Tyler Grey is an US Army Special Operations Veteran I met a few years back through some mutual friends. When you first meet him two things will strike you: the first is a very serious injury; you can’t shake his hand without becoming aware of it. The second is his great attitude.
Since I’ve had the opportunity to get to know him, I’ve come to know a man who won’t let life lick him. I’d say that’s one of the reasons he got involved with GORUCK and the tactical training industry. The guy’s a survivor. You need to take the time to go read about his experience, which he wrote about in an article currently on GORUCK’s website.
NRA Freestyle is an upcoming project which will include three new TV shows and a website, all intended to appeal to a more youthful audience of firearms enthusiasts. The shows will feature hosts such as SSD friend, former US Navy SEAL Dom Raso and NRA contributor Coilion Noir, and promise to embrace fitness, adventure, and independence while blending Second Amendment rights with entertainment and culture. Stay tuned for more information when NRA Freestyle launches on April 30th.
You’ve probably heard about Paul Revere’s ride and the ‘shot heard round the world’. April 19th, Patriot’s Day, marks what we consider the beginning of the American Revolution, well over a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Interestingly, I grew up in the 70s and 80s watching ABC’s Schoolhouse Rock series on Saturday mornings and regularly seeing this little gem. Sure, it’s a little off on the facts, but can you imagine one of the major networks playing something so patriotic today? It’s not even 40 years on. Such a shame that, as a people, we don’t look at our country the same way anymore.
Each Patriot’s Day, I remember those men at Concord and consider what it must have been for them to stand there in the face of the world’s greatest army and take up arms in the defense of their colony from oppression.
Consider this:
This militia came together on that morning to protect their arms from seizure by an oppressive government. That is a fact. It’s not meant to be inflammatory or support an agenda, but it will upset some nevertheless.
“Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”
-John Parker
Captain of Militia
As the initial volleys of fire were exchanged near daybreak on Lexington Green, colonial volunteers fell back in the face of over 500 occupying British troops. But as the battle moved on to Concord the tide turned, and the redcoats were routed as more and more colonists joined the fray.
As the British troops withdrew through Concord they were reinforced. Now boasting a strength of 1700 men, they remained no match for the determined colonists who forced them to retreat to the safety of Charlestown in Boston. The militiamen continued their pursuit which transformed into the Siege of Boston.
Today, join me in remembering those American warriors who pledged their lives to give us our hard fought freedoms and this great land.
Real “gunners” understand that knowledge and skill with a variety of small arms is mandatory. It should be understood that certain handguns and long guns should be second nature to those that must travel in harms way. Handgun wise the guns that you will be most likely to encounter require attention. These include first and for most the Glock. We live in a Glock world and once you leave CONUS it will be a 9X19mm Glock. The US service pistol, the Beretta M9/92 is a pistol that you should be able to run with ease. In the USA the 1911 remains the most popular selling handgun on the market today. Get to know in strengths and weaknesses and master it’s use. The ‘J’ frame S&W revolver is very proliferate, it is difficult to shoot well under stress, so give it serious attention when at the range. On America’s streets, the Hi Point pistol is found in great numbers as it is favored by the criminal element. While many ‘gunners’ disparage Hi Point firearms, if you have to pick one up and use it, you best know what you are doing. When you leave CONUS you will issued or given a sidearm that you may not be accustom to…do your homework and find out what type of small arms are common in the area you will be working or traveling. CZ 75, H&K USP/P2000/P30, Makarov, and TT33 Tokarev pistols are guns you should be competent with. In long guns, AR15 weapon system skills and use is mandatory and the AK platforms require hands on skill. In some places around the planet guns like the H&K 36, French FAMAS, and British SA80 may be something that you need to study up on. Know the guns that you may have to use in the area you live or travel….don’t always assume you will have the one you want or like.
Remember, guns don’t win fights…..the guy behind it does.
-Ken Hackathorn
Ken Hackathorn has served as a US Army Special Forces Small Arms Instructor, Gunsite Instructor, and NRA Police Firearms Instructor. He is currently an FBI Certified Firearms Instructor, Certified Deputy Sheriff with Washington County SO, Ohio, and a SRT member and Special Response Team trainer. Ken has trained US Military Special Operations forces, Marine FAST and SOTG units and is a contract small arms trainer to FBI SWAT and HRT.
Ken has provided training to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and been active in small arms training for the past 25 years. He has written firearms related material for Guns & Ammo, Combat Handguns, Soldier Of Fortune, and currently American Handgunner and contributed to at least six other gun/shooting journals. Ken was also a founding member of IPSC and IDPA.
Gunfighter Moment is a weekly feature brought to you by Alias Training & Security Services. Each week Alias brings us a different Trainer and in turn they offer SSD readers hard earned words of wisdom.
The Moutain Trainer Mid GTX features an abrasion-resistant suede upper with sticky rubber rand for protection and grip, and the GORE-TEX extended comfort membrane provides waterproof protection and enhanced breathability. The Vibram Mulaz outsole offers durability and uphill/downhill grip on all terrain, and a nylon/27% fiberglass shank offers support with flex on challenging surfaces. Technical lacing with metal hooks extends towards the front for a custom fit which provides precision and comfort.
Alp Trainer Mid GTX
The Alp Trainer combines the grip and technical features of an approach shoe with the support and protection of a hiking boot. The upper is made from 1.8mm full suede, and the GORE-TEX extended comfort membrane provides waterproof protection and enhanced breathability. Additionally, the Alp Trainer features a rugged, sticky Vibram sole, climbing lacing, full Kevlar protected rands, and elastic collar construction.
Hike Trainer GTX
Much like the Alp Trainer, the Hike Trainer GTX combines the grip and technical features of an approach shoe with the support and protection of a hiking boot. Unlike the Alp Trainer, the Hike Trainer upper is made from both Nubuk and suede, however still features the same GORE-TEX extended comfort membrane which provides waterproof protection and enhanced breathability. Additionally, the Hike Trainer features a rugged, sticky Vibram sole, climbing lacing, and full Kevlar protected rands.
Fire Tail EVO Mid GTX
The only boot not yet commercially available, the Fire Tail EVO Mid GTX is set for a September release as part of Salewa’s forthcoming Fall line. The Fire Tail EVO Mid GTX keeps all the features of the original Fire Tail EVO GTX, with the addition of a high-ankle cuff and redesigned Vibram ‘Scrambler’ sole.
A successful crowdfunding venture led to the creation of BLACK, a webseries about the formation of a covert team in response to a direct attack on the CIA on American soil, staring former U.S. Navy SEAL Mikal Vega. Now, the creators are back for a new crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for BLACK season 2, looking to make at least 5 times the funding goal of the previous season. Various funding rewards are being offered, from morale patches and apparel, all the way up to an invitation to the cast and crew premiere.
In case you’re not familiar with the series, you can watch the the entire first season here.
