News and Information

Aug. 4, 2017

This week on High Caliber Radio we will be debunking some of the insane marksmanship advice found online.  We will also talk about out recent range trip with a Black Aces Tactical style 12 GA Pistol Grip Only Firearm.  We will look at a recent counter attack made by the 2nd Amendment Foundation to protect gun rights and we will also talk about some Concealed Carry law changes and the Supreme Court Ruling on Concealed Carry Permits.

 
Need an excuse to go shooting this month? Probably not, but in case you do, August is National Shooting Sports Month. It’s a 31-day excuse to go shooting. All month long, ranges and retailers across the country are holding events, offering deals and sales, and like we said, it’s simply a great excuse to go shooting. What more motivation do you need? Here are few ways to celebrate:
At ShootingSportsMonth.org you’ll find National Shooting Sports Month events at ranges and retailers across the country. If there’s not an event listed in your area, locate a range near you, or simply head to your favorite spot to get in some trigger time.
Retailers and ranges everywhere are offering a ton of specials during National Shooting Sports Month. Find a participating business near you and take advantage of these offers.
Why not give it a shot? It’s quick and easy to enter the Trigger Time Sweepstakes. Just tell us how you’re celebrating National Shooting Sports Month and you could win some amazing prizes.
There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement on a friend or family member’s face after they take their first shots. Bring someone new to the range and show them what it’s all about. Many ranges are holding events this month geared specifically for first-time shooters.
#LetsGoShooting is the theme of National Shooting Sports Month. Share the hashtag and your experiences on your social media networks, and remind others to give target shooting a try.

 

 

 

Catalyst Arms Announces Bipod Leg Locking Levers

Beaverton, OR – Catalyst Arms, LLC, a firearms accessory company, has introduced ambidextrous Leg Locking Levers to significantly improve the performance of Harris Bipods. Made for the Harris series bipods without “notched” legs, these new Leg Locking Levers allow the shooter to make rapid and efficient leg length adjustments with one hand while behind the rifle. The new Leg Locking Levers easily install on top of the factory leg adjustment knobs. To use in the field, simply pull the leg to the desired height and flip the lever to the locked position with the same hand. To release, simply flip the lever the opposite direction. Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, the new Catalyst Arms Leg Locking Levers are lightweight and install with a single screw without any modification or disassembly of the bipod. With the bipod legs in the folded-up position they are conveniently out of the way to keep from getting hung up on each other or gear. The new Catalyst Arms Leg Locking Levers are now available in black (hard coat anodized), Red (anodized) and Tan (Cerakote®) with an MSRP of $39.95. For more information go to www.catalystarms.com

Wilson Combat Releases The Hackathorn Special Commander

The Hackathorn Special Commander
–
Base Price:
$3,750.00 (.45 ACP)

Renowned firearms trainer and small-arms consultant Ken Hackathorn drew upon decades of practical experience and his vast collection of custom handguns to develop the “Hackathorn Special.” The Commander size version of the Hackathorn Special is geared towards the needs of the concealed carrier who prefers this model’s shorter 4.25″ bushing barrel and full-size frame. The one piece Bullet Proof® magwell, concealment hammer/grip safety, and the versatile medium-length trigger were personally selected by Ken as the best for his needs and are standard on this pistol.

Since this model is well equipped with Ken’s preferred custom options, the only allowable upgrades are ambidextrous safety, choice of front sight and deluxe hand-polish blued finish. Each pistol will have Ken’s signature engraved on the slide.

*Photos may include features and/or upgrades not included in the base price.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Professional-Size Carbon Steel Frame
  • 30 LPI High Cut Checkered Frontstrap
  • Bullet Proof® Round Butt Magazine Well
  • Concealment Bullet Proof® Beavertail Grip Safety and Hammer
  • Tactical Bullet Proof® Thumb Safety
  • 3 ½# – 4 ½# Crisp Trigger Pull with Medium Length Pad
  • Bullet Proof® Magazine Release
  • Black G10 Starburst Flat Bottom Grips
  • Countersunk Slide Stop
  • 4.25″ Carbon Steel Slide
  • Rear Cocking Serrations
  • Heavy Machine Chamfer on Bottom of Slide
  • Battlesight with Fiber Optic Front Sight
  • 4.25″ Stainless Match Grade Barrel and Bushing, Flush Cut Reverse Crown
  • Fluted Chamber
  • 30 LPI Slide Top Serrations
  • 40 LPI Serrated Rear of Slide
  • Ball Endmill Cuts
  • Lightweight Frame Upgrade Available

