Armed Lifestyle - Issue 2 - June 2022

CONTENTS
JUNE 2022
Issue 2
WE ARE OFF...
Page 4 - Realtor Safety - Amy Lucas explores the dangerous world of Real Estate to lead off issue #2. In
her article, Amy takes a look at an excellent case study to discuss why proper training and trusting your
intuition are so important.
Page 6 - New Shooter Perspective Part 2 - Jamie Headley continues her journey into the world of shooting.
In this issue, Jamie tackles the AR platform and discovers how to get started in training with her new rifle.
Page 10 - Editor’s Notes: Marching Forward – Armed Lifestyle Magazine Editor, Trampas Swanson shares his
thoughts on the magazine’s recent launch, reader feedback and where our publication goes from here.
Page 12 - Instructor Spotlight: Klint Macro – Amy Lucas discusses one of the industry’s top instructors and
founder of Meet the Pressers, Klint Macro. In this article, you’ll learn about National Train a Teacher Day and
how you could participate.
Page 16 - PepperBall Less Than Lethal – Trampas explores the world of Less Than Lethal with a pair of payload
delivery devices from PepperBall. Learn more about the pros and cons of the company’s newest industry offerings.
Page 20 - LOKSAK Shieldsak – In this digital age of cyber-attack, all of our most vital information is
vulnerable to hackers. Discover how to make your digital devices disappear from “The Grid” with LOKSAK
products such as the Shieldsak.
Page 22 - Fix-It Sticks – Compact, versatile tools for the range and on the go.
Page 25 - Writing Shotgun with Charlie featuring Anthony Colandro – Multi-talented staff writer, Charlie
Cook teams up with “Gun for Hire Radio” Host Anthony Colandro to discuss everything from revolvers to Tactical
Pens. Readers will enjoy the chemistry between these two charismatic gentlemen that shines through this
article like your favorite 1980’s “Buddy Cop”movie.
Page 28 - TSA Taking Notes – Armed Lifestyle Magazine is joined by Self Defense legend, John Petrolino as he shares
his thoughts on the Tactical Pen. Learn about the trials and tribulations of legally carrying on commercial flights.
Page 30 – Ruger LCP Max – The days of heavy, under powered pocket pistols are out and the industry has
been rapidly ushering in higher capacity, polymer options. Terril J. Hubert discusses Ruger’s latest submission
into the Pocket Pistol game with the LCP Max.
Page 34 – Art of Gunsmithing – One of the truly underrated aspects of our industry is lost Art of
Gunsmithing. AL Magazine sits down to discuss the decrease in certified gunsmiths in the country and
the state of our firearms industry a true gunsmith legend, celebrity gunsmith and a true rising start in the
gunsmith trade.
Page 38 – Henry Survival Rifle – Originally designed by Eugene Stoner in the 1950’s for the US military, the
AR7 design still lives on with the US Survival Rifle from Henry Repeating Arms for the civilian market. Learn
more in this full report.
Page 42 - Hot Blooded: Heat Risks – Summer’s on its way and our resident paramedic, Dan Tonto
discusses the most underestimated danger we face when working, training and playing in the great
outdoors. Dan lists how heat can affect us all in a myriad of ways from sun burn to possible death and the
best recommended ways to seek immediate treatment for each.
Page 45 - Tisas Review - Jamie Headley gives the Tisas PX9 9mm a whirl. Follow Jamie as she discusses
the specifications and first impressions from her initial test and evaluation time.
Page 46 - Duluth Pack Wanderer – Quality gear can mean the difference between life or death. Trampas
teams up with old friend and fellow writer, Jared Peltz to discuss their favorite “Old School” backpack called
the Wanderer from Duluth Pack. Learn why this company that dates back to the time of covered wagons and
Post Civil War Reconstruction era is still in vogue with outdoor adventurers worldwide.
Page 50 - Emerson Knives: Commander – Anyone who is a fan of the hit TV show, “NCIS” will fully
appreciate “Gibbs Rule #9, Always Carry a Good Knife”. This is truly a rule to live by professionally and
in everyday life. In this issue, Trampas reviews the Commander, a folding knife from one of the iconic
companies within the industry, Emerson Knives.
Page 55 - The Last Word with Rob Pincus: How to Choose a Training Class – Rob shares his vast knowledge
as an internationally known firearms trainer to help readers decide how to choose the right course to fit their
training needs. Don’t waste your valuable time and resources with some gun show camo clad clown. Finish
this issue strong with Rob recommendations and points to ponder before joining us again for our next issue!
Page 57 - 6mm Training – Our resident 6mm Airsoft expert, Bill Thomas, editor of the international publication,
Airsoft Action, is back to explain why this platform can be such an important aspect of real-world firearms training.
Editor: Trampas Swanson
Graphic Design: Baz Thakur/
Deadshot Design
Publisher: Calibre Publishing
Cover pic: SMG
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Web: www.thearmedlifestyle.com
©Calibre Publishing Limited 2022
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IN THIS ISSUE

4
A Realtor’s Worst Nightmare
A Realtor’s Worst
Nightmare
By Amy Lucas
“I was staring at a 12-inch knife and this
man was telling me to take off my ring and
get in the closet! I could not believe this was
happening to me.” - Dawna Hetzler
knife because I like the design and frequently teach the Marines.
Originally, we used obsidian, bone, or antler. When steel
became available - that’s what we used. Many have said it
before, the best knife is the one you have. We train with knives
of various lengths to adapt to distance. I like the handle to have
a slight curve at the back or with a pommel, so the hand doesn’t
slip off the back. The grip should be textured and not round. I
prefer a guard, so the hand won’t slip off the grip and onto the
blade. For a fixed blade you really don’t need anything over 8-9
inches. A pocket knife blade should be about 5 inches (depending
on your local laws), have a textured grip and if possible, a guard
of some type. Having a wave type design for fast opening is
also desirable. A slight curve at the back of the handle is also
desirable. Knives should not be shiny!
PMCI: With so many knife styles being taught by instructors, how
does the Apache Fighting system differ?
Redfeather:
DAWNA HETZLER
We don’t stand our ground. We fight like the wind!
Why stay in place? We do not fight as if we were dueling but
as if we are on a battlefield. We don’t train for points but more
To the average person, real estate agents are often seen
as having an easy job. The public only sees agents working
incorporate the Native Culture as well. We want our students to
flexible hours, showing clients fabulous houses and landing big
commission checks. Sounds great, right?
PMCI: What role does the fighting knife play into the military, law
However, the side many don’t see is the uncertain income,
enforcement and private military application as well as a civilian
lack of benefits and the effect of a decline in the housing market.
world filled with concealed carry firearms?
Most importantly, working in real estate poses opportunities for
Redfeather: The military and law enforcement has always carried
dangerous conditions. Agents open themselves up to risk by
knives both for utility and CQB. Training to access the blade when
often meeting strangers in vacant houses and going to all types
out of ammo or when the firearm is grabbed is vital. A knife is no
of neighborhoods to show houses. Agents also often have an
match for a firearm but a man with a knife can sometimes access
online presence and work late. Many don’t have formal security
their weapon quicker. There are a variety of knives out there
training to prepare them for dangerous situations they may
specifically designed for easy access from a utility belt or vest.
accidentally find themselves in. As you can see, real estate is a
PMCI: Are they any specific exercises you would recommend for
vulnerable job open to predators.
those looking to contour their strength and dexterity for knife training?
Redfeather: We have specific routines that can help develop
CASE reflexes STUDY and dexterity. Among those routines we train using a
Dawna war post Hetzler (also called is a real a pell), estate using agent different in Colorado. patterns She of started cuts and in
the stabs, industry and starting right out slow of to high learn school. both One edge day, alignment she met and with good her
friend body mechanics. who she thought Training of in as water a warrior. also teaches This friend control was and a threegun
strength. competitive shooter and always attended different
adds
firearms
PMCI: training For in those the area. looking A real to get bad into ass! knife She began training, to talk where to Dawna do you
suggest about the they dangers start for of training? her job and the state of the world. She
Redfeather: wanted Dawna With to us! be We prepared have seminars and aware on a of regular her surroundings basis which
you and can able sign to take up for care in my of herself website, through www.apache-knife.com
any situation that she
PMCI: could possibly Before we be go, in. could The message you please received let our readers that day know was a she
needed to be responsible for her own safety.
Not being around firearms much, Dawna decided to take a
one-day weapons permit course. Before going she was thinking
she will never use this but might as well go. After class, she felt
empowered. It was not so much about firing a firearm, but it
was the first day she learned about mindset. What am I willing
to do? What could I do if something bad happened? Dawna
was hooked and continued to train. She worked on developing
a mindset. Thinking through situations and what she would do
if that situation ever happened to her. She eventually got so
comfortable with a firearm it was a part of getting dressed every
day. It was like another piece of her clothing she had to put on
before leaving her home.
When Dawna traveled to Nashville, she carried her firearm
since she expected to look at investment properties in unknown
areas and was traveling with another woman alone. Throughout
the trip they remained on yellow alert to be prepared for any
situation and to stay aware of their surroundings.
After returning home for her from her vacation she had an
open house scheduled the next day. During her open house
she was not in condition white (complacent or oblivious to her
surroundings) but a dull yellow because she was very tired from
her trip. When Dawna got to the home she was showing, there
was a loud knock at the door within five minutes. She opened the
front door and the man asked if he could come in and see the
house. She followed him around the home, created space and
put barriers between her and the man.
They talked for a few minutes, and he asked to see the
upstairs. They were both standing awkwardly at the bottom of
the stairs and Dawna took the first step and immediately knew
she had put herself in a position of weakness. She trained to
do the exact opposite. Now he is behind her blocking the only
escape route. Walking up the stairs Dawna asks the man a
question about his loan and qualifications. He said he had talked

to a lender, and he was going to get a VA loan, mentioning he
was a marine. Immediately Dawna’s gut tightened. She had
been around enough Marines to know ‘once a marine, always a
marine.’ Her intuition and the subtle signals made her extremely
nervous. She stopped midway on the stairs and thanked him for
his service while looking in his eyes. He got very shifty-eyed and
looked around avoiding eye contact. She knew something was
wrong or off.
Once upstairs, Dawna’s first thought was “I need to make
space.” She didn’t think her life was in danger just yet. Dawna
walked quickly into the master bedroom and got on the other
side of the bed. She started to talk about the size of the bedroom,
and he walked up to the other side of the bed, lifted his shirt up
and a 12-inch was knife sticking out. He also showed her that he
had a can of bear spray. He told Dawna to take off her rings and
get in the closet.
Immediately she got the rush of fear and tunnel vision. All she
could see was the man’s stomach and the knife extending from
his pants. Everything started slowing down like she was in slow
motion. He reached for his bear spray, and she thought of what
he just told her, but “take off” were the words that triggered her.
Dawna was wearing an ankle holster and she quickly kneeled.
Dawna reached out instinctively and pulled up her pant leg, got
a good grip of her firearm, and pulled it out. He immediately
doused her with bear spray and at the same time she slapped
the trigger, he jumped out of the line of fire and ran down the stairs.
She planned for this moment but had not planned on what
to do after. She followed him down the stairs only seeing his
outline due to the bear spray that was in her eyes. He ran out the
front door. She had her cellphone in her pocket and called 9-1-1.
The officers arrived shortly after and entered the home. They too
were gagging from the bear spray. Dawna’s skin felt like it was on
fire, but she found strength that day that she never knew she had.
Dawna’s lifesavers were muscle memory, mindset, and
intuition. It was not the firearm that saved her life, it was the
muscle memory from training. It was like a light switch flipped on
and everything she learned came together. In fact, two months
prior to the open house, Dawna’s instructor knew in the summer
months she usually carried her firearm in an ankle holster. So,
they dedicated time to practice drawing from the ankle. All the
training she had leading up to the situation and reacting to the
situation was key and is the perfect example of self-defense.
DON’T IGNORE THAT GUT FEELING!
Most people think women have better intuition than men. We
rely on our intuition. You may think of it as that gut feeling, or
something is just not right. Listen to that feeling because it is a
gift and fear can signal us for that fight or flight response. You
can really home in on your own intuition and develop that gift.
Intuition can be used in our daily lives. If your child comes home
and they say something that just doesn’t sit right, you know it
is your gut instinct. That didn’t feel right, what’s going on with
them? We might need to sit down and talk.
Do you feel your intuition in your gut? Is it hair-raising? Do you
feel your chest tighten? Everyone experiences it differently, but
it is not something to ignore. What if you are wrong about your
gut feeling? Well then you were wrong, but you are safe. There
were a few moments when Dawna went against her intuition.
The body does not lie, it will tell you if something is not right.
If we listen to these signals, you can change the atmosphere
around you.
Dawna’s predator was captured that day and is currently
serving time for the offense. A positive ending. We have seen
far too many of these types of stories go the other way without
a good ending.
Because of the inherent risks that come with being in real
estate, I have created a program for people in this industry. I
believe, like Dawna, that safety and awareness should be second
nature. But it does not just happen overnight, by reading an
article, or hoping for the best. With proper training, you will start
to see your intuition as a signal. Don’t confuse the feeling with
being paranoid or anxious. We live in a society of fear. Intuition
can and will save your life.
In the course we cover mindset, the color codes of awareness,
situational awareness, body language, conflict avoidance, fight
or flight, safety tips, and self-defense options. There are many
knowledgeable instructors with similar programs out there. My
hope is that you train and continue to train to defend yourself
and your life.
The only defense against the world is a comprehensive
knowledge of it. Stay safe and stay fearless. - Amy
A Realtor’s Worst Nightmare
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

6
NEW SHOOTER PERSPECTIVE
FROM SCARED TO PREPARED
New Shooter
Perspective By: Jamie Headley
WELL, HOW DID I GET HERE? FROM SCARED TO PREPARED,
ONE WOMAN’S JOURNEY – Part 2
So where did we leave off…? Ah yes, I had purchased my Glock
43X and a Glock 44 to plink with. As I mentioned in the last issue,
I was gaining some confidence and enjoying the high of facing
something that had always been very scary to me. With that
being said, I was far from being skilled either in marksmanship
or defensive shooting, but I could safely and competently run my
guns and my mindset was all about learning. And there was (and
still is) so much to learn!
While practicing at my home range, Ann Arbor Arms (A3),
one of the women I had met a few weeks earlier walked into
the bay and set up in the lane next to me. After Diana and I
exchanged pleasantries, she proceeded to pull out an AR15, send
a series of rounds down range and then perform what looked like
a perfectly executed tactical reload. She knew how to handle that
rifle and I was totally impressed.
Seeing the look of amusement and awe on my face, she very
generously offered to let me shoot her rifle. It looked like what
the military uses, and it was heavy, at least for someone my size.
When I pressed the trigger, I was shocked at how little recoil
there was and how accurate I could be at 25 yards. I was hooked
again.
Diana told me she participated in 3-gun competitions, and
she was practicing for an upcoming event. 3-gun events consist
of moving through a series of targets and switching from pistol
to rifle, to shotgun all for time. 3- gun sounded exciting and
overwhelming all at the same time.
Diana suggested I should start shooting 3-gun with her in
the spring. I was intrigued, because let’s be honest, it sounded
pretty “bad ass.” If you are unsure of why I would say that
Google a 3-gun competition video, you will understand. Diana
kept insisting it would be a great time and assured me I could do
this. She said there were plenty of ranges that were welcoming
of new shooters and not super competitive.
I was intimidated at the thought of it. Hell, I still wasn’t that
good of a shot with a pistol. Oh yeah, and I didn’t have a rifle, a
shotgun or any experience shooting either of those weapons. It
seemed like a lot to learn, particularly if I was going to compete,
even in a low-key event. It didn’t make a lot of sense to take all
that on but the high of shooting that AR15 won out over common
sense, and I decided to buy myself and AR for my birthday.
A few days later Diana met me at A3 to help me pick a rifle.
The guys at A3 were helpful as always and showed me different
options. My instructor Robby, saw me at the retail counter and
wandered over to see what I was up to this time. When I told
him, he smiled rolled his eyes and said, “Okay let’s set you up
with a good one.”
We landed on the American Defense 16” AR, and I followed
Robby around the store as he grabbed a mount, sling, fore grip,
ammo, and an expensive optic because shopping is more fun
with other people’s money. Twenty minutes later everything was
mounted and attached, and I was handing over my credit card
and formulating how I was going to justify this purchase to my
husband. Only a few minutes later, I found myself on the range,
was feeling completely justified in my purchase.
My husband, Scott thought it was great and said he couldn’t
wait to take it to the range. I won’t lie, I flinched a bit when he
said that. I am a generous person and have always been okay

with the concept of, ‘what is mine is yours,’ but at that moment,
in my mind, the gun was mine and mine only! I paid for it with
money I earned working a side gig in a business I started. Not
to mention this whole firearms journey had become somewhat
about my independence, conquering my fears, doing this on my own.
I woke up the next day and headed out to an appointment,
still feeling very possessive of my new gun. So, the last thing I
said as I headed out was “Don’t touch my gun while I am gone.”
I was serious.
Imagine my reaction when on the drive home I called Scott to let
him know I was on my way and he responded with, “Oh, good. I
just field stripped your AR. I really like it.” I was furious, so mad
I couldn’t even speak. He guessed by my silence something was amiss.
“Is something wrong?” he asked. “What was the last thing
I said to you when I left?” not letting him answer I said, “It was
don’t touch my frigging gun!” He was clearly confused. “What is
the big deal?” he asked. Fuming, I responded, “How would you
feel if you bought a new gun home, and I just went ahead a
broke it down?” “Well…that is a bit different…you aren’t...” he
stammered. “Careful finishing that statement, Scott” I interjected.
It wasn’t that I thought he was going to break my gun or do
something unsafe. I knew he totally knew what he was doing.
Scott had spent 10 years in the military and had field stripped
lots of weapons, he was not new to this. Taking a deep breath, I
responded, “I just wanted to show you all the features myself.
You stole my thunder.” Scott apologized and I moved on and
was over it (mostly).
Walking into the house, I saw my gun on the dining room
table. The barrel flag was not in it and the safety was off. I stifled
a snarky remark and mumbled something under my breath
about putting things back the way you found them. The gun was
technically safe. The bolt was locked open, and the magazine
was removed and empty. Scott could tell I was still a bit miffed
and I think he was but amused and confused by my reaction
since I am a kind of low key and rarely get angry. At that moment
I think he understood this journey was about more to me than
just learning to shoot. To this day, he loves to tell his friends this
story and warns them “if your wife comes home with a big new
gun, listen to her if she tells you not to touch it.”
A few days later, I headed to A3 to meet with Robby and learn
more about the AR. Walking through the retail area, feeling cool
with my big rifle case in my hand, the store suddenly went quiet,
and everyone was looking at me. Not because I was cool, but
because my AR had just fallen out of my case on to the floor with
a very loud clank! Michael was working the range counter and
took pity on me and rushed over to give me a hand. Robby just
laughed and rolled his eyes. Yep, I was a real bad ass.
We headed to the classroom and spent some time breaking
down my gun so I could clean it and understand how it functioned.
Although the AR platform is universal and relatively simple it
still felt like a lot to take in, especially when Robby said, “Ok, you
saw me take it apart, you get to put it back together.” I managed
without any leftover parts, and we headed to the range to shoot
and get the scope sited.
The night I purchased the AR, I only shot a few rounds and
didn’t have time to worry about the scope being sited. I knew
nothing about how to do that, so Robby walked me through the
basics, talking about minute of angle (MOA) adjustments and
how many clicks of the turret equaled the desired adjustment,
and the need to adjust and re-site until you had it dialed in at the
appropriate yardage.
NEW SHOOTER PERSPECTIVE
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

8
NEW SHOOTER PERSPECTIVE
I felt like I was back in geometry class struggling to catch up after
being out sick for a week. With the scope properly sited it was
time to shoot! I quickly realized a couple things. First, looking
through a site and dialing in on your target takes some getting
used to. The red dot is not visible if you do not have the scope
lined up to your eye correctly. Secondly, the rifle quickly gets
heavy making it difficult to hold it steady. It does not matter
how great your scope, or your rifle are, if you can’t hold it steady
when you are aiming, your shots are not going to be accurate.
Seeing that I was clearly frustrated by this, Robby remarked,
“This gun may just be too heavy for you.” I gave him the look I
give anytime someone says I cannot do something and replied
with, “It is not too heavy, I am just too weak, and I can change
that.” The next day I started doing push-ups.
Diana and I went and shot together a few times and I did
some more lessons with Robby. I was getting more comfortable
with the AR, and I was getting stronger, although not strong
enough to consistently hold the rifle steady but I figured that
would come with time.
A turning point came when I went to watch Diana in a 3-gun
competition. As Diana had said, everyone was welcoming, and
the environment was low-key and for casual and beginner
shooters. As I watched I realized I could do this, but I wasn’t
sure I wanted to. Not only was I going to need to get a lot better
with the AR, but I was also going to need to get a shot gun and
learn that. I heard Robby in my head saying, “Maybe master one
weapon platform before diving into a sport that requires three.”
That statement was seeming logical at that point. The other eye
opener was in addition to having to buy a shot gun, I would also
need a fair amount of additional gear: holsters, mag carriers,
gun buggy, bags and of course ammunition. Ammunition at that
time was at an all-time high. As I tallied the cost of all this in my
head combined with knowing I would not enjoy doing something I
didn’t excel at, I realized I might need to put the 3-gun thing on
hold.
I decided to focus my energy back on where I started which
was improving my precision and defensive shooting with my
9mm. I considered selling the AR, knowing I could get full price
for what I paid for it, but by that time Scott was already attached
to it and I joked with him that I was happy to share it with him
if he referred to it as “Jamie’s rifle.”
I put my focus back on training with the 9mm, but still
enjoyed getting some range time with the AR albeit limited with
the cost of .223/.556 ammo.
During one of my lessons, I had the opportunity to try the
Glock 48, which is a 9mm (like my G43X but with a longer slide,
so less recoil) and a single stack magazine, so it is thin and fits
well with my small hands. It is not a full-size pistol so I still felt
like I could conceal it when I carried. I really enjoyed the feel of
the G48 and true to form decided that would be my next gun.
By this time, I had accepted this journey was going to be a
lot of trial and error which I was alright with. I was learning so
much and enjoying every moment of it.
The learning has not stopped, the buying and selling of guns
has not stopped, and there are more antics to come so check
back in Issue 3 to see what is next in my journey from scared to
prepared.

