XC3 Weaponlight

Travis Haley Responds To NDgate

February 12th, 2016

Earlier this evening, Haley Strategic Partners posted this statement on their Facebook page in response to the week old disclosure of video taken by Panteao Productions depicting Travis Haley discussing an AK. During that video, the weapon fired. Panteao Productions issued their statement on Monday of this week.

Press Release Feb 11, 2016:

On approximately Thursday February 4th 2016, Panteao Productions released a video through poor accountability and security with its servers by one of their instructors according to the owner of Panteao Productions. How and why this happened is still unclear, however assumptions can certainly be made. 

This particular video was of me teaching a block of instruction on controversial Russian trigger finger/safety techniques, and why I personally don’t recommend them. During the filming, my AK was discharged inadvertently performing the demonstration. The range was set up for this demo, the weapon was intentionally off safe due to the block of instruction, and the barrel was oriented towards the target in the event the weapon fired as it did in this case.

Of course I take these matters seriously and if you know me or have been through any of our courses, you know our number one priority is safety. We pride ourselves on learning from our failure as it is our greatest opportunity and share those experiences with the people we serve.

There was also a communication issue with the inconsistent posts made on social media between the HSP team back in Scottsdale AZ and me being in Central America at the time the video was released. Now that I have seen the entire video (never seen by me before as it was in Panteao’s library), I have been able to review it and now share my thoughts. After reading a lot of comments, I think Pat Rogers said it best:

“One type causes injury/ death or comes close enough to warrant immediate measures to remove the person and his weapon. The other type is a down range ND, when the shot is discharged unintentionally, but into the target/ berm etc. These represent the majority of ND’s and this is where learning can occur. These are teaching/ learning points, and if handled correctly, will not likely happen again.” -Pat Rogers

I have had many failure points in my life (much greater than this)… I have ND’d. I have missed the mark countless times in my life even when it mattered most. I have zigged when I should have zagged. I’ve been impulsive and involved myself into fights without thinking of who’d it effect. My brothers have asked me for direction in combat and I was unable to answer. Hell, I have even taken life when it could have possibly been avoided… I have failed over and over in my life, yet I have been blessed with being accountable and educated by my shortcomings. This, in turn, allows my failures to continually become my greatest opportunities.

Travis Haley
Founder/CEO
Haley Strategic Partners

Oakley Introduces Mod 3 & Mod 5 Snow Sports Helmets

February 12th, 2016

 

A lot of SSD readers like to ski and snowboard and a lot more are Oakley fans. At SIA, Oakley unveiled their entry into the snow sports helmet arena. Under development for three years, the Mod 3 and Mod 5 helmets incorporate a modular brim system so the wearer can choose the correct interface ti get a tight seal between helmet and goggle. Additionally, the chinstrap is magnetic, the liner is removable and it’s got a BOA fit system.

www.oakley.com

Great American Outdoor Show – Polaris Ace

February 11th, 2016

I’ve been a big fan of the Polaris Ace ever since it came out a few years ago. It’s a whole new take on the traditional 4-wheel ATV. With the Ace, the driver sits in a seat with harness and is enclosed in a roll cage. This version also has factory installed doors. Additionally, the Ace offers a steering wheel, with electronic power steering. This is the Ace 570 SP which boasts a 567 cc 4-stroke DOHC single cylinder engine as well as an automatic transmission.

 

Here’s a close up of the Polaris Pursuit Camo pattern.

 

www.polaris.com/en-us/ace-atv/ace-570-sp-polaris-pursuit-camo

Great American Outdoor Show – Q Line Design

February 11th, 2016

I’ve seen lots of furniture with concealment spots for firearms or other valuables, but the offerings from Q Line Design would make even your wife proud.  It’s like you’re hiding your guns in plain sight.  

 

These are fully functional pieces of high quality custom furniture. They use excellent materials and even piece is hand built.  Additionally, they specialize in custom work and are more than willing to make your idea a reality.

 

This New Hampshire company ships all over the world.  Current wait times are a minimum of eight weeks.

 

qlinedesign.com

Advanced Holster – Snatch N Grab V1 Back In Stock

February 11th, 2016

 

Made from .125″ Kydex, the Snatch N Grab V1 is a rigid frame designed to support PALS compatible gear within a daypack or other bag.

 

In addition to arranging a custom configuration, you can transfer the loadout between any of your commercial backpacks without any permanent modifications.

advancedholster.com/products/snatch-n-grab-v1

No Glove, No Love: A Tactical Valentine’s Gift Guide

February 11th, 2016

Looking for a tactical gift for your SO for this Valentine’s? Arc’teryx LEAF Assault Glove FR is U.S. Elite’s top pick for the season!

assault glove info

Gifting for the season just got easier. Head over to their blog and discover U.S. Elite’s Top 15 Gifts for Your Tactical Valentine.

noglovenoloveEB

* Don’t forget to use your special SSD coupon when picking up a pair of Lowa!

www.us-elitegear.com

Shooting In The Cold – A 10-Part Series By Kyle Defoor

February 11th, 2016

Kyle Defoor published a 10-part series on shooting in the cold. In particular, he concentrates on clothing system selection.

Defoor Tumblr

Shooting In The Cold Part 1

My experience operating in the cold started in the military both in training and real world. I’ve worked in -25 up to just below freezing for long stretches (days not hours) of time. When I came into the military there was not a lot of good gear to be had. This changed later with consulting from Mark Twight via Natick Labs. Today we have more quality choices from more manufacturers but there is also more confusion in some areas. Hopefully this series of articles will help out those who are looking to buy quality gear for training in the elements for extended duration.

While you’re reading remember that exposure time is a major factor. A lot of students I see miss this important fact when showing up to a class. This happens with our military contracts too. I’ve heard comments early on about how we (instructors) are overdressed or that they (student) “don’t get cold”, “I’m from the North”, “I’m used to it”, etc. Somewhere around the hour mark completely exposed with no break is where most people realize basing your needs for shooting and training in the cold on the jacket you go get the mail in or take the dog for a walk with was a huge mistake.

Lastly, physical conditioning plays a huge role in staying warm. This mostly concerns circulation and over very long stretches, metabolism. Bottom line is the better shape your in both cardio wise and strength wise the easier your body can adapt to an unusual environment. I’ll leave you with the words of the Norwegians who’ve been training and shooting in cold conditions a long time arguably as good as anyone- “there is no bad weather, only bad gear”.

This is part 1, but the others can be found at kyledefoor.tumblr.com.

Smith & Bradley – Springfield Field Watch

February 11th, 2016

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Named after the capital of Smith & Bradley’s home state of Illinois, the Springfield is based on a class of watches that have been found on men’s wrists for more than a century.

Specifications:

-Swiss Ronda Quartz Movement
-C-3 Superluminova Hands
-Domed Sapphire Crystal
-10 ATM Water Resistance
-316-L Stainless Steel case and case back
-Enlarged Crown
-12 and 24 hour markings
-20 mm Lugs

www.smithbradleyltd.com/collections/the-field-collection