PMCI - September 2021

SEP2021
4 PMCI SPECIAL RIFLE BUILD – “A-TEAM RUGER MINI 14!
“IF YOU HAVE THE PROBLEM OF NOT OWNING ONE OF THESE COOL RIFLE VARIANTS, IF NO RETAIL STORE CAN HELP,
VISIT WWW.RUGER.COM AND WWW.SAMSON-MFG.COM AND IF YOU CAN FIND THEM IN STOCK, MAYBE YOU CAN
PURCHASE YOUR OWN A-TM MINI-14!” – TRAMPAS DETAILS A VERY SPECIAL RIFLE BUILD!
10 SPECIAL REPORT - PROFILING: TRAMPAS SHARES IS EXPERIENCE THAT CAME FROM GETTING TO SIT
DOWN WITH PMCI’S VERY OWN JIM WENZEL AND DISCUSS HIS HIGHLY SPECIALIZED GLOBAL COMPANY, PROCYPHER,
A COMPANY THAT IS EDUCATING PRIVATE SECURITY TEAMS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT
OPERATIVES WORLDWIDE TO BE BETTER PREPARED
15 EDITORS COMMENT: WORDS FROM THE ‘ED’
16 GEAR ON TEST: “GEAR FOR THE GOOD GUYS” COURTESY OF THE PMCI TEAM
20 DIRECT ACTION UPDATE: BILL HAS BEEN KEEPING A VERY CLOSE EYE ON THEIR LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
AND INNOVATIONS FOR THE TACTICAL USER FROM GEAR GURUS DIRECT ACTION; WITH SOME GREAT NEW MODELS
AVAILABLE NOW HE BRINGS IN AN UPDATE OF KIT THAT HE’S ALREADY TRIED AND TESTED EXTENSIVELY!
24 GALCO FLETCH HOLSTER: IN THIS MODERN ERA OF HOLSTERS AND GEAR MADE OF KYDEX AND OTHER
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS, THERE IS JUST SOMETHING ABOUT CLASSIC GUN LEATHER THAT FEELS “RIGHT”, AND THE GALCO
FLETCH HOLSTER CONTINUES THAT LEGACY
28 SNUGPAK NEW MODELS TESTED!: IF YOU WANT A BRITISH, NO, MAKE THAT GLOBAL, SUCCESS STORY
THEN YOU REALLY HAVE TO LOOK NO FURTHER THAN SNUGPAK! RELIED UPON BY CIVILIANS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL
AROUND THE WORLD FOR THEIR TECHNICALLY ADVANCED SLEEPING SYSTEMS AND CLOTHING, BILL BRINGS IN HIS TAKE
ON THE VERY LATEST MODELS!
32 ASP RAPTOR DF: FOUNDED IN 1976 BY KEVIN PARSONS, PHD., ARMAMENT SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES
FOCUSED ON THE NECESSITY OF SYSTEMS THAT WERE TACTICALLY SOUND, OPERATIONALLY FEASIBLE AND LEGALLY
DEFENSIBLE, AND THIS REAL-WORLD, STREET-PROVEN APPROACH INFORMS THE DESIGN OF ASP PRODUCTS AND
TRAINING PROGRAMS TO THIS DAY. JIM TELLS MORE…
36 FIREARMS: RUGER LCP MAX: IT’S A “FAMILY AFFAIR” AS TRAMPAS AND HIS WIFE, CANDACE GET TO
GRIPS WITH THE RUGER LCP MAX AS PART OF A T&E PROCESS THAT WAS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN RUGER AND THE
WOMEN’S NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATION, THE WELL ARMED WOMAN (TWAW) SHOOTING CHAPTERS
40 TRAINING: MANTIS X, THE LATEST CHAPTER!: WITH HIS EXPERIENCE SHOOTING FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND
HELPING OTHERS LEARN TO SHOOT FOR OVER 21 YEARS, TRAMPAS HAS RESEARCHED AS MANY AVENUES AS POSSIBLE
TO FIND EQUIPMENT AND PROGRAMS THAT WOULD HELP HE AND OTHERS IMPROVE THEIR SHOOTING EFFICIENTLY, AND
NOW HE GIVES HIS VERDICT ON THE MANTIS X10 ELITE
44 GEAR: US PEACEKEEPER DRAG BAG: DURING A LITERAL LIFETIME OF TRAINING, TRAMPAS DISCOVERED
A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF RIFLE CRAFT WAS TAKING CARE OF AND PROTECTING YOUR HIGH-QUALITY
TOOLS OF THE TRADE. FOR A SNIPER UNIT, A SPECIALIZED RIFLE SOFT CASE KNOWN AS A “DRAG BAG” PLAYS A
PIVOTAL PART OF THE STANDARD LOAD OUT, AND SO HE CHECK A MODEL FROM US PEACEKEEPER
47 BOOK REVIEW: “MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE: THE EYES AND EARS OF THE ARMY”
49 6MM TRAINING – VIRUAL SHOT: DURING THE LAST YEAR THE SUBJECT OF “TRAINING AIDS” TOOK ON A
HIGH DEGREE OF SIGNIFICANCE, AND OUR GOOD FRIEND IGGY ROBERTS REPORTS FROM “DOWN UNDER” AS HE GETS
TO GRIPS WITH A 6MM SYSTEM HE’S BEEN USING TO KEEP HIS “EDGE”, VIRTUAL-SHOT.
52 INDUSTRY VACANCIES: LOOKING FOR WORK? JUST CHECK HERE.
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system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the
express permission of the publisher in writing. The opinion of the writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The
Editors reserve the right to edit submissions prior to publication.
Thank you for downloading this Edition of PMCI, the FREE digital publication dedicated to PMC Operatives. PMCI is written by
individuals with first-hand knowledge and experience of the subject they write about - and all of whom have an intimate
understanding of what the role entails and the day to day challenges faced by those working in this industry.
PMCI will provide a platform to review and discuss the things to matter to all of us, such personal equipment, training, employment
and lifestylestyle management - and these are also our core fundamentals. We hope you enjoy this Edition of PMCI and if you have
any feedback or comments, or would like to contrubute to future issues, please let us know by email to: editor@pmcimagazine.com
Editor (UK): Bill Thomas
Deputy Ed (USA): Trampas Swanson
Graphic Design: Baz Thakur/
Deadshot Design
Publisher: Nigel Streeter
Cover pic: STG
www.swansontraininggroup.net
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2

T E L L T H E T I M E ,
A L L T H E T I M E .
Tr i t i u m i l l u m i n a t e d w a t c h e s
t h a t s t ay v i s i b l e a l l n i g h t .
E xc l u s i vely av a i l a b l e o n l i n e
W W W. N I T E WATC H E S .C O M

SAMSON / RUGER ATM MINI 14 STOCK
SAMSON / RUGER ATM MINI 14 STOCK
“In 1972 a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit. These men
promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the
government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them,
maybe you can hire the A-Team.” - TS
Many will remember the opening monologue
for NBC’s hit television show, the A-Team.
This American action – adventure show that
ran from 1983 to 1987, captured the hearts
and minds of people across the country.
The storyline featured a fictious team of
United States Army Special Forces members
who travel the country as soldiers of future
helping oppressed clients against corruption,
kidnapping and drug cartels while trying
to clear their own names from the military’s unjust conviction.
Although the headlining actors, George Peppard, Dirk Benedict,
Mr. T and Dwight Schultz received the title credits, the real star of
the show was their weapon of choice, the Ruger Mini 14!
the prowess of accuracy. The simple fact is, I have continued to
look upon the Mini 14 platform with the same eyes that joyously
watched the A-Team each week in the eighties. Much like Dirty
Harry’s .44 Magnum Smith and Wesson or James Bond’s Walther
PPK, Hollywood sells guns. If your favorite silver screen hero used
a particular weapon, many wanted that gun in their collection
as soon as they left the theater. Unfortunately for me, by the
time I was old enough to purchase one of these rifles, Ruger had
long stopped making the folding stock variant. Sure, I could have
bought a fixed stock variant with a blued finish but honestly, if
you cannot have THE exact style gun your hero used, what’s the
point, right?
Starting in season 2, viewers became intimately familiar with
the side folding paratrooper style stock known as the model
GB-F (Government Barrel) stainless steel variant of the Mini 14
rifle. Immediately into the new season, the Mini 14 became the
“go to” long gun of choice through the reminder of the series.
Chambered in .223 / 5.56 NATO, this sleek battle rifle was
mechanically similar to the M1 rifle, with a scaled down selfcleaning,
fixed-piston gas system. Interesting side note, the prop
rifles used for the television show are commonly mistaken for
the full-auto capable AC-556. Truth is that the rifles employed
to film the A-Team were semi-auto only and were portrayed as
such by the cast who can be seen repeatedly pulling the trigger
on screen. The full-auto sound effects were added in postproduction.
Since first seeing the Ruger Mini 14 rifle on TV as a kid, I have
wanted to own one but not for the tactical benefits of them or
4

SECOND CHANCES
Recently, Samson Manufacturing teamed up with Ruger to start
producing the folding paratrooper style stock again under their
tooling and licensing as the Samson A-TM Folding Stock. Although
the company made critical upgrades to the design such as ditching
the fragile Bakelite for much more durable polymer construction,
this is NOT considered a reproduction. It is THE stock that dressed
the Mini-14 rifles used by our favorite rogue commandos.
Not to be one to let opportunities pass by twice, I decided
to reach out to Ruger and Samson to make this bucket list item
a reality. The easy part was securing a Ruger Mini 14 Tactical
model in a stainless-steel finish chambered in .223 / 5.56 NATO.
Direct from the factory, this model came in a genuinely nice black
synthetic stock. On the range, the stock felt great as the rifle shot
well but it was not THE look I have always wanted. The next step
was not as easy but would prove to be very worth it.
I contacted Samson Manufacturing in reference to ordering
one of the A-TM stocks within a week of ordering the rifle
from Ruger. Unfortunately, due to high demand, this personal
project venture with Ruger and Samson took about 5 months
for the plan to come together. Once the stock finally arrived, I
was immediately impressed upon opening the box. Having held
original samples of both the Ruger semi-auto GB-F and select-fire
AC-556 variants, the new A-TM stock looked like a dead ringer
visually except for a slightly lighter wood stain.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The A-TM stock was constructed of Stainless-Steel hardware set
into beautiful walnut furniture. The top-quality walnut material
was a welcome upgrade from Ruger’s original Birch furniture
which was softer and more prone to scratching. Installation of
the rifle’s barreled action and trigger group was quick and simple.
The action dropped in from the top seamlessly into the new stock
with a firm push. The project was completed once the trigger
group was snapped into place from the bottom in under a minute
of total installation time.
With the A-TM Folding Stock at full extension, the Mini-14
including the factory 18-inch barrel measured 38”in overall
length. When folded, the rifle measured 28.5” overall making
it the perfect size for discreet storage in a mid-size rifle case.
I was impressed how cleanly the lines of the rifle and seams
all matched up without any annoying gaps, slop or unwanted
movement in the action mating to the stock. Best of all, the A-TM
Stock is proudly made in the USA to a quality level that would
have made Bill Ruger himself proud.
Specifications (Folding Stock Only)
Collapsed Length: 19.5”
Extended Length: 29.0”
Height: 5.5”
Width: 3.5”
Weight:
4.2 lbs.
Length of Pull: 13.5”
RANGE TIME
While I was pleased with the rifle’s new look, I don’t believe in
owning a firearm that I have to just look at sitting in the gun
safe and not enjoy on the range with as well. Normally I prefer
shooting rifles almost exclusively on outdoor ranges.
Unfortunately, the project came about during the beginning
of hurricane season here in Florida, so my favorite indoor range
SAMSON / RUGER ATM MINI 14 STOCK
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6SAMSON / RUGER ATM MINI 14 STOCK
was my first option. I packed up the Mini 14 and headed over
to see my buddy, Bill Biggert, the manager over at Bullseye
Guns of Jacksonville. The fact that Bill is a huge fan of 80’s action
movies and television shows like me was a huge plus. I knew he
would appreciate seeing the Mini 14 A-TM in the shop.
Once on the range, I benched the rifle on a pair of sandbags
for sighting in. To speed things up and save on ammo, I used a
drop-in laser bore sighter from Cabela’s to quickly get the rifle
sights on paper. Surprisingly, the sights were almost dead on
with the laser bore sight dot on the target, coming in about 3”
high at the six o’ clock position at 25 yards. Afterwards, it was
time to load up the factory 20 round magazines and get some
rounds downrange.
Although the folding stock was not adjustable for length,
it offered a very user friendly 13.5” length of pull (LOP). I was
able to get a surprisingly comfortable cheek weld on stock to
line up with the rifle’s peep sights. As I squeezed off the first
three shots, I noticed the angle change on the trigger pull due to
the pistol grip on the stock made the trigger feel lighter than in
the previous traditional rifle stock. I liked the control and recoil
mitigation the A-TM offered as well despite the minimalistic
buttstock.
Folding the stock was a simple matter of pressing a button
on the back of the buttstock and another where the hinge joint
mounts to the wood furniture as it closes to the right side. A
small anchor point protruding from the side of the stock allows
a notch in the buttstock to clamp the assembly firmly into place.
As per the TV show, the stock allows for firing the rifle from the
closed position. While doing so, shooting the rifle as if its and
oversized handgun feels like wearing one snowshoe

pmcimagazine.com
8SAMSON / RUGER ATM MINI 14 STOCK
and an ice skate to try and do the tango, it IS possible to get
paper plate size hits on target from 20 – 25 yards with a little
practice. Deploying the stock back to full extension is a quick
flick to swing back into action.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I was quite pleased with how the A-TM stock turned out.
From the moment I first saw the SHOT SHOW announcement
Samson was bringing back this classic Mini 14 option in
partnership with Ruger, I knew I had to have one. Thankfully,
nothing about this stock disappointed. If I had to gig Samson on
anything about the A-TM, it would be the lack of a sling loop on
the left side of stock’s hinge. I was able to adapt a traditional
sling swivel into the mounting point to employ a carry sling in
conjunction with the sling loop mounted beneath the rifle’s gas
block.
For those looking for something different than the .223 / 5.56
option, Samson not only decided to offer the A-TM stock as a
“drop in” fit for Mini 14 but also the Mini 30 (Chambered in
Russian 7.62×39mm). If that was not enough, Samson decided
to offer a smaller model for America’s favorite semi-auto .22
rifle, the Ruger 10/22. Cost of acquisition for the Mini 14 / 30
platform comes in two parts, US$1399 MSRP for the base rifle
stainless steel variant and another US$279 for the ATM stock
itself. If the 10/22 variant is more your speed, acquisition cost
drop to approximately US$429 MSRP for Ruger’s .22 Tactical
Model and US$259 for what Samson refers to as the model
B-TM stock.
Sometimes items manage to supersede the intrinsic value
of their intended purpose due to some attached symbol or ideal.
For me, it was this rifle / stock combo and a brief recapturing of
memories from my youth. As a father of two, I believe this will
come even more full circle for me. Until then, somewhere deep
down right now, there is still a happy blue-eyed boy inside me,
who said his prayers, took his vitamins and dreamed of being a
proud American hero one day. That young man is now over the
moon excited to have this piece in our family collection.
“If you have the problem of not owning one of these cool
rifle variants, if no retail store can help, visit www.
Ruger.com and www.Samson-mfg.com and if you can
find them in stock, maybe you can purchase your own
A-TM Mini-14!”

