But they’re not just buying guns to let them sit in a safe or drawer — they’re actually using them.

Women are showing up at the range. They’re joining organizations like A Girl & A Gun. And they’re also coming out in force to firearms events and competitions.

One place where that’s clear is in the Precision Rifle Series.

Every year more women turn to precision shooting competitions to hone their skills. But what’s causing women and young girls to turn to PRS?

Well, we hit the ground to find out talking to a few ladies involved in PRS about their experiences in the sport.

Keep reading to see what we found…

What Is the Precision Rifle Series?

For those of you who don’t know, PRS is a fast-paced, long-range precision shooting competition.

Most competitions use centerfire rifles, but there are also rimfire competitions, which are growing increasingly popular.

What sets PRS apart from other styles of competition is the variety.

Competitors don’t shoot from the same standard prone, kneeling, seated, or standing positions they do in other styles of competition.

Instead, they shoot from a variety of positions in different scenarios. For example, they may have to shoot from a ladder, running, or a vehicle.

No two competitions are alike.

So Why Do Women Love PRS?

This variety holds a lot of appeal for all kinds of people, which explains why so many people are flocking to PRS.

But let’s talk about the things that draw women specifically to PRS competitions.

PRS Community Welcomes New Shooters

If you talk to women who want to participate in the larger firearms community about what stops them, many will say they’re unsure if they’ll feel welcome among the overwhelmingly male and often more experienced shooters.

But PRS offers a friendly, wholesome community that tends to enjoy helping out new and experienced shooters alike.

One shooter I talked to, 15-year-old Allison Zane, pointed specifically to women competitors who act as ambassadors for the sport, mentoring new female shooters.

Another shooter, Christy Hembree — who works for and competes in PRS — added that women’s tendency to lack experience could often be an advantage that leads to women shooters not just participating but excelling.

According to Hembree, “while [women] may lack the experience behind a rifle…that can be quite beneficial, no bad habits need to be worked out for the precision aspect of what we do.”

For example, Zane’s only been shooting for four years (and only two years at the national level)/ Despite that, she’s ranked third in the PRS Open division and finished first place in several competitions this year alone.

On top of that, shooting puts women and men on roughly equal footing — since size and strength differences are far less important in shooting than other sports.

This means women don’t feel so intimidated about competing alongside men.

And to help shooters develop good habits, as well as develop a friendly community, the PRS hosts programs and events to foster shooting skills.

Zane specifically pointed to The GAP Grind — a PRS competition that also includes coaching time where shooters can learn from pro shooters.

“It was a great way to get introduced to the sport…It was an experience that really pushed me toward wanting to shoot at the next level,” Zane said about her own experience at the 2019 GAP Grind.

Precision Rimfire has become especially popular among women because it’s also new shooter friendly.

In fact, rimfire is where Zane got her start.

Rimfire rifles have little noise and recoil, so they’re easy for new shooters to acclimate to.

They also tend to come in a bit more affordable relative to centerfire rifles. So new shooters don’t feel like they have to make as much of a financial investment to get started.

PRS: A Family Affair

But even with these programs, there’s another aspect of PRS competition that sucks women in.

Zane and Hembree, along with Julie Kay, PRS’ marketing director, all pointed to the family aspect of the sport.

In many families, sons and dads tend to get involved first, then sisters and moms come along for support. But they end up catching the shooting bug, encouraged by the friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Many families will make match weekends a family event, especially since it’s common for competitors to travel to attend events.

PRS encourages this, ensuring that matches bring activities not just for shooters but also for all family members who choose to attend.

 “At most of our competitions, you will see families that have traveled together to the match. Traveling with campers and RVs has become very normal. Competitors often bring their kids and spouses, and many are joining in the fun on the firing line,” Kay said.

Hembree described the PRS similarly, saying, “Our series is extremely family-friendly as we encourage all members of the household to participate and spectate.”

Once again, we can look to 15-year-old Zane as an excellent example. She got into the sport four years ago with her dad.

She described it as “A great way to spend time together, enjoy some friendly competition with each other, and meet new friends.”

Conclusion

Women have moved into competitive shooting events at increasing rates in the past several years, but PRS seems to be gaining in popularity among women.

In large part, this can be attributed to the same things that make PRS so popular among everyone — the community, the support, and family-friendly competitions.

What drew you into PRS? Let us know in the comments below. Interested in getting started in PRS? Check out our Precision Rifle Competition for Beginners Guide. For more women’s content, check out our Women’s Guide.

The post PRS Sees Uptick in Female Participation appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

It’s not long afterward that a new criminal arrives within the Soviet Union — the “class enemy.”

With an incredibly vague and undefined meaning, the term class enemy brands anybody.

What lands you in trouble?

An argument with a neighbor, ticking off your ex, or bumping into the wrong person on the road…

And once the term stuck to you, kiss your family goodbye.

Not even a year later, Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky begin setting up a series of concentration camps to deal with the large influx of newfound class enemies.

The name for this system of camps — Glavnoe Upravlenie Lagerei, better known by its nickname, the Gulag.

To Share a Cell with Family

Anybody within the Soviet Union could be sent to the Gulag, and it seemed as if everyone was.

People who traveled Europe in World War II went there. Anybody who opposed Bolshevism went there. Intellectuals, doctors, writers, artists – they were all sent as well.

If you were deemed as a “class enemy,” that proved more than sufficient for you to be sent to the Gulag with a minimum sentence of five to eight years of hard labor.

Even women and children were not immune to the terrors of the Gulag, shipped off by the thousands as well.

Stalin really boosted the Gulag numbers, however.

His Great Purge — an attempt to “purify” the Soviet Union of all dissidents guilty of Orwell’s thoughtcrime — sent hundreds of thousands to their deaths.

During this time, the death rate of Gulag prisoners increased three-fold as Gulags attempted to deal with a mass influx of prisoners.

Life Within the Gulag

For those shipped (often aboard freezing boxcars) to a Gulag, the terrors were just beginning.

Interrogations, sleep deprivation, regular beatings, extreme temperatures, forced false admissions, starvation, and disease were just some of the regular occurrences of the new normal.

Men suffered beatings so badly that they endured broken bones (famed Soviet scientist Sergei Korolev actually had his jaw broken by interrogators).

Despite their injuries, prisoners still engaged in heavy manual labor with primitive tools. Workdays of 14 hours or more in Siberian weather were not uncommon.

For women, the threat of rape was a regular occurrence.

Prison guards regularly assaulted women in such a manner and used their prison henchmen – the “thieves” – to do the same.

The Thieves

While the greater majority of Gulag prisoners were innocent class enemies, true criminals arrived in the Gulags as well.

Murderers, rapists, robbers all came to the Gulags and became known as “thieves.”

The thieves experienced preferential treatment within the Gulag system with more food, less work, and other benefits.

They often stole what little food and clothing class enemies received and used violence – whether in the form of beatings, rape, or murder – to get their way.

Gulag administration knew about this and used it to their advantage.

Through bribes and other gifts, guards used thieves to act as their own form of internal security to keep the class enemies in line.

A political prisoner acts unruly, spreading dissent through the ranks? Just let the thieves know, and the situation would be taken care of.

Where Are We Now?

After the death of Stalin, the use of the Gulag system gradually began to die down.

But somewhere around 18 million people fell victim to the Gulag system. Perhaps 1.5 million died there due to executions, starvation, exposure, disease, or the like.

The Gulag system would have never reached the world’s ears had it not been for writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

A Gulag prisoner himself for eight years, Solzhenitsyn collected stories of other survivors throughout his incarceration. He eventually published his findings in Paris in a 3-volume work called The Gulag Archipelago, released from 1973 to 1975.

The cost of his writing?

Arrest, stripped of his citizenship, torture of his secretary (who later was found hanging – an alleged suicide), and banishment from his country.

This is a new style of article for Pew Pew Tactical; if you liked it — let us know in the comments! If you didn’t enjoy it…well phooey. To catch up on previous Pictures from History, click on over to our History Category.

The post A Picture from History: The Gulag appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

If so…you need a good ‘ole rifle sling.

Rifle slings are perfect for ensuring a steady and accurate shot, which is why they’re a favorite among many sharpshooters.

But there’s a bazillion of them out there.  

So to help you out, I’ll go over choosing the right material, types of sling, and sling mounting systems. Oh…and, of course, some specific models.

