Megingjörð v3 + Gaetir

The new V3 Megingjord and Gaetir are live over at V Development Group.  Check out the video demonstration.

Must Have EDC Items

EDC items should be specifically designed to meed, and exceed, whatever your perspective need is for that item.  When it comes to AIWB setups the Seraph AIWB Holsters are top notch.  Every single aspect of them is designed around real world application and confrontation.  I have used them on duty working non-uniformed assignments and they exceed all possible expectations.  The Seraph holsters come with "short wing" DCC clips which have extra clamping force, these are the best clips for this purpose on the market.  They also come with a DarkWing, which is designed with effective geometry to push the holster inward, forcing the grip to not protrude into the shirt, while allowing for a better grip angle and overall better performance than its predecessor the raven wing.  Also in the photo is a Gen5 Glock 19 with a taudevgroup.com SCD (full review here), this is an absolute must have for any Glock.  There is a headhunterblades.com Rat Blade, which is essentially one of the most prolific IWB carried blades on the market (review coming soon).  The Lum-tec m80 watch on vintage calf just rounds it out.

Officer fights over firearm with suspect - Victorville, CA

This incident shows a specific requirement that LEO's need to consider when figuring out what type of training they need.  Check out the video:

I've been asked a bunch of times to post a write-up of this incident, there are several issues here, specifically the video really sucks and it is very difficult to see what is exactly going on as a body worn camera would have provided, hopefully that video is released if it exists and I'll revisit this situation then.  I will just keep things general and base is roughly on what is in the video.

It is not immediately clear why the officer has her pistol out to begin with, she drew it for whatever reason and it immediately became a center point of the physical altercation, which stemmed from a disturbance call.  Whatever the reason, they started to fight and the officer became overpowered.  This is primarily because she was focused on controlling the firearm and not the subject.  Always strive to fight the person and not the tool.  Yes the tool is a primary concern but the tool cannot function if the subject cannot manage to use it. 

The role physical strength plays is only limited to the application of tools which effect that subject.  Even in full mount, an officer on the bottom can maintain control of a pistol and deploy a backup pistol or a blade in order to effect the subject.  Carry a blade or backup pistol is very important in this particular type of situation, which is actually more common than many LEO's would believe it is.  While I do not want to get into specific tactics about mitigation and countering of a gun grab, I want to point out some simple concepts / steps anyone can take in order to understand the nature of a physical confrontation of this nature.

Training in a physical combative art is a necessity.  You do not know how you will function on your back, side, or ground until you do it often enough to get a good grasp on it.  Finding a gym that allows you to roll in full uniform kit is very rare, but some may have LE type classes available.  BJJ is going to be the best bet for this because it is very popular and there is probably a BJJ school in your area.  I would also recommend finding a Sambo school as well, just for contrast, because they focus on throws and falling, both of which are extremely important in the first few seconds of physical contact.  Six months of bi-weekly classes of either will provide the average person a very good understanding of how their skillsets apply to the fight and how to properly execute those skillsets with the goal of non-deadly force, but can escalate to that level if needed immediately. 

Beyond BJJ and the like, carrying and training with a blade is extremely important to this end.  I would highly recommend carrying and training with the amtacblades.com Northman.  It provides a multi-application blade system which is concealed enough to allow surprise application in a ground fight over a tool.  Effective blade deployment is something that can be, and should be, trained for and you do not need to start off in a fantasy position in order to get that experience.  A folded pocket knife is not going to do what you need it do immediately, a fixed blade will. 

Bootleg CamLok M-Lok Rail

This Cam locking MLOK rail from Bootleg is pretty light and easy to install. I test fitted it and it took a whopping fifteen seconds to install securely.  Not too shabby. 

Single large flat head screw tightens the rail onto the barrel nut.

Plastic cam cover closes on it.

Pretty simple and effective system.

Rail is thin and light.

I got the 9.5" version for an SBR build.

Flat Muzzle Pad

I know I posted about this before, just want to give you guys a heads up that over at V Development Group, they have a run of Flat Muzzle Pad Blems that you should probably check out.  About 25% cheaper than their non-blem versions, but they work the same.  Once they are gone they gone.  Don't miss out on the deal.  They are the best addition to any AIWB light bearing holster, any holster with a built in kydex hard wedge of any type or large frame pistol AIWB holster overall.  They rock and you should check them out!