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PROFILING
PROFILING PROCYPHER:
WITH JIM WENZEL
BY: TRAMPAS SWANSON & JIM WENZEL
ONE OF THE GREATEST JOYS IN BEING THE DEPUTY EDITOR OF PMCI MAGAZINE HAS COME FROM THE
AMAZING PEOPLE I HAVE GOTTEN TO WORK WITH DURING MY TENURE WITH THIS PUBLICATION. NOT ONLY
THE TALENTED PEOPLE WE HAVE SPOTLIGHTED IN INTERVIEWS AND SPECIAL FEATURES BUT BEHIND THE
SCENES AS WELL. I OFTEN FEAR OUR READERS DON’T GET A GOOD LOOK AT THE WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGEABLE
EXPERTS IN THEIR OCCUPATIONAL FIELDS THAT CHOOSE TO BE PMCI STAFF WRITERS. WHO THESE DEVOTED
WRITERS ARE, THE BACKGROUNDS THEY COME FROM AND THEIR “DAY JOBS” WHEN THEY AREN’T WRITING
ARE SIMPLY IMPRESSIVE TO SAY THE VERY LEAST.
In this issue, I wanted to share my experience that
came from getting to sit down with PMCI’s very own
Jim Wenzel and discuss his highly specialized global
company, Procypher. Through this discussion I learned
about Jim and his partners educating private security
teams, law enforcement agencies and government
operatives worldwide to be better prepared for things
such as antiterrorism and the ongoing battle with
individual terrorist organizations and cartels.
As Jim and I talked in great length, both “off the
record” and on, I found the level of training, mature insight
and out of the box thinking were very eye opening and
extremely educational. Despite knowing Jim for over two
years now, I came away with a greater appreciation of who
he was and what Procypher really does.
Without going into too many details right now, I invite you
to enjoy the following interview.
Trampas (PMCI): Welcome, Jim. Would you mind telling our
readers a little bit about yourself before we get started?
Jim: Firstly, I would like to thank you, Trampas and PMCI; it is a
pleasure to share and contribute to the magazine. Hopefully,
I will be able to provide insights into the soft science of
Personal Protection today, contributing to their safety, wellbeing,
and success.
So, I will start with my name, Jim Wenzel; I am a U.S.
Marine veteran and a retired Law Enforcement Officer. One
of my favorite roles was being a Department and Police
Academy Instructor. I have taught courses ranging from
Defensive Tactics, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Baton,
Handcuffing, all the fun stuff to courses such as Field Training
Officer and Intro to Terrorism.
From there, I trained various levels of the United States Law
Enforcement Agencies, U.S. Military Special Operations Units,
Members of the Australian Border Force, and other Foreign
Governments in the various areas of Profiling and Effective
Investigation Techniques.
I think I found my passion when I went through
Investigations and Crisis Negotiations training. The nearest I
can explain it is by saying that taking down and disabling a
hostile individual by using their values, beliefs, attitudes, and
behaviors as my primary weapon is incredible… nearly as
enjoyable as BJJ.
PMCI: So why start your own company?
Jim: Procypher was a reaction to the “behavior profiling
industry”… Myself and business partners working in and
around protective services saw a lack of direct applicability
and consequent impact provided during profiling training
for Protective Service personnel… So we decided to do
something about it.
10

PMCI: So, Jim, from your perspective, what is required to provide
solid training for people in PS?
Jim: Self-knowledge... Environmental awareness and, where
possible, a good understanding of the opponent.
In my opinion, we must provide a well-defined role,
environment, and objective-specific training for PS. Interestingly,
because our approach is pretty thorough, we got noticed
and became consultant trainers in competitive intelligence,
interview, and investigations. With teams working with
multinational pharmaceuticals, banks, tech, and engineering
companies… (not what I expected).
PMCI: If you could give only one takeaway to the reader, what
would it be?
Jim: “People are passwords.” However, before we can begin to
gain consistent access to the mind and emotions of others, we
need to start by getting a practical understanding of our own
minds and emotions… we hadn’t seen this in training out there
as the focus tends to be primarily on hard skills… It seems like
the next big thing is people having the skill set required to gain
a psychological and emotional head start/ advantage over the
opponent - that’s what we do.
PMCI: Anything you can share with our readers?
Jim: Yes, we have developed a Protective Services Mind and
emotional set manual for ourselves and those we work with as
a means of tracking our behavior while engaged operationally.
(Note from the Editor) As a Subscriber, you’re welcome
to contact jim@procypher.co for your own manual - this is
incredibly valuable as, in my opinion, it is a lifetime of work in a
helpful 25 page no fluff none self-promotion workbook).
Jim: Thanks, Trampas; interestingly, those we have shared this
with have come back to us saying… “Now I know what I’ve
been working on all these years”... “You’ve systematized my
thinking,”... and hopefully we have.
PMCI: Okay, sounds like you must have a pretty good read of the
PS professional… So why not tell us about ourselves?
Jim: Sure… You’re achievement-driven and understand that
when all things are equal, it is the relationship you’re able to
develop and the communication that you utilize which creates
an advantage.
In this regard, you have invested a considerable amount of
time in getting to know yourself. One way you have done this is
by identifying and using components of the mindset, attitudes,
beliefs, and values of the people you looked up to as you were
coming up yourself…
Often your own biggest critic, it is not too easy for you to
accept praise. After all, “you’re just doing your job,” yet the
people you work with don’t see it that way… they see you going
above and beyond. You rationalize that by taking care of the
team, you’re taking care of yourself.
When it comes to education, your drive for difference means
you have consistently pushed yourself to invest in improvements,
learn, and grow. You are interested in what constitutes cutting
edge and realize that the best people reader is usually the
people Leader in the room. You have become a good judge
of character in this regard, so your improvements tend to be
pretty incremental… Hopefully, you’ll find the workbook to be
as eye-opening as it was for colleagues and me when we put it
together.
PMCI: Solid review, thank you, Jim. Moving from there, you and
I have spoken about eliminating behavioral blind spots in past
conversations, but I’m not sure that we’ve ever really covered
this subject in our magazine before...Would you care to walk us
through this?
PROFILING
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PROFILING
JIM: Sure thing Trampas, let’s start with a definition.
• Blindspots: Are a lack of insight or awareness—often
persistent—about a specific area of one’s behavior or
personality, typically because recognizing one’s true feelings
and motives would be painful. E.g., Within a security setting,
there can be certain types of individuals who attribute
aggression to others, when in reality, they are aggressive,
AKA “shit magnets.”
• Bias blind spots: People tend to see themselves as less
susceptible to influence and persuasion than others. E.g., “It
was my idea to go on the offensive” (when in reality the
individual had been triggered to go on the offensive through
being set up to do so). This particular blind spot tends to be
driven by a fear of humiliation, (more on this later).
• Situational blindspots: When we have seen what we
have seen so often, we become less likely to observe
changes. E.g., Complacency caused by the individual’s lack of
awareness/ attention to detail (which we attribute to blind
spot development)
PMCI: Can you provide us with an example of how you have
eliminated blind spots?
Jim: I’ll try to give a brief example; depending on the role,
situation, and environment, our rules of engagement will
change, and thus our responses will vary; however, the
system does not. We are all familiar with Boyd’s OODA loop;
it’s part of our training. I utilized over the years to study
humans and working in the field to apply OODA to physical
and conversation engagements. For instance, I’m talking with
a subject at a checkpoint. As I am talking to them, I conduct
a scan starting from the hands to the feet then back up to
the head while simultaneously listening to what is or isn’t
being said. As I do this, I assess whether or not this person
is a threat to me, so I am looking for pre-assault indicators
while listening to tonality and word choice. OODA comes in
because I will take some small steps either side to side or
backward while this is going. In doing this, you will see the
level of focus the subject has on you. If they are focused on
you, you will see them re-orient and move toward you. I do
this a couple of times as I watch for non-verbal and verbal
cues. Once I see at a minimum of three cues, I can then be
proactive in my approach to either using communication to
diffuse the situation or take proactive physical action to gain
and keep control of the situation. In this business, action beats
reaction and we strive to give those we train an advantage
in the field. Each time we move and make the subject reorient,
we are simply buying ourselves some time to assess
the encounter and act accordingly.
This approach works conversationally as well, as we
can re-orient someone while conversing by using a similar
approach.
We adjust posture, use head and hand movements, subtle
things that allow us to interject in the conversation and
diffuse or move the conversation to a topic we wish to speak on.
When we showed experienced field operatives with
10,000 plus hours of experience a systematic approach
to reading non-verbal behavior, they told us… “yes, I can
recognize around 80% of what you’ve shown me - the big
difference being that you’re using a systematic approach, so
it’s a much more efficient, effective, and adaptive approach”.
Here is the issue, if the approach to interpreting nonverbal
behavior is not standardized, success/ failure can’t be
measured and managed to ensure ongoing improvements/
vulnerability reduction. Furthermore, the vets understand
that in support of novice and intermediate operatives, a
systematic approach helps maintain a level of situational
awareness on a team rather than a leadership level.
PMCI: Here’s my issue Jim, doesn’t learning to read and
analyze behavior on a professional level correctly require
serious amounts of training?
Jim: With respect, if the training provided is role, situation,
and objective specific… We will typically process a security
team to mission/ objective readiness with no fluff training in
around 12-16 hours.
From a management perspective: Recording the training
and nominating an internal trainer (post-delivery) provides
incoming operatives with around 3 hours of video-based
learning - with practical in-person training delivered according
to the requirements of the Team’s nominated trainer.
We find this approach transformational as incident
reporting includes a much higher standard of observation…
when shared; these observational notes provide better levels
of pre-emptive awareness… all of which contribute to a
Preemptive Evaluation & Comms. Playbook.
For an example of the playbook in action, you can get
a (non-self-promotional) case study packed with applicable
insights by emailing jim@procypher.co
If you like what you see: You are also welcome to a Live
& Online breakdown of the case study. The aim is to provide
you with a systematic “how to” approach to interpreting nonverbal
behavior.
PMCI: Okay, Jim, the last topic... when you say “words are
weapons”... what do you mean?
Jim: We have all worked with a shit magnet… someone who
could start a fight in an empty room, and we’ve all worked
with a person who beats the opponent by turning them into
an ally…
PMCI: What would you say is the key difference between the
two?
Jim: It’s not always possible to control the conversation
from the get-go; furthermore, controlling conversations/
12

engagements isn’t always possible or appropriate… Take BJJ,
for example; if you’re up against an opponent with superior
physical attributes, their position and movement inform your
own; we don’t lead the engagement; instead, we redirect it. It’s
the same with high-level communication; the best will establish
position, pace, and proposition as the basis for destabilizing,
then leading the opponent to submit themselves.
We use the above example to shed some light on how we
would be able to exploit particular points, either conversationally
or physically. For instance, we all have predispositions, which
are part of our makeup and character, which we show to others
and us in various roles, situations, or environments.
For instance, the less competitive BJJ practitioner will
primarily train techniques in a way that sets them up to be
successful against right-handed opponents. They say they do this
because the percentage they will face a left-handed competitor
is very low and they don’t want to waste their time training on
something that they will face rarely or not.
With that in mind, when we identify conversational or
physical predispositions within a potential opponent, their
proposed strengths are masking their weaknesses; for example
- men who make a great show of strength typically do so
because they fear being humiliated - no one talks about this. If
you want to beat a stronger man physically, give him the respect
and recognition he can’t give himself. For example, I might set
up a dangerous-looking individual to come over to my side
with... “excuse me, I noticed you from across the room… pretty
hard to miss actually, are you a professional boxer/ wrestler/
bodybuilder? “I train a little” (shared smile); I have a question
for you if that’s okay? “Yes,” why is it that the genuinely big,
tough guys like yourself never cause trouble… it is always the
weak, small, and insecure guys, right?
All we have done here is we’ve given him what he needs
to relax - respect and recognition… we’ve named his fear
“insecurity” and attributed this to a smaller class of males… he
relaxes; he does not need to be the tough guy and will probably
back you up in a tight spot... I believe Bruce Lee refers to this as
“the art of fighting without fighting.”
PMCI: Okay, Jim, I have never heard of anyone using this
approach before… I understand you’ve done personal protection
work for some well-known principals. …
Jim: “That was many years ago, to be fair”...it was challenging,
albeit fun, in that I really got to use various skill sets and learned
just how valuable and crucial leveling up in soft skills could be.
Soft skills become a force multiplier for our hard-skill
attributes.
PMCI: Can you tell us how you would look to conversationally
disarm a tough guy who poses a potential threat?
Jim: “Sure thing Trampas...
People have three different predispositions, which are their core,
central, and secondary. Once we establish which preposition is
being shown, we then must try to:
Understand what differentiates the individual from others.
Asking: what are they showing or portraying?
For example: Why would a genuinely tough guy have to act
tough or wear a Tap Out t-shirt?
• Ask what has to be true for this person’s behavior/
presentation to make sense?
• Answering that the individual is likely compensating for
a personal weakness, alternatively, they may feel/ believe
they have identified a weakness within yourself which they’re
looking to exploit.
• Identify whether the behavior/ presentation we are
observing is an indication of how this individual acts elsewhere?
• Asking, is the behavior we are witnessing likely consistent
across roles? If not, what role can we speak to as a means of
shifting mindset/ physiology?
• Identify what stimulates, triggers, and guides the individual
to behave and express themselves as they usually do?
• Having identified who and how the person sees themselves
to be, expressing an expectation of consistency as a means of
getting them back on track.
• Identify what triggers the individual to step outside their
normal range of behavior?
A simple acronym to remember is HALTS: Hungry, Angry,
Lonely, Tired, Scared, or Stressed…
Regardless of their state, the individual will usually want
to be seen as Reasonable, Significant, Intelligent in their own
right. As a person with self-determination - understanding these
generically actual human attributes, we now have guidelines to
engage the individual to bring them back to themselves.
PMCI: Outstanding brother! Thank you so much for enlightening
our readers about Procypher and the realm in which you guys
operate and the valuable concepts you teach.
For our PMCI readers, I hope you have enjoyed a look into the
stimulating conversation with PMCI’s own Jim Wenzel and now
have a deeper look into this amazing writer. If you would like to
take advantage of the generous offers that we have secured for
you, then you can reach Jim via email at jim@procypher.co. By
putting PMCI in the subject line, you will be recognized as one
of their subscribers thus gaining access to any and all offers.
Due to the sensitive nature of the work carried out by Jim
and his company, public access to www.procypher.co service
offering is not publicly available. However, as a subscriber, you
can gain access by leaving your name, PMCI, and email in the
“Contact us” message box.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this interview as much as
I enjoyed conducting it. I am certainly looking forward
to training with Jim more in the near future. Until the
next issue everyone, remember this last bit of insight
from our guest, Jim Wenzel... “To be successful in any
engagement, you need both the right mind and the
right weapon!”
PROFILING
pmcimagazine.com

TIME OF THE PHOENIX
Is it just me, or does it truly feel that after months and months of
on and off restrictions due to C-19 the world is finally waking up
again? I usually work from my home office as I generally “don’t
play well with others”, and it’s best to keep me on my own and
highly caffeinated to ensure a regular output, and only to be let
out to play when something needs shooting on the range or there’s
a gun show going on. When I’m testing gear it’s usually only the
trusty hound that I have along for company, and even my dear wife
tends to let me be in the dark depths of my den when I’m writing!
But there’s a BIG difference between self-imposed isolation
and that which is forced upon you, and it’s made me think a lot
about the freedom of choice. I am the first when it comes gladly
sacrificing my own comfort for that of others, and I know that
many of you out there reading this have taken it even further;
you have laid your lives on the line to protect the freedoms that
others take for granted, put yourselves in situations where your
own comfort and even your own safety comes second place to
that of those who don’t give you a thought or a second glance.
And right now watching the news and all the “talking heads” I
am, as I am certain you are, questioning why certain things have
happened the way they have happened, and for some of you the
question must be in your minds as to why you gave so much of
yourself in a dusty, fetid, foreign land that now seems as if it’s
being just given away…
The fact is that for many the fight is not about what is enforced
upon you, but what you choose to do. Yes, in the military you may
follow orders, and in Law enforcement the Law itself defines your
actions, but beneath this is a much more enduring belief that you
act to protect others, because there are some that are unable to
act for themselves, whether through age of infirmity, through
EDITORS
COMMENT
ill-health, or because they lack the belief and mindset to do so.
And this my friends is what we must always carry forward,
whether we are serving, have served, or have the mindset that it
is “others before self”. In this time when so-called “fame” appears
to be everything we must always remember that “fame” is actually
not what life is about. For me life is about my family, my friends,
my actions and how I can improve on my own imperfections… of
which there are many!
I am still proud of where I come from and hold my nation dear,
but my own personal “nation” these days is comprised of men
and women around the globe that I am proud and privileged to
call “friend”, and I rejoice in the freedom to choose this, wherever
they may come from, and I am humbled that they choose me as
their friend too.
My friends are funny, warm, compassionate, generous people
who live their lives with integrity, and make their way through
life treating others as they would wish to be treated themselves;
they choose, like me, to make their own decisions about things,
to look beyond the obvious and draw their conclusions based on
fact rather than some spurious “spin”.
And I truly believe that it is time for us to make our voices
heard, to protect our freedom to choose, and say a resounding
“no” to those that would wish to “influence” us because someone
is paying them to do so. The fire has raged, and now it is time for
us all to stand from the ashes of the pandemic and
shape our individual worlds and futures as we would
wish them to be, and only WE can make that choice.
As always, keep safe, watch your six, and look out
for the man or woman next to you!
EDITORS COMMENT

pmcimagazine.com
HELIKON-TEX RANGE HOODIE
GEAR ON TEST
As we spend a LOT of time on the range and out in the
woods when we’re shooting, testing and evaluating
new gear we’re always on the lookout for cool clothing
that’s purpose-designed for the task!
The RANGE HOODIE from our good friends at Helikon-Tex is
a tactical hoodie designed by shooting specialists. Its cut
and the fabrics used will allow for comfortable use even
in bad weather conditions. An extended cut allows the
Hoodie to be tucked into pants, whilst an anatomically
cut hood and a zipped kangaroo pocket are the
elements that distinguish RANGE HOODIE from
classic combat shirts or shooting shirts.
The combination of elastic and tear-resistant
materials, known from the other garments
in the shooting community has been used
throughout, making this hoodie suitable for
intensive and demanding work specifically for,
but not restricted to, “range work”. Mesh sewn
under the armpits provides better ventilation
during dynamic training, and the small zipped
pockets on the upper arms will allow you to
conveniently carry small items of equipment.
The RANGE HOODIE® is a great replacement
for a range polo or combat shirt on cold
and rainy days, and in combination with
Helikon’s LVL 1 thermal underwear and
HYBRID TACTICAL PANTS® pants, it will
allow you to work at the shooting range
all year round.
Made of 100% Polyester with 93%
Nylon/ 7% Elastane inserts (the mesh is
100% Polyester) and featuring quality
YKK zippers the TANG HOODIE stacks
up technically, and the cut and fit
is indeed great for its intended use.
This however tell only one part of the
story, as when you actually wear
it, it’s genuinely quite remarkable!
The main body fabric is not a fleece as the image
might suggest, but a high-performance breathable
construction that also has a degree of wind protection!
It’s thin and lightweight, but thus far has proved to be
warm, comfortable, and very durable; the attractive tonal
“insets” feel almost like high-grade soft shell and offer
four-way stretch. The arm pockets are way big enough to
swallow a smartfone or set of range cards, and the main,
zipped “kangaroo” pocket is a great place to stow gloves
when not in use; there’s even a hanging loop under the
neckline zip for your shooting glasses!
When it comes to range gear, Helikon-Tex are really
pushing things forward, and we look forward to seeing
just what they add to this line next. I can certainly see
the RANGE HOODIE getting good use this autumn, and
even into winter as an additional layering piece in my
clothing system. This is a garment that I can see becoming
a key part of that system, and with this in mind I can only
recommend it to you fully!
For more information please check out www.helikon-tex.com
16

