Guns Weapons For Law Enforcement 2014 12 2015 01 December January PDF

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FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
CONTENTS
®
DEC/JAN 2015 /// VOLUME 27 NUMBER 1

tactical-life.com /// guns-weapons.com
38 COLUMNS
Guest Editorial
9mm versus .40? ................. 7
First Responder
survival tactics ..................... 8
18
Agency Spotlight
ON THE COVER
Kentucky’s elite enforcers .... 12
On The Job
handcuffing techniques ....... 14
Gear Bag
13 tactical gloves................ 34
High Tech
law enforcement UAVs ........ 58
Hot Pursuit
Chevy’s new Tahoe PPV ...... 70
8 14 80 Less Lethal
next-gen Tasers .................. 80
New Products
new guns and gear ................. 82
FEATURES Patrol Ready

12 dependable duty belts .... 90
ON THE COVER
Classified Ads
LANCER L15 5.56mm NATO By Rich Grassi .............................................................18 products and services ......... 102
A Professional Patrol AR-15 that’s demanded by today’s officer.
Police Stories
ATI TACPX2 12 GAUGE By Chad Thompson ..............................................................26 deadly domestic .............. 106
Lightweight pump action packs CQB-dominating power and reliability!
GLOCK 42 .380 ACP By Massad Ayoob.......................................................................38 ON THE COVER

Next-gen deep-cover pistol offers 6+1 rounds of backup firepower.
SIG SAUER MPX 9mm By David Bahde ......................................................................46

Ultra-compact submachine gun born for 21st century CQB operations.
ENFIELD MERC415 5.56mm By Rich Grassi .............................................................52

Go beyond “mil-spec” with this Magpul-enhanced carbine.
WINDHAM WEAPONRY HBC 5.56mm By Jorge Amselle .......................................62

Heavy-Barrel Carbine bred for low recoil and faster follow-up shots!
ELEVEN STREET-READY HANDGUNS By Richard Johnson .................................74

Cutting-edge pistols and revolvers built for primary and backup LEO missions.
SIDEWINDER VENOM 500 12 GAUGE By D.K. Pridgen .........................................84

Adaptive Tactical upgrade takes your Mossberg pump action to the next level!
Lancer L15 Professional
Patrol 5.56mm
PRIMARY WEAPONS SYSTEMS MK3 By Todd Burgreen .......................................94
By Sean Utley
Turn cover into concealment with this sub-MOA .300 Win Mag countersniper!
FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ®
Publisher
Stanley R. Harris
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Virginia Commander
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Assistant Editor
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Art Director
James Allocca
Cover Design
Socrates Gomez
Contributors
Massad Ayoob, Jorge Amselle, David Bahde,
Todd Burgreen, Scott Conditt, Kevin R. Davis,
Rob Garrett, Rich Grassi, Brian Haughton,
Richard Johnson, Richard Mann, Donald J. Mihalek,
D.K. Pridgen, Chad Thompson, Sean Utley, Steve Woods
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6 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

GUEST EDITORIAL
Photos courtesy Hornady
By David Bahde
9mm
VERSUS
.40?
Considering cost, capacity, recoil
and reliability for today’s LEOs!
The extinction of the .40 S&W is anything but imminent. It remains a popu-
lar cartridge, and it’s proven itself in many police shootings. Many law enforcement agen-
cies continue to use it. But the fact remains: Many are moving away from it—mostly to the
9mm—for several good reasons.
Early on, the 9mm suffered from a lack of efficiency, mostly due to its construction,
which resulted in either under- or overpenetration. At the time, the newly developed .40
S&W answered the call. Developed from scratch as a duty round, it seemed to offer some
advantages. Mimicking the 10mm FBI load in a smaller pistol, it simply worked, and its
terminal ballistics were on par with the .45 ACP without the 10mm recoil. It seemed like
a perfect solution.
But the 9mm has been improved. Across the board, it is much more effective, virtu-
ally flat-lining penetration, expansion, accuracy and effectiveness among common pistol
calibers. Data from actual shootings proves this, showing no measurable difference in
effectiveness amongst the three main 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP chamberings. Shot
placement—not one magic bullet or a minor difference in caliber—is the most critical ele-
ment. And no pistol round facilitates better shot placement than the 9mm.
Reliability & Recoil

Most early .40 S&W pistols were 9mms converted to take the new chambering. This
changed with time of course, but .40 S&W versions can still be problematic by compari-
son. So I had to wonder: Why deal with reliability issues when the 9mm always works?
While recoil control is not a pistol issue, per se, it remains critical and causes prob-
lems for some law enforcement officers. When it came to training, if an officer was having
trouble with a .40 S&W, my simple solution would be to hand them the same gun in 9mm.
Almost without fail the problems disappeared. And ultimately what you want is for your
officer to feel confident with their firearm and hit what they are aiming at. If changing to a
9mm pistol does that, then all the better.
Capacity & Cost

While I understand that officers did it with “five shots and a revolver” in the old days,
there is a reason those days are over. If you can carry a pistol that is roughly the same
size with a higher capacity, then you are foolish not to, especially in a duty situation. Eight
rounds is fine—unless of course you needed 10 on that day, or 17! With everything else
being equal, the more capacity the better.
Ammunition is costly, and prices probably won’t come down anytime soon. For a po-
lice agency, the difference between purchasing 9mm and .40 S&W ammunition can add
up to tens of thousands of dollars. Maintaining the same level of training for less money is
just a budgetary reality. With no proven loss in effectiveness, possible gains in proficiency
and thousands of dollars in savings, it is a no brainer.
Making The Switch

Yes, the .40 S&W works—there is just nothing to prove it works any better than the 9mm.
As long as that remains true, LE agencies are going to keep migrating back to the 9mm, and
in my opinion they should. I carried a 10mm pistol for years, but the pistol on my hip is more
often than not a 9mm these days, and that is not likely to change any time soon.
GUNS-WEAPONS.com DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 7

FIRST RESPONDER
BY MASSAD AYOOB
SURVIVAL
TACTICS
Over 700 LE experts gathered to offer insight on
limiting risk, mass murder responses and more!
The 10th Anniversary Conference for ILEETA, and before that, for the American One, in which a department spokesman did a
of the International Law Enforce- Society of Law Enforcement Trainers (ASLET). perfect job of explaining why his officers had
done what they did. Then, when the reporter
ment Educators and Trainers MANAGING RISK said they were done, the cop and reporter chat-
Association (ILEETA) drew more Since “The Job” often puts you in “damned ted comfortably, with the lawman now leaning
than 700 police trainers from all over if you do, damned if you don’t” positions, back in his chair with his feet on the desk. The
the U.S. and several other countries. ILEETA gives instructors tools for explaining camera was still running, though, and the TV
It was an inspirational opportunity for all of us their officers’ actions to the public and the station showed him in that position with his
to “recharge our batteries” with the best and courts. In an excellent voice from earlier playing
the brightest in the profession. There were also presentation on over it. “It made him
sad goodbyes: Shortly before the seminar, Sgt. police/media look overly casual
Brian Stover passed away, only a day before relations, in dealing with
his scheduled retirement. A master instructor Rick Rosen- a serious
in multiple disciplines, Sgt. Stover worked for thal told us matter,”
the Los Angeles County of Case Rosenthal
Sheriff’s Department
and did much good work
The 10th Annual

ILEETA conference
offered insight into
modern threats
facing LEOs, such as
active shooters and
how officers must
work together to
stop the threat.
Big Stock photo

GGU
UNNSS-W
-WEA
EAPPOONNSS.co
com
pointed out. The lesson? You can never be
sure what’s “on the record.”
Risk management expert Steve Ashley
pointed out that police instructors can be their
agencies’ best risk managers. He cautioned
that excited utterances in the heat of the mo-
ment can come back to haunt cops as well
as criminals, citing Case Two. Here, the
pursuit of a dangerous escapee ended with the
suspect hanging off a bridge. He was Tased,
lost his grip, fell a considerable distance and
was seriously injured. In a world of turned-on
microphones, one officer was recorded saying,
“See that [expletive] fall?” Another officer was
recorded saying, “Some idiot up on the bridge
shot him with a Taser.” None of this helped the
involved department in the subsequent lawsuit.
MORE WITH LESS

Police were already dealing with severe
training budget shortfalls when the “ammuni-
tion drought” hit. Many agencies reported
projected waits of nearly a year before their
ammunition orders would be in. Case Three:
a Federal agent reported that ammunition was
in such short supply, it looked as if his agents
would only have enough to qualify with in the
coming year, not enough to actually train with.
Case Four: a federal agent from another
organization mentioned that his agency was
looking at cutting firearms
“An entire panel of experts

was devoted to responding
to mass murderers in
public places, with “
emphasis on the role of
first responders.
GUNS-WEAPONS.com
GGU
UNNSS-W
UN WEEAAPO
PONS.
NS.co
NS com DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 9
INTERNATIONAL LESSONS
qualifications from quarterly to three times a year. responders aggressively hunting down such
Many of the instructors suggested dry-draw- murderers. We were told that the Department of
ing and dry-firing time, while others were pur- Justice is now using the term “active threat” for
chasing airsoft equipment for training purposes. these incidents. Nor is “shooting” per se involved
Some recommended that rather than eliminating in all such attacks. As the conference hosts
training sessions when ammunition was short, were setting up, Case Eight took place on a
the time be used to emphasize hand-to-hand and college campus near Houston, Texas. Armed with
weapon-retention drills. Defensive tactics and a box-cutter-type “razor knife,” the perpetrator
firearms instructor Larry Hahn gave an excellent slashed 14 victims. And none of us needed to
block on teaching action/reaction principles and be reminded of the horrors of Case Nine, the
retention methods with dummy guns. He cited September 11, 2001, terrorist attack perpetrated
Case Five, in which a deputy’s dashboard At the ILEETA conference, master instructor by multiple suspects armed with box-cutters.
camera recorded him being shot in the face dur- Larry Hahn, right, uses real cops and fake guns
ing a “routine” traffic stop. The deputy went down, to demonstrate action/reaction lessons. THE LEGACY CONTINUES
and his attacker jumped from the car and tried ILEETA membership is open to those who
to shoot him again, but his pistol had jammed. murderer in a retirement home, using his Glock train in the law enforcement/corrections/criminal
He pistol-whipped the cop, then tried to get the .40 service pistol to drop the shotgun-armed sus- justice community. Visit the ileeta.org website to
officer’s Glock. The wounded officer success- pect at a range of 114 feet. And Case Seven, see the incredible breadth of the training offered.
fully retained his pistol, then drew it and took the where the first responder to a mass murder at a For example, each conference includes multiple
fight to his opponent. The attempted murderer is USAF base was a lone officer on bicycle patrol, full instructor certification schools in various
now serving a 60-plus-year sentence. The officer Andy Brown. Under fire from a man with a drum- disciplines, and assorted armorer’s schools. This
survived and went back to work. fed, semi-auto AK-47 rifle at 70 yards, Brown was column barely touches the surface of the trea-
able to fatally shoot the man and end the killing sure trove of cutting-edge information that the
MASS-MURDER RESPONSES with just his Beretta 9mm service pistol. International Law Enforcement Educators and
An entire panel of experts was devoted to Many on the panel noted that the current Trainers Association has become world-famous
responding to mass murderers in public places, term “active shooter” poorly describes these for delivering to our LEOs.
with emphasis on the role of first responders. We incidents. “Active killer” is the term preferred This article is respectfully dedicated to the
were reminded of Case Six, in which Deputy by panelist Ron Borsch, the retired SWAT cop memory of Sergeant Brian Stover of the Los
Justin Garner was able to shoot down a mass who pioneered the lone-officer protocol for first Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
BY ROB GARRETT
KENTUCKY’S
ELITE ENFORCERS
Special Response Team lays down the law with top guns, gear and tactics!
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is tor course consists of 40-plus hours and involves
known as the “Bluegrass State.” The over 20 basic tactical skills. This ongoing training
also includes members attending the most elite
15th state to join the union, Kentucky tactical and shooting schools in the country. The
is famous for Jim Bean bourbon, fried team has completed Advanced Hostage Rescue,
chicken and, of course, the derby. Urban Sniper and Tactical Medical Integration
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is responsible courses from Paul Howe at Combat Shooting and
for providing law enforcement services and sup- Tactics. Howe is a former Delta Force team leader
port for over 40,000-plus square miles. Since be- who was involved in the Battle of the Black Sea,
ing formed in 1948, the agency has grown to over also known as “Black Hawk Down.” The SRT has
1,000 sworn officers stationed at 16 posts. Unlike also attended training at TMACS and the Mid-
most state and local agencies, the KSP maintains South Institute of Self-Defense Shooting.
a full-time, highly trained Special Response
Team (SRT) that consists of 11 troopers and one SPECIAL GEAR
sergeant. The unit is assigned under the Special Being constantly on call requires the team
Operations Branch, which is also responsible for to work from specially equipped SUVs that are
the Canine and Hazardous Devices sections. a combination of armory, office and camper. The
The KSP SRT unit is the only full-time tactical vehicles carry a variety of equipment, includ-
team in the state. The unit responds to an average ing firearms, ammunition, other munitions, body
of 70 calls a year. The unit handles the normal armor and surveillance gear. Given their wide
SRT responsibilities, such as high-risk warrants range of missions, the troopers must carry their
and barricaded gunman/hostage situations. How- The KSP Special Operations Division consists of equipment with them at all times. The team also
ever, much of the unit’s time is spent conducting the SRT, K9, EOD and aviation units, which train uses a Lenco BearCat when the mission requires
counter-drug surveillance, assisting the aviation together to handle multiple-threat incidents. an armored vehicle. In addition, the SRT has two
section with marijuana eradication, and fugitive Chevrolet Tahoes that are equipped to serve as
investigations. In addition, the SRT assists in pro- hostage-rescue techniques, the team also re- mobile com-
viding security for large-scale events such as the ceives regular training in tactical tracking, wilder- mand posts.
Kentucky Derby and the Quaker State 400. ness operations, breaching and tactical medicine. The agency’s history of duty weapons is
The unit also works closely with the KSP aviation interesting. During the mid-1990s, the KSP fol-
JACKS OF ALL TRADES section and trains in aerial marksmanship, search lowed the lead of the FBI and issued the Smith &
Being a multi-purpose team requires these and rescue, and aerial rope operations. Wesson 1076 in 10mm. During the late 1990s, the
troopers to be “jacks of all trades,” meaning they To maintain these skills, the unit spends as agency was looking for a reliable and compact
must receive a wide variety of specialized training. much time as possible training. This training backup pistol in a service caliber. The .40
While this training includes the normal entry and curriculum is made easier by all members of the caliber Glock 27 was evaluated and then
team being full-time and approved. In 2004, after an extensive testing
stationed at the same loca- program, the agency transitioned to the Glock
tion. The initial SRT opera- 35 as the standard service pistol. The

G35 has a 5-inch barrel and ported slide which a speed of 40 knots. Shooters learned to track
helps manage the recoil of their issued Speer the target, keep the rifle moving and sight in.
155-grain Gold Dot hollow-point ammunition. The HARM class is typical of the advanced
The agency was impressed with the reliability training that the SRT attends.
of the Glock as well as its magazine capacity. In
2012, the agency upgraded from Gen3 to Gen4 SHOTS FIRED
G27s and G35s. One SRT trooper told me about one of
their recent missions, where the team was
AERIAL MARKSMANSHIP activated in response to shots fired involving
I recently spent two days with the fine men KSP troopers. The troopers were responding to
of the SRT unit during a Helicopter Aerial Rifle a residence because of a reported disturbance,
Marksmanship (HARM) program hosted by the possibly domestic. When troopers arrived,
KSP. While the unit had conducted internal train- a subject opened fire from a concealed and
ing on aerial marksmanship, the HARM program elevated position in the woods. The troopers
presented a unique opportunity. The course was returned fire, gained cover and set up a perim-
developed by Greg Coker of Shield 91 while he eter. The SRT was activated. Half of the team
was serving as an AH-6 pilot with the U.S. Army deployed in a helicopter, while half responded
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment by vehicle. The team used the Lenco BearCat
(SOAR). Coker is an exceptional pilot as well to evacuate several troopers that were pinned
as an avid shooter. This combination resulted down during the initial gunfire. The helicopter,
in Coker developing the HARM program, which with two countersnipers aboard, provided
was validated and is currently in use by the U.S. overwatch. Two SRT operators then rappeled
military and several law enforcement units. down onto a ridgeline above the subject. The
The complete KSP SRT unit attended the troopers closed on the suspect, who was found
training, along with officers from other Ken- deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot.
tucky, Florida and Indiana agencies. The SRT The citizens of the Commonwealth of
ran their HK416 rifles equipped with Aimpoint Kentucky are protected by one of the most elite
optics, SureFire lights and AN/PEQ laser units. special operations law enforcement units in the
The rest of the class used a variety of M4 country. During the team’s 24-year existence,
5.56mm carbines, with the exception of two only 52 troopers have worn the SRT patch.
officers who ran 7.62mm LaRue Tactical OBRs. With ages ranging from 28 to 42, the members
The KSP aviation section provided pilots and share a common bond and sense of purpose.
their OH-6 and OH-58 helicopters. The class This is reflected in the team’s motto, “Custos
emphasized crew coordination and the marks- Fratris Mei,” or “My Brother’s Keeper.” Should
manship skills needed to engage a target from you travel through the Bluegrass State, rest well
a moving aircraft. The initial flight profile started knowing that you are protected by this group of
with the aircraft at an altitude of 100 feet and dedicated professionals.
The KSP aviation unit has several

helicopters, including the ubiquitous
Bell Huey, and trains in tactical
insertion techniques and rescues.
DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 13

ON THE JOB
BY KEVIN R. DAVIS Big Stock photo
CUFF ‘EM
Lifesaving handcuffing tactics to stay in control!
ntrol!
Fetters, shackles—these are age-
old terms going back to Biblical
days. Unfortunately, as long as
man has wronged his fellow man—
think Cain slaying Abel here—
the pursuit of justice has meant at
some point temporarily restraining
the guilty party in the process.
And metallic handcuffs have been a part
of that (and police work) since they were
developed and the first paladin kept watch
over the sleeping citizenry.
Handcuffs have not changed much since
they were originally developed as oval-shaped
iron or steel rings that could be riveted or locked
shut with a length of chain between the two. Handcuffs are temporary restraints that need to be put on and taken off safely. Here an officer
Every modern street cop carries at least one begins to handcuff a suspect using the “LA Method,” with his hands interlaced behind his head.
set of handcuffs on duty. Most active street cops
I know carry at least two; it always seems that leverage to force a suspect’s hands behind his offers different color housings so that jailers can
bad guys, like wolves, travel in packs. or her back, or to apply pain against the wrist, segregate offenders based on classification.
forcing the subject to comply and quit resisting. Disposable restraints such as flex-cuffs are
RESTRAINT TYPES Considering the ever-increasing amount essentially beefed-up cable ties that are de-
New handcuff designs over the last 25 years of gear cops are forced to carry on their duty signed to have a tensile strength of 300 pounds.
include hinged cuffs, larger cuffs for bigger belts, lighter-weight handcuffs that incorporate There are different makers of these plastic
wrists, models that include polymer in their polymer in their lock housings can be a boon restraints, which include single-loop versions,
construction and flex-cuffs. Hinged cuffs restrict for LEOs. ASP, Inc., makes handcuffs—chain, double-loop versions and even plastic cuffs that
movement more than conventional chained hinged or rigid designs—that are made of alumi- have a lock with a standard cuff key so you don’t
cuffs, and they can be used to generate more num or steel and incorporate polymer. ASP even have to remove them by using safety scissors or
snips.
p These plastic types of cuffs are nice be-
A B C cause you can carry a lot for riot-control duties.
caus
I’I’ve known officers who used to carry them
inside the brim of their patrol caps or under
ttheir duty belts back in the day. SWAT opera-
tors usually have several on their entry vests.
to
SUSPECT TYPES
SU
Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT),
P
defe
defensive tactics or suspect control programs
teach that there are three types of people to
tea
handcuff: the totally uncooperative subject, the
ha
totally cooperative subject and the potentially
to
uuncooperative subject. The first person, the
For easier handcuffing, you can place a

subject’s hands behind their head (A) or
sub
interlaced behind their back (B), but you
int
first must make sure you have control of the
fir
subject (C) before you can apply handcuffs.
sub

totally uncooperative subject, must be con-
trolled first. Too often on the street I saw cops
trying to handcuff a person who was actively
fighting back. Tying up one of their hands
that could be used for striking, grabbing or
joint-locking the suspect, they would attempt
to chase the arm around as the subject flailed
or struck. Put simply, you cannot handcuff
someone who is fighting you. Concentrate on
controlling them first, then handcuff.
The problems with dealing with the next
two subjects, who are either cooperating or
feigning cooperation, is that officers tend to let
their guards down. I’ve seen officers gingerly
apply handcuffs—“Put your hands behind your
back, please” —thinking or operating under the
faulty assumption that if the officer acts nice
and handcuffs comfortably, the suspect will be
nice, too. Of course, when the officer makes
contact or applies the first handcuff, the sus-
pect realizes the gravity of the situation, i.e.,
they are going to jail, and the fight is on.
I tell my officers that when you penetrate
the reaction gap (move inside 6 feet) your
hands should be up and you should be ready
“Make sure you take control,

cuff ’em correctly and
safely return home at the
“
end of your shift.
for resistance. Grab the subject first, establish

control and then apply the handcuffs while
maintaining control. The first handcuff is like a
switch, and you better be ready for resistance.
If the suspect resists, you can either
escalate your force control or disengage and
possibly attempt a “remote control” less-lethal
device, such as the expandable baton or Taser.
RULES FOR CONTROL

• If the person is under arrest, handcuff them
first. As soon as you develop probable cause to
make an arrest, handcuff them. It is much easier
to control or search a handcuffed subject.
• Handcuff behind the back. There are rare
exceptions, of course, for the elderly, pregnant
or individuals with injuries or physical limita-
tions/disabilities.
• Handcuffs are ovals; wrists are ovals.
Match the oval of the cuff to the oval of the wrist.
This means pressing the single bar on the top
or bottom of the wrist, not the inside or outside.