10
EDITOR’S NOTE
Mission Statement: By Trampas Swanson
Since the title’s launch, our staff have
been hard at work preparing our
second issue to be packed with even
more great content. The feedback
from industry friends and our new
readers regarding the first issue has
all been amazing. The overwhelming
support coming in from emails and
phone calls proved just how special
our mission to highlight our Second
Amendment culture and wonderful
people who make up our community.
With a huge Thank You to everyone
who joined us for issue #1, we now
invite you to continue following our
journey as we march forward through
the rest of 2022!
On a personal note, this issue
has endured a lot to bring it to
release. Through injury and illness,
our teammates have banned
together across the board and come
together to make happen. The term,
“That’s not my job” was never even
a plausible concept when staff,
ownership and editor had to step
up and fill some much-needed voids
in still figuring out our proper page
counts, ongoing layout plans, photo
sets and more. As we as a team have
gotten back on track, I sincerely wish
to thank everyone for the passion and
dedication shown in these past couple
of months leading up to this issue. Not
only did it result in another full cover
to cover success, it also has helped set
the pace for future installments of AL
Magazine.
For Issue #2, I am happy to
announce the Armed Lifestyle
Magazine will begin spotlighting
different instructors from around the
world that are making a difference
in their communities. This will not be
an easy task to narrow down our first
few featured instructors due to there
being so many different and amazing
instructors who all deserve a place in
the Armed Lifestyle Magazine. We are
honored to call many of them friends,
including Amy’s first pick, Klint Macro.
Not only do we learn more about
the man himself but National Train a
Teacher Day as well.
I am personally excited to see
more of these segments spotlighting
close friends and mentors we all love
and respect.
In addition, we will continue spanning
on the term “Armed” relating to
knowledge, skills and the ability to
use our minds and tools for survival. AL
Magazine will be regularly discussing
a wide range of topics including Less
Than Lethal options, how to decide on
the proper training, quality gear that
won’t let you down when you need
it, and even educate you on items
that will protect “you” in relation to
your digital footprint such as location,
financial records and more!
Finally, I’d like to wrap with
discussing something our team is
especially proud of. Each issue of the
Armed Lifestyle Magazine is FREE to
read and accessible online or via the
app when you’re on the go. We’d
like to thank the generosity of our
industry partners allowing us gear
and firearm loans at their expense to
help put together these educational
articles as well as those choosing to
advertise with us to shoulder the cost
of being able to continue publishing
this magazine. If you, your company
or organization would like to find out
how to help or post your own ad in
our pages, please reach out to us at
Editor@TheArmedLifestyleMagazine.
com and let’s work together to benefit
our Armed Lifestyle community!
Trampas

12
THE INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT
THE INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT
KLINT MACRO of Trigger Pressers Union. By Amy Lucas
I first met Klint Macro a couple of years ago when I was selected
to become a Training Counselor with the United States Concealed
Carry Association (USCCA). Naturally, I was excited about traveling
to the main headquarters in West Bend, WI for my training
and even more so to meet all the people that I had looked up
to. Before leaving for my trip, I got a message from Michael
Martin, the author of the curriculum for the USCCA, Concealed
Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals and Emergency First
Aid Fundamentals. He told me that he was going to be in
Wisconsin, and he was planning to take the Defensive Shooting
Fundamentals (DSF) Instructor course that was being held the
day after the Training Counselor Certification. I couldn’t say “No”
to THE Michael Martin, so I agreed and signed up. I also knew
that I needed to sharpen my skills and have more advanced
training to offer my students.
When I arrived to the DSF Instructor training, my instructors for
the next three days were Klint Macro and Justin Peters. They were
both very knowledgeable instructors. It was intense training
learning new verbiage, drills, and fundamentals that I had not
been taught in all of the years training in Law Enforcement.
Klint had a way of teaching that really struck me. I wanted to
be able to articulate myself in a way like he did. He was patient
and made sure that we understood “the why” behind all the
movements and drills.
the Music and Film Industry as a Freelance Producer/Engineer/
Sound Mixer/Sound Designer and later as an Instructor at the
LA Recording Workshop. It was at this time he began working in
the film industry as an on-set Sound Mixer. Klint has hundreds of
album and movie credits to his name. Currently, in his spare time,
Klint operates his business, Cobblesound Recording Company
(www.cobblestudios.com), in New Kensington, PA.
During his time in Los Angeles, Klint was introduced to NRA
Training and received his first NRA Instructor Ratings. Recognizing
the calculated double standard in the Entertainment and Media
Industry, Klint began to learn how to navigate the Anti-Gun waters
of Hollywood, and debate and educate our largely ignorant (as to
the world of firearms and responsible gun usage) fellow citizens.
BRIEF BIO
Klint Macro is a Father, Husband, and Businessman who has
successfully cross-pollinated his talents and passions to serve
the cause of the 1st and 2nd Amendments of the Constitution
of The United States. A native of Driftwood, Cameron County,
Pennsylvania. He left home and moved to Pittsburgh in 1992
after graduating High School. There he attended The Art Institute
of Pittsburgh. It was at this time he met his wife, Jennifer and
they later married in 1996.
Klint began his career in Pittsburgh as a Musician, Music
Producer and Recording Engineer. He worked in various
commercial recording facilities in the Pittsburgh Area from 1993-
1997, and then in Los Angeles, CA from 1997-2010. He worked in
Shortly after having his first child, Augie, (who is Klint’s
ultimate achievement) he and his family moved back home to
the Pittsburgh Area in 2010. Klint and his Wife wanted to raise
their child in Pennsylvania among people with the similar values
and beliefs and in an environment where he could actively
protect his family without fear from the government.
In 2013, Klint founded, his firearms training organization,
The Trigger Pressers Union (www.triggerpressersunion.com). The
motto of The Trigger Pressers Union is “Responsibly exercising our

ights through the safe and ethical training of our fellow citizens.”
The name of the union stems from the fact that all shooters, no
matter your shooting discipline of choice, your favorite gun or
favorite activity; we ALL press triggers, therefore we all must join
together to further responsible gun usage and work together to
protect the 2nd Amendment rights of ALL Citizens.
Klint has over 40 years of trigger time and is a Firearms
Trainer, Instructor, Presenter, and published Author. Each year
Klint trains, educates, and empowers hundreds of instructor
candidates, and law abiding responsibly armed citizens. He has
a vast experience working with individual shooters, marksmen,
operators, competitors, and everyday Law-Abiding Citizens in a
variety of disciplines, instructing and coaching a diverse clientele
ranging in ages, mobility’s, and mindsets.
Klint is also one of a very small select group of “first round”
appointed NRA Practical Pistol Coaches, offering customized safe
and ethical “Practical” training to individual law-abiding citizens
and holds the rating, Practical Pistol Coach Development staff.
The Practical Pistol Coach program was put “on hold” but Klint is
very proud of the contributions he made to the program while it
was “a thing.”
Klint is a long-time contributor to Personal Defense Network
and a PDN Training Tour Instructor. He has been a featured
presenter at 2017 NRA Trainer Update at the NRA Annual
Meeting in Atlanta, GA, and at multiple trade events such as the
USCCA Expo. Klint has also appeared on WQED “Think”, he has
made multiple appearances PDN’s Training Talk, Guardian Nation,
Civilian Carry Radio, Concealed Carry.com, Arms Room Radio,
Riding Shotgun with Charlie, The Law Matters with Mike G, The
Firearm Trainer’s Podcast, Gun Gripes with IraqVeteran8888, Guns
and Gadgets, The GOAL (Gun Owners Action League) Podcast,
Tactical Pay Radio, and Armed American Radio with Mark Walters.
In 2019, Klint joined forces with colleague Matt Mallory to
produce their own YouTube show called “Meet the Pressers”.
Meet the Pressers is a safe place for “Trigger Pressers” to discuss
training, guns, gear, history, politics, and political activism. Klint
and Matt have had the opportunity to interview 100’s of industry
professionals and American heroes. Episode 100 was Klint’s last
episode as official co-host. He has stepped back from the camera
as co-host but is continuing to produce the show. He still makes a
cameo appearance from time to time.
Klint has created various content for The Trigger Pressers
Union, NRA Education and Training, Personal Defense Network,
Firearms Owners Against Crime, Next Level Training, The National
Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, The USCCA, and Gun Owners of
America. He is the voice of the L.A.S.R. software (shooter ready…
stand by). Klint was also among many industry leaders who
presented at the 2020 Virtual 2A Rally.
Klint is one of the first round of appointed USCCA Senior Training
Counselors and one of a few appointed Training Counselor for the
USCCA DSF Program. Klint first became involved with the USCCA
as a member in 2013 and began teaching their Concealed Carry
and Home Defense Fundamentals Curriculum that same year.
Klint was “Certified” in 2014 and was in the first class of Training
Counselors in 2015. In 2021 Delta Defense LLC (service provider
for the USCCA) hired Klint as the Field Training Specialist for the
Mid-Atlantic, North Atlantic, and Northeast USA regions.
“I owe a great deal of gratitude to Mike Hughes, Britt Lentz
(Next Level Training), John Howard (NRA Education and Training),
Steve Fischer (USCCA Training Division), and of course Rob Pincus
(I.C.E. Training). All those guys really saw potential in me and have
helped me get to where I am,” said Macro when asked about his
mentors in the industry. “Mike and Britt really went to bat for me
with NRA to produce the Pistol Marksmanship Simulator Program
Videos. Steve Fischer afforded me quite a few opportunities at
USCCA. In the early days of USCCA Training Division, Steve use to
pay me with plane fare and cases of books. We have come a long
way together. I was really proud when Steve finally made the call
offering me the Field Training Specialist Gig.”
“Rob Pincus has always been a tremendous influence, mentor,
and friend. I first hosted Rob in 2013 after reading Combat Focus
Shooting Evolution 2010. That book changed my life. I even
pay my bills using the Plausibility Principle. As a student of the
Counter Ambush methodology, I was quite honored to be a small
part of the development of the USCCA DSF Program.” – Klint Macro
THE INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

14
THE INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT
Klint serves as the President of the Allegheny County Sportsmen’s
League (ACSL) and the 2nd VP of Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action (FOAC-
ILLEA). Wearing these hats, Klint has submitted testimony to
legislative committees, presented material to elected officials,
fought against anti-Liberty legislation, promoted pro-Liberty
legislation, and helped to hold elected officials accountable by
writing various papers, releases, op eds, and raising money to
fund legal actions against local tyrants and restrictive government
agencies.
NATIONAL TRAIN A TEACHER DAY
Klint is one of the Co-Founders and Administrator of National
Train A Teacher Day ( www.nationaltrainateacherday.com ). In
response to the Parkland school mass murder, fellow trainer,
Grant Gallagher contacted Klint and asked him to help him
organize a National Train A Teacher Day. On this day each year, the
independent firearm defensive and safety instructor community
would pledge to offer free training to the teachers, school staff
and administrators who are charged with the education and
safety of our children.
Klint wasted no time and within 3 months organize over
150 instructors across 40 states. These volunteers successfully
educated and empowered 100’s of teachers across the country
on May 19th, 2018. Klint was successful in securing the USCCA
as a sponsor for 2019 and 2020. Taser and Sabre Red are also
sponsors in 2020 and with their assistance National Train A
Teacher Day educated and empowered over 1000 teachers.
Klint now administers National Train A Teacher Day by himself
and the 5th annual NTATD will be observed on June 18th, 2022.
In 2022 DC Project, A Girl and A Gun, and The Armed Women
of America have all partnered with NTATD. The overall purpose
of NTATD is to empower those who are entrusted with the
care and education of our children and to give them insight,
knowledge, and skills to act instead of reacting, so they can save
lives. Training opportunities on NTATD may cover a host of areas
from first aid, Stop the Bleed, crime prevention, firearm safety,
concealed carry, unarmed defense, Taser, pepper spray, purposebuilt
school defense, run-hide-fight, and defensive tactics.
Teachers, school staff, administrators, and youth leaders are
encouraged to look at what’s available in your area and take
advantage of these opportunities. Similarly, professional trainers
in any discipline, are encouraged to volunteer and offer their
expertise to help make the 5th Annual National Train A Teacher
Day an even greater success. Visit the site often, because each
week more instructors are volunteer to offer training on June 18, 2022.
“I just do what I do. I hope that, through my own work, I can
help motivate and empower my fellow Americans to take on the
responsibility to be their own family first responders and in turn
be positive ambassadors of our individual Rights and Liberties.“
- Klint Macro
For more information on how to connect with a trainer, or to
volunteer your expertise, visit the National Train A Teacher Day
website at www.nationaltrainateacherday.com
I urge you to visit Klint’s website as well at www.
triggerpressersunion.com to also learn more about this unique
instructor for yourself.
The Armed Lifestyle Magazine gives a big shout-out to Klint
Macro for all you do to make the world a better place. Thank you!

Proudly Celebrating
25 Years of
Made in America,
Or Not Made At All.
www.HenryUSA.com

16
PEPPER BALL
PEPPERBALL
NON-LETHAL OPTIONS BY TRAMPAS SWANSON
Every day, law enforcement and civilians alike encounter critical
situations requiring immediate action. Often, these situations are
forced to become drawn out and end in questionable lethal force
due to lack of available options. While tasers and pepper spray
could have eliminated the threat earlier, factors such as distance
and the inability to deploy from proper cover prevent these
options from coming into play early in the reactionary game plan.
Fortunately, non-lethal payload delivery options from a company
by the name of Pepper Ball, have been making their way onto
the battlefields and streets of some of the world’s toughest areas
to help.
In this issue, we look at two products offered by Pepper Ball
for not only law enforcement but civilians alike. These models
are the Flashlauncher and the Tactical Compact Pistol or TCP for
short. First, to understand the devices, we must understand the
munitions in which the devices are built to launch.
PEPPER BALL
The term Pepper Ball is a trademarked term for two similar
individual types of payload delivering munitions. The first is the
LIVE-X, a round .68 caliber projectile very similar in external
composition as the average paintball but inside, contains a wide
range of options from PAVA pepper powder to simple water
marking loads for training. The premise of the Pepper Ball system
is to launch munitions such as those containing irritant powders
via disposable compressed CO2 cartridges over a distance onto
targets such as humans to deter unlawful behavior or an escape
an unsafe situation. This process depends on chemesthetic shock
in order to manifest its desired effect.
Chemesthesis is defined as the chemical sensitivity of the skin
and mucous membranes. These sensations arise when chemical
compounds activate receptors associated with other senses that
mediate pain, touch, and thermal perception. These chemicalinduced
reactions do not fit into the traditional sense categories
of taste and smell.
Basically, when a round containing something such as CS
powder strikes a human, the shock of impact first causes an
extremely noticeable pain to the skin without puncturing it
while at the same time, opening up the pores to become more
susceptible to the irritant powder delivered. Such pain normally
causes increased heart rate and breathing which enhances the
bodies acceptance of the powder and increasing its effects. While
this is still a non-lethal option, the impact of the round on skin
will leave a deep red or purple welp and even damage an eye or
nose if a direct facial impact occurs.
The second option is called a VXR projectile. It is looks like a
semi-round paintball with a hollowed-out space in the rear much
like a black powder maxi-ball round and finned like a modern

shotgun slug to collect more air to drive the projectile. The VXR
munitions come in the all the same payload options (and effects)
but with the ability in selected launchers to be delivered from
longer distances. As of this article being published, the selection
of various munitions options is listed below to better understand
its wide and diverse range of usages.
LIVE – Basic Pepper Ball consisting of .5% of PAVA pepper powder
LIVE X – Equals 10 times the potency of 1 regular LIVE round for
faster, more effective results
CS – Active Payload of CS irritant powder (similar to the military
gas form of the irritant)
CS / PAVA – Mixture of both CS and PAVA pepper power (Hell in a ball)
INERT – Scented Training Powder (Purple in color)
MARKING – Paint solution to mark suspects for later apprehension
as such in riots or large raids as well as marking doors, openings
or potential threat areas.
GLASS BREAKER – As the name implies, used for shattering glass
from a distance prior to approach on a vehicle or structure take
down. (NOT TO BE USED ON HUMANS)
WATER FILLED – Training Use
UV MARKING – Invisible Ink for Suspect ID
VXR Series – All the above options but configured to be delivered
via VXR compatible launchers for not only longer distance but
also more accuracy
FLASHLAUNCHER
As the name implies, the Flashlauncher is designed to have
an unsuspecting appearance of a large sized flashlight. At first
glance, it looks like the type of light commonly used by civilians
for everyday inside the home during a power outage or just out
at night walking the dog. While there is an effectively working
flashlight producing 350 lumens of light from the device, there
is so much more to it. Inside the Flashlauncher lies the capability
accurately launch a Pepper Ball munition over 60 ft onto an
intended target.
Activation of the light is accomplished by gripping about
midway of the light, just forward of its natural balance point.
With the thumb riding along the top of the device, the hand’s
trigger finger naturally falls onto the light activation push button
switch located on the bottom. Located under the thumb is the
devices firing button located underneath a protective plate which
can be pushed forward out of the way without having to readjust
the master grip. Once the plate is cleared, a laser aiming device is
activated. With the firing button depressed, the device launches a
single round. How accurately? Let’s take a quick look.
To best test the Flashlauncher, I took it to range on two different
occasions and introduced it to two chapters of the national not for
profit organization, Armed Women of America (formerly The Well
Armed Woman). I assisted each lady who volunteered to try out
the device with removing the safety block pin from the device
PEPPER BALL
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

