If you are interested in trauma care under fire, then 68W Advanced Field Craft: Combat Medic Skills is an absolute must in your reference library. This book lays out the essential information on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) in an easy-to-understand format. Written for military combat medics, this book does a very good job of explaining how to recognize and … [Read more...]
Remington R12 VersaMax Shotgun
Coming to a squad car near you: the Remington R12 VersaMax shotgun. The R12 is a law enforcement version of the popular VersaMax semi-auto shotgun made by Remington. The R12 is currently configured in two different models: the 18" R12 and the 14" R12-E. The standard R12 has an 18" barrel and extended magazine (6+1 rounds). The fore end features a … [Read more...]
Streamlight SL-20L Review
The Streamlight Strion and Polystinger flashlights that have become so popular remain rugged and reliable performers. This is a pre-review of the Streamlight SL-20L: more of an introduction than a full-on review. I've had the light for a few weeks now, and have used it on-duty extensively. However, I'd like to get a few more weeks of use out of it before I give a … [Read more...]
DELTA Light Ball – Flashbang Alternative?
River Rock Designs announced a new distractionary device that may be a suitable alternative to a flashbang in some circumstances. The Dynamic Entry Lighted Tactical Access, or DELTA, light ball uses a "...super-bright strobe effect and steady-light illuminator [to] initially dazzle and confuse the bad guys and then lights up the target area like daylight." While the … [Read more...]
Ammunition Failure Warning
Repeated cycling of ammunition can lead to a critical failure according to a training bulletin released by the Gwinnett County (GA) Sheriff's Department. According to the bulletin, a Gwinnett County police officer's pistol failed to fire in a deadly force situation. The officer executed a "tap-rack-bang" drill to get back in the fight and successfully resolved the … [Read more...]
ASP P12 Baton – In the Wild!
The new ASP P12 baton was recently spotted by one of the BlueSheepdog readers at a local shop in Hollywood, Florida. Here is what Matt had to say about it: Hey Richard, I was at my local toy store (911 Store in Hollywood, FL) and came across the new 12" baton, took some comparison pics using a standard 21" baton. The baton, in my opinion is almost too small, but I can … [Read more...]
Brite-Strike EPLI Flashlight
Need a bright, compact flashlight as a back-up or to carry off duty? Take a look at the Brite-Strike EPLI flashlight. The EPLI is a refined lighting tool that can easily blend in with any off-duty carry. However, Brite-Strike claims it is rugged enough for tactical operations. EPLI stands for Executive Precision Lighting Instrument. Frankly it looks like it should … [Read more...]
Magnum Intrepid HPi Review
The Magnum Intrepid HPi is a "performance-training shoe" that takes its cue from the best trail running shoes on the market. The Intrepid HPi was developed by Magnum to meet the training needs of law enforcement and military personnel. Magnum offered to send me a pair to test, and I jumped at the chance. I've had them for about four months, and I believe I have a good … [Read more...]
Saiga-12 Shotguns in Law Enforcement?
Reports have come out that the Russian-made Saiga-12 shotguns are being sold to US law enforcement agencies. For those not familiar, the Saiga-12 is a detachable-magazine-fed, semi-automatic shotgun that has a passing resemblance to the AK-47 rifle. The Saiga-12 has been popular with three-gun competition shooters and firearms enthusiasts, but I have not heard of any US law … [Read more...]
Streamlight SL-20L LED Flashlights
The Streamlight SL-20 was one of two options when I was looking to buy a quality flashlight when I first entered police work some 14 years ago (the other being the MagCharger). For me, the Streamlight was a much better choice than the MagCharger, as I preferred the pre-focused beam, lighter weight and charging sleeve the SL-20 offered. However, as technology advanced, the … [Read more...]