CUFF ‘EM
Law enforcement officers must remain always

vigilant and anticipate resistance from the
subject once the first handcuff is applied.
• Apply the handcuffs in the “cuffing notch”

between the base of the palm and the ulna and
radius bones at the wrist.
• Don’t grab the arm or wrist where you are
going to cuff. “Shake hands” (palm to palm) with
the suspect as you handcuff. This offers control
via a joint lock (wristlock) and speeds application.
• The chains grow out of the back of the
hands. This is an old rule which simply means you
should ensure the handcuff chains are positioned
to the back of the wrist so that, when both cuffs
are applied, the back of the suspect’s hands will
be facing each other behind their back, reducing
mobility and the likelihood of being able to bring
the cuffs under the legs to the front.
• Handcuff, then check the gap with the tip
of a finger to make sure the handcuffs aren’t too
tight, and then double lock the handcuffs.
• If you want to decrease resistance and
increase control, take the suspect to a kneeling or
prone position. You cannot and should not make
every subject kneel, but if the risk or threat is
greater, reduce their mobility by taking them off
their feet and closer to the ground.
CUFFING TECHNIQUES
Fingers Interlaced Behind The Head:
Known colloquially as the “LAPD Method” in my
neck of the woods, this technique starts with the
suspect standing or kneeling with their fingers in-
terlaced behind their head. The key to this cuffing
technique, which is also used to frisk suspects, is
to take the person off balance to the rear. If you
allow the suspect to stand upright, he or she can
easily escape and/or attack. The single bar of one
cuff is pressed down on the wrist at the cuffing
notch. The key is to walk your hand around after
the first cuff is applied to position your hand for
the second handcuff application.
The cuffed wrist is then moved out from the
body, with the officer moving the suspect’s wrist
and their hand in between the suspect’s arm and
body. This maneuver positions the suspect’s arm
for application of the second cuff and offers more
control. The cuffs are gripped between the lock
housings. (Please turn to page 100)

GUN TEST
LANCER L15
5.56mm NATO
A Professional Patrol AR-15

that’s demanded by today’s officer!
By Rich Grassi • Sean Utley photos
What if you wanted some additional duty accessories The L15 Professional Patrol features a mid-length
on a patrol carbine and preferred to have them fac- gas system—a smoother operating system than the
tory installed, like a semi-custom/production AR-15? carbine-length systems. The 14.5-inch, mid-weight-profile
You could contact Lancer Systems, known for its hybrid barrel features a chrome-lined bore and the NATO-spec
polymer/metal magazines, and get the company’s L15 1-in-7-inch twist rate. This is good for rounds weighing
Professional Patrol rifle. Guided by a legitimate need for between 55 and 75 grains. The carbine has a 5.56mm NATO
speed, accuracy and smooth operation, Lancer put toge- chamber—not a .223 chamber—meaning it can fire both types
ther an AR-platform rifle in 5.56mm NATO that has “light of rounds. A Smith Enterprise Vortex flash suppressor is pinned
custom” written all over it—the L15 Professional Patrol. to the barrel, taking it to the non-NFA length of 16 inches.

“ Guided by a legitimate
need for SPEED, ACCURACY
AND SMOOTH OPERATION,
Lancer put together an
AR-platform rifle in 5.56mm
NATO that has ‘light custom’
“
written all over it…
From its carbon-fiber

forend to its modular
lower receiver, the
Professional Patrol has
several custom-grade
features to give LEOs
the edge. Shown with
a Vortex StrikeFire II.

LANCER L15
The rifle comes with Lancer’s enlarged

Tactical magazine well funnel, which
makes for faster, fumble-free reloads.
The magazine release is larger and easier

to reach, and the tab above it is the right-
side bolt release—a clever innovation.
Surrounding the barrel is Lancer’s 12-

inch, carbon-fiber LCH5 handguard, which
is smooth on all sides and comes with a
2-inch Picatinny rail at the front, in the 12
o’clock position, for mounting a front sight.
The upper receiver itself has a top Picatin-
ny rail for mounting optics. The handguard
is slim and lightweight. I get tired of typical
quad-rail handguards for stateside police/
defense carbines. We don’t need to load
them up with gizmos. Just attach a light,
a sling, an optic and backup sights and
you’re ready to go to work. The point of
having a short AR weighing between 12 to
16 pounds escapes me. At that point you
might as well get an M14.
The Professional Patrol features Lanc-
er’s modular lower receiver, which allows
shooters to install three magazine wells
of different sizes—Standard, Tactical and
Competition. My test rifle came equipped
with the enlarged Tactical magazine well,
which is wide enough to ensure faster,
fumble-free reloads.
The lower receiver also features an
Ergo pistol grip, an ambidextrous bolt re-
lease and an enlarged magazine release
that is more like a tab than a button—it’s
longer but still low profile. It’s easy to reach

and yet I never accidentally dumped a
magazine during g testing.
While I’ve used Ergo pistol grips
before, it’s been
en a few years, and this
model was a welcome addition on the th
he
Lancer carbine.ne. It has a good grip
angle, and its rubber over-molding
is quite “grippy.”
ppy.” I’m a fan of these
grips. As to the ambidextrous
bidextrous bolt
release, it’s a tab on the right sideide
of the lower receiver, above the rect-
angular magazine release. I found the bolt dle-type magazine
agazine relerelease
ea
ase is
release handy when I shot the carbine left- located on the left side e of the
handed. You don’t have to take your domi- stock, just ahead of the he maga-
nant hand off of the grip to release the bolt. zine well. While the stock ock was a
Farther back, the lower receiver sports little weird at first, it grew
rew on me.
Lancer’s Single-Point Sling Mount, which FAB normally sells the he stock with
uses a nylon-coated, braided stainless a 10-round magazine, e, but my test
steel cable for attaching a sling. Its coating rifle only came with two of Lancer’s
helps it remain silent—there’s no metal-on- Advanced Warfighter er 30-round maga-
metal noise from the attachment point. zines (along with a trigger lock and a man- The GL-MAG
Finally, the carbine has an adjustable ual). Indeed, the stock’s magazine well is stock holds an
GL-MAG “Survival” buttstock from FAB a handy place to store spare ammunition. extra magazine
and sports a
Defense. A grooved, rubber buttpad keeps While I wouldn’t carry a 30-round magazine
grooved, rubber
the rifle from slipping off of your shoulder. in the GL-MAG as a matter of routine, a re- buttpad for shoulder-
The base of the stock, just ahead of the liable 20-round magazine (Lancer cer makes mounting stability.
buttpad, is a magazine well, and a pad- 20-round magazines) would be great there.

LANCER L15
During testing, magazines held in the nograph, a Bushnell spotting scope

GL-MAG stock never shook loose, but I and headed out to the range.
didn’t get the chance to take the rifle to I found this carbine to be remarkably
any tough training courses to really test
st it. accurate. The data may surprise you, but
The stock also has ambidextrous, quick-uick- after testing as many ARs as I have, I’m
detach rear sling swivel attachments—a s—a somewhat unsurprised. It’s a high-qual-
very nice, well-thought-out touch. ity carbine, and it’s likely to give you
results in the 1- to 1.5-MOA range—
RANGE TIME more accuracy than you need for a
The rifle came without sights— carbine of this type. The average
generally a good idea. For a rifle of five-shot group with 55-grain Liberty
this class, the user/user’s agency Silverado ammo was around 1.4
will likely determine the best backup inches, and the “best” group mea-
sights and optics for their mission. For
or sured 0.75 inches. Likewise, the
testing I chose the Trijicon TA33R-8 8 excellent Federal Premium ammo,
ACOG, a 3x30mm scope that uses s loaded with the 55-grain Barnes
tritium and fiber optics to illuminate te TSX bullet, produced a best group
its Red Chevron .223 Ballistic Reticle.e. measuring 1 inch at 100 yards. The
I locked the ACOG onto the rifle with th average was just over 1.5 inches.
Trijicon’s TA60 mount. To say that the other loads
I like this ACOG. The magnification
on are “bad” would be silly. These
is helpful for target identification. Can
an are great groups from a 16-inch-
you identify a threat at 50, 100 or 150
50 barreled carbine with a 3x optic
yards with just your eyes? The magni- ni- and a mil-spec trigger. Since the
fication is low enough that using the he Professional Patrol is designed for
ACOG for close-range encounters—far ar law enforcement officers, I met my
more likely—is just fine. The long eye ye friend Lieutenant Chuck Haggard
relief is critical if you need to mount nt at the range for him to shoot the
backup irons. All you need is a quick- k- Lancer and give his opinion.
detach mount and you’re good to go.. I The first comments he made
collected some ammunition, my chro- o- had to do with the Trijicon
LANCER L15
PROFESSIONAL
L
PATROL
SPECIFICATIONS Another lower
enhancement is
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO • Barrel: 16 inchess the grooved, over-
OA Length: 32.5-35.25 inches molded Ergo grip,
which provides a
Weight: 6.5 pounds (empty) rock-solid hold.
Stock: FAB Defense GL-MAG • Sights: None
ne
Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
Finish: Hardcoat anodized black
Capacity: 30+1 • MSRP: $1,949.99
PERFORMANCE
Load Velocity Accuracy
ccuracy
r y
ASYM 75 OTM 2,510 1.50

5
CorBon 55 SP 2,855 1.50
5
50
Federal American Eagle 62 FMJ 2,698 2.00
0
Federal Premium 55 TSX 2,893 1.00
0
Liberty 55 Silverado LF 2,993 0.75
7
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocityy in fps
by chronograph, and accuracy in inchess foror
best five-shot groups at 100 yards.

GUNS WEAPONS com
LANCER L15
ACOG—he really liked it. He was surprised

at the magnification and how much differ-
ence it made at 25 yards, and how little
difference there was from the usual 1x
duty optic up close. It’s become a favorite
of mine for just that reason. The only real
downside for me is having to dump the op-
tic if I have to use my backup iron sights,
but that’s less a likelihood for me than for
an on-duty police officer.
The handguard being slim and light was
a plus, as was the mid-weight barrel profile.
These aren’t “light machine guns,” they’re
patrol carbines.
He mixed real 5.56mm NATO ammuni-
tion into magazines with .223 ammunition to
see if it would create any malfunctions in the
Professional Patrol and to determine if the
chamber as truly NATO-spec. However, the
gun didn’t miss a beat throughout the test.
“ The Lancer
Professional Patrol
we shot was accurate
and reliable. The way
it was set up from the “
factory made it easy
to shoot well.
The Smith Vortex flash suppressor is a
great addition to the Lancer carbine. Work-
ing with the carbine’s overall design and
gas system, it helps reduce muzzle flip,
making for a flat-shooting AR. With mag-
nified ear protection, we could hear the
“hum” of the Vortex’s prongs after firing.
FINAL NOTES
Most, if not all, agencies have strict
standards on modifying weapons issued or
provided by officers. In that situation, get-
ting the patrol rifle set up for your agency
needs with the requisite gear from the fac-
tory is easier and has administrative ad-
vantages. The Lancer Professional Patrol
we shot was accurate and reliable. The
way it was set up from the factory made it
easy to shoot well. The mid-length gas sys-
tem not only helps its reliability, but it also
makes for a smoother-shooting carbine.
For more information, visit lancer-systems.
com or call 610-973-2600.

American Tactical’s all-business
TACPX2 pump-action shotgun,
based upon a time-proven design,
is ready for mean-streets duty.
GUN TEST
ATI TACPX2 Lightweight pump action packs

CQB-dominating power and reliability!
By Chad Thompson • Sean Utley photos
N
eedless to say, everyone
these days is looking at how
to save money without cutting
corners. Civilians are doing it,
as are law enforcement agencies.
To that end, there is a solid need for proven tactical
shotguns for duty use that will not break the bank. A
great example of one of these is the TACPX2 from
American Tactical (ATI). It is a 12 gauge, 18.5-inch-
barreled, pump-action shotgun that is made in
Turkey by Ottomangunsand imported into the U.S.
by ATI. It’d be hard for you to find a more affordable
pump shotgun ready for duty. Period.
GUNS-WEAPONS.com
12 GAUGE
Upon visual examination, it is immediately evi- a huge difference, and it’s a great advantage over
dent that the TACPX2 shotgun closely follows the some other shotguns that weigh as much as twice
design of the Remington 870, and who can blame what this one does. My test TACPX2 came with an
it for that? If I were to attempt to design a firearm, appealing all-matte-black finish that included the
I firmly believe replicating one of the bestselling, polymer stock and forend. Its crossbolt safety is in
most popular firearms of all time would be a great the same place as the 870’s—just behind the trig-
way to start. Just like its inspiration, this shotgun gerguard—and the action release button is just in
features a bottom-loading, side-ejecting receiver front of the triggerguard as well. If officers are used
with a magazine tube under the barrel. The big-gest to the 870, it’ll be easy to transition to this shotgun,
difference I noticed came when I picked the shot- as every control works exactly the same.
gun up: The TACPX2’s receiver is made from alumi- The TACPX2 is capable of firing 2¾- or 3-inch
num as opposed to steel, and wthe entire gun is a shells and will hold five shells in the magazine
lot lighter as a result. For use on the job, this makes tube plus one in the chamber when fully loaded.

ATI TACPX2 12 GAUGE
With
its matte
black finish and
polymer furniture, the
TACPX2 is perfect for duty use.
The shotgun features a steel bolt assembly

for durability, while the receiver is made
of aluminum for reduced weight.
The enlarged triggerguard and crossbolt

safety, just behind the trigger, are
reminiscent of the venerable 870.
Because of the aluminum receiver, the

shotgun weighs 5.95 pounds unloaded,
and there are actually two things pres-
ent on this shotgun that my personal 870
does not have: It features a ramped, rifle-
style front sight to accompany the rear
sight notch, and scope mounts are milled
into the top of the receiver on either side
of the rear sight.
The TACPX2 came in a cardboard box
with a gun lock and paperwork. After mak-
ing my initial observations and picking the
shotgun up, I went ahead and took it apart
to see what the fit and finish looked like

on the inside. I unscrewed the magazine
ATI TACPX2 12 GAUGE
end cap and pulled the barrel off—just as SPECIFICATIONS PERFORMANCE
you might with any pump shotgun. Upon Gauge:
a : 12; 3-inch
3 c chamber
a e Buckshot
B s Pattern
t n
removing the innards of the TACPX2, one
Barrel:
a : 18.55 inches
h F ra FliteControl
Federal t n 3.00
.
of the biggest things I noticed initially was
OA
A Length:
n 39.25
39 255 inches
h W h e Super-X
Winchester Super
p X 111 00
11.00
that the bolt can easily be removed without
We t 5.95
Weight:
Weig 5 995 pounds
u s (empt
(empty)
p )
Chad Thompson photo

any manipulation of the shell latches
latches. Once
O Slug Accuracy
the barrel was removed I simply pulled for- Stock: Synthetic Federal LEO Tactical 2.00
ward on the forend and the entire bolt and Sights: Ramp front, milled rear Federal Power-Shok 2.75
carrier came out on the twin action bars. Action: Pump Winchester Super-X 2.50
Upon removing the bolt, another notice- Finish: Blued Buckshot pattern in inches at 25 yards. Slug accuracy
able difference between this shotgun and Capacity: 5+1 • MSRP: $299.99 in inches for best five-shot groups at 25 yards.
the 870 is that the bolt carrier is actually a
part of the action bars and isn’t removable
from the forend assembly. move around—an interesting concept for group, removing the trigger group from the
The bolt is solid steel and has a sin- an ejector on a shotgun. The entire ejec- receiver. The pins were easily removed
gle extractor on the right-hand side. The tor is simply a bump on the inside of the with a standard punch but were held inside
groove located on the left side of the bolt receiver and appears to rely on aggressive the receiver with the appropriate amount
that would normally allow for an extended manipulation of the action to eject properly. of tension to avoid being worked out while
ejector on the inside of the receiver itself The last thing I did for disassembly was operating the shotgun. The trigger hous-
is actually just a groove to allow the bolt to take out the two pins holding in the trigger ing itself is comprised of mostly high-im-
ATI TACPX2 12 GAUGE
The TACPX2’s polymer stock has a

newly designed buttpad that helps
absorb some of the recoil from hard-
hitting 12 gauge slugs and buckshot.
pact polymer, with the parts that take the and, as I thought, re-
wear and tear being metal. There are also lies upon strong manual
some obvious differences inside the trig- manipulation of the forend in
ger group. The safety, for example, cannot order to be most effective. To prove
be readily switched over for a left-handed this, I loaded one shell directly into the
shooter as easily as it is on an 870. ejection port and closed the action. I then
slowly opened the action and moved it all
RANGE TIME the way to the rear while observing the
Satisfied with what I found internally, I shell in the chamber. The extractor pulled
reassembled the TACPX2 and headed to the shell to the rear and then simply re-
the range. One of the first things I wanted leased the shell at the point of contact with
to test was the shotgun’s ejector design. the ejector “bump.” I then combat-loaded
Now, on the 870, Remington actually the same shell and moved the action to the
stakes the extended ejector through the rear a little faster—the shell came out, away
left side of the receiver to assist in positive from the shotgun, as designed. On the third
ejection. But this is a double-edged sword: try, I combat-loaded the shell and worked
It makes the shotgun ultra-reliable in re- the action as I normally would—which is to
gards to positive ejection, but if the ejector say I did not baby the shotgun but brought
is broken, then the user is forced to have a the action all the way back and then all the
competent gunsmith reinstall and re-stake way forward briskly and, as I expected, the
a new ejector. Being a separate piece from shotgun functioned flawlessly. I personally
the receiver does inevitably make the part find this ejector to be functional as well as
more susceptible to breakage. interesting in concept.
With the TACPX2 there is only a small Shooting the TACPX2 was also intrigu-
bump cast into the receiver to serve as ing. The shotgun is a straight shooter, and
the ejector. Being a part of the receiver it ran without any hitches at all. However,
minimizes the chance of breakage, and I this shotgun isn’t soft shooting. That isn’t
thought the concept was interesting to say to say that it is too abusive, but due to its
the least. It works in conjunction extremely light weight, the recoil from a
with the extractor full-power slug or buckshot charge is not
The rifle-
style front sight,
paired with the rear sight
groove in the receiver, makes
for a nice, clean sight picture.