We also have a video going over the benefits of 2-point slings and our favorite ones…

If that helped, please subscribe to our YouTube channel since we’re adding new videos every week!

And now, after years of using all the slings out there, we’ve come out with our own.

Choosing the Right Material

Gun slings are typically made from one of two options: leather or nylon.

There is no clear-cut answer when it comes to which sling material is better.  

Some people believe that nylon slings are better because they’re not as heavy, while others prefer leather because they feel it gives a slight elastic feel that nylon doesn’t.  

I personally go with the nylon slings.

If you are someone who prefers the traction and style that comes with a leather sling, it’s important to note that they can stretch over the years.  

Types of Gun Slings

There are three main types of gun slings: single-point, two-point, and three-point slings. Then some more specific ones applicable for sharpshooting.

I’ll give a brief explanation of each type first then list the pros and cons of each type of sling so that you can get an idea of which type suits your specific needs.

The single-point sling receives its name because it uses one connection point to attach to the gun.

As you may have guessed, two-point slings are named because they are attached to the gun with two connection points.

The three-point sling also connects to the front and back of the firearm like its two-point counterpart. However, the three-point sling differs in that it has an additional loop that goes around your torso.

The Ching sling is a special shooting sling that incorporates principles of the “hasty sling” and two-point slings.  It requires three connection points and can be used for carrying and aiming.

The Cuff sling is a shooting sling designed to help marksmen get an accurate shot without the use of a bipod.

Best Rifle Slings (For the AR-15 And More)

Two Point Slings

The two-point sling is one of the most commonly-used gun slings and is sometimes known as a carrying strap.

I’m starting with these since they are my favorite and the most versatile for the AR-15 and other rifles.

This sling connects to the rear and front of the firearm, on the bottom of the stock. It’s perfect for carrying a long gun over the shoulder during long hunting treks.

Pros

Not only are two-point slings great for carrying your weapon, but they can also be used to improve your aim.

There are three ways to carry a gun using the two-point sling:

• American carry – slung over back of the shoulder, muzzle up.
• European carry – slung over the front of the shoulder, muzzle up.
• African carry – slung over the back of the shoulder, muzzle down.

Some people prefer the African carry because they feel it makes it easier to grab and aim your weapon. The downside to the African carry is that you risk clogging your muzzle with dirt and debris as you walk.

Remember when I said it can improve your aim?

Simply loop the sling around your non-dominant arm and use the tension to keep your weapon stable. This is called the “hasty sling” method.

Another type of shooting modification that can be used with the two-point sling is the “loop sling.”

This is achieved by disconnecting the rear portion of the sling and pulling a loop through the adjustment slide. Then, slide your arm through the loop and pull tightly:

This will help stabilize your long gun and provide you with the opportunity to shoot more accurately.  This tactic is referred to as the “USGI sling.”

Cons

The downside of the two-point sling is that it can be difficult to retrieve your gun in a situation where time is of the essence.

It’s also a little harder to transition from side to side unless you leave some extra length to free up your neck area.

1. VTAC Sling

The Viking Tactics is a popular two-point sling that’s designed to boost comfort and freedom of movement.  

The upgrade/hybrid version has stronger hardware and feels lighter. Used by tons of U.S. troops.

One common complaint is that it is built for an 8-foot monster. However, that’s because the extra length is set for people wearing armor or using it on a long shotgun.

I follow Kyle Lamb’s advice and use some duct tape to tape off the excess…never know when it might come in handy.

One thing that sets it apart from other slings is that it feels light but still super strong. 

Also, there are two pull tabs you use to adjust the length — one to cinch it and one to let it go.

Highly recommend watching this video of Kyle Lamb for install and use.

And also highly recommend going with at least something padded if you’re going to be standing around for a few hours on patrol (or even a class).

The VTAC’s padding is thin but makes a world of difference.

My specific version that I use is the padded upgraded/hybrid multicam.

2. Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling

Another used by tons of US troops is the Vickers Sling by Blue Force Gear.

There’s also a padded version ($55) for enhanced comfort.

Check it out in action…

Note that it only has one tab to deal with…

The length is also more manageable…no duct tape is needed but you might not be able to put it on very long shotguns (or if you’re huge and/or wearing a lot of gear).

The padding is also a little thicker than the VTAC.

But the nylon of the sling itself feels stiffer and is definitely thicker. 

And given the choice between padded and not padded versions, definitely go with padded.

What’s your take on the Vickers?

3. Pew Pew Tactical Hardline Sling

We know what we wanted in a sling:

• not TOO long so you have to deal with excess
• stupid simple length adjustment
• a nice pull-tab
• just the right amount of padding
• MULTICAM

We would obviously sew our fingers together so we began our search of new manufacturers out there that were making a name for themselves.

We went with Flatline Fiber to create the Pew Pew Tactical Sling.

Made by hand in Georgia…and with plenty of stellar reviews to boot. Us being one of them.

We have our PPT laser gun logo on Multicam, both regular and black, of course.

A very nice pull tab…these things make a big difference.

And just the right amount of padding that’s slightly less than the Vickers padded version. If you’re not on sentry duty with a 15-pound behemoth this amount of padding is perfect.

Check them out at Shall Not Comply where you can find more of our goodies.

Single-Point Slings

The single-point sling is a favorite for a lot of gun enthusiasts.

The sling wraps around the user’s body while the point attaches to the rear of the weapon.  

Pros

What makes the single-point sling a favorite among tactical shooters is that it makes dropping and picking up your weapon simple.

The beauty of the single-point sling is that it always sits directly in front of you (and most likely pointing in a safe direction down).

This makes it ideal for situations where you need to go quickly hands-free, but also must have the ability to quickly grab your weapon at a moment’s notice.

Another benefit of using the single-point sling is that it allows you to perform a wide range of movements such as transitions due to a barrier.

Additionally, your gun doesn’t have to be in front of you with a single-point sling.  

You can also wear it in a way that keeps your weapon at your side or on your back. However, those options aren’t ideal for scenarios where you need quick access to your gun.

Cons

Despite the convenience and easy accessibility that comes with single-point slings, they aren’t without their drawbacks.

For starters, single-point slings provide little shooting support. Your aim with a single-point sling won’t be much better than it would be with no sling at all.

Another con of the single-point sling is your gun will sway a lot when you’re not holding it.  

For some people, moving hands-free with a single-point sling can be especially annoying because they constantly get knocked in the groin or knees with their gun.  

Here’s an example of a loose two-point sling but you can imagine it with merely one.

Once you find the proper tightness adjustment for your body, your single-point sling shouldn’t move as much.  

And overall, it’s a great tactical piece for anyone who’s not in situations that require a lot of running.

4. Magpul MS4

If you’re looking for a single-point sling that’s comfortable, durable, and easy to adjust, try the Magpul MS4 Sling ($56).

Its 1.25-inches wide nylon material is strong enough to resist wear and tear from constant use but soft enough to prevent chaffing and discomfort.  

Additionally, it can be converted to a two-point sling and has quick disconnect features.

Three Point Slings

When it comes to the three-point sling, I find that people either love it or hate it.

Pros

Overall, I think it’s a good sling that keeps your gun within reach, just like its single-point counterpart.

In addition, the three-point sling has more control than the single-point sling when you’re moving hands-free. That means you don’t have to worry about having your gun bang up your shin or groin area as you move.

Have a look at this video to see how the three-point sling works:

The biggest benefit of the three-point sling is that you can easily transition from a rifle to a sidearm without having to fumble between guns.

Cons

However, the three-point sling doesn’t come without its own set of cons. Some shooters complain that three-point slings tend to get caught on bolt release mechanisms and block ejection ports of rifles.

Also, this…

In case you’re wondering…yes that rifle was loaded and no this was not a drill/test/skit. This is, in all its glory, the three-point sling in the field.

5. Specter Three Point Sling

When it comes to three-point slings, comfort is key.

You don’t want to have something strapped to your body that feels excessively tight or restricts your movement more than it should.  Many people prefer Specter Three Point Slings ($30) because they’re less likely to cause chafing or affect the wearer’s range of motion.

Shooting Slings

Along with tactical straps designed to help you carry your long gun in a variety of ways, there are also different types of shooting slings for your long gun.

