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Uncle Mike’s Shot Gunner’s Vest

by Randall

December 23rd, 2011

Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement products has brought out a load-bearing vest alternately called a Breacher’s Vest or Shot Gunner’s Vest that has a dual application for police officers.

This vest is build specifically for the officer or operator who needs to take aboard a large payload of shotgun shells. Previously, I told you how I felt about the police shotgun in today’s patrol environment and it was favorable.

A shotgun is also a valuable tool in a SWAT situation. The shotgun is undoubtedly the most devastating close quarter weapon that can be wielded by a team member. In some agencies, the shotgun is employed to facilitate door breaching.

Categories Gear and Holsters, SWAT
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The Halligan Bar—A Trusted Tool

by Randall

November 30th, 2011

Deputy Chief Halligan (right) and his invention.

Police officers and deputy sheriffs are rarely firefighters, and yet in our lifesaving capacity we need some of the same skills. A mastery of the fire rescue Halligan bar is essential in today’s specialized law enforcement work.

FDNY Deputy Chief Hugh A. Halligan invented the Halligan bar in 1948, and it still bears his name. Halligan’s original bar was a single piece of drop forged 4140 steel, about 30” long, and approximately 8 ½ lbs.

A cross between the FDNY’s Kelly tool and Claw tool, the Halligan bar was lighter and much more versatile. The Halligan bar has become universal in fire rescue service and can be found on fire trucks all around the world.

Law enforcement began using the Halligan tool in SWAT operations decades ago, although, lacking a historical perspective, we have mistakenly called it a “halogen” tool or a “hooligan” tool (this name being derogatory in fire departments).

Categories Gear and Holsters, General
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5.11 Taclite Coyote Boots Review

by Randall

October 25th, 2011

I put over 30 miles of hiking into a pair of 5.11 Coyote Taclite 6” Desert Boots while on an R&R trip to southern Utah. Intended as a desert tactical boot, the Taclites will serve well in most all mobile situations.

5.11 literature states the boots need no break-in period. To this, I can attest. They went from the box to trail with no aggravation. These hiking boots are extremely light, but have a substantial amount of suede leather in their outers for durability.

Some of the popular lightweight “boots” found on the market today are little more than glorified running shoes. I found the Taclites to have a more sturdy construction, with enough 1200D denier nylon for good ventilation, but not so much that they would snag or tear easily.

Categories Gear and Holsters, Reviews
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Bushnell Equinox Night Vision Review

by Randall

September 28th, 2011

Night Vision (NV) can be a powerful tool for law enforcement during lightless conditions. Some officers are able to use department-issued night vision devices. The vast majority of officers do not have this luxury. This review of the Bushnell Equinox night vision monocular looks at an inexpensive option for officers who want to purchase their own gear.

There are many patrol scenarios in which you would not want to use a flashlight to get a look around in the dark. A NV instrument can allow you to passively scan your area without giving away your presence.

I am testing an Equinox Gen 1 night vision monocular from Bushnell Outdoor Products that an average patrol officer or deputy can purchase, without spending thousands of dollars, and which provides the basic advantages of night-adapted sight.

From the approach to armed subject call, to surveillance, to large building and area searches, night vision’s usefulness is dictated by the ingenuity of the operator. The Equinox unit I have can serve an officer well in all these situations.

Categories Gear and Holsters, Reviews
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Tuff Products Tacllet Review

by Randall

September 22nd, 2011

I recently tested a concealed firearm pack for waist or shoulder carry that has great potential. Tuff Products makes the Tacllet, which is a combination of Tactical and Wallet.

Tuff Products manufactures nylon and leather goods for the military, law enforcement, and armed citizens. Tuff Product’s QuickStrips were mentioned on BlueSheepdog.com in a previous revolver reload article.

The Tacllet was designed by world-renowned firearms photographer and sport shooter Ichiro Nagata. Mr. Nagata has designed other items for Tuff, such as the 5 in Line and 8 in Line high capacity nylon magazine carriers.

I like the versatility the Tacllet possesses for making it “mission specific” to the day’s tasks. It can be lightly outfitted as a waist pack for a run to the store, or loaded down with emergency gear and rifle mags as a mini-bail out bag.

This carry-all’s most important function is for the concealed carry of and rapid access to a large caliber firearm. For this, it shines.

Categories Gear and Holsters, Reviews
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