Gear - SWAT Survival | Weapons

Lawful Carry: DeSantis New York Undercover Rig

byFlint Hansen
July 7, 2016
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When I was growing up, it was perfectly normal to see adults wearing a weapon. My Dad, Grandpa and Uncle were all peace officers before I was born. It was not until I was in grade school that I realized not everyone carried a gun.

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Offbeat: Hot Lead and Human Health

Elemental lead is an integral part of modern life. There are untold tons of lead in our car batteries. Lead was in the paint used in most American houses up until 1978, and it remains in contaminated soil pretty much forever. The CDC estimates that about half a million American kids between the ages of one and five already have dangerously high blood lead levels.

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The Cutting Edge: Spartan Blades Velos EDC Lapel Dagger/Tool

Spartan Blades, LLC, was founded by two retired U.S. Army Special Forces NCOs with the singular mission to “manufacture finely crafted tactical and field knives.” Curtis V. Iovito and Mark Carey, co-founders of Spartan Blades, bring a combined 43 years of infantry and military special operations experience to their innovative and functional knives. Spartan Blades are now in use with SOF operators around the globe.

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Offbeat: MTM Tactical Magazine Cans

byDenny Hansen
June 6, 2016
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When I plan a trip to the range, I preload magazines to make the most of my time while there. I follow the same procedure when attending a course, as it allows me to spend time hydrating or maybe jump back on the line if there’s an empty slot on a relay.

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Frontline Debriefs: Gear You “Need”

In today’s world of ever-advancing technology and equipment in every aspect of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the “latest and greatest” hype. This is readily apparent as it relates to those who are in the business of keeping the peace and holding the line between good and evil.

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The Cutting Edge: KA-BAR Ek Model 4

byEugene Nielsen
April 30, 2016
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The John Ek Commando Knife Company has a long and distinguished history. Since John Ek founded the company in 1941, Ek knives have been battle proven in six major conflicts by American personnel. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, General George S. Patton, Jr. and Captain Clark Gable were among the proud owners of Ek Commando Knives during World War II.

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AR Magazines: Separating the Good From the Bad

byJeff Gurwitch
April 29, 2016
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No matter how much money you spend on an AR, if you want it to run reliably, you must use quality magazines. This sounds like common sense, but many times I have found shooters using old, worn-out or low-quality magazines. It’s frustrating to watch a shooter fight through clearing a double feed only to re-insert the same magazine, potentially setting himself up for another double feed. (Not the ideal technique in the middle of a gunfight.)

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Long Guns: Meprolight FRBS Back-Up Iron Sights

byLeroy Thompson
April 29, 2016
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In any case, if you use optical sights on your M4 or other combat carbine, I highly recommend that a set of BUIS (Back-Up Iron Sights) be installed. I use Trijicon, ELCAN, EOTech, and Aimpoint optical sights because I test a lot of carbines and like to stay familiar with the optical sights I’m likely to encounter.

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Lawful Carry: Raven Concealment Systems Gear

byFlint Hansen
March 29, 2016
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Whenever I evaluate a holster for S.W.A.T., I wear it for at least three to four weeks, so I can present an honest, informed opinion. Those I find too bulky, of poor quality, or just plain uncomfortable for extended wear get thrown in a box. You won’t read about them here, as there is no sense in wasting ink on something I can’t truthfully recommend.

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Smart HD Optic: ATN X-Sight HD

byPaul Hantke
February 29, 2016
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I’ll begin this report with the one shortcoming of the American Technologies Network (ATN) X-Sight day/night scopes: they do not have an on-board laser rangefinder. That said, let me explain why I consider this a minor issue. If we get in the “Way Back” machine and plant ourselves a few decades in the past, we’ll discover there are lots of ways to closely estimate shooting distances.