6. Ching Sling

It is made up of two straps, a standard two-point sling and an additional smaller strap connected to the gun’s center stud.

Think of the Ching sling as a two-point sling that was optimized for the “hasty sling” method of shooting.

As you’re carrying a rifle with the Ching sling, the small strap can be slid up and out of the way. When it comes time to shoot, simply loop your arm through the first loop, between the first and center studs, to get a steadier aim.

Andy’s Leather Ching Sling ($50) is a great version of this iconic sling that’s easy to adjust and doesn’t cause discomfort.

7. Cuff Slings

Cuff sling variations are a favorite among sharpshooters because they allow you to get a stable and accurate shot without the use of a bipod.

They’re easier to set up than loop sling methods like the “USGI sling” and are an excellent way to improve your aim.

The Tactical Intervention ($54) is a popular cuff sling that’s developed with military-grade nylon and is able to withstand regular wear-and-tear.

Sling Mounts and Hardware

Once you’ve got the sling, you’ve got to make sure you can attach it to your rifle.

Almost all of the slings mentioned will hook into your butt stock without any additional hardware…whether into the slits or using a QD (quick disconnect) mount.

If you don’t have that…or like having a connection on your end place…check out the BCM QD End Plate (perfect for single point slings).

You might need something for your handguard if it doesn’t already come with QD holes…however I found the factory ones are either too forward (gets in the way of lights) or too rear (too short for slinging on your back).

In that case you’ll need something like a Troy Rail Mount ($33).

However, my current favorite is the Magpul RSA QD ($28) since it is adjustable and keeps the sling on one specific side. My loadout below gives me space to activate my light.

It also has anti-rotation so your sling doesn’t get jumbled up

And for actual QD mounts and swivel combos…

We go with Magpul QD Slings (exposed for easier pressing).

or the Midwest Industries (flush fit for added security).

My preference is the flush model since I don’t take on/off my slings that much…and having something accidentally disconnect your sling would suck.

Conclusion

For almost all users…you’re probably good to go with a two point sling.  Our favorites are the…

VTAC Sling: great for lots of adjustment, thinner straps, and two pull tabs

Vickers Sling: great for regular-length guns/gear/dudes, thicker straps, and one pull tab

Pew Pew Tactical Sling: what we think is the best of all worlds if you’re carrying a regular weight rifle

Check them out in action in our video…

And…here are some tips that can improve your experience:

• When using a leather shooting strap, mark the notch that is the most comfortable for you. That way, you don’t lose that perfect adjustment point.
• Don’t over-tighten your sling when using a “cuff” or “loop sling.” If you can’t slip two or three fingers in the cuff, it’s too tight.
• Practice makes perfect, especially when wearing a new sling.  Practice raising your gun quickly into firing position until you feel comfortable with your sling.

Remember, a good gun sling can work wonders by increasing your accuracy or helping quickly switch between your long gun and sidearm.  Check out more of our essential gear and guns such as Best Weapon Lights or Best Scopes/Optics.

What sling did you end up getting? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments! For more AR gear, check out our round-up of the Best AR-15 Furniture & Accessories.

The post Best Rifle Sling For Your AR-15 & Precision Rifle [Hands-On] appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

And the Benelli M4 is no exception. This Italian 12-gauge has a reputation for being a solid autoloading shotgun with style, unlike most others.

But what makes this shotgun so good?

Well, we’re going to find out today as we explore the legendary M4. Spoiler alert: it’s a beast.

I’m going to run you through the specs and features; then, we’ll take it to the range here in my home state of Tennessee and at Thunder Ranch in Oregon.

By the end of this article, I might just have you convinced why I think the M4 is one of the best combat shotguns on the market.

So, if you’ve ever caught yourself gazing at the M4 and wondering, “what if,” keep reading…

If you want to see the Benelli M4 in action, check out the video below.

For more gun content, make sure to subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical on YouTube.

Specs & Features

Let’s get the boring stuff out of the way first.

The M4 is a 12-gauge automatic shotgun with a barrel that sits at 18.5-inches. It eats 2 3/4 or 3-inch shells and comes in a few different models.

Mine happens to be the anodized black version.

It weighs in at a hefty 7.8-pounds with an overall length of 40-inches.

Controls sit where you expect, with the cross-bolt safety located where you need it.

Some say the bolt release is a little small, but I think it’s okay.

The ergonomics are fantastic on this shotgun. That over-molded pistol grip feels big and solid — perfect for handling heavier loads.

(By the way, I think for a combat shotgun, you need to go with a pistol grip.)

On the front, the M4 shipped with a plastic front grip.

It was okay, but I opted for an aftermarket M-LOK handguard so I could add a flashlight down the road.

As far as aesthetics, the M4 looks great.

The Benelli branding is minimal and super clean – though I have no idea why an Italian gun has an American flag on it. Regardless, I like it.

It didn’t come with much, just a box and the gun itself. So, I added one of our own Pew Pew Tactical Flatline rifle straps and a red dot.

ARGO

As I mentioned, this gun is a beast. It runs and runs well, but what makes it all work?

At the heart of the M4 rests the Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated system.

The ARGO system offers a short-stroke, dual-piston design. It was originally created and approved for use by the U.S. Marines in 1998.

And this bad boy thrives on heavier loads. Not to mention, the pistons are self-cleaning.

But if you do need to clean it, it all field strips super easy with no tools. It’s a ridiculously simple design.

Personally, I love that it is self-cleaning, not because I’m afraid to clean a gun. But because it runs clean.

The M4 will run forever in the field, and you won’t have to worry about reliability.

Why So Expensive?

Get the aloe, y’all…this is going to burn.

Depending on the setup, MSRP on the Benelli M4 comes in between $2,000 and $2,300.

Street price is $1,800 to $1,900 unless you want the collapsible stock…which is unobtanium.

And if you do find one, expect to double the price of the gun.

Full disclosure, I paid full pandemic price for mine – buy once, cry like six times.

Why is this gun so darn expensive?

Blame it on the Italians, man. Italian shotguns have long held the reputation for being premium builds with top-of-the-line pricing.

While $2,300 seems steep, compared to other Italian guns (like Beretta’s DT11 topping out at $20,000…no typo there), it’s kind of a steal at $2K.

But really, with the M4, you pay for the reliability.

This shotgun will literally go through the apocalypse with you. You can’t stop it.

And that tends to be well worth the price, especially if you consider it for defensive purposes.

With all that said and done, let’s talk about how it did at the range…

Range Time: Smooth Shooting

I took the M4 to Thunder Ranch for a private shotgun class with Clint Smith.

TV Guide version: it feels like a precision machine – smooth and easy.

Back home in Tennessee, I used Kent number 7 alongside some higher brass turkey loads, which I think are Winchester.

One of the things I like about this gun is the trigger. It’s short, light, and crisp. No complaints here.

Combat loading on the M4 feels super clean. You just drop in a shell, hit that release, and you’re ready to rock and roll.

The rubber on the stock and the overall weight eat a lot of the recoil, meaning you can run this all day without needing to see your chiropractor.

Accuracy-wise…it gets the job done. I mean, the Marines use it for a reason. I brought out a bag of Granny Smith apples for my testing because blowing stuff up with shotguns is a good time.

I also used rifled slugs to touch out to 100-yards.

How’d she do? Just fine. Again, smooth is the word of the day, and that’s how she ran.

Even with the stock iron sights, the M4 just works. I eventually added a Sig Sauer Romeo 5 to mine, and that ups the ante.

(If you need some optics suggestions, check out our guide to the Best Red Dots for Shotguns.)

Downsides to the M4

Now, everything has a downside. There’s no such thing as perfect, and the M4 has a flaw – the capacity.

Because of our wonderful government and 922R nonsense, all M4s come as a 5+1. That’s kind of lame.

Also, you may hear guys on the internet say the M4 doesn’t do so well with light loads. In my experience, it eats light loads just as well as it eats the big stuff.

Again, it’s durable and built like a tank, but it’s heavy. Fully loaded, it sits at over 10-pounds, so eat your Wheaties.

Also, once more, there’s the price. This gun ain’t cheap.

And the aftermarket goodies are high too. The entire M4 market is a little out of control. Blame John Wick. And the Italians. And the Marines.

