Happy Easter
March 27th, 2016Before There Was SureFire
March 27th, 2016 
Gunfighters Inc – Spectre Shoulder Holster
March 27th, 2016
Gunfighters Inc has decided to reimagine the shoulder holster with the Spectre. The Spectre is a hybrid of nylon and kydex, fully modular with multiple swappable components: single and double magazine pouches, pistol holsters for several popular handgun models, and a suppressor carrier. Future components will include, but are not limited to, handcuff carriers and rifle magazine carriers. The components attach via buckles, so they’re easy to swap; click a button and you’re done. On top of that, the buckles have 135° of pivot for comfort and are designed to be low-profile.
The Spectre is designed to conceal under a light jacket, and the cant angle is adjustable. Additionally, the harness itself is 4-way adjustable, and is made in-house at Gunfighters Inc, out of US sourced components. Those of you looking for an alternative to typical belt carry systems may want to give the Spectre a look.
You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up
March 27th, 2016This is the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum.
Thanks Pilum57!
Are You Tough Enough For JTF 2?
March 26th, 2016Although Canada’s Department of National Defence won’t say much about the secretive JTF 2, they do admit that it exists. I mean, they do have to recruit after all.
Created on April 1, 1993, when the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) accepted responsibility for federal counter-terrorism operations from the RCMP, JTF 2 is admittedly at “highest readiness and most precise combat unit in the country.” Consequently, they are looking for fit candidates to undertake their selection course. They provide this handy guide to potential applicants so that they know the minimum level of fitness they are looking for. Are you tough enough?
JTF2 Pre-Selection Physical Fitness Evaluation
Gunfighter Moment – Ken Hackathorn 
March 26th, 2016
I note that the latest vibe from the FBI is that they are looking to go back to a 9x19mm pistol. Modern 9x19mm self defense ammo is certainly much better than just a decade ago. An educated guess as to the pistol they are looking at is the Sig Sauer P320. This is a very modern striker fired pistol that has many fans. I have fired them, but have no dedicated trigger time on one to make any kind of judgement. I can not but reflect that a few decades ago, my carrying a cocked-and-locked 1911 pistol was the cause for alarm by many as being dangerous. More than once I heard “Deputy, do you know your pistol is cocked?” Life is about change, and now the FBI is looking to adopt a pistol without any form of external safety; not even the trigger activated safety button made famous by Glock and copied by so many makers. Who would have thought…
The US Military is looking at a new service pistol (XM17) program. Apparently, it too will be a striker fired design. I still carry and prefer the 1911 pistol, as it meets my needs just fine. I teach with and try to use whatever pistol platform that most of the students in my class use. If a military class that may be a Beretta M92, often a Glock 17 or 19 is the choice. LE classes may require a Glock 22 or S&W M&P.
I am a fan of the H&K VP9, and currently use a Sig P226 for my overseas requirements. They all are fine sidearms. All serve their purposes well. Many people love to debate the which pistol is best. I have been around this business long enough to realize the weapon is not really all that important, it is the guy behind the trigger that matters. Yes, I have favorites, but whether it is one of my pet 1911s or Glock 17/19 issued to me for a training program, it is MY job to make it work. What I have learned after 35 years in this business is that it is my job to learn to use them effectively, and not to get married to one gun or design. Remember, in the real world we don’t always get to use the gun we want, sometimes we have to use what is available.
– 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.
To see Ken’s Training Class Schedule visit aliastraining.com.
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.
USASOC Sniper Comp – Mohawk Can Covers
March 26th, 2016Veteran owned Mohawk Can Covers are lined with a double layer of heat resistant material and are designed to mitigate the mirage effect caused by a hot can.
They offer three sizes of suppressor covers for issue cans. There’s one for the .338 Titan as well as cover’s for the SureFire 5.56 and .30 suppressors.
An interesting feature is the seam which runs along the bottom of the can which they say helps with manipulating the cover when it’s hot. Additionally, they’ve incorprated a bungee to tie it off to the weapon.
USASOC Sniper Comp – American Kami
March 25th, 2016American Kami always uses Sniper Comp to debut new models. This year it’s the dagger designs we recently showed you pictures of.
This is a graphic from American Kami which gives you the names of the various daggers. I know the trench knives are becoming very popular.
DJ had to burn the candle at both ends to get these ready for Bragg. Commercial versions will have a DLC coating over the CPM S35VN.
