Archive for SWAT
Sniper or Marksman?
Posted by: | CommentsRecently I was reviewing some literature on the terminology used in law enforcement and its implications in court and in the public opinion. Being a Team Leader for the Cover Team of my agency I found particular interest in the terminology we use for the officers on our team who are trained in the use of precision rifles. So here’s the discussion topic - do we call our precision rifle officers “snipers” or “marksmen”.
At first it sounds like a simple play on words, no big deal, right? But a closer look at common dictionary definitions may reveal a strong argument for criminal defense lawyers and civil liability lawyers alike, should the particulars of a precision rifle shot be the focus of a court case.
Steyr SSG 08 Sniper Rifle Review
Posted by: | Comments
Most of those who recognize the name Steyr immediately think of the Steyr AUG series rifles with their unique European minded design that sets them apart from most patrol rifles used in the United States. That design creates a very sleek profile that places the rifle’s magazine to the rear of the trigger assembly and generates a profile like no other.
Designed to meet the strict specifications of the Austrian Special Forces, Steyr rifles make a bold statement of excellence in the tradition of European engineering. And what many may not know is that Steyr has made a strong bid in the American market with its Trussville, Alabama manufacturing plant. Now the Steyr AUG rifles sold in the United States will be manufactured in the United States in a partnership with Saber Defense. Some parts are still manufactured in Austria, but more and more these rifles are becoming home grown.
What many people might not know is that Steyr (officially Steyr Mannlicher) is also the producer of high quality sniper rifles. The latest release is the Steyr SSG 08, available in .308 Winchester and 300 Win Mag. This rifle incorporates many of the latest trends in mission ready sniper rifles. For instance, the Austrian engineers have used light weight aircraft aluminum in the stock, as well as highly durable synthetic components to keep the rifle’s weight easily manageable.
Federal v. Remington .308 Ammo Comparison: One Sniper’s View
Posted by: | Comments
If you are a part of the law enforcement marksman (sniper) community then any discussion on ammunition selection will almost exclusively focus on the .308 caliber, 168-grain Match King boat tail hollow point (BTHP) cartridge. The 2007 American Sniper Association Annual Report cited the .308 caliber, 168-grain Match King BTHP as being the “preferred ammunition” for police marksmen “based primarily on its accuracy and consistency”. The Federal Gold Medal cartridge has, for many, been the preferred police marksman cartridge. This cartridge produces consistent match grade quality with the convenience of being factory made.
However, with the current state of the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the uncertainty felt by many Americans about the Administration’s views on the 2nd Amendment, a shortage of ammunition of all calibers and types has occurred. This drain on the available ammunition supply has caught many police departments and individuals off guard and has required them to reevaluate ammunition selection and training requirements to accommodate the circumstances faced by all.
The H&K MP-5 sub-machinegun is a staple of many SWAT teams around the world. It offers an easy shooting platform with solid reliability. However, many teams have felt the MP-5, using a 9mm handgun cartridge, lacks sufficient stopping power. H&K and other companies have introduced a variety of different platforms shooting .40 S&W, 10mm, and the .45 ACP cartridges, but none have ever replaced the MP-5.
Transformational Defense Industries, Inc. (TDI) of Virginia Beach, VA will be introducing the newly improved Vector SMG in .45 ACP. The Vector SMG is an extremely compact design featuring the patented KRISS Super V system. The KRISS Super V system redirects the recoil gas by re-directing the gas’s energy down and away from the traditional “straightline” design that creates so much felt-recoil and muzzle climb. TDI claims this reduces muzzle climb by as much as 90% and felt recoil is reduced by 60-90%. Very impressive claims.
The SMG features a 5.5″ barrel and a full-auto rate of fire that is adjustable between 800 and 1100 rpm. The firing mode is selectable: semi-auto, full-auto, and two round burst. The folding stock is detachable, making it a very potent weapon for undercover operations and protective details.
The Vector SMG uses Glock 21 magazines, giving it interoperability with departments already carrying the Glock 21. TDI also offers a 17 round extension kit for the G21 magazines, making them 30 rounders. Interestingly, after the conversion to 30-round magazines, the magazines will still work in your G21 duty gun.
The Vector SMG is definitely gaining the attention of many people in the firearms industry. Time will tell if this firearm makes its mark in the law enforcement community. In the short term, though, you can see and test fire this weapon at the 2008 SHOT show in Las Vegas, NV.
Stay safe!
TDI’s NEW KRISS® SUPER V VECTOR SMG .45 ACP
TRANSFORMS MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT SMALL ARMSMust-See Advanced Weaponry To Launch
At 2008 SHOT Show in Las VegasVIRGINIA BEACH VA (January 7) – Transformational Defense Industries, Inc. (TDI) announced today that it will formally launch the new and improved KRISS Super V Vector SMG .45 ACP (sub machine gun) at the 2008 National Shooting Sports Foundation SHOT Show, February 1-5 in Las Vegas. Created for special operators in qualified military and law enforcement units, the SMG hits the marketplace with more than 50 improvements to its original design, clearly justifying its dual designation as the “Best SMG Ever” by Guns and Weapons Magazine and “The Close Quarter Battle Weapon of Choice” by the Discovery Channel’s Future Weapons program.
By re-vectoring the forces of recoil and significantly reducing muzzle climb, the innovative KRISS Super V patented technology provides a more compact and lighter-weight operating system creating a weapon that can be handled more effectively, more accurately and for longer periods of time, allowing the operator to put more rounds on target more often.
