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Archive | May, 2012

Appalachian Training

By on May 21, 2012 in Other, Tactical Gear

Appalachian Training is a small veteran owned business that carries gear for the armed professional and citizen gun owner alike. They are also the newest advertising partner on JTT.

Mike, the owner of Appalachian Tactical, has been a trainer for 25 years and he runs his business a bit differently than some. He will only sell gear in his shop that passes his personal test. He feels so strongly about this that he gives his personal promise.

I really appreciate the selectiveness and focus on training that Appalachian Training brings to the table and I am thrilled to have them as a partner on JTT. Check out AppalachianTrianing.com and be sure to visit their Facebook page.

Past Performance Is Not a Guarantee of Future Returns

By on May 21, 2012 in Tactics and Training

You have all seen commercials for money making schemes that make incredible claims about the gains that people involved with their program have seen. They make their pitch and then the fast talking guy at the end says something like “Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.” Well, sometimes gear is that way too.

I recently had all sorts of issues with a new AR-15 that I had built. It just wouldn’t shoot well at all. The upper was from a high end maker and had one of their high end hammer forged barrels. It was free-floated and was topped off with a high quality variable magnification optic. I was not expecting sub-MOA accuracy but there were times when I couldn’t get this rifle to print less than 6″ at 50 yards (it printed groups as large as 12″ at 50 yards). It wouldn’t reliably hit a standard sized silhouette target at 200 yards. I tested the optic and the upper several different ways. I had too much time and ammo invested in this project and I just couldn’t track down the problem… until I tried new ammo.

I felt like a goober for not checking the ammo sooner but this was ammo that always worked for me before. I purchased 3000 rounds of this ammo, Prvi Partizan 62gr, 3 years ago and I was down to my last 250 rounds. All of those last 250 rounds were shot through the gun that I thought was having problems. Once the ammo was replaced, this gun was suddenly capable of very acceptable accuracy. I was able to go 3 for 3 on a 6″ circular steel plate at 300 yards in a training drill using the magazine as a mono-pod.

Barrels and parts wear out, ammo changes from lot to lot, your skill level changes and you outgrow gear, your needs and mission can change, and technology marches on with or without you. There are any number of reasons that gear that works today, may not be best for you tomorrow. This is part of why it is so vital to keep detailed records about your gear and training. These records help you to spot trends and unexpected changes.

So, remember that when it comes to get rich quick schemes and gear, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

PIG CR-UTV-MS Upgrade Straps

By on May 21, 2012 in Tactical Gear

The Universal/SKD version of the Eagle Chest Rig is an absolute classic in the world of tactical gear and it was the very first chest rig that I ever bought. The only complaint that I ever had with it was that the shoulder straps had too much padding and I would prefer an H-harness. Those happen to be the exact issues that the new PIG CR-UTV-MS Upgrade Straps address.

The PIG CR-UTV-MS Upgrade Straps bring some additional features and functionality versus the original straps. They are non-padded which helps keep your shoulders clear for the butt of your rifle and backpack straps and they can be converted to H-harness configuration with the addition of a PIG CR H-Harness Kit. They also feature elastic loops that can be used to route comm wires or hydration tubes.

There are tons of these chest rigs out there in the hands of shooters and I suspect that a lot of them will really appreciate the features of the new PIG CR-UTV-MS Upgrade Straps. Check out the PIG CR-UTV-MS Upgrade Straps on SKDTAC.com.

Jogging and Personal Protection

By on May 19, 2012 in Survival, Tactics and Training

One of the all time best ways to get some great exercise is to go for a run. However, while you’re out there pounding pavement and sucking wind you must understand your vulnerability and take steps to protect yourself.

A small frame revolver can be a great jogging gun with the right holster.

I’ve been a distance jogger for over ten years and fortunately my worst stories of danger on the road include only some unfriendly aggressive dogs and rude drivers. Unfortunately, others have experienced much worse such as abduction, rape, and murder and even death by wild animals or packs of vicious dogs. We haven’t even discussed the threat from all the inattentive drivers on the roadway.

I found this recent news story to be particularly disturbing reference a 60 year old jogger being gunned down apparently at random while standing on a street corner in a Kansas City suburb. Police have reason to believe that a gang initiation maybe a possible motive. There is probably little or nothing that this poor man could have done differently to protect himself from such a senseless, savage attack. The rest of us should reflect on this chilling tragedy and make a renewed effort to to sharpen one of our best weapons, situational awareness.

Avoidance is often the best protection and it’s easiest to accomplish if you can see the trouble coming from a long ways away. How about head phones? Many people probably can’t imagine going on a run without listening to music, but I think most would agree that by “tuning in” to your grooves you greatly diminish your awareness.

Everybody is going to approach this unique aspect of personal protection differently and while carrying a pistol while jogging maybe a great option for some it is not going to be realistic for all. This is one of the few legitimate times to use that fanny pack for concealed carry! A can of OC/CS spray might also be another great option for dealing with pesky dogs. Regardless of whether or not you choose to carry any type of a weapon while out for a run, think through your route and consider any way possible to be more alert and mitigate threats.

Look for a review of the some running holster options coming soon on JTT.

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