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Gunfighter Moment – Frank Proctor

January 25th, 2014

Shooting in Kit

What’s up shooters! I’m gonna talk a bit about my thoughts on shooting in kit and kit in general. There’s a key word in the title and it’s the shooting part! If you are wearing kit as part of your job and you carry a gun I think you should set up the kit to allow you to shoot the gun the best way possible and do everything you need to do in the line of duty. Too many times I think dudes bulk up their kit way more than they need to. I’m a bit of a minimalist so I like less to give me more. In this case, less kit equals more mobility and therefore more offensive capability.

Here are some key areas for me on kit setup:

Have everything you truly need, but nothing you don’t

Firing side shoulder clear to mount the rifle

Firing side area clear to reach the pistol

Essential equipment (ammo, radio, tourniquet) reachable with both hands

Be able to go to a full squat without the plate choking you at the neck or waist

Be able to climb, buildings etc, without snag hazards on the front of your gear

I’ve recently been doing some of my YouTube videos in kit for 2 reasons. The first reason is just to demonstrate that kit doesn’t have to impede your ability to shoot and move well and for a fact it shouldn’t. If it does you should fix it I think. And that leads me to the second reason, Test your equipment and yourself. I recently got a new armor carrier so I’ve been testing it out and shooting in it to see how well it allows me to do what I need to do. So far it’s awesome. The kit is the MOAB from Rogue Gunfighter. It’s pretty cool, low profile and designed to fit many operational needs. It can go low profile or quickly add or take away more gear to it including a chest rig and back pack. Something I like about it is right out of the box is it’s ready to go. I can put everything I need in it with out having to weave one piece of MOLLE! The MOAB is super comfortable and handles weight well also. Another huge plus is I can shoot very comfortable in it with zero interference from the kit. In the week or so that I’ve had it I’ve shot some USPSA style stages in it, run CQB, did a one man break contact deal at my range 400 yards bounding back though my berms spaced about 50 yards apart and some other maneuverability exercises. It’s working great. I highly recommend everyone go out and run through some sort of stress event in new gear to validate the kit and the set up. If you identify a deficiency, it’s better to know up front and fix it.

That’s all I’ve got for now for more info on the MOAB check out www.roguegunfighter.com.

Also here’s a video of me yapping about it and shooting in it:

And of course you can check out my website for more info on what I’m all about. Thanks y’all!
www.wayofthegun.us

-Frank Proctor

Frank Proctor has served over 18 years in the military, the last 11 of those in US Army Special Forces. During his multiple combat tours in Afghanistan & Iraq he had the privilege to serve with and learn from many seasoned veteran Special Forces Operators so their combined years of knowledge and experience has helped him to become a better operator & instructor. While serving as an instructor at the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course he was drawn to competitive shooting. He has since earned the USPSA Grand Master ranking in the Limited Division and Master ranking in the IDPA Stock Service Pistol division. He learned a great deal from shooting in competition and this has helped him to become to become a better tactical shooter. Frank is one of the few individuals able to bring the experiences of U.S. Army Special Forces, Competitive Shooting, and veteran Instructor to every class.

All this experience combines to make Frank Proctor a well-rounded shooter and instructor capable of helping you to achieve your goal of becoming a better shooter.

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 some words of wisdom.

Tags: Alias Training & Security Services, Frank Proctor
Posted in Gunfighter Moment | 13 Comments »

OR – Fjallraven

January 24th, 2014

The Smock No. 1 from Fjallraven is part of the new numbers collection. The 1 behind the product name denotes it is the first smock design. It is made from G1000, a proprietary PolyCotton blend with a beeswax coating. This not only improves weather resistance but the fabric’s life as well. The Smock No. 1 incorporates classic design features including 4 patch cargo pockets on chest and hem as well as 2 poachers pockets on the rear skirt. It also boasts inset bicep pockets and inset Napoleon pockets on the chest. Toggle pulls are made from scrap leather from the production floor.

www.fjallraven.us

Tags: Fjällräven, OR
Posted in Clothing, Outdoor Retailer | 18 Comments »

OR – Beyond

January 24th, 2014

Beyond is quite a hit at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. About a year or so ago, I sat down with front man Rick Elder and he shared his brand strategy with us. I know a lot of you have been chomping at the bit wanting to see product, and it’s here. For example, you may remember the Helios Alpha Jacket we showed you over last summer was recently featured in “Outside” magazine. It’s paired with a Brokk pant, a lightweight, super breathable, technical outdoor pant that features articulated knees.