But speaking of the aftermarket…

M4 Upgrades

One of my favorite things about the Benelli M4 is the upgrades…there’s a lot! From foregrips to magazine tubes to optics and lights, you can customize what you want.

Need some help getting started?

Off the bat, swap out the standard sights for some Meprolight Night Sights.

Then throw on a red dot. I used the Sig Sauer Romeo 5, but the Trijicon RMR works too.

While we’re talking optics if you want to mount the optic low enough to co-witness with irons, grab a Scalarworks Mount.

Remember how I said it has a low capacity? You can work around that with a Mesa Tactical Sureshell Carrier.

Also, grab an M-LOK handguard to throw on some accessories. One of our other writers, Travis, prefers the Strike Industries Hayl Rail.

In fact, Travis has a whole article dedicated to his favorite Benelli M4 upgrades.

By the Numbers

Reliability: 5/5 

Some guys on the interweb have complained about trouble with birdshot. For me and multiple thousands of rounds of birdshot, the M4 is perhaps the most reliable gun I’ve ever run. 

Ergonomics: 4/5 

The big grip is fantastic, and the controls are solid. The foregrip it comes with is so-so but is an easy replacement for something bigger. 

Accuracy: 5/5 

Rifled slugs at 100-yards? Fuggedaboutit. 

Customization: 5/5 

The aftermarket for the M4 is robust, albeit overpriced — lots of options for magazine tubs, night sites, rails, handguards, and more. OK, maybe not as many options as we’re used to in the AR world…but for a shotgun, the Benelli is the top of the heap for dialing in your gun. 

Value: 4/5 

You get a LOT for the price. But boy, that price…

Overall: 4.5/5 

This is a little odd because I call the M4 the best combat shotgun on planet Earth…so shouldn’t it be a 5/5? Well, that price is painful, and it’s heavy. And I think most folks will want to swap out a couple of things on their stock Benelli. So yeah, it’s a crazy solid gun…but still sitting at a 4.5. 

Conclusion

Benelli’s M4 stands as a shining example of what a good Italian auto shotgun can do.

Far and away, it’s the best combat shotgun on the market. This autoloader looks great, runs smooth, offers up a certain cool factor, and you can trust your life to it.

It earns two huge thumbs up for me. Without hesitation, I recommend you run out and buy an M4.

PPT Writer, Travis Pike, contributed to this review.

Again, to see the Benelli M4 in action, check out the video below.

What do you think of the Benelli M4? Let us know in the comments below. For more combat-style shotguns, make sure to peep our list of the Best Home Defense Tactical Shotguns.

The post [Video+Review] Benelli M4: Best Combat Shotgun? appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

From tackling long-distance shots to disappearing into the environment, there’s just something innately interesting about these marksmen and women.

After devouring books and movies on the topic, maybe you’re ready to move into the real world.

And if that’s the case you may be curious as to what classes you can take to better your long distance marksmanship skills.

Well, we gathered a handful of courses dedicated to sniper training that you definitely should seek out.

Looking at both affordability and high quality, we think this list will serve as a good starting point for those that want to hone their skills and nail those sniper shots.

So, keep reading to see which sniper courses made the cut!

Beginner Sniper Courses

If you read our prior post on the best sniper rifles and know you’re going to need a thorough work-through of the fundamentals, these courses are for you.

They’re all relatively affordable, offering a wide range of shooting environments to learn from.

1. TACTIC Long Range 1 ($205)

Let’s say you’re brand new to long-range shooting, don’t have a lot of free time, and can’t afford to shell out over $500 for a course.

If you’re in that boat, then you’re going to want to check out TACTIC’s Long Range 1 course in Bozeman, Montana.

Taught by former Navy SEAL Chris, this class will give you a solid foundation to build on when it comes to long-range marksmanship.

You’ll learn about ballistics, environmental factors that affect accuracy, building a DOPE card, and more.

At only six hours long, it’ll easily fit into a busy schedule.

Expect to spend half your time in the classroom discussing long-range shooting and the other half on the hills of Montana getting some rifle time in.  

You don’t need a truckload worth of ammo in this course either, helping to keep this class even more affordable. (Chris recommends you have somewhere around 200 rounds for this one.)

 If you can bring that, a suitable rifle, and a willingness to learn, TACTIC takes care of the rest.

2. Tactical Rifleman’s Tactical Precision Rifle 101 ($750)

If you’ve read our prior piece on the top fighting carbine courses in the U.S., you’re likely already familiar with the name Tactical Rifleman.

Why?

Because these guys create some of the best tactical training courses out there!

Their Precision Rifle 101 is no exception, and in this 2-day course, you’ll learn all of the basics of in-the-field sniping.

Former Special Forces operators at Tactical Rifleman will teach you all about scope and rifle setup/maintenance, range estimation, reading the wind, and non-standard firing positions.

Required gear for the course includes 200 rounds, a rifle that can shoot within 1 MOA at 100-yards, scope, bipod, sling, and monopod. If you’ve got that, you’re golden and ready to train.

3. Crosswind Precision’s Snipercraft ($850)

Looking for a course that is heavier on the fieldwork and lighter on the shooting? Then take a look at Colorado’s Crosswind Precision.

Snipercraft requires only 150 rounds of match-grade ammunition for the 3-day course and focuses on other aspects of sniper shooting.

You’ll spend virtually all day every day out in the woods as you learn to hide building, stealth movement, ghillie suit construction, stalking techniques, counter-sniper training, 2-man operations, unit operations, sectors of fire, and basic shooting fundamentals.

Regarding long-range marksmanship, you’ll learn how to modify a DOPE for a variety of environmental conditions, as well as how to use a ballistic computer too.

Just keep in mind that you need to be in shape to complete this course.

If you meet the physical requirements, though, and want a tangible experience – you’ll love what Crosswind Precision has to offer.

4. Sniper Central’s Precision Marksman School Basic ($550)

In this incredibly affordable 4-day course, you’ll learn all the fundamentals of long-range shooting.

Based in Butte, Montana, you’ll practice engaging in unknown distance shooting, range estimation, wind compensation, low-light shooting, and more.

While this course doesn’t require a lot of physical work (pretty much all shooting will be done from a set prone position), you do need to withstand the weather to make it through this one.

Butte is at 5,400 feet of elevation, and the weather changes rather quickly as a result.

But you only need a little over 260 rounds of match-grade ammunition, so the ammo costs are affordable.

Intermediate Sniper Courses

So, you’ve got a bit of experience under your belt, huh? Then check out some intermediate courses…

5. Tactical Response’s Sniper Basics ($550)

Every course that Tactical Response creates is top-notch.

Why is that?

In large part, because you’ll train with instructors with decades of Special Forces combat experience – so, they’ve been there.

While this 2-day course covers the foundations of sniping, it’s still a physically demanding class, so prepare to work.

You’ll learn about hasty shooting methods, urban/rural applications, close- and medium-range snap shooting, cover vs. concealment, team comms, multiple target engagement, sniper tactics, and more.

Tactical Response sets itself apart from a lot of the other courses out there with minimal gear requirements. This helps make the course more accessible to the average joe.

If you don’t have to invest $3,000 in gear before you even sign up for the course, it’s always a plus in my book.

All you need is the gear you would likely have in a combat situation. Bring that with 250 rounds to Tennessee and you’re ready to go.

6. Ghost Firearm Training’s Long-Range Precision 2 ($675)

In this 2-day course, you’ll be trained by a number of instructors with prior Middle East or law enforcement experience, as you better learn what it takes to reach out and touch targets accurately from 1,000-yards.

There are some prerequisites for this one, though. For starters, you need to have taken a sniper basics course and have data on your weapon system out to 1,000-yards.

There’s some physicality to this class, so having a moderate degree of physical fitness is a must.

Also, you need to regularly hit targets from 100 to 1,000 yards within a few shots while adjusting for wind and elevation.

Within this course — offered in both New York and Pennsylvania — you’ll learn how to hit moving targets, shoot at night, better engage targets at unknown distances, and use various obstacles to aid in precision rifle shooting.

You’ll need a minimum of 200 rounds of match-grade ammunition to complete 10 to 12 shooting stations, and there are some limitations on the types of weapons systems you can bring to the game.

But this is a high-quality course that will help you improve your skillset.

7. Advanced Combat Evolution’s Civilian Sniper III ($175)

For more advanced techniques that don’t require a ton of cash or time, take a look at Advanced Combat Evolution Civilian Sniper III.