FEATURES

  • Available Calibers: .45 ACP, 9mm
  • Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds (.45 ACP)
  • Barrel Length: 4.25″
  • Overall Length: 7.85″
  • Sight Radius: 5.95″
  • Height: 5.6″
  • Width: 1.3″
  • Weight Empty: 38.2 oz.
  • Weight Loaded: 44.8 oz.
  • Accuracy Guarantee: 1.5″ at 25 yds

The Hackathorn Special Commander
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5p76U1DE-w
High-Resolution Photos: https://dca1.box.com/s/ize3wwgxvc9ca530u1xu97u8rk86uiz3
More Information: https://www.wilsoncombat.com/hackathorncommander/

Kahr Introduces Two Pistols in Black Carbon Fiber

Greeley, PA – Kahr, the leader in technology and innovation, proudly introduces two of their most popular pistols in a practical, yet attractive, polymer Black Carbon Fiber frame. New for 2017 are the CW38333BCF and the CT9093BCF.

The attractive and classic Black Carbon Fiber finish was first introduced last year when Kahr presented it in their CW9093BCF. The finish on the two new pistols comes in a polymer carbon fiber weave pattern which provides a 3-D dimensional appearance to the pistol while also providing a textured grip that ensures a firmer hold in the hand. The slide is matte stainless steel.

The CW3833BCF model comes in a .380 ACP caliber and features a 2.58″ barrel with conventional rifling, an overall length of 4.96″, and a height of 3.9″ and weighs just 10.2 oz. The CT9093BCF comes in a 9mm caliber and features a 4″ barrel, an overall length of 6.5″ a height of 5.08″ and weighs just 18.5 oz. Both models offer a trigger cocking DAO, lock-breach, “Browning-type” recoil lug, and a passive striker block with no magazine disconnect. Capacity is 6+1 in the CW380 and 8+1 in the CT9 version. Both pistols feature a white three-dot sight. The MSRP on the CT9093BCF is $485 and the CW3833BCF is $439.

For more information about these models, please go to www.kahr.com or check with your local gun shop. All Kahr products are proudly made in the USA.

TRUGLO Announces Handgun Sight Rebate Program

TRUGLO, Inc., a leader in innovative technology for firearm accessories, has just announced their 2017 Rebate offer, Carry Your Handgun Out of the Dark Ages, on their extensive line of handgun sights. This offer is valid for purchases made August 1 – December 31, 2017.

With many major firearms manufacturers offering incentive programs to purchase handguns, TRUGLO expands the trend with a consumer rebate on the number one upgrade that transforms a basic pistol into a great one—a new set of premium sights. If you shoot competitively, just for fun, or carry daily for personal protection, TRUGLO has sights that accommodate your shooting preference. Whether you have a newly purchased handgun or have an old favorite that is in need of an upgrade, this rebate program is designed to take your pistol to the next level.

REBATE LEVELS:
$20 REBATE
ALL TFX™ & TFX™ PRO
HANDGUN SIGHT MODELS

$15 REBATE
ALL TRITIUM PRO & TFO™
HANDGUN SIGHT MODELS

$10 REBATE
ALL TRITIUM & FIBER-OPTIC
HANDGUN SIGHT MODELS
(excluding TG965)

PROGRAM DATES:

Valid for purchases from 8/1/2017 through 12/31/2017.
Instructions: Complete and submit the rebate form with proof of purchase. Rebate form and information is available on http://www.truglo.com/content/rebates.asp.

PRODUCTS:
TFX handgun sights utilize TRUGLO’s patented tritium + fiber-optic xtreme technology, providing a 3-dot aiming system that is bright in daylight as well as low light and complete darkness. TFX technology also uses a sealed capsule design, press-fit retention rings, and Fortress Finish™ that make the sights incredibly durable and resistant to chemicals and solvents that can damage unprotected sights.

TFX PRO uses the same innovative technology, but with a few additional features including: a U-notch rear sight for increased speed and accuracy, a bright orange FOCUS•LOCK ring on the front sight, and a forward-angled rear sight profile to assist in emergency one-hand slide operation.

TRITIUM PRO: Simply put, TRUGLO® manufactures bright ideas. Starting with the brightness and durability of the original TRITIUM night sights, they added all of their PRO level features to give you the advantage when you need it the most.