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Fax: 262-367-0989 / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO / 1-877-272-8626
* MOUNTING HARDWARE ADDS 2.2 OZ BravoCompanyMFG.COM/KMR
ATI TACPX2 12 GAUGE
Officers accustomed to Remington 870

shotguns will feel right at home with
the TACPX2, as its controls are similar.
something I want to experience excessive-

ly. All shotgun shooters understand that
basic physics are applied when handling
something as powerful as 12 gauge slugs
and buckshot—and a comfortably light,
easy-to-carry shotgun simply is going to
recoil more than a heavy one. Fortunately,
most agencies today recognize the inher-
ent advantage of reduced-recoil shotgun
ammo, and that should certainly help a lot.
I tested the TACPX2’s accuracy at 25
yards with 1-ounce slugs and ran the shot-
gun through its paces using a variety of
ammo. I tested the shotgun with reduced-
recoil Federal Law Enforcement slugs, Win-
“ The shotgun is
a straight shooter,
and it ran without any
“
hitches at all.
chester Super-X slugs and Federal Power-
Shok slugs. All three shot five-round groups
well at 2.75, 2.5 and 2 inches even, respec-
tively. Two of the five shots with the reduced-
recoil Federal slugs fell into the same hole.
After extensively testing the TACPX2,
I can wholeheartedly recommend it as a
tactical LE shotgun. It is relatively inex-
pensive and based upon a tried-and-true
design, featuring some extras not even
found on much more expensive offer-
ings from other manufacturers. If you find
yourself in the market for a lightweight,
economical pump shotgun, give ATI a
chance. I think you will like the result. For
more information, visit americantactical.
us or call 800-290-0065.

LET THERE BE
LIGHT BEARING.
BLACKHAWK!® EPOCH™ LEVEL 3 LIGHT-BEARING DUTY HOLSTER

accepts most popular weapon-mounted lights and features a fast,
intuitive thumb lock release that reinforces proper grip
© 2014 BLACKHAWK! ® NORFOLK, VA U.S.A. BLACKHAWK.com

GEAR BAG
BY RICHARD JOHNSON
13 TACTICAL
GLOVES
Get a grip and protect your hands
DAMASCUS PATROL GUARD
The Patrol Guard gloves from Damascus Protec-
tive Gear feature synthetic leather palms and
the company’s Razornet Ultra liner to protect the
with these new duty-ready designs! officer’s hands. The Razornet Ultra liner is very re-
sistant to cuts and has an anti-microbial treatment
to help prevent the gloves from picking up an odor
after months of use. For more information, visit
Often undervalued by desk jockeys counting beans at the depart-
damascusgear.com or call 800-451-4167.
ment HQ, a good pair of gloves can be a street cop’s best friend.
Quality gloves can protect law enforcement patrol and SWAT officers from abrasions, cuts,
needle sticks and bites. Gloves are a kind of body armor for the hands.
Like
ike any other
o tool, there is not a single pair of gloves that is perfect for every occasion.
Many
ny cops have a general-use
gene pair, another pair for winter duty and a third for high-risk
searches.
arches. Officers on a SWAT tea team will frequently have special needs such as fire resis-
tance.
nce. Here is a look at some of the best choices
cho in tactical gloves on the market today.
HATCH TWG-100 PATROLMAN

Hatch offers a duty glove that uses a soft sheep-
skin leather for the palm and a nylon spandex
for the back of the hand and sides of the fingers.
TheseTWG-100 Patrolman gloves have a Cool-
Max liner to wick away sweat from the hand. The
thumb and index fingers of the gloves also have
a conductive material to allow for the operation of
touchscreen devices. For more information, visit
5.11
11 SCREEN OPS hatch-corp.com or call 800-347-1200.
PATROL GLOVES BLACKHAWK
Many departments provide offiofficers
cers with touch- CRG2 CUT-RESISTANT
screen computers and tablets for essential
tial job PATROL GLOVES HEX ARMOR
functions. The 5.11 Screen Ops Patrol Gloves When dealing with the dangers of razor SEARCH &
work with touchscreens but also provide officers blades, broken glass and other cutting DUTY 4045
with “second skin” when patting down suspects. hazards associated with pat-downs and Needle sticks are a
Soft and snug, officers can readily manipulate drug searches, the BlackHawk CRG2 Cut- very real danger
firearms while wearing these gloves. For more Resistant Patrol Gloves can provide a layer for law enforce-
information, visit 511tactical.com of protection. For more information, visit ment officers
or call 866-451-1726. blackhawk.com or call 800-379-1732. when conduct-
ing searches when drugs
are involved. The Hex Armor
CONDOR TACTICIAN TACTILE GLOVES General Search & Duty 4045
The Tactician Tactile Gloves from Condor Outdoor Products com- Gloves will help protect against
bines a goatskin leather palm with TouchTec nanotechnology to give them. The material built into the fingertips can
an officer good protection and ample dexterity with the ability to use literally bend needles. The palm of the glove is cut
touchscreen tools. Available in black, tan and MultiCam. For more and puncture resistant. For more information, visit
information, visit condoroutdoor.com or call 800-552-2554. hexarmor.com or call 877-668-3675.

HWI GEAR
CTS100
The CTS100
from HWI
Gear combines
the ability to
use a touch-
screen device with
cut-resistant Kevlar in
the palm. HWI uses
a flexible, synthetic
material on the back
of the gloves that
allows for a very good
fit and feel. For more
information, visit hwigear.com
or call 805-646-3879.
MECHANIX ORIGINAL
0.5MM COVERT
For general-purpose patrol
gloves that are good
for weapon manipula-
tion, it is hard to beat
the Original 0.5mm
Covert from Mechanix
Wear. The gloves have
a snug-fitting elastic
cuff, use anti-bunching
construction and are made
of TrekDry, a material that
allows for good airflow. These gloves
are machine washable. For more information,
visit mechanix.com or call 800-222-4296.
OAKLEY SI LIGHTWEIGHT
Light and breathable, Oakley’s SI Lightweight
gloves offer superior comfort to officers
working in hotter climates. The fingers have a
special surface pattern to enhance grip, and
the suede palms are perforated for increased
airflow. These gloves are available in black,
coyote and foliage green colors. For more infor-
mation, visit oakley.com or call 800-403-7449.

13 TACTICAL GLOVES
OUTDOOR RESEARCH PATROL INCIDENT
COLDSHOT GEAR FDT ALPHA
Officers needing a cold weather glove ve are
are Designed for superior sensitiv-
too often stuck with bulky choices ity and dexterity, the Full
that severely limit their ability to Dexterity Tactical (FDT)
use handcuffs and weapons. The Alpha Gloves from Patrol
Coldshot gloves from Outdoor Re- Incident Gear (PIG) offer
search offer improved dexterity and increased hand protection
feel while still providing insulation. TThe he while allowing a good shooting
gloves are also water resistant and have ha grip. The trigger finger uses a very
a neoprene cuff to help keep warmthh in and thin synthetic leather for maximum
the elements out. For more information, tition
on, visit sensitivity. For more information,
outdoorresearch.com or call 855-967-8197.
67- 7-81
8 97. visit patrolincidentgear.com.
“
RINGERS GLOVES TACPROGEAR GRIP
R-21 TACTICAL A general duty glove, the Tacpro-
Ringers Gloves offers excep- gear Grip offers excellent dexterity
tional protection to the hand Gloves and sensitivity. The fingertips are
with the R-21 Tactical gloves.
The R-21 uses 6mm-thick
are a kind tacky for a better grip, and there
is padding over the palm
padding on the top of the of body and knuckles for increased
hand, knuckles and fingers to armor protection. A hook-and-loop
reduce potential injuries. The
padding is segmented to allow
for the
“ closure at the wrist helps
keep debris out of the
for better dexterity. For more hands. glove during strenuous
information, visit ringersgloves. activity. For more, visit tacprogear.
com or call 800-421-8584. com or call 561-865-7279.

P320 ™
WE
DROPPED
THE HAMMER
ON THE COMPETITION.
THE NEW P320. We asked leading law enforcement professionals
what they required in a pistol. They told us they needed safe, tool-free
disassembly. A smooth, consistent trigger pull. A proper fit for any hand
size—not just a back strap. We listened. And carefully followed orders. The
result is the P320. A superior pistol in every way.
Learn more at
SIGSAUER.COM/P320
GLOCK
GUN TEST
42
.380
ACP
W
hen it comes to but I was able to get an early sample for The Glock 42 has an extremely
LEO duty pistols, testing
g in late 2013. Only 0.94 inches thick, short trigger reach, which will also endear
Glock is a trusted 4.13 inches
ches high and 5.94 inches long, it to petite female officers and male officers
and proven brand. this will pistol lie flat against your body in with short fingers. Its cartridge capac-
And, with the introduc- a pocket or vest holster without bulging ity is six .380 rounds in the magazine,
tion of the .380 Glock 42, cops have a through your
ur uniform. Weighing only 13.76 and a seventh carried safely in the firing
great deep-cover or backup gun option ounces unloaded,
aded, its feathery heft will chamber of its 3.25-inch barrel. The pistol’s
that works just like their primary duty gun. be appreciated
ed by a uniformed officer over- overall size is roughly comparable to the
The subcompact Glock 42 in .380 ACP burdened with duty gear, and the lightly S&W Shield and Springfield XD-S, but it’s
was officially introduced in January 2014, dressed off-dutyy cop in hot weather alike. distinctly lighter and thinner with much less

Next-gen
deep-cover pistol
offers 6+1 rounds
of backup firepower!
By Massad Ayoob
Straight 8 photos
The new G42 is extremely

compact yet carries plenty of lifesaving
.380 ACP backup firepower as well as
Glock’s renowned simplicity and reliability.
recoil. Though the internals are slightly Factory specified fo

for a 5.5-pound trig- lash. For targeting, the pistol has a stan-
different to allow for a drastically reduced ger pull (gene
(generally measured from the toe dard Glock white-outlined, square-notch
size, the mechanism and trigger pull are of th
the trigger), my test G42’s trigger had rear sight and a white-dot front sight. Both
essentially “all Glock,” a system which has a 7-pound pull weight when measured were easy enough to see and align.
proven itself to be extremely “shootable”
“sh from the center of the trigger, where the
under stress for more th
than a quarter cen- finger normally lies. However, because RANGE TIME
tury. It is much easier to learn to shoot well the short trigger reach lets shooters get There is a long history of small “pocket
than most micro .380 pistols, which tend
tha more finger on the trigger, it felt like 5 or guns” being difficult to shoot accurately at
to recoil rather sharply and have relatively 6 pounds. The pull was smooth and the distance. This is due to their short sight
long, heavy trigger pulls for every shot. break was clean, without noticeable back- radius, their very light weight in relation

GLOCK 42 .380 ACP
With a width of 0.94 inches,

a height of 4.13 inches and
an overall length of 5.94
inches, the Glock 42 is
very easy to conceal.
to relatively heavy trigger pulls and small

grip frames that don’t allow for a full hand
grasp. Accordingly, it is customary to test
very small handguns like these at no more
than 15 yards, or as little as 7 yards. How-
ever, there are no bad guys who’ve been
across a parking lot shooting at an off-duty
cop who said to each other, “Gosh, Spike,
that poor off-duty cop we’re shooting at only
has a little gun, so let’s be fair to him and
level the playing field. Let’s get closer to him,
so he can shoot us easier.” Accordingly, I
“ Clearly, the police

community is voting with
its feet and its wallets “
in favor of these neat
little .380s.
make a point of testing off-duty and backup
guns at the same distance now included in
most service pistol qualifications: 25 yards.
Initial testing showed the bullets group-
ing slightly left of the point of aim at 25
yards, but some quick work with a univer-
sal sight-pushing tool brought the point of
impact center and square with the point
of aim. Winchester’s affordable, 95-grain,
full-metal-jacket (FMJ) “White Box” ammo
is a practice load for .380s, but some be-
lieve that FMJs are the best choice for a
defensive .380 because they guarantee
sufficient penetration. This load put all five
shots in 3.6 inches at 25 yards, and the best
three into 1.6 inches. For perspective, a

Sean Utley photos
GLOCK 42
Straight 8 photo
SPECIFICATIONS PERFORMANCE
E
Caliber: .380 ACP • Barrel: 3.25 inches Load Velocity Accuracy
OA Length: 5.94 inches • Sights: Fixed
Remington 102 Golden Saber JHP 871 3.55
Weight: 13.76 ounces (empty) Winchester 95 White Box FMJ 873 3.60
Grips: Polymer • Action: Safe Action
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in
The G42 has a short trigger reach and, like Finish: Black, surface-hardened feet per second (fps) by chronograph, and accuracy
all Glock pistols, has the trigger safety
Capacity: 6+1 • MSRP: $480 in inches for five-shot groups at 25 yards.
toggle that prevents accidental discharges.
group size of 4 inches at 25 yards is widely with it, I was almost out of .380 ammuni-
touted as acceptable service pistol accu- tion. With some 95-grain PMC FMJ ammu-
racy for a full-sized duty gun. nition at 7 yards, firing at PPC competition
However, the round my test G42 liked pace with a two-handed, standing Isosce-
best was the heaviest .380 hollow point les stance, the traditional five-shot group
out there, the Remington 102-grain Golden measured 1.15 inches, with four shots
Saber. Five shots went into 3.55 inches at just about touching in a 0.55-inch cluster.
25 yards, with four of them in 1.45 inches Clearly, the G42 is one accurate .380 ACP.
and the best three in 1.2 inches.
During testing, the Glock 42 pistol ejected
By the time I got to 7- and 15-yard ac- IN PRACTICE
every spent casing reliably, thanks in curacy testing, having run hundreds of Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF)
part to its external extractor. scarce .380 rounds through the G42 to test pistol matches are hugely popular all around
its reliability and competed in two matches the U.S., and they draw many cops. In Feb-
GLOCK 42 .380 ACP
ruary of 2014, I had the chance to compete position, I found that if I contacted the trig-
with the G42 in the first two such matches ger with the pad of my trigger finger, I pulled
with the new “Pocket Glock” category, in left. I quickly learned to center my finger’s
Orlando, Florida, and Griffin, Georgia. distal joint on the trigger, as if shooting a
Shooting from a standing, off-hand posi- double-action revolver. The shots returned
tion and against the clock, I found the short to the center, but not before I had left one
trigger reach could be a problem. Starting steel plate standing in Orlando.
with my finger out of the triggerguard (as Otherwise, the G42 sent the bullets
required) and coming up from a low-ready where I held the sights, and I finished in the
MARIETTA PD
ADOPTS THE
GLOCK 42
Early in 2014, the Marietta, Georgia, Police Department
ent adopted the
Glock 42 as a backup/off-duty gun for its officers, perhaps the first law
enforcement agency to do so. Their testing of early samples had shown
that the pistol was sufficiently reliable and “shootable” for the task.
I spoke with Lt. Brian Marshall, the department’s lead firearms instructor and a
regular “trainer of trainers” for the International Association of Law Enforcement
Firearms Instructors (IALEFI). Almost immediately, he told us, 70 of the 100 G42s
were spoken for, requested by working cops. The G42 had captured their attention
with its lightweight and flat profile. Each was issued with an Uncle Mike’s vest hol-
ster, though pocket and ankle holsters are also allowed.
RELIABLE BACKUP: Lt. Marshall is pleased with the transition to the .380 back-
up guns so far. These small Glocks have proven easy to shoot quickly and accurately
under stress. The officers’ familiarity with the Glock already eased the adoption of
the new backup/off-duty piece; Marietta has been a Glock department since the late
1980s. The agency prides itself on top equipment: They have issued Glock 22s with
Insight Technology M3 weapon-mounted lights for more than a decade. Lt. Marshall
is also one of the leading authorities on the use of weapon-mounted lights.
Training and qualification with the Glock .380
Marietta officer
include stages in which the officers sustain fire Jake King carries
with their .40s until they run out of ammunition, his issued Glock
and then transition to the backup guns. Transitions 42 blackup in a
fast-access pocket
are encouraged at the end of all shooting drills
that is part of his
that run the primary gun empty. Shooting includes bulletproof vest.
firing while moving, drawing while supine and other
wounded-officer survival techniques suited to
using secondary handguns.
The G42’s reliability has been top-
notch with U.S.-made ammuni-
tion, Lt. Marshall reports. The
currently issued load for the
G42s is the Speer Gold Dot,
though the department may
soon switch to Hornady Critical Defense, which
impressed the firearms training staff in IALEFI-
sponsored ballistic gelatin testing.
In adopting the Glock 42, this forward-
thinking police department has made a move
that gives them a great option for backup carry,
allowing them in turn to better protect the public
they are sworn to serve. —By Massad Ayoob

GLOCK 42 .380 ACP
top five at both Pocket Glock events. At the ever, when concealability took priority over
Griffin match, my time was within a second power, .380s have been issued as primary
of my score with the Glock I seem to shoot handguns to undercover agents, autho-
best, the subcompact, .45 caliber G30, in rized for detectives and supervisors, and
what the GSSF calls the “Major Sub” cat- issued as backups by various prestigious
egory. With one shot per target, the course agencies. The big complaint I’ve heard
Sean Utley photo

of fire is identical between Pocket Glock about the G42 from brother officers in per-
and Major Sub. This told me that the G42 is son and on the internet is, “It isn’t cham-
one “shootable” little .380! bered for the 9mm!” If that’s your concern,
Light and flat, the Glock 42 disappeared G42 magazines, which hold six .380 ACP
I can only say, “Wait a while.” If that’s not
under my shirt in a Galco inside-the-waist- rounds, have witness holes so you can a concern and you’re comfortable with the
band holster clipped to the top strap of a easily see how much ammo you have left. .380’s power level, you know why cops are
Second Chance ballistic vest in a shoul- ordering Glock 42s for backup and off-duty
der-holster-like position. It also carried very carry in droves. We all know that with hand-
comfortably in a Galco pocket holster in the matches, one with Winchester flat-nose ball gun ammo in general and less-powerful
left-side pocket of some lightweight cargo ammo in Orlando and the other with a Speer rounds in particular, it takes precise shot
pants. In one department that has made Lawman round-nose FMJ in Griffin. Both placement to end a lethal fight. The G42 is
the G42 an optionally issued backup, along were premature lock-opens of the slide, and one .380 whose design lends itself to such
with snubnose revolvers and subcompact each was cured by simply thumbing down precise shot placement.
9mms and .40s already in inventory, the the slide-stop lever. One may have been Gun dealers serving law enforcement
comfort factor of the G42 is already sky- caused by the median joint of my right thumb agencies tell me that they’re already
rocketing it to the position of being the fa- hitting the slide stop during the firing cycle. hugely back-ordered on individual officers’
vorite backup in that department. purchases of Glock 42s. Clearly, the po-
I ran hundreds of rounds through the UNDERCOVER lice community is voting with its feet and
G42 in testing with zero malfunctions. The .380 ACP has never been consid- its wallets in favor of these neat little .380s.
The only two malfunctions I later expe- ered powerful enough in this country to be For more information, visit us.glock.com or
rienced were (naturally!) in the Glock an on-duty uniform service pistol. How- call 770-432-1202.

longdistance
carriers THIS could be your RIFLE. At Savage, we understand the difference between a
shooter and a rifleman. For those wanting to test their skills at extreme distances there are the M110 and M111 rifles in 338
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SAVAGEARMS.COM
GUN TEST
Ultra-compact submachine gun

born for 21st century CQB operations!
By David Bahde
Early on in my police and

tactical team career, “high
speed” referred to how you drove—
not the weapons or gear you fielded.
Operators often made their own “nylon,” and tactics and
training were ad hoc at best. Training experts were few and
far between. Teams just did not share much, so you were
kind of on your own. Shortly after being placed in charge of my
Sean Utley photo
agency’s tactical team, I made it my focus to get as much training
as possible. Thankfully, a friend of mine owned a gun store, allowing
me to get a second job to facilitate out-of-state training at my own
expense. Like most agencies in my area, “outside” training meant
travel to the next county, and that was about it. Since we fielded
Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns at the time, HK seemed the
best place to start when it came to training. After I worked my way
Sig Sauer’s through HK’s Master Submachine Gun training course, I passed
new MPX
submachine that knowledge on to my team. My operators began to love the
gun provides platform and realize its effectiveness. To my amazement, however,
AR-platform
controls in a in each subsequent SWAT school, the guru in charge told me my
lightweight, submachine gun was “obsolete” and must be replaced by a rifle.
compact package
built for high-risk I’ve spent close to three decades in the police world, and many
entry operations. things termed “obsolete” seem to still be around. Unfortunately,
GUNS-WEAPONS.com
Photo courtesy Sig Sauer
The MPX is available

in several calibers
and configurations,
including the MPX-
SD variant (shown),
which features an
8-inch barrel and an
integral suppressor.
obsolescence is more a product of systems are almost exotic, and the AR-based systems have
what is popular, not practical. Fortu- proven to be less than popular for a number of reasons. What
nately, time seems to prove that, with today’s operators really needed was a true submachine gun, built
more than a few weapons coming back from the ground up, that utilizes all of the advantages of the AR
after being replaced by the next greatest platform without its problems. It looks like Sig Sauer has just the
thing. It’s true of pistols and shotguns, and ticket with its next-generation MPX.
it’s also true of the submachine gun.
Contrary to popular belief, submachine GUN DETAILS
guns remain a viable system for many different The MPX is available in a number of configurations. The
applications. Some agencies remain unconvinced standard model that I was able to test has an 8-inch, threaded
of the need for rifles, or politics preclude them from fielding barrel. The MPX-P is configured as a pistol using the same
them. Submachine guns are a solid replacement. Truly urban 8-inch barrel with no stock. The MPX-SD model utilizes an
teams who prefer pistol calibers still use submachine guns. Their 8-inch, ported barrel that is integrally suppressed. For those in
compact size makes them a good choice for motor units or those need of a shorter version, the MPX-K utilizes a 4.5-inch barrel.
working in close quarters. Detectives with my agency continue to While offered in select-fire, Sig Sauer is also doing a 16-inch
use .45 caliber submachine guns with great success. Protective version for the standard rifle market in semi-automatic verisons.
details often prefer pistol-caliber weapons for concealment, ease All are available with either an aluminum or carbon-fiber forend,
of use, efficiency and firepower, especially when suppressed. and a folding or collapsible buttstock.
While the MP5 remains the most prolific given its time in The 9mm SIG-SD silencer is available for use on the threaded
service, several other submachine guns exist today, including barrels. The standard 9mm SIG-SD is 3.9 inches long, and a
the HK UMP (the MP5’s replacement). Several other compa- longer version like the one I tested will soon be made available.
nies have developed similar systems, and there are always the Magazines are built specifically for the MPX by Lancer Systems,
AR-type rifles chambered in pistol calibers. Most of the newer and they are available in 10-, 20- and 30-round capacities.

