PMCI - March 2021

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pmcimagazine.comKIT: BOOTSLOWA ZEPHYR GTXA few years back I found myself coming out of the wintermonths, looking forward to a spring without a pair oflightweight boots in the gear pile for general use. The thoughtof having to break in a new pair always fills me with dread aswell, so I was extremely careful in my search for a new pair.One model of boot that I found myself returning to timeand again was the Zephyr from Lowa; I’d been using theirfull leather Mountain Boot for a while and it had performed,and continues to perform, exceptionally well. Having becomesomething of a Lowa “fanboy” I decided that the Zephyr GTXcould well be the replacement I was looking for, and sinceI got my very first pair they’ve proved to be excellent andhave become a “fave” not just with me, but with a lot ofprofessional users!As part of Lowa’s Task Force rangethese boots are highly rated byboth UK and US SF alike as atactical lightweight desertboot. The Zephyr GTX fulfilsthe requirement for thoseoperating in a lightweightrole who require a GoreTex lining.They feature a slip lasted construction with an injected Lowa“Cross” sole; more of that in a bit. The upper is a clevercombination of suede leather (1.4 - 1.6 mm) and Cordura, anda full Gore Tex VISION 3LY inner lining ensures waterproofness.They weigh in at a meagre 1120g per pair, with a verysupportive mid height cuff; the foot is held firmly in placecourtesy of closed hook lacing.The Zephyr also features Lowa’s innovative MONOWRAP®2 sole unit construction with a firm 7/8 TPU stabilizer is themost stable and offers optimal traction and perfect supportwith its high-quality surface materials. The system features aPU heel stabiliser, a PU-Frame, an additional plastic stabiliserand the “Cross” outsole. The plastic stabiliser element featuresin all Lowa multi-functional footwear, improving ankle andjoint stability and torsional rigidity.I’ve continued to wear them on an almost daily basis, andhave now subjected them to some pretty foul conditions; in allsituations other than full, snow on the ground winter they haveperformed admirably. The Lowa Zephyr GTX is now available ina number of different colours for use with UK MTP or multicamtypes of uniform and clothing, but I have to say that given thesporty look of them in black/grey they look pretty sharp witha pair of cargos or even jeans too; expect to pay iro £130 fora pair from www.lowa.co.uk or most good stockists.Beloved of units like the US Rangers, Merrell boots fromtheir outdoor line are certainly worth a look if you’re runninga “tactical athlete” set of range gear, and a trip to my localoutdoor pursuits store showed me that Merrell definitely stillhave what it takes! I recently invested in a pair of ACCENTORGORE-TEX MIDS for summer and indoor wear and they look theabsolute business if you’re running fast and light.With a waterproof inner to keep your feet dry andcomfortable, the body has been designed so that water can’tget in, but moisture vapour can escape through the billionsof pores in the Gore-Tex membrane. In addition, an Aegisantimicrobial, odour-fighting treatment keeps your feet freshfor longer. Humidity isn’t a problem in these breathableboots either, as a membrane keeps your feet dry and a largebellows tongue keeps debris away from the foot. When youencounter slippery patches after rainfall, you’ll be thankful fortwo features, a mid-length cut that adds ankle support, anda durable rubber outsole for better grip. For more on thesesuper-light yet supportive boots please check out www.merrell.com.My “EDC” boots of choice are the SHOCK FX from Bates;with a really cool outdoors look and a “mid-cut” cuff theseare cracking looking boots, and come in three colourways tocomplement different uniform requirements, but in each caseit would look just as good on a mountain trail or just out andabout. I think that this will be a real winner as it most definitelysits in the “tacticool athlete” category, and having a waterproofand breathable membrane inside means it will perform inmost weathers too. As well as benefitting from the BatesEPS system the SHOCK FX benefits from waterproof full grainleather and performance nylon upper with protective panels, abreathable waterproof membrane with