TFO®: When you need to make a fast and accurate shot, brightness counts. TRUGLO brought fiber-optics to the shooting sports industry years ago for this very reason. They have paired them with tritium night sights to create a consistently bright sight picture–day or night! The patented combination of Tritium and Fiber-optic technologies unites the best of both worlds. Whether you are in glaring daylight or complete darkness, you can count on TFO® to provide a bright and reliable sight picture.

For more information about TRUGLO®
products, visit http://www.truglo.com

Trailblazer Firearms Launches .22 Compact

Nestled in the hills of North Carolina, a new firearms start-up launches LifeCard®, a truly innovative .22 LR in a super-compact, no-snag design that folds to the size of a credit card.

Asheville, N.C. (August 2017) – As far as business start-ups in the firearms industry go, Trailblazer® Firearmsis taking a different path. The newly formed company, headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, is proud to announce the launch of their first firearm, LifeCard®, “the last gun you’ll leave behind.”

LifeCard® is a .22 LR single-action, single-shot folding pistol, no bigger than a credit card when folded. The sleek, no-snag designed pistol’s frame and grip handle is constructed from fully-machined aluminum billet and hard-coat black anodized. The tilt-up barrel, bolt and trigger are made of steel with an Isonite® finish for corrosion resistance.

“Trailblazer Firearms fully intends to spearhead innovative new firearms products starting with the LifeCard®, available later this month,” Aaron Voigt, President of Trailblazer Firearms, explained “New designs and true innovation have been the exception and our goal is to be the pioneer laying new trails for gun enthusiasts, designers and manufacturers.”

Voigt, one of six kids, was raised to love the outdoors and respect the American tradition of firearms and hunting in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. At 18 he joined the USMC Reserve, M Battery, 14th Marine Regiment in Chattanooga, Tennessee and rose to the rank of Lance Corporal. In the early 1990’s, Voigt transferred inter-service to the Army for active duty and was deployed to Kuwait and advanced to Specialist E-4. After a stint in South Korea, Voigt separated from the military and returned his family to his beloved mountains where he shifted careers.

Always the gun enthusiast, in 2010 Voigt hit upon an idea of a unique pistol. The idea slowly became a dream and a long drawn out reality as Voigt tackled the jungle of patents, trademarks, prototyping, machining, licensing, marketing and more. Now, seven years later, the dream that started as a sketch on a piece of paper can be held in the hand, aimed down range and fired.

“Initially, I had no idea that going from concept to actual product would take seven years, but in essence, that time spent was valuable and will show in every aspect of this remarkable product. I am looking forward to putting this pistol on the market and can’t thank my family and friends enough for all the support and patience,” Voigt said. “We expect product to hit our distributors, Ellett Brothers and Jerry’s Sport Center, in about three weeks. We look forward to the feedback from our customers regarding our initial product offering and look forward to continually innovating new products.”

Trailblazer LifeCard Specifications:

Caliber: .22LR

Action: Single-Action, Single-Shot

Length: 3.375 inches

Height: 2.125 inches

Width: 0.5 inches

Weight: > 7 oz.

Barrel: Steel, Tilt-Up

Frame: Aluminum (includes folding handle)

Features: Ambidextrous, built-in safety features, ammo storage in handle for 4 rounds

For more information on Trailblazer Firearms, visit www.trailblazerfirearms.com and stay in the conversation on Facebook.

About Trailblazer Firearms:

Trailblazer Firearms, headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, was founded in 2014 to design, develop, manufacture and market innovative American-made firearms. www.trailblazerfirearms.com

Trailblazer Firearms
800 Fairview Rd., Suite 132
Asheville, NC 28803
P: 828-676-3111
www.trailblazerfirearms.com

FLIR Introduces FLIR ThermoSight® Pro Series Thermal Weapon Sights

FLIR Boson Camera Core Powers New Thermal Line with Advanced Image Processing

WILSONVILLE, OR – FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) today announced three rifle-mounted thermal imaging sights as part of the new FLIR ThermoSight Pro Series. Powered by the high-performance 12-micron pixel pitch FLIR Boson™ thermal camera core, the ThermoSight Pro sights expand upon the FLIR ThermoSight line and sets a new standard in thermal image quality and features for the tactical and outdoor enthusiast markets.
The FLIR ThermoSight Pro Series is powered by the FLIR Boson thermal camera core, which delivers smaller, lighter optics with increased image performance and range. Featuring on-chip video processing and an uncompressed video signal fed directly to a high-definition 1280×960 display, the FLIR ThermoSight Pro Series offers improved object detection and classification in the field and clean thermal imagery in any light – from low contrast daylight to total darkness – or through smoke, haze and light fog.