Within the span of six to eight hours, you’ll be taught how to engage moving targets out to 200-yards, all while enjoying sunny Californian weather.

While, yes, 200-yards isn’t as long as some of the other courses on this list, it’s hard to beat the convenience and affordability of this option.

And you will leave with a better understanding of long-range work.

The instructors come with prior LEO/SWAT experience and use that to teach various skills to include stabilizing the rifle in unconventional positions, scope function and manipulation, taking shots of opportunity, etc.

Even if you don’t have your own rifle, no prob, you can rent one for the day for an extra $100.

8. K&M Comprehensive Precision Rifle Course ($1,295-$2,295)

The K&M course will take you from the fundamentals to advanced topics in four days.

While the sticker price may initially raise an eyebrow or two, you get a few extra days that most courses and lodging are included with the price. So, factoring all that in makes this a pretty great deal.

Training is conducted by former Spec Ops, LEOs, or military snipers, so you know you’re getting top-notch training too.

Located in Tennessee, K&M is massive – boasting more than 12 ranges, each specialized for a different purpose. At these ranges, you’ll learn how to engage targets out to 1,200-yards, hit moving targets, alternate positions, as well as fundamental skills.

It’s a fast-paced course, so be warned. You’ll also need around 500 rounds of match-grade ammunition.  

But you will leave the course a better shooter compared to when you entered.

Advanced Sniper Courses

You’ll be hard-pressed to find any course out there that can beat the degree of training required to complete these.

If you’re in fantastic shape, can weather the elements, and already have a good deal of sniper/survival, you’ll enjoy these courses.

9. International Tactic’s Overnight Sniper Course ($525)

International Tactic’s all-night course can take your skills to the next level – assuming you come in with plenty of long-range experience and can endure an all-nighter.

Conducted from 3 p.m. to 8 a.m., you’ll learn about engaging in long-range precision rifle work and sniper tactics under cover of darkness.

As you hike up and down Californian mountains and crawl through bushes in the dark, your instructors lay out how to calculate distance at night, work with a drag bag, eliminate muzzle blast, and use the environment around you.

After going through some of these drills, you’ll be assigned a mission by your mentors that you must complete with other team members.

You’ll be dropped off at an undisclosed location and must move your way to a final shooting position to complete your mission without being detected along the way.

To further complicate matters, there are several engagements you’ll have to complete using sniper stalking techniques to avoid being spotted.

If spending the night in the dirt interests you, grab 150 rounds of match-grade ammunition and head to International Tactic.

10. Tactical Rifleman’s Operation Valkyrie ($2,089)

Easily coming in as the most difficult sniper course on our list, the Operation Valkyrie course from Tactical Rifleman tests your ability to adapt.

You’ll spend three days and four nights learning everything it takes to survive in the bush behind enemy lines.

Taught by a former Special Forces Sniper, the class is heavy on tactical role-playing. So, prepare to be actively hunted by roving armed patrols and K9 units.

But you’ll learn how to infiltrate and move behind enemy lines, engage in cave operations, tactical kayak movement, use a radio countdown to commit a multi-team sniper hit, partisan linkup, and GEN III and thermal sniper takedowns.

All of your gear needs to fit into a kayak, so if you’re capable of living out of a pack and via bushcraft, then you may be able to make it through this course.

It’s pretty intense, so a high level of physical fitness would serve you well.

While the course takes place in western Kentucky, the instructors won’t tell you exactly where until right before the course starts (no cheating).

Conclusion

While a wide range of sniper rifle courses exists, we believe these are the cream of the crop.

Even if none of these courses seems to fit the ticket for you either, I encourage you to check out some of the other offerings by these vendors as well.

Each of them offers a wide range of classes, and I’m sure that you’ll be able to find something you’d like.

Are there other courses that should make the list? Let us know below! For more training, check out the Best Tactical Carbine Classes, Best Wilderness Survival Courses, and even the Best First Aid Classes.

The post 10 Best Long Range & Precision Shooting Courses appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

After having made it through 2020 (hooray! You did it!), it’s natural to ask yourself what you would do if you were ever caught in such a situation.

How on earth do you make it through a night of mayhem alive and in one piece?

If these are the questions that you’ve been pondering, you’re not alone.

So, to help you feel more confident in turbulent times, let’s look at some techniques to help you make it out of a riot.

We’ll cover what you should have on hand and how to implement actions to save your life in a mob.

Survive a Riot or Mob on Foot

1. Wear Anti-Laser Glasses

One of the most nefarious technologies we’ve seen employed at riots recently has been the use of powerful laser pointers to blind people.

The degree of this blindness varies depending on the power of the laser and the accuracy of the “painting,” but there’s most certainly the potential for permanent eye damage here.

Once you’re blinded in the middle of a violent crowd, you’re going to be easy pickings for those around you.

However, there are technologies we can use to protect ourselves against such. Mainly, I’m referring to anti-laser glasses.

These are special lenses that you can wear that will allow you to see while simultaneously protecting your eyes against the effects of a laser pointer.

I highly recommend investing in a pair if you’re in an area where you think the rioters could employ such methods.

Just keep in mind that different colors of lasers require different types of safety glasses. No one pair will block out all types of lasers.

As such, buying these types of eyewear is something of a probability game.

From my own anecdotal experience of what I’ve seen online, it appears as if green lasers are the most commonly used colors in blinding attacks. That may be something to take into consideration.

2. Get indoors ASAP

While violence can most certainly take place in businesses and homes as well, you stand a much better chance of evading it if you’re indoors.

There are a few variables that need to be taken into consideration, however.

For starters, if you enter a building, you need to know the location of the exits.

Putting yourself into a room where there’s only one way out could get you in trouble should an angry horde of people enter.

Molotov cocktails are a very common form of rioter weaponry as well. And, if one is thrown into the building you occupy, you could easily end up trapped in an oven.

So yes, while heading for shelter is important, make sure that it’s the right type of shelter.

Also, consider what type of shelter it is – a Best Buy or other store stocked with portable valuables might not be a safe place.

You’re in prime looter territory. The store will attract attention if it’s anywhere near the scene of a riot.

So, in summary, look for shelter with multiple exits and one that won’t attract looters either.

And if you’re at home – say, in your high-rise apartment – stay away from the windows.

Shots may be fired, and the further away from the windows you are, the better your chances are of evading stray bullets, broken glass, or incoming Molotov cocktails.

3. Move to the Outskirts of the Riot

This one is most certainly easier said than done.

If you find yourself caught in the middle of a riot, you stand a much better chance of making it through the night ok if you can get out of the riot (duh).

So, do what you can to put as much distance between you and the trouble as possible. The further you are from danger, the less risk you have of being injured by it.

To do this, continue to move. Stopping in any one place for an extended period (particularly out in the street) exposes yourself to a heightened probability of danger.

While hiding is most certainly an option (sometimes), if you’re in the midst of several hundred people, somebody will find you.

It’s best in these situations to get as far away as possible.

Avoid running when amid a crowd – this keeps unwanted attention at bay.

But once you get to where you have some breathing room, sprinting may very well be just the ticket to getting yourself as far from danger as possible.

4. Be the Gray Man

This is an oft-touted principle of prepping, but perhaps in no other situation does it apply more aptly than when it comes to riot survival.

It’s long been touted that cops are much more likely to pull over a red car for speeding than a car of other colors.

Is this because drivers of red cars are more likely to speed? No. Is it because cops just don’t like the color red? No.

The reason why is because a red car is more noticeable. It draws the eyes towards it when set amidst a background of other cars.

Same principle applies to riot survival.

If you’re in a crowd and dressed in a way that naturally draws the human eye towards you (e.g., bright clothing, wearing camouflage, strange hat, out-of-place backpack, a katana, etc.), you attract a lot more attention than you would if you were more discreet.

What you want is crowd camouflage — disappear while in plain sight.

Wearing earth tones or darker colors, not wearing heavy garb in warm weather, not having a busting-at-the-seams military-style backpack strapped to you, not behaving strangely – these are all to ensure that you blend in the background.

Think about the life of a spy.

They constantly insert themselves into the very center of an enemy’s society and culture. Yet, they move about and gather their intel undetected. And all while under the very noses of their enemy.