MERRELL MOAB 2 BOOTS
A few issues back I wrote about some new super-light
Merrell boots that I’d bought for range work and the
ACCENTOR GORE-TEX MIDS have proved to be 100%
perfect for running fast and light! With a waterproof
inner to keep your feet dry and comfortable, the body
has been designed so that water can’t get in, but
moisture vapour can escape through the billions of
pores in the Gore-Tex membrane.
In addition, an Aegis antimicrobial, odour-fighting treatment
keeps your feet fresh for longer. Humidity isn’t a problem in
these breathable boots either, as a membrane keeps your
feet dry and a large bellows tongue keeps debris away from
the foot. When you encounter slippery patches after rainfall,
you’ll be thankful for two features, a mid-length cut that adds
ankle support, and a durable rubber outsole for better grip.
These have already proved time and again to have been a
GREAT purchase!
I also mentioned at the time another model with a
more traditional “outdoorsman” look and feel, the MOAB 2
MID GORE-TEX, and after such a super experience with the
ACCENTORS I decided that I’d invest in a pair of these too for
more general “EDC” use. Merrell’s second-generation Moab 2
takes the best of the original and mixes in new improvements
to create a superb feel and fit. Built on the same classic last as
the first generation, the Moab 2 boasts GORE-TEX technology
to keep your foot comfortable and dry in use on foul-weather
days on site and the Merrell M-Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA
footbed with zonal arch and heel support just add to this high
level of comfort. A Vibram® TC5+ sole delivers unrivalled grip,
and the mid-height design of this boot provides excellent
ankle support and is combined with an improved fit to create
well-formed boot that is designed to last, and to perform.
When it comes to everyday tasks, footwear is massively
important and often overlooked in our “priority tree”, and
these new models show that you can have comfort, durability,
and a great fit all wrapped up in one great performance
package that benefits from all the very latest waterproof/
breathable technology; they also both feel light as a feather
on your feet, with a wider toebox than the more–athleticallythemed
ACCENTORS, whilst still giving great levels of
protection, support, and grip on almost any surface.
Beloved of units like the US Rangers, Merrell boots from
their outdoor line are certainly worth a look if you’re running a
“tactical athlete” set of range gear or indeed after something
that looks more “casual”; Merrell definitely still have what it
takes!
For more information on their extensive footwear range,
please check out www.merrell.com
GEAR ON TEST
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pmcimagazine.com
GEAR ON TEST
VIKTØS GEAR
“A tactical brand like no other. VIKTØS products
transcend the typical boundaries of conventional
tactical companies and address the entire black gun
lifestyle; from combat to training, to R&R.”
That’s a bold statement and the tagline for VIKTØS gear, and I’m
definitely liking what I’m seeing, and that’s gear that’s as good for
daily wear as it is for the range! VIKTØS is a family run business
headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Launched in the fall of
2017 by a combined force of industry and military veterans, it
is their mission to produce innovative gear for the tactical user.
They say that their product transcends the typical boundaries of
conventional tactical companies and addresses the entire black
gun lifestyle; from combat to training, to R&R. It is a decidedly
unique approach from a decidedly unique brand.
I’ve had a couple of items from different parts of their line to
check out, and again I like what I’m seeing. At this time of the
year if you’re having a range day, even an indoor one, then a bit
of comfy, warm “snivel gear” is just the thing, and many of us at
PMCI swear by our favourite hoodies! As I’ve been watching the
rollout of VIKTOS gear I’m REALLY liking the FALLBACK SHOOTER
HOODIE! Available in black or grey, in sizes S to XXL, this is one
righteous pullover that can take the nip out of an autumn/winter
range day, but that will equally at home as a “statement of
intent” in more social settings! Made of 2oz mid-weight fleece
(80% cotton/20% polyester) it comes in a relaxed men’s fit,
with a Ribbed elastic cuff and waist, and as VIKTOS garments
are U.S. veteran designed and developed you’ll be warm in the
knowledge that you’re supporting a worthwhile business too!
Another particular bit of gear (amongst many great items!)
that took my eye is the VIKTOS UPSCALE SLING 2 BAG. Larger
than a chest slung buttpack, but smaller than current tactical
slingbags, the VIKTOS Upscale 2 CCW Slingbag Bag in MultiCam
was designed for minimalist concealed carry and EDC and as an
ideal “Go Bag”. The CCW compartment will fit up to full-size pistol
in the included universal Velcro® holster, or switch it out for your
preferred holster. The ambidextrous, lightly padded, sling and
CCW access compartment allow easy pistol access when worn
on either side of the body.
The main compartment features elastic webbing and internal
cargo pocket, perfect for holding extra magazines, tourniquet,
and IFAK. The padded upper compartment is a perfect place for
spare eyepro. The Upscale can also serve double-duty with its
rear MOLLE panel, allowing it to be attached to a plate carrier or
other bag. In this configuration, the CCW compartment is capable
of holding a 1.5-liter hydration bladder.
• Overall dimensions 15″ H x 7″ W x 4″ D
• 600d Cordura® chassis (Ranger/Nightfjall)
• 500d Nylon chassis (Multicam)
• Custom sling hardware including quick release shoulder strap
• Light padding on shoulder strap adds comfort
• YKK® zippers with quiet pulls
• Rear Molle webbing
• Ambidextrous access concealed pistol compartment
• Universal Velcro® sleeve holster fits up to a full-size pistol
• Fits up to 1.5-liter hydration bladder with clip and hose routing
(not included)
• Main pocket with organisers for magazines, tourniquet, medkit
• Padded eyeglass compartment
• Ambidextrous and stowable shoulder sling
• U.S. veteran design & developed
This looks ideal for longer duration days where you need to carry
those extra items to see you through the duration, and I’m liking
the fact that it can also be attached to the rear of a plate carrier
to act as a sustainment pack! If truth be told I’m very impressed
by what I’ve seen from VIKTOS thus far, and I hope they’ll be at
SHOT 2022 to speak with in person, and I also hope there’s a lot
more to come from them!
Check out the entire range they offer by simply visiting www.
viktos.com and get yourself some of that “black gun lifestyle”!
18

VX BUCKLE UP
GUN CARRIER
BLACK / DARK COYOTE
/ GREEN / VCAM
/ SRP: £79.95

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DIRECT ACTION – GEAR UPDATES
DIRECT ACTION – GEAR UPDATES
It’s been a little while since we spoke about new gear from the team over at Direct Action in Poland,
but as usual Editor Bill has been keeping a very close eye on their latest developments and innovations
for the tactical user! With some great new models available now he brings in an update of kit that he’s
already tried and tested extensively! - BT
Let’s face it, 2021 has been a challenging year for
businesses in many industries, and the tactical gear
manufacturers and innovators have had just the
same hoops to jump through as the others. Raw
material costs, fabric costs, and especially “goods
inwards” costs have all spiralled and continue to do
so. Add to this problematic shipping and outrageous
lead times for raw materials and specialist parts/
components and I’m amazed that anyone has got
anything meaningful done during the last twelve
months!
However, as I’ve recently noted in other articles there ARE
manufacturers that have got complete handle on all these
disparate elements, and they have not only continued to do
good business, but have actually thrived in adversity, and
given the folk involved behind the scenes with Direct Action I
am not at all surprised that they have come out of the “Days
of C-virus” at the head of the pack. As I said when I last wrote
about Direct Action, “as with any relationship the backbone is
one of mutual trust and respect, and over the past few years I
have really come to respect and trust the guys at Direct Action
immensely”, and if anything their output during a time when
lesser companies have faltered and wobbled has increased my
respect for them even further!
20

To recap for those that haven’t come across them before, Direct
Action is a Polish company set up in 2014 that from the outset
sought to combine great design and manufacturing capabilities with
an up-close-and-personal understanding of the specific end-user
needs. From the very beginning Direct Action have been a very
tight unit, and their R&D team in Poland consists of just a few good
people; each member has his or her own area of expertise and is
responsible for the tasks and projects that relate to that. As one
example, the guy responsible for their innovation and testing is a
prior-service GROM combat medic with almost 20 years of service,
and several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan!
This combination has created the approach of an individualas-a-system
that is open and flexible to all necessary options,
yet remains streamlined and avoids over-burdening. Each part of
the system interfaces with the other components; weapons, load
bearing equipment, backpacks, jackets, duty uniforms and even
camouflage patterns, each of these is a part of a whole, and a key
component that’s critical to mission success.
When creating Direct Action gear every detail is rigorously
thought-out using a systemic perspective, and there are no random
choices, no compromises, no “same-old-stuff” design approach,
no shying away from new technology; all items are based on firsthand,
real world experience of elite special operations units.
Direct Action uses the highest quality materials available and
the production process itself is subject to rigorous control. The
whole line of combat equipment is designed and manufactured
in Poland.
SPITFIRE
My first exposure to Direct Action came in the form of a couple of
their excellent patrol pack models, and I’m going to tell you that
as someone who worked with cutting-edge pack manufacture in
a “previous existence” this is an area in which I am hyper-critical,
and Direct Action packs continue to impress not just me, but others
that I work and play with. I am a user of Direct Action gear both
for airsoft and training, and I’ll be straight and say that I love it!
Although these days I’m more of a chest rig and pack kind of
guy, and not usually in need of any kind of “armour protection”
I still love the fact that all Direct Action gear is designed to work
together, and that it fits neatly in a fully modular fashion not just
with their own range, but also with that of other industry leaders!
My go-to plate carrier solution for a couple of years now has been
the SPITFIRE MKII PLATE CARRIER, and this is the Adaptive Green
rig that you’ll see in many of my range pictures.
The Direct Action SPITFIRE takes its name from a famous WWII
fighter plane, and like this aviation icon, it’s a streamlined and
dynamic platform designed to carry ballistic plates with modular
accessories on or off the battlefield. At just 672g in a Size Large it’s
lightweight and non-restricting, and is indeed one of the lightest
carriers in its class. The MK II looks simple, but in fact it is much
more scalable and mission configurable than its predecessers. The
Direct Action team have stripped the carrier of unnecessary PALS
slots under the flap and on the back as well as enlarging the loop
panel on the front for larger unit patches, and they’ve even made
it lighter!
The SPITFIRE is beautifully made and cut, and once again the
materials and components are absolutely first rate! Put together
using proprietary laser-cut laminate, Cordura 500D and softshell
materials the carrier benefits from front plate only configuration
using the chest rig interface, optional pads on front, back and
shoulders area for improved airflow, a zippered chest admin
pocket, and PTT and comms wires / antenna routing attachment
points, and there’s even an accessory armour package for heavy
configuration in development!
The back panel zipper attachment system is compatible with
Crye Precision AVS, whilst the chest Rig attachment system is
compatible with Mayflower / Velocity Systems offering you even
further options!
Thanks to numerous new design elements, back panels and
optional side armour compatible cummerbunds you are able to set
up the carrier the way you actually need it. It’s at the same time
and incredibly durable platform, and is unique in its modularity,
converting to a cut-away rig in just a few simple steps, allowing
for quick donning, doffing and medical access thanks to Hypalon
pullers.
I’ve put the Spitfire through its paces with my usual medium
SAPI plates fitted, and I continue to be impressed. Although the
Spitfire is certainly smaller than the carriers I have worked with in
the past, plate support is excellent, and the pressure exerted both
around the torso and over the shoulders is nicely balanced and
spread evenly. The “captured” female buckles for the front carrying
system are tidily achieved, meaning that you can easily change
out your load carrying options; say you want to set up your plate
carrier for light “AR Pistol” use? Simply attach a SPITFIRE MK II SLICK
DIRECT ACTION – GEAR UPDATES

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DIRECT ACTION – GEAR UPDATES
CARBINE MAG FLAP, SPITFIRE SMG FLAP, or SPITFIRE SHOTGUN
SHELL FLAP to the velcro and buckle it in place. Running hot
and heavy with a full fighting load? No problem, simply use
the CHEST RIG INTERFACE (which also means you can use the
Spitfire in Front Panel Only mode) and you’re all set with rifle/
carbine mag pouches, pistol mag pouches, along with space
for bangs and admin items. If you need to carry more load as
part of your modular system Direct Action offer a number of
excellent back panel add-ons like the SPITFIRE MK II BACKPACK
PANEL or SPITFIRE MK II UTILITY BACK PANEL so you’re all set!
BEARCAT
As always though, time moves on and Direct Action have
added another superb carrier to their line, this one called the
BEARCAT (the Grumman F8F Bearcat was a lightweight WWII
carrier-launched fighter aircraft FYI!) which is an ultra-light
plate carrier designed to be the foundation for a durable yet
versatile system. Reduction of the amount of laminate and
Cordura fabric to bare minimum has resulted in a significant
weight cut as the main platform weighs only 290grams! Made
from cutting-edge softshell fabric and laser-cut laminate,
the Bearcat offers a skeletonized modular system with fully
interchangeable front panels (DA call them “flaps”, and think
a full-on MilSpec version of the buckle up systems I wrote
about not so long ago!).
Even though Bearcat is designed mainly with Swimmer Cut
plates in mind, it will also fit SAPI or Shooter plates (so I could
easily use the same set of SAPI plates I have in my existing
Spitfire). Due to the use of highly stretchable softshell fabric,
the Bearcat offers a great fit, no matter what kind of plate cut
you choose. The inner velour Velcro panels are designed to
work well with COMFORT PAD of the Spitfire System too, and
the Bearcat continues the “full modularity” story as it will work
seamlessly with other Direct Action system components.
So, not only the COMFORT PAD will suit the Bearcat well, it’s
the same with the other Spitfire System accessories, like the
22

