The Pros and Cons of Ultra-Light AR15s
Lightweight AR15′ rifles can be very handy, does it fit your shooting needs?
David Bahde
Flash Hiders, Compensators, Muzzle Brakes and Flame Throwers
A look at muzzle devices for your rifle
All the Lumens – Fitting Your Rifle with the Right Light
Lumens, who needs them! After all the “Should I use a light or not.” are done, and you decide a light is best for you the next discussion is inevitably all about lumens. Lumens is a measurement used mostly for marketing but is not without its value. A lumen is useful, it’s a measurement of … Read more
Why You Should Dry Fire Practice More Than Live Fire
Dry fire Practice One of the most common questions I get as an instructor is “what should I practice at the range”. Seems a simple question, but it may be the most important one. Not everyone learns with the intention of improving, some are satisfied with familiarity. Most are concealed carry holders wanting to do … Read more
Iron Sights, They Aren’t Just For Backup
Working as a gun writer and subject matter expert has its perks, amongst them getting the latest and greatest equipment to test. Great stuff, but it’s a very sharp double edged sword. It leaves the impression our readers, students, or fellow trainers are in the same boat. Most are not, people purchasing firearms for … Read more
Arca Swiss for your rifle, yes or no?
Arca Swiss for your rifle, yes or no? Being old enough to remember when there were zero accessories available for your rifle or carbine provides a unique perspective, one born of real world application. It can save time, grief, most of all hard earned money. The firearms industry loves selling stuff you will never need, … Read more
Maintaining Zero
Maintaining Zero Zeroing your rifle is a must, everyone pretty well knows it. Properly zeroing your rifle at a given range is critical, a range that matches the design, purpose, and use of your particular rifle, aiming device and ammunition. Every class you attend shows you how, based on what you brought to the class. … Read more
Red Dot Sights for your Pistol
Red dot sights for pistols are widely accepted these days and one of the hottest topics in the industry. Im old enough to remember the introduction of these for rifles the parallels are striking. Experts once called them a gaming toy never to be used “on the street”, or for “duty”, those days are long … Read more
How Silent is Your Silencer?
How Silent is Your Silencer? One of the most common questions for those looking to purchase a suppressor is “how quiet is it”. Problem being, there is no “real” answer to that question, only speculation, some assumptions, and a whole ton load of marketing. Internet and social media experts do little else than argue this … Read more
The Mantis Handguard/Bipod
The Mantis Handguard and Bipod One of the longest running arguments amongst the rifle community revolves around using a bipod. My earliest sniper schools would not allow them on the range, you fired unsupported or used a bag, had a box full of various designs. Training was often dominated by outdated military doctrine at the … Read more
Buying a Riflescope
Buying a Riflescope Rifle optics remain one of the fastest growing markets. Dozens of very good scopes are available for every segment of the firearms industry. Variable magnification from low to high, reticles from clear to complicated, short, compact, long, large and small you name it. The real question is no longer can I get … Read more
Keeping it Real
Keeping it Real Keeping it real is a concept that should color every decision you make when it comes to firearms, including cost, selection, equipment, training, and practice. It does not mean everything must be practical, or work in a fight, or any of the myriad of fortune cookie philosophy so prevalent in this industry. … Read more
50 BMG The HTI or Barrett?
50 BMG The HTI or Barrett? While I do not spend a ton of time with a 50 BMG these days, it was a primary focus while still in command of the SWAT team and training the sniper unit. Post 9/11 and beyond there was a perceived need for an anti-material cartridge and frankly there … Read more
Ballistic Coefficient or (B.C. for those who hate math)
Ballistic Coefficient or (B.C. for those who hate math) Years ago, starting down the precision rifle path my craving for “data” and “numbers’ was strong. Part was my need as a trainer and SWAT team leader, but like most new to the craft it was fun and interesting. Most of my focus was on terminal … Read more
Evolution of the AR (or sort of)
Evolution of the AR (or sort of) I was recently asked how the AR “evolved” it was a good question and something that seemed of interest to more than a few. Having been in this business for decades it is something I lived and live today. Experiencing things while still alive tends to provide a … Read more
Is 6.5 better than 308 for Law Enforcement Precision Rifles?
Is 6.5 better than 308 for Law Enforcement Precision Rifles? Joining the list of pointless and mostly baseless arguments such as 9mm / 45ACP and plastic vs polymer is the 6.5mm (mostly Creedmoor) vs 308. Heightened in the LE sniper environment since 6.5 Creedmoor was introduced in 2007 it existed long before with the .260 … Read more
Going Short with the MDRX Micron Conversion Kit
Going Short with the MDRX Micron Conversion Kit One of the endless discussions amongst those with real world experience clearing buildings with rifles is barrel length. Most experienced trainers agree a 16” rifle or 18.5” shotgun will work, not ideal, but capable with training. Laws, policies and restrictions can make short barrels difficult to acquire … Read more