18
TRAINING OR PRACTICE?
to allow the triggers protective plate to be pushed forward into
the finally shooting position. Loading consisted of unscrewing the
puncture ram from the face of the device and inserting the C02
cartridge before returning the ram. A small pop of gas could be
heard as the device took its charge. Next, the projectile ram is
removed with a simple twist before loading a maximum of 5
pepper balls into the rear and returning the ram home. Ladies
took careful aim using the laser onto the center of a human
silhouette paper target located 21 feet down range stapled to
a corrugated cardboard backer. Every round fired not only struck
the target exactly where the laser was pointed, and a clean hole
was formed as the round passed through and shattered onto the
concrete wall 28 yards down range lane.
The low-profile design, 1.75 lb weight, ambidextrous safety
and overall user friendliness of the Flashlauncher combined
with its power and accuracy really impressed every one of
the two dozen ladies who tired it. From housewives to armed
professionals, each commented how the device made them
rethink the possibility of carrying a less than lethal device as a
part of their everyday lives.
TCP - TACTICAL COMPACT PISTOL
The second device launcher tested was the Tactical Compact Pistol
or TCP for short. Constructed of bright yellow polymer (optional
black or bronze colors) and shaped like a traditional handgun for
less needed learning curve for anyone comfortable with shooting
live firearms. While this is not the subtle less than lethal option
that seamlessly blends into your everyday life, it is a great option
for purse or fanny pack carry, the armed security guard or even
vehicle carry.
The device featured a comfortable pistol grip and undermounted
rail for the additional of common weapon mounted lights for
use in dark environments. The device shipped with an easy to
use holster that fits most standard belts and holds the launcher
securely in place. Additionally, the TCP offers two supplied
magazines, each with a capacity to hold six rounds of the more
streamlined VXR munitions. Unlike the traditional Pepper Ball,
the VXR rounds can be launched up to 150 ft through the TCP onto
human sized targets with relatively good accuracy.
To test the capabilities of the TCP launcher, I teamed up
with a real dummy, BOB (Body Opponent Bag). Bob is a rubber
training dummy torso from Century, the world’s leading supplier
of martial arts training equipment. My silence volunteer would
be outfitted with a beanie hat and thin tan t-shirt. The munition
used for testing would be the inert VXR finned projectile clearly
marked by its purple color.
Loading the six shot magazines was quick and easy. First, the
puncture ram is unscrewed from the magazine base plate as the
CO2 cartridge is inserted. As the ram is returned and screwed
back in, a small pop of air can be heard to confirm the cartridge
is now activated in the magazine. Next, each VXR round is top
loaded by locking the magazine follower in the down position via
tabs on either side and leaving the magazine spring compressed.
Next, a small bar blocking the rounds from escaping the top of
the magazine must be pressed forward as each round is inserted
facing forward. Once all six were loaded, the magazine is inserted
into the bottom of the pistol’s grip and the push button safety is
disengaged to fire.
I fired the TCP from initial ranges of five and seven yards with
very impressive results. The payload delivery came with a solid
smack onto target and encapsulated the target’s head and neck
area with the white training powder even with centerline chest
shots. After each shooter worked through a full magazine, we
would step back five yards and take aim again. By the end of
testing, the distance from the target had grown from five yards
to approximately thirty yards with five of six rounds striking solid
hits on target for each shooter!
At all distances, the VXR rounds cleanly broke and dumped

its contents onto the target area. Up to fifteen yards, the point
of aim / point of impact was dead on. At twenty yards and
further, the VXR rounds seemed to drift about three inches to
the right and approximately five inches high. (Note there was
less than a three mile per hour ½ value wind during any part
of the testing and a relative temperature of 55 F.)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Prior to testing the Pepper Ball products, my primary
experience with non-lethal products has come from my
time in Law Enforcement with bean bag rounds, belt carried
pepper spray canisters and paintball guns converted to fire a
liquid pepper solution with less than reliable service. Through
training with the Pepper Ball products and training others
on the Flashlauncher and TCP platforms, my opinion on this
payload delivery system has greatly changed. I would have
no issues with carrying the Flashlauncher while out walking in
the evening with my family or having the TCP in my vehicle or
carry bag during my daily errands and travels as a supplement
to my every day carry Glock 19 9mm pistol.
Retailing at $229 for the Flashlauncher and $399 for the TCP,
these devices are not cheap, but they could save thousands
of dollars by offering a non-lethal option to a situation that
normally may only leave the end user with no other choice but
to use a firearm without. Think about it like this. Imagine you
are out walking with your family around the neighborhood and
a resident’s dog confronted you snarling, growling and nipping
at your kids. If given a choice would you rather simply dispatch
the animal with a pepper ball to sting and discombobulate it
or be forced to shoot it? Nobody wants to be known as the
neighborhood “dog killer” if it can be avoided. That piece of
mind carries over to possibly diverting an attach by the local
“thugs” harassing you over money or personal belongs before
things turn lethal. It is my professional opinion that the cost
of a Pepper Ball product is a small price to pay to avoid a
much more expensive and life altering dilemma and will give
me a better piece of mind if these options were exhausted
through the use of force continuum first before needing to
shoot someone.
Other models are offered by Pepper Ball for military and
LE application only which are equipped with large CO2 tanks
to propel more rounds per charge. These models include full
rifle versions such as the FTC and TAC-SF which are designed
similar to a traditional paintball gun as well as an AR-15 based
rifle for operators that are already trained on the AR platform.
To date, over 5000 plus agencies worldwide, including the US
Army, US Marines, Border Patrol, Private Security and even
school violence reaction teams are currently using Pepper
Ball devices. To learn more about these devices, visit them at
www.pepperball.com today. Until next time, Train Hard and
Continue the Fight!
PEPPER TRAINING BALL OR PRACTICE?
www.thearmedlifestyle.com
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

20
LOKSAK
LOKSAK INC. SHIELDSAK BY TRAMPAS SWANSON
Welcome to the Digital Age. Everything from the information
people share, the finances businesses exchange and even the
wars countries fight can be attributed to our full immersion into
the advanced technological era. For most people, this just means
their music and movies stream faster on their smartphone,
but there are hidden dangers behind all this tech that we face
every day. Mastery of the inner workings of this technology can
wrongly empower those “in the know”. The real danger in this
leaves the rest of society in grave danger of being at their mercy
via the term, “cyber terrorism”. In a simple keystroke, someone’s
identity, life savings, vital information and credit can be ruined or
stolen. The defense to avoiding being in peril is simply education
on measureas to best protect you and your assets.
A few years back, during the annual “industry only” firearms
and technology trade show known as SHOT Show, several writers
on the Swanson Media Group team and I were roaming the show
floors to bring our readers the best of the best offered. Due to
the size of our team, I had several members divided into scout
teams while I covered meetings with industry representatives,
shook a few hands and got some key promo photos with other
industry figures. Towards the end of the week, I caught up with
the rest of the team as we were wrapping up the day and I could
tell one of them was excited about something. I was told there
was someone and something I needed to see in the Military /
Law Enforcement Only Exhibition Hall. As with anything, if it’s
important to one of our team members, it’s important to me. I
was eager to work my way into the center of a heavily crowded
display area in which the LOKSAK Inc. booth was located.
According to team member Jared Peltz, he had spent some
time earlier learning about RF technology and a new scan /
skim blocking fabric bag LokSak offers called the LOKSAK. Upon
our arrival, the LOKSAK staff was running back and forth talking
to various CEO’s, industry buyers and VIPs, when a pair of the
reps stopped and introduced themselves. They politely asked if I
would like to check out their products. After introducing myself
and discussing their company, one of the staff stated I would
enjoy meeting the owner of the company.
A minute or two later, we were joined by an older lady with
her arm in a sling, whose demeanor reminded me of my Mom. .
The woman carried herself in a way that was tough, independent
and capable of sensing bullshit from a mile away. I had seen
this lady in the corner upon our approach earlier as she watched
buyers and VIPs without a word or movement as they circled the
LokSak, Inc booth making small talk with reps. I explained the
basis of what our media group stood for and that we would be
interested in getting their products in front of those who could
benefit the most from them as far as safety and integrity goes. As
a smile came across her face, she knew we were legit.
After our initial dialogue, this intimidating lady broke form and
warmly introduced herself as Linda Kennedy, owner of LOKSAK
Inc., and a now gracious host to her booth. The next half hour, her
charm and passion about advanced technology really shined. Her
pride in what appeared to be simple, straight forward products at
first glance really came through as we eagerly learned about the
tech that went into them. Linda’s pleasant demeanor and humor
truly made my experience enjoyable as I was quickly trying to
get up to speed on exactly how the products were intended to
be used. I may not have known everything I needed to know
at the time, but due to Linda’s obvious security knowledge and
high energy for sharing, I knew this was something to personally
investigate deeper.

PRODUCT FIELD TESTING
As I wrapped up my interview with everyone at LOKSAK,
Linda sent my team and I on our way with a few samples of
their Radio Frequency Infrared and Skim / Quick Scan Technology
blocking LOKSAK bags. These lightweight, fabric bags with handy
Velcro closure were basically mini Faraday cages for portable
protection during travel abroad or everyday storage. The three
sizes provided for review were a small bag for cell phones or
wallets, a medium bag for tablets and a large bag for laptops up
to 17 inch screens. Having limited knowledge originally on this
technology, I researched it for weeks trying to grasp how the
skimmers and RF Infrared readers worked. The more I learned,
the more I wondered why everyone isn’t using them.
Coming from a law enforcement background, working with
agencies such as FBI, SBI, ATF and DEA while assigned to SWAT, we
often took cell phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers
into evidence. Protection from RF signals that could steal info
or wipe devices clean would be a must. Ten years ago, I only
knew Faraday cage devices to be large boxes used to prevent
an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) attack. Today, this, and much
more is achieved through the SHIELDSAK’s thin, fabric bags that
can easily still fit in their protective hard shell Pelican cases. The
SHIELDSAK protects not only electronic devices but any item with
an ID chip such as a credit card or passport as well.
A bonus of being invisible to a criminal’s scanners is the device
is also invisible to anyone else as well. For those who personally
or professionally need to go “off the grid”, the SHIELDSAK will
drop you off the map. Most devices these days are GPS enabled,
even when the device is shut off. Simply turn off the device, drop
it in the SHIELDSAK and poof, it disappears from detection. To test
the sample bags, I left my devices such as my tablet and cell
phone powered on and dropped them in the bag. I attempted
to call my cell phone with no results and locate both devices via
online tracker with no sign of either of them. After removing both
from their SHIELDSAKs, they immediately popped back up on the
locater and had no evidence of prior contact received during
testing. Despite having already great results from much deeper
official testing, I couldn’t help but still be very impressed seeing
the results firsthand.
According to our DOD sources, the SHIELDSAK was tested by
Keystone Compliance using the Mil – DTL – 83528 C. For those
unfamiliar with this term, it is a military detail specification that
lists out different materials that are used as conductive gaskets
and for other sealing applications. This military specification is
active, meaning that it can be used to procure materials. There
are several different types of material under this specification,
mostly composed of silicone and fluorosilicone with conductive
metals/particles to provide electronic/ radio frequency shielding.
According to test data, the LOKSAK was placed up against several
of its closest competitors on the market and either met or
exceeded the performance of all of them.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, my experience with the LOKSAK products was a very
positive and eye opening one and continues to be so to this day
with each new item released. Their products are simple to use
even when the technology that goes into them isn’t easy to
understand. I still feel like half of it is actually just magic, not
science. During the interim between receiving the products,
doing the research, and completing this article, I have been able
to study several similar competitive items and long-term studies
on them over the past few years.
The short report is most RF Faraday cage style products on the
market don’t live up to the hype. Not the case with SHIELDSAK.
Whether it’s the Tier One tech or just voodoo magic, the products
work and do so very well. Even better than solid, well-made
products, the people that make up the company are just as
awesome.
From day one, the owner, Linda Kennedy and her staff were
extremely insightful and helpful with me fully understanding the
depth of their products. The time and energy the LOKSAK, Inc.
personnel spent in presenting their products to us and the open
door to any questions during the review process they offered was
outstanding. Everyone I spoke with was not only well versed in
the full range of the company’s products but fluid in very detailed
information which shows how much they devote themselves into
both the products and the customers who purchase them. As
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www.thearmedlifestyle.com

22
FIX IT STICK
FIX IT STICK BY TRAMPAS SWANSON
A few years ago, I was teaching a private handgun lesson at
my local range when a screw fell out of the slide mounted optic.
By a small miracle, the tiny screw was found, but I then ran
into an issue of how to re-insert and tighten it back down. After
consulting my handy dandy Gerber Multi-tool, I was at a loss for
a Torx driver to fit the screw. I then raided the range’s gunsmith’s
tool bins with negative results as well (sad isn’t it?). Needless
to say, the range session with that particular handgun was then
over.
When I arrived home, I started thinking about all the tools
that would be handy when teaching on both indoor and outdoor
ranges covering handgun, rifle and shotgun basics. A plastic
hammer, small wrenches, bits, and of course sockets, I must have
those! The items quickly added up. By the time I listed everything
outside of a multi-tool, it seemed I would be carrying around
quite a large assortment of individual specialized tools that
would not be practical to constantly transport and keep track of.
Not long after the tool issue arose at the range, I came across
a Facebook posting for a company named Fix It Sticks, which
produces a compact bicycle tool that offered several drivers
needed to keep a cyclist rolling on long trips without sacrificing
space and weight. This tool basically consisted of two small steel
rods which affix into a T-handle for a magnetic, interchangeable
driver that fits in the palm of your hand. When I clicked onto www.
fixitsticks.com link, I was delighted to see this company had just
began offering a firearm version of their product. I immediately
emailed the company to express my interest in their product
and proposed an opportunity to review their handy little tools
personally. The folks at Fix It Sticks were excited to work together
and quickly sent out a sample for me to test and evaluate.
The next week, my package from Fix It Sticks arrived promptly
in the mail. While I appreciate good equipment, I have never
been considered a “gear head” by any means. After removing
the kit from the shipping box, I began to slowly go through the
compact nylon tool pouch equipped with Molle loops on one side
and Velcro on the other. I must say, what I discovered firsthand
was really cool. Just like the original tool built for bicycles, this
tool offered multiple bits in a compact carrying case. Most
importantly, this kit differs from the bike version with the driver
itself. Unlike most small multi-bit drivers, this one had a built-in
torque limiter to prevent over tightening and possibly stripping
out screws, bolts and threads. The kit offers various torque
limiting drivers calibrated in 15, 25, 45, 49, 65 or 70 in.-lbs. Along
with the drivers, a wide selection of heat treated bits are offered
depending on if you purchase the standard or the deluxe kit such
as the one sent for review. The Deluxe Kit included 2.5, 3, 4, and
5mm hex bits; T-10, T-15, T-20, T-25 and T-30 Torx bits; 1/20”,
1/16”, 1/8”, 3/32”, 5/32”, 5/64” hex bits; and a #5 straight
blade as well.
The carrying case interior was filled with elastic loops to
separate and organize the various components easily and neatly.
I have found this kit carries comfortably on a battle belt, chest
rig or even in a small side pouch on my range bag. For long
periods of time in the field, ounces quickly add up to pounds,
so a compact kit offering a tool box full of specialized tools can
be invaluable. The range of uses are limitless for users from all
walks of life from the hunter, military, law enforcement, private
contractor, firearms instructor or even weekend shooter.
Over the past few years, I used the Fix It Sticks tool for
installing rifle scopes, scope mounts, pistol mounted red dots and

even a new stroller for my daughters when they were younger.
The T-handle design allows for a firm grip and control over the
driver while limiting the risk of stripping out the screws. The all
steel construction makes for a rock-solid tool the user can feel
comfortable bearing down on to get those pesky Loctite secured
bolts free while the magnetic sockets will make sure your
mission specific bits don’t fall out and get lost. The fast assembly
and clearly marked bits help make quick work of most every day
chores.
During the initial test and evaluation period with the torque
limiter set, the Fix It Sticks company released a second kit which
included specific tools designed to clean the number one selling
rifle in America, the AR-15. Since I was so impressed with the
original kit, I quickly obtained the second kit to evaluate as well.
When it arrived, I opened the package to find the kit in a small,
black zip closed pouch very similar to the original kit. I prefer
these cases over hard cases to their flexibility in carry methods
from attaching to the outside of my gear via Molle webbing on
one side or simply stuffing in a cargo pocket. Like the original
kit, the opposite side from the Molle loops is a Velcro surface for
slapping on your favorite patch or attaching to tactical gear.
As I unzipped the pouch, I discovered a polymer double row
bit holder full of almost every tool you could imagine for the AR
platform.
- Set of original Fix It Sticks
- Bolt Carrier Group Scraper
- Metal Pin Punch
- Castle Nut Wrench
- Bronze Scraper
- Steel Pick
- Non-Marring Plastic Pin Punch
- Cleaning Brush Bit
- A2 Front Sight Adjustment Bit
- Set of Brass Cleaning Rods (can accept 8-32 threaded attachments)
- Set of two-bit adapters to allow for 8-32 threaded components
- 12 Chrome Plated 1/4” Bits
The interior of the pouch had two elastic loops to hold the
Fix It Sticks in place and a mesh zip pouch to hold additional
items such as patches, lens wipes for optics, extra batteries,
cleaning solutions, oil, etc. In comparison to the two much
larger AR platform cleaning kits I had previously purchased from
companies, the Fix It Stick kit was not only much more compact
and easier to carry but even offered better tools for the specific
task at hand. This was a very impressive feat for this company
to achieve.
Like the original, the AR cleaning kit assembles to give the
user full size tools to do a dirty and arduous task. One of the
toughest items with the AR platform to thoroughly clean is the
bolt. The Fix It Stick carbon scrapper along with a liberal dose
of Modern Spartan Carbon Destroyer makes short work out of
cleaning the bolt’s surface and inside the carrier where the bolt
articulates back and forth creating friction and hard, compact
build up. The steel pick reaches all the tight, hard to clean spots
a bronze brush just can’t.
The kit features a row of 12 individual 1/4” bits sized to screws
used on the most popular handguards, optics, mounts and more.
All bits are chrome plated to resist rust and corrosion as well as
allow for easy cleaning once done. The brass cleaning rods have
an 8-32 thread to accept a wide range of popular cleaning heads
on the market as well those supplied with the kit. One of the
wisest moves on the part of Fix It Stick was to provide a plastic
pin punch for use in knocking out surface pins on the gun where
you wish to be careful not to mar the finish. For more difficult
pins, the kit also includes a metal punch as well.
For non-cleaning task on the range, the kit includes a A2
front sight adjustment tool and a castle nut wrench to keep
your stock secured tight to your lower receiver. (If not staked
properly, which is commonly found on most AR-15s these days,
the castle nut can and will work loose) Both these attachments
offer a configuration that allows for a better angle and torque on
the tool than most individual ones on the market made for just
that singular specific task. Additionally, the T handle can be a
safer and easier to use without skinning up knuckles or scratching
expensive finishes.
Retailing for $180 for the deluxe tool kit and $100 for the
AR cleaning kit, Fix It Sticks offer a tool box full of tools for well
under $300 total. Most importantly, the Fix It Sticks are a compact
enough not be left behind due to being too big and bulky. This
fact plays heavily in its functionality and monetary value. Good
luck piecing a more compact kit for less and still get the highquality
steel and precision offered between these two kits.
Since receiving these products, I found myself regularly using
these tool kits and several newer versions on the range and in
my office for both firearms and non-firearms related tasks. Due
to the ultracompact and easy to use tools in the Fix It Sticks kits,
I now keep kits in my range bag, office and the console of my
truck. From instructing classes to being “go to” tools while in
the field shooting photos and videos for our magazine reviews,
Fix It Sticks are highly recommended for our kit and yours. To
learn more about these kits and other products offered, check out
www.Store.FixItSticks.com today.
FIX IT STICK
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