CUTAWAY set, flaps and back panels, and vice versa! That makes
this carrier a great choice for those, like me, who already have the
elements of Spitfire System, but seek an even lighter platform.
However, the Bearcat has been launched together with specifically
designed products to extend its functionality. Amongst them is one
of the lightest back and chest panels on the market along with
an all-new SKELETONIZED BACK PANEL and SKELETONIZED PLATE
CARRIER FLAP, as well as a minimalist SKELETONIZED CUMMERBUND
SLIM, and the SKELETONIZED COMMS WINGS SET made to carry your
communication system. With them, you’ll be able to compose a
perfectly functional and incredibly comfortable set of gear that will
last you a lifetime!
As I said when I started, it’s incredibly exciting to watch a brand
grow from the ground up, and from humble beginnings Direct Action
have grown in the very best way possible, enlarging their offering
sensibly, and moving things on when new ideas or technologies
become available. I’ve been very, very impressed by the Spitfire with
its original range of modular pouches and panels, and I’ve recently
added the advanced, skeletal Bearcat .556 and .308 panels to my
personal training setup, and they interface perfectly. Both of these
panels offer space for three magazines (sized for the appropriate
calibre) which are secured from the top via a bungee cord. Due
to the skeletal construction, the panels are not only minimalistic,
but also is some of the lightest modular panels on the market. The
panels are covered with the same laser cut modular system which
is fully compatible with MOLLE/PALS. The panels are attached to
the carrier via top buckles, and all the panels available (there’s a
few of them!). can be easily transformed into a compact chest rig
using the FRONT FLAP RIG INTERFACE.
The latest gear from Direct Action certainly shows that they
have not been idle in the last twelve months, and to me it shows
that they continue to innovate and still 100% mean business in the
future. I did see them briefly at the last SHOT Show I attended, but
I missed seeing them at IWA this year (sadly that show was never
going to happen); however, 2022 is a whole new year and by the
look of what they have in the form of the new BEARCAT system
they’ll undoubtedly have more to come soon, and I’ll look forward
to reporting back on it all as usual when I see it!
For more information on the extensive range of top-notch
tactical gear offered by Direct Action please check out https://
us.directactiongear.com/ in the USA and https://eu.directactiongear.
com/ in Europe.
DIRECT ACTION – GEAR UPDATES
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pmcimagazine.com
KIT: GALCO FLETCH HOLSTER
GALCO FLETCH HOLSTER
In this modern era of holsters and gear made of Kydex and other synthetic materials, there is
just something about classic gun leather that feels “right”. When Trampas first started his Law
Enforcement career at the turn of the century, materials such as Condura (nylon) and many
thermoplastics (early Kydex) were just coming into the civilian markets but leather was still the
trusted medium for duty gear. - TS
Since the days of Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickock,
leather has been the only truly trusted holster
material for carrying a firearm when the outcome
possibly meant life or death. To this day, many
Law Enforcement and law-abiding citizens still
primarily choose to carry their firearms in quality
leather holster such as that by Galco Holsters
because of its strength and rigidity against wear,
harsh environments and stress over time.
As a young rookie Deputy Sheriff, I remember needing
an off-duty holster for my department issued Glock model
21 chambered in .45 ACP. In our agency, Deputies had a wide
range of holster manufacturers allowed by policy. The biggest
requirement for any specific holster model was that it must
have a thumb strap retention. As I searched through Police
Supply catalogues while at work, I remember a wise old patrol
Sergeant, Don Pixley telling me to make sure to buy a good
quality leather holster and don’t go cheap. As it was explained
to me, I would spend much more money over the next few
years by having to constantly buy cheap holsters that don’t last
rather than spending the money on a more expensive holster
up front.
While I wasn’t fond of spending my entire pay check from
working an off-duty assignment on a holster, I grew more
pleased with my decision over the following years. As other
officers with cheaper holsters routinely replaced their gun rigs,
mine only seemed to be getting better with age. The holster I
had chosen was the Fletch model from Galco Holsters. Designed
to be worn on the belt, I wore that holster along with my badge
beside it every time I carried my issued weapon off duty for
the following 11 years. Recently, when I was asked to write a
feature on the Fletch holster, I jumped at a chance to try one for
my Glock 17 chambered in 9mm.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When the package arrived from Galco Holsters containing my
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KIT: GALCO FLETCH HOLSTER
new Glock 17 Fletch holster, I could not wait to take it out of the
package and give it a once over. The smell of fresh leather hit
my nostrils and I immediately smiled. Quality leather gives off
a rich smell that can only be described as satisfying. Premium
steerhide often referred to as saddle leather is one of the most
durable leathers available on the market. Having grew up on a
horse ranch, I saw firsthand how long the steerhide saddles and
equipment lasted over the years with simply basic care.
Although Galco offers the Fletch model finished in a rich tan
or black, I opted for how the deep black died leather shows off
the clean lines of the holster’s sleek design. It exuded the look
of a true professional. Few other finishes and materials look just
as good with a t-shirt and jeans as it does while working a VIP
protection detail with slacks and a sport coat. Combined with a 1
¾” wide Blacknite series everyday carry belt from www.Nexbelt.
com to perfectly match the holsters belt loops, the rig offers an
impressive look even though its designed to primarily not be seen.
The holster featured a fully covered trigger guard for safety
and a reinforced thumb strap to firmly secure the pistol in place.
More than once during my tenure with my original Galco
Fletch holster did it survive rolling across the floor wrestling to
get a suspect into handcuffs when working in plain clothes. The
wet molded holster design contours to the hip at the 3 to 5 o
clock position very well. The narrower profile tends to blend much
better than traditional pancake style holsters to prevent printing
when worn to conceal the gun under an untucked shirt or light
jacket. The high ride and pistol butt tilted forward design for carry
aided to break up the overall profile as well.
DAILY CARRY
Before I could start carrying my pistol in the holster, I had to break
it in first. The holster came as much quality holsters with a super
tight fit at first. I simply placed the UNLOADED gun in a sandwich
bag and inserted it back into the holster. After working the gun
back and forth in the holster, I placed it in my safe to sit overnight.
The next day, I did the same thing by working the gun in and
out of the holster several times before returning it to the safe.
After a couple of days, I started to mount the holster on my belt
and work on presentations on target and reholstering with the
gun still unloaded and in the plastic bag to reduce friction.
Within a few weeks, the holster was a perfect fit allowing a
quick, smooth draw and reholster without the surrounding plastic
bag on the gun. I was then confident to carry the rig with my gun
fully loaded.
I really enjoyed the way the holster’s design allowed for a quick
acquisition of a master grip in order to draw fast and confidently
without the subconscious need for any readjustment of the firing
hand. This confidence and grip security can be instrumental in
getting a clean first shot hit. With the holster bladed just behind
the hip, the draw stroke felt natural although I regularly prefer
zero cant holsters with a directly vertical draw carried at my 3
o’clock position. The Fletch design lends itself much better for
concealment and makes it easy for shooters like me to be able to
comfortably and quickly adapt.
After a few days of wearing the Fletch rig, I started to forget
it was there. The weight dispersion of the load and the high ride
carry kept it up and out of the way of accessing my pockets or
causing any lower back discomfort. My biggest concern with
any thumb break holster is with the reholster process. Too many
times, I have seen lesser holsters cause issues in the reholstering
process due to a limp thumb strap flopping into the trigger guard.
I was pleased to see this was not in any means the case with
the rigidity of the Galco Fletch thumb strap. The strap thickness
of the Fletch’s design kept it out of the way and stiff enough
not to flop out of place at all. Every draw and reholster kept the
strap against the slide as the gun eased in and out of the holster.
Safety features like that are often underestimated and overlooked
but greatly appreciated by the professional personnel who carry
them.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I found that I still really enjoy daily carrying my firearm
in the Galco Fletch holster. Although I have since moved from
North Carolina in which “open carry” is permissible to Florida in
which concealed carry is required to still carry, the Fletch holster
continues to have its use. I continue to carry on the belt on my
own property with an untucked shirt to conceal my gun or on the
range when teaching others. Due to the high humidity, I do find
myself cleaning the holster a bit more and once a year rubbing it
down with a quality leather conditioner.
The double-stitched seams have continued to give the holster
unmatched durability and show no signs of wear or fraying. My
Glock 17 9mm still fits like a glove and delivers a quick smooth
draw. The holster sits high on the belt with zero flopping or
indication of any loss of stability. Despite long days on the range
and in the field, the holster still cleans up well and delivers a
professional appearance to my students.
Retailing for US$136, the Galco Fletch holster is a prime case
of getting what you pay for, a premium holster at a premium
price. Could I purchase a cheaper leather holster? Yes, of course
and that would be exactly what I end up with, a cheap holster.
Cheaper constructed, cheaper materials and ultimately a less
safe and much less durable product. When it comes to strapping a
tool onto my belt daily that comes with as much public speculation
and high liability as a handgun, how much it costs to have the
absolute best in quality and protection is the very least of my
concerns. Pay the price, get some quality training and enjoy years
of worry-free service out of a Galco holster.
To put the quality and longevity of the Fletch holster into
perspective, I will leave you with this fact. The original Galco
holster I purchased in 2000 for my duty gun not only served me
well during my off-duty days for over a decade but continues to
still serve the Department twenty-one years after purchasing it
with the Detective I passed it along to when I left.
In my opinion, that’s not just a good example of
quality but a part of the Galco legacy as well. To
find out more about the Fletch holster and other
great Galco products, visit www.GalcoGunLeather.
com and find the model that best suits your needs.
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SNUGPAK
SNUGPAK – TRIED, TESTED AND GOOD TO GO!
If you want a British, no, make that global, success story then you really have to look no further
than Snugpak! Relied upon by civilians and military personnel around the world for their technically
advanced sleeping systems and clothing the Yorkshire based manufacturer continue to innovate in
their specialist fields, so we thought it was time to refocus on them and take a look at the latest
items Bill’s been testing over the winter months! -BT
I’m privileged to have worked with Snugpak a LOT over
the years, and have huge respect for what they create,
and as their gear is used, and much loved, by serving
military personnel you can rely on Snugpak to get the
job done each and every time. This is something we
know to be true, as we’ve used the gear extensively
around the globe in differing environmental condition
ourselves, and we’ve never found Snugpak gear to be
anything less than exemplary.
Writing about gear to keep you warm and comfortable in
winter conditions may seem an odd thing to do in the summer,
but for me this time of year is the culmination of many months
testing! I also feel very strongly that any major spend in relation
to your gear needs to be planned, so looking at clothing and
equipment to add to “the gear locker” now means that we
can all look to the future and take appropriate steps. Snugpak
garments are not the cheapest items you’ll find in-store, but
they are worth the money, as they have a very long record of
performance garments and gear!
So where did this story begin you may ask, and what is that
record of continued performance and innovation? In the late
1970s a deep-sea diver working on the oil rigs took note of
the trend amongst American colleagues for their love of body
warmers and insulated vests. He and his wife believed that
this would be something that would also catch on in the UK,
and taking a leap of faith they decided to start making similar
garments themselves. Bryony Harris, director and co founder of
Snugpak, taught husband Brett Harris, Company Chairman to
sew. Together they produced some experimental body warmers
and jackets.
The couple both had full-time jobs so every spare minute
of their downtime was spent making as many garments as
possible. With the help of outworkers a cottage industry was
born. In those early days production stood at just15 jackets
per week, but in 1977 the couple decided to invest what
money they had into G & H Products Ltd (which later became
Craghoppers) to gain more outdoor business experience. Two
years later they made the decision to branch out on their own
with Snugpak. Although still making insulated clothing they
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realised that if the new company was going to be successful they
would need to manufacture products with year round appeal
rather than the seasonal body warmer. Sleeping bags were the
logical choice.
By 1984 the company had grown and the number of
machinists had increased to seven; by 1986 sales had grown
so strong the company had to move to larger premises. The
company moved down the road to a Grade II listed old woollen
mill in Silsden where they remain to this day.
Brett knew that the way forward for the company was
through innovation. Man made sleeping bags using synthetic fill
rather than traditional down were large, heavy and bulky. Down
though loses most of its insulative properties once wet; not an
ideal product for the ends envisaged so a synthetic alternative
had to be found. Brett wanted to produce a cheaper, man made
equivalent to the expensive down filled sleeping bag and in
1987 Snugpak launched their Softie 6 and 12 sleeping bags into
the market; I recall seeing one of the original models and being
amazed at the tiny pack size and light weight in comparison to
their competition. The two bags were the smallest synthetic
sleeping bags on the market and sales rocketed. Today the Softie
range consists of many different models all based on this initial
idea but they have been constantly upgraded as new insulation
and fabric technologies have emerged.
Now firmly established in the camping and outdoor market
word started to spread within the military about the superior
performance of Snugpak sleeping bags and insulated clothing,
and it was not long before olive green options of the products
were widely available. When first launched in 1989 the Softie 3
Merlin sleeping bag caused a sensation. A combination of state
of the art insulation and a highly breathable space age reflective
barrier technology giving 0°c performance with a minimal weight
of just 750g and packing to the size of a of a 24 hour ration/MRE
pack was a revelation! The Original Sleeka jacket that has been
used worldwide by tens of thousands of forces personnel is also
from this era and is probably still the benchmark for many of
the “old and bold” in the Snugpak range; although it has been
updated over the years it STILL offers an ideal balance between
warmth, weight and pack size.
With some superior products and a reputation for
performance Snugpak entered the 2000’s in a massively strong
position, moving from being a well reputed British manufacturing
company into being an internationally recognised brand, twice
winning the Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
In 2009 Snugpak were visited by Princess Anne. Armed Forces
minister Andrew Robathan followed and visited the company in
2013. Having created the “World’s Largest Sleeping Bag” in 2014,
Snugpak reinvested in new machinery to see them forward into
their next generation, and in 2017 they celebrated 40 years of
making high-quality gear that has earned a hard-won reputation
worldwide, and they keep on pumping out new additions to all
the gear we already know and love!
NEW MODELS AND NEW TECH!
With such a vast range of products, from sleeping bags to bivvis
and shelters, rucsac covers and accessories, clothing and hats it
would be impossible to cover everything Snugpak offer so I’ll
focus instead on some key models that I’ve been using myself
and new models tested over the past winter.
I mentioned earlier that the original Sleeka jacket first came
into being many years ago now, but this jacket model has a
huge reputation and fans literally worldwide. Designed with
every possible benefit in mind, the Sleeka Original has become
a best-seller, and for good reasons. The Paratex Light outer shell
makes this jacket lightweight, windproof and water repellent but
importantly, it’s also breathable with great moisture wicking away
from the body. The inside is filled with Softie Premier for warmth
with a finer, softer, more durable insulation. Fondly known simply
as ‘The Softie’, this jacket has been tried and tested in every
kind of outdoor activity and in every conflict since the Falklands
War.
Many have tried to emulate it, but this is the one truly
original, high performance, mid layer insulated jacket. I would
guess that many of you reading this will have a “Softie” of your
own already!
One of the things with being involved in testing new gear
“tech” is that I spend a LOT of time on ranges and in the great
outdoors, and when you’re doing that you do spend a fair amount
of time in a cold, static position; you might be attending the
range briefing first thing in the morning or breaking for lunch,
but it’s a rarity to find a heated outdoor range, isn’t it (Trampas
and I have spent some pretty chilly range days at SHOT in the
Nevada desert!)? For years I’ve always had a Snugpak “Softie”
jacket in the back of the car or scrunched in my pack for just such
times, for when you want a bit of instant warmth, but this was
replaced a couple of years back now with their Military Mountain
Leader (MML) Smock . Developed by Snugpak with input from
professional navigators, mountain leaders, climbing instructors,
meteorological staff, and military personnel, the functional MML
Smock was created to support the user in a diverse range of
operational environments, especially when exposed to extreme
cold weather.
SNUGPAK

