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Posts Tagged ‘Larry Vickers’

Gunfighter Moment – Larry Vickers

Saturday, November 14th, 2015

Always take the time to try different weapons- pistols, carbines, etc. This makes you a more well rounded shooter and allow as you to make informed decisions and provide sound advice to others that might seek input. This is part of your ‘gun education’ and is a critical and often overlooked part of becoming more savvy with firearms.

This was brought home to me once again at the class I just taught with Rob Leatham. Rob is an incredible shooter of course and widely considered the greatest handgun shooter of all time (I agree completely) but one thing Rob does very well is the ability to pick up any handgun you can think of and shoot it – and in most cases shoot it very well.

This comes from not only having a solid foundation of handgun fundamentals but a genuine interest in learning about different types of pistols. He is in his heart a gun guy just like me.

One of the things I did in this class was offer to demonstrate a drill known as ‘The Test’ (also known as the 10-10-10 drill) using a student’s pistol. ‘The Test’ is a simple drill and a very good one; 10 shots from the ready in 10 seconds at a B-8 bullseye replacement center from 10 yards. Each shot in the white outside the black is one second added to your score and each shot off the white paper is 3 seconds. So in order to pass with one shot out of the black and in the white your raw time must be under 9 seconds, with 2 shots out under 8 seconds and so on. It’s an excellent drill and one I do in some form or fashion in every two-day pistol class I teach.

I passed ‘The Test’ easily regardless of the students pistol I used (in this case a Glock 35, Glock 41 and a DA/SA SIG P226) – how did I do this? Simple – I shoot as many different handguns as possible to form a mental ‘data bank’ on how one pistol might perform vs. the other. The only way to accomplish this is to try different weapons whenever you can. Hell you might even find something that you like better than what you currently shoot (M&P shooters I’m looking at you; try an HK VP9; a far better pistol)

Hope this helps and as always be safe and keep shooting!

-Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical Inc.
Host of TacTV

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Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical is a retired US Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran with years of experience in the firearms industry as a combat marksmanship instructor and industry consultant. In recent years he has hosted tactical firearms related TV shows on the Sportsman Channel with the latest being TacTV of which Bravo Company is a presenting sponsor. Larry Vickers special operations background is one of the most unique in the industry today; he has been directly or indirectly involved in the some of the most significant special operations missions of the last quarter century. During Operation Just Cause he participated in Operation Acid Gambit – the rescue of Kurt Muse from Modelo Prison in Panama City, Panama. As a tactics and marksmanship instructor on active duty he helped train special operations personnel that later captured Saddam Hussein and eliminated his sons Uday and Qusay Hussein. In addition he was directly involved in the design and development of the HK416 for Tier One SOF use which was used by Naval Special Warfare personnel to kill Osama Bin Laden. Larry Vickers has developed various small arms accessories with the most notable being his signature sling manufactured by Blue Force Gear and Glock accessories made by Tangodown. In addition he has maintained strong relationships with premium companies within the tactical firearms industry such as BCM, Aimpoint, Black Hills Ammunition, Wilson Combat and Schmidt & Bender.

Larry Vickers travels the country conducting combat marksmanship classes for law abiding civilians, law enforcement and military and has partnered with Alias Training to coordinate classes to best meet the needs of the students attending the class.

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 us some words of wisdom.

Vickers Guide: 1911 Now Available

Friday, November 13th, 2015

  

“My journey with the Government Model 1911 pistol started in 1983 when I attended SOT (Special Operations Training) at Mott Lake on Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Since then I have served an entire career in Special Operations, with 15 years of it in Delta Force. I’ve carried the 1911 in combat, used it in IPSC and IDPA competitions, built custom versions for members of Delta, friends and others in the industry, and used it as the tool it was designed to be in my various handgun related classes. My experience with it has shaped my life in every way imaginable. *Vickers Guide* is a visual guide of the people and pistols that have shaped my life and my relationship with America’s favorite handgun. The one and only 1911. Enjoy.”

– Larry Vickers (Retired US Army 1st SFOD-Delta Combat Veteran)

www.vickersguide.com

Raven Concealment Systems Debuts Vickers Signature Series

Thursday, October 29th, 2015

This is big news from two great great brands.  LAV has been using Raven holsters for years, so it was a natural fit. I’m looking forward to checking out what they’ve come up with.

Vickers Signature Series Launch

North Ridgeville, Ohio — Thursday, 29 October 2015

Raven Concealment Systems announced today the release of their Vickers Signature Series of holsters and magazine carriers.

The Vickers Signature Series is a collaboration between Raven Concealment Systems and Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical.