Available in three configurations, the FLIR ThermoSight Pro Series packs greater levels of performance and functionality into a compact and lightweight housing. Each FLIR ThermoSight Pro offers 320×256 thermal resolution, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB-C connectivity, and user-controlled imaging palettes and image enhancement filters. Onboard recording allows for the internal storage of up to two hours of video or 1,000 JPEG images. All FLIR ThermoSight Pro models also feature a digital compass and inclinometer.

The initial offering in the series, the FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS233, features a reticle pattern using patent-pending High-Visibility Technology (HVT), which displays crisp iconology and graphic overlays over virtually all backgrounds.

FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS233 – 19-millimeter (mm) lens, 4X digital zoom and 12-degree field-of-view
FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS533 – 50 mm lens, 4X digital zoom and 4.5-degree field-of-view
FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS733 – 75 mm lens, 4X digital zoom and 3-degree field-of-view

“The FLIR ThermoSight Pro Series provides feature-rich functionality to offer the sporting, law enforcement and tactical markets a weapon sight with superior thermal imaging technology,” says Dmitry Rocklin, Vice President of FLIR Outdoor and Tactical Systems. “This new Boson-based thermal weapon sight series represents the most advanced recreational scope line for FLIR, setting the bar for size, weight, power, and performance.”

The FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS233 is available now in the U.S. at $2,199 MSRP through established FLIR dealers. The FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS533 and FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS733 will be available later this year. For more information about the ThermoSight Pro series, visit http://www.flir.com/TSPRO.
High-res imagery and product datasheet available here.

About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. FLIR’s advanced systems and components are used for a wide variety of thermal imaging, situational awareness, and security applications, including airborne and ground-based surveillance, condition monitoring, navigation, recreation, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, drug interdiction, transportation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) threat detection. For more information, visit FLIR’s web site at www.FLIR.com.

Mike Callahan

The Objectively Reasonable Officer

with Mike Callahan

Why bullet size matters in officer-involved shootings

A shootout that killed multiple FBI agents underscores the need for cops to use bullets that will neutralize an adversary as quickly as possible

Aug 2, 2017

The 1986 FBI Miami shootout between eight FBI agents and two serial bank robbers was the deadliest and most violent shootout in FBI history.

Following the incident, significant changes were made to the firepower carried by agents, the body armor they wore and the incident response training they received.

In their book, “Defense of Self and Others,” FBI firearms training experts John Hall and Urey Patrick (ret.), provide a detailed description of the incident and review the critical importance of choosing the appropriate duty-carry handgun rounds for police officers.

Law enforcement officials survey the scene of a shootout in which two FBI agents were killed and multiple other agents wounded, April 12, 1986. (AP Photo/Bill Cooke)
Law enforcement officials survey the scene of a shootout in which two FBI agents were killed and multiple other agents wounded, April 12, 1986. (AP Photo/Bill Cooke)

What happened during the shootout on April 11, 1986

During the shootout, Special Agent Jerry Dove fired a lightweight, high-velocity 9mm round that struck murder/armored car robbery suspect Michael Lee Platt in the upper right arm.

The round severed Platt’s brachial artery, passing through the arm into his chest and almost entirely through his right lung. Doctors later determined that this round was not survivable. However, the round stopped just short of entering Platt’s heart/aorta, only penetrating his torso about six or seven inches.

After receiving this wound, Platt initiated a devastating attack upon the surrounding FBI agents, killing two (including Agent Dove) and severely wounding two more. Platt was killed at the end of the gunfight, but not before unleashing deadly mayhem. If Agent Dove’s bullet had entered Platt’s heart, he would have perished quickly, before launching his life-ending assault.

Bullet-Wound Factors in Officer-Involved Shootings

In his 1989 treatise, “Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness,”  Supervisory Special Agent Urey Patrick explained that the goal of an officer in a life-threatening shooting incident is to incapacitate the adversary as quickly as possible. The only way to ensure immediate incapacitation is to shoot the adversary in the brain or upper spinal cord (i.e., central nervous system).