As a part of Snugpak’s “VENTURE” range the MML6 Softie
Smock is the flagship garment. It’s a tri-layer garment and uses
both Paratex Micro as a face fabric, and an internal Softie Premier
fill, encapsulated with a Paratex Light lining. Designed to provide
excellent thermal protection against the cold the MML6 is rated
-5C to -10C; it also provides a high degree of wind protection.
The MML Softie Smock is lighter than normal “expedition”
style jackets, and uses water resistant YKK zips, making it ideal
when size and weight need to be kept to an absolute minimum.
It is ideally worn with a variety of base layers, such as the
Snugpak 2nd Skinz Coolmax base layer, to move moisture away
from the skin, keeping you dry and regulating core temperature
in extremes of cold.
The quick drying,
Paratex Micro 100%
nylon material has
a Durable Water
Repellent (DWR) finish.
Water repellency can
be maintained with a
cool tumble dry after
washing and periodic retreatment
with suitable
after care products, such
as Nikwax and Grangers.
The MML Softie Smock
will keep you dry in
a short, light shower,
giving you time to find
a safe place to stop and
put on more effective
waterproof layers. The
MML Softie Smock can
also be worn under waterproof membrane hard shells in severe
weather, still allowing easy access to your essential equipment.
The MML Softie Smock allows essential equipment to be
carried centrally, with easy access when wearing a day sack,
bergen, plate carriers and webbing systems and maintains its
core functionality with other operational equipment, such as
body armour.
Whilst not exactly cheap at UK£199.95 the MML6 Softie
Smock should be viewed as a long term investment, especially if
you act as a Marshal on-site; whilst players can easily head back
inside to warm up a Marshal needs to be out at all times a game
is in progress. The MML6 easily lets you do this so in my mind is
an invaluable addition to your kit locker, and it’s a bit of kit I’ve
been extremely thankful for on many occasions!
And although the MML has already given great service, this
winter we’ve been putting two new models through their paces!
Even now, as the weather is still “variable”, warm, windproof
and water resistant outerwear is a must for any outdoor activity,
to keep you protected whether you’re re-bombing on the range
or teaching in the woods, and if you’re an RO then it’s a positive
necessity! What better to protect you than Snugpak’s new
Arrowhead Jacket?
Based on that same ‘Sleeka Elite’ jacket, the combination
of the water-repellent Paratex outer material and the exclusive
Softie 100% polyester insulation, Snugpak has created a warm,
breathable, windproof and lightweight jacket which provides
excellent protection from the elements with a comfort rating of
0˚C. The Snugpak Arrowhead can be worn either as a cold-weather
mid-layer or outerlayer garment and the brushed polyester lined
neck warmer and insulated
zip-off detachable hood adds
valuable additional warmth,
protection and versatility.
Other features include deep
hand warmer style pockets,
internal zipped pocket, hook
and loop adjustable cuffs and
handy zip pockets on the arm,
chest. The jacket weighs 820g
and is supplied in a handy
stuff sack with mesh bottom
for easy compact carrying. It is available in Olive, Black and
Multicam colour options in unisex sizes S to XXL.
The other model I’ve had to test is the TAC3; this is an
intermediate weight insulated hooded jacket with Swiss-made
Softie Insulation, lined with a luxurious brushed ‘Thermal Suede’
lining for extra comfort! At just 660g / 23oz (Medium) and
with a pack size of 32cm x 17cm / 13” x 7”, the TAC3 is easily
compressible for stowing and benefits from a really fast re-loft
when you need it. The wind resistant robust outer fabric is treated
with Durable Water Repellent, and the jacket is rated down to
-5°C / 23°F.
Features include a thermal roll-away, elasticated, drawcordadjustable
hood, a warm and high wicking TS1 lining, hook &
loop patches on both arms, an elasticated drawcord-adjustable
hem (which helps to trap warm air and aid insulation), easticated
cuffs with thumb loops, and a two-way YKK front zip with fabric
baffle behind. The arm pocket, external and internal chest pocket
have YKK zips too, and the TAC3 even comes supplied with a stuff
sack with mesh bottom for easy compact carrying! I’ve found the
Multicam version to be an invaluable “pack-away” piece of gear,
and it’s certainly one that I can recommend to you unreservedly!
LOOKING ONWARDS!
Throughout their history Snugpak have never been afraid to “take
the leap” and continue to innovate on an almost daily basis. Their
gear has been tested to the extreme, and is trusted and revered
by anyone that has ever used it. Their clothing range continues to
expand and improve year on year, and it’s very interesting to see
them revisiting certain technologies, giving them a completely
new slant as they do.
It has been my, and our, real pleasure to work with the team
at Snugpak over the years, and although they have grown into
a world recognised brand they are still some of the nicest and
most approachable people in the industry; in the past I’ve gone to
them with some strange requests for kit and not once have they
let me down. They are a company that continues to do things
their own way, and in my mind they are all the better for that.
Whilst we’ve highlighted just three super “tried and tested”
models here, Snugpak have an extensive range that covers
everything from base layers through to arctic sleeping bags, with
packs and clothing aplenty. For further information though on
the entire range of Snugpak products and the technology behind
them please visit www.snugpak.com.
SNUGPAK

pmcimagazine.com
KIT: ASP RAPTOR DF
LIGHTING IT UP WITH THE ASP RAPTOR DF
Where it all started, Armament Systems and Procedures, commonly known today as ASP by those in the
industry, was founded in 1976 by Kevin Parsons, PhD. Dr. Parsons began his career as a police academy
instructor in firearms and defensive tactics, and later designed use-of-force training systems for major
law enforcement clients across the country. His training focus was on the necessity of systems that were
tactically sound, operationally feasible and legally defensible—and this real-world, street-proven approach
informs the design of ASP products and training programs to this day. - JW
Keeping with the founder’s core purpose
and values, ASP continues to be an industry
leader, providing critical equipment to those
on the front lines. They do this by sticking
to what the company calls ASP DNA—the
stuff it takes for a product to make it in their
world:
• It must be an innovative solution to a
real-world problem—meeting a clear need
in a new way, or improving on an existing solution.
• It must be demonstratively the best in its class.
• It must be unique, and whenever possible, patentable.
In fact, ASP products are covered by some 150 patents.
ASP spends a significant percentage of its revenues on
research and development, design, prototyping, lab testing
and field testing. And they truly believe in and live up to
their motto of “Protecting those who Protect.”
You can find ASP products in various categories of the
protection/law enforcement world, though they are best
known for their expandable batons. You can travel the
country and even the world and you are sure to find officers
calling their baton an “ASP”, even on the off chance that they
are carrying a different brand. Though others have tried, ASP
remains synonymous with the term “baton” in the
field. This just goes to show the level of reach and quality of
the products they produce.
The other categories in which you can find quality
ASP products are handcuffs/restraints, OC (pepper spray),
training equipment, and of course, what brings us here
today, tactical lighting!
Before we light it up, I also want to share with you another
way that ASP gives back to those who protect. ASP invests
millions of dollars to provide tuition-free training to law
enforcement officers. I mention this as I was a beneficiary of
this training years ago, and I hold an Instructor certification
with ASP in baton, handcuffing and tactical flashlight. As I
write this article, I am using my training, knowledge, and
experience of using ASP products over the years and seeing
the innovation and upgrades firsthand, which I believe will
also add value to you, the reader as I will be giving you an
unfiltered, unbiased review based on this product.
Now the part we have all been waiting for, let’s dive into
this new flashlight called the “Raptor DF” by Armament
Systems and Procedures (ASP).
Firstly, I must thank ASP’s Vice President of Marketing,
Michael Hess, for giving me the opportunity to test and
evaluate this product for this article.
32

your purchase also includes a high-performance ASP 18650
rechargeable battery, battery storage case, retractable charging
cord, adjustable/removable pocket clip, and zippered ballistic
travel case.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Product Name: ASP RAPTOR DF (Dual Fuel)
Lumens: 1900 (high), 15, 300, Strobe (programmable secondary)
Run Time: 1.5 hours
Beam Distance: 240m
Power Source: High-performance ASP 18650 rechargeable battery
and accessories included, also can use CR123A battery (not
included)
Length: 6.5”
Diameter: 1.57”
Weight: 9.2 ounces (with batteries)
MSRP: US$197.00 USD
So, what is the Raptor DF and what does that DF mean? The Raptor
is the newest strategic-purpose light that ASP has put out into the
market. This product comes packing a punch with a whopping
1900 lumens of brilliant white LED output. If you are looking to
create some bright, artificial daylight, this is your tool. However,
as we know in this industry, we don’t always need the brightest
bulb in the room. With that in mind, ASP has you covered, as the
Raptor has the flexibility and adaptability to drop down into a
secondary programmable mode, in which the user can set it to a
15 or 300 lumen output, or strobe.
Now onto the DF, which stands for Dual Fuel. This means you
will never have to worry about being without a power source.
The Raptor will run with either a rechargeable 18650 battery
that is included or (2) CR123A primary single use cells, which
unfortunately are sold separately. However, the 18650 battery
charges inside the flashlight, using the supplied cord, or any
micro-USB phone/electronics charging cord, which means that
no separate battery charger is needed. Which in my opinion is a
game changer, as you can purchase some CR123A’s as a backup
while you charge the 18650 separately, and can still have use of
your light; or purchase a backup 18650, the choice is yours and
you will be able to stay in the fight without any downtime.
Additionally, there is an onboard indicator that displays the
recharging status and remaining power capacity of your Raptor.
The Raptor DF is machined from 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum,
type III hard coat anodized in a proprietary matte black finish. The
barrel is wrapped in ASP’s exclusive, all-weather foamed vinyl
grip. Premium components include Cree XHP-70 LED, gold-plated
connectors, polished aluminum reflector and optical glass lens.
Upon receiving the Raptor, I could not help but notice the
detail that was put into the packaging. The box was sturdy,
with pertinent information on it like the package contents and
especially the FL 1 performance standards (more on this in a
moment).
What is in the box besides our Raptor DF flashlight? Well,
Now before we get into the components, let’s touch on the
standards that were established in order to rate flashlight
performance. Back in 2009, an industry standard was put into
place by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for
rating flashlight performance. This standard has now become
commonly known as “FL 1” and it has been adopted by many
high-quality flashlight manufacturers. FL 1 provides definitions for
quantifying various aspects of a flashlight’s operation. Although
the specifications for drop-testing and water resistance are pretty
straightforward, the official definitions and testing methods for
lumen output and runtime are not easily understood by most
consumers.
Under the FL 1 standard, lumen output for any given flashlight
is measured starting 30 seconds after the activation of the
flashlight, since there can be significant dropoff before that point.
To report lumen output before that point, rather than waiting
for the light to “settle in” could be potentially misleading to
consumers.
Runtime, as defined by FL 1, is the amount of time elapsed
from the initial activation of the flashlight until the instant output
drops to 10% of the lumen rating in continuous operation. So,
with this definition, a 400-lumen flashlight producing a mere
41 lumens is still considered within its “runtime.” Though some
users may be dissatisfied with the that, the point is to have a
confident and honest gauge of how long you can expect to have light.
The most interesting and yet scary part of this standard that I
would like to share is that by understanding just these 2 definitions,
it becomes clear how easily an unscrupulous manufacturer might
mislead consumers; for example, by reporting lumen output
before the 30 second mark just to put a higher number on the box.
As for the runtime data, the FL1 standard only tests flashlights
in continuous operation until the batteries are depleted to the
point in which the output has dropped to 10% of rated output.
In reality, flashlights are seldom if at all used that way. From
a tactical operation perspective, flashlights are generally used in
momentary bursts or relatively short duration. But the standard
does provide the ability to compare flashlights objectively,
“apples to apples”
I know that I may have now raised some eyebrows regarding
flashlight standards, and rightfully so. When we purchase a
flashlight, it is for a serious purpose, and we expect it to perform.
So, after seeing how manufacturers might intentionally or
unintentionally provide incorrect data, our next question is, how
do we know we can trust what we see on a product?
I have some good news for you. In 2010, a group of executives
KIT: ASP RAPTOR DF
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KIT: ASP RAPTOR DF
from leading flashlight companies began to discuss the need
for an industry trade organization. This led to the creation of
the Portable Lights American Trade Organization, or PLATO. The
consortium now has approximately 36 members, representing
a wide variety of manufacturers such as Energizer, Coleman,
Streamlight, SureFire, and of course ASP.
In 2016, PLATO celebrated a huge achievement in that they
developed and released the revised ANSI/PLATO FL 1 Standard,
to promote quality, accuracy and packaging transparency.
This standard was again updated in 2019, and is regularly
reviewed and updated as technology evolves. This shows PLATO
members’ commitment to aligning accurate product claims
with actual performance metrics. Through voluntary in-house
and third-party testing, PLATO provides self-governance and
industry oversight.
Let’s light it up now that we have learned about the
standards and how ASP has gone above and beyond it in order
to bring quality products to the field. As I mentioned earlier,
I was pretty excited to have the opportunity to put this light
through some testing and see how it did in comparison to some
of my other lights, to include other ASP lights that I have carried
and still carry today.
What I like about the Raptor DF and other flashlights that
are being designed for the Law Enforcement/ Security/ Tactical
world is that they incorporated the light activation switch on the
tail cap, which makes life a lot easier when having to deploy the
flashlight with a firearm. With the Raptor DF, the user presses
the tail cap switch once to activate the primary/high setting.
By double tapping the switch, the user can then activate the
user-programmed alternate level. I thought this was ingenious
and as the first test I did with this flashlight is to see just how
easy it was to program the alternate level. ASP prides itself on
innovation and ease of use, so I figured “let’s see.”
I was rather impressed at the ease in which this task can
be accomplished, the directions were clear, concise, and the
application of the instruction was painless. A user simply has to
twist the bezel open to activate the programming mode. When
you open the bezel, you will see a gray selector button, the
charging port, and battery indicator levels. You simply press the
selector switch to pick which of the 3 alternate levels that you’d
like to use, which will be user/ mission specific as to which
you’d like. Then you close the bezel to lock in your selection, it is
just that easy. The tail cap has a 3-position twist selector which
allows activation in intermittent or constant-on modes or switch
it to lockout in order to avoid accidental battery drain.
I carried an ASP
Turbo CR for years which
is approximately 900
lumens and has about
an hour run time and
used CR123A batteries.
This light was my every
day carry for about 5
years before I retired. It
is slightly smaller than
the Raptor DF and had a
few less functions as well
as not being as bright.
I compared these two
lights side by side and
it was easy to see how
ASP continues to improve
and upgrade their lights.
Although the Raptor DF is
about 4 ounces heavier,
I did not mind it as the
balance of light feels good in your hand.
TRUE PERFORMANCE
When it comes to performance, the Raptor DF lasted longer than
the Turbo by over 45 minutes. I charged the Raptor fully and
placed new batteries into my Turbo and activated them on their
highest settings. The Turbo made it to just over an hour where
the Raptor gave me about 1.75 hours, which was slightly over
the manufacturer’s runtime of 1.5 hours. I did notice that the
Raptor became quite hot which is typical for constant running of
a light. I did not notice however a significant drop in brightness,
either before or after the 30 second mark of the FL 1 standard.
I don’t have any type of equipment however to say what
the output may have dropped to; I will say though it was over
an hour with the Raptor before I noticed any type of dimming
and even in the case where it dimmed. The light was still a
bright clean white light.
After charging the Raptor DF again, it was time to take it
to the range and go through some firing positions and low
light shooting. For those that don’t use a weapon mounted
light, I will say the Raptor DF should be in your bag as your
everyday carry or if you do carry a weapon mounted light, this
light should be your backup light. On the primary setting 1900
34

lumens will bring daylight instantly to your environment with a
crisp white light it illuminates a wide and long field of vision that
allows you to acquire targets at long distances. Considerations are
to pick the setting that is most beneficial for the environment that
you find yourself in as this bright light can easily create shadows
and backlight. Having the options to change to 15 or 300 lumens
on the fly is a great force multiplier to this light option as it allows
you to adjust for things such as room clearing in a home to an
outdoor search in a field. The strobe option is great for events
in which a distraction may need to be utilized and to disorient a
threat.
LIVE FIRE
While conducting the live fire portion of the above testing, I
utilized the Harries technique. The Harries technique is probably
one of the more popular techniques out when utilizing a flashlight
with your handgun. It’s one I was taught years ago when I got
into Law Enforcement and one that I have trained a lot with over
the years. The technique involves holding the flashlight in your
non-dominant hand, crossing your non-dominant hand under your
weapon hand, and then pressing the back of the non-dominant
hand against the back of the weapon hand.
In this position, you push your weapon hand against the nondominant
hand utilizing isometric tension to stabilize yourself.
I’ll touch on some strength and weaknesses real quick of this
technique as it’s relevant to the flashlight use. One strength is
that it makes it very easy to index the light and the sights in the
same place. The design of the Raptor DF and how it functions,
made this very easy in the low light testing as I found myself
maintaining and in some cases at longer distances improving my
accuracy due to the abilities of the flashlight.A major weakness
of this technique is that it is fatiguing and giving the weight of
the Raptor DF, although not terribly heavy, one will fatigue quite
quickly depending on the duration of the encounter and holding
this technique. Which brings us to the next task that can be quite
difficult when using a flashlight, the reload.
Under stress, we know that we lose fine motor skills and one
thing that I noticed is missing from the Raptor DF that I would
like to see is the addition of a slot or accessory that allows for the
attachment of lanyard. After looking over the website for ASP, I
did see where they do carry an accessory lanyard, I would like to
see this come with the flashlight as it would be very beneficial
for those in the field. I say this as it will allow the user to put
their hand through the lanyard securing the light to the wrist.
This would allow them to let go of the light without dropping it or
fumbling to put it up while they are trying to reload the firearm.
After the reload is complete the light will be near the hand on the
wrist and be able to get back on target more quickly and
efficiently.
In this regard, ASP does have another solution in which I would
like to see be part of the flashlight package when you purchase
is their Tactical Light Case (TLC). I have one of these for my Turbo
and I absolutely loved having it on my duty belt. The TLC turns
the flashlight into a hands-free tool. You place the flashlight lens
down into the case and then can rotate through 12 click positions
allowing you to illuminate in front, above, or behind you all while
keeping your hands free to conduct any type of tasks such as
climbing, checking identifications, conducting tests, firing your
firearm etc. The case will fit your MOLLE gear and belts ranging
from 1 to 2.5 inches.
I also conducted some outdoor tests in the heavy rains of North
Florida in which the Raptor
DF performed exceptionally
well. The grip on the light
made it easy to hold onto, it
didn’t slide or slip in my hand
while doing tasks unlike my
Streamlight Stinger XT that
I have had for years as well.
The Raptor DF was still bright
and illuminated well even in
torrential downpouring rain.
I utilized the Raptor DF
in its alternate modes as
well and really enjoyed the
ease of use in alternating the
modes. The 15 lumens were
perfect for reading reports at
night in my vehicle while I
worked an observation detail.
The 300 lumens were a nice
output for room clearing my
home that has white walls,
allowing for crisp clear vision
without exposing myself to
being backlit.
The strobe feature is
great for disorientation as
I hit plenty of my friends
and family with it and got
some amusing reactions,
mainly they could not see
and thought they may have
experienced a seizure. The
joy they had being my test
subjects.
As we now dim the lights
and reflect, I hope that I was
able to educate readers on the
importance of due diligence
when selecting a flashlight
and convey that Armament Systems and Procedures is a gold
standard organization that strives to innovate and change how we
work in this industry, for the betterment of those who protect. The
Raptor DF has proven to be the next generation strategic light. ASP
has done it again and will continue to bring us quality products
in all aspects of the field. I have used their products for years and
will continue to do so as they just keep getting better. I suggest
checking out their full product line at www.asp-usa.com. If you’re
looking to outfit a department or other organization, they can
connect you with one of their salespeople or distributors to put
together the best solution for your needs, discuss agency test and
evaluation (T&E) possibilities and talk about training.
Remember, its important to have the proper gear selection
for any task/mission. Hope is not an operational plan and always
strive to have the right mind and the right weapon.
KIT: ASP RAPTOR DF