The Vickers Signature Series is the first in a new family of products Raven Concealment Systems will be bringing to market over the next several months. Signature Series products are limited-run production batches of gear designed to the personal specifications of some of the most respected gunfighters and shooting instructors of our time. These Signature Series items promise to be both highly functional and visually striking.

“As one of the first adopters of the Raven Concealment Systems Phantom holster, I’ve always been a believer in the design’s exceptional comfort, concealability, and speed of draw. Over the past decade, I’ve seen and experienced the unparalleled durability, quality, and consistency of Raven’s products,” said Larry Vickers. “It was a pleasure to work with Raven’s professional design team on this project. We tailored the Signature products to reflect the functional and aesthetic attributes I was seeking in a holster and magazine carrier optimized for outside-the-waistband concealed-carry.”

The Vickers Signature Series is only available in one of four “shooter’s pack” configurations. These shooter packs are only produced for the pistols which LAV views as his “go-to” handguns: The Glock 17, Glock 19, Heckler and Koch VP9, Beretta M-9, and of course, the M1911 A1 pistols. Every item is tastefully emblazoned with the Vickers Tactical logo, and is produced to the same exacting standards of fit and finish that customers have come to expect from both RCS and Larry Vickers.

“As an organization, Raven Concealment Systems could not be more proud that Larry collaborated with us to design and manufacture the inceptive products in our Signature Series.” said John Chapman, CEO of Raven Concealment Systems. “Working with Larry is predictably pleasant due to his professionalism and clear vision of the excellence required to fulfill the needs of expert end users.”

The Vickers Signature Series is available exclusively through the Raven Concealment Systems website and a limited number of dealers specially selected by Vickers Tactical.

rcsgear.com

vickerstactical.com

Sneak Peek – Vickers Guide : 1911 by Larry Vickers and James Rupley

Monday, October 5th, 2015

  
Here is the Synopsis we ran across:
Formally adopted by the U.S. Army in 1911 and continuing in service for over 100 years, the Government Model 1911 pistol has undergone remarkably few changes throughout its long history yet remains relevant today. Known by many simply as “America’s Pistol,” the 1911 has been trusted by soldiers on battlefields spanning two centuries, carried by law enforcement, refined in small custom shops across the U.S., and revered by firearms enthusiasts and collectors as a work of art. Larry Vickers – renown combat veteran, firearms instructor and small arms expert – takes you on a one of a kind tour of some of history’s finest examples of the 1911, as he shares pistols from his own personal collection as well as those of his friends and other firearms specialists. Along the way, he gives the reader a glimpse into the secretive world of U.S. Special Operations weapons development, highlights the details of some of history’s most valued production and custom guns, and opens the door to premiere 1911 builders and custom shops. Included are rare and unique pistols made by Colt, Kimber, Pachmayr, Springfield Armory, STI, Wilson Combat, and a number of custom builders such as Jason Burton, Jim Garthwaite, John Harrison, Richard Heinie, Paul Liebenberg, Steve Nastoff, Wayne Novak, Armand Swenson and Larry Vickers. Additional insight is provided by firearms expert and instructor Ken Hackathorn, world champion shooter Rob Leatham and custom builder Jason Burton.Vickers Guide: 1911 presents this highly curated collection of 1911 handguns in never before seen detail on larger than life, wide format, full color prints in a linen covered hardback. Vickers Guide: 1911 is the next best thing to having these exceptional collector’s grade handguns in your own personal collection, and is a must-have for any serious firearms enthusiast. More details can be found at www.VickersGuide.com., Larry Vickers – renown combat veteran, firearms instructor and small arms expert – takes you on a one of a kind tour through the history and development of the 1911 handgun, as he shares items from his own personal collection as well as those of friends and top firearms specialists. Along the way, he gives the reader a glimpse into the secretive world of U.S. Special Operations weapons development, highlights the details of some of history’s most valued production and custom guns, and opens the door to premiere 1911 builders and custom shops. Vickers Guide: 1911 presents this highly curated collection of 1911 handguns in never before seen detail – larger than life, wide format, full color prints in a linen covered hardback. Vickers Guide: 1911 is the next best thing to having these exceptional collectors grade handguns in your own personal collection, and is a must-have for any serious firearms enthusiast.

Size
Length: 11 in
Width: 13 in

Coming this holiday season.

www.vickersguide.com

Gunfighter Moment – Larry Vickers

Saturday, October 3rd, 2015

I’m amazed at the continued popularity of the 1911. The pistol is over 100 years old and in the civilian sector it is more popular than ever. In LE and Military use its glory days are past but in civilian hands its popularity is off the chart. Proof of this can be seen in the number of custom production shops like Wilson Combat and others that build and sell thousands of high end 1911’s every year. Unbelievable.

