Advanced Combat Glock

"Advanced Combat Glock", or "Learning From the Masters"...

From the Gabe Suarez Newsletter. With turning 63 yesterday and now officially having "old eyes", this mail came at just the right time. I'm sure most of us have heard about such things as these, especially if we're "into" guns or pay attention to what our troops are using. I've even heard them referred to as "almost cheating" for pistol shooting. But, the question has to be asked: "If your life, or that of another is at stake, why are you going to worry about cheating?" Use every tool and technique you can find or think of to get the advantage over your adversary. Maybe this is one of those advantages you need?

There is always a great temptation to minimize everything. This is usually followed by a rationalization of what you need. You will hear the drone, "All you need is this", or "all you need is that".

Truly, the only things you need are food, water and even shelter is sometimes arguable. But who the heck wants to settle for that. Nope...the America I know was not formed on needs, but rather on wants. Once your needs are seen to, as they are for almost everyone here in the USA, one begins to focus on wants. That is what makes us a great capitalist nation. That one can actually attain and reach what he wants instead of settling for the mediocrity of the egalitarian liberal who wants to make everyone equally poor, and equally miserable, not mention everyone settle for less.

In the world of weapons and tactics, where I live, we see those two sides. We are a strange people for where there is no middle ground. It seems that if you don't like a particular accessory on your rifle, everybody lumps you into the rusty WASR10 with corroded cold war ammo. Or if you don't care for a certain type of sight on your Glock, you must simply hate Glocks. Such silly thinking causes people to go to either extreme. Specifically never upgrading a weapons platform, or upgrading it every week with a new accessory. Neither path is correct, but rather a middle ground that accomplishes the mission at the highest level of efficiency and deadliness possible.

If I have given the impression that I am against optimizing a weapon platform in the past, I want to set the record straight now. I think all weapons platforms...even a rock, will do fine, but even the hairiest and stinkiest caveman put an edge on that rock and eventually tied it to a stick to form an axe. This year I will focus on optimizing the various platforms we live and work with. Specifically the Glock, the Kalashnikov, the Saiga Shotgun, and others.

With the Glocks there are a number of things that can optimize their performance. Again, if all you want to have is "good enough", never mind. But if you want the best tools to match the high level of skill then there are some things to consider.

One of course is the grip. For me the stock grip works fine, but if that is not the case with you, don't put the gun down and go buy a lesser weapon, or a more temperamental weapon, all the plastic frame pistols out there can be modified. Guys like Cope Reynolds and David Bowie have been doing this for years. And even Glock itself realized they were not Austria's answer to perfection and have issued the new versions with adaptable back straps.

The internals can also be made to fit better. I cannot speak for the M&P or XD since I don't know their internals as well as the Glock. The Glock can benefit from some polishing of internal bearing surfaces. It can also benefit from the addition of a 3.5# connector and a titanium safety plunger. I like to add Lone Wolf barrels to my Glocks not only because I find they are a little bit more accurate than the stock barrels, but also because I like the capability to add a Gemtech can on the end. This is not essential, but it is a low cost addition that will enhance accuracy as well as allow you to use certain types of ammo not desirable to shoot in a Glock barrel.

One area where the pistol can benefit most is in the area of sights. Truly, for close range gunfighting inside of five yards, you do not need any sights. But for precise shots up close as might be seen with an adversary partially exposed from around cover, or for a distant shot out past 10 yards, careful sight selection may mean the difference between hitting and missing.

The greatest advancement has been seen is in the development of miniature red dot sights. If a red dot sight will benefit your rifle shooting, then it will do the same for your pistol shooting. I have studied these sights carefully and the two that I consider best are the J-Point Red Dot Sight, and the Trijicon RMR series in either electronic or tritium fiber optic. What these sights do for you that no iron sights can do is that they allow a shooter with aging eyes to still hit small targets, and at distances that are no longer possible for him. Moreover the issue of low light is gone as is the issue of needing to close one eye to obtain a greater degree of sight refinement. These types of sights have been placed on rifles for a very long time and thanks to advancements in their design, they are now small enough to be used on CCW pistols. I know that there will be naysayers about this concept, but please remember that the same thing was said about the use of airsoft for training, the idea of dynamic movement and our preference for the Kalashnikov system. Try it before you dismiss it as unworkable. Me, I am convinced it is the future in pistol sights.