SIG SAUER MPX 9mm Sean Utley photos
time. Any AR-compatible trig- The modular forend

The author tested the MPX with ger can also be installed. makes it easy to
a prototype 9mm SIG-SID mount lights, lasers
The remaining controls
suppressor that did not and other accessories
are also in the AR style, like Sig Sauer’s
affect the weapon’s
reliability or including the magazine vertical foregrip.
accuracy. and bolt release, which
are ambidextrous. The
non-reciprocating charg- forth at will. Shoot-
ing handle is placed simi- ing from roughly
larly to an AR’s, and it does 20 yards off-hand,
not interfere with any rail-mounted the MPX seemed
accessories. While the excellent SIG516 to be as accurate
pistol grip is used, any AR-based grip can as a rifle, more so
Sig Sauer’s be added. Stocks are interchangeable and than a submachine gun,
MPX-C will have a can be configured based on mission needs. creating one ever-larger hole in paper tar-
specially designed muzzle gets and a solid slab of lead on the steel
brake that is permanently at- RANGE TIME targets. As expected, recoil was all but non-
tached to the 8-inch barrel, making it I tested an early prototype of a stan- existent, and the SIG- SD suppressor kept
a 16-inch-barreled weapon available for dard 9mm MPX with a 6.5-inch barrel and the SMG pretty much exactly where it was
civilian purchase. Configured in semi-auto, a folding stock while I was at the Sig Sauer aimed with very little movement. The MPX is
it is still in the works and should hit the mar- Academy. The stock folded to the left and flat-out accurate, no matter the conditions.
ket as soon as it has made it through the snapped into place nicely. You will be able One of the equalizing factors with a
BATFE approval process. to order a production gun that both folds submachine gun is the ability to administer
The MPX utilizes Sig Sauer’s proven and collapses. The prototype 9mm SIG-SD controlled bursts on select-fire. While pos-
short-stroke gas piston system, configured silencer was attached to the threaded bar- sible with a rifle, it can be very difficult with
specifically for this platform. The use of a rel; it measured about 5 inches in length— an SMG. The standard during the Master
fully closed and locked rotating bolt en- just a bit longer than the standard model. Submachine Gun and Hostage Rescue
hances its operation and safety. Barrels can For targeting, I had flip-up AR-style backup school at HK was putting four rounds into
be changed in the field to meet varying mis- iron sights as well as a Sig Mini Red Dot 0.75 inches while moving and firing on full-
sion requirements, and the bolt holds open Sight. Not only was this MPX a prototype, auto. With practice, failure drills consisted
on the last round. Starting out in 9mm, the but it had seen some serious range time of getting nine rounds on target while on
MPX is easily convertible to .357 SIG and with an estimated 10,000-plus rounds of all the move. Mimicking this standard, shoot-
.40 S&W. A monolithic upper receiver with types of ammunition run through it. I used ing doubles and triples with the MPX was a
an integral top rail allows for the use of any both 20- and 30-round magazines. For breeze. With a rate of fire exceeding 1,000
common AR-compatible sighting system, ammunition, I used Speer 124-grain FMJ rpm, it’s easy to get a lot of rounds on target
including red dots and holographic sights. rounds. All of the testing was done in full in short order. Shooting on the move, it was
The MPX utilizes AR-style controls, kit, minus a helmet. equally easy to keep multiple-round bursts
which makes for After a few rounds to find the proper on target. About the only thing the MPX
minimal training hold, I was able to stack three rounds on would not do easily was allow for “singles”
and transition top of each other on the head of a steel sil- on select-fire. Honestly, that is a product of
houette target at roughly 40 yards. Using a the rate of fire and the AR trigger. I could do
similar steel target with a 4-inch swinging it, but not consistently—it’s about the same
“hostage” plate, I was able to pretty with my M16 rifles. From a practical per-
much move the swinging spective, it is less an issue with these con-
portion back and trols, as moving back to semi-auto is pretty
easy, but it is something to be aware of. For
the most part, trigger presses on select-fire
will be doubles or more.
SIG SAUER MPX The AR platform seems to dominate the
tactical world in America, and the MPX
SPECIFICATIONS uses the same basic controls. It’ll
Caliber: 9mm • Barrel: 8 inches be very seamless to move
OA Length: 16.7-24 inches back and forth between an
Weight: 6.2 pounds (empty) AR-type rifle and the MPX.
Stock: Folding • Sights: None The MPX’s reliability was also
Action: Piston-operated, select-fire Photo courtesy Sig Sauer
excellent, especially consider-
Finish: Hardcoat anodized black ing that my test gun was a proto-
The MPX utilizes
Capacity: 10+1, 20+1, 30+1 type. Ejection was consistent and
Lancer-made mags
MSRP: N/A and either a folding reliable. Magazines inserted easily
or collapsible stock. and fit in my M4 magazine pouches.

SIG SAUER MPX 9mm
Sean Utley photos

The MPX’s monolithic upper receiver
features a long Picatinny top rail for
mounting optics and sights, such as these
flip-up front (left) and rear (right) units.
Sized very similarly to MP5 magazines, my

guess is any of those would work very well.
FINAL NOTES
Suppressed, the MPX is almost com-
pletely ear safe (unless you’re shooting
steel plates), and it’s easily usable on op-
erations without hearing protection. Even
heated up during sustained fire, there were
no visible point-of-impact shifts. Because
of the threaded barrel, the suppressor is
easy to remove, making for a really com-
pact package. The 13.5x1 LH thread pitch
keeps the suppressor from coming loose
under sustained automatic fire.
Its critical to remember that many offi-
cers these days have never seen an MP5
outside of video games. Most operators
have only run one system (an AR), and the
MPX is very easy to transition to. This allows
a team to change weapons based on mis-
sion without learning a new manual of arms.
The MPX’s folding stock made it pos-
sible to start from a concealed position one
might use in a protective detail and move
smoothly and easily to well-aimed shoulder
fire—even while I was on the move. It may
be the most versatile submachine gun pro-
duced in recent history.
Chambered in 9mm, the MPX is an
excellent weapon, and moving to the .357
SIG will add some serious ballistics capa-
bilities to the platform. Given how well the
prototype worked, I am looking forward to
the chance to work with the first production
guns. If you are looking for a solid subma-
chine gun, make sure you check out the
MPX. For more information, visit sigsauer.
com or call 603-772-2302.

GUN TEST
The new MERC415

carbine in 5.56mm
NATO is a reliable,
M4-style upgrade
born for LEO patrol
and SWAT details.
Shown with a
Bushnell TRS-32.
Go beyond “mil-spec”
with this Magpul-
enhanced carbine!
By Rich Grassi
Photos by Sean Utley
If you’ve not heard of the modern Enfield makes an AR-style rifle in the U.S.A. In attempting
to attract buyers interested less in “hobby-grade”
Rifle Company, or MERC, don’t feel alone. AR-15 carbines, MERC has arrived at a “Mil-
According to MERC’s site, the company sought GRADE” standard, as opposed to “mil-spec,”
to bring the Old World aura to what it refers to as itself somewhat of a misnomer.
“New World technology.” As MERC seeks accep- “Mil-spec” confers the understanding that the
tance from law enforcement personnel and citizens, particular firearm is built from its specified Techni-
the company used a name it says was “previously cal Data Package, or TDP. The TDPs are govern-
reserved for military and security forces.” ment owned and are supplied to manufacturers
The company, the site goes on to note, is “100 attempting to bid on U.S. government contracts. The
percent American owned, Georgia based” and prospective bidder has to agree not to use informa-

ENFIELD MERC415 5.56mm
The flattop upper

provides plenty of
space for sights and
optics, such as the
Bushnell TRS-32.
The Magpul MOE

handguard is made
of durable polymer,
and rail sections can
be added as needed.
tion contained in the TDP for any pur- kee Hill Machine’s aggressive Phantom
pose other than the bidding process. flash suppressor is affixed to the muzzle.
ENFIELD
D
MERC415
15
5
The information in the TDP is not sup- The gun appropriately has a carbine-
posed to be placed into any item made length gas system and M4 feed ramps.
for commercial consumption. Material The front sight base is “F” stamped,
SPECIFICATIONS
specifications, certifications of materials meaning it’s made for the flattop up-
and material suppliers, and military test- per receiver—an important feature if Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
ing protocols are all part of the package. you want to zero the carbine with iron Barrel: 16 inches
Among the specifications that do become sights. T-marks are engraved along the OA Length: 33 inches
known are the materials and finishes. top rail, and the upper is mil-spec hard- Weight: 6.3 pounds (empty)
The question then is how far can coat anodized. The bolt is made from Stock: Magpul MOE
you stray from USGI and still make MP-inspected Carpenter 158 steel. The Sights: A2 front, Magpul MBUS
BUS rearr
a quality product? Mission-essential gas key, according to factory specs, is Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
semi
m auto
u
components and processes need to be properly staked. The extractor has the Finish: Hardcoat anodized black
ackk
present. What does that mean for an appropriate spring and black O-ring. Capacity: 30+1 • MSRP: $1,295
2955
AR-platform rifle build? The lower receiver has a rear sling
PERFORMANCE
For MERC, Mil-GRADE stands for loop (MERC apparently prefers single-
Load Velocity
cityy Accuracy
c cy
“Military-Government Requirements and point slings, as there’s no forward sling
Data Equivalent.” Critical raw materials attachment) and a mil-spec, six-position ASYM Precision 75 OTM 2,60404 1 40
1.404
and components are ordered from the buffer tube. The trigger is clean, not par- 36
Black Hills 68 Match HP 2,736 11.60
6
60
same suppliers and vendors that sup- ticularly heavy. Without putting it on a Hornady 55 TAP FPD 2,852
52 11.70
770
ply those materials to Uncle Sam. The rifle vise and using a trigger pull gauge, Bullet weight measured in grains,
a ,
parts don’t come from military supplier I’m guessing it weighs about 5 pounds velocity in fps by chronograph,
aph,
h,
assembly lines. The big difference is or so, and it’s very clean. and accuracy in inches for best
s
that raw material batches aren’t audited The Magpul upgrades on the five-shot groups at 100 yards.
rds.
ds.
by government inspectors and samples MERC415 include the MBUS rear sight,
aren’t kept for later government inspec- the MOE pistol grip, buttstock and hand-
tions or measurements. guard, and the included PMAG and en- low and left but were easily
asily
The goal was to sell the most reli- hanced triggerguard. The rifle ships in on paper.
able carbine possible without the costs a hard plastic case with a foam interior. I began testing the
of government inspection and examina- carbine’s accuracy, allowing
wing
tion. Non-essential components that are RANGE TIME it to cool between shots. Know-
seen as “product improvements” on the For accuracy testing, I mounted a ing that the 1994 militaryy stan-
original are added, like Magpul furniture. Trijicon 1-4x AccuPoint scope on the dard for the M4A1 calls for a 10-
MERC415, loaded up my Shooting shot, 100-yard group not exceeding
GUN DETAILS Chrony Beta chronograph, some tar- 5 inches—and knowing ng what I
The MERC415 is an M4-style carbine gets and an assortment of ammunition, know about shooters and d the vari-
without the short barrel and the select- and headed to the range. ous carbines I’ve tested d over the
fire capability. The 16-inch barrel has I began by patching the barrel and years—five-shot groups with decent
an M4 profile and is made from 4150 ensuring we were operating on enough ammunition out of good d M4-type
chrome-moly-vanadium steel. The rifle lube. I set a target at 25 yards and commercial guns tend to o vary from
has a 5.56mm NATO chamber, and the checked the optic. I had to adjust the fo- 2 to 4 inches at 100 yards.
s.
barrel features 1-in-7-inch, right-hand cus when I ran the scope up to its maxi- I use a magnified optic to do
twist rifling. The bore and chamber are mum magnification and had little hope these tests, though I’ve shot with
chrome lined, and the barrel has been I would be very close to center. Five zero-magnification opticss and with
magnetic-particle (MP) inspected. Yan- rounds later, I found we were headed irons. As I age, I tend to
o move to-

The 5.56mm
MERC415
carbine
comes with
a polymer,
windage-
adjustable
Magpul
MBUS rear
sight that
flips up
quickly.
ward comfort and away

aw from a Spartan ap-
proach when it comes
come to accuracy testing.
The MERC415 w was closing onto the
short list of the best of the carbines I’ve
gotten to shoot. Th The trigger no doubt
contributed to the scscore, and the Trijicon
AccuPoint certainly d didn’t hurt. The bullet
weights, from 55 to 757 grains, didn’t seem
to vastly influence the groups, either—
something I’ve noticed
notice in other 1-in-7- and
1-in-8-inch-twist barrels.
barr These twist rates
are supposed to be too fast for 55-grain
bullets, but they don
don’t tend to display the
inaccuracy I’ve been given to expect at 100
yards. I imagine greater
gre distances would
create greater issue
issues for light bullets re-
gardless of the barre
barrel’s rifling twist.
LE INSIGHTS
L
Carbines like the
M
MERC415 are meant
for patrol duties, so I
removed the Accu-
Point and zeroed the
P
iron sigh
sights. Using the A1/A2
AR-15 front sight wr wrench from Brownells,
I got the gun on paper
pape at 25 yards and set
a hard zero out to 75 yards. My friend and
associate Tiger McK McKee recommends 75
yards as a good compromise zero for
a defense carbine. Holding on
threats be between 20 and 100
yards—aiming for the center of
yards—aim
their chest—will
chest— get solid hits as-
suming good trigger control. While
we can debate
debat zero procedures at
25, 50 and 100 yards,
yards for my purposes the
75-yard zero is the best
be compromise.
Having completed that chore, I set an
appointment to mee meet with Chuck Hag-
gard, a law enforce
enforcement officer, to get
his take on the ca carbine. Haggard ran
three loads through the gun. I provided
Black Hills 55-grain ammunition, and he
brought some ext extremely light ball am-
munition as wel well as some standard
M193 ball rounds
rounds. The Black Hills and

ENFIELD MERC415 5.56mm
“
The trigger is solid but clean.
More upgrades include the
MERC415’s “F”-stamped
front sight post, a YHM
Phantom flash suppressor
and a Magpul PMAG.
The gun, with its chromed chamber and bore, “
is more accurate than it has any right to be.
M193 chugged through the tion port. At the end of the experience, isn’t exactly cheap, but it comes with en-
MERC415 regularly. He had the steel badly needed repainting, the hancements and upgrades such that the
a steel silhouette set up at rifle needed to be cleaned and we’d ex- price point isn’t out of line.
50 yards, and it was no perienced no stoppages with PMAGs or Further, it’s more accurate in my lim-
chore for him to smite the USGI-style aluminum magazines. ited testing than some brands that have
steel with regularity. been around for many years. And before
He had no trouble hit- FINAL NOTES someone questions why part of the test
ting the steel with the 55-grain fac- In the end, it’s obvious that MERC is included firing with iron sights instead of
tory ammunition, either, but I noticed that serious about producing a superior prod- adding a zero-magnification optic, here’s
the empties just barely cleared the ejec- uct. With a price of $1,295, the MERC415 the reason: It’s not unheard of for a manu-
The upper receiver features M4 feed
ramps for enhanced reliability, and the
MERC415’s controls are standard AR.
The lower receiver features a Magpul MOE

grip with a storage compartment as well
as Magpul’s enhanced triggerguard.
facturer to put an AR-15 front sight base

on a flat-top upper. The result is that you
can’t zero the rifle with the standard front
sight post—it isn’t long enough. Instead of
visually confirming the dimensions of the
base, we just shot the carbine with iron
sights. The Magpul furniture is familiar and
works just fine. The handguard keeps your
hand far enough down so you don’t get
the unintentional M4 burn if you reach all
the way out to the front with your support
hand. The rear sight was easy to zero, and
the sighting arrangement worked just fine.
The trigger is solid but clean. The gun, with
its chromed chamber and bore, is more
accurate than it has any right to be.
I need another AR like I need a hole in
the head, but the MERC415 is a fine utility
carbine. I’d certainly carry it. For more infor-
mation, visit enfieldrifleco.com.