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RIDIN’ SHOTGUN
WITH CHARLIE
BY CHARLIE COOK
Anthony Colandro
Gun For Hire Range
Gun For Hire Radio
2A Activist
Capitalist Marksman
I’ve been a listener of the Gun For Hire (GFH) Radio podcast
since almost the beginning. It was during a time in my life where
everything was not working out well for me. Podcasting was
pretty new. I was teaching gun licensing courses at a shooting
school. I wanted to absorb as much firearm related content as
possible. One of the podcasts I found was GFH. Anthony Colandro
was the co-host of the show. He is a Master Trainer, has his own
gun range outside of New York City in New Jersey. He is very
Italian, very New Jersey. I was a huge fan.
GunGrams became a ‘thing’ in 2015. A GunGram is a video of
me playing the trumpet and shooting a gun at the same time. I
was making a lot of them that summer, like around 50. A few TV
shows used a few videos in a segment and a few radio stations
called to have me on as well. I was doing TV show themes, movie
themes, and sending them to friends for birthday gifts. I knew
that Anthony liked cigars. I decided that I should do a Happy
Birthday GunGram for Anthony and find a cigar I could put in
my mouth while I play the trumpet. I had to buy a cigar with a
plastic tip to hold between my teeth. After the video was made
and posted on YouTube, I shared it with Anthony and he liked it.
It was a big deal to me.
Fast forward to 2016 when I started Riding Shotgun With Charlie
(RSWC),I emailed Reverend Kenn Blanchard, who has The Black
Man With A Gun Podcast. Kenn lives in Maryland outside of
DC and he said yes to being on the ‘stagecoach’. I used that
positive energy and emailed Anthony about being on the show
since I was going to be driving from Massachusetts through
New Jersey and down to DC. But he didn’t reply. While on the
Garden State Parkway, there were signs for some of the towns
Anthony mentioned. I pulled over and google mapped Gun For
Hire Range, and it was less than 15 minutes from the highway. I
had to stop in.
I was greeted by the concierge with a “welcome to the family!’ .
I let her know that I was a fan of the podcast and just wanted to
say Hi to Anthony. He peeked his head out the door. He asked if I
was the guy who made videos “playing the bugle and shooting a
gun” and I said yes. Two minutes later, he came out with some
GFH shirts, hats, and stickers for me. He asked where I was from
and what I was doing in New Jersey. I told him I was going to
interview Kenn, and he said “tell the Rev I said ‘Hi’.” I felt like I
got a secret handshake and was now in some kind of club of the
cool gun guys.
While telling him about my idea for RSWC, I had the imaginary
two guys on my shoulders. One said “tell him you emailed and
asked him to be on the show”. The other said “don’t bother him,
he’s a busy business man.” The first guy won. I mentioned that
I emailed him and didn’t hear from him. He gave me a ‘doctor’s
script’ note with his phone and asked when I was going to be
coming back to the area and said to call him. He was nothing less
than kind and polite, just a great guy.
The next day, I filmed 2 shows with Rev Kenn Blanchard in DC and
headed back to New Jersey. I texted Anthony with an ETA. After
I got to the GFH range, the concierge called Anthony. He brought
me into the executive member room and introduced me to some
folks there. He said I was in the media. I wasn’t in the media,
I’m a guy who was trying to start a YouTube channel interviewing
people in the firearm community. This was an exciting day and
I felt great!
RIDIN’ SHOTGUN WITH CHARLIE
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

26
RIDIN’ SHOTGUN WITH CHARLIE
We filmed two shows that day. If they weren’t going well,
Anthony said he would take me to Newark, leave me there and
my tires would be stolen while I was still in the car. I’m so glad
everything went well!
As conversations go, we talked about a lot of things in the shows.
We covered the beginning of the Gun For Hire range, how he
grew the business and the range, and breaking the stereotype of
chubby old white guys (pale, male, & stale) and bringing in new
shooters of all types of background, ethnicities, and religions. His
dream was to build a range that was female and family friendly,
some place where the ladies don’t have to pee into a bucket
and has heating. Anthony “When the media asked me what our
clientele looks like, I tell them, It’s a cross
between the United Nations and Noah’s Ark, we literally get
every size, shape and color
that comes into the range. And about 40% of our new customers
are female.”
Recently, he built what he’s been calling Mount Gunmore, the
country’s premier “Guntry club”! Gun For Hire is the only 6 star
range in the country! The range is going to have a member’s
only lounge, a cigar lounge, and a gun store. On the weekends
and at special events, there’s going to be a business from the
“Quarantine Crawl” serving goodies to the clients. The Quarantine
Crawl https://quarantinecrawl.com/ was started by Anthony
during the virus that shall not be named, where he would visit
local businesses that support our 2A Rights. He added each
business to essentially a ‘chamber’ of commerce for people to
“support those who support us”.
One of the huge benefits for women visiting the range is that
there’s other women there and not just the GFH staff. When the
women feel comfortable, then they’ll come back and bring more
of their friends.Their Ladies Only classes sell out every time they
have one. The bathrooms are clean and he’s got people cleaning,
repairing, and repainting the range all the time. The cleanliness
and neatness of the range keeps the range looking brand new.

One of the things that Anthony drives home all the time, in
person or on the GFH podcast, is that ‘gun people are the best
people’. We talk a lot about how we make new friends on the
range just by asking what kind of gun they’re shooting, where
did they get it, and what do they think of it. Those are always
great ice-breaker questions at the range. Often, but not all the
time, it turns into someone asking if you want to try their gun.
(This is a great tip for new gun owners!)
We talk about tips for young shooters and getting kids involved
in shooting. He suggests getting Peltor youth hearing protection
so it fits around their head better. And of course, starting them on
a .22 rifle. At the new GFH range, he’s started a .22 league and
has people shooting from 8 all the way to ‘sarcophagus’ age. And
he’s said the older shooters think the sights are off. Meanwhile,
the kids are shooting just fine.
some that are different. Anthony also talks about the ‘revolving
door of justice’ where criminals plead gun charges down to a
misdemeanor then the gun charge never happened. We also talk
about how New Jersey has a policy where when a ‘smart gun’ is
made, it has to be sold and all firearms then have to be ‘smart
guns’. We both agree that when the police start to use them is
when we will consider it. (FYI…the police won’t use them…and
neither should you!)
We do go back and revisit some revolver talk, covering carrying
spare ammunition, jams with semi-autos, and what happens
when your ‘fight or flight’ kicks in. And we cover some about
gun safes and biometric fingerprint readers. Anthony also gives
us some tips about keeping information about the value of our
firearms somewhere with your important documents. You don’t
want your spouse selling your collection for pennies on the dollar.
When I admit to Anthony that I carry a J-frame as my EDC
(everyday carry), he says that he likes carrying revolvers because
there’s less of a possibility of them jamming or having issues. He
suggested a Ruger LCR or even an old Colt Detective, which holds
6 shots. He also suggests getting a .357 Magnum and shooting
.38 Special +P ammunition out of it. About revolvers: “if you have
17 rounds in a gun and you get a jam, or you can’t rack the
slide if its, to reloaded what good is it? I’d rather have you know,
you can buy a Smith and Wesson the plus guns have seven
round chambers. You know, Taurus has an eight rounder I think,
right? I’m not a big fan of Taurus, but but they have an eight
round. So give me a seven round revolver for home defense.
I’ll take it every day. And you and I would discussed it. I prefer
five shot revolver to carry all the time. It’s idiot proof. I can put it
anywhere. I don’t have to worry about the safety. I don’t have to
worry about anything?”
Since I was traveling to New Jersey, ‘where fun comes to die’, I
wasn’t carrying, obviously, but I was carrying a tactical pen with
me. Anthony and I talk about how with a tactical pen, we would
have to write our way out of trouble. During COVID besides the
Quarantine Crawl, Anthony took some time to put all his tips from
his podcast and other ideas to stay safe and turned that into a
book called, “Crime Proof: Think Like A Criminal And Beat Them
At Their Own Game”. In it there are several tips for everyone of
every age, from teens and college students, to adults, and adults
who are watching after their parents.
We talk about what to do if you’re pulled over and you’re carrying
a firearm. He’s got some smart points about it, if you do have
to inform the police that you’re carrying. However, you don’t
have to in all states. I always use HandgunLaw .us https://www.
handgunlaw.us/ for information when I’m traveling to other
states. When you’re pulled over and carrying Anthony says “So
that cop is approaching you in a much different mindset than
you’re handling him. I ever you know, I’m a big guy. I don’t dig in
my wallet. I don’t look in the console. I don’t look at
my glove box while the cop is parked behind me because it
looks like I’m either trying to hide something or I’m trying to find
something.”
For the first few years of RSWC, while I was traveling through
New Jersey, I would reach out to Anthony to see if he was around
so we could catch up. Most times, he was able to make time
for me, which I was grateful for. One of the things I wanted to
do with RSWC was to expand my circle of friends. With Anthony
and the GFH staff, you’re family. The last couple of trips through
the Garden State, he has been busy with expanding the range
and some other issues. But he was able to give me some time
recently.
We caught up and talked about the expansion of the Gun For Hire
range, Crime Proof, and some travel tips. Anthony told me that
every time he travels outside the US, he takes with him a tactical
pen and a flashlight. To new folks that are getting into firearms and
self defense, a flashlight may seem strange, but the power can
go out when we’re inside and we won’t be able to see anything.
He likes the Fenix flashlights and carries one everywhere but he
also carries a tactical pen. The flashlight should be at least 200
lumens and can be used to shine in someone’s face, which can
blind them and give you time to escape. When Anthony travels
he says “I always take a tactical pen. I actually I take two tactical
pens, I put one in my little man purse that I carry on messenger
bag, where I keep like, you know, medicine that I need any
medications or whatever. And my cell phone and a charger and
a few other things. But I always have a tactical pad and I pack in
my luggage, a spare tactical pen, a small pen knife that I don’t
care about that I bought in a big box store in case it gets taken
away. And I always pack two flashlights.”
I’m really glad that I stopped at GFH on that first trip to DC.
Becoming friends with Anthony over the last few years has been
a wonderful thing for me. He and his staff always make me feel
welcome and like I’m part of the family. As a matter of fact on
one stop, he had me shoot the 50 BMG and he made a video
of it to share on his social media. Both of us living in ‘occupied
territory (MA & NJ), we’re like kindred spirits. He’s pushed me a
few times to get some things done which has been good for me.
A mentor like that is priceless. Like I said, one goal of RSWC is to
expand my circle of friends, and Anthony Colandro was the first
of many to be in my circle.
RIDIN’ SHOTGUN WITH CHARLIE
We do cover some of the differences between two states that
are both “occupied territory”, as I call it. There are some things
that are the same between Massachusetts and New Jersey and
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

28
TSA TAKING NOTES?
TSA TAKING NOTES? BY JOHN PETROLINO
Traveling in 2022 is stressful enough as it is. Dealing with the TSA
is one of the reasons traveling might make people apprehensive.
We won’t even talk about potential 4th Amendment violations
when being subjected to millimeter wave technology scanning
our bodies, we’ll just talk about the run-of-the-mill dealings, the
low-tech violations, with your local friendly TSA agent. Truth be
told, many TSA agents are great. Even the ones I personally deal
with in Newark, New Jersey on a regular basis. But when you run
into that one agent that wants to make your life miserable, they
really can. This instance involves the inconvenience of having an
item taken by a TSA agent.
One of the stresses we need to deal with when traveling by
air is that we must surrender just about every “weapon” to make
it through security to a “sanitary” area. While it’s very nice and
thoughtful of the US Government to assure us our safety, are we
really safe? You don’t have to go completely disarmed though.
One of the many options you can bring on a plane with you is a
tactical pen. Kind of. First off, what’s a tactical pen?
A tactical pen is a metal pen that’s usually a bit beefier than a
regular pen. It may or may not have a “menacing” bezel, that is
the non-writing end might be pointy or castellated. Tactical pens
are great options because they are actual pens that you write
with, but primarily would be carried to use as a striking weapon
or one used to be applied to an attacker’s pressure points if
needed. An individual would use a tactical pen the way they’d
use a Kubotan. According to Wikipedia:
“The Kubotan is usually held in either an icepick grip (for
hammer fist strikes) or forward grip (for stabbing, pressure point
attacks and seizing). Common uses include hardening the fist (fist
load) for punching, attacking vulnerable parts of an assailant’s
body, and gaining leverage on an assailant’s wrist, fingers and
joints.”
that I own. When going through the TSA security checkpoint, one
of the agents informed him that he’s not allowed to have that
item. In questioning the agent, the agent told him he couldn’t
have it because it’s a Kubotan. When asked to see a list of items
not allowed on the plane, the agent told Mallory that he doesn’t
need to show it to him.
There’s a couple of things to unpack here. First, the TSA agent
didn’t have to take the pen, but he did. Second, when being
challenged, I get that it’s a time-consuming thing, but why be
hardheaded about it? Just show the customer because that’s
what we are, customers, the list. And third, there’s more than
one way to skin a cat, and we’ll get to that in a second.
I did take the time to look up what is or is not offensive to the
TSA for what can be brought iin one’s carryon. Pens, they’re good
to go. Kubatons, they’re no-go. Tactical pens, they’re a no-go.
Screwdrivers under 7 inches in length? Good to go!
On January 22 of this year, a colleague of mine, Matthew
Mallory, a fulltime firearm, and self-preservation instructor/part
time New York law enforcement officer, was heading home from
a large annual trade show known as SHOT Show in Las Vegas.
He carried with him a tactical pen that’s nearly identical to one
I do recall a situation in Orlando where I saw a guy getting
harassed by a TSA agent. I mean harassed. In my experience
Orlando seems to be a special kind of airport that attracts a special
kind of talent. The guy was a technician of some sort that I’m
assuming just had a carry-on. With him he had a multi-purpose

The thing with dealing with the TSA and what you can and cannot
take on a plane is this final qualifying statement on the go/nogo
pages:
“The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an
item is allowed through the checkpoint.”
Absolute power to an unelected member of law enforcement.
All those stories about mothers having to dump their breast milk
at security, well, believe them. None of them had to happen. The
TSA calls that “discretion”.
screwdriver, you know one of those fancy jobbers that the tips
change out on it. I did not break out my tape measure, as I was
dealing with my own issues involving powered baby formula,
which was a whole other ball of wax, but the screwdriver looked
like a standard multi-driver that would be under 7 inches in
length. The agent wanted to confiscate the tip of the screwdriver.
The man acquiesced, after explaining that he had other tips,
which the agent didn’t seem overly nonplussed over.
That all was unfolding while a mute man was trying to
communicate with agents, was visibly distressed, and no one
was trying to figure out what he was saying by handing him a
pad to write with or getting someone fluent in ASL. Nope, they
surrounded him and said to “stand back” because they did not
know what he’d do next. There was not a lot of bedside manners
there and that particular trip through security for me was a real
circus to put it lightly.
So, what can you do? First, if you’re going to take a tactical
pen on a plane, don’t bring a menacing looking one. The plainer
the better. I did not check in with Mallory on this aspect of his
rendezvous with Mr. TSA man, but if you’re bringing such a pen
on a plane, consider sticking it into a carryon bag, buried deep in
there, when you’re going through the checkpoint. Doing that, the
pen will get overlooked in the mix. Chances have it no one will
say a thing. Mallory’s years of travel, this was the first time he
had an issue with that particular pen.
Another thing you can do is get a “regular” metal pen. There
are plenty of “regular” metal pens that’ll get the job done if
you need it. That is, if you need to write something. They have
them out there, just look for them. All different thicknesses too.
Further, a regular ballpoint pen can be effective for, er, writing, if
you need it. There are classes on the subject.
Finally, that brings us to the screwdriver. Anything under 7
inches is actually the rule for most tools you can carry on. It’s
specifically listed as “okay”. You can head to the discount section
of the hardware store and pick up a screwdriver if you feel the
need to travel with tools. Make sure it’s under 7 inches. If you
think you’re going to have to work on something smaller or be
more discrete, there are screwdrivers that come with pocket
clips, just like a pen, and you can have it just as ready as you’d
have a pen should you need to make a quick emergency repair.
There’s a whole list of items that are specifically noted by
name that the TSA does and does not allow onboard a plane.
Take a look over it prior to traveling to see if there’s anything on
it that you might need. FYI, items such as antlers, artificial bones,
baseballs, bicycle chains, and bocce balls are all on the “a-okay”
list for being able to take with you in your carryon. That’s just
some of the interesting stuff I found getting through half of the
“B” list.
Mallory’s message? He also carries with him on a plane a
high lumen LED flashlight with a “tactical” bezel. That’s a fancy
marketing term for the end where the light comes out of looking
castellated. He said “I usually tell people to carry a flashlight and
a tactical pen. That’s about the only defensive tools you’ll be able
to have or use if a critical incident occurs on the plane. So much
for the pen!”
As you get ready for your next trip, keep in mind Mallory’s
message and what we must deal with/ navigate through when
traveling. Especially consider this when traveling by air. Give
some thought to what he went through and think about what
other options are available out there as far as things you might
need on an airplane when traveling. There are a whole host of
over improvised weapons you could bring; you just need to think
outside the box. I highly suggest keeping an extra tactical pen in
your checked bag. As for what you’re going to carry on, it’s time
to get creative and take some notes!
TSA TAKING NOTES?
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

