Other Tactics & Training | S.W.A.T. Magazine

THE FIRECLEAN GUN: Three More Years of Testing

Spoiler alert: Test rifle motoring along at just under 10,000 rounds. FIREClean is one of the market leaders in the new wave of high- performance, non-toxic firearm lubricants. In 2016, I wrote about a test where I took a milspec Bravo Company Mfg upper receiver… Read More

COOL ON THE RANGE, DEAD ON THE STREET: A Hard Look at Shooting Techniques, Part II

If you have read part I of Cool on the Range, Dead on the Street (June 2018 S.W.A.T.), you know I am not a fan of any techniques that may slow you down in a gunfight. I discussed why the power stroking method is the slowest method for chambering… Read More

KNOCK, KNOCK: Ballistic Breaching with Shotguns

Marines with Special Reaction Team breach entryway using M1014 joint service combat shotgun at Camp Hansen. Through continuous training, team maintains readiness required to respond to wide range of emergencies with speed, proficiency, and effectiveness. Photo: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jose D. Lujano… Read More

CLOSE-QUARTERS KNIFE ATTACKS: Red Zone Threat Management Knife Defense Program

“If some skeevy guy attacks me with a knife, I will simply draw my pistol and shoot him.” Good luck with that, unless said knife-wielding miscreant is well beyond contact distance, intoxicated, stupid, or just wants to die (“suicide by cop”). Most assaults involving edged… Read More

CLOSE-QUARTERS BATTLE: You’re Doing It Wrong

U.S. Army’s base element for CQB relies on a four-man team. During the height of fighting in Iraq in the mid-2000s, SF found the four-man stack lacking when faced with real close-quarters combat. Photo: courtesy DOD Stacking up—entering a room to conduct close-quarters battle (CQB)—is… Read More

GET THE MOST FLASHBANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Training With Distraction Devices

Step, look, pull, throw. Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl provides cover while Max Joseph, director of TFTT Direct Action Group, deploys flashbang into shoot house. Goal in training is realistic simulation. Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam… Read More

TRAIN YOUR WEAK STUFF: Precision Rifle at Thunder Ranch

On the firing line at Thunder Ranch. Clint Smith is seated at top left. Most guys I know train (or just practice) the stuff they’re good at. They’ll go to the range and run some drills, the ones they like, blow up a bunch of… Read More

MENTAL TOUGHNESS: Fighting Edge for Women

With home invasions an ongoing threat and police response delayed by distance, practice hiding behind cover, which will stop some penetration of incoming fire. Be prepared for the unexpected both mentally and physically. Play acting room clearance will heighten your… Read More

MENTORING NEW SHOOTERS: Training the Next Generation

Family of shooters enjoy learning safe, responsible use of firearms during family outing. We’ve all seen Internet videos of someone trying a high-powered gun for the first time. Often it ends with an incident of “scope-eye,” a bruised shoulder, dropped weapon, or busted lip. These… Read More

TRAINING AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD Firearms Instruction, Alaska Style

A day on patrol in Kaktovik. Station, warming, one each, field expedient. Nothing like prone shooting at ten below. SIG MCX with SIG silencer was reliable and acceptably accurate. Read More