Another item that will never get any cheaper, go out of style, or take up too much space is magazines. While there are plenty of cheaply made Korean magazines flooding the market these days for everyday serious carry, nothing but the stock Glock magazines will do. The last place you want your magazine to fail is when you are mid-gunfight with a trio of armed robbers. Buy quality...and buy many. The standard magazines are fine, but I suggest a set of the 33 round magazines as well that we call "Happy Sticks". For those who run the Glock 21, you can get Kriss SMG magazines that fit right in your Glock.

Finally, for use as a home defense/business defense weapon in reduced light situation, a weapon mounted light is a good idea. I recall the old weapon lights of a decade ago. Heavy, ungainly and cumbersome, they were used only by specialized shooters. Today, you can add or remove one of these very easily due to the accessory rails common on the newer Glock pistols. One of the better ones available is made by the same company - the Glock Weapon Light.

If all you want is "good enough", all I can say is - enjoy your mediocrity. On the other hand, if your goal is to be the best fighter you can be, in this case with your Glock, and you are reaching the limits of your performance with basic equipment, a little effort and upgrading will not only potentially make you a better and more accurate shooter, but also give you tactical flexibility that was impossible with entry level equipment.

Hopefully, we can all benefit from the thinking of others. Shoot fast, shoot accurate.

Bless God. God bless.

Shy III

True? I hope...

OKAY, Folks... this is just too funny to not pass on to you. Gawd, I hope it's true- and if anyone can verify this, please, please, send me a note... ROFLMBO!!! (got it in an Email today, so no- I didn't come up with it. Wish I was that smart!)

Johnstown, PA (BNSE): Local and state police scoured the hills outside rural Johnstown, Pennsylvania, after reports of three animal rights activists going missing after attempting to protest the wearing of leather at a large motorcycle gang rally this weekend. Two others, previously reported missing, were discovered by fast food workers "duct taped inside several fast food restaurant dumpsters," according to police officials.

"Something just went wrong," said a still visibly shaken organizer of the protest. "Something just went horribly, horribly, wrong."

The organizer said a group of concerned animal rights activist groups, "growing tired of throwing fake blood and shouting profanities at older women wearing leather or fur coats," decided to protest the annual motorcycle club event "in a hope to show them our outrage at their wanton use of leather in their clothing and motor bike seats." "In fact," said the organizer. "Motorcycle gangs are one of the biggest abusers of wearing leather, and we decided it was high time that we let them know that we disagree with them using it... Ergo, they should stop."

According to witnesses, protesters arrived at the event in a vintage 1960's era Volkswagen van and began to pelt the gang members with balloons filled with red colored water, simulating blood, and shouting "you're murderers" to passers by. This, evidently, is when the brouhaha began.

"They peed on me!!!" charged one activist. "They grabbed me, said I looked like I was French, started calling me 'La Trene', and duct taped me to a tree so they could pee on me all day!"

"I... I was trying to show my outrage at a man with a heavy leather jacket. And, he... he didn't even care. I called him a murderer, and all he said was, 'You can't prove that.' Next thing I know is he forced me to ride on the back of his motorcycle all day, and not left me off, because his girl friend was out of town and I was almost a woman."

Still others claimed they were forced to eat hamburgers and hot dogs under duress. Those who resisted were allegedly held down while several bikers "farted on their heads."

Police officials declined comments on any leads or arrests due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, however, organizers for the motorcycle club rally expressed "surprise" at the allegations.