The Sinister Blade

Schultzbladeworks.com Sinister Blade getting a tan in whatever sun is left. 

Bootleg Inc AR15 Upper Receiver

This here Bootleg Inc AR15 Upper Receiver is pretty damn cool.  It's really lightweight and an obvious choice for any top quality build.  I was going to go with a BCM or Noveske stripped upper receiver but this Bootleg version has some nice features, no forward assist and has a captured dust cover door.  Also a good bit lighter than most uppers on the market.  This will be one of my SBR builds shortly.

The Dexter

FYI, schultzbladeworks.com makes these pretty cool Dexter blades with thin profile IWB sheath which has DCC clips.  Would recommend checking them out.

Nightstick Lights

Nightstick Light's are pretty good.  I am pretty happy with the overall functionality of these lights. 

Bootleg Inc Adjustable BCG

Bootleg Inc sent me this Four Position Adjustable Complete Bolt Carrier Group for a build/testing.  This is very much like the Gemtech SBC I've been using for a while, except with a few improvements.  I am going to be testing it extensively with my new build.

Geissele Buffer

Speaking of cool stuff, got this Geissele H1 Spring from a buddy, definitely an upgrade over standard items

Rainier Arms Ultramatch MOD2 Barrel

I was given an opportunity to pick up this high end barrel for a decent discount and I decided to go with it.  All that I've heard about is that it's a very good barrel with strong accuracy.  Will report back with zero results.

Night Time Fun

When it gets dark, what do you do?

The Revision Military ballistic helmet uses a Wilcox G24 attached to a Mod Armory Bridge which has two Gen2+ P-14 NVG Units (use code VDMSR for $50 off/per unit, and they'll match two units if you buy two at the same time).  Still working on getting data on this setup and will be updating as I go.  The Modlite IR flashlight is awesome in use.  The Unity Tactical ATOM on a Glock 17 with an Aimpoint ACRO, which works well with the P-14's.  Attached is a Gemtech GM9 can, a Nightstick Lighting 850xl WML, which is good to go.  There is an Overwatch Precision Flat Thin Blue Line trigger on there as well and an SCD from Taudevgroup.com which is hidden.  Decent night time application setup.

The Rat Blade

The Rat Blade from headhunterblades.com, basically on of the best IWB EDC type blades on the market.

Lumtec M80

Lum-tec M80 on vintage calf leather, on top of a Gemtech GM9 can.

TD Blow out sale

Tactical Distributors is having a legit "blow out" sale right now.  Lots of winter/fall type stuff from last year which are awesome.  Dead bird stuff, Magpul gloves on the cheap, various pouches and other odds and ends.  Seriously, some of the stuff is pretty steep of a discount, check them out.

Flat Muzzle Pad works Great

AIWB is one of those setups which require very specific tuning at times, especially true if you are carrying a non-standard/non-OEM pistol.  Many holsters are also designed in such a way that a Flat Muzzle Pad is absolutely required for better concealment and overall comfort of carry.  If you have not tried one I would highly recommend doing so.  They are absolutely the best small modification you can make to improve your overall AIWB setup.

Also pictured is the Unity Tactical ATOM slide with the Aimpoint ACRO, SCD from Taudevgroup.com, Flat Thin Blue Line trigger from Overwatch Precision and Nightstick Lighting WML 850xl.

Article up on Blauer's Dispatch Blog

One of my articles is up on Blauer's Dispatch Blog, check it out.

Moonwatch and The Sinister

When you are on the moon, you should have this Bulova Moonwatch and this schultzbladeworks Sinister blade.  You know, because aliens and whatever.

Blauer CLASH LT 6" Boot

Description:
According to the Blauer product site, "Weighing in at just 18 oz., Clash LT was built for speed and mobility, while still providing superior support and durability for the most rugged terrain.  Offered in both black and coyote tan, this tactical boot is constructed with mixed suede and mesh backed by a premium perforated foam construction to provide the utmost breathability in high temperatures. Our Integrated BOA® lacing system allows for donning and doffing in seconds while maintaining an even laced fit for added support and comfort.  Integrated ESS shank gives you stabilization, while our compression molded EVA midsole provides long lasting shock absorption and rebound.  Hybrid traction outsole is designed for grip on and off the road." Blauer sent me these boots for testing and evaluation purposes, they would cost in the area of $140 depending on where you purchase them from.  I received these boots in May of 2016 and wore them until around September of 2018.