During a dynamic gun battle with erratic movement by both officer and adversary, this requires extraordinary marksmanship or, more likely, pure luck. The only other way to end an adversary’s life-threatening action is through circulatory collapse.

Circulatory collapse results from massive bleeding caused by bullet wounds primarily to the heart, other major organs or major blood vessels of the torso. Circulatory collapse will result in significant deprivation of oxygen to the brain. This can take several seconds to several minutes or even longer. In this dangerous time period, an officer’s adversary can continue his deadly actions against an officer. Patrick points out that there is sufficient oxygen in the brain to support voluntary, life-threatening actions against an officer for 10 to 15 seconds after the heart has been destroyed.

Because of the dynamic and chaotic nature of officer-involved shootings, officers are trained to shoot at center mass of an assailant’s torso from whatever side/angle of the torso that presents itself. The FBI Training Division reported in May 2014 that officers, on average, strike an adversary with only 20 percent to 30 percent of the shots fired during a shooting incident.

Moreover, law enforcement shootings typically result in only one or two solid torso hits on adversaries. Because head shots are rare and extremely difficult, and torso hits are likewise difficult and do not result in immediate incapacitation, choosing handgun bullets for officers is a critically important task. The better the bullet and the shot placement of an officer, the more likely the officer will go home after a shooting.

Handgun Bullet-Wounding Factors: Myth and Reality

The idea that a bullet has the power to knock an adversary to the ground is a Hollywood myth. Patrick explains in his treatise that, “A bullet simply cannot knock a man down. If it had the energy to do so, then equal energy would be applied against the shooter (i.e., recoil) and he too would be knocked down. The amount of energy deposited in the body by a bullet is approximately equivalent to being hit with a baseball.”

Because bullet strikes to the torso will not immediately incapacitate an adversary and will not knock him to the ground, police officers need to use bullets that will neutralize an adversary as quickly as possible.

Patrick’s treatise outlines the following factors to consider regarding handgun bullets:

  • Body Penetration: To be effective, an officer’s bullet must reliably penetrate the soft body tissue of an adversary at least 12 inches whether it expands (e.g., hollow point) or not. Patrick states that penetration of up to 18 inches is preferable.
  • Permanent Cavity: This is the space within the body of an adversary that has been permanently created through tissue destruction caused by the bullet’s passage through the suspect’s body. Simply put, it is the hole in the body left by the passage of the bullet. The permanent cavity includes the length and width of the bullet’s path inside the body. It likewise includes the amount of body tissue destroyed, including blood vessel and organ tissue destruction. If circulatory collapse occurs, it will be the result of body damage along the permanent cavity.
  • Temporary Cavity: This is the temporary expansion (not destruction) of tissue around the permanent cavity that is briefly created by the stretching of that tissue due to the kinetic energy from the bullet passing through the body. Because the velocity of handgun rounds is relatively slow, the impact upon tissue surrounding the permanent cavity is of little or no consequence regarding wound impact.
  • Fragmentation: This involves pieces of the bullet breaking up and secondary fragments, such as pieces of bone, which are impelled outward from the permanent cavity. Fragmentation of any significance “does not reliably occur in handgun wounds due to the relatively low velocities of handgun bullets.”

Accordingly, the best handgun rounds will reliably cause a permanent cavity that will penetrate the soft tissue of an adversary between 12 and 18 inches. Penetration of this length and the tissue, blood vessel and organ damage/destruction that follows is vital to circulatory collapse.

Patrick states that “since vital organs are located deep within the body, it should be obvious that to ignore penetration and permanent cavity is to ignore the only proven means of damaging or disrupting vital organs.” Remember it is massive blood loss that causes circulatory collapse. Massive blood loss is much more likely with deep penetration and damage to vital organs.

The FBI Chooses the 9mm Bullet

In my book “Lethal Force and the Objectively Reasonable Officer,” I point out that after the FBI shootout in Miami, the FBI Firearms Training Unit, under the leadership of Unit Chief John Hall, tested 9mm, 10mm and .45 caliber rounds.

The tests resulted in the selection in 1989 of the 10mm bullet as the most effective and accurate round for FBI agents to carry.

The FBI subsequently transitioned from revolvers to semi auto .40 caliber handguns with S&W .40 caliber bullets (a slightly shorter version of the 10mm round).