FIREARMS: THE RUGER LCP MAX
30
THE RUGER LCP MAX
THE LITTLEST, BESTEST 380? By Terril J. Hebert
Love it or hate it, the 380 ACP cartridge is undeniably popular.
With the proliferation of concealed carry state laws over the
last thirty years, the 380 has seen a resurgence as the largest
readily available cartridge that can work in small, pocket-sized
handguns. Try as we might to scale down designs to chamber
more powerful service cartridges like the 9mm Luger, pistols
chambered in 380 ACP have an undeniably smaller footprint that
lend themselves well to ease-of-carry.
Ruger has been a king in the micro-380 market for years
beginning with the introduction of their LCP or Lightweight
Compact Pistol in 2008. I have one of its millions of copies and
it has served me well; Even when Ruger upgraded the model
with higher visibility sights and shorter trigger in the LCP II, I
saw no reason to upgrade, but it and the LCP II has some the
same limitations of other small 380 pistols on the market--low
capacity.
The LCP and the gamut of small 380s use thin, singlestack
magazines, usually holding only six or seven rounds of
ammunition. Even if you are fine with lower capacity and can put
your rounds where they need to go, more ammunition isn’t a bad
thing--so long as it doesn’t negate some other advantage. For
micro 380s, you sacrifice capacity for a thin, lightweight pocketable
package. When Ruger revealed the LCP Max--a pocket 380
boasting a capacity of 10/12 rounds, I was ready to listen and
perhaps ready to upgrade.
FEATURES
Outwardly, the LCP Max carries over many of the features found
on the LCP II. At its heart, the Max is a LCP II from the slide upward
and a thicker pistol in its polymer grip frame. As such, the Max
will fit in any holster made for an LCP II. But the grip frame is
taller and thicker to accommodate a double-stack to single-stack
ten round magazine that is furnished with the gun.
LCP
LCP Max
Height: 3.6 in. 4.1 in.
Length: 5.25 in. 5.25 in.
Slide Width: .75 in. .75 in.
Grip Width: .77 in. .93 in.
Loaded Weight: 12 oz. 14.3 oz.
* Compared with an original Ruger LCP (dimensionally identical
to the LCP II)
Likewise, the Max has similar sandpaper textured stippling over
the grip and serrations in front of the trigger guard.
Overall, the Max is only a half-inch taller than its predecessors
and no thicker except in the grip frame. Fully loaded, the Max is
only a few ounces heavier in exchange for more ammunition.
Otherwise, the Max has the same squared-off trigger guard,
reverse-able magazine release, and a minimal slide stop carried
over from the II. Likewise, the Max has similar cocking-serrations
forward and aft on the slide.
The trigger is the familiar Glock-like safety type, with a wide
shoe and depressible inner sleeve that keeps the pistol from
firing unless the trigger is deliberately pulled. On this example,
the trigger has a sharp reset and breaks cleanly at six pounds on
my Lyman trigger scale.
Operationally, the Max is a single-action hammer fired pistol
that fires from a locked breech. Aside from an enlarged grip, it
does not remarkably stand out next to an LCP II. That is, except
for its magazine capacity and its sights. You are getting ten or

twelve rounds instead of six. The sights are blackened steel. The
rear sight is a serrated U-notch that is squared off and slanted at
the rear for a snag-free draw. The front sight is a Hi-Viz tritium
post that glows readily in the darkened recesses of my shop
room. These are improvements you simply will not see on micro
pistols and, at least on paper, transform the micro 380 into a true
fighting pistol.
ON THE RANGE
Coming out of the range bag, it is hard to display confidence
in the Max. Whether you are on the firing line next to other
shooters or after a lone range session with a bigger handgun,
it can be quite a hindrance to produce a pocket pistol. It can be
further embarrassing when your performance drops off when
you struggle to connect on targets as reliably. But after a few
minutes and a few magazines behind the gun, I could tell the
Max was something more.
Shooting the Max felt like shooting a larger, fuller figured
handgun, at least when you are taking aim and putting shots on
target. The same can be said for loading. The Max comes with
only one ten-shot magazine, so I picked up a few factory twelve
round magazines to get through the chore. The magazines are
stamped blued steel with a polymer baseplate. The ten rounder
comes with a flush and lipped baseplate, while the twelve round
magazine’s baseplate is blocky and extends just beyond the grip.
In the gun both command a good all-finger firing grip--and they
are relatively easy to load by hand. The springs on my twelverounders
are a little too tight to fully load twelve rounds, but the
Max comes with a handle little loading tool to help get those last
few stubborn rounds in. After a thousand rounds down the pipe
and through my magazine, they loaded and fed effortlessly.
With a loaded magazine pushed firmly into the grip all that
is required to load is a brisk rack of the slide. The rear cocking
serrations provide ample texture to retract the slide. But if you
are working with greasy or wet hands, it is easy for the fingers to
slip. Fortunately, the Max has a raised shelf milled into the slide
that fully catches your grip. The serrated rear sight is also squared
to allow for an even easier purchase. That rear sight is also handy
if you are unable to rack the slide in the traditional manner. My
Max loads effortlessly by simply pushing rear sight against the
edge of a table. Is that ideal? No. But the Max is more gun than
others that I see handed to shooters with limited hand strength.
Certainly, getting a grip on the Max feels more substantial than
some of those guns.
FIREARMS: THE RUGER LCP MAX
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

32
FIREARMS: THE RUGER LCP MAX
Shooting the Max was an interesting experience, especially
when I brought in my original LCP for a control. The grip texture
borrowed from the LCP II is a small marked improvement over
other pocket pistols in its class but I never felt it did anything to
keep hands on the gun under recoil. That had more to do with
the greater girth and length of the grip that soaked up recoil. The
Max never wanted to slip out of my hand or bury into a sore spot
in my palm, which I can’t say the same for other pocket guns. As
such, I was able to shoot the Max longer and get faster follow-up
shots--though some of that can be attributed to the trigger and
the sights.
The trigger on the Max was not any lighter than my original
LCP, breaking at about six pounds on my Lyman trigger scale. But
it is not as heavy as some other small pocket guns like the Keltec
P3AT or the S&W Bodyguard. If you are used to heavier triggers
you might be apt to put too much finger on the trigger and get a
bit of a pinch against the grip frame as the trigger resets.
Otherwise, the reset it short and the trigger breaks cleanly.
The tritium Hi VIZ front sight, paired with a blacked-out rear pops
into view prominently, even in the bright Louisiana sun, allowing
me to get back on target between shots faster compared to the
gutter sights on pocket guns. I came to prefer them, even over
the usual three-dot sights found on larger pistols. The kicker is
that the front sight is large and visible, which makes fast shooting
on large targets easy, but not so good for printing groups on the
square range. On paper at seven yards, I managed to shrink my
groups on paper to three-inches using Sig Sauer V-Crown 95 grain
JHP ammunition. However, the variation in accuracy from one
brand of ammunition to the next was largely insensitive whether
groups were taken with hollow points of full metal jacket
ammunition. Group sizes with my other ammunitions ranged
consisted of no less than five inches at the same distance—about
the size of an open hand. Hitting the center of a steel torso was
no issue. Knowing where the rounds hit to my sights, it was not
overly ambitious to hit eight-inch steel plates out to twenty-five
yards.
Over several range trips, I logged one thousand rounds
downrange with no malfunctions with the only some initial
out of box cleaning and lubrication from the start. With a good
cleaning, careful break-in of the magazine, and the ability to get
a commanding grip on the gun in the field, the Max avoided
the typical trouble one might expect from a small pocket pistol.
The Max digested mostly Seller & Belliot and Remington fullmetal-jacket
ammunition, but I also ran several boxes of different
hollowpoint ammunition including the aforementioned Sig Sauer
V-Crown, as well as Speer Gold Dot 90 grain, Remington Golden
Saber 102 grain, Federal HST 99 grain, and Ammo Inc. 95 grain
defensive loadings. The only ammunition that may be worth
thoroughly vetting is Russian steel-cased ammunition that are
notorious for hard primers and failures to fire and extract. Given
the lack of ammunition availability in recent times, I had none on
hand to test.
PARTING SHOTS
Ruger released their LCP Max at roughly the same time as their
Max 9, a micro-sized red-dot ready 9mm pistol that squeezes ten
rounds into its grip. While the latter was intended to compete
in the trend of squeezing a true service caliber into a smaller
footprint, it may have already reached its zenith. Those guns are
no fun to shoot and it takes more conscious effort to keep them
under control. The Max chambered in 380 is softer to shoot and
offers more grip that allows for a better grasp on the draw and
a better reach for the controls. Toss in truly useful sights and
the Max 380 turns into a homage to larger pistols and a marked
improvement over smaller ones with a trade-off of a few ounces
of extra weight. While I ultimately stuck with my original LCP, I
know tiny guns like these, while useful, are problematic and not
for everyone. I am a pocket gun aficionado. For the everyday
shooter, it will be more useful—and less painful-- to reimagine
the ubiquitous 380 pocket pistol than shave a 9mm design into
the former’s role. At this, Ruger has succeeded.

GUNSMITHING: AN INSIDE LOOK
34
GUNSMITHING BY TRAMPAS SWANSON
One of the greatest benefits of being behind the scenes of the
gun industry as a writer is the opportunity to meet amazing folks
like you and I that just have cooler jobs than most of us. Over the
years, I have been blessed with not only meeting terrific folks,
but being able to call them dear friends as time goes on. I have
found those with the deepest insight into this industry not to
mention some of the coolest stories have been the gunsmiths
that keep competition shooters, hunters, war fighters and law
enforcement firearms in perfect working order. Part scholar, part
machinist and part simply magician, these highly trained certified
gunsmiths seem to be a shrinking number of much needed
professionals. According to an article in Forbes magazine last
year, there were only 15,615 certified gunsmiths currently doing
business in America. This is a relatively low number considering
the rapidly growing number of gun owners into the millions.
For this issue, I decided to tap into the experience and
knowledge of some of my close friends in the gunsmithing
world, each with different levels of experience, years on the
job and personal viewpoints to get an introspective look at
what threatens the art of gunsmithing as well as the firearms
industry in general and what will be needed to keep both alive
and growing. First, I reached out to Jim Fuller. Many recognize
Jim as the original founder of Rifle Dynamics in Las Vegas and
currently his new venture, Fuller Phoenix of Arizona. Jim is widely
known in the industry as the AK-47 guru. This gunsmith of over
30 years experience has not only taken the AK platform into the
mainstream but been the subject of TV shows, magazine articles,
books and videos. To say he is a rock star in our industry would
only be underselling him.
Not to be overshadowed, my next call was to a guy that came
up with the same love of guns, Soldier of Fortune and campy
action flicks as I did, Vincent Buckles in Gonzales, Louisiana. For
years, Vince lived the rock star gunsmith life as one of America’s
favorite reality TV personalities on “Sons of Guns”. The true
reality is, Vince wasn’t just a TV star. Vince founded Mesa Kinetic
Research ( www.mesakineticresearch.com ) in November of
2011 to prove civilians and secret squirrel communities alike
with top quality innovative products. Vince is a quiet family man,
astute businessman and one hell of an innovative gunsmith also
specializing the AK platforms well as custom long range bolt
action tactical rifles. As a true student of history, he a “no frills,
cut to the chase” dude whose viewpoints I have come to truly
enjoy and respect. In contrast to Jim’s Vietnam era experience
and viewpoints, Vince shares the same 1980s and 90s firsthand
knowledge that I draw from, with almost two decades in the
gunsmithing industry. He has seen the ups and downs of industry
and governmental gun politics.
Finally, a much newer face to the scene is a young man full
of talent, insight and an excitement to make his company a
huge success in the near future, Brett Smith. This gentleman
has been running McKinley’s Gunsmithing in Williston, South
Carolina for a couple of years now. Brett is a brand new husband,
witty businessman and social media hit with a great following
on Facebook with his photo and video post of his current
projects, tips for gun care and videos of his USPSA competitions.
Having had Brett perform nothing short of magic on several
of my projects such as bring a dead Colt Trooper III .357 into a
beautifully blued everyday shooter, our friendship quickly grew
to having my company, the Swanson Media Group sponsor his
competition endeavors.
I asked each of these skilled gunsmiths of varying experiences
and years on the job the same set of question in which I decided
to use in full to give you a better insight on where each was
coming from and let you see for yourself how various factors play
into the shared passion for the industry.
IS GUNSMITHING A DYING ART? IF SO, WHAT IS
CAUSING IT?
Jim: Yes, I believe it is to some extent. Multiple things are causing
it. I would say the public desire for low cost budget guns is part
of it, to produce an AK at 6-700.00 price range there will not be
much gunsmithing going into it. Legislation is another big part,
recently ATF ruled that Gunsmiths have to be registered with
ITAR (2200.00 a year for nothing), and many of the things that
used to be considered simple gunsmithing has been reclassified
as “manufacturing” making the work subject to 11% excise tax
on the cost of the work performed. A lot of gunsmiths will not
be able to afford the added costs being forced on them and will
either quit or go under the table.
Vince: I am sure some folks have considered gunsmithing a dying

art since it began. The gunsmiths 300 years ago, who fusion
welded musket barrels and hand built their locks would probably
have viewed renowned gunsmiths of the 20th century as complete
hacks who relied on machinery and store-bought tools. I would
say that in today’s world, the definition of “classically trained
gunsmith” is measured against a smith’s ability to complete
fine fit and finish tasks the way they were done in the mid-20th
century. The post-World War Two era is considered by many to
be the golden age of American gunsmithing, and many of the
techniques used in that era such as hot rust bluing, installation
of express sights, stock making from blanks, and checkering, are
no longer skills possessed by the average gunsmith. That is not
a good or bad thing, Its evolution. There will always be work for
the few select classically trained smiths who possess these skill
sets, however there is not overwhelming demand for classical
gunsmithing throughout the shooting sports community, and it
would be silly to think there would be enough of that type of
work to go around if everyone had those skills.
It’s not dying, it is evolving with the times and the demands
of the customer base. When I was in gunsmith school, there
were very few AR-15 companies that existed. Regular gun guys
thought I was a complete psycho for owning ARs, AKs, FALs, etc. I
had a buddy in school who now works for Benelli, and we would
try to get repair grades for customizing our military style rifles
and get turned down. Unfortunately, now I believe many of the
young guys getting into the trade today are focusing only on
what they want to do and not on getting a well-rounded skill set.
It’s no different than working out, if you only do the exercises you
like, you will only build strength in one area. A true gunsmith is
going to attempt to achieve some level of skill even in the areas
he considers too difficult, outdated, or tedious.
Brett: I believe gunsmithing is more of an “evolving art” rather than
a dying one. Today’s gunsmith must evolve with the technology
of the firearms industry and the wants of their clients. Although
firearms manufacturers are continuously improving firearms
function, performance and durability, they are still however, still
mechanical and subject to failure or loose performance. This is
a key place where the modern gunsmith comes into play. Using
JIM FULLER
tried and true methods, tools and equipment paired with new
technology and knowledge to repair these modern firearms. Of
course, the old ways will always be foundation on which the
gunsmith may build his or her skillset. Continuing the learn and
grow is essential to the modern gunsmith’s survival.
WHAT KEEPS GUNSMITHING AROUND?
Jim: The customer that still cares about quality built product. In
manufacturing today, the mindset is “let’s make it cheaper so
we can create more profit” instead of the old mindset of make it
better so it’s worth more money. One concept drives innovation
the other kills it.
Vince: Demand, bottom line. Same thing that keeps body shops
and mechanics around. As long as the Second Amendment
continues to protect our God given right to keep and bear arms,
there will be a demand for people to build them, repair them,
customize them, and restore them. That is exactly why if you are
a gunsmith and are not at least somewhat politically involved,
you are in denial of what is happening in this country. The NRA,
GOA, and GOP are not perfect and I don’t always agree with
them, but they appear to be the only groups fighting for our
industry in Washington. Unless you want to be a Prius mechanic
in 10 years, get involved politically. If you live in a gun friendly
state like Arizona, Texas, or Louisiana, you have been skating by
taking it for granted. The problems in Massachusetts, New York,
and California are our problems as well. Get involved politically.
Brett: When I tell someone, I am a certified gunsmith, I can see
the excitement in their expression. There is a certain allure to
the art of gunsmithing. It’s almost like magic to take something
old or broken and restore it to be a fine, functional tool to be
enjoyed once again. The American way has always been to “Fix
it if its broke” and this ideology is the bane of gunsmithing. Gun
owners will always need competent gunsmiths just as much as
we need gun owners who care about keeping their firearms in
working condition. We have always coexisted as two parts of the
same whole and I suspect we will continue to do so for a long
time to come.
GUNSMITHING: AN INSIDE LOOK
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

36
GUNSMITHING: AN INSIDE LOOK
KEYS TO BEING SUCCESSFUL AS A NEW GUNSMITH?
Jim: Focus on quality, take as many factory armor classes that
you can get into. Be willing to apprentice or work somewhere
for cheap to perfect your skills. Also honing your mindset and
attention to detail to a point that your work stands above others
and gets that recognition. This is tough for some new gunsmiths
because of today’s “I want it now” society, the reality is you need
to prove yourself with your product not just bullshit the customer.
Vince: Go to school and make the most out of it. Don’t just learn
enough to graduate. Kick ass on every project you do. Your goal
is to be better than your instructors. Your goal is to be the best
gunsmith they have ever seen. When you graduate, go work for
a successful gunsmith that can mentor you and help you advance
in the trade. Don’t just open your own shop right out of school.
Learn all aspects of the business for a few years. Learn to do
the jobs you hate, they may become the jobs that you make
the most money at. Buy good tools. In fact, buy every quality
gunsmithing tool you can. Take care of them. They will make you
money for years to come. Become part of the shooting sports
community. Attend industry functions, get to know the people in
your business. We are a small community. And don’t start your
career by talking shit about those who were here before you. I
have the utmost respect for those who walked this path before
me. You can learn a lot from those old gray haired guys who
haven’t bought a new truck since you were playing tee-ball.
Brett: Growth is a key to success in any business and this holds
especially true for gunsmiths as well. In order to grow, the
gunsmith must first plant the seed by letting potential clients
know they are there. Start local and expand from there. Education
is a key to any skill, craft, or trade. A good gunsmith is not afraid to
try new things, but they also take time learn proper techniques,
practice their skill and anticipate error before performing a task
that is new to them. Reading, researching and learning from
others with more experience are all very important to being a
successful gunsmith. Do not be afraid of failure. A major issue will
happen at some point in an gunsmithing career. Don’t let it bog
you down; look for solutions or admit you are wrong and move
on. Learn from your mistakes and plan accordingly. Do good
work, be personable, be professional and put the customer first.
THOUGHTS ON ARMORERS WITH A DREMEL
TOOL?
Jim: Dremels are fine if you use them wisely, don’t be lazy and
dremel something you can easily mill or file.
Vince: The dremel tool gets a bad rap. A good rotary tool is an
invaluable piece of equipment in the right hands. When you work
on small parts, a small rotary tool is your best friend after your
files and stones. What concerns me is guys who watch a few
YouTube videos and start doing gun work out of their garage as
a side job without a license and without any real training. Some
of them turn out to be great gunsmiths. Most don’t. It’s not only
illegal to do gun work for money without a license, it is unethical.
If you are a garage hobby gunsmith on the weekends, that is fine
but don’t charge people money to hack their guns up. Practice
on your own guns, and when you are ready to charge for your
services, get the proper licensing to protect yourself and your
customers.
BRETT SMITH
Brett: I love them; the keep me busy fixing their mistakes in
between hunting and competition shooting seasons. Really, I feel
like they do more harm than good. Not to say good work has
never come from an armorer with a dremel, but more often than
not, they end up wrecking a part or installing something wrong
rendering a gun inoperable or even worse, unsafe.
WHAT HAS HURT THE INDUSTRY THE MOST?
Jim: The desire for cheap budget guns, when companies are in a
race for the bottom skilled labor is the first casualty.
Vince: Carpetbaggers and politicians. Modern industry carpet
baggers are guys with a little money that decide to one day
own a gun business, having no real experience in the industry.
They seem to think they can somehow make a fortune in guns
by cutting production costs by hiring unskilled labor and using
inferior components. We had a wave of them jump aboard in
early 2013 during the Obama gun rush. Most of them are out
of the industry now but their inferior products are here to stay.
You never start a gun business to get rich or to solicit another
business’ customers. You start a company to make a decent
living providing a quality product or service, and do your own
advertising and networking. Cutting throats has some serious live
the sword, die by the sword outcomes. Do I even need to explain
the politicians thing? We elect a bunch of folks who can’t hack it
in the private sector to spend all year making news laws about
technology, products, and services that they don’t’ understand.
And I’m not just going to point fingers at one party.
Brett: The two enemies of firearms are rust and politicians. I
strongly believe the eight years of the Obama administration
hurt the industry considerably. With laws having been passed
such as the ITAR regulation, which forced many “mom and pop”
gunsmith shops to close due to an outrageous annual fee to the
government just to perform very common gunsmithing services.
It would classify them as “manufacturers” and require obtaining
new licensing just to continue running their small businesses.