If all spies wore pointy neon pink hats, it would be easy to point them out in a crowd, would it not?

But they don’t do this.

They seamlessly disappear while remaining in sight the whole time.

You’re going to want to adopt the same attitude to make it through a riot in one piece.

As such, it may pay to keep a quick change of outfit at hand in your office, vehicle, or EDC bag if you believe there’s a risk you could encounter a riot on your way home in the near future.

5. Avoid Confrontation and Know How to Deescalate a Situation

If you end up picking a fight with somebody, yelling at someone, or calling someone a name, you’re going to end up in a fight.

And not necessarily one-on-one, either. You’re potentially looking at one-on-20, if not more.

You will not win against those odds in a street fight.

Even if you’re a seasoned brawler, don’t forget there are no rules in a street fight.

You may fight with your hands and feet, but your opponents could use skateboards, sticks, tasers, pepper spray, and more. Again, you will not win that fight.

So, avoid confrontation to the best of your ability.

I’m not telling you to shrivel up and whimper. What I’m saying is that the wise fighter can do a lot to avoid a fight in the first place. Discretion is the better part of valor.

If you end up in a situation where conflict looks inevitable, a basic knowledge of how to deescalate a situation could very easily save your life.

It’s best not to respond to every scream and insult with one of your own. Things will only grow more heated, with the result being a full-out brawl.

To assist in de-escalation, here are a few tips:

• Keep your voice low and remain calm – By doing this, you can get your opponent to unwittingly mirror your behaviors. Humans copy the behaviors of other humans. If you can keep your voice calm and low against a potential aggressor, you can help “push” them towards doing the same.
• Try to humanize yourself to the enemy – Say something along the lines of, “I’m just passing through man. It’s been a long day at work, my son has the flu, and my house is that way.” This helps to show you aren’t a threat, you can be related to, and it may garner some pity.

6. Stay in Shape

If you can’t run a mile, how do you expect to be able to run when your life depends upon it? You’ll get two blocks before you’re hunched over sucking wind.

Furthermore, if you look like you’re an easy target, you paint yourself as a target. At the very least, you need to be able to run a mile without collapsing afterward.

7. If You Fall, Time to Ball!

Being trampled is a very common cause of death in riots. If you do end up falling to the ground, getting up as quickly as possible is going to be your best option.

If that’s simply not possible, then curling into a ball may be the best position to protect your vital organs.

8. Have Several Escape Routes Planned Ahead of Time

Thorough knowledge of where you are is a must. If you’re driving home from work, only to find that rioters are blocking the street ahead of you to continue forward is dangerous.

You need to know alternate routes to your home, retreat, or rally point. Ideally, you should have all memorized.

I also keep a map in my glovebox with alternate routes highlighted, perchance I need to take a path that I’m not familiar with.

9. Stay Informed

In any type of battle situation, intelligence saves lives. Having proper intel allows you to make informed decisions.

How can you stay informed?

• Having a police scanner (or a similar app on your smartphone, such as 5-0 Scanner) or radio
• Stay abreast of current events
• Keep a network of like-minded friends throughout your town/city
• Monitor social media

This way, if there are people blocking traffic and dragging drivers out of their cars three blocks south, you now know to avoid that area.

With zero intel, you’ll likely drive straight into trouble.

10. Be Prepared to Fight

By this, I mean have a force multiplier on your person.

You will not be the best hand-to-hand fighter on the streets that night.

That’s why you need a way to even out the game. A weapon of some sort (and a few backups) is the way to accomplish such.

11. Don’t Get Caught in Bottlenecks

Funnels are where people get trampled to death. If four hundred people all decide to descend the same stairwell at once, somebody’s going to get hurt.

In a riot, wide-open spaces can be your friend.

Pay attention to the structures around you, and you’ll be better able to avoid getting caught in a deadly funnel.

12. Carry Gear Discretely

You do not know how long it’s going to take you to get home. You don’t even know if your house will still be standing when you get there.

In either case, keep enough gear to survive for one to two days on your person and carry it discretely.

Tactical-looking backpacks – while great for comfortable carry during hikes –  are therefore out.

Here is what I carry:

• Two emergency mylar blankets
• Pistol and extra mags
• Two emergency ponchos
• 1-2 granola bars
• Smartphone with the 5-0 Radio app, Echolink, Telegram, and Signal installed
• Around $50 in cash
• A credit card
• Smith impact-resistant sunglasses
• Flashlight
• Multitool
• A small Philips head screwdriver
• A karambit and an old pocketknife (you turn fewer heads using a pocketknife to cut through something)
• Around 10-feet of paracord
• First aid kit
• Fire striker
• Purell
• A water bottle (good for washing foreign objects out of eyes)

I can easily distribute all of this between my pockets and an old beat-up bookbag that I have without it looking as if I’m carrying a lot of gear.

It truly doesn’t take up a lot of space at all.

13. Safety in Numbers

Twenty men stand a much better chance against a mob than a single man does. It’s because of this principle that I highly recommend moving in large numbers through a mob.

If you work in the heart of downtown, a riot has started, and your boss is letting everybody out early, this may be a principle that you want to consider.

With everyone sticking together as they make their way to a set rally point, you all may stand a much better chance of making it home in one piece.

Just food for thought.

What About My Car?

No discussion on how to survive a riot would be complete without taking a hard look at what to do if you’re trapped in your car.

What do you do if you’re on your way back home from the hospital and a group of vicious rioters surrounds your car, beating on the windows, yelling obscenities at you, and so on?

This one is thorny.

You need to understand your state’s individual laws to know what the consequences could be if a protestor gets run over.

If you’re drug out of your car, though, that’s an entirely different issue, so here are some general rules to follow:

1. Do your best to avoid escalating the situation.
2. Getting out of your car amidst a crowd attacking your vehicle will likely result in being attacked.
3. Know the specific laws regarding how you can legally act within a riot setting while in a car. This may (or may not) influence your behavior and give you a framework to act off.

Conclusion

Making it through a riot in one piece can be a rather harrowing experience. However, it’s not a completely helpless situation.

You can take actionable steps to better ensure your safety should you end up amid a mob full of very angry people.

Riots are inherently dangerous, but by following the above steps, you’ll have done a great deal to better ensure that you make it through the night without spending time at a hospital.

Are there other tips on riot survival, or do you have any experience using any of the above tips? Let us know in the comments below! For more survival-related articles, check out How To Survive at Sea, During Wildfires, Tornadoes, and Nukes.

The post [How-To] Get Out of a Mob or Riot & Survive appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

With the sides battling on and off for years, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and confused as to what’s legal and where the ATF actually stands on braces. 

Well, instead of making you scour the internet, we made things easy with a top-to-bottom look at pistol braces and the ATF.

We’ve pulled all the essential info together to walk you through the brace’s humble beginnings, how AR pistols got involved, and the long-standing feud with the ATF over what you can (and can’t do) with a brace.

Buckle up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys. As always, do your research regarding state and local laws before owning a brace. As with anything regulatory, federal rules can change. If that happens, Pew Pew Tactical will update this page accordingly.

First Things First: What is a Pistol Brace?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a look at braces and get a solid understanding of what they are and how they differ from a buttstock.

A pistol brace, also known as a stabilizing brace, is an accessory that attaches to the rear of the gun and allows the firearm to be fired one-handed.

It basically slips around the forearm of the shooter and, using Velcro, secures to the arm. The goal is to stabilize the gun as you’re firing.

It gained steam, especially among disabled shooters, because it allowed them to control and fire AR and AK carbines safely.

In fact, the inventor of the brace, SB Tactical’s Alex Bosco, came up with the idea in 2012 after shooting at a range with a disabled combat veteran and witnessing the struggles disabled shooters face.

Despite a certain cool factor, braces actually help gun owners who struggle using full-length, shouldered rifles enjoy AR-style firearms comfortably.

Brace vs. Buttstock

What makes a brace different from a buttstock?

The critical element comes down to how a brace and buttstock are used.

A buttstock fits against the shoulder, allowing for better management of the rifle’s recoil. But it is not secured to the shooter in any way.

As we mentioned earlier, a pistol brace uses Velcro to attach to the shooter’s forearm.

It provides stability while firing the AR pistol.

Pistol braces have opened up a world of accessories and options to gun owners who need a way to stabilize the AR pistol but don’t have the means or want to add a buttstock (or pay for the SBR classification…more on that in a minute.)