pmcimagazine.com
FIREARMS - RUGER LCP MAX
RUGER LCP MAX
Earlier this summer, my wife, Candace Swanson was asked to participate in a test and evaluate (T&E)
process for the new Ruger LCP Max .380 ACP. A production sample of the pistol arrived for her at our local
FFL partner several weeks prior to its release on July 1st. The T&E process was a joint venture between
Ruger and the women’s not for profit organization, The Well Armed Woman (TWAW) Shooting Chapters
in which Candace is proudly a part of. -TS, CS
Several outstanding members within this
organization were specially selected to take
part of this event in order to provide a female
shooter’s perspective to Ruger. Everything from
carry comfort, grip size, ease of racking the slide,
trigger press, sight acquisition and felt recoil
were on the table for comment and feedback. I,
being the helpful husband that I am (insert evil
grin and halo here), volunteered to lend a hand
with helping my wife with the testing process to ease my own
curiosities and report back to our PMCI readers.
To say Candace, wears many hats personally and
professionally would be a gross understatement. She is first
and foremost an awesome mom of our two daughters, an
extremely patient wife putting up with my normal hijinks
and not only a highly successful project manager for a large
firm in the construction world, but also the CFO of three of our
personally owned businesses. With all that said, Candace still
finds the opportunity to donate her time as a multiple certified
NRA and USCCA Instructor to the TWAW Shooting Chapters as
both a multiple chapter leader and Florida State Leader.
Through all the madness that Candace and I call our daily
lives with our family, friends and careers, we both religiously
carry concealed firearms daily. We regularly hone our firearm
fundamentals as well as always look for better ways to sharpen
our situational awareness and assist our kids in doing the same.
This opportunity to provide direct feedback to our friends at
Ruger about the LCP Max could not have found a better
opportunity to be field tested amongst the everyday lives of
the American gun culture.
EARLY LCP EXPERIENCE
To begin this T&E opportunity, Candace and I were not strangers
to the LCP series. When Ruger first introduced the original LCP
.380 platform in the early 2000s, I was a Deputy Sheriff serving
on the SWAT team. This role afforded opportunities in which
I worked in the traditional uniform, the heavier BDU tactical
gear as well as plain clothes with far less available armor and
tools of the trade. Our department issued the Glock model
21 chambered in .45 ACP. For those familiar with his pistol,
it was the physically largest gun Glock made at the time and
36

impossible to comfortably and discreetly wear through the
myriad of duties I performed as well as concealing off duty.
The most important things I learned about survival and
tactics came from two of the department’s old war horses
named Sgt. Don Pixley and Lt. Curtis Pittman. These two
gentlemen were widely renowned for their great experiences,
knowledge and stories. These days, both honorably retired and
still lend their advice and wisdom to young officers from time
to time. For me, lessons learned came unofficially, as it was
regularly implied that having a gun when “you don’t have a
gun” was always a better option than actually NOT having one
with you. As confusing as that may be, this sort of follows the
old saying about “Doing the right thing, isn’t always doing the
right thing.” If you’re still with me to this point, the rest of this
article will be a breeze.
Both Sgt. Pixley and Lt. Pittman had a treasure trove of
last resort options from hidden knives to revolvers stuck in a
boot. (One even had a sawed-off shotgun hidden beside the
toilet in his bathroom.) Keep in mind, these items may have
been unaddressed by policy but were not meant in any way
to be used in the same capacity as the notorious “throw down
weapon”. Anti-law enforcement folklore would have you
believe every cop in the old days used in case a criminal did
not have a knife or gun after acting against them. Last resort
weapons are tools meant to be used in the worst-case scenario
in order to save a life.
Lt. Pittman was notorious for catching Deputies standing
around with their hands in the pockets and would dress them
down for not being on the razor’s edge ready to spring into
action to defend their selves. LT would step up to the officer
at bad breath distance and spout off, “Unless there’s a gun
attached to that hand in your pocket, you’re just recreationally
playing pocket pool!” One’s guess would be that this was a
residual of the good Lt’s Army days leading into Vietnam.
Timing is everything they say. By working off duty jobs, it
afforded me the rare expendable cash to take advantage of
being able to purchase a Ruger LCP when they were originally
released back in 2008. This was the first new pocket pistol
design to hit the market since the questionable KelTec .32
Auto. Being it was from Ruger, my level of confidence in the
design and function was considerably higher than based on my
experience with anything from KelTec up to that point. With the
addition of a quality pocket holster, any time I would ever get
caught with a hand in my pocket, I was indeed holding onto my LCP.
During my tenure carrying the original LCP, I met Candace
and eighteen months later we were married. During that
interim, our weekly date nights consisted of range trips. Having
grown up in an old school Italian family, Candace was no
stranger to firearms or shooting. At the time she and I met, I did
not own a lot of handguns outside my issued sidearm, mostly
rifles having grown up hunting. Between my Glock 26, Ruger
MK III .22 and the LCP, there was not a lot for us to choose from
FIREARMS - RUGER LCP MAX

pmcimagazine.com
FIREARMS - RUGER LCP MAX
so there was a lot of range time with the little .380 Auto.
This was my first time really getting feedback from the
female perspective on what was good or bad. I came from a
long line of the traditional firearms inbreeding of adapt and
overcome rather than the focus on proper fit and function.
Whereas I was expecting a comment on the snappy recoil of
the small, lightweight pistol, it was the lack of decent sights
and the long, heavy trigger pull that was described as dragging
before each shot.
While I had not really thought about the trigger pull due
to having short, sausage fingers that tend to naturally pull
most triggers to their take up point, I did whole heartedly
agree with the sights or lack thereof. Even though “point and
shoot” distances make up a high percentage of shootings, the
rudimentary sights of the original LCP would not work well
from a car length or more spacing. This leaves little confidence
in addressing issues beyond the Tueller Drill arc of 7 yards. For
Candace, that was the end of considering pocket pistols for
daily carry for a long time as she transitioned to the comfort of
carrying a larger Glock model 26 from then on.
LCP MAX FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Flash forwarding to the present, Candace now leads over 800
members of TWAW Florida, I am retired from law enforcement,
and we both regularly teach NRA, USCCA and our own list of
proprietary curricula via our Swanson Training Group. With more
experience and wisdom upon us since our time with the original
Ruger LCP, we were both excited when Candace returned home
with the new LCP Max after it was shipped to our partner FFL,
Bullseye Guns of Jacksonville. As she removed it from the box,
Candace noticed it seemed to fill her hand better than what she
remembered of the original version.
Upon inspection, it did seem to be a bit beefer and appeared to
have a new style trigger than original. Immediately, I pulled up
a photo of my old LCP and sure enough, it had a long,
narrow forward setting trigger reminiscent of the KelTec .32
Auto design. The newer style Ruger LCP trigger now feature
inset safety trigger like Ruger’s larger LC-9 and Security 9 series.
The sub-trigger functions and looks similar to that found in
Glock or S&W M&P triggers in which the smaller lever in the
center of the trigger must be fully depressed to allow rearward
motion of the entire trigger to initiate the firing sequence.
Unlike Glocks and S&W M&P pistols, the Ruger LCP Max
remains true to its roots as a small hammer fired personal
protection pistol. Unlike the original’s 6 +1 limited capacity, the
new LCP Max now offers 10 +1 and 12 +1 magazine capacity.
The new style trigger felt much shorter in pull and very crisp
during dry practice. The reset was impressively short while the
backstrap of the grip seemed to fill out the hollow space of my
palm just as Candace had mentioned.
Much to our delight, sitting on top of the slide there
were a set of real sights, not the simple notch rear and bump
front sight of old! The front sight offered a Tritium night sight
surrounded by a while outline to make it fast to acquire in
all lighting conditions. Mating with the front sight was the
generous blacked out “U” style notch that checked to boxes for
me. One, it was quick and easy to line up with the front sight
and two, it featured a squared face to assist in hooking the
sight onto the edge of a table, belt or boot sole to facilitate one
handed emergency reloads. Candace and I not only teach these
methods, but we also regularly train personally to be better
prepared.
After the initial test shots with the Ruger LCP Max, its
performance met or exceeded a lot of our expectations as
trained shooters. To fully evaluate the pistol further, Candace
wanted to put the gun in the hands of other TWAW members.
These ladies’ firearm experience ranged from novice shooters
to avid competition shooters. This would prove to be a great
opportunity to get more feedback for the marketing executives
at Ruger. More on this in the following Range Time section.
38

LCP MAX SPECS
Overall Length: 5.17”
Barrel Length: 2.80”
Weight: 10.6 oz
Height: 4.12”
Capacity: 10 +1, optional 12 round magazines
Retail price: US$449.00
RANGE TIME
Candace hit the range with her fellow TWAW members
affectionately known as “Twisters” for their monthly Jacksonville
chapter meeting at Bullseye Guns. Armed with the LCP Max and
a small fortune in .380 ACP ammunition, the ladies lined up to
shoot. After a very active range session with close to twenty
shooters, a brief exit interview was conducted. Here are the
top comments:
The ladies really enjoyed the fact Ruger included real sights
onto their small pistol. Just as Candace mentioned during her
initial impressions, being able to quickly acquire the sights and
track the front sight was very important to quick follow up
shots.
The recoil was considered very tame compared to other
small pistols popular among female shooters. The original LCP,
the LCP 9, KelTec .32 and .380 and S&W EZ were all mentioned
in comparison.
The flat trigger and short length of pull were both popular
among most shooters interviewed as well. Most commented
how the trigger was easy to reach and firm enough to feel safe
carrying but controllable enough to score solid center hits.
The slide was easy to rack and did not require a lot of
hand strength to do so. Many older shooters have a hard time
gripping the thinner profile slides of most small guns due
to injury, lack of grip strength or arthritis. The LCP’s beefer
dimensions allowed for a better purchase on the slide for most.
Finally, the ladies all commented on how the thicker grip
made them feel more in control of the pistol during recoil. Even
those with smaller hands felt the LCP Max was molded to fit
their hands comfortably. This is a key factor amongst many
shooters to develop confidence in their shooting abilities.
For the duration of the T&E period, the diminutive Ruger
was discreetly carried throughout the complex world that is our
daily life. The LCP Max continued week after week to survive
range work and professional life. With the sad fact that REAL
pockets are almost nonexistent in women’s pants, I found this
to be the perfect way to offer my assistance by taking turns
evaluating the gun via pocket carry. The combined impression
of both Candance and myself thus far is an “A” in carry comfort.
Coming in under an inch wide and less than 11 oz, the LCP Max
helped reduce printing common with other pocket pistols.
Even when on the range training in full kit, I found the
Ruger LCP Max tucked nicely in the pouch of my chest rig as
a “just in case” option. If I were still running Task Force Ops
today, I would definitely keep one of these pistols in my kit as
a second or even third “unofficial” option. With the small size
and increased firepower over the original LCP, it would be a
great hideaway gun for deep cover Narcotics Officers as well.
For the off-duty operator or responsibly armed citizen, this
makes an accurate and highly concealable option for jogging,
hot weather outfits or the perfect cold weather jacket pocket.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Candace and I enjoyed working with the Ruger LCP Max.
While the .380 platform isn’t our first choice in self defense
calibers, it does hold its own when combined with proper shot
placement at common defensive shooting distances. This pistol
offers solid reliability from a company with a great reputation
for producing solid performing firearms and a respectable
magazine compacity.
Retailing for US$449.00, the Ruger LCP Max comes with a
modest price tag that meets most beginner budgets. The small
pistol offers a good amount of close quarter firepower in a
concealable package that can maximize the element of surprise
as one of its most valuable assets. At “get the F@#K OFF ME
distances, the LCP Max can certainly handle the same job as
many popular handguns on the market today. These factors
all check the boxes required in purchasing a self-defense
carry firearm and, in my opinion, make the LCP Max a firm
consideration for primary deep concealment or a secondary
pistol option. I firmly believe Ruger has found a great niche
market for their new LCP variant.
To find out more about the Ruger LCP Max
and other products proudly made in the USA, visit
www.Ruger.com and choose the Ruger firearm
that fits your needs. Until next issue, Train Hard
and Continue the Fight!
FIREARMS - RUGER LCP MAX

pmcimagazine.com
TRAINING: MANTIS X10 ELITE
MANTIS X10 ELITE
***PRODUCT WARNING: May Bruise Your Ego Regardless How Well You THINK You Shoot***
The very core of shooting well is mastering consistent hand / eye coordination. Seeing the target in relation to
your sights and the smooth, physical motion of pressing the trigger requires the body to act as one well-oiled
W
ith thousands of gimmicks, gadgets,
videos and books released with the
purpose of enhancing skills to the next
level, its rare one of these training aids
that truly becomes a game changer
in the training world. In this issue we
look at a new version of a great training
system PMCI Magazine originally
brought to you a couple of years ago
right after the annual industry only event known as SHOT SHOW.
Long time readers will remember our discussion of new firearms
technology on the rise which included the remarkable Mantis X
Firearms Training System. Some of you may even still be using
this system for personal or professional training applications.
Regardless, if you are new to the system or a regular user, I
assure you, the all-new Mantis X10 Elite is the next step in this
technology evolution. Let’s begin with what the system does and
why it is important to explore its many benefits.
Most readers may be familiar with the classic “shooting
correction” pie chart. Using the shooter’s shot placement while
visually studying a student’s grip and stance, an experienced
instructor can diagnose any potential problems. What may slip
by is a combination of hard to recognize problems leading to
the student’s particular issues due to maintaining a safe position
with the shooter, heavy recoil or just minor pressure changes
in a grip that may appear proper. When shooting alone or with
an inexperienced firearms trainer, these issues can be partially
invisible to the untrained eye.
What has made the Mantis X Firearms Training System so
successful and able stand out from the gimmicks and worthless
gadgets on the market is its focus on the key term of consistency.
The core of the Mantis X series of training systems consists of
a small Bluetooth transmitter that attaches to any Picatinny style
rail on a handgun or rifle and links in conjunction with an iOS or
Android app to a smart phone or tablet. While shooting live fire,
dry practice or even airsoft, the Mantis X charts the shooter’s every
movement up to breaking the shot and immediately after then
graphs and scores numerically. Scores range from 1 to 100, with
the latter being the best. The end user can then cycle through the
shot to shot data and get detailed diagnostics of exactly what you
are doing wrong using NRA approved definitions and terminology.
If you are not sure about a specific word or term used, just
touch or click on it and the program will take you directly do the
definition as given directly from the NRA.
NEW AND IMPROVED MANTIS X10 ELITE
Recently, the Mantis brand decided to build upon is success by
making some key updates and improvements to their line of
40