Additionally, all the anti-gun rhetoric from the “left” constantly being
pushed through misinformation, liberal media and straight out lies
about owning firearms which is not only putting gunsmiths in a bad
light but the common firearms enthusiasts as well.
WHAT HAS HELPED THE GUNSMITH INDUSTRY IF AT
ALL?
Jim: The Internet, I worked on guns before we had the internet, the
knowledge available now (if you know what to look for) is almost
endless and amazingly quick. But I must stress when it comes to the
internet be very careful of the info you choose to accept as credible.
VINCE BUCKLES
Vince: I think the internet and information age in general has given the
industry a wider reach, particularly for smaller shops. In the past, your
customer base was limited to those who read print magazines and
happened to see your paid advertisement, or folks in your local area.
Nowadays, any gunsmith with a iPhone can photograph his work, crop
and edit the photos, post them to social media accounts, make their
own hashtags, and develop a following and customer base without
spending $300 to have a tiny 1/8 page black and white ad in a gun
periodical. If you are a gunsmith that complains about technology
and social media, you are being left behind. You must adapt or die.
Marketing yourself effectively online is absolutely paramount these days.
Brett: The expansion of competitive shooting sports has been a
driving force for gunsmiths in recent years. USPSA, 3 Gun, Long Range
Precision, Cowboy Action Shooting and the like have grown rapidly
on the national levels. Professional as well as new competitors want
the best guns and gear to compete with and the modern gunsmith
is waiting to give them just what they desire! The clients’ guns are
tailored to their personal shooting style and sport of choice from a
plethora of guns, gadgets and accessories. This expansion of shooting
sports has been a major boost to the industry in my opinion.
FINALLY, WHAT STEPS DO YOU THINK ARE NEEDED TO
PROTECT THE INDUSTRY FROM LEGISLATION AGAINST
LEGALLY CERTIFIED SHOPS?
Vince: We need to stop electing the same corrupt legislators. I encourage
every member of the shooting sports community to consider running
for a state or federal legislative office, or at least volunteering or
contributing financially to the campaigns of those candidates who are
uncompromising advocates for the 2nd amendment. We need to beat
the enemies of our industry at the ballot box, in congress, and through
lawsuits against the mainstream media when they maliciously and
intentionally portray our industry as illegal, unsafe, or careless about
who we provide weapons to. The biggest supplier of illegal weapons to
criminals in the last 10 years is the Department of Justice, and it is high
time our industry starts running for office to gain a position where we
can oust and prosecute the criminal entities within the both parties. It
is high time we see a limited federal government where most of the
power belongs to the States. That is what our founders intended. Read
the Articles of Confederation, and check out Patrick Henry’s statements
on the Constitutional Convention. We are constantly led to believe that
we are bad citizens if we don’t buy into the bullshit idea that we are
governed by our own people. No we aren’t. Not until we stop electing
the same criminals.
Brett: I believe that gunsmiths across America should become more
involved in their local government by attending town / city meetings,
joining their local chapter of the Chamber of Commerce, writing their
representatives and expressing their concerns. Not just gunsmiths, but
all gun owners! It this our right as Americans to tell our government
officials what we stand for and to not exercise that right will just mean
unjust legislation being passed, thus ending our one of our most
valued freedoms.
In wrapping up this article, one of the clear aspects between each
of these talented gentlemen is how the same sentiments can be
conveyed in such different ways, each with a great point of view and
passion for what they do. From the man of few words that can speak
volumes with just a look on his face to the eagerness and energy of
a newcomer, whose skills and body of work are far beyond his years
in thus far. As I mentioned before, I often find myself relating to Vince
the most due to common backgrounds and situations in life currently.
Jim has been a big brother / father figure in the industry for me with
his wisdom and insight, while in contrast, I feel like a mentor for Brett
in doing my best to help open doors and give his work the exposure
it is very well due on his path to even more success. All three have
appealed to my love of history, hate of politics and passion for the art
of gunsmithing.
Like these fine gentlemen, I urge you all to get involved in your local
government, voice your opinion and support your local gunsmiths. I
highly recommend joining the NRA and USCCA if you have not done so
already. One of the best things you could do to really see the industry
up close and in person is to make a trip to the NRA annual meeting
or USCCA Expo and get to meet some of the great folks in the industry
face to face, discuss current topics and see some of the best guns and
gear currently available. Till then, get on the range, take your loved
ones, teach a kid to shoot but most importantly, be involved! Special
thanks to Jim Fuller, Vince Buckles and Brett Smith for their time in
sharing their thoughts and giving us a look into their mindset. Till next
time my friends, Train Hard and Continue the Fight!!
GUNSMITHING: AN INSIDE LOOK
Jim: Don’t elect Politicians, elect PEOPLE that care about freedom and
god given rights and getting the government out of our way.
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

38
FIREARMS: HENRY REPEATING RIFLE
HENRY REPEATING ARMS
U.S. SURVIVAL RIFLE BY TRAMPAS SWANSON
In the face of economic down fall and turmoil in the news
worldwide over the past decade, there has been a growing
interest in post-apocalyptic survival by people of all walks of life.
It’s no coincidence television reality shows like Survivor, Alone
and anything associated with Bear Grylls are popular with weekly
viewers. Topics such as bushcrafting, camping, and hunting are
no longer being studied by just outdoor enthusiasts. Bankers,
lawyers, doctors and company CEO’s are now putting down their
cell phones and laptops to pick up a backpack and ax to learn to
survive when / if the power grid goes down.
When we look at what is needed to survive in an emergency
situation, we often look to our military for equipment and training
ideas. While civilians are usually mesmerized by the high speed
tactical gear, there is one tool depended upon by the U.S. Air
Force pilots since 1959 that is very often overlooked, the Eugene
Stoner designed semi-auto AR-7 .22 caliber survival rifle. While
most of us are not military pilots and are not able to access this
particular item, an improved civilian version of the rifle has been
quietly produced for some time now in black, True Timber-Kanati
and Viper Western Camo by Henry Repeating Arms aptly named
the U.S. Survival Rifle. This rifle is also usually listed as the Henry
AR-7 by many retail sites including Henry’s own www.HenryUSA.
com. Often overshadowed by Henry’s very popular lever action
series of rifles, this little semi-auto .22 LR rifle provides the
perfect tool for civilian bush pilots, backpackers and preppers
around the world looking for a small caliber compact rifle for
emergency situations. When disassembled, the Henry rifle fits
easily in a boat hatch, overhead storage bin or a side pouch of a
“Bug-out Bag”.
RIFLE BREAK DOWN
Few years ago, I received a sample of the U.S. Survival Rifle
from nice folks at Henry Repeating Arms for a short review for
a major retailor out of Texas. As a long-time fan of Henry rifles,
I was well versed in their version of the AR-7 rifle already, but
this would be the first chance to get some quality time with one
in person. When the rifle arrived at my local gun shop, Second
Amendment Guns and Range, I was surprised at how small the
box was. Upon opening the plain black box marked U.S. Survival
Rifle, it appeared as if they had only shipped a 16” long plastic
stock. I took the gun out of the box and popped the butt pad
off the rear of the stock to reveal the rest of the rifle securely
nestled away inside. At a total weight of only 3.5lbs, I was very
impressed how lightweight the total package was.
I removed the barrel with attached nut, 2 magazines and receiver
from the rear of the stock and secured the butt pad back on the
gun. I started assembly by placing the rear of the receiver into
the forked groove in the front of the stock and secured it in place
by means of a turn screw underneath the pistol grip until it was
tightly fitted. Next, I dropped the barrel onto the front of the
receiver into a notch cut out for a barrel pin similar to an AR-15
and used the attached barrel nut to hand tighten the barrel down.
A simple click of one of the 8 round .22 caliber magazines into
the cut out magazine well and the whole rifle was assembled in
all of about 45 seconds!

Fully assembled, the rifle was only 35 inches long, making it
perfect to maneuverer through thick bush or over harsh terrain.
The receiver and barrel were Teflon coated to protect against
corrosion from inclement weather and even salt water. The
receiver is grooved to mount a small air gun size scope, but for
what the rifle is built to be, its supplied iron sights are more
than adept for the task. The rear sight is an adjustable peep hole
which lines up quickly with the highly visible orange fixed bladed
front sight. I discovered quickly, the charging handle had to be
popped out from the side to load the first round into battery and
after that, the rest was easy. Once I familiarized myself with the
operation of the rifle, I was ready for some quality time outdoors
with the Henry.
FIELD TIME
The initial testing involved working with an old friend of mine
who used to serve as our Swanson Media Group bushcraft expert,
Craig Reinolds. He and I had a lot of fun over the years field
testing various gear, guns, and equipment prior to his exit due to
medical reasons. While I have had much more time in the field
now working with the Survival Rifle for a long term review, much
of my current thoughts remain the same as the first summer
spent with Craig testing it.
The first range testing of the rifle consisted of 40 grain CCI Mini
Mag Hollow Point ammunition fired at small polymer and steel
targets roughly 4 – 5 inches tall at typical small game distances of
15 and 25 yards. These rounds push close to 1235 ft/s and have
proven in other .22 rifles to be the best all-round performers in
non-suppressed platforms. As chance would have it, would also
be the case with this test rifle as well. To date, I’ve texted over
two dozen different loads from assorted manufacturers and the
CCI Mini Mag still holds true as the best load for the rifle.
While awkward the first time you shoulder the slightly offset
configuration of the Survival rifle stock, it doesn’t take long to
get use to how the barrel sits on the stock to accommodate
the storage area inside. Due to the lack of a handguard, the
shooter must choke up on the receiver with the support hand to
prevent getting burned by a hot barrel over a prolonged period of
shooting. With the deep cut out in the receiver for the magazine
to fit flush, it’s easy to accidently grab the exposed outside edge
of the magazine and apply enough pressure to cause a misfeed.
Once I caught myself doing this, I corrected my grip and
continued shooting with no further issue.
The bright orange front sight was easy to line up against the
black background of the targets and transitioned quickly from
each one with very little felt recoil. The trigger felt a bit stiff
but broke cleanly with a firm reset considering it is a survival
tool meant to be there in an emergency while my match grade
precision rifle is at home collecting dust in the safe. Even out to
25 yards, I was holding solid “minute of squirrel” groups shooting
standing braced against a fence post.
The first summer of running through box after box of the
diminutive CCI ammo I only experienced one operator induced
failure. After approximately two years of shooting the rifle, I
finally had two “failure to fire” malfunctions during an impromptu
afternoon plinking after teaching a class. Upon inspection of the
rifle, I realized that I had never cleaned the rifle since owning it.
That evening the rifle had a much-needed deep cleaning
leaving a pile of dirty rags and patches. The rifle’s simple
takedown configuration made it extremely easy to clean up by
using a simple Hoppe’s Bore Snake and an old toothbrush. A few
days later, I tested the rifle with 100 rounds of CCI Mini Mag and
it ran perfectly again
Not long after its first deep cleaning, I decided to see how the
Henry Survival Rifle would do if dropped accidently in a river or
lake. I went into the back yard (while my wife was at work with
the kids were in school) and simply tossed the unassembled rifle
into the pool. After the splash, the rifle rose to the top of the
water and began to float around in the water’s current. After a
few minutes, I noticed the rear of the stock started to slowly sink
FIREARMS: HENRY REPEATING RIFLE
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

240
FIREARMS: HENRY REPEATING RIFLE
under the water line. Within less than 5 or 6 minutes, the rifle
then sank to the bottom of the pool. I fished the Henry out of the
water and opened the back cover of the stock. Water poured out
of the stock as if I had used it for a canteen.
I promptly rinsed the salt water off all the parts with fresh
water and wiped everything down with a towel before reoiling.
For rain or sea spray, the stock would work excellent for
protecting the parts inside, but failed the long term submersion
test. If I were to keep this on a boat, I would at least tether the
rifle to some sort of floatation device in case of capsizing.
As things often do in the summer, projects overlapped, and
the AR-7 Survival Rifle spent the summer riding around on the
boat as well as the back of my Chevy Suburban inside my “bug
out” bag without being shot much. I decided to do a bit more
field testing with my good friend Clint Steele. Like Craig, Clint is a
military veteran as well. Having served with both the U.S. Marine
Corps and retiring from the U.S. ARMY 10th Mountain Division,
Clint has spent a lifetime studying the key tools to survival. As a
long time fan of the concept and design of the US Survival rifle,
this would be his first time getting an opportunity shooting one.
Using the same CCI 40 grain Mini Mag Hollow Points as earlier
in the year, Clint and I set out to work on some swinging steel
targets 50 yards down range and try to capture some of the fun
on video as seen in the attached video segment. Using the small
rear peep sights and blaze orange front sight, the sight alignment
and picture were quick to be gained on target. Again, the trigger
felt stiff but more manageable than before due to more rounds
having been put through the rifle as well as having previously
gotten plenty of time in on using the trigger and adapting to it.
Clint’s first shots were dead on as he slowly broke the trigger
on the first 3 shots. First impressions on the overall compact
design and accuracy was that it excels in what it’s designed to
be. True, it’s no target rifle, but as I have previously mentioned,
it’s a great asset to have when you’re prized rifle is sitting at
home. As the day wore on, Clint and I had some great discussions
on how to best carry and deploy the AR-7. By the end of the day,
if there were a dozen U.S. Survival Rifles available, we would
have bought them all to store in our vehicles, boats, and “go”
bags. At only 3.5 lbs and 16.5” inches when disassembled, the
AR-7 definitely can fit easily anywhere you wish to store it for a
“rainy day”.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Over the past years, the U.S. Survival Rifle by Henry Repeating
Arms has ridden up and down the St. James River stowed the
in hull of a pontoon boat, been rode across fields on horseback
and lugged around in the Bug-Out Bag as I mentioned earlier,
but still managed to retain my confidence in its capabilities
if its ever needed in a “life or death” situation. Unlike other
survival rifles I have reviewed in the past, I like the fact the
Henry is a singular compact unit that does not have extra
parts to have to keep up with or be carried in its own carry
case like other survival tools I have previously reviewed in
the past. I feel the U.S. Survival Rifle is well built and durable
for long term storage or use. I would like to see some sort
redesign to allow for some sort of small handguard for those
who just enjoy a day of plinking with the little rifle.
In addition to the rifle, Henry included a neat little tin box
loaded with additional survival tools such as a signal mirror
and whistle, wire saw, waterproof matches, rubber tubing,
emergency blanket and snap light. Made for Henry Repeating
Arms by Best Glide ASE, the box is water tight and can be
used for a wide array of task such as constructing shelter,
snares and starting fires in the field. While this is not included
in the sale of the rifle, it is an excellent item to consider
pairing with the U.S. Survival Rifle.
Retailing at $290, I have seen these rifles in stores listed on
sale for a bit cheaper at around $230. The quality and reliably
you get with this and any other Henry product is second to
none for the money you invest. After spending time with the
Henry, it proved itself to the point of wanting to refer to it as
a tool more than a firearm. Everything about its design and
function are made to help you be confident in overcoming life
threatening situations and survival! I recommend this rifle so
highly in fact, in the time since originally receiving the Henry
for my initial review, I now own two of these rifles as part of
my everyday equipment.
If you want to learn more about the U.S. Survival Rifle and
other great products from Henry Repeating Arms, check the
full line up at www.HenryUSA.com to find the rifle right for
you.
FIREARMS: TRAINING OR HENRY PRACTICE? REPEATING RIFLE
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

42
HEAT RELATED EMERGENCIES
Hot Blooded
Heat Related Emergencies - By Dan Tonto, EMT-P
It’s May in the great State of Florida where I live and Summer
is upon us. In other parts of the country, it’s still Spring, but that
just means that Summer is just around the corner. Spring and
Summer means spending more time outdoors, grilling out, going
to the range, the park, the beach and a slew of other outdoor and
indoor related activities that can put us at risk for a situation where
our bodies can overheat. I’m a product of Rock and Roll bands of
the 70’s and 80’s and one that instantly came to mind when I was
asked to write about heat related emergencies was Foreigner’s
“Hot Blooded.” The first line of the song talks about a fever of “a
hundred and three.” Heat related emergencies; especially Heat
Stroke will involve patient having a core temperature of at least
one-hundred and three degrees, so the boys in Foreigner were
definitely onto something.
All kidding aside, heat related emergencies are no joke and can
be not only very scary, but also life-threatening. I also want to
make one point abundantly clear: A person need not be outside
to suffer from a heat related emergency. Someone who is in a
poorly ventilated building that is very warm can also suffer from
a heat related emergency. When I teach the USCCA’s Emergency
First Aid Fundamentals curriculum; this topic is one of my favorites
to cover because summertime, especially here in Florida means
extreme heat and humidity and heat related emergencies are
common.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEAT RELATED EMERGENCIES
What is a heat related emergency and how do we classify
the different types of heat related emergencies? Heat related
emergencies as the name suggests have to do with an individual
becoming exposed to an excessive amount of heat whereby
the excessive heat causes varying degrees of hyperthermia
(fancy name for increased body temperature above normal).
Hyperthermia can be broken down into four main stages: Heat
Cramps, Heat Syncope (pronounced siNGkəpē), Heat Exhaustion
and Heat Stroke, with the latter being a severe medical
emergency that can lead to death quickly. The following chart
from the National Weather Service/NOAA is a great tool to use to
see that with the right “ingredients”, temperature plus humidity
plus prolonged exposure and/or exertion can lead to a heat
related emergency even when the temperature, humidity or
activity does not seem too extreme.

HEAT CRAMPS
Heat Cramps are cramps or muscle spasms caused by the loss
of water (profuse sweating) and the subsequent loss of sodium
(salt) usually occurring as a result of strenuous physical activity.
Along with dehydration and sodium loss, muscle fatigue is a
main contributing factor to heat cramps.
TREATMENT OF HEAT CRAMPS
Get the patient into a cool, well-ventilated area away from the
heat source. A moistened towel can provide comfort and help
the body cool down faster along with a fan if available. If the
patient is not nauseas or vomiting, they can drink water or a
sports drink that has carbohydrates and electrolytes. If the patient
suffers from a medical condition like heart disease, hypertension,
diabetes, etc. they should be evaluated at a medical facility.
HEAT SYNCOPE
Heat Syncope is when a person faints as a result of prolonged
standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Think
about the person standing on a long line outside on a hot day.
Factors that contribute to heat syncope are dehydration and not
being acclimated to their surroundings.
TREATMENT OF HEAT SYNCOPE
Get the patient into a cool, well-ventilated area if possible. You
should have them lie down on their back which is called the
Supine position. Allow them to drink small quantities of water
or a sports drink and monitor them. If they do not improve, they
might be suffering from Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke and may
need additional medical treatment and evaluation. Again, if the
patient suffers from a medical condition as outlined under Heat
Cramps, they should be evaluated at a medical facility even if
they are feeling better.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
The next and more serious stage of hyperthermia is Heat
Exhaustion. Heat Exhaustion occurs when the body works to
move excessive water due to strenuous exertion or just being
in an extreme environment. With Heat Exhaustion, the patient
has lost a lot of water and sodium. In order for the body to rid
itself of the excessive heat, the vessels become dilated and blood
moves away from the major organs which can lead to shock. In
addition to excessive sweating, the patient may also complain of
a headache, dizziness, thirst, nausea, vomiting, decreased urine
output, severe muscle aches/spasms, tachycardia (increased
heart rate), tachypnea (rapid breathing) and be very irritable.
TREATMENT OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
Call 911 to get EMS on scene. Get the patient into a cool, wellventilated
area. The patient’s body temperature is abnormally
high. Remove excess clothing and place patient in the supine
position. Apply a cool compress to the head, neck and face. You
can also spray the patient with a cool water mist from a spray
bottle. If the patient is conscious and NOT disoriented you can
give sips of water or a sports drink. Monitor until EMS arrives. This
patient will need I.V. fluid replacement therapy as well as other
possible interventions like oxygen, cardiac and blood pressure
monitoring and a blood draw to evaluate electrolytes.
HEAT STROKE
The most serious stage of hyperthermia is Heat Stroke. If
left untreated, it can lead to death very quickly. This is a true
emergency and time is of the essence. Heat Stroke occurs when
the body is no longer able to regulate its core temperature
causing sweating to stop. As a result, the temperature continues
to rise and the patient is literally cooking on the inside. Heat
Stroke is often fatal and needs immediate medical attention. The
patient suffering from Heat Stroke will have a core temperature
greater than 103 degrees, may have a throbbing headache,
experience seizures have nausea and vomiting, have an altered
mental status or be totally unconscious.
TREATMENT OF HEAT STROKE
Immediately remove the patient from the heated environment,
call 911 to get EMS on scene and rapid cooling needs to take
place. Rapid cooling can be achieved by placing the patient in
ice water (full body immersion). This is not always feasible due
to the lack of ice or if the patient is conscious or semi-conscious.
If not able or feasible, the next method is to cool the patient
by using ice/icepacks around the groin, neck, axillae (armpits)
and behind the knees along with spraying the patient with tepid
water all over his/her body and fans to encourage evaporation
of the patient’s body heat. Always watch for seizures and protect
the patient from further injury if seizures develop. As stated
above, this patient will need advanced medical care enroute to
the hospital. The main goal with Heat Stroke is to identify it and
rapidly cool the patient as soon as possible.
To make identifying the difference, the simple chart below can
help in identifying the difference between Heat Exhaustion and
Heat Stroke.
CONCLUSION
Heat related emergencies require the caregiver to be able to
accurately assess the situation and provide care accordingly. In
order to avoid becoming a victim of a heat related emergency,
it’s crucial to stay hydrated; take breaks often, be aware of your
surroundings, use plenty of sun block and observe the people
around you because they may not realize that they are in trouble
and it may be up to you to provide emergency care for someone
who has suffered from a heat related incident.
For more information on first aid and saving lives check out the
organizations below.
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com
https://www.heart.org
https://www.redcross.org
https://www.stopthebleed.org
HEAT RELATED EMERGENCIES
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

