Author Archive | Matt

User Error!

I once saw a shooter at the range who was having trouble with a new AR-15. He was having various types of stoppages, including a pretty nasty bolt over malfunction, with nearly every shot. He asked for some input so we checked a few things. There were no obvious issues so I suggested he take a few shots while I watched.

He was pretty exasperated with the rifle until I noticed that he was partially blocking the ejection port of the rifle with the fingers of his support hand which were wrapped around the magwell far enough and high enough that they were preventing the dust cover from opening fully. This created a circular problem. He would have a malfunction, work to clear it, insert a mag, work the charging handle, grip the rifle the same way, then try to shoot, and then start all over again unaware that it was his grip that was stopping the rifle.

That is a dramatic example but there are plenty of less obvious ways we sabotage ourselves. I’ve witnessed (or experienced) preventable stoppages caused by…

  • improper lubrication
  • riding the slide/charging handle forward
  • improper press checks
  • poor grip (hand placement, unlocked wrists, etc.)
  • improper or nonexistent maintenance
  • improper parts selection
  • improper reassembly
  • and who knows what else…

Some of these are training issues. Some are just absent-mindedness or laziness. All are preventable.

It all makes me wonder how many workable guns have been written off because of user error. It also makes me wonder how many people can pan the value of very basic firearm familiarity training like what the NRA provides. Some of these things would be taken for granted in a defensive firearm course or only corrected as needed.

Before you ever pick up a shot timer, spend some time learning the basics and don’t be ashamed to seek the most basic training. Don’t cause your own malfunctions!

Ballistic Advantage Modern Series Video

Ballistic Advantage’s Modern Series AR-15 barrels are among the best values on the market. Their new video gives you some insight as to why that is. The basics are that these barrels are standard profiles rendered in 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium steel with desirable twist rates and are QPQ finished (salt bath nitride processing) throughout.

It is worth noting that Ballistic Advantage QPQ finishes the barrels separately from the barrel extensions. This is important because if this process is completed with the barrel extension installed, the heat can cause the extension to loosen. There have been many cases of loose barrel extensions from barrel makers who do not understand this.

Almost all of these barrels retail for well under $200 and come with a 1 MOA guarantee. Check them out at Ballistic Advantage.

Andy’s Leather 2 Point Standard Rifle Sling Sale

Andy’s Leather 2 Point Standard Rifle Sling is on sale. This sling is one of the most versatile slings that Andy’s Leather offers. It can be used like a standard carry sling or a CW sling. If you are unfamiliar with the CW sling concept, think Ching Sling but without a rear attachment point and you will have the general idea.

andys leather 2 point standard

These slings are affordable to begin with and especially affordable when they are on sale. $35 gets you a handmade sling with brass hardware and thick bridle leather. The buckles that Andy uses for these are the same as those he uses on his Rhodesian and Ching slings. They hold tightly but adjust easily, making it easy to set your length and forget it.

The slings are available in 1″ and 1.25″ widths, three different colors, and with a variety of hardware finish options. Check out the 2 Point Standard Rifle Sling at Andy’s Leather.

DIRECT ACTION Announces European Commercial Release

direct action

From Direct Action:

DIRECT ACTION® announces the long-awaited European commercial release of the DIRECT ACTION® advanced tactical gear product portfolio.

Launched during the IWA 2016 trade fair, the DIRECT ACTION® on-line store gives end-users the opportunity to purchase – directly from the manufacturer – the same advanced, Made-in-Poland, tactical nylon gear that is already in operational use with Polish and other special operations forces.

At the current time, production and stocking are ongoing and DIRECT ACTION® expects to have all products available on the webstore within the next 3-4 weeks. If you don’t see the item you need listed as in-stock, check back again later – as products are being added constantly. You can also learn all about the products by downloading a PDF copy of the DIRECT ACTION® 2016 catalog, or by requesting a hard-copy of the catalog.

DIRECT ACTION® plans to offer both a Made-in-Poland and a Made-in-the-USA product option for the American market – and the release of their full line of gear through Direct Action USA is expected to GO LOUD after SOFIC in May. DIRECT ACTION® will be exhibiting at SOFIC in Tampa and the crew looks forward to meeting interested end-users and purchasers there as well.

In the meantime, check their website for further product info: www.directactiongear.com.

DIRECT ACTION® also released their latest brand video at IWA 2016 – showcasing their production facility in Poland and their closed-loop design-to-field-to-production process. You can view the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl336M80ukk

direct action 2

CRKT Forged By War Program

CRKT has started the Forged By War series of knives based on the work of Ryan Johnson, founder of RMJ Tactical. The series will consist of knives and tools designed by veterans and 10% of all sales of these knives will be donated to the veteran charity that the designer chooses.

The first three tools in this series were introduced at the 2016 SHOT Show and CRKT just released a series of videos that document the knives, the men behind them, and share more about the Forged By War program.

Austin McGlaun designed Clever Girl:

Darrin Sirois designed Sangrador:

Elmer Roush designed Birler Tactical Axe:

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