"That's preposterous," said one high ranking member of the biker organizing committee. "We were having a party, and these people showed up and were very rude to us. They threw things at us, called us names, and tried to ruin the entire event. So, what did we do? We invited them to the party! What could be more friendly than that? You know, just because we are all members of motorcycle clubs does not mean we do not care about inclusiveness. Personally, I think it shows a lack of character for them to be saying such nasty things about us after we bent over backwards to make them feel welcome."

When confronted with the allegations of force feeding the activists meat, using them as adhoc latrines, leaving them incapacitated in fast food restaurant dumpsters, and 'farting on their heads,' the organizer declined to comment in detail. "That's just our secret handshake," assured the organizer.

As I said- too funny to not let you read it. Got to love those biker people!

Bless God, God bless.

Shy III

Well, DUH!

"...The use of military equipment with hidden Bible references sends the false message to Muslims worldwide that we are at war with Islam," stated Nadhira Al-Khalili of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in a prepared statement. "In addition, these sights are a potential recruiting tool for anti-American forces, endanger our troops and alienate our Muslim allies. .."
Islam activists outraged over biblical engravings

To which I reply, "Well, DUH, Dipshit- who the hell do you think we're at war with?"

Seriously, which 'religion' is it that commands its practitioners to eradicate the 'Infidel'? Let me think a moment here... was it the Pope? Nope, don't think so. Oh, wait- it must be Israel, then. OOPS- wrong again! Oh, I know- got it now... it's the IRA. Oh no! Wrong again- the IRA is the good guys!

"...The controversy erupted after reports confirmed Trijicon, a manufacturer from Wixom, Mich., for years has included a biblical reference on its gunsight products. Last year the U.S. Marine Corps bought some $66 million of the products, including the Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight, which is illuminated with tritium..."

"...ABC reported one engraving was 2COR4:6, apparently a reference to 2nd Corinthians 4:6. The Bible verse says, "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."..."

The controversy erupted after the shitheads in the ABC-MSM decided to stick their damned noses where they don't belong rather than do some real reporting. If anyone should be punished, banished, jailed or eliminated, lose jobs or make changes due to this report, it's the traitorous assholes at ABC.

Not that the actual words of the Scriptures are even on the sights- just the Biblical reference, and it's part of the serial number. Soooo, if the dumb shit ragheads are smart enough to understand the Scriptural reference, then perhaps they've been reading books other than their koran. Gosh, I wonder what the penalty is for that? Maybe a public beheading of their spouse? Or one or two of their children?

At least the Pentagon has the balls to admit this isn't wrong and is not proselytising the poor ragheads. Good for them. At least someone in D.C. has some smarts.

Of course, there are probably millions of wimp Americans who feel that it's wrong to have the Scripture reference on the sights. I mean, geeze, after all, we don't want to infuriate the bastards any more than we have to. How are we going to win their hearts and minds if we do things they don't like? Really- what kind of image is America going to have if we allow this kind of thing to go on?

"Why don't you pussies wake up?" is what I want to know. They've come into my country, killed thousands of people, probably millions world-wide, made threats and promises to eradicate any and all Infidels who do not convert to their beliefs, and someone wants my military to be nice to them?

Kiss my ass, you lib sonsofbitches. If I could have my way, you'd all be in Iraq and Afghanistan without any kind of weapons.

'Nuff rant for one night.

Bless God, God bless our Troops!

Shy III

Madness

Barely an inch long and less than a quarter inch wide, and more than likely the first 'real' gun most of us shot, the .22 rimfire is the most used cartridge in the world- probably even more than BBs.

In the 'normal' world, .22 rifles held to the same basic configuration as 'real' rifles and pistols. If you bought a .22, it probably looked just like Dad's (or Grampa's) deer rifle. Just smaller. Well, kind'a, anyway. Bolt action, lever, pump, semi-auto and single shot.