My advice when it comes to the 1911 is simple; get educated on the platform as it is not the same as running a pistol like a Glock, keep it lubed as they do not like to run dry, and you get what you pay for. A $700 1911 is not going to perform like a $3700 one – period.

Fans of the 1911 here’s a heads up; I have a special project that I am going to be releasing for this holiday season that any true gun guy will enjoy – and at a price that won’t break the bank. Watch for it on my social media outlets as well as here on Soldier Systems Daily. Be safe and keep shooting.

-Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical Inc.
Host of TacTV

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Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical is a retired US Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran with years of experience in the firearms industry as a combat marksmanship instructor and industry consultant. In recent years he has hosted tactical firearms related TV shows on the Sportsman Channel with the latest being TacTV of which Bravo Company is a presenting sponsor. Larry Vickers special operations background is one of the most unique in the industry today; he has been directly or indirectly involved in the some of the most significant special operations missions of the last quarter century. During Operation Just Cause he participated in Operation Acid Gambit – the rescue of Kurt Muse from Modelo Prison in Panama City, Panama. As a tactics and marksmanship instructor on active duty he helped train special operations personnel that later captured Saddam Hussein and eliminated his sons Uday and Qusay Hussein. In addition he was directly involved in the design and development of the HK416 for Tier One SOF use which was used by Naval Special Warfare personnel to kill Osama Bin Laden. Larry Vickers has developed various small arms accessories with the most notable being his signature sling manufactured by Blue Force Gear and Glock accessories made by Tangodown. In addition he has maintained strong relationships with premium companies within the tactical firearms industry such as BCM, Aimpoint, Black Hills Ammunition, Wilson Combat and Schmidt & Bender.

Larry Vickers travels the country conducting combat marksmanship classes for law abiding civilians, law enforcement and military and has partnered with Alias Training to coordinate classes to best meet the needs of the students attending the class.

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 us some words of wisdom.

Gunfighter Moment – Daryl Holland

Saturday, September 12th, 2015

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I get more questions about the “Black Gun” with a suppressor than any other weapon that I post. I called this black beauty my Recce Rifle, which the unit armorers could take an ordinary M-4 with a 16″ barrel and make it shoot 1/2 MOA groups at 100m. As a sniper, I chose this gun from my gun lockup over the other dozen guns if I needed a light weight, precision instrument for a mission that I could also use as an Assault Rifle inside a structure if needed. The suppressor was made by Knight’s and never failed me, but as much fun as these suppressors are to shoot, the extra cleaning balances it out.

Respectfully,

Daryl Holland, US Army SGM (Ret)

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Larry Vickers offers these additional observations:

The early Recce rifle efforts started in the Delta Sniper Troops in the early 1990’s – post Operation Just Cause timeframe.

A variety of things were tried (such as stainless steel match barrels) but the improvements narrowed down to a few areas; improved ammo, improved triggers, a variety of optics and lastly free float hand guards and eventually rail systems. These efforts pre date the Mk12 in NSW use by many years.

Knights Armament played a big role with development of both enhanced triggers and free float rails coming out of this program. Reed Knight said from an early stage that better ammo would yield much better results than match barrels and he of course was correct. Delta pushed forward with acquiring better ammo that has led to much of the specialized 5.56mm ammo on the market today. Black Hills and Hornady both offer loadings as a direct result of these efforts.

The rifle shown in this picture had an early SR-25 carbon fiber free float tube adapted to it. This became a common modification in Delta to get more real estate for lights and lasers and better zero retention vs the carbine length KAC rail. This led to the development of the KAC MRE rail which was the first extended length rail of its kind.

Also the scope in this pic is a Microdot – a Japanese 1.25 x 4 off the shelf commercial grade scope that had a red dot in addition to a reticle. This was a stop gap optic after the need arose in Mogadishu Somalia for better target ID vs a red dot sight in the street fighting of that battle. Eventually Leupold offered an optic ( the CQT) at Deltas request to fill this need. It didn’t really answer the mail for Delta so I approached Schmidt & Bender on the Units behalf to build a more suitable optic. This is how the S&B Short Dot was born.

Delta played a critical early role in the SPR program ( later Mk12) that we know of today. In typical Unit fashion they did it quietly without books, movies and public spectacles of ‘who shot who’ played out for the world to see. The True Quiet Professionals.