moisture wicking liningto keep your feet dry, mesh tongue for added breathability,Bates anti-fatigue Endurance Performance System providingyou all day comfort and flexibility. A multi terrain slip resistantrubber lug outsole, and a “Cement” construction providing youa lightweight and flexible platform. I wear these boots day in,day out whatever the weather, and they’ve become trustedpartners for all my outdoor adventures come rain or shine; youcan check them out online, or by visiting https://tactree.co.ukwhich is where mine came from.As I mentioned earlier, last but by no means least are my“winter specials”, otherwise known as LOWA MOUNTIAN BOOTS!If you were to visit any army barracks in the UK I guaranteethat you would find a high number of guys wearing LOWAs andone of the most sought after models has been the MountainBoot to wear along with their MTP uniform. I’ve put a goodnumber of miles under the soles of my LOWAs during the pastfew winters, and at no time did they feel anything other thansturdy and solid; the Vibram “Tsavo” sole unit has providedstability even on the worst days with a nice high cuff givingexcellent support around the ankle.The boots are made 2.4/2.4mm full grain leather which hasmoulded well to my foot and the Gore Tex Duracom inner hasmeant that my feet have stayed 100% dry even in deep, softsnow or extreme wet weather. Open hook lacing means thatyou can set up the fit of the boot just as you like it, and onceyou’ve found your “fit” then everything stays locked down andin place; the foot is anchored solidly in place with no movementor “sloppiness” that will cause blisters. The boots are availablein UK 3 – 15 including half sizes. Overall this is one heck of aboot and I can see now why it has become the choice of theprofessional user. Whilst our lives may not depend on it, thisis a fabulously well-made European boot, put together withthe very best of everything.20
MAX PERFORMANCE!I’ve chosen the boots here not because they are the cheapest outthere but because in my opinion they offer great value for money,and between them will have you covered all year round other thanin mountainous areas in full winter and all will provide maximumperformance for your money; for “true winter” you’ll need a morespecialist mountain boot that is crampon compatible, and that’s awhole other ballgame!Now do bear in mind that these boot models fit my particularfoot-shape well and may not be so ideal for you, but I hope I’vegiven you an idea what to look for when you come to buy; when itcomes to buying boots go to a specialist tactical boot fitter, or thetop outdoor shops and outfitters will be able to offer a very goodservice in relation to precise fitting when it comes to the civilianmodels. If you’re after a dedicated military model then your localtactical store is the place to go.Buy right, buy once even if you are “Daddy Bigbucks”, and ifyou’re usually broke like most shooters I know (including myself!)then getting it right first time is a bonus!
Page 2 and 3: MAR2021CONTENTS4 “DANGEROUS DRIVI
Page 4 and 5: 4DANGEROUS DRIVINGDANGEROUS DRIVING
Page 6 and 7: pmcimagazine.com6DANGEROUS DRIVINGs
Page 8 and 9: pmcimagazine.comOPTICS: VORTEXLVPO:
Page 10 and 11: pmcimagazine.comOPTICS: VORTEXuncom
Page 13 and 14: IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN?Once again I
Page 15 and 16: NEW JACKETS FROM SNUGPAKAs there is
Page 17 and 18: VX BUCKLE UPGUN CARRIERBLACK / DARK
Page 19: of your body. Your body can produce
Page 23 and 24: for a chest rig over your smock, in
Page 25 and 26: The harness is well constructed and
Page 27 and 28: www.arg.uk.com
Page 29 and 30: SOG Bowie for the special operation
Page 31 and 32: carrying it inverted and just to th
Page 33 and 34: variants of the P226 and P229 model
Page 35 and 36: became second nature with the signa
Page 37 and 38: our Swanson Training Group (STG) me
Page 39 and 40: more so than using the Ruger Mark p
Page 41 and 42: SKILLS & DRILLSAs I am no Picasso,
Page 43 and 44: TRAINING: VFC 1911 TACTICAL CUSTOMW
Page 45 and 46: making it “a completely blank can
Page 47 and 48: PMCIBOOK REVIEWI'd like to take the
Page 49 and 50: Drum Cussachttp://www.drum-cussac.c
Page 51: Pistrishttp://www.pistris.com/Index

PMCI - March 2021

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