WHAT’S NEW… THE TISAS PX9
By Jamie Headley
For someone who has only been shooting for two years, it is all
new to me. Here is one of my favorites “new to me” discoveries.
On Industry Day at SHOT, the first gun I shot was the Tisas
PX9. I couldn’t get it out of my mind the rest of the week. Tim
Mulverhill, CEO of SDS Imports was kind enough to send me one
to try for a while (I love this job).
I think of the PX9 as a Frankenstein gun, and I mean that in the
nicest way. Tisas intentionally took all their favorite features of
other firearms and put them together when designing this one.
When I showed the PX9 to the Armed Lifestyle team, Trampas
said it looks like a HK VP9 and a Springfield XD had a baby. (If you
don’t get that reference, don’t worry, I didn’t at first either). Luke
added that in your hands it feels like a Glock and a Smith and
Wesson had a baby.
What stood out to me about the PX9 is that it is a great first
gun for a new shooter. It comes with everything you need right
out of the box; allows for simple grip modifications that I was
able to easily make and has some extra safety features/options.
TSA approved double locking case – You may not be traveling
with your gun, but this is great for storage if you don’t have a
gun safe.
Two 18 round Sig compatible magazines and a magazine
speed loader – If you have little hands, you need a speed loader.
A minimal inside the waistband holster, that doubles as your
trigger guard during storage – I didn’t know what holster to buy
when I started, so I now have a box of holsters that were too
bulky or just not right for my gun, so I loved this extra.
Three different sized backstraps and grip panels allowing for
27 different configurations of grip and a magwell – These switch
out quickly and include the punch you need.
Red dot ready slide – Starting out, I wasn’t ready for an optic but
now that I am, I won’t have to purchase a new slide.
Option to add an ambidextrous thumb safety – As a new
shooter, you want every safety option possible. I like that you
can add it or remove it.
Loaded chamber indicator – A nice tactile indicator so you
know if you are chambered even in the dark.
Cocking indicator – The combo of this and the chamber indicator
lets you know the status of the firearm.
Accessory ready rail – No need for an aftermarket accessory if
you want to add a light or dryfire training laser.
Reversible magazine catch – I have one firearm I really
struggle to hit the mag release, which is less than optimal for
reloading in a defensive situation, so this is a great option.
Stippling on the slide to give a tactile reference point to keep
your finger on when not on the trigger – Instructors often suggest
putting some stippling on the slide for this reason.
Very competitively priced – Particularly if you consider all it
comes with.
The Tisas is also enjoyable to shoot. The trigger is smooth,
and the recoil is comparable to other compact 9mms. I have
discovered there is no shortage of opinions about why one
firearm is better than another. It seems to be a personal thing
based on preference, physiology, skill set, the tides, phases of the
moon and the price of tea in China. All those things considered; I
love the PX9. However, if this “newbies” opinion does not carry
much weight, I can also tell you that every advanced shooter that
I have let test this gun, has loved it as well. Gun ranges take note
and build some inventory of this one!
WHAT’S NEW… THE TISAS PX9
www.thearmedlifestyle.com

46
DULUTH PACK: WANDERER
DULUTH PACK:
WANDERER
BY JARED PELTZ AND TRAMPAS SWANSON
As the editor of the Armed Lifestyle Magazine, part of my
duties involves placing quality products in the hands of our writers
to test, evaluate and in turn, report to our readers for educational
purposes. In these times when budgets are tighter than ever, our
goal is to help those who are serious about investing in quality
gear make the best investment possible. The goal here is to find
items that will not only do their intended job and continue to
do so for years to come. These articles are so well written and
packed full of useful information, that I fully admit to occasionally
being a bit envious of the writers who get to work with that
“one” product that stands alone with a style and presence that
is all its own.
The Wanderer by Duluth Pack is one such item in which I had
sent to fellow Swanson Media Group writer, Jared Peltz to review
a couple of years ago for a former client publication, The Gear
Locker. After reading the review and learning more about the
history and quality that went into the construction of the pack, I
knew I had to check this one out for myself. This issue, I’ll share
Jared’s original thoughts as well as what I personally discovered
as well.
FAIR WARNING
As Jared originally mentioned, the Wanderer is manufactured
by Duluth Pack in the great state of Minnesota. This is a historic
company that has been in business since the end of the Civil War
Reconstruction Era of US History when the west was still being
settled and covered wagons were the SUV’s of society. Officially
manufacturing canvas backpacks and products in Minnesota
since 1882, Duluth Pack prides itself in never evolving over the
years away from the attention to detail and quality in which they
were founded on. Know any other companies that use to repair
covered wagons? No? Me neither.
So, why the warning? Well, for starters, this backpack isn’t
made from 500 Denier lightweight Condura nylon fabric, nor
does it come with an iPhone holder, slots for earbud wires, bottle
openers, Molle attachments, or other “tacti-cool” features some
may consider “necessary” for their Starbucks spoiled lifestyle. If
you can get past that, the Wanderer is the pack for you from a
company about as “old school” as it gets. This pack, like all Duluth
Pack products is built to be extremely rugged while offering a
since of style and class often lost in modern society.
WANDERER SPECS
The Wanderer pack is essentially a scaled down version of Duluth
Pack’s very popular Rambler model designed for Bushcrafting,
hiking, camping, and other rigorous outdoor activities. The
Wanderer is constructed from 15 oz. canvas with a simple box
style design. The top flap straps are copper riveted with premium
leather and roller buckles. (Think: leather belt thickness.) These
straps were surprisingly thicker in comparison to those that
secured the side and front pockets.
In addition to the thick straps, Duluth Pack includes leather
reinforcement for all riveted and high stress seams. The pack’s
main compartment measured 16” high, 15” wide, and 6” deep for
the primary storage area. The side pockets were approximately
9” high, 4.5” wide and about 2” deep. The front pocket measured
about 9” high, 8” wide, and 1.5” deep. It definitely had enough
room to serve as a quick day+ pack. For multiple day treks, I
believe the original Rambler may be a better option.
Jared’s original test sample came in Olive Drab, but Duluth
Pack offers eleven other canvas options to choose from including
three waxed options such as the Khaki colored waxed pack that I
ultimately decided to go with. If you are going to consistently be
in wet or damp environments, I would recommend the waxed
option. A second option Duluth Pack offers is a canvas wax kit for
those who wish to wax their packs later after purchasing one of
the other packs.
The roomy, unconstructed main compartment cinched closed
via a leather draw cord with an easy-to-use cord lock. The long
leather straps attached to the top flap offer 7 grommeted holes
for adjustment to allow for a bed roll to be placed on the inside of
a fully loaded main compartment. Even while at full capacity, the
pack could still be cinched down to give the bed roll protection
from the elements as well as the rest of the inside contents.
Along the top was a well-supported “grab and go” handle for
hanging the pack on a hook or tree branch when camping as well
as to simply load / unload into a vehicle every day.
The wide shoulder straps were designed from cotton webbing
to reduce fatigue or feeling as if the straps are cutting into your
skin during a long hike with a full load out. Four leather reenforced
attachment points for lashing any additional gear was

located around the top of the pack. Keeping with the simple design,
you won’t find however, a waist belt for long range lower back support.
DULUTH ADVENTURES
So, just how well did the pack work over the initial test period
compared to regularly using more modern style packs, you ask? Not
bad, not bad at all!
In the original review, Jared’s adventures took the Wanderer on a
couple weekend kayak trips when it wasn’t seeing Monday through
Friday use as an office work bag. The pack even joined his regular
family outings for blueberry picking as well as serving as the “go to
pack” for a few relaxing hikes.
“I found the Wanderer was easily used as a day pack. The canvas is
solid but didn’t offer much breathability as was expected. The cotton
shoulder straps are slightly angled to allow ease of use but made
for awkward adjustment at times. The side pockets are buckled with
noticeably thinner leather. This made opening and closing easier but
left me feeling that they were a little too thin compared to the sections
of boot leather that held down the top flap. Since the design was a
simple box style, users may find the pack sag or load shift without a
supporting frame. In reading other comments about the pack online, I
had found one suggestion about using a small office waste basket to
give the main compartment structure. I didn’t find it an issue as most
of my outings had the pack filled to capacity.”
“One of my favorite points about the Wanderer was the fact there
were no plastic zippers in the design to burst open or break off. The
leather strap system was easy to use and offered a sound piece of
mind that my load was secured. I loved the overall simplistic look and
rugged feel of the Duluth Pack Wanderer. It carried well and filled the
role of a medium day pack just fine. A waist support could have been
helpful on a few heavy loads, but the pack performed well without
it.” – Jared Peltz
FUN FACT: If your travels happen to take you near the Boundary Waters
Canoe Area Wilderness or Quetico Provincial Park area close to the
company’s base of operations in Duluth, Minnesota, you can rent a
pack directly from Duluth Pack for your adventures. Sounds like a good
excuse to plan your next adventure!
After reading about all the fun Jared had integrating the Wanderer
into his lifestyle, I wanted to see how this pack would fit into mine. Like
Jared, I am a family man always on the go. On an average weekday,
I can be found running in and out of the office, dropping kids off or
picking them up from school, tutoring and karate when I’m not working
with clients indoors and outdoors on the range. The weekends offer
more of the same including teaching classes and taking family trips to
the many theme parks, historic sites and beaches Florida has to offer.
Ever since I was four years old, hunting has also played a large role
in my outdoor adventures with family and friends. Combined with a
love for sharing the knowledge of Bushcrafting with my kids, a good
quality pack such as the Wanderer has always been more of a “need”
than simply a “want”. (More on these topics coming in future issues of
Armed Lifestyle Magazine!)
When my waxed Khaki version of the Wanderer arrived in the
mail, I immediately loaded it out to become my daily truck pack.
In the main compartment, I placed a military style wool blanket
for emergencies such as retaining core temperature during a critical
incident, sleepy kids, or impromptu outdoor seating on lunch breaks.
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As Jared mentioned in his article, the bag could slouch if not fully
loaded but with the rigid wool blanket as a base, it kept its shape
while holding additional items very well.
Packed on top of the blanket, I carry a small survival kit made
by Henry Repeating Arms. This neat little kit contains items such
as a signal mirror, fishing line / kit, matches, chem light, sewing
kit, extra cordage, water purification tablets and much more
inside of a compact 7.3” x 4.6” x 2.3” tin box. I even included two
small sample pouches of Pyro Putty in case I need help starting a
fire with less than perfectly dry materials.
Along the backside of the pack, I keep a small “take down”
style .22 caliber AR-7 Henry Survival rifle along with 100 rounds of
CCI .22 Mini Mag ammunition. The rifle itself is a very unassuming
firearm that breaks down to fit all its components into its stock
when not in use. At first glance as its packed, most people would
not even realize it was a firearm. This rifle is great for plinking on
the range after a day of teaching defensive shooting with larger
firearms, squirrel hunting with my father when on vacations
to North Carolina or simply having fun with the wife and kids
shooting soda cans and self-sealing polymer dinosaur shaped
targets.
Packed along with my rifle, I usually keep a change of
clothing with extra socks. (Anyone who has done any significant
time in the woods camping, hiking or been in the military can
tell you just how important it is to keep your feet dry and happy.)
Wrapped between layers of clothing, I have a fixed blade knife
for utility use setting up campsites or Bushcrafting. Toward the
top of the pack, I added a medical kit which includes equipment
items not only needed for range care and vehicle wrecks such
as Israeli bandages, medical shears, tourniquets, and Quick Clot
as well as Princess Band-Aids, Neosporin, and assorted items for
every day “boo boos” as well.
The two spacious pockets mounted on the left and right of
the pack are large enough to easily carry 40 oz water bottles.
Normally, I carry a 32 oz water bottle in the right side pocket and
smaller plastic water bottles to top off the inside compartment.
Inside the left side pocket, there is a hand towel, 100 ft of
paracord in a plastic bag along with a roll of duct tape. (The many
wonders of duct tape alone could be another full article by itself
from preventing blisters to patching tarps and packs!)
The smaller outside pocket is used to carry snacks, store
keys, emergency cash, a cheap compact poncho from Walmart
and a cellphone battery pack charger. In addition to these items, I
always carry a lighter and a tried-and-true Victorinox Swiss Army
Knife. You don’t have to be MacGyver to find tons of ways in
which a classic multi-tool and a reliable fire source can be useful
on a daily basis.
Pro Tip: Make sure to remove the firearm and edged tools before
entering restricted areas such as theme parks. The “mouse”
doesn’t allow these items!
I enjoyed how comfortable the pack rides between your
shoulders through thick brush and heavy crowds. With both, I
never feel the “pull” of the pack snagging on anyone or anything.
Through years of athletics, wrestling suspects during my law
enforcement career and surviving a couple of bad vehicle wrecks,
my back is very susceptible to lower spinal pain when carrying a
poorly constructed pack. Thankfully, the Wanderer’s solid design
and wide shoulder straps made sure I never dealt with any of
these issues.
Pro Tip: Do not machine wash. Clean using mild detergents and
quality leather cleaner to ensure years of reliable use and good
looks.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I had to completely agree with Jared’s original
recommendation for the Wanderer from Duluth Pack. With a
closet full of tactical style packs among tons of other gear, the
style and class in which the Wanderer offers over other products
just sets someone apart when out and about with it. The pack
has even been a conversation starter from strangers giving
compliments on how cool the pack looks with its classic canvas
texture along with the deep brown leather straps and buckles.
Retailing for around $295, the Wanderer isn’t cheap, nor
should you expect it to be so. As with anything, premium quality
materials, construction and durability comes with premium
pricing. I have several packs from companies such as Tactical
Tailor, Vertex and Crye Precision that cost just as much or more.
With other bags in the same price range, many just aren’t as
durable, nor do they garner half the “non threatened” attention.
Pro Tip: When you wear a tactical bag or clothing, you get noticed
as a “gun guy” from across the room. The secret to blending in
and being the “grey man” isn’t wearing subdued colors, it’s not
casting that “image” to begin with.
If you are the type of person who cares more about quality
stitching, classic styling, and rugged dependability more so than
which new MultiCam pattern is the latest fashion trend, then
Duluth Pack is probably right company for you. The Wanderer
model did a great job of fitting into my lifestyle, now I invite you
to find one that works for yours. For more information on this and
other great products from Duluth Pack, visit www.duluthpack.
com to discover your next adventure.

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EMERSON KNIVES COMMANDER
Emerson Knives Commander
by Trampas Swanson
Throughout the history of mankind, no item of equipment has
been more underrated yet more used than a good knife. From
war zones to daily civilian life, the need for a quality blade arises
at every turn. I find myself in agreement with many serious
blade users that a solid fixed blade is the first place to look for a
good carry knife. Unfortunately, our society has evolved to make
carrying one much more difficult and less socially acceptable.
Whether it’s non-permissive foreign countries, restraining liberal
controlled state laws or simply daily attire, there are many
situations where carrying a decent sized fixed blade would just
not be possible and / or legal. This is where the concept of the
“tactical folder” comes into play as what I consider the best
option for most applications. In this article, AL Magazine looks
at a high-quality knife simply titled the “Commander” from a
well-respected blade company that’s been an industry leader for
years, Emerson Knives, Inc.
The tactical folding knife is a complicated tool to specifically
define. It’s the consensus of most in the blade industry that a true
tactical folder would include, at a minimum, these characteristics:
1.) One hand operation (open / close);
2.) Blade locks open;
3.) Pocket clip;
4.) Solidly built, especially the pivot and lock; and,
5.) Blade design that can be used offensively.
is widely known in the current blade industry as the Father of the
MODERN Tactical Folder. Much like Henry Ford didn’t invent the car
but improved and modernized it to a much larger scale, Emerson
seems to have picked up where Terzuola ended. Drawing from
his vast background as a machinist and accomplished Martial Arts
instructor, Ernest Emerson was able to bring tactical folding knife
concepts to the world platform not only through high quality,
large scale production but also an incorporation of the blade into
military, law enforcement and private military training as well.
By the end of the 1990’s, the company’s flagship model, the
Commander, was born to immediate success. As with all Emerson
products, the Commander is constructed 100% in the US and
proudly made completely of US parts. Named Best Overall Knife
While Bob Terzuola is often considered the Father of the
Tactical Folder due to his use of the disk thumb lever, pocket clip
and early use of the Walker liner lock, it is Ernest Emerson, who