Understanding AR Pistols and SBRs

Again, before heading into the tangled legal battles surrounding the ATF and braces, we need to make a pit stop and discuss AR pistols.

Let’s face it, braces and AR pistols go together like PB&J.

So, we can’t talk about one without spending a little time diving into the other.

AR Pistols

Put simply; an AR pistol is an AR-style firearm shrunk down to meet the ATF’s definition of a pistol.

Thanks to a bit of vagueness on the Gun Control Act’s part, AR pistols are able to occupy a weird space between pistols and short-barreled rifles.

As long as the firearm measures less than 26-inches in overall length and features a barrel length of 16-inches or less AND do not come with a buttstock or vertical foregrip, they fall into the AR pistol realm.

But to reiterate, an AR pistol cannot use a buttstock.

A brace, on the other hand, is an entirely different matter.

A 2014 letter by the ATF determined that adding a brace to an AR pistol would not move it into SBR territory. A braced AR pistol would still be considered a pistol.

Now, that ruling would be called into question a few times, eventually coming to a head in 2020, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves…

Short Barreled Rifles

While we’re on the topic of shorty firearms, we should also discuss short-barreled rifles and how they differ from AR pistols. Honestly, they look very similar and it can be confusing differentiating between the two.

By definition, an SBR, or short-barreled rifle, is also a firearm with a barrel under 16-inches.

But there’s one major difference between an AR pistol and an SBR — the addition of a buttstock.

Unlike an AR pistol, SBRs may sport a buttstock for shouldering. And this is where the ATF gets involved.

SBRs fall under the National Firearms Act and are, therefore, regulated by the ATF.

To own, there’s an entire ATF process a gun owner must go through first. This includes filling out paperwork, undergoing a background check, fingerprinting, and paying a $200 tax to the ATF.

After a waiting period, the gun owner eventually receives a tax stamp. That stamp allows for legal ownership of the SBR.

Waiting periods can be as short as a couple of months or as long as a year, depending on the ATF’s backlog.

Why an AR pistol over an SBR?

Basically, an AR pistol undergoes the exact same process as a regular gun purchase.

You roll up to your local FFL to choose your model or buy online and ship to an FFL to handle the transfer.

It’s that easy. No waiting periods, no $200 fee.

Braces can also be legally purchased as accessories and added to an existing AR pistol by the owner. Again, there are no extra steps like you’ll see with an SBR purchase.

So now that we have a good grasp on AR pistols and braces, let’s explore the contentious relationship between braces and the ATF.

2021 Update: Braces vs ATF

In June 2021, the ATF struck again. This time, the agency aimed to redefine rifles, excluding AR pistols and braces from the definition. Instead, it would move braced-AR pistols into short-barreled rifle territory.

The Department of Justice said the reclassification would “clarify when these attached accessories [braces] convert pistols into weapons covered by these heightened regulations [the NFA].”

To accomplish this, the ATF proposed a points system to help gun owners determine whether their builds fell into SBR territory and would, therefore, be swept under the National Firearms Act. (Remember, an NFA designation means longer wait times, more paperwork, and a $200 tax stamp fee.)

Points System

So, what’s involved in this new point system exactly?

The new system starts by requiring the firearm in question to at least weigh 64-ounces with an overall length between 12- and 26-inches.

This starting point ensures you’re working with at least a non-NFA firearm in the first place — because if it’s an NFA firearm under another category, then you need to apply for a tax stamp regardless.

After making sure you don’t already have an NFA item, the checklist goes through other features.

One to expect to see is whether the attached brace is intended to be fired from the shoulder.  The idea being that if the brace essentially makes the pistol act like a rifle, then it should be considered an SBR instead of a pistol with a brace on it.

Even portions of the brace like the “rear surface area” are assigned points, to determine if there is sufficient surface area on the rear to be used on the shoulder. 

The rules unfortunately don’t seem to provide any definitive measurements on what is considered “minimal” surface area or even what amount of surface area differentiates between the points being assigned to each “minimal” versus a “large amount of surface area.” 

This ambiguity could potentially give lots of leeway to the ATF to arbitrarily decide that the brace is to be considered a stock, and the pistol is actually an SBR.  

The checklist also goes through the different types of stabilizing support, assigning points to support systems including the counterbalance, fin-type, and cuff-type braces. 

If going through the checklist results in too many points total, you lose the game. Your pistol with the stabilizing brace would fall under SBR territory. 

To get a handle on how difficult this points system can be, check out this fantastic video from Guns.com writers Ben Philippi and Chris Eger as they try to determine whether their AR pistols are legal under the proposed rules.

What Happens if the Proposed Regulations are Approved?

Should the proposed regulations win favor and pass, gun owners would see a few things happen.

Under the new points system, you would have a few options if your firearm fell into SBR territory.

• Permanently remove the stabilizing brace so it cannot be reattached, and convert the firearm back to a pistol;
• Change the barrel to be 16-inches or longer;
• Destroy the firearm;
• Turn the firearm in to the ATF; or
• Apply for a tax stamp on the SBR.

So basically your options are to have a pistol, have a rifle, or apply for a tax stamp on the (now) SBR.  Lame. 

Fight the Regulations

2A advocates immediately spoke out against these policies with the Firearm Policy Coalition’s Senior Director of Legal Operations Adam Kraut saying FPC, “stands ready to defend the People, human liberty, and personal property in this rule-making process and, if necessary, in court.”

FPC also launched a Save the Braces campaign to fight against the proposed regulation.

So, what can you do to stop this?

As with the ATF’s proposed regulations for frames and receivers (a.k.a. an attack on 80% kits), let your voice be heard!

The ATF’s proposals have been published in the Federal Registrar, meaning Americans can make their opinions known by commenting.

To submit a comment against the proposed rule change, head HERE.

A few things to remember when commenting

• Read all instructions carefully. You don’t want your comment thrown out.
• Make your comment unique — no copy and paste. We want our unique voices heard and considered!
• No profanity or obscenity. Keep it clean.
• Also, if you commented on the Dec. 2020 proposal, you need to comment again. Previous comments will not be considered.
• Finally, get your friends, family, and fellow 2A advocates involved! Ask them to submit a comment and tell a friend!

The deadline to submit comments is September 08, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. ET, so have them in by that time.

Where the Drama All Began

At the heart of the brace debate rests SB Tactical – inventor and makers of the most popular pistol braces.

From AR to AK pistols, SB Tactical has supplied the industry with a bevy of braces for several years.

Founded in 2012, the company did its due diligence asking the ATF for input on the brace design before launch.

The ATF initially cleared the device, stating that “the submitted brace, when attached to a firearm, does not convert that weapon to be fired from the shoulder and would not alter the classification of a pistol or other firearm.”

By 2013, SB Tactical had partnered with Sig Sauer and Century Arms in exclusive sales agreements for the SB15 and SB47 braces. By May, the first Pistol Stabilizing Braces were hitting the firearms marketplace.

The ability to lend control and stability to AR pistols made braces a popular accessory.

Given the design, some users soon took to shouldering the brace, which led to confusion as to whether this moved the AR pistol into SBR territory.

Check out Johnny B wield a few AR-15 braces below.

2014: Shoulder that Brace, Says the ATF

In 2014, the ATF clarified that even when shouldered, a braced AR pistol did not constitute an SBR. An AR pistol was an AR pistol despite how the shooter used the brace.

It was all smooth sailing, or so it seemed…

2015: The ATF Changes Course

Just before SHOT Show 2015, the ATF published a letter reversing its 2014 stance on braces.

In the decision, the Bureau clarified that braces were not designed for shouldering, and to do so would create an SBR, not an AR pistol.

This caused a myriad of confusion as it contradicted the earlier 2014 decision by the agency.

Ultimately, Sig Sauer and SB Tactical waged a two-year battle with the ATF, for clarification on the sudden about-face.

2017: ATF Backs 2014 Ruling

After fighting with SB Tactical and Sig Sauer for a couple of years, the ATF would ultimately back down and change direction…once again.

In 2017, the Bureau reverted to its previously held belief that firing a pistol brace from the shoulder does not reclassify the gun.

The issue seemed to be at rest, but gun owners were still feeling uneasy…

If the ATF could change its mind so quickly, what would stop the agency from flipping again?

