked out the tactical options. Should something go down, where were the exits people would attempt to funnel through? What would constitute cover and/or concealment? How could an attack unfold, given the layout of Continue reading →

Posted in Misc., Off Duty, Tactics | 2 Comments

Gun Violence Remains in Decline

Posted on December 17, 2015 by Randall

imageThe story here, for me, is the Centers for Disease Control publishing data showing current gun deaths at rates lower than the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.  The Mainstream Media would have you believe we are suffering through the worst gun violence in American history.  In fact, the Washington Post Blog’s headline for the above graphic was, “Guns are now killing as many people as cars in the U.S.”  Wholly suggestive.

The Pew Research Center published their own graphics based upon the same CDC information.  Although Pew used slightly different measures, the trend was consistent.  Gun violence fell in the 1990s and has remained steady at pre-1970 Continue reading →

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Florida Deputy Indicted for Manslaughter

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Randall
Dep. Peraza--BCSO

Dep. Peraza–BCSO

Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Peter Peraza was indicted Friday by a grand jury for manslaughter in an on duty shooting. He is the first Florida law enforcement officer to be indicted by a grand jury since 1991 for an officer-involved shooting.

In July of 2013, Dep. Peraza responded with other deputies to reports of an armed suspect walking in an apartment complex. The suspect refused to drop his rifle and did not comply with the deputies’ commands. Deputies stated that the suspect pointed his rifle toward them. He was shot and killed by Peraza, who fired three bullets.

It was found that the suspect’s weapon was an unloaded air rifle. The suspect was wearing earbuds, which may have prevented him from hearing the commands. In the context of this incident, neither fact mitigated what the deputies would have perceived as an active threat.

Dep. Peraza will plead not guilty and seek a jury trial, according to his attorney, Eric Schwartzreich. “Deputy Peraza ultimately gave commands to the man to drop his weapon. His commands were ignored. At that point in time, the rifle gets pointed at the deputies. Deputy Peraza only discharges three shots. The perceived threat is neutralized, he holsters his weapon, and fire rescue is called.”

“While it is sad and tragic that a young man lost his life, we cannot ignore the facts,” Schwartzreich said. “Deputy Peraza received a dispatch that there was a man with a rifle walking down the street. The man was walking in an area filled with civilians.”

ThinBlueFlorida will follow this story to its conclusion.

Randall

 

Posted in Legal, Officer Safety, Street | 2 Comments

“Enough is Enough!”

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Randall

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey is not afraid to give an opinion.  I think his observations have gone viral because they make us reflect on America and safety.  Gun sales in Florida have risen since the San Bernardino Islamic terrorist attack.  FDLE reports firearms purchase background checks were up 73% last Saturday and 86% Sunday, compared to the same dates a year ago.  People do not feel safe.

Randall

Posted in Concealed Carry, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Off Duty, Officer Safety, Politics, Tactics | 5 Comments