Wilcox BOSS Xe

There’s So Much To Love Here

April 2nd, 2017

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Corps Strength – Crossing the “T” (therapy) Off Your List

April 1st, 2017

Anyone who has read my book Corps Strength, or follows my articles here on SSD, knows I’m not big on supplements. Not that I haven’t tried them, I have. I would say that up until about 10 years ago I seriously tried just about every different fitness supplement out there; Mega-Vitamins, all types of protein, fat burners, creatine, etc, etc, etc. I wish I had all the money back I wasted on that crap over the years, I could get the new truck I want with cash, instead of a loan. In any case live and learn, as I’m just as hard headed as anyone in having to try something for myself. Plus, I get the strong attraction of getting better results from our PT efforts, so I realize in the end people will try just about anything for some gains, no matter what this old jarhead says.

However, there is something I’ve seen a lot lately that goes beyond the normal hype you see in (mostly) harmless supplements. That’s the heavy advertising you see for Testosterone therapy for men. I’m not taking about the (worthless) over the counter stuff, but prescription drugs. It’s advertised everywhere; TV, radio, magazines and on the internet. This past weekend myself and my son took in a Yankee preseason game in Tampa and along the way I saw a big billboard advertising testosterone treatments. Of course they have a picture of a seriously jacked older guy as a proof source. I think this is misleading at best and dangerous at it’s worst.

Testosterone levels in men is serious business. If your body doesn’t produce enough you will have a range of problems. Fatigue, depression, fat gain, and the big one: lack of sex drive and these are just a few, there are many. Too much testosterone has its problems too, we know about this from bodybuilders who take immense amounts of steroids to increase their T levels to crazy high levels. Without getting too far into this, ideally your T level basically falls in a range of between 300-1000, depending on your age. Now it’s natural that your T levels will fall as you age, thats life stud. However, other than a serious medical condition or injury, IMO you can maintaining a healthy level (for any age) is possible, and you can do this without relying on drugs. The fact is a recent study of T therapy for men has indicated that it isn’t the “fountain of youth” that the ads make it seem. You can read the results of one study (there are lots of them out there) for yourself here: T Therapy.

There are many simple lifestyle things that will reduce your T levels; being out of shape and overweight are two big ones. Not getting enough sleep, stress, smoking and drinking too much, are others. On the opposite side a healthy lifestyle, exercise, maintaining a lean bodyweight, getting enough sleep and a good diet can have the reverse effect. For this I’ll use myself as an example (as I’m prone to do). When I retired from active duty I was 49 years old and I had the big retirement physical as we all do. One of the things you have done (which I never had before), was to have my T level checked. At my final out brief with the doc he asked me if I was taking any T supplements as my number was 702, which was the high end of my age group and still high middle for the for any age. (No, I wasn’t taking anything) Now last year at age 56, I was tested again and mine actually went up to 733 (to my wife’s horror). I think it went up because since I retired and left New Orleans, I drink much less and get a lot more sleep.
The point here is that today’s culture that likes to throw drugs at every issue, as an instant cure is not only dangerous, but (as the study points out) in many cases, doesn’t provide the desired results. I still stubbornly think that when it comes to our health, we can do a lot with just some honest effort in PT, some restraint at the table and the bar and some common sense to manage our stress. At least before turning to a drug, give it a try. Plus, the fact is once you start on it, you pretty much have to continue it for life, I say F**k that.

In any case I’m off to Trinidad next month to train some of their people, I should (as I’m prone to do), see something there worth talking about next month. Till then be safe always, good when you can.

Semper Fi

MGunz

Gunfighter Moment – Ken Hackathorn

April 1st, 2017

While the topic of firearms selection and their use/training gets lots of press, often times the little items that make life easier just get passed over and never mentioned. Over the past year or so, I have been using a number of accessories that are exceptional in their utility. In this segment of ‘Gunfighter Moment’ I want to briefly cover some of the wonderful odds and ends that I have discovered to be of extreme in the ‘handy & helpful’ category.

First up is a product from Blue Force Gear. While the Vickers (VCAS) sling has been my go to sling for years, Blue Force Gear in the last year sent me a few of their ‘Uloops’, these are simple little cable fast attach sling swivels. Simply insert one end through the attachment point on the weapon of your choice or in whatever is provided, run the free end into the Uloop swivel, once the sling is secured into the slot, the cable lock is retained. It is so simple and secure, works like a champ, and allows the user to place the sling in a variety of locations; it has become one of my favorites.

