Jerking the Trigger

Second Class Citizens

By Matt on April 20, 2013 in Guns

This isn’t meant to be a “woe is me” post and it isn’t necessarily anything new but there have been 3 events in the last week that I think give us a window into the future of what gun owners can expect. This was a week of stunning, though likely temporary, legislative victories for gun owners. However, those who would prefer your rights be removed may not need legislation enfore their agenda. If you own a gun, you will be vilified or made out to be a second class citizen just for exercising a right so intrinsic to man that it is enumerated in The Bill of Rights.

First, an 8th grade student was suspended from school and arrested on two charges, obstruction and disturbing the education process. What was his crime? He wore an NRA t-shirt to school that depicted an AR-15. His First Amendment rights were violated out of distaste for his Second Amendment rights.

The T-shirt in question (WOWK screenshot)

Second, Lights Out Saga approached Indiegogo in advance of utilizing their crowd funding platform and was told “we could offer firearm and tactical accessories as gifts for donations without violating their no-weapons policy; as long as it did not consist of firearms, knives or accessories that were regulated by law.” However, after they started the campaign “Indiegogo changed their position and stated we could no longer offer items such as optics, firearm accessories or flashlights if they originated from tactical suppliers.” Make no mistake. It is Indiegogo’s right to run their business however they please, but this highlights the way certain items and groups can be treated even though they are perfectly legal to own.

The final incident lit Facebook on fire yesterday. 4 firearm related pages, including our friends at AR15News.com, were removed from Facebook without explanation. In the case of AR15News.com it meant the loss of several years worth of work to build a page to 50K followers. An article at an internet “news” site surfaced that called attention to the fact that these pages had run giveaways that included firearms. These giveaways (at least in the case of AR15News.com) were run within the terms and conditions set forth by Facebook but they must have offended someone’s delicate sensibilities. Again, it is certainly the right of Facebook to run their business however they please, but this too highlights the second class citizen status of gun owners.

So, what does this all mean to you? It means that the once esteemed gun culture in this country is eroding but it is not lost. It means that if you are not contacting your representatives to let them know that we are numerous and we are paying attention, then we are losing. It also means that if you are helping introduce new people to their birthright of responsible firearm ownership, we are losing. It means that if you aren’t respectfully engaging people in conversations about your 2nd Amendment rights, we are losing. Be calm. Be respectful. Be informed. Be ready. Don’t give up our birthright without a fight.

Note: AR15News.com has set up a new Facebook Page. Help them rebuild by giving them a “Like.”

Haley Strategic Partners D3 Chest Rig

By Matt on April 20, 2013 in Tactical Gear

Haley Strategic Partners (HSP) released their new D3 Chest Rig yesterday. Keen eyed readers will notice right away that it is a collaboration with Extreme Gear Labs (EGL).

The new D3 Chest Rig has 4 primary magazine pouches that can carry AR-15, AK-74, or AK-47 magazines. It has 2 secondary magazine pouches that can accept single or double stack magazines, flashlights, multi-tools, or other similarly sized items. There are two general purpose pouches that are sized to accept the HSP INCOG holster so that the D3 can be used to carry a handgun. It also has an extremely versatile STUFFIT™ pouch which is a very popular option on EGL chest rigs.

The shoulder harness is removable and the D3 can be clipped into a plate carrier like those from Velocity System and Mayflower R&C. The back of the D3 has a large panel that can be removed to reveal a large area of hook material so that it can be adhered to plate carriers that have provisions for such things. It will also work with the Velocity Systems Slick Clip system to secure the sides of the D3 to the carrier.

This looks like a very full featured rig that is very versatile. You can check out the D3 Chest Rig at HaleyStrategic.com.

Media Notices the Return of the Tourniquet

By Matt on April 19, 2013 in EDC, Preparedness, Survival, Tactics and Training

The tourniquet, once misunderstood, is back in a big way and now the media is taking notice. Several outlets like Fox News, The Daily Mail, The Washington Post, Military Times and many others have run stories about the important role that the tourniquet played in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Many of these outlets are reporting the story as if tourniquets are just now back on the scene, but if you have been paying attention, you know that they have been considered a vital part of any trauma kit for quite some time now.

This seems like a good time to bring up that it is important to train with your trauma treatment items like tourniquets. I suggest trying to find a point of wound care type class in your area. It is money well spent. There is also a wealth of knowledge to be found on the internet if you know enough to separate the wheat from the chaff. Pocket Doc from Dark Angel Medical is a solid source and this video is excellent…

Latest News on The Lights Out Saga

By Matt on April 19, 2013 in Preparedness, Survival

The Lights Out Saga was able to raise over $30,000 with their initial crowd funding effort in spite of Indiegogo going back on their word.

This update was shared on The Lights Out Saga Facebook Page:

“As many of you know, a few weeks ago we began our Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for the film. This initial thirty-day campaign ends Sunday, and thanks to everyone’s support – the Lights Out Saga film project has raised over $30,000!! Although we will still conduct additional funding campaigns, unfortunately we’ll no longer be able to utilize Indiegogo for our continued efforts.

Before starting our campaign, Indiegogo informed us we could offer firearm and tactical accessories as gifts for donations without violating their no-weapons policy; as long as it did not consist of firearms, knives or accessories that were regulated by law. Shortly after beginning our campaign, Indiegogo changed their position and stated we could no longer offer items such as optics, firearm accessories or flashlights if they originated from tactical suppliers. Since the bulk of our sponsors and their contributions fell within these categories, the shift in requirements by Indiegogo severely limited our ability to offer many of the gifts provided by our corporate supporters. We feel that the unanticipated restrictions resulted in loss of potential donations.

The sudden turnaround of Indiegogo’s prior statements was surprising, and in spite of our protests, they’ve not been willing to honor their earlier assurances. Although we’re very disappointed, another platform will soon be available to continue our campaign. This decision has no bearing on anyone who has contributed! You will still receive the packages you were promised. In fact, your package may include some items we were not able to list with Indiegogo. (For example, those at the higher contribution levels will be receiving some items from our friends at Cold Steel.)

I certainly cannot express how grateful we all are for your support to date! We have been working hard behind the scenes and anticipate some big announcements soon. With that said, we are absolutely committed to working with companies that share our values. We will continue to partner with the right organizations, adjust our partnerships where appropriate, and keep you apprised of any changes”

I thought this part was particularly ridiculous: “Indiegogo changed their position and stated we could no longer offer items such as optics, firearm accessories or flashlights if they originated from tactical suppliers.” Let the absurdity of that wash over you for a minute.

The effort to bring the book to the screen continues in spite of the obstacles. In fact, it appears that the movie has picked up another high profile sponsor. Here is a hint…

The movie also has a new website that features pictures from the upcoming trailer and sponsor information. Be sure to check out newly updated LightsOutSaga.com.

Triple Magazine Shingles from UW Gear

By Matt on April 19, 2013 in Preparedness, Survival, Tactical Gear

Triple Magazine Shingles are now available from UW Gear. They have made the singles and doubles for a while now and I have been pestering them to make triples the entire time. They finally relented – probably just so they didn’t have to listen to me anymore.

These Triple Magazine Shingles use the same innovative flap retention system for which UW Gear is now known. The 3 magazine format is perfect for the front of a plate carrier (most of which have 6×3 fields of PALS webbing on the lower front). They are available for the AR-15/M4/M-16, AK-47, and AK-74 and they come in a ton of different color options.

Check out the Triple Magazine Shingle at UW Gear – AR-15 version and AK versions.

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