I have seen a recent trend in off-duty and concealed firearms carry that strikes me as dangerous. The proliferation of smaller, more powerful handguns has spurred a wave of creative carry ideas that are potentially lethal to the user. I would say these carry methods tend toward the “holsterless” gun. Two examples of this are the carry clip and the pocket … [Read more...]
Magnum RD Short Sleeve Shirt Review
I have been wearing a Magnum RD short-sleeved shirt from the Magnum Boot Company that I think will interest you. Magnum long ago branched out from boots and now makes an entire line of footwear, apparel, and accessories. The shirt I am testing is a Desert Sage colored short-sleeved shirt fit for covert carry or regular off-duty wear. The RD stands for “rapid … [Read more...]
The Tactical Weapon Light – Poor Man’s Laser Sight
If you already have a weapon-mounted flashlight, then by default you possess a quick firearm aiming device...if you do a bit of homework! Laser sights are all the rage and I confess to having purchased a couple. But they are not always financially justifiable or even allowed by policy for many coppers. At half the price, a tactical light can give you a similar service in a … [Read more...]
Demise of the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Our last shipment of Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors has arrived at our City Public Works Complex. A moment of silence, please. Ford introduced the CVPI, or product code P71, in 1992. Built in St. Thomas, Ontario Canada, the rear-wheel drive V8 sedan has been a staple of American law enforcement for almost twenty years. Solid body-on-frame construction, a strong … [Read more...]
I Miss My PR-24
From when I was a rookie until the late 1990’s, I carried a Monadnock PR-24 on duty. My first one was the aluminum shafted model. Our agency had gone to dark navy uniforms with a large shield-style badge in the early 1980’s. With that dark blue uniform, oval shield, and PR-24, we fairly looked like the LAPD. That was by design. We had hired a progressive chief who wanted to … [Read more...]
Taser X2 Training – Follow-Up
In April, I wrote an article about the new Taser X2 and some of its proposed advances over Taser’s X26. I received a department-issued X2 yesterday and took the required block of Taser X2 training. I have a few thoughts. The X2 is slightly larger than the X26. From their spec sheet, the X2 is ½” longer, 1” taller, and ½” wider than an X26. It also weighs twice as much. … [Read more...]
5.11 Taclite Coyote Boots Review
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 … [Read more...]
Tactical Pole Camera Operations
In this article, I'll discuss some basic tactical applications for the use of a pole camera in supporting of both Patrol and SWAT operations. Several years ago, while I was still a Team Leader in SWAT, our commander found some unspent funds at the end of a fiscal year. Since the money would go back into the municipality's general fund, we were urged to purchase any needed … [Read more...]
Bushnell Equinox Night Vision Review
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 … [Read more...]
Tuff Products Tacllet Review
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 … [Read more...]