Recently I took a huge step out of my comfort zone and took a course on how to use a red dot sight on a pistol. The idea of using an MRDS (Micro Red Dot Sight) on a pistol has seemed more like a trendy move and didn't appeal to me in the least. However, I like to step outside of my comfort zone often and try new things, so I coughed up some cash and took a course on the pistol MRDS using a rental pistol and gear. What an experience! Anyways, in the next few paragraphs, I want to glaze over a few things that I noticed that a red dot can do for you that irons never could.
The British military, along with other European based countries such as Australia, still use some version of belt kit like the set displayed above. The reason this type of gear has stuck around for so long is because of its true load carrying capability. Soldiers in the UK military generally do not appreciate their old school belt kit due to how it rubs them raw at times. However, it would seem that the troops do appreciate how well belt kit can distribute a 24hr fighting load. It has been a great piece of gear for light infantry in the past, and I do not think that has changed much, if any.
I think it is very productive to look at the history of different warrior cultures and analyse the qualities that made them so successful. This is not going to be a quick read about a trendy workout program for an unrealistic outcome. I am simply going to go over some ideas that the Roman Army had for getting their troops ready for battle. The purpose is to give the reader a few ideas about how to take historical examples and adapt them to current weaponry in order to help them train to a higher level of proficiency. Keep in mind that I am going to have to leave alot of stuff out since this is not a book, but rather a quick jot about incorporating historical examples into current training methods.
When it comes to certain things like body armor, you need to be a bit selective about the type you choose. When I went through selecting my armor, I went through many days and even weeks pondering, planning, and plotting. Thankfully I already had experience with various types of body armor from simple low profile plate carriers to full coverage ballistic vests that turn you into a fat turtle. When I finally made my choice, I chose the Spartan Armor Systems Level 3+ Swimmers cut steel plates. In short, when it comes to balance, these plates seemed to hit the spot for me and my needs.
Let's face it, 90% of you are not dry firing the way you are supposed to, or you have no idea how to even do it in a way that will help progress your skills on the flat range. That is fine, because it is understandable that dry firing is boring and almost like watching paint dry. However, I think that there is a way to use lasers to make it fun and engaging by actually SHOWING you when you are hitting and missing. There is a reason many people like myself are promoting the use of laser trainers to enhance your training and practice.
Many professionals will tell you that gloves are an essential piece to your list of PPE. They protect your hands from burns, scuffs, and allow a more secure hold on your weapons, and so on. Flight gloves, also known as flight liners or pilot gloves, have been a shooters favorite for decades. This is very understandable. Pentagon is a company out of Europe that specializes is producing tactical gear to include this version of the old school flight glove.
Most people critique ALICE LBE gear for being old, outdated, and primative compared to more modern load bearing options. I would agree that we have systems out there that will carry more and will weigh less. However, the ALICE LBE system was not just some impulsive design, but was the culmination of years or research, testing, and investment. Even after the ALICE system was put into service, there were constant changes to improve this belt and suspenders method of carrying all your fighting gear. In the end, it was replaced by MOLLE, and now the surplus market is being flooded with it's successor. So what use could ALICE gear have for us?
It is fairly common for you to hear people talk about having cases of MREs in a tone that is on the border of bragging. Some people feel that military rations are so high-tech and perfect for those wanting to survive. Most of this is due to the variety and the fact that you can get alot of calories with little work. However, there is alot more to MREs than just a bit of variety in high caloric foods.
The Dot Torture targets are a pretty good skill test for those that want to see where they stand. The target will guide you through the basics such as drawing, reloading, transitioning targets, and shooting one-handed. That is all good, but if you get a bundle of 100 of these babies, you might like to hear that there are things you can use it for things other than just what is printed or suggested on the target. Creativity is key to a fun and challenging time at the range.
Today, the line of tactical clothing in America is starting to go towards the low profile and incognito direction. This is apparent by the fact that some of the big names in tactical clothing such as Vertx and 5.11 have recently started selling jeans with the idea of remaining incognito. However, Helikon-Tex is putting their own spin on the incognito look. However, I think this pant offers alot to the end user that I have yet to see in other pants in this class.
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Do It RiteAlaska-Based Youtube Vlogger, Retired Marine, Firearm and Gear Tester. Archives
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