This remained the norm in the FBI until May 2014. In September 2014, LooserRounds posted an article titled FBI Training Division Justifies 9mm Caliber Selection. This post reported that the FBI Training Division had reevaluated which handgun round was best for FBI agents and reached the following conclusions:

  • For a bullet to be effective for law enforcement, it must be able to penetrate the body between 12 and 18 inches to reach large vital organs to cause rapid blood loss.
  • In each of the three most common law enforcement handgun calibers (9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 Auto), there are some projectiles that have a high likelihood of success for officers (i.e., all three are very effective).
  • 9mm Luger now offers select projectiles that are, under identical testing conditions, outperforming most premium line .40 S&W and .45 Auto projectiles tested by the FBI.
  • 9mm Luger offers greater magazine capacity and less recoil/more weapon control at a lower cost.
  • A majority of FBI shooters are both faster and more accurate using 9mm Luger versus .40 S&W rounds.
  • There is little or no noticeable difference in wound tracks between 9mm Luger, .40 S&W and .45 Auto premium line rounds.

The 2014 FBI Training Division Report stated that the FBI had chosen the 9mm bullet (147 grain Speer Gold Dot G2) for FBI agents to carry because, “The 9mm provides struggling shooters the best chance of success while improving the speed and accuracy of the most skilled shooters.”

In reaching this conclusion, the FBI appeared to give too little weight to the tissue-crushing ability of the larger projectiles (.40 S& W; .45 Auto).

The original FBI testing of bullets conducted in the late 1980s involved testing the Winchester 147 grain subsonic hollow point 9mm round, the Remington 185 grain hollow point .45 round and a 10mm 180 grain hollow point round.

The test results disclosed that the .45 round displaced an average of 4.22 cubic inches of tissue, the 10mm round 4.11 cubic inches and the 9mm round 2.82 cubic inches.

The earlier FBI testing left no doubt that tissue displacement was greater with the larger rounds. Greater tissue displacement is likely to lead to more blood loss. It is also logical to assume that when the larger round enters a major body organ, the negative impact upon that organ will be more significant.

If a 9mm bullet barely misses the heart or aorta of an adversary, but the heart or aorta of that same person is creased by the slightly larger .40 or .45 caliber round, it can be said with conviction that bullet diameter, expanding or not, really does matter.

The FBI has made a pragmatic decision that the 147 grain 9mm bullet is the best bullet for its agents because it allows for more rounds in the handgun. It has less recoil, is less expensive and its penetration apparently compares favorably with the larger-sized rounds. It enables struggling shooters to attain better weapon control/shot placement, and permits skilled shooters to be faster and more accurate.

I do not argue with this decision; however, I believe agents who can control the larger weapons/bullets without a problem should have the choice to carry weapons with the larger bullets. This would give them an edge regarding tissue displacement/destruction during a shooting incident where any advantage, however slight, would be welcome.

I would make the same recommendation to all American law enforcement agencies who are considering a switch to 9mm handguns. They should provide officers who can control the larger weapons a choice about which pistol they are permitted to carry. It is often said in sports talk, that “the game is a game of inches.” This is also true in life and death gun battles like the FBI Miami shootout.

About the author

John M. “Mike” Callahan Jr. served in the field of law enforcement for 44 years. He was appointed as a Special Agent with the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service, appointed as a Special Agent with the FBI and advanced to the position of Chief Division Counsel and handled all legal matters for those FBI Divisions. After his FBI career, Mr. Callahan was hired by the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General and served for several years as a Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Investigations Division before retiring in July 2012.Contact Mike Callahan

 

Ed Brown Products Adds Gunsmith Fit and Carry Grip Safeties

Ed Brown Products® adds Gunsmith Fit and the Carry Grip Safety to their complete line of fully machined 1911 parts.

PERRY, MO – Ed Brown Products, Inc. continues to lead the way meeting the demands of their customers including the professional gunsmith and hobby gunsmith alike. Just off the machine and ready to arrive in a shop near you are two new fully machined grip safeties. The Gunsmith Fit beavertail, with a 0.245″ radius replacing the 0.250″, a wider neck at .0314″, and .002″ extra material per side, allows for the precise fit that you demand. Marked with a single dot inside the next for identification, and fully machined from bar stock to the highest standards, just as you would expect from Ed Brown.
Along side the Gunsmith Fit grip safety, another request was filled by the expert craftsmen. The Carry Grip Safety satisfies the demand for a compact grip safety allows for a more compact profile on your carry pistol. The tail has been reduced by .100″ giving it the absolute minimum dimensions while still allowing the use of a commander style hammer, with no need for a special hammer. Both grip safeties are available in stainless or blue and in 70 or 80 series to meet your needs.