HIGH TECH
BY SCOTT CONDITT
EYE IN THE SKY Today’s unmanned aerial vehicles

are ready for silent, ultra-HD
surveillance duties!
Draganfly
Innovations X-6
Draganfly Tango
fixed-wing UAV
Vanguard Defense
ShadowHawk
It’s no secret that aerial reconnais- number of operations,” noted Michael operated and recovered solely from a lap-
sance and surveillance has played Buscher, the CEO of Vanguard De- top. We can plug in up to 1,000 individual
fense Industries. With a 165-acre GPS waypoints, which are geographical
an important role in both military training facility based in Conroe, locations the aircraft can be flown to on
and law enforcement operations Texas, Vanguard has been command, and it’s all GPS guided.”
worldwide for decades now. developing and supplying military, In developing a UAV for public safe-
Using air support to identify and track subjects of law enforcement and commercial demands for ty, Vanguard first approached the FAA in
interest and personnel on the ground, while relay- UAV technology worldwide since 2008. Vanguard order to ensure compliances were met
ing important information to central command, has was even recently approached by the California and to establish a cooperative and collaborative
proven to be an invaluable asset in determining Highway Patrol and the U.S. Customs and Border relationship when designing its systems. While
strategy and keeping operatives safe. The latest Protection agency for proposals and concept-of- taking the FAA’s considerations to the drawing
advancements in aerial surveillance technology operations reviews, so it seems the tech trend is board, at the same time, Vanguard approached
have not only dramatically reduced the overall clearly on the rise. law enforcement agencies around the country for
size of the aircraft required to perform such detail, With budgetary constraints and resource their feedback on what would make a superior
but they have also removed the need for a pilot to management routinely being scrutinized, an unmanned system. “At the end of the day, we sat
be on board—or even at the controls at all. attractive feature of the overall UAV design is that down with our team of engineers, we combined
Routinely referred to as “drones,” these they could actually save law enforcement agen- those two lists and came up with an aircraft that
small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have cies money. “They come to us as an alternative to met or exceeded LEO requirements and made
rapidly taken law enforcement operations to their full-sized manned aircraft. They’re trying to the FAA exceedingly pleased with the way we
new heights in the last few years. Resembling do as much, if not more, with shrinking budgets. met their requirements.”
sleek, multi-rotor-powered, remote-controlled They can now achieve aerial surveillance while
hobbyist aircraft, the new-school UAVs can fit deploying the craft themselves from their vehicle SHADOWHAWK SPECS
into the trunk space of a police cruiser or SUV within 15 minutes versus relying on a third-party Other features that define the ShadowHawk
and usually host an array of specialized features air asset that may take hours to arrive on scene,” as a standout include its ability to maintain aerial
for LEOs operating in the field. From cutting- noted Buscher. According to the company’s web- surveillance of an area (i.e., a house, vehicle,
edge camera arrays to advanced navigation and site, the operating costs of Vanguard’s flagship person, etc.) at an altitude of 700 feet for up to
tracking systems, these rapid-deployment aerial aircraft, the ShadowHawk, are calculated at ap- 3 hours without being able to be heard or seen
surveillance units are far from being a child’s proximately “11 percent of a manned helicopter, from the ground, unlike a full-sized aircraft. This
plaything. To explore how agencies worldwide which includes the difference in fuel costs/expen- presents a great advantage for an entry team
are utilizing the technology, and where it may be diture, maintenance and pilot pay.” executing a high-risk warrant, rescuing a hostage
headed, we spoke with two of the leading UAVs Beyond the benefit of lowering operating or other high-risk scenarios. The ShadowHawk
designers and manufacturers in the industry. costs, a number of the ShadowHawk’s operating also employs a Kevlar-reinforced fuel tank, which
features further enhance personnel and public protects it in the event the craft should ever take
VANGUARD DEFENSE safety, including military-grade, GPS-based guid- ground fire. In such an instance, the militarized
“In the last year, the uptick in [UAV] usage ance features and fail-safes. Buscher said, “Our ShadowHawk is capable of firing back, with either
has been tremendous. We’ve worked with local, aircraft are what is known as ‘fully autonomous,’ it’s 40mm or 37mm grenade launcher or 12 gauge
state and federal law enforcement in supporting a which means that the aircraft can be launched, shotgun rounds, all targeting with laser designator

systems. It should be noted that currently no
U.S.-based LE agencies are employing lethal
countermeasures in UAV designs, however,
videos online have featured independent UAV
designers successfully outfitting Tasers, gas
canisters and non-lethal 12 gauge rounds to
their crafts in controlled demonstrations.
The ShadowHawk’s aircraft-mounted,
electro-optical camera, with its 36x zoom, is
so powerful and versatile that it can zoom in
and lock onto suspects below from 1,000 feet
in the air and not only determine if they are
armed, but whether or not there is a magazine
in the magazine well of the weapon—and
even identify the weapon’s make and model.
All of this ultimately translates to officer safety.
Operators can also flip a switch to “go thermal”
with a FLIR camera for night operations.
“The FLIR camera is so powerful and
clear that when someone walks through an
area you can actually see their footsteps for
several minutes after, depending on the ambi-
ent temperature around them,” cited Buscher,
regarding how the ShadowHawk was recently
used during one suspect apprehension.
Vanguard has revealed that two new
models are on the horizon, slated for release
before the year’s end, including an electric,
hand-launched, tri-copter model and a hybrid
model of the ShadowHawk, which will be
primarily hydrogen powered and should offer
double the endurance of current models (up
to six-hour flight times) as well as reduced
heat and sound signatures. The tri-copter
“…new-school UAVs can fit

into the trunk space of a
police cruiser or SUV and
usually host an array of
specialized features for LEOs
“
operating in the field.
will be able to navigate hallways and interior

spaces easily, and users can flip between the
HD camera and thermal imaging systems,
allowing it to detect otherwise invisible thermal
handprints and footsteps leading from one
area of a home to another. The UAVs will even
be able to ascend vertically into crawl spaces
and attics without risking an officer or K9’s
life. This capability alone is a far cry from the
heavy, loud and clunky ground-based “SWAT

EYE IN THE SKY
UAV systems come in all shapes and sizes.

Reaching new heights, they provide unparalleled
vantage points for LEOs on the ground.
bots” of old, which are still in use today for EOD and
recon in both the military and policing sectors.
DRAGANFLY INNOVATIONS
Draganfly Innovations, based in Saskatchewan,
Canada, began its journey within the UAV hobby sec-
tor but has since developed a number of unmanned
aircraft now widely used by law enforcement, fire,
and search and rescue operations worldwide. Kevin
Lauscher, head of industrial sales and training,
described how feedback from clients and public ser-
vice agencies has allowed Draganfly Innovations to
consistently improve its line of “Draganflyers” to carry
heavier payloads and larger cameras, which are
now being combined with advanced data-collecting,
3D-mapping, forensics analysis and crime scene
software capabilities to aid in LE investigations.
Lauscher noted, “As more people dig into these
systems and use the technology, it will become more
accepted and the true value of it will be seen.” One
such demonstration revealed how a single Draganfly
unit can fly over a crash or crime scene and ef-
fectively “stitch” together a number of ultra-high-res-
olution photographs from multiple angles, combining
them into what is called an orthomosaic composite
3D image. This 3D image allows investigators to
virtually “walk the scene” later and zoom in on details
within approximately 5 centimeters in astonishing
clarity. According to Lauscher, the level of reliability,
quality of data, ease of use and cost efficiency of the
unmanned aerial systems are major factors that have
driven interest from agencies worldwide.
Approaching and engaging suspects on the
run often involves a high degree of risk for officers.
Pursuing a suspect into the night can prove not only
be challenging, but it can also be fatal. For LEOs
everywhere, utilizing the
best possible tools available
within their agencies to
CONTACT
ensure that they make it Draganfly
home to their families at the Innovations
draganfly.com
end of shift is priority one. In 800-979-9794
this respect, new UAV sys-
tems offer law enforcement Vanguard
Defense
agencies technologically Industries
stunning and formidable vanguarddefense.com
guardian angels. 877-436-9192

GEM-TE
CH.COM
THE STRE
OF EACH NGTH
Photo: Josh Wolfe
M
IS THE TE EMBER
AM
GMT-5
EXTR
56LE:
EME D
UTY S
TESTE ILENC
D TO ER
SOCO
SHOT M STA
BOOTH SHOW NDAR
#20521 DS
© GEMTECH 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

GUN TEST
WINDHAM WEAPONRY
HBC 5.56mm
In many parts of the world, acceptance among law enforcement,
it is not unusual to see military including Maine’s Department of Inland
Fisheries and Wildlife.
units patrolling tourist areas and
government buildings armed with GUN DETAILS
their standard-issue battle rifles. The HBC is a semi-automatic, direct-
Likewise, specialized police units armed with gas-impingement AR carbine chambered in
rifles or submachine guns are common sights at 5.56mm NATO with a heavy-contour, 16-inch
airports and other facilities overseas. These are barrel. Notably, the barrel is made from 4150
standard security and visibility operations that, to chrome-moly-vanadium Mil-B-11595E steel,
some American civilians, might seem disconcert- which makes it truly mil-spec with the proper
ing when seen for the first time. amount of carbon and vanadium to strengthen
American police officers, of course, don’t use the barrel. This high-quality level of steel isn’t nec-
their patrol rifles to “patrol” in the traditional sense. essary for most sporting uses, but it is perfect for
Rather, they use it as a specialized piece of a rifle designed for serious duty or full-auto
equipment with a specific purpose, and it stays in fire. The barrel is also chrome-lined for
the patrol car until it’s needed. As such, the rifle’s added durability and reliability.
weight is less of an issue and the benefits of a There are a few advan-
heavy-barreled AR may be better appreciated. tages in having a
Windham Weaponry, by now a well-known heavy barrel.
and well-established player in the AR market, has
released the new HBC (Heavy-Barrel Carbine),
which offers all the advantages of its standard
rifles and then some. Made in Windham,
Maine, by a cadre of veteran AR-
makers with decades of experi-
ence, these rifles have
found increased
62 GGU
62 GUNS
UUNS WEAPONS
NNSS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com
Heavy Barrel Carbine bred for low recoil
Heavy-Barrel
and faster follow-up shots!
By Jorge Amselle • Photos by Sean Utley
The heavier barrel of the HBC

adds weight up front, reducing
muzzle rise and improving its
accuracy to sub-MOA levels.

WINDHAM WEAPONRY HBC
Heavy barrels on ARs are more The six-position-collapsible stock makes

durable than standard barrels and the rifle adjustable for various officers,
off
perform better during full-auto fire. including those wearing body armor.
The extra weight towards the front of the rifle much heavier .223 ammunition, bu but this
not only dampens recoil, but it also helps pre- is hardly necessary in most ap applica-
vent
ent muzzle rise and keeps the rifle on target tions, especially in the short ranges
for easier,
ier, faster follow-up shots. The thicker typically encountered in law enforce-
and stiffer barrel
rrel profile also helps minimize ment. I found that this ri rifle actually
point-of-impact shiftsifts as a result of using a performed best with 55-grain
55-g ammunition.
sling or bipod, which can n improve accuracy. Another mil-spec fea
feature is the addition
A thicker barrel also takes longeronger to heat of M4 feed ramps at th the back of the cham- adjustable.
up, which can improve user comfort. rt Plus, ber. These are cut wider and lower than Some folks are
the Windham Weaponry HBC only weighs hs those for the stand
standard AR rifle, and are de- sticklers for properly F-
about half a pound more than the company’s signed to improve reliable feeding of rounds marked bases on carbines, and
comparable M4-profile AR carbine. from the magaz
magazine into the chamber. This while the Windham Weaponry HBC is not
The barrel has a fairly standard 1-in-9- can be especially
ecia important in carbines and so marked, this is a distinction with very little
inch twist rate, which does a good job of under less than ideal conditions where dirt, real-world application. Because of the differ-
stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights, grime and moisture can be introduced. ence in sight radius with a carbine over a
including very low-weight ones for special- The standard threaded muzzle is topped rifle, an F-marked sight base is infinitesimal-
ized uses. A faster twist rate, such as a off with a removable A2-style flash suppres- ly lower than a standard base. This is only
1-in-8-inch or 1-in-9-inch, will better stabilize sor, and the front sight base is elevation an issue when using iron sights at distances

ETYMOTIC
RESEARCH
EB15
EAR PROTECTION
ELECTRONIC EAR PROTECTION
IS BECOMING THE NORM, ESPEC-
IALLY FOR TACTICAL TRAINING.
While large muffs work, they can make
training with your entire “kit” problem-
atic. Helmets often won’t fit, rifle cheek-
welds can be difficult, and muffs can be
easily dislodged by equipment, causing
hearing damage. The smaller the better,
and inside-the-ear
he-e
ear
protection iss
excellent.
I recentlyy
attended a
training ses-
sion by Orion n
Applications
that provided d
a test bed forr
several solid d EB15 earplugs preserve
natural hearing yet protect
ear protection ears from loud noises like
devices. Among gunfire and explosions.
the units used
was Etymotic Research’s compact, inside-
the-ear EB15. It amplifies ambient sound
while compressing rifle and other gunfire.
Its compact size allows for use with masks,
helmets and other tactical gear. Clear and
consistent impulse noise protection allows
for clear and consistent communication
during training and operations.
The EB15 has two modes of operation.
The high setting provides enhanced am-
plification (5X) when detailed hearing is
required. The low setting allows for nor-
mal speech while maintaining 15 decibels
of hearing protection. Along with several
foam inserts, there are a number of Ac-
cutip medical-grade eartips, allowing for
proper fitting into just about any ear.
Used during a solid day of very vigor-
ous training, the EB15 never fell out or
came loose. Once properly fitted, they
remained comfortable and snug. After
a few minutes, you forget they are even
there. Priced at $499, the EB15 offers
state-of-the-art ear protection at half the
cost of its competitors. If you need com-
pact ear protection at a reasonable price,
be sure to give the EB15 a look. For more
information, visit etymotic.com or call
888-289-6684. —By David Bahde

The handguards have double aluminum The HBC comes with a removable carry All of the controls are in standard AR
heat shields that protect the carbine-length handle/rear sight that is adjustable for positions, and the trigger is a mil-spec,
gas tube as well as the user’s hands. both windage and elevation. single-stage unit that is ready for duty.
past 200 yards, and it can be easily cor- most do not bother with MP testing, which on both sides of the receiver, so the rifle’s
rected by installing a taller front sight post. is only required of true mil-spec bolts. This condition can be visually verified from either
Both the upper and lower receivers are consists of using a magnetic field to de- side. The triggerguard is also the fold-down
manufactured from forged 7075-T6 alumi- tect any imperfections in the surface or aluminum type, which makes it easier to
num and feature a well-applied black hard- subsurface of the part, ensuring that only use the HBC while wearing gloves.
coat anodized finish. The upper receiver the highest-quality parts are being used. The M4-type collapsible buttstock, which
features a flattop design with a removable The bolt and bolt carrier are also both features the Windham Weaponry logo, can
carry handle with A4 dual aperture sights, phosphated and chrome-lined. The bolt be adjusted for six different length-of-pull
which are elevation and windage adjust- carrier has a mil-spec M16 contour, as op- positions, allowing officers with different
able. There are no indexing marks on the posed to a cheaper commercial bolt, which statures or wearing body armor to use the
top Picatinny rail, so users will need to take is stronger and heavier to ensure longer same rifle. The stock on my test HBC was
care when removing and replacing optics in and more reliable operation, and it’s paired well installed and exhibited an excellent fit
order to maintain proper zero. off with a standard carbine buffer. It should with very little play. Also, the fit between the
The CAR-style black plastic handguards be noted that mil-spec M16 bolt carriers are upper and lower receivers was very tight, and
feature double aluminum heat shields that legal to install in semi-auto rifles. The gas there was virtually no play between them.
are extremely effective at protecting the carrier key is also properly staked.
carbine-length gas tube as well as the us- The controls on both upper and lower
er’s hands, as I can attest after a full day of receivers—dust cover, forward assistassist,
ssist, bolt
range testing with a hot barrel. release, magazine release, charging
cha handle
The bolt is made from Carpenter 158 and safety selector—are are all located in the
steel, and it is both high pressure familiar places, withith nothing being ambi-
(HP) and magnetic particle (MP) dextrous. There e are clear safety selector
tested. While many manufactur- indicator markings
mark
arkings
ers will pressure-test their bolts,
On the range, the HBC was

handy and very comfortable to
shoot, with zero malfunctions
and excellent accuracy.

Caliber: 5.56mm NATO • Barrel: 16 inches Load Velocity Accuracy
OA Length: 32.37-36.15 inches
Black Hills 60 V-MAX 2,895 1.40
Weight: 7.45 pounds
HPR 75 BTHP 2,574 1.40
Stock: Six-position collapsible
Sights: A2 front, removable A4 rear Winchester 55 FMJ 3,086 0.98
Action: Direct impingement semi-auto Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps by
Finish: Hardcoat anodized black chronograph, and accuracy in inches for best
Capacity: 30+1 • MSRP: $1,096 five-shot groups at 100 yards.
Jorge Amselle photo
66 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GGUNS-WEAPONS.com

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UNS
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Fast, touch-free entry | Child-resistant design KEY FOB
Place the bracelet, key fob

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and the RAPiD™ safe opens
to present your handgun.
AC C E S S CA R D
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ACCESS TECHNOLOGY™
SAFE, SECURE AND ALWAYS RAPiD.™

Protection when you need it most. The patent pending RFID
technology affords the fastest access to your handguns. Simply
place the RFID bracelet, card or key fob over the reader, or punch
in your personal keypad code and the safe springs open to
present your handgun. A traditional key is also included.
• FAST, TOUCH-FREE ENTRY • 16-GAUGE STEEL CONSTRUCTION

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Do not store loaded firearms in any safe. Follow local laws for firearm storage. 800.338.3220 | HORNADY.COM
WINDHAM WEAPONRY
The lower receiver also features a stan-

dard military-type plastic pistol grip with a
finger groove and a slightly flared magazine
well. The Windham Weaponry logo is promi-
nently displayed on the left side of the mag-
azine well and consists simply of the com-
pany name in a cursive-type script, doing
away with a more aggressive logo that may
be off-putting to some department heads.
RANGE TIME
On the range, the added weight did in-
deed soak up some of the already low re-
coil of the 5.56mm NATO round and made
shooting significantly more enjoyable. It
was definitely easier to keep the sights on
target for faster follow-up shots. I tested the
rifle right out of the box and experienced
no malfunctions of any sort over two days
of range testing, with no maintenance per-
formed in between.
For accuracy testing at 100 yards, I used
a 3-9x40 Trijicon TR20-2 AccuPoint scope
with a mil-dot crosshair reticle while firing
from a stable benchrest. The excellent fiber
optics on the Trijicon scope gather ambient
light to illuminate the center amber dot of
the reticle without batteries.
From a benchrest at 100 yards, the
HBC’s accuracy was actually quite good,
especially for a patrol rifle. The average
spread for all types of ammunition tested
was under 2 MOA, and one five-shot group
of Winchester 55-grain FMJ ammunition
produced a sub-MOA group. Once again,
this just proves how dependent each in-
dividual rifle is on the type of ammunition
used. I have seen good-quality rifles go
from sub-MOA to 4 MOA just based on am-
munition selection.
Windham Weaponry ships its rifles in a
black, hard-plastic case with one 30-round
magazine, a sling and a well-illustrated op-
erator’s manual. A fully transferable lifetime
warranty is also included with every rifle.
Those departments seeking a high-quali-
ty AR need only look to the good folks in
Maine for a very consistent selection. I have
tested nearly all of Windham’s offerings and
have never had a single malfunction or poor
accuracy results. The company is also con-
tinuing to expand its offerings while striving
to meet growing consumer demand. Re-
gardless, Windham Weaponry isn’t cutting
any corners or sacrificing on quality, and
this is a level of dependability that is sure
to be appreciated by any officer assigned
the HBC as his or her patrol rifle. For more
information, visit windhamweaponry.com or
call 855-808-1888.