of the Year in 1999 at the knife industry’s largest annual event,
the BLADE SHOW in Atlanta, the Commander managed to land
several military and law enforcement contracts including official
use by the US Navy SEALS and other elite units around the world.
Aside from the Terzuola-like disk thumb stud, Emerson created
a forward pointing hook along the spine of the Commander’s
spine to act as a blade catch to prevent opposing blades from
riding up and cutting the user’s hand. This hook was discovered
to quickly deploy the blade when drawn from the right-hand
pocket. Emerson listed this as a “wave-shaped opening feature”
which transcended into other blades under the company banner
with much success. Over time as these blades were seeing
significant time in the field, reports of a third benefit came in
“unofficially” that this wave feature also made a decent bottle
opener for libations during down time.
Most success and failure stories aren’t truly about the innovation
as much as they are in the details that go along with it. The
Commander’s overall construction using top quality materials is
just as much a part of its success as anything. The recurved blade
is made from 154 CM steel featuring a chisel-grind to give the
end user a flat surface to easily keep a working edge on the knife
out in the field with commonly found items such as a rock, piece
of glass or small whetstone. Perhaps the most important notation
to be made about the Commander’s construction is the use of
standard components rather than proprietary screws heads and
complex locks. The large flat head pivot screw and Phillips head
screws used to secure the grip scales can be replaced quickly
with a trip to any local hardware store. When in the field these
items can be easily “reallocated” from other items found in the
surrounding environment and replaced with a common multi-tool.
Additionally, just like any serious shooter would work out
with a training gun such as a blue gun or SIRT pistol, Emerson
manufactures a Commander training knife. This trainer is
equipped with a blunt tipped recurved blade with bright blue
scales that are widely accepted as a training device color. From
the wave opening device to every tiny screw, the Commander is
replicated to the fullest degree. This trainer is the perfect way to
safely become very proficient in using the Emerson Commander
for defensive and offensive purposes. More on this later.
COMMANDER SPECS
Overall Length: 8.75”
Blade Length: 3.75”
Handle Length: 5.00”
Handle Material: G-10
Weight:
4.9 oz
Blade Steel:
154 CM
Hardness:
57 – 59 RC
Lock Mechanism: Linier (Titanium)
MSRP: $240 - $265
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EVERYDAY CARRY KNIFE
Once the Commander and Commander Trainer arrived for review,
I began to carry the trainer for the first week just to get into
the practice of deploying the blade smoothly while remaining
safe. All too many times I have had to risk learning the hard
way with test knives, now that I had a training blade offered, I
would take full advantage of it. Towards the end of the week, I
began to switch back and forth between training blade and live
blade while working on rapid deployment of the blade. The blade
deployed smoothly ending in a crisp lock up with the Walker liner
lock. This lock was easy to manipulate one handed, even when
wearing my lightweight operator gloves from Outdoor Research.
On Friday, the live blade gave me an idea just how sharp it was
straight out of the box and into my pocket. The incident occurred
when I accidently double clutched my draw stroke and felt a
slight tug on the top of my rear pocket. Later that night, I realized
that the slight tug was the blade effortlessly slicing through the
pocket of my jeans. Our Swanson Media Group Instagram and
Facebook followers got a kick out of the candid photo of the
damage posted later the next week.
Once the second week rolled around, I only used the trainer
in the evenings working with various techniques in my personal
training before prepping the Commander for the next day’s attire.
For the next 5 weeks, I carried the Commander while alternating
between my front and rear right hand pocket depending on if the
day’s attire dictated my SIG Sauer model 365XL or 320 AXG pistols.
Later in the test and evaluation process, I would experiment with
weak side carry as well opposite my SIG inside the waistband
carry holster from Falco Holsters. (Thankfully, no further articles
of clothing were harmed in the testing of the Emerson Knives,
Inc products.)
With its wide, beefy razor sharp 3.75” blade and 5” G10 grip,
the Commander is a very intimidating tool coming in at 8.75” in
overall length. The 4.9 oz weight and wide profile make it feel
like a true tool in the user’s hand rather than Grandpa’s old apple
peeling jack knife. It was very well balanced with its center point
located mid-finger grove in which your index finger would grip.
I was very pleased with how natural the Commander felt in my
hand during strikes and heavy cutting work. I could quickly index
the blade on target and make precise cuts quickly when needed
just as easily as making long, deep cuts into thick material such
as meat, denim or rubber innertube.
For those familiar with the weather in Florida, it rains almost
every afternoon during the summer and fall, so using the
Commander in the rain was a regular occurrence. Regardless of
how wet the scales on the knife became, it and the trainer’s
grip remained sure. When using gloves, the grip almost seemed
to bite into the palm of the glove as pressure on the knife was
increased. I was impressed how sure it felt in the hand yet not
rough or uncomfortable to the skin.
To prevent rust and premature wear, Emerson Knives offers the
Commander in two good looking blade finishes, a nonreflective
stonewash or black Cerakote. The sample sent was the latter
option which held up extremely well over the test period.
Maintenance with the test knife was extremely simple. With just
a little bit of Modern Spartan Accuracy oil applied after brushing
the dirt and grime from normal exposure to the elements with
a toothbrush from the Dollar Store, the Commander was ready
to go. To keep the razor-sharp edge on the chisel edge of the
conventional V-Grind, I turned to our media group’s “go to” knife
sharpening guy, Simon Michael at Atavistic Edgeworks. Simon’s
work with our test blades has never failed to impress no matter
how sad the condition of some of the lesser knives may be when
turned over to him.
The major advantage in performance the Commander has is
in the recurve design of the blade. When cutting from base to tip
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in a draw stroke such as an offensive strike, the recurve of blade
aids in pulling through the subject matter such as flesh, fat or
muscle tissues rather than cutting the surface and riding along a
straight edge. This yields faster, deeper and possibly more lethal
cuts distributed by the end user. This is the biggest aspect in
which this design really excels, and Ernest Emerson specifically
built the Commander with that in mind.
To safely practice these techniques, Emerson had the
forethought to design a trainer knife, originally just for instructors
within his combat system, but now widely available to anyone
wishing to enhance their skills safely. The Commander Trainer
gives you the feel of a live bladed Commander in your hands
and puts an added sense of reality into your skill building. The
first few times I deployed the blunt blade in use on my training
partner, I hesitated to quickly double check to make sure I had
not accidently grabbed the wrong blade before mistakenly
carving him up like a Thanksgiving turkey. The action and overall
feel are seriously real. The balance between the two blades are
within an 1/8” of each other despite material being ground off
to form the live blade thanks to holes strategically drilled into the
trainer’s blade. Retailing for $119.95, I highly suggest investing in
one if you choose to carry an Emerson Commander.
If I had to find a negative to report on the Commander, it
would only be in the lack of options with the pocket clip. Secured
on the end opposite of the pivot screw, the clip only allowed for
the knife’s wave opening feature to fully engage when carried in
the front right or rear left pocket. This seemed to slightly alienate
the knife from left-handed users but with a bit of adaptation
and focused training, they were just as quick deploying the
Commander as their right-handed counterparts.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With an average retail price found between $240 - $265, I feel
the Commander is priced very fairly in the middle of the high-end
production tactical knife market with one of the most rock-solid
names in the industry backing it. Knives with blades made from
the super steel currently in vogue this week can run upwards of
$400 - $500 but usually require more difficult means of keeping
them functionally sharp. Speaking from years of experience
breaking lesser constructed blades in the same price range
regularly as a SWAT operator and Deputy Sheriff, the quality of
Emerson Knives far exceeds their price tags.
During the T&E period, I thoroughly enjoyed carrying the
Emerson blade daily and well intend to continue doing so in the
future. I could go on about the numerous uses I had the occasion
to put the blade to good use, but in the end, the Commander
simply speaks for itself. The battle proven, well thought out
design is a testament to Ernest Emerson’s creativity and vision
for a rugged, solid performing tactical folding knife. Whether
for deployment or everyday carry, I suggest trying an Emerson
Commander for yourself. Visit www.EmersonKnives.com to find
which model fits your needs best.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT
TRAINING CLASS FOR YOU
BY ROB PINCUS
For many people, choosing a training class (above the level
of the kind you need to get a CCW permit or a CPR certification)
seems to either seem really simple or really hard. Which way
one leans has a lot to do with the personality of the human
in question and their perception of “how much they already
know” before choosing a class. Some people tend to overthink
things and some people fly by the seat of their pants. Some
people believe that they could benefit from any class and
others think they know so much that they need something
really special to get anything of value. In my experience, those
at the extremes of these points are almost always wrong. Sadly,
because they already have their minds made up, they often find
a self-fulfilled prophecy at the end of the course. The know it
all could take a great course and get very little out of it and the
neophyte could take a horrible course and think they’ve gotten
an amazing return on their investment of time and effort.
In the 1990’s I became what most people would consider
a “training junky”. I took any course I could get into for over
a decade. I bought into the (false) cliché’ that any course is
worth attending “even if you only learn one thing”. Now, for
me, it all turned out okay… one of the reasons that I think I’ve
been so successful as an educator in the shooting industry is the
perspective on gained from both good and bad instructors and
good and bad classes. My experienced ended up being a great
preparation for my 20+ year career. I even got paid to do some
of my “research” over the many years I wrote training course
review articles. But, I have o assume you are looking for life &
death skill development, not doing research for your life’s work.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve also spent a lot of time training and
mentoring defensive shooting instructors on how to build, run
and market courses that will be of real value to their students.
So, based on those experiences and my observations, I’m going
to give you my advice on how to choose the right training
courses for you. Let’s start with a series of questions:
1. Is the course covering a topic you are not already skilled in?
2. Is the course intended for someone like you?
3. Have you learned anything (already) from the Instructor?
4. How big is the financial and time commitment required?
COURSE TOPIC?
While this may seem obvious at first, I find a lot of people who
take multiple courses on the same topic; defensive handgun,
home defense tactics, precision rifle. At some point, you simply
become a hobbyist if you keep taking courses on the same
topic, and that can be fine, but you’re not the person this article
is for. The right answers to the questions that follow will help
you find a course on a topic that you need that should give
you the required skills sets and methodology to practice those
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skills and develop them on your own. This approach frees you
up to take future courses in other areas that you also need to
develop. When looking for a course, remember that “Handgun
Shooting” or “Emergency Medical Training” are broad categories,
not specific topics like “Defensive Handgun Shooting for CCW” or
“Gun Shot Wound Response”.
TARGET AUDIENCE?
Most experienced instructors and mature curricula end up with
a defined audience that will benefit most from their courses.
This group does not always line up with those who take those
courses, however. Many courses are filled with hobbyists, poorly
informed or mis-motivated students who are looking for an
“experience”, collecting another certificate or training with
someone that they admire. If you are going to be a discerning
student that finds real value, you need to research the specific
skills and the context of intended use that the course is teaching
for. There is a big difference between an isolated shooting skills
focused course and a reality-based training scenario session.
You could need either or both, but you need to know the
difference and what you are getting into. Generally, you want
to learn & build your skills in as much context as possible, get
some independent practice and then attending more involved
simulation or scenario-based events covering the same topic.
Isolated Skill Performance classes are great for competitive
shooters, but not usually the best for developing applicable
defensive shooting skills.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE
INSTRUCTOR ALREADY?
You shouldn’t be paying any significant amount of money or
investing a significant amount of time to train with someone
whose material you can’t get a really good feel for ahead of
time. Articles, books and videos are all incredibly easy to get
published in today’s world for nay instructor worth that time
& money to train with. There are many magazines, blogs,
organizations and training groups publishing quality articles and
videos from quality instructors in every of personal defense. I’ve
lost track of how many awesome educators we’ve published
through Personal Defense Network, for example. And, most
National Level Instructors have published books or appeared on
TV Shows or popular Youtube channels as well. You need to take
some time to read & watch material from any instructor you are
considering taking a course from. You should be able to get a
really good feel for their delivery style and content value. Both
matter! The concept of Respectful Irreverence aside, you should
be able to find an instructor you think you will like training
under who can teach you a thing or two even before you pay
them a dime. Of course, the value of the content is much more
important than their personality.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Don’t fall for the “how much is your life worth?” crazy talk… there
is a fair price for training. At this time, what I would consider the
top level of quality instructor teaching valuable end-user classes
are generally charging $200-$300 per day. Specialty classes with
more supplied equipment or special venues might fairly cost a
little more. If you’re considering a course in this price range and
you can’t positively respond to the first three questions, with
certainty, I’d advise you to pass. It might be tempting to go with
the “two out of three ain’t bad” approach, especially if you are
dealing with a popular instructor or exciting topic, but I sincerely
think you will be compromising too much… remember: These
are life & death skills and your resources are limited. Better
to pass on the class that might have been “fun” or “cool” and
invest in a another option. Also, keep in mind that you might
have an opportunity to train with a lesser known instructor, a
local instructor or a course on a topic that interests you being
offered by a non-profit organize or subsidized in some other
way for much less than $200/day. Those local opportunities can
certainly be worth taking even if you can’t check all three of the
above boxes with bold marks.

PUTTING THE “A” IN TR”A”INING!
BY BILL THOMAS
I’m going to start this month by asking a simple
question, one that I feel every “shooter” should be able
to answer immediately, but I’m betting will actually give
many pause for thought, and that’s “why do YOU shoot?”
I am in no way a betting man but I would put good
money on the fact that the answers will be as myriad
as shooters themselves! Some will say straightforwardly
they shoot because they love it, others will be more
pointed in their response and say that it’s about selfdiscipline,
or even that they love firearms and shooting
them as they are fabulous works of engineering. Some
will shoot because they value their freedom and devoutly
believe that ownership of a firearm will let them ensure
the continuation of said freedom, and some will cite
protecting their homes and loved ones, or that they
shoot purely for the pot whilst enjoying “the hunt” and
everything that entails…
I’m sure you’re getting the idea of where I’m going with
this; the reasons why we love shooting are as individual
as every one of us, and that in itself is a celebration of
both diversity and sameness. Fundamentally we are all
different, but one of the things that we all share is the
love of the “armed lifestyle”, whether that be full-time
or occasional!
Now if you’re lucky enough to be living in a country
where you have that wonderful thing that is “The Right
To Bear Arms” then I truly envy you, I really do, as where
I live that is far from the case. Yes, I can legally own
certain types of firearm (but not all), but to be a gun
owner where I happen to reside is not something that is
talked about openly… well, not entirely true as EXACTLY
where I live I have several neighbours that are active
clay and sport shooters, so it’s not uncommon to see the
gun bags going into the back of the 4x4 on a Sunday
morning…
However, I am one of those people that LOVES
shooting and the “tools” and life that go with it, and if I
lived somewhere where I could legally own what I have
replicas of then I’d be one of those guys you see in the
weekend newspaper supplement with his “collection”
laid out before him… yup, I’d be one of “them gun nuts”
and I’d be proud of the fact!
But with ownership comes responsibility, both
in terms of safety and in terms of how non-shooters
perceive us as “gun owners”… the fact is that many of
many of my replicas are of a historic nature, models from
WWII and the Cold War years that are fully functional “BB
chuckers”, and for the average person they would not
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be able to tell at first glance that these were not real
firearms. Of course when I bring things up to date with my
gaming and training armoury these are replicas of exactly
what folk see in movies and on the news every day (sadly
at the moment) and I’m certain that in a non-permissive
environment many find these downright scary.
So that’s really the first part of “training”; I need to
keep my replicas safely and securely just as I would a real
firearm; although they are “non-lethal” they still LOOK like
they are, so I, and we, need to be very aware of that fact!
GETTING YOUR GAME ON!
With that bit firmly out of the way I’d like to open the door
a little on possibilities for you to train with, and enjoy a
6mm Realistic Imitation Firearm (or RIF as they are referred
to legally). You might think that an “airsoft” or “soft air”
platform (and here I include both pistols and rifles, etc)
is for the kids to run around with in the woods or at an
airsoft site, and you wouldn’t be wrong, and personally I’d
rather have a kid of mine running around outdoors than
sat behind a console playing “call-of-modern-battlefieldwarfare-duty”!
I will come back to this side of things later,
but first I’d like to draw your attention to another side of
“airsoft”, and that’s the competition side of things!
Many owners of real firearms, through no fault of
their own, don’t know that there is a very healthy, and
global airsoft “Practical Pistol” community, and that
“Action Air” is actually recognised in its own right to the
very highest level by the International Practical Shooting
Confederation (IPSC), and international shooting events
under its auspices are going on all the time! The following
is taken from a report written about the first Shooting
Centre Shooting Cup in Taiwan by my good friend Stu
Mortimer who has kindly allowed me to share it, (along
with some of his images), and I believe it gives some
indication of just how difficult “6mm” IPSC-style events
are, and just how much they share with the “real steel”
side of things!
“Stage 1 involved ‘walking the plank’ during any
movement; with an inverted Y arrangement of quadruple
laterally stacked wooden batons tie-wrapped together
in composite planks end to end, and shooting had to be
done from a stationary position anywhere along these,
with procedural errors and penalties for every instance of
the shooter’s feet touching the floor… this took me back
to the old ‘shark infested custard’ command tasks of my
cadet days, but with shooting and balance alongside a
time constraint thrown in.
I started off fairly well, straddling the neck of the
inverted Y and taking out the paper and twin poppers on
the left quite slickly, then moving right with my fire taking
out the central popper in the rear bay at the foot of the
Y, and on to twin papers in the centre right, then having
to crab shuffle my huge canoe feet carefully along the
planks to get the twin poppers and single papers visible
from the far right position, before cheesing it back the
way I came and damn near falling into the rear bay to
engage the rear right hand paper, and sweeping left to
the final no-shoot obstructed paper and ending plate next to it.”
Now is it just me, or does that sound like a shooting
competition that you might find down at your local range
or club, one that just happens to be shot with “6mm”
rather than “9mm”? It sure does to me, and illustrates
that whilst “airsoft” can be looked down on, it can also
be looked up to as a fine example of shooting sport in the
very best way!
6MM “TRAINING”
So, “6mm Training” is “a thing” right enough, but I’m
still finding that some shooters are denying that this is
another useful tool in the box, and I genuinely have to
question why? Anything, and by that I do mean ANY
SINGLE THING, that makes us more competent, and above
all safer, shooters MUST be a good thing surely?

I have said this in the past on numerous occasions, but
being resident in the UK means that my access to handguns
and any semi-automatic long gun above .22 for training is
severely limited; it’s only when I’m lucky enough to work
with a “Section 5” dealer (and that also has its limitations
legally in the UK!) that I get my hands on something
“meaningful”, and otherwise I have to head to sunnier
climes (poor me!) to lay down some rounds; this involves
a significant investment of both time and money, and for
the past couple of years has been next to impossible due to
Covid-related travel restrictions.
However, in the meantime I do still want to work on
my “skills and drills” without breaking the bank, and whilst
running countless dry manipulations, magazine changes
and transititions is all very well, it’s absolutely no substitute
for some intensive live target work. I do this on a regular
basis using “6mm” (yes I mean airsoft BB!) replicas, and it
would appear that from the growing buzz in the training
world I am far from alone in this, up to and including some
LE units around the globe!
But how do you make your 6mm training varied and
valid? On my home (yes, I have a 10m range at home, as
that is safe to use with little plastic BBs!) and woodland
range I use both traditional targets, paper and iron plate,
and the AttackSense Smart Target System; I got together
with Neil from AttackSense a short while back and he told me;
“We started AttackSense after recognising that no
system existed that provided reactive training targets
which could monitor shooter performance and function in
a representative environment. With our experience gained
from the drone industry we developed a reliable wireless
target system that could operate in any environment, with
the levels of robustness needed to provide long service
life in the harsh use case targets find themselves in. It
was critical to us that the system would operate using a
tablet computer, to provide the level of detail we wanted to
track shooter performance over time and to support future
proofing, something our customer enjoy with frequent
updates supporting new features and shooter tracking.
As the system grows and our user base increases, we’re
currently re-investing 100% of our revenues back into
the product. This is allowing us to innovate with R&D in
software to improve the features and use cases we support,
and in hardware with different target designs for new
environments as well as companion units for start / stop
indication, movement sensing, flow control and improved
immersion. Close engagement with our customers is
allowing us to improve the product and find new directions
to move in all the time, it’s an extremely exciting time for
us as it is for the industry in general.”
Updates and system durability/longevity improvements
are already being introduced thanks to that oh-so-important
user feedback, and I have every confidence that the team
behind these targets aren’t resting on their laurels and
they’ve already intimated that there is quite a lot more to
come in the future.
But target shooting is still just that, even when it’s
super-reactive like the AttackSense system, and here I’m
going to get into some contentious territory! We all observe
the “golden rules” of shooting, and high on that list is
“NEVER POINT THE GUN AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING
TO DESTROY”; This mantra is rightfully drilled into every
shooter out there, both professional and civilian, and for
very good reason!
However, this also begins to explain why airsoft,
certainly in relation to the gaming side, gets a bad rep
as virtually every shooting association or lobbying group
will shy away from a shooting sport where it is actually
ENCOURAGED that we shoot AT one another! I can see the
point in fullness and fairness, and it doesn’t help that there
are countless examples of “bad practice featuring airsoft”
all over social media platforms, but again bad news sells as
they say, and seeing kids AND adults, some of them serving
LE and military along with veterans, behaving responsibly
with replica firearms really doesn’t sell sensationalism or
YouTube views does it?
There are thousands, if not now millions, of airsofters
worldwide, all playing their games safely and responsibly.
Many of them may well be firearms owners too and use
their replicas for regular manipulation and target training,
and although there are inherent safety issues to be
mitigated (we are dealing with non-lethal projectiles after
all!), ownership, and the use of a “6mm replica” is 100%
part of the wider shooting community globally.
Will airsofters ever be recognised by the big lobbying
groups? Probably not due to the fundamental “breaking”
of that golden “don’t shoot” rule, but that doesn’t mean
you can’t get involved in the competition side or the safe
training side and enjoy owning and shooting a “6mm
replica”, and if it means that you shoot more, that can’t be
a bad thing can it?
Next time I’ll carry on being contentious and take a
deeper look at how “6mm” can be used to train in Force
on Force scenarios, and what this may mean to you as a
shooter. For now though, keep safe, and keep shooting!
TRAINING 6MM TRAINING OR PRACTICE?
www.thearmedlifestyle.com