products. Enter the new Mantis X2, X3, X7 and the flagship, Elite
X10 Mantis series. While the lower series are devoted to specific
platforms and more limited abilities, the fully loaded Elite X10 is
designed to work during both dry practice and live fire using the
handgun, rifle, shotgun, airsoft / 6 mm and even bow platform. The
Bluetooth enabled transmitter is much smaller than the original X
design with overall dimensions of the sensor unit are 1.3”L x 1”W
x 0.75” H and takes up virtually no room on the gun’s accessory
rail. This allows for zero need for adjustment to standard grip and
presentation. Once the power button is pressed on the sensor, it
turns green. This indicates its ready to begin feeding information
to a free downloaded app from the device via Bluetooth. It can be
displayed on your phone or tablet once paired.
Wait, what about guns without rails?? The Mantis X10 device
comes with a small section of rail called a Universal MagRail
adapter that can attach to the magazine’s base pad. Once this is
installed, Mantis X10 can be mounted as usual. Additionally, for
rifles or shotguns without rails, there is BR7 Barrel Mount Picatinny
Rail that allows it to be tightened to the barrel to provide the same
rail option as factory equipped long guns. The results seen with this
method for both handguns and long guns have been just as good
as a traditional factory under the barrel accessory rail.
Like the original, the Mantis system assigns you a score
between 0 and 100 for each shot. (Spoiler alert: Your first shots
using this system have a good chance of not scoring as high as your
TRAINING: MANTIS X10 ELITE
pmcimagazine.com

pmcimagazine.com
TRAINING: MANTIS X10 ELITE
ego may lead you to believe.) Each shot is displayed via individual
screens to show its unique data. This device is VERY movement
sensitive and whereas you may be a hitting your target well, the
Mantis device will clearly show you that everyone has room to
improve. The charts include a graph with a red, blue, and yellow
line representing before, during and after shot movements. Blue
shows the firearm’s movement as the sights are lined up. Yellow
is how the pistol moves during the trigger press. Finally, Red
illustrates the gun path during recoil. The body’s arc of movement
is clearly illustrated in the obtained data and really brings home
the concept of how we as human beings consisting of 70% fluid
can never fully be 100% motionless.
The free Mantis applications are available in separate rifle/
pistol, shotgun, and bow apps. Inside each, the end user can set
up their firearm, how the device is oriented and in the way it will
be used for training. During use, the app records and saves the
information as well as the profile of the weapon the device is on.
You can build and save different profiles for different guns and
record your training with each firearm.
New for the Mantis 10X Elite, it features a holster draw
analysis program that does not issue a score for your draw, but
times it as well as the different phases of your draw. This includes
the grip, pull, horizontal time, and trigger pull. The better your
economy of motions, the faster you can learn to get your gun out
of the holster and onto the target to possibly buy more time for
proper aiming and trigger press. As you can imagine, this is an
invaluable addition to the training system as it helps one daily
carry skills.
BOX CONTENTS
- Mantis X10 Elite sensor
- BR7 Barrel Mount Picatinny Rail for rifles and shotguns.
- Universal MagRail adapter for Archery, pistol, rifle, etc.
- USB charging cable
- Mantis X10 Case + Foam Insert
- Quick Start Insert
RANGE TIME WITH THE STG INSTRUCTOR CREW
From time to time, schedules line up, and I get to enjoy the great
pleasure of having my fellow Swanson Training Group Instructors
together on the range outside of teaching class. Together, we
share ideas, cover new techniques, skillsets or equipment to
better train our students. Iron sharpens iron and I am blessed
to have some of the best instructors I know as teammates. STG
Instructors, Bernadette Cullison and Jim Wenzel (fellow PMCI
writer) were able to join me during the test and evaluation period
for the new Mantis X10 Elite series. Both share the distinction of
having prior service to our country as proud members of the U.S.
Marine Corps. Bernadette aka Bernei contributed greatly with her
42

tech savvy skills in learning the “ins and outs” of the program. Jim’s
Law Enforcement and PMC training experience aptly helped put the
updated system into perspective of tactical application.
Congruent with my experience noted in our original PMCI
review of the early Mantis system, Bernei and Jim seemed shocked
at their mid-80’s scores received during their first rounds of fire.
Despite excellent hits on target, their “by the numbers
mechanics” waivered a bit during the relaxed training session…
at first. Call it bruised ego or simply a wake-up call, but after the
initial few rounds of shooting five or more shots during their test
strings for fire, it was GAME ON. As the faces of determination and
focus showed on each shooter, the scores climbed into the upper
90s where they belonged. Each instructor watched the shooter on
deck as they took turns and offered helpful outside critique without
ego or pride getting in the way.
Taking the data provided as well as drawing from each other’s
knowledge as seasoned instructors, we were able to clearly see
how great a job the Mantis X10 Elite did in illustrating minor issues
throughout the session. Seeing this firsthand helped everyone
start formulation ideas how they could use the program in their
classes as well as one on one private instruction sessions. The
illustrative value of the program to reinforce what the instructor
offers to a student by providing hard data and visual confirmation
of what takes place during shooting can quickly build the trust and
confidence needed for successful improvement.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Bottom Line: This device does NOT take the place of training under
the supervision of a certified firearms trainer. Through professional
training, the most important aspect of training, that being SAFETY
is highly instilled into students and will develop solid guidelines in
which to train. What this device DOES develop is helping shooters
iron out recognized deficiencies in the basic fundamentals of
marksmanship. This allows shooters to have a solid foundation in
which to continue to build upon when learning new skillsets with
qualified trainers in the future. The system can also help shooters
continue using the proper terminology through its constructive
feedback.
Speed, consistency and accuracy can and will be developed
if the Mantis X10 is diligently used both on and off the range. For
the rifle and pistol app there is a basic marksmanship program that
encourages you to try the different drills as well as to work daily
with a basic open training program. The shotgun app is aimed more
at shooting sporting clays than it considers any tactical training
aspects. It measures the shotgun swing and tracks your progress
without the ammo, range, or clay pigeons required. The device
can also evaluate performance on a live-fire range as well. (A
tactical shotgun version would be a great addition to the Defensive
Shotgun course my team teaches via the Swanson Training Group.)
Overall, I do NOT consider myself a “tech guy” but I did find
the individual apps easy to install and use. Thankfully, the tutorials
were simple and quick to understand. Sometimes in programs
such as this, I often find a gap between shooter and tech folks
when it comes to explanations and program layout. This was never
the case with the Manis system. Throughout my years using the
original and now updated system, it has clearly been developed by
shooters who understand how to communicate with other shooters
of various levels of training.
The Mantis X Elite: Shooting Performance System retails
for US$249.99 with the X2 entry level Dry Practice Only version
starting at US$99, the LIVE FIRE option added on the X3 for US$169,
and the shotgun exclusive version retailing for US$199. The Elite
version has already proved itself to be well worth the difference in
price from the lower tier models due to the wider range of options
available to use as you grow as a shooter. The fact this device
can even be used with SIRT guns from NextLevel Training ( www.
nextleveltraining.com ) makes this device even more valuable.
By using the laser emitting training devices shaped and
weighted to feel like real Glock, M&P and SIG pistols, the safety
aspect is greatly enhanced. (Use code: STG2020 to save $$$ with
your SIRT purchase) Additionally, by using a dedicated training gun
prevents undue wear and tear on your live fire guns thus possibly
preventing future maintenance issues.
Finally, consider this, by being able to dry practice safety, think
about the money saved over the long run. With today’s ammo
prices, if you simulate shooting 250 trigger presses constructive
data received, you will have immediately paid for the system from
saving what you would have spent in live fire training. That is less
than a day’s training at the range for a virtual limitless supply of
training still on hand. When you do get onto the range for live
fire, it will require less ammunition to obtain training goals due
to only needing to adapt recoil mitigation to what you have
already practiced hundreds of dry practice shots off the range in
preparation.
This fact alone would be worth trying it out but fortunately the
Mantis X Elite offers a wealth of other benefits that help
make this one of our PMCI Top Picks. For more about
the Mantis X series of training systems, visit www.
mantisx.com to find the one that best suits your needs.
Until our next issue, Train Hard and Continue the Fight!
TRAINING: MANTIS X10 ELITE
pmcimagazine.com

pmcimagazine.com
US PEACEKEEPER DRAG BAG
For the bulk of the past forty years, the rifle platform has played an important role in Trampas’ life. His journey
started early as he began hunting rabbits and squirrels at age 4 with semi-automatic .22 rifles. As he got older,
he slowly progressed into 32-20 lever rifles, as well as 30.06 and .270 caliber bolt action rifles. The fundamentals
of rifle craft, camouflage and quietly working his way through my environment were drilled into him, as with
many of us, by his father and grandfather over and over throughout the years into adulthood. -TS
KIT: US PEACEKEEPER DRAG BAG
Although like many I started my journey into the
shooting world at a young age, after college,
I joined the local Sheriff’s office and became
classically trained as a Law Enforcement SWAT
sniper among other specialized task force duties.
Using the skills learned early in life, I was able to
hone my craft into becoming a very accomplished
professional marksman and later, instructor. My
core focus not only revolved around the .308 and
.300 Win Mag platforms but mastering the abundance of supporting
gear needed for mission success as well.
During a literal lifetime of training, I discovered a particularly
important aspect of rifle craft was taking care of and protecting
your high-quality tools of the trade. For a sniper unit, a specialized
rifle soft case known as a “drag bag” plays a pivotal part of the
standard load out. Commonly used by the military and hunters,
the drag bag is used to store precision rifles, ammunition, addition
magazines, and other necessary equipment. It often features
detachable hooded nose with a reinforced drag handle on top of it
for pulling along during a low crawl, hence the term, ‘Drag Bag’.
For the past six months, I have been working with an impressive
drag bag from a company called US PeaceKeeper. This company has
made a name for itself over the years in the civilian shooting world
for producing quality AR soft cases and tactical scabbards for the
popular Mossberg Shockwave shotgun series. Having personally
used military / law enforcement grade bags on contract for over
twenty years from the nation’s top suppliers, I was eager to see
how the US PeaceKeeper case would stack up. The results were
impressive to say the least.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Right out of the box, I was impressed with the woodland green color
of the bag. Although this was the only color option offered from
the factory, it did offer a wide array of Molle style loops throughout
the exterior for adding netting and jute for additional camouflage.
In the future, a Flat Dark Earth or Coyote color would be welcome
options as well. The bag was constructed from water-resistant 1000
denier nylon, giving the bag a durability that meets or exceeds
any military / law enforcement specification requirements. While
built for heavy duty use, the higher thread count did account for a
heavier bag than inferior products commonly found on gun show
tables. Weighing at 7.5 lbs. when empty, this is not a lightweight
piece of equipment when fully loaded out.
A portion of the overall weight comes from a thick, well placed
cushioned lining the sides and interior of the bag to provide added
protection for expensive gear that would be contained inside. Even
when dragged over rocky terrain, the bag guards against expensive
optics from becoming damaged. Considering most drag bags are
tossed in and out of helicopters, the trunks of patrol vehicles and
the back of Humvees during transport, you can never get enough
protection for thousands of dollars in precision equipment contained
within.
The front of the drag bag features three generous sized zippered
accessory pockets for storing mission specific gear. While I found
44

myself wishing the company had specifically used heavy duty #9
YKK zippers, I did appreciate how each pocket had a thick protective
flap over them. These pocket flaps were impressively well thought
out. The main pockets were arranged in such a way as to not catch
on anything while being dragged. People say, “The devil is in the
details” and if so, then designing pocket flaps as to protect against
losing vital gear is a huge detail.
Two heavy duty wrap-around handles, a drag handle located on
the bag’s tapered nose, and a pair of hidden padded backpack straps
offer a variety of carry options. The smallest of external pockets
offers the perfect place to store a set of carabiners for attaching to
the wrap around handles to make a quick egress repelling. The bag
can be converted for backpacking the load out via straps located on
the “slick” side. When not in use, these straps can be tucked away
in a recessed pouch that is totally snag-free when being dragged
along the ground on a crawling approach to a final firing position
(FFP).
Big game hunters prefer to bring a drag bag for hunting, when
hunting animals such as elk or mule deer that have heightened
senses. Often, these hunters may need to go to the prone position,
completely flat to the ground, to avoid game from seeing you.
Without doing so may spook the herd away in open grasslands with
low standing vegetation to mask movement. This also aids military
and law enforcement snipers in being able to hide where least
expected.
DRAG BAG SPECS
Length 52”
Height 12”
Depth 3”
Weight 7.5 lbs
Color
OD Green
Material 1000 Denier (Water-resistant)
Warranty Lifetime
MSRP $191.99
FIELD NOTES
Loading out the drag bag was the first issue at hand once it was time
to start making trips to the local rifle ranges. Inside the generous
main rifle interior, my Remington 700 .308 fit like a glove with
Velcro straps looped through looped webbing mounted to the inside
wall to secure the rifle from sliding or bouncing around during and
rough travel conditions. Due to these straps being laced through the
loops rather than sewn into the back, the shooter can adjust these
straps or add additional ones to fit exact needs. In a pitch, I was
even able to fit a carbon fiber tripod with a HOG saddle head into
the bag along with the rifle during times when carrying a second
designated tripod pack is not possible.
The long accessory pocket (13” x 5” x 1”) mounted in the upper
right-hand corner of the drag bag’s interior worked out great for
holding a couple of 20 round boxes of Federal Gold Medal match
grade 168 gr BTHP ammo along with a couple of spare 10 round
magazines for the rifles Badger Ordnance box magazine conversion.
Running along the bottom of the bag’s interior was a 43” x 1.75”
pouch that fit my one-piece Dewey cleaning rod perfectly and
offered the bag more rigidity and stability as well.
Using the external 11.5” x 10”x 2” pouch, I was able to store
several pieces of smaller vital equipment. Some items I never
like to leave without are a Kestrel unit for collecting wind data,
analogue compass, Vortex Ranger series rangefinder, and cleaning
kit. Impressively enough, there was room as well for a hands-free
stand for my cell phone to access apps for gathering information
such GPS location, temperature and barometric data for long range
shooting.
The smaller 11.5” x 10” slash pocket kangarooed on top of the
first pouch was perfect for housing a DOPE log and several pens /
markers. This allowed quick access to these items without having
to dig through larger gear to access previous data. Additionally, I
usually keep a pair of thin OD green Nomex gloves inside smaller
pouches like these for warm and added camo while retaining
dexterity for working the action and getting the proper “feel” of the
trigger before breaking a shot.
KIT: US PEACEKEEPER DRAG BAG
pmcimagazine.com

pmcimagazine.com
KIT: US PEACEKEEPER DRAG BAG
In the largest of the pouches (23” x 9” x 2”), I was able to
easily fit a massive Vortex Razor HD 27x60x85 mm spotting scope
with its armored case and small tabletop tripod. Add a mesh camo
sniper veil wrapped around the payload and it had all the cushion
and support needed for transport and range work. If a secondary
weapon was needed for a mission extract, an HK MP5K or SBR
AK-47 and magazines would easily fit inside the large pouch for
storage and quick access.
When fully zipped, the attached protective hood to give extra
muzzle protection for the stored rifle as well as a snag free taper
to the bag’s nose to easily glide through brush by the large drag
strap much better than traditional squared soft cases.
Aside from just cushioning payload, the thick internal padding
offers the shooter an optional shooting mat to work from the
prone position. There have been many days I worked from inside
of a drag bag as my shooting mat. This not just keeps dirt off
you or your gear in the lowest and most stable position possible
but can protect you from muddy or harmful surfaces. During my
career, I have logged temperatures exceeding 100 degrees on
the “hard deck” or surface from which I was shooing from. During
one sniper school, the “hard deck” temperature regular reached
120 degrees radiating off an asphalt range. Shooting from the US
PeaceKeeper drag bag was extremely comfortable even during
testing through the summer months.
FINAL THOUGHTS
During the six-month test period, I was impressed with the US
Peacekeeper Drag Bag for multiple reasons. The user-friendly
flat contour and tapering nose of the bag allow for a relatively
compact load out despite a generous storage capacity. Did I
mention I loved the color? The woodland green along with the
dark brown straps and protective webbing aid greatly for those
wishing to blend the bag into their surrounding environment
during stalks. As with anything however, there were things I
would like to see US PeaceKeeper improve in the future.
Earlier in this article, I mentioned the zippers. It has been
my unfortunate experience that heavy use items not featuring
YKK zippers to secure them are often the source of its failure
point. Doing online research, there was only one comment about
a failing zipper that I found in reference to the US Peacekeeper
line of products, and it was not specifically the drag bag series.
Through gravel, sand, underbrush and dense grasses, the bag
remained secure and in good working order.
The only other item I would consider changing out on the
bag for long term heavy use would be the plastic buckles on the
backpack straps for metal versions. Over years of hard use, small
plastic buckles tend to crack or complete fail due to exposure to
heat and moisture. Given the location of some of these buckles,
a failure from any one of them could compromise the ability to
balance the complete load out when carrying on the operators back.
Retailing with a MSRP of US$191.99, US Peacekeeper Drag
Bag offers many of the same features that more expensive
competitors do just without the larger price tag. Coming in at a
full inch longer than my Blackhawk drag bag, the US Peacekeeper
offers a better fit for many 26” bolt action rifles sporting quick
release muzzle breaks for suppressor use. During missions where
seconds can seem like minutes at a time, quickly being able to
access or “stow and go” your long gun is critical. This could mean
the difference between life and death.
As I previously mentioned, overall, I liked working with
the US PeaceKeeper drag bag. The professional grade rifle case
offered several features that I require when considering a piece
of mission ready equipment. Best of all, the drag bag also comes
with a lifetime warranty by US PeaceKeeper. Based on the price
point, quality construction and smart design, the US PeaceKeeper
bag easily makes the top of my list for suggested options for drag bags.
To find out more about the drag bag and other
mission ready products from US PeaceKeeper, visit
them at www.USPeaceKeeper.com. Until the next
issue, regardless of the odds of whatever your
fight may be, never give up. Remember the words
of Malcolm McDowell, “One man can change the
world with a bullet in the right place.”
46