White lights attached to small arms has become a common practice in much of the USA. Whether it is for law enforcement or home protection, the logic of being able to identify your target in the dark is a necessity. I have used a variety of weapon mounted lights in the past, but my go to now is the Inforce product line of Weapon Mounted Light (WML) for use on long guns, and their Auto Pistol Light (APL) for use on rail frame handguns. The WML graces all of the ARs that I have for home defense or training, and nearly all my pistols that can take lights are fitted with the APL. Taking only one 123 series battery, made of strong reinforced polymer, they are light weight, switching is simple and reliable, and most important these things are simple to activate. My favorite position for a WML is twelve o’clock forward of my front sight. Price is right, and most important the brightness is just right for my use. To quote my old buddy ‘Super Dave’ Harrington, “I don’t want to give them a sun tan, I just want to see who they are.”

I have been a fan of Aimpoint red dots for decades. The current family of Micros are my favorite. Unless my carbine wears a 1X4 or 1×5 variable optic, they will have a Aimpoint Micro mounted. Tried any number of micro mounts, and while nearly all will work, my new favorite is the Scarlaworks Low Drag Mount. This baby is the heat: light weight, rugged, and most important a quick on and off that returns to zero beautifully. Worth every penny of the most reasonable price.

A topic that gets lots of attention is AR-15/M4 triggers; everyone has a favorite. While Bill Geissle has created the gold standard in great triggers, they tend to be ideal for competition/sniping applications. Meaning, they are light weight in sear release. Typically a two stage trigger, but a light crisp sear release is often the key to best precision in most fast action or long range requirements. The down side of course, is that under stress, or when wearing gloves in cold weather, they can be too light. For over a year I have been testing the HiperTouch EDT2 triggers from HyperFire. These are single stage triggers much more reflective of the original GI M16 trigger of past that had single stage sear releases that tended to ‘roll off’ in the trigger press. The EDT (Enhanced Duty Trigger-2) comes with two hammer springs, the green one is for 4.5 pounds and the red one is for 5.5 pounds. For serious use, the 5.5 pound release is my choice. When your hands are cold, wearing gloves, or you are under max stress your finger on the trigger can sometimes make for a loud noise when you weren’t really ready for it. HiperTouch EDT2 has become my favorite for these requirements.

My wife has trouble cycling the slide on her Glock 19, and like many folks with strength or other types of grip disabilities, the simple task of working a pistol slide can be an issue. Tango Down offers a ‘Glock Racker’ for G42, 43, and the whole G17/19/26 or related size Glock pistols. It is a replacement for the cover plate on the rear of a Glock pistol slide. With extended ears or tangs that extend on each side of the rear of the slide (much like the H&K VP9), the placement of the hand to the tangs make cycling the slide much simpler. My wife now runs the slide on her G19 like a pro. From the time that Magpul first introduced their Glock replacement magazines I was a bit skeptical. I have watched them being used in my classes, and after getting some to use in my own G17 and 19 models, I have become a fanboy of these Magpul Glock magazines. They are perfect for range use where abuse and less than perfect maintenance is the order of the day. I have neither witnessed or had any issues with my own. I would not fear using them for serious purposes. While I still feel more at home with OEM Clock mags for social use, I have now used the Magpul’s enough to feel totally confident in them as well.

Another product that I have been using recently is a pair of ear plugs marketed as ‘Decibullz Percussive Filters. For me, ear plugs have never really worked well. The shape of my ear canal is not conducive to them staying in place for a good seal. The designers of the Decibullz Percussive Filters started out to produce ear buds that did not fall out of their ears constantly; applying this approach to ear plugs was a natural. Most important, they are reasonably priced, and you mould them to fit your own ears with nothing more than a pan of really warm water. These things are great, I love mine.

I have been a fan of H&K pistols for ages. Be it the P7, USP, P2000, H&K 45, P30, and most recently the VP9, all these pistols have been favorites. While their sights are more than serviceable, I have been looking for something that would be an improvement for my most recent VP9. Tried Trijicon HDs, but they are just too big, and the rear sight, while maybe okay for a target pistol, the rear blade is supper sharp and tears clothes apart in short order. They thus suck for my use. Recently Wilson Combat has offered a set of Vickers Tactical H&K sights that are ideal for the H&K45, P30, and VP9. For my use the rear sight is all that is needed, but I got a set with the green fiber optic front as well. They work great, and on my P30 they correct the typical drive the dot point of impact, they now print to point of aim with point of impact on top of the front sight at 20 yards. Way cool.

Check these goodies out; Google is your friend.

Stay alert. Don’t be an easy target.

– Ken Hackathorn

Old Guy With A Blaster

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 Bravo Company USA. Bravo Company is home of the Gunfighters, and each week they bring us a different trainer to offer some words of wisdom.

