The fielding of the ACOG/Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) a decade ago was a game changer. For the first time in U.S. military history, our troops had ready issue to a magnified optic that allowed identification and interdiction of targets that would have challenged the proven M16A2-series iron sights. This played to significant advantage in the
Whether you are military personnel on a transport detail of a high-value target, a law enforcement officer patrolling the wrong side of town, or an average citizen in an ambush carjacking, knowing in-vehicle firearms tactics may be the difference in a life-or-death situation. Unfortunately, this aspect of self defense and firearms work is probably the
[Editor’s Note: The graphic photos accompanying this article are not shown for gratuitous or sensationalistic purposes, but rather to validate the fact that numerous shots may be needed against a determined adversary.] The term “One Shot, One Kill” became a semi motto in the sniper community sometime in the early 1970s. The term was used
What makes S.W.A.T. Magazine different from all others is its laser-like focus on individual preparation for conflict and crisis. It makes no apology for this and is why it is immensely popular. While reading a magazine will never replace hands-on training, it is a great way to get motivated for “the journey,” which involves task-specific
My Dad and Grandpa were peace officers and carried a gun every day. I grew up watching them, and guns were never hidden. Living on farms and ranches, we always had a small rifle in the truck for rabbits or predators that we might come across. We butchered all our own meat, and I grew
I first fired the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle (GSR) chambered in .308 Winchester at a Ruger writers’ seminar at Gunsite shortly before it was officially introduced in 2011. It was love at first, er, shot, and I ended up buying the rifle I tested. Later that year, my grandson Austin, then 11 years old, took
Early one December morning, the Vance County, North Carolina dispatcher received a 911 call from a teenage girl reporting that she was hiding in a closet. Intruders had smashed the glass out of the back door and were downstairs, and her 14-year-old brother was guarding the upstairs hallway with a shotgun.
Almost 30 years ago, my wife and I were visited by her then 66-year-old father. As a young Marine, he had served in the Pacific in World War II. Among his decorations were a Navy Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart. On the second day of his visit, he asked me if I would take
The popularity of the Apple iPhone®, iPod® and iPad cannot be overstated. They are quickly becoming the preferred handheld devices of military and law enforcement as well. The U.S. Department of Defense has officially approved Apple devices running iOS 6 or later to access its secure government networks. Android® devices are also making inroads. DoD
