Frank Proctor’s latest training video, Proctor Performance Carbine, is now available for download and will be available on DVD in mid July. Check out Frank Proctor’s website to purchase and for more details.
Archive | Tactics and Training
Viking Tactics Basic Carbine Fundamentals DVD
Training videos that cover basic, fundamental concepts aren’t always sexy but they are necessary and often neglected. The new Viking Tactics Basic Carbine Fundamentals DVD is looking to change that. It will cover foundational topics that will help the new carbine shooter start out well or refresh the memory of the experienced shooter.
The DVD covers the following:
1. Introduction to the AR-15 – 3:32
2. Safety – 1:45
3. Operating System – 9:09
4. Iron Sights – 8:18
5. Optics – 10:01
6. Heading to the Range – 8:23
7. Loading – 5:05
8. Trigger Control – 2:49
9. Proper Stock Length – 2:42
10. Standing Position – 4:30
11. Prone Position – 4:13
12. Distance for Zeroing – 3:54
13. Training Methodology – 2:53
14. .223 VS 5.56 – 1:33
15. Zeroing – 15:50
16. Cleaning – 15:4
Check out the new Viking Tactics Basic Carbine Fundamentals DVD.
Tactical Handyman: Dirt Cheap .22LR Snap Caps
Dry fire practice can be a great way to keep your skills sharp between range trips but some firearms just don’t tolerate it well. This is especially true for most older rimfire firearms which can allow the firing pin to peen the chamber if you pull the trigger on an empty chamber. There is often conflicting information available on how tolerant some rimfires are to dry fire which further complicates makes. That is why this Tactical Handyman chooses to use snap caps any time I dry fire a rimfire firearm.
The problem with store bought .22LR snap caps is that they cost way too much for what they are and they don’t really last that long. That is why the Tactical Handyman stopped buying them and started buying #4 drywall anchors.
As you can see in the included image, #4 drywall anchors are a dead ringer for a .22LR cartridge. They are dirt cheap, each one lasts a few dry fire sessions, and they will even extract and eject from every rimfire in my inventory including the Ruger 10/22, S&W M&P 15-22, Ruger 22/45, and Advantage Arms Glock Conversions. Unfortunately, they may not always feed from a magazine.
Don’t buy .22LR snap caps! You can get a lifetime supply of #4 drywall anchors for next to nothing and they are handy to have on hand anyway. You might even have some lurking in your junk drawer now!
TacStrike Inventory Reduction Sale
TacStrike had a little snafu that left them holding just a few too many targets. You have seen enough car commercials to know that mean they have to go, go, GO! Much of what is on sale is from their already very affordable Flat Rate Target Line. This would be a great time increase your inventory of hard core steel training targets.
Review: OC Tactical HP2 Hearing Protection Cover
I have been using OC Tactical’s earlier version of the Hearing Protection Cover for years and I am very partial to it. My Sordin electronic hearing protection has a permanently attached, leather-like headband cover on it that turns kind of slimy if you wear it on a hot day, so I have always covered it up with a cover from OC Tactical. My original cover is durable, comfortable, breaths well, and you can take it off to clean it. Like I said, I have grown partial to it. So, when I heard that OC Tactical was coming out with a new version that was easier for them to manufacture but a better overall product, I was skeptical. I mean, I trust Mike at OC Tactical to make great gear but… I really like my old cover.
Overview
The HP2 Hearing Protection Cover is made from Cordura Nylon with a foam backed Dri-Lex mesh liner. It made to be wrapped around the headband and secured along its entire length with hook and loop material. There is a handy loop sewn into one side of the cover that allows you to secure your hearing protection to your gear via a carabineer or similar device. OC Tactical offers an optional section of color matched loop to secure name tapes for a small fee.
Observations from Use
The fit is better on the new HP2 than the previous version of the hearing protection covers. It lays flatter and seems to be a bit more forgiving to install without feeling like there is too much extra material. Not only does it fit my Sordins with the non-removable, leatherish cover still in place, it also fits bare Sordin headbands and the budget friendly Howard Leight Impact Sport head set.
It also feel thinner overall than the original without any loss in comfort. I have a large noggin and, without some padding, my Sordins will start get uncomfortable on the crown of my head. OC Tactical’s covers have always been a suitable fix for that. The new HP2 is just as comfortable but with a bit less bulk which means it works better under a helmet (not that I ever have much reason to wear one, but you might). That is a win-win.
My HP2 has a loop made from shock cord. OC Tactical found that sometimes the sewing machine’s needle would pierce and break the inner elastic strands in the shock cord which weakens it. They have since changed to a paracord loop. I like that kind of retro-testing and attention to detail.
Considering everything I said above, I would say my initial skepticism was misplaced. I actually prefer the HP2 to the old version but I haven’t even covered the best part of the new design. It has been streamlined so that it costs less and is almost always in stock! If you have one of the older ones, you know it could take a while for OC Tactical to work through their waiting list. They made thousands and thousands of these covers. Now, with the new product HP2, they are available right this minute for less money. Progress!
Wrap Up
The HP2 is a better cover than the original at a lower cost and with immediate availability. That is hard to hate. Check out the OC Tactical HP2 Hearing Protection Cover.