HELD IN
HIGH
REGARD
The M&P®15 series gives you the control and comfort you need
to stay on target. This lightweight modern sporting rifle offers a
6-position buttstock to adjust your length of pull, barrels that offer
superior accuracy, and customizable sights. These features help
you focus on just one thing – taking your best shot. M&P® 15T
5.56mm NATO
See the full M&P® Series at www.smith-wesson.com/mprifle )&$%T4"&$%T ¼ A 2/AT"
HOT PURSUIT
BY DONALD J. MIHALEK
CHEVY’S NEW
TAHOE PPV
Built from the ground up for maximum space, speed and power!
Photos Courtesy Chevrolet
In 1899, the first police car hit the would be generally equipped with lights, sirens, mobile tactical assault vehicles, all necessitating
jumper cables and, when they became available, the need for space and versatility.
mean streets of Akron, Ohio. Techni-
a car radio. These days, to address modern In the past, vehicles were also converted
cally a wagon, it was built by city en- threats and the expanded scope of law enforce- from existing automobile manufacturers’ fleets
gineer Frank Loomis and ran on elec- ment operations, most cruisers are geared up as and equipped with a “police package,” turning
tricity with a maximum speed of 16 the regular car into a police cruiser, but now the
Chevrolet division of General Motors, the creator
mph. It could travel 30 miles before of the beloved Chevy Caprice, has now gone
its battery needed to be recharged. much further for today’s LEOs.
Akron Police Officer Louis Mueller, Sr. had the
distinction of driving the world’s first police car, MEET THE PPV
which cost the whopping sum of $2,400 to build. The Chevrolet Tahoe Police Patrol Vehicle
The vehicle was equipped with electric lights, (PPV), available in automatic two- or four-
gongs and a stretcher, and its first call was to wheel-drive Pursuit models or four-wheel-drive
pick up a drunken man at the junction of Main Special Service models, features an all-new
and Exchange streets. interior, exterior and EcoTec3 powertrain. The
Over the last century, the police cruiser has new Tahoe PPV offers more power, greater
changed with the times and needs of law en- efficiency and enhanced features that were
forcement, enabling officers to patrol more effec- specifically developed for law enforcement.
tively. Over time, every type of vehicle has been Chevrolet equips the Tahoe Police Patrol Designed with an officer’s comfort in mind,
adapted for patrol uses, including cars, trucks, Vehicle with an onboard tactical command the Tahoe PPV is one of the largest police vehi-
vans, pickups and SUVs. In the past, a cruiser center to meet every officer’s needs. cles on the market. It has additional space in the

SPECIFICATIONS
CHEVROLET
rear seat, which pro- TAHOE PPV The Tahoe PPV has
plenty of space and
vides more legroom Length: 16.8 feet a 320-horsepower
and easier access Vortec V8 engine.
Height: 6.2 feet
to individuals and Width: 6.6 feet
equipment in the back
Weight: 6,800 pounds
seat. The Tahoe PPV
Wheelbase: 9.67 feet
is also lower to the
ground for improved Engine: 5.3-liter Vortec V8
handling, especially Displacement: 5,328cc
at high speeds. It also Horsepower: 320
has front and rear
suspension systems that include stiffer springs
and shocks, and there is a stiffer jounce bumper
more ideally suited for police loads.
With a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
of 6,800 pounds and able to carry a payload of
1,516 pounds, the Tahoe PPV is powered by
a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine that delivers 320
horsepower and 335 foot-pounds of torque. The RSA steel-belt radial tires mounted on 17-inch Roll Avoidance and traction control to keep the
Vortec V8 engine features Active Fuel Manage- steel wheels. The Tahoe PPV also receives vehicle straight and balanced at high speeds
ment technology for improved fuel economy, and heavy-duty cooling from a higher-capacity radia- and during rapid turns, incorporating an elec-
it operates on fuel that contains up to 85-percent tor and engine oil cooler, and heavy-duty ABS tronic trailer sway control and hill start assist.
ethanol. The engine is mated to a fuel-efficient, brakes enable the vehicle to handle the rapid For underbody protection, Tahoe PPV
heavy-duty, six-speed automatic transmission. starting and stopping inherent with police work. comes with a skid plate package that includes
For catching crooks, the Tahoe PPV is The Tahoe PPV also used a standard StabiliTrak a front underbody shield from behind the front
equipped with V-rated, P265/60R17 Goodyear electronic stability control system with Proactive bumper to the first cross-member. This package
CHEVY’S NEW TAHOE PPV
The Tahoe PPV’s StabiliTrak electronic stability

control system with Proactive Roll Avoidance
helps the vehicle handle high-speed turns.
protects vital vehicle components, such as the

oil pan and other drivetrain parts.
Additional standard equipment includes a
26-gallon fuel tank, a 160-amp alternator, a
660 CCA battery with run-down protection and
extended-life spark plugs. Dual 660 CCA batter-
ies are also available. A fully integrated electrical
system makes it easier for the aftermarket instal-
lation of police-specific equipment, such as light
bars and police radios, saving time and money.
ON PATROL
According to the Michigan State Police,
who recently tested the vehicle, the Tahoe PPV
creates a comfortable ride for officers, with
“
an ergonomic rating that tops all other police
The new Tahoe PPV offers

more power, greater efficiency
and enhanced features that
were specifically developed
“
for law enforcement.
vehicles—and that agency ranked vehicles in 28

categories, including front seat comfort, ease of
entry/egress, outward visibility, control accessibil-
ity and more. The Tahoe had the highest score of
all the 2013 vehicles tested.
Federal, state and local agencies use the
Chevrolet Tahoe PPV for patrol, first response,
tactical, HAZMAT, Border Patrol and K9 pur-
poses. It’s roomy enough to allow officers to
bring all of their gear to the fight, yet it’s agile
enough to be able to respond to any natural or
manmade disaster.
Police cars have come a long way since
1899, but the one thing that remains the same
is when the call goes out and the police need to
respond, their response needs to be with speed,
surprise and violence of action—all possible with
the Chevy Tahoe PPV. For more information,
visit gmfleet.com.

11HANDGUNS STREET-READY
Cutting-edge pistols and revolvers built
for primary and backup LEO missions!
By Richard Johnson • Photos by Manufacturers
Few things are more symbolic of a police officer’s authority than the duty pistol he
or she carries. From blued-steel wheelguns to modern polymer pistols, the handgun
has been an essential law enforcement tool throughout history. Here are today’s
most popular law enforcement handguns for service and backup duties.
Photo courtesy Beretta
74 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015

BERETTA
PX4 STORM FNS-9
The Beretta Px4 Storm is The FNS-9 from FNH USA is
a thoroughly modern duty a full-sized duty pistol in 9mm.
pistol that uses a polyme
polymer fframe and It has a polymer frame and a stain-
comes in ththree caliber choices: 9mm, .40 less steel slide. Each magazine h holds
lds
and .45 ACP. The Px4 Storm has inter- 17 rounds. This striker-fired gun has
changeable backstraps, allowing officers a frame-mounted safety and a pair of
to get the best hand-to-gun fit. The Px4’s interchangeable backstraps. Its MSRP
MSRP is $575. For more information, visit starts at $599. For more information, visit
berettausa.com or call 800-929-2901. fnhusa.com or call 703-288-3500.
GLOCK 22 GLOCK 27
GEN4 GEN4
The Glock 22 is a full-size The Glock 27 Gen4 is a
pistol that holds 15 rounds of compact pistol chambered for the .40
.40 S&W in a magazine. The current S&W. It operates the same as the larger
G22 pistol has Glock’s Gen4 treatment, Glock 22 and can even use the larger
which includes an aggressive grip texture, gun’s magazines. Its standard capacity
a dual recoil spring assembly and inter- is nine rounds. While heavier than some
changeable backstraps to adjust the grip other options, the G27 Gen4 makes for
size to better fit an individual officer’s hand. an excellent backup gun. Its MSRP
Its MSRP is $649. For more information, starts at $649. For more information,
visit glock.com or call 770-432-1202. visit glock.com or call 770-432-1202.
DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 75

STREET-READY HANDGUNS
HEC
H
HECKLER
& KOCH USP
SP
Thee Heckler & Koch USP pistol was
designed
gned with law enforcement in
mind. The gun uses a polymer frame
with an oversized triggerguard for
gloved use. USP pistols come in a
variety of configurations, including
with a frame-mounted safety/de-
cocker. USPs are available in 9mm,
.40 and .45 ACP. Its MSRP starts at
$952. For more information, visit
hk-usa.com or call 706-568-1906.
RUGER LCR
The Ruger LCR is a compact
ompact
revolver that uses an ample help-
he
ing of polymer parts to reduce its
overall weight. Chambered in .38
Special, the gun can handle +P
loads. The trigger is very smooth in
large part due to Ruger’s innova-
tive trigger cam system. The recoil
is surprisingly mild compared to
similar guns.Its MSRP is $529. For
more information, visit ruger.com.

SIG SAUER SM H &
SMITH SM
S
SMITH &
P226
P226
26 WESSON
WESSO
WES
SSON
S SON 642 WESSON
W
WESSO
SSON M&P
Unlike
nlike other modern dduty pis- For a backup gun
gun, it is hard to Smith
mith & Wesson M&P p pistols are
tols,
s, the Sig Sauer
S P226 uses a beat
eat the Smith
S & Wesson Model polymer-framed
mer-framed handguns that use
traditional metal frame. The gun 642. This .38 Special revolver has a stainless steel inner chassis for
is extremely durable and very an internal hammer to reduce durability. Interchangeable palm-
accurate. Originally developed for snagging during the draw. The swell grips are a standard part of
the 9mm cartridge, the P226 can double-action trigger is heavy the M&P line. The guns are avail-
be had in .40 S&W and .357 SIG but smooth, and the revolver can able in 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W
as well. The MSRPs for Sig Sauer handle +P ammo in its lightweight and .45 ACP. The MSRPs for the
P226 pistols start at $1,015. For frame. Its MSRP is $469. For M&P service pistols start at $569.
more information, visit sigsauer. more information, call 800-331- For more information, visit smith-
com or call 603-610-3000. 0852 or visit smith-wesson.com. wesson.com or call 800-331-0852.

STREET-READY HANDGUNS
SMITH
SM
MIT &
WESSON M&P
BODYGUARD
BOD
DYGUARD 380
DYGUARD
A recent addition to the M&P line
is the new Bodyguard 380, 0 a pisto
pistol
chambered for the .380 ACP round. It
has a double-action-only trigger and a
six-round magazine. Very flat, the gun
is easy to conceal in an ankle holster
or on a vest. Its MSRP is $379. For
more information, visit smith-wesson.
com or call 800-331-0852.
SPRINGFIELD
D
ARMORY XD-S
XD
DS
The SSpringfield Armory XD-S is
a compact pistol that is available
in 9mm or .45 ACP. Single-stack
magazines keep the pistol’s grip
thin—only 0.9 inches wide. Yet, the
guns still hold a potent 7+1 rounds
of 9mm or 5+1 rounds of .45 ACP.
Its MSRP starts at $599. For more
information, visit springfield-armory.
com or call 800-680-6866.

LESS LETHAL
BY RICHARD JOHNSON
NEXT-GEN
TASERS
Conducted-energy devices can defuse
fuse
a potential lethal-force encounter!
r!
Waving a sword, an emotionally Taser’s less-lethal
weapons, like the X22
disturbed man stood on his Florida
and X26, ride on thee
porch screaming at officers. duty belts of more than
han
What the irrational man did not realize was that 500,000 police officers.
ers.
one officer was able to get close enough to Tasers shoot a pair
air of darts at the target. The Currently,
the porch to use his Taser X26. Moments later, darts are connected to the handheld unit by thin there are
there was a pop as the darts shot from the more than
wires. The unit sendss the electrical pulses down 250,000 Taser
device, and with a chattering of electricity, the the wires to the target.
et. When properly deployed, conducted-energy
man fell to the deck, rendered immobile. the suspect’s muscleses lock up, preventing him or devices on duty with
In that incident, officers were able to suc- her from attacking or resisting officers. law enforcement officers
cessfully deploy a conducted-energy device around the world.
Numerous departments
rtments have reported that
(CED) to take an armed subject into custody injuries to suspects and officers decreased after
without any injuries. Without the CED, there was Taser CEDs were issuedsued to officers. Indepen- great or greater than most
a very real possibility that the situation would dent research also indicates
ndicates a reduction in [less-lethal force] alterna-
have escalated to the point where officers would suspect and officer injuries
njuries when CEDs are tives.” This is not to say
have been forced to shoot the subject. used instead of otherr forms of physical control. that there are no risks
One such study involvedved 12 law enforcement associated with CED
WHAT IS A CED? agencies and found thathat the odds of suspects use. Rather, the
A conducted-energy device is a law enforce- and officers being injured
ured were significantly CEDs have
ment tool that delivers electrical pulses to a reduced when officerss used a CED. a risk factor
combative subject to cause a disruption of In “Study of Deathss Following Electro that, when
muscle control. The CEDs from Taser Interna- Muscular Disruption,” a 2011 National Institute of properly used
used, is the same as or less than other
tional have been adopted by more than 17,000 Justice (NIJ) report, the authors stated that when accepted use-of-force options.
law enforcement agencies in the United States. used properly “a CED has a margin of safety as One thing officers should consider is that
applications of electrical impulses to someone for
When deployed, two dart-like probes shoot from a longer than 15 seconds are not generally recom-
replaceable cartridge loaded in the Taser X2 and conduct a mended. The potential health affects of long
regulated pulse of electricity to incapacitate an aggressor. exposures to CED discharges have not be ad-
equately studied, and, frankly, if compliance isn’t
gained after 15 seconds, continuing to apply the
CED isn’t likely to increase the odds of success.
TASER TACTICS
In certain situations, a Taser can be used
to deescalate a deadly-force confrontation.
However, its deployment must be a coordinated
effort to maximize the safety of the officer
deploying the CED.
Consider the scenario presented at the begin-
ning of this article. The suspect was armed with
a deadly weapon and was acting in an irrational
manner. Though the circumstances could have
changed in a heartbeat, the subject was not an
Photos courtesy Taser

immedi threat to citizens because he was on
immediate
a porch
porch. While several officers stood ready to
employ immediate lethal force, one officer was
able to get close enough to deploy his Taser
X26. If tthe subject had rushed the officer, the
cover offi
of cers would have been able to shoot
and stop the attacker.
Recently in Canada, officers located and
Rec
cornered a stabbing suspect. While other officers
provided cover, one officer deployed his Taser
and successfully incapacitated the suspect,
who was then taken into custody.
wh
In an Arizona case, officers respond-
eed to a suicidal man who was armed
with a pistol. One officer covered the
w
man with his duty gun, while his part-
m
nner, unseen by the subject, successfully
ddeployed his Taser. Subsequently, the
man was taken into custody without injury.
Without tthe Taser, officers in both of these
incidents might have been forced to shoot their
respective subjects.
respectiv
The T Taser is an amazingly effective inter-
mediate-force option that has worked very well
mediate-
for many officers. However, this effectiveness
may have built an unreasonable expectation
of succes
success into some officers. CEDs are not
magic too
tools that work perfectly every time they
deployed. (Please turn to page 105)
are deplo
The Taser X2 has a two-shot capacity in case

an officer misses or is facing multiple suspects.

TACPROGEAR BONZ
GRID-HERCULES
The Tacprogear (TPG) Black Bonz GRID- MESA
HERCULES plate carrier is designed to hold any
TACTICAL
of TPG’s new NIJ-certified hard armor plates for
LUCY
front and back rifle protection in the full range
of military SAPI-shaped sizes as well as most
ADAPTER
Mesa Tactical has
10-by-12-inch plate variations. The outer shell
introduced an adapter
is water, chemical, flame, abrasion and impact
for 20 gauge Rem-
resistant to help protect the tactical operator from
ington 870 shotguns
BLACKHAWK any scenario. In addition, the
to use 12 gauge 870
EPOCH HOLSTER Bonz GRID-HERCULES plate
carrier comes with
buttstocks. Called the
The EPOCH Holster delivers three Lucy Adapter, this
fully adjustable
levels of weapon retention. The retention simple coupler sim-
bungee side
system engages the pistol’s ejection port ply bolts to the back
straps, allow-
and won’t let go until actuated by the of a 20 gauge 870 receiver, allowing
ing this plate
single-phase, thumb-activated release. the 12 gauge stock to then rigidly bolt
carrier to fit
Upon release, the Pivot Guard remains to the adapter. This greatly increases
most individuals.
open for one-handed holstering and the options and availability of butt-
It is compatible with
prevents users from being locked out stocks for the 20 gauge shotgun. The
MOLLE equipment
of the holster. This unique design ac- 20 gauge Remington 870 is an excel-
and an array of aux-
commodates popular under-barrel lights lent platform for personal defense, but
iliary components. For
such as the TLR-1 and X300 for added it suffered from fewer tactical buttstock
more information, visit
versatility. The position of the Auto Lock offerings than its 12 gauge counterpart.
tpgblack.com or call
thumb release and outboard index finder The Lucy Adapter solves this problem.
561-865-7279.
groove properly align the hand for a full For more information, call 714-545-
master grip. For more information, visit 3332 or visit mesatactical.com.
blackhawk.com or call 800-379-1732.
CTK P3 ULTIMATE
TARGET STAND
CHRISTENSEN CTK Precision recently unveiled its P3 Ultimate
ARMS TFM Target Stand, which is designed to give shooters
The Tactical Force Multiplier (TFM) a stable target stand that can be adjusted to
rifle was named for the combination accommodate paper and cardboard targets of
of attributes that make it more ef- virtually any size. It sets up and breaks down in
fective and accurate than others of seconds, with no tools required. Innovative clamp-
its kind. It defies traditional tactical ing plates apply pressure to the furring strips over FRASER OPTICS
rifles by providing the accuracy you a large area, providing a firm grip and hold on MONOLITE
need while weighing half of what the furring strips (not Fraser Optics has launched its new
you’re used to carrying. The TFM provided). The 24-inch Monolite gyro-stabilized monocular with day
is available in several chamber- angled legs provide and night-vision eye pieces. This unit is es-
ings, including .223, .308, .300 a stable four-point pecially unique since it has magnified and
Win Mag and .338 Lapua. The stance, allowing the stabilized night-vision capabilities. With the
.223 and .308 models come stand to be set up on 12x night-vision eye piece, objects can be
with 24-inch barrels and weigh uneven terrain. For identified in low-light conditions at long dis-
8 pounds unloaded, while more information, visit tances. Engineered with Stedi-Eye technol-
the .300 Win Mag and .338 ctkprecision.com or ogy, the military-grade, lightweight Monolite
Lapua models feature 26-inch call 715-754-2891. is the world’s first gyro-stabilized monocular.
bull barrels. All TFM rifles Ideal for law enforcement use, the internal
come with Timney triggers and gyro will remove up to 98 percent of image
0.5-MOA accuracy guarantees. motion, providing crystal-clear, razor-sharp
For more information, visit images at great distances. It’s also 100
christensenarms.com or percent sealed, buoyant, submersible
call 888-517-8855. and waterproof. From more information,
fraseroptics.com or call 215-443-5240.