They’ve also introduced both a softshell pant and jacket in the Rig. They both utilize a proprietary fabric and the pant integrates a proprietary 2-way stretch Cordura. Naturally, they are articulated and have several features that we will cover over the next few weeks.

In fact, the booth is packed with new styles. They pride themselves on helping their customers survive in any environment in the world and they are investing in new tech and design to make that more than just a desire. Beyond looks at themselves as a tech company who happens to specialize in the medium of specialized clothing. Garments are being wear tested in the environment they are built for and designs updated real time based on feedback. With a 90 day development cycle, they are nimble enough to give the customer exactly what they want.

You may notice a bit of an urban design influence but colorways are limited edition so if you see something you want, you’d better jump on it before it sells out because the next time it’s offered it may well be in a different color combination.

Naturally, this isn’t the case for the Mission community. Products for this group are customized for the purpose and colors are available as needed. As for the term ‘Mission Community’ I can’t think of a better way to describe it. It isn’t limited to military, LE, or contractors, but also encompasses First Responders, SAR and even NGOs. It’s that group of users that go beyond recreation.

I visited Beyond’s headquarters in November and got to take a peak behind the curtain as they developed several of the designs I saw today at OR. Beyond keeps one leg planted firmly in the outdoor market and this drives their innovation engine. As mission customers we reap the benefits of this focus. You need to keep a constant eye on Beyond. New products will be constantly hitting the street.

www.beyondclothing.com

Tags: Beyond, OR
Posted in Clothing, Industry, Outdoor Retailer | 4 Comments »

OR – Drifire Combat Hoodie

January 24th, 2014

I’ve mentioned the DRIFIRE Combat Hoodie in the past and since it showed up at both SHOT Show as well as Outdoor Retailer I thought I’d give it another shout out. It’s manufactured from a very comfy DRIFIRE knit with some pretty decent mechanical stretch that is not only FR but also incorporates drirelease technology that dries four times faster than cotton and controls odor causing bacteria. It can be worn next-to-skin or as a layered garment. It also features thumb loop cuffs and the four-piece hood offers a cross-over front and an innovative built-in balaclava/neck gaiter with tuck away option.

Click to view .pdf

Manufactured by www.drifire.com, these should be available from www.tacticaldistributors.com soon.

Tags: Drifire, OR, Tactical Distributors
Posted in Clothing | 4 Comments »

Daniel Defense Announces $20 Million Expansion To Better Meet Demand

January 24th, 2014

Black Creek, GA – January 23, 2014 – Daniel Defense, engineering and manufacturing the world’s finest weapons systems, precision rail systems and accessories, today announced plans for a five-year, $20 million expansion in Bryan County, Georgia.

“We are proud to be among the nation’s fastest growing private companies according to Inc. 500|5000 Magazine,” says Marty Daniel, President and CEO of Daniel Defense. “Maintaining the level of growth we’ve experienced over the last 10 years requires a long term vision, continued momentum, while maintaining the level of quality expected by our customers.”

At the conclusion of the 5-year, multi-million dollar expansion, Daniel Defense will have expanded to over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and administrative space in Bryan County. “This is yet another step toward bringing every part of the manufacturing process in-house, which will in turn give us ultimate control over quality assurance,” exclaimed Daniel.

Daniel Defense moved its operations to Bryan County in 2009 with the opening of its now 47,000 square foot facility. The long-term project would not be the first size increase for the Georgia-based company. They expanded operations to a 90,000 square foot facility in Ridgeland, South Carolina, in 2012. With flourishing interest for the name brand precision firearms, parts and accessories, the planned increase will enable them to meet growing demand while maintaining a first-rate customer service experience.

danieldefense.com

Tags: Daniel Defense
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OR – 5.10

January 24th, 2014

The number approach shoe gets better. 5.10 is launching an Updated Guide Tennie in February. It features deeper, wider lugs and a stiffer midsole. It’s now even better for climbing but still a hiker and now, it’s also available in a mid-top height.