John May, Sales and Marketing Director for Ed Brown Products, said “Again this proves we are listening to our customers and introducing new products that meet their demands. Just like we have for almost 50 years now, we are focused on providing the highest quality products available, with the industry’s best customer service and backed by the only written LIFETIME warranty!”

For more information on these new Machined Grip Safeties, or any of our extensive line of fully machined 1911 parts and our complete line of custom 1911s visit www.edbrown.com. Follow Ed Brown Products on Facebook www.facebook.com/edbrownproducts/, and Instagram at www.instagram.com/edbrownproducts/. Find informational videos on our firearms by visiting our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/c/EdBrownProductsInc.

Inceptor® Component Bullets by PolyCase® Ammunition Now Available at MidwayUSA

Now Available Exclusively at MidwayUSA

SAVANNAH, GA – PolyCase® Ammunition introduces a full line of Inceptor® component bullets for handloaders. Over 40 offerings are now exclusively available at MidwayUSA during the initial introduction and projectiles for self defense, hunting and training will now be offered in calibers from .380 Auto to .50 Beowulf in standard and bulk quantities.

Inceptor’s hallmark bullets—the ARX™—are the backbone of the Preferred Defense™ line. These bullets can be driven faster and feature lighter weights for the ultimate in stopping power. Lower felt-recoil also allows for faster follow-up shots and more hits on target when it matters most. The ARX is non-expanding and engineered for maximum hydraulic displacement and terminal energy transfer.

Adding a Completely New Category
“This is a significant milestone for the PolyCase team,” said CEO and President Paul Lemke. “We have worked very hard to build out our ammunition line under the Inceptor and Ruger® brands to include several lead-free, frangible options for so many applications. Our expansion to component bullets allows us to provide our copper-polymer projectiles proudly made in the United States to additional segments of shooting enthusiasts.

“We’re thrilled that MidwayUSA is the exclusive retailer and has so much confidence in our products. Having them onboard for our launch means shooters across the country will be able to receive these specialized projectiles quickly after the initial introduction.”

Unparalleled Performance
Inceptor injection-molded copper-polymer RNP™ (Round Nose Precision) bullets are made for those interested in training in high volumes with loads that feature lead-free, frangible, flat-shooting and very accurate projectiles.

The SRR™ (Short-Range Rifle) line also delivers unmatched frangibility and allows for the most real-world training experience. Unlike other frangible rifle bullets on the market, SRR offerings allow shooters to practice on hardened steel targets from distances measured in feet rather than yards or meters.

-more-

Handloading hunters are no longer relegated to yesterday’s projectiles. The Inceptor brand Preferred Hunting™ line brings ARX component bullets to the handgun and rifle platforms. These offerings hit hard and bring game down fast with their unique-fluted design that ensures quick energy transfer and helps prevent over-penetration.

All 41 SKUs of the Inceptor brand component bullets are available for purchase now at MidwayUSA. More information can be found at http://www.polycaseammo.com/bullets/ and complete load data can be accessed at http://www.polycaseammo.com/load-data/.

About PolyCase
Founded in 2012, PolyCase® Ammunition designs and manufacturers small arms ammunition and projectiles using the world’s most advanced composite materials and manufacturing methods. Serving domestic and international lines of business, PolyCase is available through fine shooting sports retailers everywhere. Proudly made in the USA, Inceptor®, Ruger® and Umarex® brand ammunition are designed for superior lethality, consistency and performance. For more information about PolyCase visit www.polycaseammo.com.

MANAGING THE INITIAL POLICE CONTACT

One of the things that is incessantly being discussed in the CCW/LEO community is the after-event-discourse. In other words, what do you say…or not, after you have shot and killed an adversary. As expected, the variety of advice is as different as people’s choices in guns and ammo. A prevailing attitude – promulgated by the liability-mongers – is to simply shut up and say nothing under any circumstances.

I disagree and here is why –

I have been in more than a few of these and also investigated quite a few of these. I noted some trends and tried to use those trends to my benefits when it was my turn at the plate.