GUN TEST
SIDEWINDER
The Sidewinder Venom kit can

convert your pump action into a
fast-handling, drum-magazine-fed
fight stopper. Shown equipped with
a Bushnell First Strike reflex sight.
84 GUNS
84 GUNS && WEAPONS
WEAPONS FOR
FOR LAW
LAW ENFORCEMENT
ENFORCEMENT • • DEC/JAN
DEC/JAN 2015
2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com
VENOM 500
12 GAUGE Adaptive Tactical upgrade takes your
Mossberg pump action to the next level!
By D.K. Pridgen • Steve Woods photos
T
he shortcomings of the most common shotguns found in
law enforcement work are twofold: capacity and relatively
slow reloading or unloading. With traditional shotguns, the capacity
problem is related directly to the tubular magazine length. To increase capacity, magazine
tubes have to be lengthened, a problem because most agree that the optimum barrel
length for an easy-to-maneuver shotgun is 18.5 inches, barring incursion into NFA territory.
An 18.5-inch barrel usually matches pretty close to a five- or six-round magazine
tube with nothing protruding beyond the barrel. This is nice because the tube
does not extend much, if at all, beyond the muzzle, keeping the package
compact. Add a magazine extension and more rounds appear, but
the tube begins to protrude and now you have extra weight
created by more rounds toward the muzzle. Neither is
good for a fighting shotgun, so what can you do?
Then there is the loading/unloading slow-
ness—not quite as slow as cold molas-
ses, but it might feel that
way compared

SIDEWINDER VENOM 500
ciency without break-

ing the bank. It
should come as
no surprise that a
company wanting
to modify an exist-
ing shotgun for tacti-
cal advantages would choose the Moss-
berg 500/590 platform for its subject.
MOSSBERG 500
The Mossberg 500, upon which
all of Mossberg’s pump actions
The converted are based, is a robust very us-
Mossberg shotgun able slide-action shotgun. It’s built
sports an 18.5-inch
with an anodized aluminum alloy re-
barrel and a bead front sight. The Adaptive
Tactical kit includes a new magazine tube. ceiver, twin action bars and an ambidex-
trous thumb safety located on top of the
receiver, making it easy to access with your
to a magazine-fed weapon. Stuffing six firing-hand thumb from a traditional stock. LEOs
to seven shotshells into a long tube can can opt for
The twin action bars prevent binding
a Sidewinder
take a while. Removing them one at a time that might be found in single-action-bar Venom conversion
might take even longer. What if you could shotguns. Designed to be durable enough that includes an
bring magazine loading to your slide- to keep working even when dirty, and eas- M4-style collapsible stock.
action smoothbore? ily cleaned after the fact, Mossberg 500s
Since the company’s introduction in are machined with tolerances that allow
1961, Mossberg shotguns have been dirt to collect without seizing up. mer furniture and matte-finished, 18.5-
used by many law enforcement agencies Mossberg 500s load easily and smooth- inch, cylinder-bore barrel, the Special Pur-
and individuals wanting quality and effi- ly, and the magazine tube is straight- pose is very usable from the get-go. The
fforward and simple to well-grooved black polymer forend includes
empty—without work-
e a nylon hand strap to increase your control.
The Adaptive Tactical forend, with its Kelly grip, ing the slide in the pro- The functional modifications don’t stop
provides an added layer of control and cess. S Strong dual extractors there. The traditional buttstock has been
makes it easy to fire the
provide redundancy to ensure eschewed and an Advanced Tactical In-
Mossberg 500
quickly. a recalcitr
recalcitrant, even dirty, shell ternational (ATI) glass-reinforced polymer
ejects, should one
o extractor break. Adjustable Shotgun Pistol Grip Stock with
The Mossb
Mossberg 500 Special Pur- a Scorpion Razorback recoil pad has been
pose shotgun I used (specifically added. Imagine an AR stock assembly,
Model 50421) for this article pos- with a buttstock and buffer tube, attached
sesses all of tthe traits previously to the Mossberg 500 Special Purpose by
mentioned with several additions. an adapter that fits securely in place of
With its 5+1 ccapacity, black poly- a traditional buttstock. An included five-
ADAPTIVE TACTICAL 500

ADAP
A
SPECIAL PURPOSE
SPECIFICATIONS
S
SPECIF PERFORMANCE
Gauge:
a : 12 (3-inch
( c chamber)a e Buckshot Pattern
D.K. Pridgen photo
Barrel:
a : 18 18.55 inches
h Federal FliteControl LE Low Recoil (8 pellets) 4.20
OA
A Length:
n 36.33 inches
36 e Remington Managed Recoil (8 pellets) 6.80
We g t 6.75
Weight: 7 pounds
p u s ((empty)
p y) Remington Reduced Recoil LE (9 pellets) 8.66
Stock:
t Collapsible
a bl Winchester Ranger LE Reduced Recoil (8 pellets) 10.00
Sights:
ig : Front n bead a Slug Accuracy
Action:
c n: Pump m Federal 1-ounce Hydra-Shok HP 2.70
Finish:
in : Matte tt black/Multi-Cam
a M C Winchester 1-ounce Ranger LE 3.90
Capacity:
ap i y 5/ 5/10+11 (2¾-inch
( ¾ ch shel
shells)
e Buckshot pattern in inches at 15 yards. Slug accuracy
MS : $5933
MSRP: in inches for three-shot groups at 25 yards.
GUNS-WEAPONS.com
round sidesaddle can be attached to ei-
ther side of the six-position stock.
The Mossberg 500 Special Purpose is
an excellent shotgun for officers interested
in a ready-to-go LE scattergun. The sim-
ple front bead sight, without a rear sight,
is quite functional. Smooth-topped shot-
guns with only a front bead can do a great
job handling buckshot, and, for those who
practice, a good job with slugs. An officer
who wants a sight system can add one
of several complete ghost ring sight kits,
or order the Mossberg 51523, identical in
every way except possessing ghost ring
sights. Alternately, they can drop one of
Mossberg’s Picatinny rails atop the drilled
and tapped receiver and install one of
Bushnell’s new 1x 28mm Multi-Reticle red
dot sight, such as the one I chose.
The 1x28mm Multi-Reticle sight is suit-
able for shotguns and ARs. It offers four
“ EACH MAGAZINE
LOADED SMOOTHLY,
inserting and locking into
the magazine well. Cycling
the new slide action was“
smooth, and I experienced
NO PROBLEMS.
selectable reticle configurations, in either
red or green, with five brightness set-
tings. It arrived with everything needed,
including two mounts and a battery. The
non-magnifying sight was clear, crisp and
quick on target. With four reticles and two
reticle colors, each person can determine
the best setup for different situations. The
unlimited eye relief makes this new offer-
ing perfect for forward mounting and its
100-percent waterproof, fog-proof and
shockproof construction means it will hold
up well to 12 gauge recoil.
As mentioned, the 18.5-inch Mossberg
500 Special Purpose has a capacity of
5+1. Jumping to a model with a 20-inch
barrel will give you a 7+1 capacity. But
many people find the additional inches
more cumbersome for working in close
quarters, offsetting the two-shell capacity
increase. Seemingly stuck between a rock
and a hard place, I needed an upgrade for

SIDEWINDER VENOM 500
The Sidewinder Venom rotary magazine

is extremely durable, holds 10 rounds
and helps center the shotgun’s balance.
the 18.5-inch-barreled 500 that retained

its handiness. Enter Adaptive Tactical.
ADAPTIVE TACTICAL
For LE users, magazine-fed shotguns
have special advantages beyond capacity
and ease of reloading. Transitioning from
buckshot to slugs is a simple magazine
swap and cycle of the bolt. In fact, that
goes for anything an officer needs to fill
his or her shotgun quickly: accurate slugs,
fragmentary slugs, less-lethal munitions,
breaching rounds, etc. All can be loaded
in specially marked magazines. (With
less-lethal ammunition destined for a des-
ignated shotgun, of course.) Adaptive Tac-
tical makes this possible.
A modern company, polymer is the
primary building block for Adaptive Tacti-
cal’s Mossberg 500 conversion kit, but
there is also metal. For example, the five-
round box and 10-round rotary Sidewinder
Venom magazines that Adaptive Tactical’s
conversion kits utilize are made of poly-
mer and metal. And nowhere did I find any
manufacturing defects in the metal or poly-
mer. There were no flashing or unfinished
areas in the polymer.
Converting a Mossberg 500 for the
Sidewinder Venom Magazine Kits is fairly
straightforward if you are capable of strip-
ping the shotgun down to the bare receiv-
er. A number of the parts from the Moss-
berg are retained; others are replaced,
including the action slide assembly and
the magazine tube, which are substituted
with metal counterparts.
The sturdy Adaptive Tactical magazine
tube contains a slide-action-operated pis-
ton. The piston moves shotshells from the
box or rotary magazine to the original lifter,
which raises it for pickup by the bolt, then
into the chamber. (Please turn to page 100)

PATROL READY
BY DONALD J. MIHALEK
12 DEPENDABLE Safariland’s 851 belt

is curved to fit the
contours of the body.
DUTY BELTS
Plainclothes and duty belts that will keep your gun and gear at the ready!
One day, while off-duty, an support. Rigger’s belts are 1.75 inches wide
officer walked into a store to and, depending on the model, have tensile
strengths ranging form 5,000 to 7,000
buy a cup of coffee. As he stood pounds. For more information, call 800-694-
in line waiting to place his order, 5263 or visit blackhawk.com.
another individual walked up to
the counter and pulled a gun. 2 BULLHIDE BELTS
The criminal demanded money from the Ohio’s Bullhide Belts makes leather belts
register. The officer, seeing the danger, “with the best, most expensive, top-grade
instinctively reached to his right side, feel- U.S.A. belt leather available.” Not found in
Jeff Goldberg photo
ing for his gun. The officer always carried stores, each Bullhide belt is custom-made
off-duty. Patting near his waist, the officer to the exact specifications of the customer.
was shocked: His gun was not there. The Among the available materials are leather
suspect ordered the clerk to clean out the and nylon, as well as such exotic hides as
register. His pockets full, the criminal turned and LEOs must carry more gear than ever before to python, cobra and sharkskin. Choices of belt
pointed the gun toward the customers, telling be able to respond to every possible threat, so buckle include stainless, brass or Paul Revere
their duty belts must be extremely durable.
them not to move. As a cold sweat broke out, the style. Belt widths range from 1.25 to 1.75 inches,
officer kept thinking about his missing gun. Had it and customers have the option of having five or
Rendered in carbon fiber and is available in
fallen to the floor? Had he forgotten it? Thank- seven belt holes. Every Bullhide belt comes with
several finishes, the CQC looks like any other
fully, the suspect left without further incident. a three-year warranty.
1.25-inch dress belt, yet the belt’s reinforced
When the officer returned to his car, relief The bottom line is, whatever the style and
spine gives it the strength to handle a full
washed over him. Apparently, his belt, a flimsy material, a Bullhide belt can handle, for years
complement of gun and gear. CQC belts feature
superstore-bought piece of gear, had failed: In and years, a full array of gear and keep each
five belt holes and come in a variety of colors.
the driver’s seat of his car sat his gun. item exactly where it belongs—right at your
BlackHawk’s 2-inch Web Duty Belt is made
Whether you’re on duty, in plainclothes side. For more information, visit bullhidebelts.
from two layers of nylon webbing reinforced with
or off-duty, the belt you wear may mean the com or call 330-433-9182.
a polymer spine for durability and strength. The
difference between life and death. If the belt is nylon binding provides a smoother edge, more
flimsy, thin or worn out, your gear could drop; comfort and a more professional appearance.
3 GALCO GUNLEATHER
or, while rolling around, the belt could break Arizona’s Galco Gunleather designs duty
The all-purpose Web Duty Belt has the strength
when it’s needed most. belts capable of supporting the weight of a hand-
necessary to handle all-day duty wear.
gun for plainclothes carry. Galco claims to use
For tactical work, the CQB/Rigger’s Belt is
3 BLACKHAWK mil-standard certified and built with parachute-
“only top-quality leather: premium-grade, full-grain,
BlackHawk offers a range of duty, covert vegetable-tanned steerhide, grown and tanned
grade buckles and adapters for unparalleled
and tactical belts that cover the spectrum in in the U.S.A.” Every Galco belt, whether dress or
strength and
terms of style and function. Perfect for plain- casual, is individually handmade and
clothes or off-duty wear, the CQC contoured for stability.
Pistol Belt is both stable Galco’s CB2
Galco’s CB3 belt
and discreet. Firm
(above) is perfect for concealed carry, while the
BlackHawk Web Duty Belt (below) was born for patrol.

12 DEPENDABLE DUTY BELTS
Contour Belt is a 1.25-inch-wide, fiber-reinforced 4 SAFARILAND looking material that’s 30 percent lighter than
dress/duty belt fully lined with premium saddle Safariland’s belt offerings span from covert to standard duty belt materials.
leather. Galco’s 1.5-inch-wide CB3 Concealable casual to duty to tactical. Designed for plain- The 2.25-inch-wide Model 832 duty belt is
Contour Belt, as its name implies, is a conceal- clothes or off-duty wear, the Models 851 and designed to be used with Safariland’s Quick
able holster belt that tapers near the buckle to 1 L830 are 1.5-inch-wide belts lined along the Attachment System (QAS), which includes
inch wide and, like the CB2, is made from and interior with a strip of vegetable-tanned cowhide Equipment Locking System (ELS) and the
fully lined with premium saddle leather. for added stability. The 851 belt is curved to fit Quick Locking System (QLS) forks and plates. It
The CSB7 Cop belt is a 1.25-inch-wide the contours of the body and features two hidden features four rows of pre-cut holes running the
holster belt constructed from full-grain cowhide cuff keys, one on the back of the waistband and full length of the belt, through which ELS 35 or
and lined with premium, center-cut steerhide. one behind the buckle for easy accessibility. QLS 22 receiver plates can be affixed at various
Included with the CSB7 is a nickel-plated, The Model 4832 is a lightweight duty belt angles, allowing for customization of the rig as
solid-brass buckle. For more information, visit featuring a buckle-less design. Measuring 2.25 the mission demands. For more information, visit
galcogunleather.com or call 800-874-2526. inches wide, it’s made with a durable, leather- safariland.com or call 800-347-1200.
Shomer-Tec claims it designed the Undercover Bracelet at the request of under-

cover operatives of a federal agency, and the bracelet should be considered
survival gear for any law enforcement officer, undercover or military operative.
The bracelet is styled to look identical to gummy bracelets popular with men and women alike, includ-
SHOMER-TEC ing those in uniformed and undercover roles. A non-metallic emergency handcuff key is concealed
in one of two connecting ends, “hiding” the key in plain sight, and the beauty of the design is that a
UNDERCOVER
bracelet is worn exactly where an operator needs it as a last option—where handcuffs will be applied.
Handcuffs are extremely common restraint devices, and uniformed officers and guards carry
them with them everywhere; thus, a countermeasure should go along with them in the event that
BRACLET the officers ever find themselves the victims of their own restraints.
Distributed by U.S. Tactical Supply, the Undercover Bracelet is made of matte rubber and is avail-
able in three colors: black, red and blue. The open end of the 10-inch bracelet may be trimmed to fit
By Matt Berger the individual. Larger sizes are available by special order. The Undercover Bracelet weighs a scant 0.2
ounces and is made in the U.S.A. For more information, visit shomer-tec.com or call 360-733-6214.
GUN TEST
PRIMARY WEAPONS
The .300 Win Mag MK3 is a significant ballistic
step up from the 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifles
more commonly found in LE use today.
Photo courtesy PWS
By Todd Burgreen
It’s nice to In the process of doing this, ment of tactical bolt-action market
PWS cultivated an almost cult tapped is much less known. In the
see a company following based on superior gas im- world of modern marketing, it
evolve over time. customer service, a unique in- parting is nice to discover a product
This evolution is most obvi- teraction style with consumers force to an in the catalog you feel should
ously traced in the products and, most importantly, coming operating rod be the main story. Of course,
offered. Primary Weapons through on its promise to build that impacts I’m referring to the PWS MK3.
Systems (PWS) has recently superior AR rifles. PWS did another part of Any law enforcement agency
expanded its product line. not solely hang its hat on go- the mechanism considering a bolt-action rifle
Joining PWS’ existing 5.56mm ing with a short-stroke piston that acts on the should be comforted in know-
MK1, 7.62mm MK2 piston- to improve Eugene Ston- bolt carrier. PWS ing that the MK3 comes with
driven ARs and T3 rimfire is er’s direct-impingement did not stop with the a 0.5-MOA accuracy guaran-
the MK3 precision bolt action, AR design. The company long-stroke piston; tee. Going further, PWS has
which I recently got a chance took the less-traveled path rather, the company balanced the MK3’s accuracy,
to test. PWS has also decided by utilizing a long-stroke op- insisted on top-quality weight and enhanced car-
to enter the direct-impinge- erating piston for its AR rifles, components as well modifying tridge capabilities. The MK3
ment AR world with its own much like the AK-47’s, where the buffer tube connection to is designed so you can carry
“Modern Musket” offering. the operating rod is connected the receiver. it for lengthy amounts of time
PWS first emerged as a to the bolt carrier. A short- While PWS AR rifles are and still be able to take a non-
leader in the quest for improv- stroke piston system consists well known and respected, prone shot if dictated by the
ing the AR operating system. of a more complex arrange- the company’s entry into the mission. The MK3 would make

SYSTEMS
MK3
an excellent tactical rifle for
law enforcement agencies, so
let’s dig in further.
Turn cover into concealment with this
sub-MOA .300 Win Mag countersniper!
rifle; however, it is reasonably
balanced and carries well. The
.300 Win Mag variant features
extractor. The Whiskey-3 chas-
sis’ side-folding buttstock pays
homage to earlier USSO-
fire if needed. The ergonomics
of the chassis allow for a com-
fortable, repeatable cheekweld
a 21.75-inch-long, 1-in-10- COM PSR specifications and combined with hand place-
GUN DETAILS inch-twist barrel, bringing the reduces the overall length by ment conducive to pulling the
The same principles rifle’s overall length to 44.24 nearly 10 inches when folded rifle’s Jewell trigger precisely.
that guided PWS’ AR inches. The rifle weighs 12.24 for easier transportation. The The Whiskey-3 chassis com-
journey are present pounds unloaded. The heavy, Whiskey-3 chassis is rock bines precise aluminum “V”
in the MK3, a no- fluted barrel is capped with solid, with design character- bedding with tool-less adjust-
nonsense bolt action. PWS’ PRC compensator/ istics making it conducive ments in terms of length-of-
Only after thoroughly muzzle brake, which gives the to long-range shooting. The pull and cheekpiece height.
surveying the precision rifle a unique look. The PRC chassis reinforces the receiver All of these elements contrib-
bolt-action landscape did PWS compensator is closed on the like a sleeved benchrest rifle. ute to the MK3’s ruggedness,
move forward with the MK3 bottom and designed in a way The wide, flat forend ensuring constant and re-
project. Currently, the company to limit muzzle blast distur- handles bipods or sandbags peatable accuracy no matter
offers the MK3 chambered bance of surroundings. with equal aplomb. However, the conditions.
in .308, .338 Lapua Mag and PWS chose to outfit the it is not exclusively designed As mentioned, the MK3
.300 Win Mag, the latter of MK3 with a KRG Whiskey-3 for shooting from supported sports a single-stage Jewell
which I was able to test. stock, or chassis, as well as a prone or benchrest positions. unit with a pull weight be-
The tale of the tape shows customized Model 700 action The MK3 allows for off-hand tween 3.5 and 4 pounds. The
the MK3 is not a compact modified with a Sako-style and other types of supported optics rail atop the receiver

Photo courtesy PWS
PWS MK3
PRIMARY
WEAPONS SYSTEMS MK3
The flat forend is L
Load Velocity
e t Accuracy
A u y
perfect for bipods Caliber:
a r .300 300
0 Win i Maga
and sandbags. Barrel:
a : 21.75
21 775 inches
c Blackk Hillss 190 Match
B c BTHP
T 22,815
8155 0 550
0.50
OA
A Length:
n 44.255 inches
h FFederal
ederaa Premium
e um 19090
9 Match
ac 22,890
,8900 00.30
330
We t 12
Weight: 12.25
25 pounds
o ds (empty)
m ) Hornady
H d TA
TAP 178
7 A-MAX
A MAX
X 22,922
9222 00.75
775
features a 20-MOA offset, allowing for ex- Stock: Skeleton, folding • Sights: None
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps
tended-range zeroing. Action: Bolt • Finish: Teflon by chronograph, and accuracy in inches for
The MK3 uses detachable Accuracy In- Capacity: 5+1 • MSRP: $6,999 best five-shot groups at 100 yards.
ternational AICS magazines, and a steel,
single-stack, five-round mag comes with the
rifle. The single-stack magazine design min- these loads have proven themselves in
imizes the amount of material removed from other rifles I’ve tested.
the stock and action for extra rigidity. The At the range, I tested the rifle’s accuracy
thought process behind using a single-stack from a bench as well as from a prone posi-
magazine further exemplifies the attention tion using a bipod and a rear sandbag. The
to detail that went into making the PWS accuracy figures are based on firing three
MK3; rounds are stripped straight from the 5-shot groups. The Federal and Black Hills
magazine into the chamber, compared to ammunition produced the best 100-yard
other magazine designs where rounds are groups at only slightly above 0.5 inches.
set at an angle to the rifle’s centerline. I didn’t spend a lot of time at the bench
Steve Woods photos
on the 100-yard range at the Echo Valley

RANGE TIME Training Center (EVTC). There are more in-
To wring out the MK3’s accuracy, I dicative evaluations for a precision rifle than
chose three .300 Win Mag loads: Black Hills merely firing from a bench at a 100-yard
Match 190-grain BTHP, Federal Premium target. So I also fired groups at 300 yards
The MK3 utilizes AICS-style magazines.
190-grain Sierra MatchKing and Hornady Also note the 20-MOA offset rail on top of from field-expedient positions—prone with
178-grain TAP A-MAX. Black Hills, Feder- the receiver and the crisp Jewell trigger. support from a bipod and a pack as well
al and Hornady are industry leaders, and as from prepared “dug in” positions offered
at EVTC—to further evaluate the MK3’s
intrinsic accuracy. Again, the Federal and
Black Hills loads performed the best. And,
most importantly, the groups were still sub-
MOA (smaller than 3 inches at 300 yards).
Next, I tested the PWS MK3 using a
competition format I discovered at a local LE
shoot that I attend annually. Competitors are
tasked with engaging multiple hanging clay
pigeons at 220 yards, more clay pigeons at
285 yards and then TacStrike quarter-scale
steel targets placed at 350 yards. For this
setup, shooters fire from a prone position
supported by a bipod in front and a bag
under the buttstock. The inherit accuracy
of the PWS MK3 made short work of the
course of fire. The oversized bolt handle
The skeletonized stock
folds to the left side, and users can adjust the and smooth action allowed for fast follow-up
length of pull and cheek height without tools. shots when engaging multiple targets. The
MK3 stoutly ejected empty cases. The large

PWS MK3
Steve Woods photos

The MK3’s oversized bolt handle and
smooth action make it easy for LEO
marksmen to fire quick follow-up shots.
ejection port also makes it quick and easy to

load single cartridges into the chamber once
the five-round magazine runs dry. The adjust-
able, well-designed buttstock, along with the
PWS PRC compensator/muzzle brake, al-
lowed me to rapidly engage multiple targets.
It was no problem riding the rifle’s recoil,
working the action and engaging the next
target. The Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20x scope
I used at the range enabled effective hold-
overs with its mil-dot reticle. If preferred, a
shooter can dial in the changes with the
M1 turrets, especially as ranges beyond
600 yards. The PWS MK3 impressed me
with its ability to place rounds on target,
instilling confidence in its capabilities. I
took a cold-bore shot at every opportunity
during several visits to the range. The shot
always landed where intended. Nothing in-
stills more confidence in a tactical weapon
system—the rifle, ammunition, optics and
marksman—than the ability to place the
first shot exactly as aimed.
MARKSMAN’S NOTES
The PWS MK3 chambered in .300 Win-
chester Magnum is a significant ballistic step
up compared to the more common 5.56mm
and 7.62mm NATO found in LE use. The
.300 WM offers superior terminal and flight
ballistics as well as barrier penetration ca-
pabilities. Some of the tactical rifles avail-
able today—weighing over 16 pounds—
reflect more of a target-shooting heritage
than a tactical foundation. The PWS MK3’s
12.25-pound weight translates to a rifle that
can be deployed or carried afield without
overly fatiguing the marksman and is easier
to adapt to non-standard firing positions,
even off-hand, when needed. The .300
Winchester Magnum PWS MK3 should
seriously be considered by any law en-
forcement agency requiring an upgrade in
performance from its 5.56mm and 7.62mm
NATO weapons. For more information, visit
primaryweapons.com.