-Larry Vickers, US Army MSG (Ret)
Vickers Tactical Inc.
Host of TacTV

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 us some words of wisdom.

Gunfighter Moment – Larry Vickers

Saturday, August 1st, 2015

Night Sights

I’ve shot pistols long enough that I feel a tritium front sight is mandatory on a self defense pistol. Frankly, it fits in the low light range, that plain black and fiber optic front sights won’t work in, and using a white light at times can be very hazardous to your health. What I mean is that using a white light for long enough to align your sights could get you shot.

Tritium on the rear is optional in my book, and up to personal taste. At handgun night fighting distances a tritium front will get the job done in addition to being fast to employ. My buddy Hackathorn was the first to turn me into to this and I like it. Try it the next time you get the chance.

-Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical Inc.
Host of TacTV

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Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical is a retired US Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran with years of experience in the firearms industry as a combat marksmanship instructor and industry consultant. In recent years he has hosted tactical firearms related TV shows on the Sportsman Channel with the latest being TacTV of which Bravo Company is a presenting sponsor. Larry Vickers special operations background is one of the most unique in the industry today; he has been directly or indirectly involved in the some of the most significant special operations missions of the last quarter century. During Operation Just Cause he participated in Operation Acid Gambit – the rescue of Kurt Muse from Modelo Prison in Panama City, Panama. As a tactics and marksmanship instructor on active duty he helped train special operations personnel that later captured Saddam Hussein and eliminated his sons Uday and Qusay Hussein. In addition he was directly involved in the design and development of the HK416 for Tier One SOF use which was used by Naval Special Warfare personnel to kill Osama Bin Laden. Larry Vickers has developed various small arms accessories with the most notable being his signature sling manufactured by Blue Force Gear and Glock accessories made by Tangodown. In addition he has maintained strong relationships with premium companies within the tactical firearms industry such as BCM, Aimpoint, Black Hills Ammunition, Wilson Combat and Schmidt & Bender.

Larry Vickers travels the country conducting combat marksmanship classes for law abiding civilians, law enforcement and military and has partnered with Alias Training to coordinate classes to best meet the needs of the students attending the class.

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 us some words of wisdom.

Gunfighter Moment – Larry Vickers

Saturday, July 11th, 2015

Americans love to customize stuff and make it our own. Certainly you see this anywhere you go on this planet but make no mistake Americans set the standard. I would say it’s one of our greatest strengths in the firearms world. But it is also one of our greatest weaknesses as I see many guns in my classes customized to the point of being unsafe. Meaning they could not be counted on to function properly in a gunfight.

My take on this is real simple; you have range guns and real guns. We all have range guns (also known as range toys) and that is where they need to stay. Never grab one of these to protect yourself with. With your self defense guns make sure any modifications make sense and bring something to the table. Also make sure they will stand up in court. If in doubt on this last part consult a lawyer that specializes in this area. Get ready because if your carry gun has a Punisher skull on the back of the slide or your self defense carbine has ‘Surprise Cock Fag’ on the ejection port cover your probably not gonna like what your attorney tells you. Just food for thought – as always it’s your skin so it’s your risk.

-Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical Inc.
Host of TacTV

20130202-083903.jpg

Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical is a retired US Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran with years of experience in the firearms industry as a combat marksmanship instructor and industry consultant. In recent years he has hosted tactical firearms related TV shows on the Sportsman Channel with the latest being TacTV of which Bravo Company is a presenting sponsor. Larry Vickers special operations background is one of the most unique in the industry today; he has been directly or indirectly involved in the some of the most significant special operations missions of the last quarter century. During Operation Just Cause he participated in Operation Acid Gambit – the rescue of Kurt Muse from Modelo Prison in Panama City, Panama. As a tactics and marksmanship instructor on active duty he helped train special operations personnel that later captured Saddam Hussein and eliminated his sons Uday and Qusay Hussein. In addition he was directly involved in the design and development of the HK416 for Tier One SOF use which was used by Naval Special Warfare personnel to kill Osama Bin Laden. Larry Vickers has developed various small arms accessories with the most notable being his signature sling manufactured by Blue Force Gear and Glock accessories made by Tangodown. In addition he has maintained strong relationships with premium companies within the tactical firearms industry such as BCM, Aimpoint, Black Hills Ammunition, Wilson Combat and Schmidt & Bender.

Larry Vickers travels the country conducting combat marksmanship classes for law abiding civilians, law enforcement and military and has partnered with Alias Training to coordinate classes to best meet the needs of the students attending the class.

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 us some words of wisdom.