After being around for half a zillion years in its current configuration, Idaho based CCI ammunition decided they were going to get on the bandwagon of 'hi power' and 'hi speed' .22 ammo and developed the MiniMag and Stinger series. And the race was on to see who could develop the 'best' .22 round around.

For my money, it's the CCI Stingers- not knocking the other makers, but Stingers really have some ZING! and they function in every .22 weapon I have, and that's a lot of guns!

Around 1960, someone decided to start using Mattel, Inc., to manufacture weapons and the era of plastic guns evolved, beginning with the Colt AR16. Every weapon manufacturer in the world jumped on this wagon and now produce millions of 'plastic' weapons yearly.

Today, these plastic (though not entirely plastic or Mattel Tinkertoy) have been made in every caliber imaginable- except one. You could walk into a gun shop or discount store (that sold guns) and purchase an AR15 in .223, .308Winchester, or half a dozen other calibers. You can even buy a barrel for your .223 that is chambered for .22.

But it was not not specifically a .22.

Guess what.

Last visit to the club's indoor range sure was an eye-opener as to what's happening in the world of the little .22. At the loading bench, where most people usually shoot pistols/revolvers, there was an array of M15 look-alikes. All chambered for .22.

Of course, they were all enthusiastic about displaying and handing around (keep the muzzle downrange!) their newest weapon for inspection. One een went so far as to allow 'moi' to shoot his Ruger SR22!

OOPS!

A little Internet action and an amazing discovery was made. Many manufacturers have caught on to the military look-alike .22, both American and European. (I'm imagining that much of this has to do with 'prepper-itis' and the vast number of 'prepper gurus' who advocate a .22 for survival, some even for self defense use. But I may be wrong. It might just have to do with how many people just want to shoot as much and as cheaply as they can.)

Smith and Wesson (www.smith-wesson.com) has come out with their latest creation, the M&P15-22, and they're pushing the envelope with an advertising campaign sure to ignite the hearts and minds of every small-arm shooter alive. Did I mention it's American made? MMMMM, delicious and, as the ad says, 'pure adrenaline'! And if it's like other S&Ws I've shot, it really will 'kick brass'. I couldn't find a price for it though I've heard it's on the lower end of the dollar spectrum for this style of rifle.

The first of the breed I have been allowed to play with, the Ruger SR22 ( www.ruger.com ) is almost a whole new rifle, yet based on the 10-22 action. It handled well, balanced nicely and uses the same magazines as the 10-22, which is wonderful interchangeability. I liked the pistol grip configuration- a lot easier on my wrist, which doesn't like to articulate the way it's supposed to. Blasting off 35 rounds of .22 LR to the target downrange was nothing but fun. (Honestly, even more fun than blasting 35 rounds downrange with my 'regular' .22- which is a Remington 597.)Not to be outdone, or even left out of the game, Colt has come out with their M4-22LR. Nothing says "Black Rifle" like a Colt (BIG grin here), the 'original' Mattel gun. This is one rifle sure to catch on with aficionados of Colt and original M15 actions. Go to www.colt22rimfire.com to see their catalogue.

Coming from the European market, but made in American factories, is the SigSauer 522. Right- it's a clone of big brother Sig515 series military weapons. Head to www.sigsauer.com to view their offerings. (Special note: the Picatinny rails are compatible with components for all the 'bigger siblings' of these weapons. Flashlights, scopes, lasers, whatever your heart desires to throw on.)

I've tacked on an 'estimated MSRP' for these weapons, but as with any item in demand and particular locale, prices will definitely vary so check your dealer.

But now the really 'good news' for all those who really don't have oodles and oodles of cash to throw at getting their very own Black Rifle...
There are two companies doing quite a bit of advertising for their 'aftermarket' products. To whit: composite stocks that will turn your .22 into a true Black Rifle.

Advanced Technology International, an American company based in Milwaukee,WS. (www.ATIgunstocks.com), has been around quite a while. When the original issue stock went out on the .303 British inherited from Dad, I had visions of relegating the rifle to a wall decoration. Chance, and common cruising the aisles of a local sporting goods/gun shop, my eye fell on an "ATI Enfield Stock". At the lowly price of $59, I felt it was worth the cost just to be able to shoot the old Enfield. It definitely was, and is.

