I've been a fan of the Speer Gold Dot ammunition for many years now. The 155 grain Gold Dot round for the .40 S&W is what I was issued at two different agencies, and I have seen the results of its use in officer-involved shootings. I can't say that it is better than any of the other premium rounds out there, but I believe it is a very good performer. A fellow … [Read more...]
Optimizing the Police Shotgun
Law enforcement weapons, including the police issue shotgun, are in a constant state of evolution. I have been around this game long enough to see dump pouches give way to speedloaders; auto pistols replace revolvers, and a variety of less-lethal weapons render wooden batons obsolete. Change often takes more time than we like, but, eventually, we get it right and embrace the … [Read more...]
AR-15 Safe Cycle: Dual Purpose Tool
Often the simple tools are the best tools. I think the Safe Cycle could be one of those tools: simple but potentially very useful. The AR-15 is the most popular rifle in law enforcement today. Most departments require officers to keep their rifle ready with a loaded magazine, but an empty chamber. When the officer arrives on a call where the rifle is to be … [Read more...]
Proper Sniper Rifle Maintenance
The students had all been indoctrinated in a rather unusual method of cleaning their rifles. It was unusual in that it was totally ineffective (more on this later). To make a bad situation worse, one of my students had recently attended a state sponsored “seminar” which took police snipers out to the 1000 yard line and had them shoot. In my usual sensitive manner, I pointed out … [Read more...]
Comparing the Beretta PX4C Storm and Nano Subcompact Pistols
Beretta now has two polymer and steel subcompact pistols – the Px4C Storm Subcompact and the Nano. The Px4C is the subcompact version of the Px Storm (now the Px4), introduced in 2005, which was followed by a compact and, now, this subcompact version. Both the Px4C and the Nano are offered in 9x19mm or .40S&W chambering. The samples discussed here are in 9x19mm. The Nano is … [Read more...]
Springfield XDS Review
In this Springfield XDS review, I take a look at the most recent version (and the smallest yet) of the XD pistols which is imported from Croatia by Springfield, with final assembly done in the U.S. The history of the XD pistol begins with IM Metal, Croatia, which, in 1991, began manufacturing a 9mm pistol (and a subsequent version in 1995) for the Croatian military and … [Read more...]
Off Hand Shooting: Priority or Passing Trend?
The concept of off-hand shooting is for the shooter to become proficient in shooting with their non-dominant hand. In other words, left-handed shooting for righties, and right-handed shooting for lefties. This concept is valid for both handgun and long gun, but for this article I will focus on handgun shooting. I hope this topic is worth addressing for the … [Read more...]
Springfield XD(M) 3.8 Review
The Springfield XD (X-Treme Duty) pistol continues to enjoy widespread acceptance among lawmen and legally armed civilians, as it offers a good combination of features most desired by the self-defense-minded. Along the way, the original standard full-size pistol has continued to evolve, going up in calibers from 9x19mm to .40S&W, then to .45ACP and then to .357SIG. XD … [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...]
Defective Ammunition – Checked Your Ammo Lately?
[Ed. note: Defective ammunition is relatively rare, but it does happen. Aaron's experience is not unique. Make sure you check your ammo for damage to prevent potentially dangerous problems.] Recently I attended an Advanced SWAT course that our regional Tactical Officers Association offers each year. During the week of training there are several different range … [Read more...]