As Seen At Tidewater Tactical

April 1st, 2017

www.tidewatertactical.com

Tactical Retailer – April Issue Available Now

March 31st, 2017

To read the April issue of Tactical Retailer, visit www.tacretailer-digital.com.

20mm Oerlikon, M2HB, and a Minigun Just a Few of the Machine Guns Making Their Way to PA for the 2nd Annual Stone Mountain Machine Gun Shoot June 3-4

March 31st, 2017

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Monroeton, PA – March 30, 2017 – In just over two months, more than 40 machine guns will shake the grounds of The Shooter’s Gauntlet, site of the 2nd Annual Stone Mountain Machine Gun Shoot, as machine gunners from across the Northeast come together to share their love for belt fed guns and freedom. Attendees will have the chance to shoot rare guns, with more still being added to the line. The Stone Mountain Machine Gun Shoot is June 3-4, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at www.shootersgauntlet.com/machine-gun and start at $25 for a weekend pass.

Just a few of the guns on the line include:
20mm Oerlikon
M2HB
Browning 1919
Browning 1919A4
M16 .223, full auto
M16 9mm, full auto
M60
Lewis Gun
Thompson M1A
HK Model 51
AK47
AK74www.shootersgauntlet.com/mg-line-details
SCAR16, full auto
Barrett 50 BMG
Minigun

“Our attendees are going to have a blast. The types of machine guns on the line and the experience of seeing these weapons in action all in one weekend is unheard of anywhere else in the Northeast,” said Bob Raimo, owner of the Shooter’s Gauntlet. “We can’t wait for attendees and exhibitors to get here in June, see all of the upgrades we’ve made to the facility, and have an incredible time.”

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The Northeast’s most unique shooting events venue has been completely upgraded and expanded since the inaugural shoot last spring, with larger machine gun and suppressor ranges, a newly covered gun show area, and shooting activities unlike anywhere else, including an assault hike, hand gun zip line, an ‘inversion diversion’ for shooting steel while upside down, and more.

The Stone Mountain Machine Gun Shoot is co-hosted by the Shooter’s Gauntlet, a one-of-a-kind, 1,000-acre facility located in the endless mountains of Northern Pennsylvania, and the Firearms Industry Consulting Group, a Division of Prince Law Offices, P.C.

Follow the Shooter’s Gauntlet on Instagram @shootersgauntlet and on Facebook @shootersgauntlet for event updates year-round.

Firearms and accessory manufacturers who want to learn more about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities can visit or contact Bob Raimo directly at 484.883.9067 or bob@shootersgauntlet.com

Media interested in a press pass for the event can contact Beth Meiklejohn at 610.858.9008 or beth@grayahgroup.com.

Team MultiCam Video Series: Jeff Benrud

March 31st, 2017

The next installment of the Team MultiCam Video Series highlights Army Special Operations veteran Jeff Benrud.

Jeff’s incredible drive has not only made him a decorated combat veteran but also a two-time 2nd place finisher in the solo dirt bike class of the SCORE International Baja 1000. When not competing Jeff is training Special Operations groups in off-road driving techniques through his company American Offroad. He also works tirelessly to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation through his GoFundMe page. Please help Jeff’s charitable efforts by donating today. Thank you.

To support Jeff’s GoFundMe page, visit www.gofundme.com/JBTeamMC.

XTech Tactical Releases Complete Stainless Steel VP9 & P30 Magazines

March 31st, 2017

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Mesa, AZ- XTech Tactical, makers of the adjustable angle ATG AR Grip and MTX VP9 & P30 magazine extensions announced today the release of their complete magazine line for the H&K VP9 & P30 9mm pistols. These are anything but industry standard aftermarket magazines. The development process took over two years, and when you handle the parts it shows.

First, each and every process, material, and even the packaging is US made. The magazine bodies are upgraded over factory to 310 Stainless Steel. After the stamping process, they are precision laser welded and then Teflon coated. The springs are Stainless Steel and were developed through engineered simulations vs. trial and error. The springs are pre-set so there is no break in and no change in strength over time. The magazines have been tested and abused, and are ready for any requirement of any global user. One more additional feature XTech Tactical added is an additional round indicator hole in the back for the 20th round when using the magazines with their MTX VP9, VP40 & P30 +5 Magazine Extender.

The magazines are available as both 15rd (MSRP $34.95) and a 20rd combo with their MTX extender ($59.95). They can be purchased at www.xtechtactical.com and they are offering free shipping on the magazines for a limited time to celebrate their release. Dealer inquiries please contact jeremy@xtechtactical.com

Custom VP9 and Extender Cerakote work completed by Twin State Hydrographics.