PMCI
BOOK REVIEW
I'd like to take the time to introduce
you to our model featured left,
a friend of mine named Travis
Partyka, affectionally known as 'Big
Red'. 2-14INF 10th MTN DIV Sniper,
contractor and friend.
Well remembered and sorely missed
27/6/84 - 24/01/21 RIP TP.
Baz, PMCI Team.
MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE:
THE EYES AND EARS OF THE
ARMY
When it comes to research I always like to read around every
subject to try and gain a thorough understanding of the topic,
and although I’ve been privileged to meet a number of superb
practitioners versed in the arts of “reconnaissance” both covert
and overt over the years, it’s still a topic that fascinates me.
When I had the opportunity to get hold of an early copy
of “Military Reconnaissance: The Eyes and Ears of the Army”
I jumped at the chance, and for the last couple of weeks I’ve
been digesting everything that this insightful and at times
entertaining book has to offer! Since the beginning of recorded
military history, scouting and reconnaissance have been key
tools employed by military commanders to obtain a picture of
the tactical situation and make informed decisions.
Scouts known as sciritae were deployed by the Spartans and
had a privileged position in their order of battle. The Spartans
were so aware of the advantage their scouting operations gave
them that they went to great lengths to keep them secret!
As military tactics, weapons and equipment developed
over the centuries, methods of scouting and reconnaissance
evolved and adapted but always remained true to the spirit of
the scout; light on their feet, taking only what they need and
returning with the information that could turn potential defeat
into victory.
“Military Reconnaissance” provides a concise but revealing
picture of the art of military scouting and reconnaissance
from the highly toned Spartan warriors, the scouts employed
by Julius Caesar, through the middle ages to the Napoleonic
Wars to the role of the scout in modern warfare. In my
opinion the book provides vital setting and information for
anyone at all interested in operating in small teams to gain a
tactical advantage through the detailed collection and correct
dissemination of sometimes crucial “intel”, the information
that can 100% make the difference between mission success
and failure!
Alexander Stilwell is an experienced writer and editor who
has worked for several leading publishers, primarily in the fields
of military history, politics and international affairs. He has also
worked for Jane’s Information Group and is the author of several
books. He served for six years in the British Territorial Army.
Publisher: Casemate Publishers (15 May 2021)
Language: English
Hardcover: 192 pages
ISBN-10: 1612009506
ISBN-13: 978-1612009506
BOOK REVIEW
pmcimagazine.

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Journey to Perfection

6MM TRAINING - VIRTUAL SHOT
2020 was a hard year for serious training without a doubt; COVID19 pretty much stopped some ranges from
even opening and our beloved guns lay dormant aside from us “dry” training with them at home, and like
never before the subject of “training aids” took on a high degree of significance! Iggy gets to grips with a 6mm
system he’s been using to keep his “edge”, VIRTUAL-SHOT. -IR
Around the world we are back out on the ranges
again and the good life seems to be restored!
However, every now and then we still have
lockdowns, and our shooting skills may have
slipped a little while we were not able to use
our guns as usual. A company in Australia has
quietly been busy developing a solution though,
a solution that’ not only fun but means you get to
use your beloved 6MM Training Platform safely in
the comfort of your own home and work on your marksmanship skills!
The Idea for Virtual-Shot actually started back in 2010 when
Daryl, one of the members of the Virtual-Shot team, was serving
as an Infantry Officer in the Australian Defence Force, having just
been appointed the Commanding Officer for a Mentoring Team that
was due to deploy to Afghanistan. They were set to deploy to a
patrol base and conduct mentoring and training with an Afghan
Company and had about 3-4 months to prep and get ready for
the deployment. A lot of the reports coming from the soldiers
already over there was that the engagements they would be
having with the Taliban were sometimes close range, but often
typically between 300-800 meters, and were usually what we
called ‘shoot and scoot’ tactics (where they would pop up fire a
few shots and then disappear not wanting to stick around and
get engaged in close combat). To prepare for this Daryl wanted
to refine his soldiers marksmanship skills, to increase their rapid
target acquisition and first round hit skills to be more effective at
engaging fleeting targets.
The difficulty he faced with this was that they very quickly burned
through their ammunition allocation and did not have enough
time or range access to spend the time they wanted at the range
perfecting these skills. Their unit made best use of the simulation
facilities on the Army base, but getting access to these facilities
was also difficult, because the simulation centre could only
accommodate 20 soldiers at a time and on a base of 5000 people
it was almost always booked out months in advance. Something
else was needed.
Daryl felt they needed an individual simulation solution that
would enable the soldiers to practice their marksmanship skills. The
laser-based shooting systems that were available were simply not
sufficient.
Fast forward five years! He had long returned from the
Afghanistan deployment unscathed; there were a few close
calls, and the guys had their fair share war stories to tell from
the experience. Daryl had since left the Army and started a new
career in software development (a different path to most Infantry
Officers). Whilst learning game development, he soon discovered
that the technology to create a personal shooting simulation system,
the kind that he had wanted for his soldiers was technologically
feasible with the advances in mobile technology, so from that point
he set about building it…
6MM TRAINING - VIRTUAL SHOT
pmcimagazine.

COMPANY FORMATION
He formed the company with two close friends, one another
Infantry Officer and another, a Special Forces Officer, both of whom
he had served with in Australia and on deployments and both with
significant operational experience training soldiers. Between them
they had collectively taught thousands of soldiers to shoot from all
different backgrounds including Australian soldiers to international
military personnel from Afghanistan, Iraq and Papua New Guinea.
This enabled them to build in targeted lessons and analytic tools to
make learning to shoot easier. Initially, Virtual-Shot was designed
for training soldiers to shoot better, however they soon learned that
civilian shooters faced the same issues as soldiers when preparing
for war…
Practicing and learning to shoot as a civilian is hard, because
ammunition is not always available due to the cost of ammo, getting
to a range can also be difficult, and the current simulation systems
were not easily accessible. Along the way they also realised that their
simulation system also worked perfectly on 6mm platforms. Not
only this, but it could also teach someone to shoot effectively with
an airsoft platform and that the skills they could teach with Virtual-
Shot and a “6mm Trainer” could translate to real marksmanship
skills, meaning you could effectively almost learn to shoot a rifle
without ever firing a live round! It is basically a whole shooting
range on your phone, making it the most accessible and affordable
virtual shooting system in the world in my opinion!
GETTING IT DOWN
Once you have bought Virtual-Shot from the company:
• First – you download the Virtual-Shot APP to your phone.
• Then – you connect the specialized mount your rifle, handgun
or Airsoft gun and attach your smartphone. Your phone becomes a
portable shooting range!
The app tracks the precise movement of your rifle in real time
and detects the “shot” when you dry-fire your 6mm “trainer”. The
simulation includes an advanced range that lets you adjust target
distance, target movement, and the wind conditions. The built-in
ballistics system mimics real world bullet trajectories allowing you
to shoot with real world bullet drop effects. In addition to all this it
also includes a full interactive video course taught by a veteran army
sniper to give you the theory for all skills you need to become an
expert marksman whether you have been shooting for a while or
even if you have never shot before.
The app includes game modes that allow you to have fun
hunting deer or blasting zombies. Or there is a traditional range,
a junk yard with glass bottles, exploding fuel barrels, metal plates,
some of which are on swing poles. It also has a “Versus” feature,
that allows you to compete against your friends using built in
leaderboards. Another perk Virtual-Shot has is the ability to project
the application onto a screen allowing it to be used as a coaching
tool to assist others with their shooting.
I tried both the scope mount set up first and then the open sight
version. The scoped version is very clever in that the lower righthand
side of the screen is a magnified scope and the rest of the
screen is as the other eye (not looking through the scope) would
see it. The app also allows you to move the scope on the screen to
either the center or the left side for left-handed shooters. I mounted
the scope attachment onto my picatinny rail after removing my red
dot sight; for testing I was using an AR platform. Their open sights
version allowed me to put my red dot back on and use it to aim.
To zero your optic to the phone it has a red dot on the screen
which you adjust in the app settings to sit directly behind your actual
red dot or center of your optic when the phone is mounted in the
frame on your picatinny site rail in front of the optic on your gun.
This way where you aim the airsoft gun is replicated in the range
on the app. The open sights option allows you to use this on a pistol
so long as your pistol has a rail in front of the trigger guard like a
Glock or a Sig P226 to mount the frame onto. Another nice feature
is having to change magazine or move the gun over to one side
to replicate reloading. My favorite levels are the “zombie” and the
“junk yard” ones as they have the most variety and intensity as you
progress up the levels.
Has Virtual-Shot made an effect on my actual shooting? I would
say yes, as it teaches you all the theory of marksmanship on the
video. Then, you get to try and learn for yourself in the virtual range.
With that in mind I recommend this to anyone that shoots or simply
anyone that wants to keep on getting trigger time even if they
can’t get to a range for whatever reason. VIRTUAL SHOT is available
worldwide with stock in the US, UK, Europe and Australia so you
won’t even have to wait long until you receive your
order!
You can check them out for yourself at www.virtualshot.com
6MM TRAINING - VIRTUAL SHOT
pmcimagazine.com

Advanced Security Protection
http://www.advancedsecurityprotection.com/
AKE Group
http://www.akegroup.com/
Ambrey Risk
http://www.ambreyrisk.com
Antipirates.Org
http://www.antipirates.org/
APPDS
http://www.appds.co.uk/
Aquatic Marine Ltd
http://www.aquaticmarineltd.com
Protect Asia Group
http://www.protectasia.com/
Secopex
http://www.secopex.com/
Aspida
http://www.aspida.org/
Associated Risk Maritime Risk Management
http://www.associated-risks.com
Bancroft Maritime Security Solutions
http://www.maritimesecuritysolutions.co.uk
Bechtel Corporation
http://www.bechtel.com/
Black Pearl
http://www.blackpearlmaritimesecurity.com/
Blackstone Consultancy
http://www.blackstoneconsultancy.com;
Blue Hackle
http://www.bluehackle.com/
Blue Waters Partners Global
http://www.preparedex.com/
BP Global
http://www.bp.com/
Britam Defence
http://www.britamdefence.com/
British Maritime Solutions
http://britishmaritimesolutions.com
BW Offshore
http://www.bwoffshore.com/
Calibre International Security
http://www.calibre-international.com/
Chilport
http://www.chilport.co.uk/
Chiron Resources
http://www.chironresources.com
Clearwater Special Projects
http://www.bodyguarding.co.uk/
Control Risks
http://www.control-risks.com
Decatur Maritime Security
http://www.decaturms.com/
52

Drum Cussac
http://www.drum-cussac.com/Index.aspx
Dryad Maritime
http://www.dryadmaritime.com/
Edinburgh International
http://www.edinburghint.com/home/
Elite Maritime Protection Services
http://www.elitemaritimeprotection.com
EOS Risk Management
https://www.eosrisk.com/
Erus Maritime
http://www.erusrisk.com
Espada
http://www.espadaservices.com
Ex Military Recruitment
https://www.exmil.co.uk
Exploration Logistics Group
http://www.frontiermedex.com/
G4S Maritime
http://www.g4s.uk.com
Genesis Security Group
http://genesissecurity.com/
Global Executive Outreach
http://www.geo-ops.com/
Global Risk Security
http://www.globalrisksecurity.
co.uk/
Global Solace
http://www.solaceglobal.com/
Global Strategies Group
http://www.globalgroup.com/
Grail Security
http://www.grail.co.za
Halliburton
http://www.halliburton.com/en-USage
Halogen Security
http://www.halogensecurity.com/
Hart Maritime
http://www.hartsecurity.com
Hill & Associates
http://www.hillassoc.com
HP TerraMarine International
http://www.hpterramarine.com/
Hudson Trident
http://hudsonanalytix.com
ICTS
http://www.icts.co.uk
IMSA Ltd
http://www.imsaltd.com/
International Executive Recruiting
http://www.iernetwork.com
International Maritime Security
http://www.intmarsec.co.uk
International Maritime Security
http://www.intmarsec.co.uk/
International Security Network
http://www.isn.eu.com
ISC Gulf
http://www.iscgulf.com/
ISSG Sea Marshalls
http://www.issg-seamarshals.com/

Janusian Risk Advisory Group
http://www.riskadvisory.net/
Kroll
http://www.kroll.com/
Longmoor Group
http://www.longmoor-security.com
Lotus Maritime Security
http://www.lotusmaritime.com
Lotus Projects
http://www.lpyemen.com
Maersk
http://www.maersk.com/pages/default.aspx
Magregor Protection Services
http://macgregorprotectionservices.com
MTResolution
http://www.mtresolution.com/
MUSC
http://www.sps-global.com
Naval Guards
http://www.navalguards.com
Neptune Security
http://www.neptunemaritimesecurity.com/
NNK Group
https://www.nnkcorporation.com
NYA International
http://www.nyainternational.com
Ocean Marshalls
http://www.oceanmarshalls.com
March Security
www.marchsecurity.com
Maritime Risk International
http://www.maritimeriskinternational.com/
Marsec
http://www.marsec.eu.com
MAST
http://www.mast-commercial.com
McRoberts Maritime Security
http://www.mcrobertsmaritime.com/
Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre
http://www.mmwc.org/
Minimal Risk
http://www.minimalrisk.co.uk/
MSS
http://www.mss-uk.com
Ocean Protective Services
http://oceanprotectionservices.com
Oceaneering International
http://www.oceaneering.com/
Olchon
http://www.olchon.co.uk/
Olive Group
http://www.olivegroup.com/
Orchid Security
http://www.orchid-office.com/
Oxberry Risk Strategies
http://www.oxberryrisk.com/maritime_services
Pilgrim Group
http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com
Pilgrim Security
http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com
54

Pistris
http://www.pistris.com/Index.html
Protect Asia Group
http://www.protectasia.com/
PVI Ltd
http://www.pviltd.com/
Raven Special Projects Ltd
http://www.ravenspecialprojects.com
Red Cell Security
http://www.redcellsecurity.co.uk
Redfour-MSS
http://www.redfour-group.com
Saladin Security Group
http://www.saladin-security.com/
Saladin Security
http://www.saladin-security.com/
Salama Fikira
http://www.salamafikira.com/
SMS
www.specialistmarineservices.com
Tor International
http://www.torinternational.com/
Trojan Securities International
http://www.trojansecurities.com/
Orchid Security
http://www.orchid-office.com/
Blackstone Consultancy
http://www.blackstoneconsultancy.com/
Pilgrim Group
http://www.pilgrimsgroup.com/
Maritime Risk International
http://www.maritimeriskinternational.com/
International Maritime Security
http://www.intmarsec.co.uk/
Raven Special Projects Ltd
http://www.ravenspecialprojects.com/
Salamanca Risk Management
http://www.salamancarm.com
Sea Marshalls Ltd UK
http://www.seamarshals.com
SEAL
http://www.sealsecurity.com/
Securescot
http://www.securescot.com
Securewest International
http://www.securewest.com/
Security Networking Events
http://snespecialprojects.com/
Security Networking Events
http://snespecialprojects.com/
Securoquest
http://www.securoquest.co.za
Shield Risk Consulting
http://www.shield.eu/services/maritime-security/
Shipguard
http://www.mss-uk.com
SMS
www.specialistmarineservices.com
SPS
http://www.sps-global.com
Tactical Intel
http://www.tacticalintel.com/
Thalassic
http://www.thalassic.co.uk/
Tor International
http://www.torinternational.com/
Torcuss
http://www.torcuss.co.za/
Triskle TSL
http://www.triskelservices.com
Triton Security
http://www.tritoninternationalltd.com
Trojan Securities
http://www.trojansecurities.com
Veritas International
http://www.veritas-international.com/