True to their claims, ATI customer service is excellent. (I discovered this due to not knowing the model .303 I had - I know: put "DUH" face here!- but a phone call to the company and they squared me away, no cost. Their stocks are guaranteed, period. No questions. Pictured above is the ATI stock for Marlin Model 60's- and it fits all model 60s. Remove your old stock- save the screw- drop the action in the new stock, put in the screw you saved, and go have fun scaring the local Sarah Brady club with your new Black Rifle.

For those who love their SKS's but hate the stock, ATI has just the thing for you, too. The new, light, lifetime guaranteed SKS Fiberforce stock. Check their site- you'll be amazed at what they offer and for very reasonable prices.

The rifle carried behind the seat of my truck is a Remington 597 with plastic stock. (Not really 'plastic' plastic, but the same thing.) I like the durability and consistency of the stock, the fact that it won't warp when wet or humid or rot due to same. But I do have an bone to pick with RemInc. about it. They told me I can't put a sling on it. If I do, I void all warranty expressed or implied. And at my age, a sling is not a toy, it's necessity. So I've been kinda grumpy about it.

Enter www.promagindustries.com. Notice above the stock configuration for the Remington 597. Will my 597 soon sport such Black Rifle appearance? (Grin.) At $199 (suggested from site), it may be a while since that's more than the rifle cost, good as it is and as much as I like it. But that bayonet mount is appealing...

The Marlin 870 has been my Squirrel Rifle for decades. It's my go-to rifle for nearly everything small bore, even survival. It's the only rifle in which I've spent more for accoutrement's than the rifle, and I baby this baby. Being the tack driver it is, I don't mind and for silhouette shooting I love it. (I remove the bipod, though rules don't specify I have to, I just can't use it.) Because of wrist problems, I'm in search of a thumbhole stock for it as well. Perhaps one day ATI or ProMag will make one.

Junior has a Ruger 10-22 and it's not babied at all. A really great rifle and probably the most recommended by survivalists and the most revamped rifle on the market, there are more after-market products for the 10-22 than most hot rods.

But it comes from the factory with a birch stock- sturdy and serviceable, but it is wood and the Kid's has tendency to "warp and weft" as soon as he sneezes.

Once again, wandering through the local gun store, the eye made its second ATI discovery (and the reason for this post). ATI made a stock for the 10-22 and it actually looks good. The price was right- again, $59- and it made the change-over from wood another simple "save the screw", drop in the action, and replace the screw.

And it does make the Ruger look like a Black Rifle. Being lighter than the SR22, the rifle handles wonderfully and the thumbhole/pistol grip configuration is heaven to the wrist. The rifle is even light enough to hold pistol fashion.

The Simmons 4x scope, made for the SKS, adds a Black Rifle appearance- he had an Aimpoint Red Dot on the rifle, but batteries tend to die and the Kid decided to make a change. Wise move, in my opinion. I much prefer the scope- and the Red Dot will go elsewhere (grin again). For magazines, he uses RamLine 30 rounders that give the banana clip appearance. A bonus to using the banana mags is the mag-release button is easier to hit with his thumb while grasping the magazine and pulling it out.

Not that I'm trying to sell weapons or stocks, and sure ain't getting a kickback from anyone for ads... but if you'd like to have a Black Rifle in .22 caliber, odds are you can find one to suit your wallet. Even if you have to drop the action in yourself. From the initial shooting of Ruger's SR22 to shooting the Kid's ATIRuger, I'm convinced there's not only a market for either product, but a big market.

And, as you can tell, this 'kid' has gone from being one who "doesn't need" a "Black Rifle" to one who will probably have one- if for nothing else but to harass Sarah Brady.

Bless God, God bless.

Shy III