First is the fact that you are the only one equipped to tell your story.  The bad guys you shot, if they survive, will not be “keeping quiet”. They will be telling the police you pulled your gun on them, perhaps create some appearance of racism if they can exploit it, and generally make it look like you are the over-reacting bad guy. If the police are only hearing one set of supposed facts, and you are not talking, they will write their report with what they have, and rather than being listed as the victim, you will be listed as a suspect.

So picture this scene. Two thugs followed you for some time, maybe yelling threatening stuff at you. While you did your best to avoid the issue, you were unsuccessful in getting away and they pressed the confrontation, attacking you with sufficient force to justify a gun solution.

You shoot one of them, maybe wounding him – maybe killing him, and the other one runs off into the night. You saw the first man drop his pistol in a clump of ivy and the other man throw his knife on a rooftop as he ran away.

You immediately call 911 and give a very cryptic account of what happened…”there has been a shooting…I’m the victim…send help”.  So far so good.

In the meantime, one of the assailants…the one who got away, is also calling. His story is a little different. According to him you called them “Dirty Ghetto Dwellers”, and pulled your gun on them, shooting his buddy. As far as the police know…they got two calls. One a cryptic call, from someone who seemed to be concealing something, and another reporting what amounts to a racial hate crime by a right wing Nazi.  Now granted, they have been to that “area” before and they are forming an opinion about what really happened…but that is not enough.

They arrive on scene and after controlling the event, ask you what happened.

What you do now will have a bearing on the rest of your life.  But understand the backdrop of events.  You will get all manner of conflicting advice…specially from Youtube experts.  Everyone has an agenda.  My only agenda here, since I am not a lawyer, nor do I do any expert witness acts, is simply to tell you what I think after many shootings, homicide investigations, court room testimony, wrongful death lawsuits, and investigations for civil rights violations…all against me.

The guys who advocate saying nothing will not be able to point to the two weapons which were discarded…and which will disappear as soon as the scene is cleared. The police may not even look for them since no one told them they were in existence. No one will tell them you are a good guy who was a victim of a racially motivated beat-down robbery, as the ONLY info paints you in a horrible light.

Sure…you’ll have a lawyer…but all of the evidence the police may have collected will no longer be available, and the investigation will not have been an even and equal one, but rather one where you alone are presumed to be the suspect.

See the point?? I know a man who did just that…kept his mouth shut because of what a shooting instructor advised him to do and he spent several weeks in jail, had two criminal trials, and was  facing a civil suit from one of his attackers.  All because he decided to say nothing rather than something.

Is it hard to control your mouth? Yes it is. But no harder than to control your trigger finger, your desire to drink to excess, or to control the vertical displacement of your zipper.  Part of being a man is the ability to control yourself so rather than waste your energy on fantasy football, spend it on learning self control.  Self control is a learned thing and must be practiced daily.

What I have done in the past, and what I teach my students is this.

At the first phone call, identify yourself as the victim.  Say it, “I am the Victim”.

At the initial contact with Law Enforcement give a very limited statement, focusing on the actions of the bad guys, reiterating what they did – or tried to do to you.  This is where that “gentleman” persona will pay off dividends.  A Raylan Givens will be treated differently than a Dewey Crowe.  If at some point you want a “time out”, and that is not a bad idea for true medical reasons as well as to simply catch your breath, collect your thoughts, and make any additional calls, it is a simple matter to ask for medical attention due to head ache, racing heart, etc.

Say something like this –

“Officer. I am glad you are here. Thank God. You saved my life from these guys”

“I am a good guy. I am the victim.  I was minding my own business on my way home when those two guys attacked me.”

“The one in the blue shirt had a knife. He threw it up there on the roof as he ran away down the alley. There should be some blood on it from my arm when I blocked his attempt to stab me.”

“The guy on the gurney was armed with a pistol. He dropped it right there in that pile of ivy when he fell.”

“It was so sudden.  I was terrified.  I am still terrified.  I am glad you guys are here. “

There…more micro statements pointing to roles in the event, evidence that can now be recovered, and additional investigative leads to apprehend additional suspects.  And then the “time out”.

“Officer…I am still a little shaken up. I want to cooperate with you guys, but I have a huge headache right now and my heart beat won’t slow down.  Do you mind calling paramedics for me…I think I would like a doctor to check me out”.

I guarantee that you will not be asked any additional questions that night.  Things are no longer in your control but you have set the investigation on the proper course, and the truth will be determined instead of being overlooked.