For those who would prefer not to delve are inserted just like an AK’s. Put the front
into their shotgun’s inner workings, Adap- in first and then rock the rear into place.
SIDEWINDER VENOM 500 tive Tactical will do the installation, or the That’s about it, and it is a quick learning
Continued from page 88 company has complete packages based curve that anyone can learn with enough
on the Maverick 88 ready to ship. I request- hands-on practice.
ed the full monty: the base conversion kit The quick-to-acquire Bushnell 1x28mm
A magazine well with an AK-style maga- with a comfortably shaped forend including Multi-Reticle was a great help with slug
zine release is added in front of the receiv- a Kelly grip—an offset forend grip movable and buckshot testing. Results at 15 yards
er along with the new magazine tube. between two locations—the collapsible for buckshot held no surprises, nor did the
The magazine tube is also where a gun- stock system, and one each of the five- slug testing at 25 yards. Mossberg’s shot-
smith may have to do a little work. For the and 10-round magazines. gun barrels don’t seem to vary much from
aforementioned cycling to work, the maga- The conversion kit arrived wearing an shotgun to shotgun. The Mossberg shot
zine well has to be aligned perfectly, with eye-catching Multi-Cam pattern. A sister and handled like, well, a Mossberg—it
the mouth oriented straight down. When company, Adaptive Graphx, uses water- was tough and durable, even if it had been
the Adaptive Tactical tube is first screwed transfer printing to apply one of three du- converted to a magazine-fed smoothbore.
in, the odds favor incorrect orientation, as rable and good-looking Adaptive Tactical It worked every time. I really like the Adap-
it bottoms out on the receiver. Emory cloth finishes, or the kit can be left in black. For tive Tactical forend design, especially the
is included with the conversion kit to care- other applications, Adaptive Graphx can ap- raised lip in front of the magazine well. If
fully remove metal from the Adaptive Tacti- ply many more than three patterns/finishes. you are not using the Kelly grip, the shelf
cal magazine tube, allowing it to be twisted With the conversion completed, the provides an index point and will secure
deeper, rotating the magazine well into place. new shotgun was just as handy and ergo- your hand.
An upgrade to the basic Sidewinder nomic as the original Mossberg 500, with I was impressed and pleased by Adap-
Venom package is the addition of a collaps- the weight of the magazines centering well tive Tactical’s conversion of the Mossberg
ible buttstock system. between my hands—not affecting the muz- 500 Special Purpose shotgun. It did every-
CONTACT An adapter, featuring zle’s easy movement. thing Adaptive Tactical promised, produc-
a comfortable integral ing an excellent and reliable magazine-fed
Adaptive
Tactical
pistol grip with internal RANGE TIME shotgun. I can see the shotgun being kept
adaptivetactical.com storage, allows for the A couple of trips to the range deter- with the 10-round magazine in place with
208-442-8000 attachment of an AR- mined several things, none negative. Each an empty chamber—cruiser ready—and
style buffer tube. The magazine loaded smoothly, inserting and one or more five-shot magazines with slugs
Bushnell
bushnell.com Adaptive Tactical M4- locking into the magazine well. Cycling the sitting nearby. It would sure make me more
800-423-3537 style stock slides on new slide action was smooth, and I experi- confident if I were patrolling lonely country
Mossberg
the buffer tube, which enced no problems. roads late at night! I’m so impressed that I
mossberg.com should also take your I need to make a point about the maga- am keeping this Adaptive Tactical shotgun
800-363-3555 favorite stocks. zines and conversion kits. The magazines conversion for myself.
praying, and then interlace his fingers. Then cuff is applied, separate the hands and then
you say, “Show me your palms,” which places push the second cuff against the other wrist.
CUFF ‘EM the palms outward. You approach and grab If the person is under arrest, handcuff
Continued from page 16 the hand so that your palm is on the back of them first. After the subject is handcuffed, a
the suspect’s hands. The key is to grab the detailed search is required. Last year a sub-
pinky fingers. With very little pressure, you ject under arrest for receiving stolen prop-
The second wrist is moved out and in can maintain control of the suspect and they erty, during which he resisted, was placed
with the fingers flexed downward. Try not to cannot easily pull their hands apart. in the backseat of a police patrol SUV. After
let loose of the fingers as you move the hand To handcuff, the officer grabs the hand- the door was closed, he quickly moved his
back to position for cuff application. Once the cuff chain with the cuff at the pinky single bar hands under his legs and around to his front.
“
wrist is positioned, push the single bar onto After wiping the residual pepper spray from
the wrist and it should pivot and lock. If not, his face, he reached into his left front pants
some manual manipulation may be needed. Proper cuffing and pocket and drew a small semi-auto pistol. The
Fingers Interlaced Behind The Back: suspect then fired a shot through the driver’s
searching saves officer’s
There are several different variations on this
technique. I prefer the method where the sus-
pect’s fingers are interlaced and their palms
are facing out toward you. It is more complicat-
ed and takes more practice to master, but it of-
lives. Don’t shortcut or poorly
“ side rear window and pushed himself out,
attempting to escape. Officers reacted and
shot and killed the armed suspect. This inci-
dent could have ended a lot worse had the of-
fender waited until the police officer driver sat
fers more control than the LAPD Method and perform the process. behind the wheel and then shot him. Proper
other behind-the-back techniques. Once you cuffing and searching saves officer’s lives.
have the suspect in this position, which may re- Don’t shortcut or poorly perform the process.
quire you to physically move his hands where facing outward. In this technique, you hand- Since the days of old, evil and guilty men
you want them, this technique locks the arms cuff with the palm facing downward. Press have been fettered, shackled or handcuffed
at the shoulders and elbows, reducing any the cuff onto the wrist at the cuffing notch. If to be controlled by the good men protecting
leverage the suspect might need for escape. the single bar does not pivot and lock, lift up the citizens of the day. Make sure you take
The suspect is ordered to put his hands your knee and press the cuff onto your knee control, cuff ’em correctly and safely return
behind his back, palms together like he’s or onto their back to lock it. After the first home at the end of your shift.
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WWW.MAKEREADY.TV
GUNS & WEAPONS CLASSIFIEDS
GUNS & WEAPONS CLASSIFIEDS
NEXT-GEN TASERS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ®
Continued from page 81
The X2
comes in
yellow to
help identifyy
WEB DIRECTORY
it as a less- AGUILA AMMUNITION GLOCK
lethal tool. PRIMARY WEAPONS
Aguilaammo.com Glock.com Primaryweaponssystems.com
Officers who deploy
depl a Taser must be pre- AMERCIAN GUNSMITHING INSTITUTE GTUL PYRAMID TRIGGER
Americangunsmith.com Mygtul.com Pyramidtrigger.com
pared to implement a backup plan should
the CED fail to gain compliance from the ASHBURY PRECISION ORDNANCE HINTERLAND OUTFITTERS ROCK RIVER ARMS
Ashburyprecisionordnance.com Hinterlandoutfitters.com Rockriverarms.com
suspect. In a deadly-force situation, officers
AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK AMMO HKS SPEEDLOADERS SAVAGE ARMS
must be ready to immediately act to protect Outbackammo.com.au Hksspeedloaders.com Savagearms.com
the life of the officer deploying the CED.
BLACK HILLS AMMO HOGUE SCCY
Also keep in mind that the Taser is not Black-hills.com Getgrip.com Sccy.com
a substitute for a firearm. While there are
BLACKHAWK HORNADY SIG SAUER
numerous incidents where dangerous situ- Blackhawk.com Hornady.com Sigsauer.com
ations were resolved with a Taser, the weap- BLUE STONE SAFETY IWI US
ons are generally not an appropriate re- Bluestonesafety.com Iwi.us SMITH & WESSON
Smith-wesson.com
sponse to a deadly threat. There have been BRAVO COMPANY USA KERSHAW KNIVES
numerous incidents in which an officer tried Bravocompanyusa.com Kershawknives.com SOG SPECIALTY KNIVES
Sogknives.com
to deploy a Taser when deadly force was CASECRUZER KIMBER
the more appropriate choice. Unfortunately, Casecruzer.com Kimberamerica.com SONIC BOOM TARGETS
Sonicboomtargets.com
these decisions have resulted in officers be- CHARTER ARMS LAUER CUSTOM WEAPONRY
ing injured and killed. Charterfirearms.com Lauerweaponry.com SPARTAN BLADES
Spartanbladesusa.com
Consider a case in Florida where a CHRISTENSEN ARMS LEWIS MACHINE & TOOL
Christensenarms.com Lmtdefense.com SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
deputy responded to a report of an emo- Springfield-Armory.com
tionally disturbed person with a knife. When CORBON LONE WOLF
Corbon.com Lonewolfdist.com STAG ARMS
the deputy arrived on the scene alone, he Stagarms.com
attempted to control the armed subject with CRIMSON TRACE M&A PARTS
Crimsontrace.com Mapartsinc.com STEYR ARMS
his Taser. The Taser deployment was inef- Steyrarms.com
fective, and the deputy was stabbed mul- CROSSFIRE GEAR MAGPUL
Crossfiregear.com Magpul.com STOCKY’S
tiple times before he was able to shoot the Newriflestocks.com
DECAL GRIP MAXPEDITION
attacker. When alone and facing a subject Decalgrip.com Maxpedition.com SUREFIRE
armed with a deadly weapon, a firearm Surefire.com
DEL-TON MAXSELL
should be in the officer’s hands, not a Taser. Del-ton.com Maxsell.com; Collectorsarmory.com TACTICAL LIFE™
As a whole, police officers are reluctant Tactical-Life.com
DESANTIS MEC-GAR
to use deadly force. The taking of a human Desantisholster.com Mec-Gar.com
TACTICAL RIFLES
life is a serious matter, and as cliché as it DIAMONDHEAD USA MESA TACTICAL M40-66.com
may sound, many officers chose the profes- Diamondhead-usa.com Mesatactical.com
TARGET SHOOTING
sion to help others. This can create a situa- DPMS MOORE ADVANCED DYNAMICS Targetshootingsolutions.com
tion where the officer elects to use a lower Dpmsinc.com Madmfgkc.com
THE GUN STORE
level of force even when lethal force is justi- DS ARMS MOSSBERG Thegunstorelasvegas.com
fied and can place the officer and the public Dsarms.com Mossberg.com
TOPS TACTICAL
in greater danger than necessary. ELITE SURVIVAL MTR CUSTOM LEATHER Topsknives.com
Elitesurvival.com Mtrcustomleather.net
TRIJICON
SAVING LIVES ERGO GRIPS N82 TACTICAL Trijicon.com
When used appropriately, Tasers can Ergogrips.net N82tactical.com
WALTHER ARMS
reduce the likelihood of injuries to both sus- EZ HOLSTERS NIC INDUSTRIES Waltherarms.com
Ezholsters.com Nicindustries.com
pects and officers. No conducted-energy WILCOX INDUSTRIES
device is foolproof. Nor are they a substi- FEDERAL NIGHTFORCE USA Wilcoxind.com
Le.atk.com Nightforceoptics.com
tute for deadly-force options. However, with WILSON COMBAT
proper training and coordination with other FOBUS USA NOREEN FIREARMS Wilsoncombat.com
Fobusholster.com Noreenfirearms.com
officers, the Taser can be used in certain WINDHAM WEAPONRY
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ers have to clearly illustrate the circum- YANKEE HILL MACHINE
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encounter. For more information, visit taser. Generaltire.com Personaldefenseworld.com Ztknives.com
com or call 800-978-2737.
POLICE STORIES
“IT HAPPENED TO ME!”

W
“As I made my way
up the sidewalk, a
woman ran out of one
of the apartments
toward me, yelling,
or
‘Get him away
from me, he’s
beating me!’”
ld
Big Stock photo

DEADLY DOMESTIC him and grabbed him around the neck. I tried to 92 pistol and warned him to drop it or I would
ma
grab my radio mic with one hand and broadcast shoot him. He was, by then, standing with his
In November of 1992, I was working an “11-11!” (officer safety compromised, backup back to a mini-refrigerator. His response was to
as a patrol officer in a large metro- needed). In my struggle to manipulate the mic raise the baton over his head in an overhand
politan police department in south- with one hand and control the suspect with the grasp with both hands. I fired one round, which
ern California. I was actually only one other, the transmission was garbled, and it gave struck him in the upper thigh. He fell to the floor
the suspect just the opportunity to break free and exclaimed, “You shot me!”
day off of my initial one-year proba- and run back to the apartment, where the door The cavalry arrived, the suspect was taken
tionary period, and my future wife was still standing open. into custody and charged with assault with a
was doing a ride-along with me. Eyes burning and struggling to see, I ran in dangerous weapon on a police officer, and an
gs.
I was dispatched to a domestic, and upon arriv- after the suspect and caught up to him as he got investigation ensued. The 124-grain Hydra-Shok
ing at the location, I exited my patrol car and ap- to the kitchen sink inside the small apartment, bullet would be recovered lying atop a beer can
proached the small row of run-down apartments. where there were a number of knives. I grabbed inside the mini-fridge. The suspect and wife’s
As I made my way up the sidewalk, a woman ran the suspect again, attempting to pull him away blood were drawn, and he had a 0.11 blood-
out of one of the apartments toward me, yelling, from the sink. Having about 40 pounds over alcohol concentration level, and she was found to
“Get him away from me, he’s beating me!” me, the intoxicated suspect was quite difficult to have PCP and meth in her system. My fight with
As the woman ran toward me, a large male control. I drew my PR-24 baton and struck the the suspect had lasted over four minutes from
ne
walked out behind her, and my attention moved suspect in the leg and side a few times, though the time I called in the “11-11” to the time that it
primarily to him. I engaged him and asked him I couldn’t get much power into the strikes since ended as backup officers arrived. The suspect
what was going on, while telling the woman to the suspect had pulled me closer to him by the had a criminal history, which included assault
calm down. I could immediately see that he was arm I was using to grasp him. and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest
heavily intoxicated. I asked that he turn around At some point, with my baton in my right and multiple violations of protective orders.
and interlace his fingers behind his head so I hand, he had shifted both hands to the baton, I was found justified in the shooting, no
could check him for weapons. He seemed to begin one above my hand at the long end and the charges were filed, and the suspect filed a suit,
t
to turn in compliance, but as soon as I grabbed other at the handle, below my hand. He began which went to trial four years later. The couple
one of his arms, he whipped around toward me trying to wrest it from me, and his strength with made outrageous false claims on the stand,
and began trying to wrestle from my grasp. two hands to my one was overwhelming. Though which they had obviously orchestrated prior. My
At the time, we were issued CS spray; I I maintained a grasp of the baton, he’d gained attorney queried each of them as to whether they
withdrew it and began to spray him in the face. control over it. knew their interviews directly after the incident
As I did so, he grabbed my wrist with both hands At that point, I heard the wife screaming at had been recorded by investigators. Their stories
and actually turned the can and nozzle toward me from behind, and as I turned to look, the didn’t match the recorded interviews, and their
my face, causing some of the spray to hit me suspect broke the baton free of my grasp; I case fell apart, once again exonerating me.
in the eyes. I managed to work my way behind shoved him away hard, drew my issued Beretta —MB, OK
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©2012, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and specifcations are for reference only and subject to change without notice.

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Creating Weapons of

www.windhamweaponry.com • Tel.: Toll Free: 1 855 808 1888 The U.S.A.

DEC/JAN 2015 /// VOLUME 27 NUMBER 1

FEATURES Patrol Ready

GLOCK 42 .380 ACP By Massad Ayoob.......................................................................38 ON THE COVER

SIG SAUER MPX 9mm By David Bahde ......................................................................46

ENFIELD MERC415 5.56mm By Rich Grassi .............................................................52

WINDHAM WEAPONRY HBC 5.56mm By Jorge Amselle .......................................62

ELEVEN STREET-READY HANDGUNS By Richard Johnson .................................74

SIDEWINDER VENOM 500 12 GAUGE By D.K. Pridgen .........................................84

TO THE READERS: Be advised that there may be products

GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT® (ISSN-1058-

For licensing and reprints of Guns & Weapons for Law

6 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

Reliability & Recoil

Capacity & Cost

Making The Switch

GUNS-WEAPONS.com DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 7

The 10th Annual

Big Stock photo

8 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

MORE WITH LESS

“An entire panel of experts

12 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

The KSP aviation unit has several

DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 13

For easier handcuffing, you can place a

14 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

“Make sure you take control,

for resistance. Grab the subject ﬁrst, establish

RULES FOR CONTROL

GUNS-WEAPONS.com DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 15

Law enforcement officers must remain always

• Apply the handcuffs in the “cufﬁng notch”

16 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

A Professional Patrol AR-15

18 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

From its carbon-fiber

GUNS-WEAPONS.com DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 19

The rifle comes with Lancer’s enlarged

The magazine release is larger and easier

Surrounding the barrel is Lancer’s 12-

20 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

GUNS-WEAPONS.com DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 21

During testing, magazines held in the nograph, a Bushnell spotting scope

ASYM 75 OTM 2,510 1.50

22 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

ACOG—he really liked it. He was surprised

24 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

ATI TACPX2 Lightweight pump action packs

GUNS-WEAPONS.com DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 27

The shotgun features a steel bolt assembly

The enlarged triggerguard and crossbolt

Because of the aluminum receiver, the

28 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

Chad Thompson photo

The TACPX2’s polymer stock has a

30 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

Officers accustomed to Remington 870

something I want to experience excessive-

32 GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com

BLACKHAWK!® EPOCH™ LEVEL 3 LIGHT-BEARING DUTY HOLSTER

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