5.10 has also just made a major upgrade the Camp 4. Although it’s lighter than the older model, it features a completely new outsole. Some of the weightless is due to a reduction in foam meaning it will also dry faster. Like the Guide Tennie, the Camp 4 is now also offered in a mid-top height.

Finally, the popular Water Tennie continues to be a dominant watershoe. And, I believe it’s the only trade compliant water shoe on the market. And I know it’s the only one with sticky rubber.

www.fiveten.com

Tags: 5.10, OR
Posted in Boots, Outdoor Retailer | 2 Comments »

OR – Wild Things

January 24th, 2014

Wild Things Low Loft Jacket – FR uses FASTPACK technology with GORE® PYRAD® flame retardant and 80 grams of PrimaLoft® Fusion (2.4 oz). The fact Thais new jacket integrates WL Gore’s PYRAD technology should be enough but that jacket integrates even more new garment technology. PYRAD is a treatment for existing fabrics so you retain most of the base fabric’s inherent capabilities.

The Wild Things Low Loft Jacket – FR is a lightweight insulation piece that is durably water resistant, windproof, highly breathable and fire retardant. It can be worn as a stand-alone outer-layer or as an insulating mid-layer with a cold weather clothing system. Low water pick-up and quick dry properties maintain the effectiveness and lightweight nature of the jacket. 80 grams (2.4 oz) of PrimaLoft® FUSION is used to provide superior lightweight insulation – wet or dry. PrimaLoft® FUSION has the highest warmth to weight ratio (clo/oz/sqyd) of any Berry-compliant synthetic insulation.

Air permeability is optimized to facilitate “fast packing” and low pack volume of an insulated layer. This enables the soldier to quickly don and doff (pack and unpack) the jacket as their mission and/or environment changes.

GORE® PYRAD® is a self-extinguishing fabric that offers protection in heat, flash-fire and arc-flash incidents. Key features include:
• Protection against heat and flame
• Increased thermal stability
• FR properties build into laminate structure – will not degrade with wash and wear
• Maintains physical integrity of the garment after exposure to flash fire

The jacket is designed for use by the dismounted soldier in cool to cold and dry to damp conditions. The lightweight and low pack volume enables the soldier to easily stow and carry the jacket while on movements. Once the soldier comes to rest, the combination of insulation with high breathability make the jacket ideal for “baking dry” any moisture build up in the base layers thereby maintaining soldier comfort and effectiveness.

Compared to the current ECWCS L3 Fleece, the Wild Things Low Loft Jacket – FR offers a much broader temperature range capability, greater breathability, significantly higher water resistance and windproofness, as well as lower pack volume. It also provides FR protection. In addition, it does not retain dirt and other contaminants like Fleece.

Tech Specs:
• Body fabric made with GORE® FASTPACK technology with GORE® PYRAD® flame retardant
• 2.4 oz PrimaLoft® Fusion
• 2 hand warmer pockets with brushed lining
• 2 bicep pockets
• Knit FR collar for comfort and protection
• Hanger loop
• Internal Napoleon pocket
• Elastic cuffs
• Drop tail for excellent coverage
• Sleeve and chest Velcro patches
• Jacket weight – 27 oz (1 lb 11 oz)

www.wildthingsgear.com

Tags: OR, Wild Things
Posted in Clothing, FR, Outdoor Retailer | 5 Comments »

OR – Mystery Ranch – A Legend Returns

January 24th, 2014

Mystery Ranch has reintroduced the Terraplane. If you want to know which pack SOF was wearing in the 1990s, this is it. Long produced by Dana Designs and predecessor Kletterwerks, the 5,000 cu in Terraplane was a favorite of many SOF units and in particular, NSW.

Mystery Ranch recently decided to reintroduce the popular pack. The big changes are in the suspension, but the classic lines and pocket layout remain the same. Above you can see the newly updated model in OD and Foliage and below is the new Terraplane in Black.