Key benefits which make the SMG .45 ACP a superior weapon include:
- Reduced muzzle climb: The KRISS Super V redirects the forces that cause traditional weapons to rotate vertically reducing muzzle climb by as much as 95 percent versus other SMGs.
- Reduced Recoil: The KRISS Super V technology and unique design approach reduces felt recoil by as much as 50 percent when compared to traditional SMGs.
- Increased Durability and Deployability: The robust design of the KRISS Super V operating mechanism results in a highly-reliable and rugged weapon that performs exceptionally well over time in any type of environment.
With a shift in military and law enforcement missions from traditional battlefields to increasingly mechanized and urban/close-quarter battle environments, the SMG .45 ACP is clearly the “weapon of choice,” providing a light, highly maneuverable weapon that can clear a room quickly and safely (with no danger of collateral damage) while maintaining accuracy in stand-off encounters at up to 100 meters.
Not only can the operator gain greater effect from his shooting, but his ability to keep the weapon in-service has been addressed by a simple mechanism that is not only easy to learn, but markedly easier to field strip and clean than any other mechanism. This also means shorter training cycles, longer retention of the operator’s efficiency along with higher operational availability of weapon and operator and lower operating costs.
SWAT Officer Training Conference Information
Posted by: | CommentsThe 2008 Wisconsin Association of SWAT Personnel (ASP) Conference is being held February 4 – 6, 2008. The speakers include:
- Dr. Alexis Artwohl author of Deadly Force Encounters
- Commander Charles “Sid” Heal, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office
- Officer Ken Hammond, Ogden (Utah) Police Department
- Chief Dan Martin and Officer William Callo, New Lennox (Illinois) Police
- Derrick Bartlett, author of Snipercraft: The Art of Police Sniping
and Staring at the Crosshairs
- Steve “Mato” Matulewicz, Command Master Chief (SEAL) Retired
Advanced registration is required. Visit the ASP website for all details and for registration forms.
Basic Tactical Skills Course: SWAT Training For Newly Appointed Tactical Officers
Posted by: | CommentsThe following course is coming up for new SWAT officers. If your team has some new officers that need a good tactical school, consider the training offered by the Hoover PD SWAT Team. The details are as follows:
Hoover PD SWAT Unit - Basic Tactical Skills Course (BTAC 08-01)
March 16-21, 2008, cost: $150.00/officer
Florence, AL
The Hoover PD Basic Tactical Skills Course provides entry level tactical training for newly appointed tactical officers. The course is “tactics intensive” and includes perimeter operations, individual & team movement techniques, entry tactics, gas and diversionary device familiarization, subject control, live fire drills, tactical options and practical exercises.
This is a tactics course involving long hours of movement wearing tactical equipment, indoors and outdoors. Due to the physical nature of the course, it is strongly suggested that all attendees be physically prepared for a long, hot week of hard work. This course is not a “drill instructor” style course. Attendees will be treated with respect; however, a high level of enthusiasm is expected of attendees. The course is fast paced and repetitive, motivation is necessary to achieve all required tasks.
Written and physical skills exams are administered and require a passing score to complete the course. Students cannot miss more than four hours of training or any pass/fail tests.
Students must bring documentation stating the student has completed the APOSTC Physical Agility Course and scored a 90% on the APOSTC Handgun Qualification Course.
Students must be in an “on duty” status with their agency.
During the course, Simunitions equipment will be used. Simunitions can cause bruises and abrasions. It is highly recommended that uniforms be high quality uniforms with long sleeves. Athletic cups are also suggested. Students can bring any Simunitions gear they have, but must mark it and make the instructors aware they have it. It should only be used under close supervision of the instructors.
Students will be exposed to chemical agents (OC/CS mixture) and Noise/Flash Diversionary Devices (NFDD’s). These items cause some discomfort. It is important for students to make sure their protective (gas) mask is functional prior to the course.
The gas exposure exercise is a Pass/Fail exercise and participation is required to successfully complete the course.
The training will start on Sunday afternoon. Other locations will be used during the week. Bring your gear and weapons (unloaded) to the class on the first day.
A successful completion of the course is dependent on many things. Among these things is the focus of the students. Please attempt to eliminate any outside distractions (court, extra jobs, etc) while the course is being conducted. Some of the training days will last into the night depending on the progression of the class. The days are long and the activity is constant. The instructors’ goal is to produce a tactically proficient officer who can think and move under stress as a member of a team.
Please report to the course on time, in uniform and ready to train.
Contact Names and Numbers
Sgt. Curt Carpenter: (205) 444-7662
Lt. Eric Nichols: (256) 760-6573
Equipment List
Tactical Uniform- BDU’s or utilities & cap, (long sleeve shirt and boots with ankle support)
Body Armor- helmet, vest, knee pads, hearing protection and eye protection (clear)
Load Bearing Gear
Pistol Belt- holster, handcuffs, flashlight, magazine pouches
Radio- Bring a spare radio if possible
Handgun- 3 Magazines, 300 rounds of ammunition
Shoulder Weapon- 3 Magazines, 200 rounds of ammunition, sling, weapon light
Gas Mask (with carrier)
Water system- canteens or Camel-Bak
Nomex or Leather Gloves
Pad and Pencil
Binoculars
Cold & Wet Weather Gear
Range Protective Gear (Eye and Ear Protection)
Extra batteries for all electrical items
Advil (or some other over the counter pain reliever)
Stay safe!
