January 2015

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Twist for the Close Fight: SureFire Rapid Transition Sights

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… Read More

Riding Shotgun: Fighting From Vehicles

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… Read More

One Shot, One Kill: A Contradiction in Terms

[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… Read More

Make Ready!: Ready Line Training Facility

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… Read More

Lawful Carry: The Shootist

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… Read More

All-Around Utility: Ruger .223 Gunsite Scout Rifle

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,… Read More

Good Guys Win!: Second Amendment in Action

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. Read More

Briefing Room: Rehabilitated Gun Snob

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… Read More

Tactical NAV: Military-Grade Navigation for Handheld Devices

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. Read More