Q and the Honeybadger

After a few years, it looked like the brace debate was finally put to bed; but in a startling twist of fate, the ATF reignited the brace debate in 2020.

Taking the form of a legal battle between Q’s Honeybadger and the ATF, braces entered the limelight again in August.

On August 3, 2020, gun maker Q received a cease-and-desist letter from the agency regarding its Honeybadger AR pistol.

The order indicated that the Honeybadger, in large part due to the SB Tactical pistol brace, was an SBR – not an AR pistol. Therefore, it fell under the NFA, and all owners would need to register with the ATF.

This decision effectively turned Honeybadger owners into violators of the NFA overnight.

Q moved swiftly, encouraging owners to disassemble the Honeybadger or register it with the ATF (which they offered to pay the $200 fee for).

Meanwhile, the company took the ATF on, asking for clarification on the matter.

Things began heating up as gun owners protested the ATF decision, and it wasn’t long until the Department of Justice stepped in.

After calls to senators and pressure from citizens, the DOJ called for a 60-day hold, pushing an official ruling until after the November 2020 presidential elections.

Gun owners held their breath and waited…

ATF Proposals…and Withdraws

Two months passed with radio silence from the ATF until, in mid-December, a new proposal published in the Federal Registrar.

The 16-page document addressed AR pistols/braces offering “proposed guidance” on classifying weapons with stabilizing braces.

The ATF gave citizens just 17 days to make their opinions known via online, public comments.

Backlash was immediate. Within days, comments totaled over 60,000 – mainly in opposition to the proposal.

By December 22, Congress jumped into the fray with 90 House members publishing a letter to the ATF rejecting the proposal.

The letter stated, “This decision is alarming and jeopardizes law-abiding gun owners across the country.”

It went on to suggest that the proposal was “ambiguous” and “subjective.” Many of the feelings echoed by the gun community.

As gun owners clamored to fight the bureau’s proposal reclassifying braced AR pistols, they were in for yet another surprise.

On December 23, 2020, less than a week after the proposal’s unveiling, the Department of Justice reversed course and promptly withdrew the proposal.

Though it’s important to note, the proposal is still “pending further review” meaning that it could resurface at a later date.

Conclusion

So, where does this leave brace and AR pistol owners? For now, it’s wait-and-see.

With the ATF taking up arms against braces and AR pistols in 2021, it’s up to gun owners to make their voices heard and reject this potential reclassification.

If you’re a current brace owner or just an American who loves guns, make sure to leave a comment on the ATF’s proposed regulations here and let them know what you think.

Again, for more information on how to save braces, check out the FPC’s Save the Braces.

Should braces fall under the NFA or should they be a legal accessory? Sound off in the comments below. In the meantime, check out our roundup of the Best AR-15 & AK Braces.

PPT writer Paul Yen contributed to this story.

The post Pistol Braces & The ATF: What You Need to Know appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

Four years after Marlin’s last social media post, the company took to Facebook announcing, “We’re back!” followed by an update to its profile picture and cover photo.

The historic Marlin brand was originally nestled under parent company Remington but was bought by Ruger after Remington filed under Chapter 11 in October 2020.

Ruger bid and won the lever-action brand for a cool $30 million.

“The value of Marlin and its 150-year legacy was too great of an opportunity for us to pass up,” said Ruger President and CEO Chris Killoy in a press release after the sale. “The brand aligns perfectly with ours and the Marlin product portfolio will help us widen our already diverse product offerings.”

Court filings show Ruger acquired plenty of assets to manufacture Marlin firearms, including more than 80 pages of tooling, machines, components, and spare parts.

Additionally, Ruger received Marlin’s patents, FFLs, domain names, social media pages, trademarks, and other intellectual property.

Marlin’s physical assets were packed up and shipped to Ruger’s facility in Mayodan, North Carolina, on December 9, 2020.

Formed in 1870 by John Mahlon Marlin, Marlin Firearms produced handguns, shotguns, and even machine guns before jumping into its iconic lever-action cowboy-style guns.

Marlin was later acquired by Remington, who continued the lever-action legacy with the Model 1895, Model 1894, and Model 336 rifles.

But Remington hit a roadblock after years of struggling sales, filing under Chapter 11 for the second time in July 2020.

And that’s when Ruger swept in, bidding on Marlin and ultimately winning the firearms brand.

(To see a complete list of winners in the Remington sale, check out a list here.)

Ruger itself owns a successful line of rimfire .22s, and it’s unclear whether it will allow the Marlin branch to continue its own .22 series.

That said, Ruger’s Killroy assured customers that Marlin’s legacy would live on.

“The important thing for consumers, retailers, and distributors to know at this point in time is that the Marlin brand and its great products will live on,” Killroy said. “Long Live the Lever Gun.”

What do you think of Marlin and its new home with Ruger? Let us know in the comments below. Want to read about another acquisition? Check out why Ammo Inc. Purchased GunBroker.com and at what price.

The post Ruger Revives Marlin Firearms appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

We’ll go over caliber, barrel twist, bullet type, and price range to find your perfect fit.

Craziness from 2020 has spilled into 2021 and our sources say ammo may not return to normal supplies until Summer 2021.

One that seems to always be in stock is Tula .223 55gr ammo (50 cpr)…it’s steel cased but right now beggars can’t be choosers. Here are some others:

• PMC .223 55gr (62 cpr)
• Red Army Standard .223 55gr (43 cpr)
• Winchester M855 62gr (65 cpr)

Brownells also has an in-stock ammo section.

And Lucky Gunner has their .223 ammo and 5.56 ammo.

Can’t wait?  Here’s the best AR-15 ammo:

1. American Eagle XM193
2. American Eagle XM855
3. PMC X-TAC LAP
4. PMC Bronze .223
5. Wolf Gold .223
6. Federal Gold Medal
7. Federal LE Hi-Shok
8. Speer Gold Dot Duty

Ready to see why we chose these and the best places to find them for cheap?

AR-15 Calibers: 5.56 vs .223

Your average AR-15 comes in two popular calibers, the 5.56x45mm NATO and the .223 Remington.

You can double-check what it is by looking at your model specs or physically on your barrel, which should be stamped with the caliber and barrel twist rate.

The two cartridges are physically identical but the 5.56 may be loaded to higher pressures than .223 ammunition.

The .223  is a civilian round and has SAAMI specs (an organization that sets standards for pressure and dimensions) while the 5.56 is a military round that has its own specifications that might require higher pressure for higher velocity.

Therefore, it’s best to follow the advice:

• 5.56 chamber: OK to fire both 5.56 and .223
• .223 Wylde chamber: OK to fire both 5.56 and .223
• .223 Rem chamber: OK to fire only .223

Please note that .223 Rem and .223 Wylde are not the same things. One (Wylde) is perfectly safe to fire either 5.56 or .223, however, a .223 Rem chamber is not safe to fire 5.56 NATO.

Your barrel or rifle probably won’t instantly blow up from shooting a 5.56 in a .223, but why risk it?

Combine that with the variance in the machining of the barrel and ammo production standards, it’s best to use the proper ammunition.

AR-15 Barrel Twist

Your barrel stamp should indicate the barrel twist after the caliber.

You should see a ratio of 1:7 all the way up to 1:12 and it means that the barrel will spin the bullet one revolution every X inches.  Most barrels will be from 1:7 to 1:9 twist, with the most popular being 1:9.

Take a look at the chart below to see the ideal twist rate for your barrel.

The heavier grain bullets are usually reserved for the military and their tracer rounds.

With normal cartridges, you’re most likely to see 55-grain and 62-grain bullets. These are fine to shoot in 1:7 to 1:9 barrels and you probably won’t even notice a difference up to 300-yards.

Bullet Types

You’ll see two big families of bullet types, the full metal jackets (FMJ) and the hollowpoint/softpoints (HP/SP).

The FMJ’s are great for plinking while HP/SP are more for home defense or long-range applications. FMJ is also sometimes called Ball ammo.

Don’t you love multiple names for things…

Other confusing acronyms you might see include (BT) which means boat-tail and indicate the back of the bullet has a more aerodynamic shape than simply cutting off straight.

Lastly, if you’re looking at military 5.56 rounds, you’ll see M193 and M855. The 55 grain M193 is the standard FMJ of the military while the 62 grain M855 is the “green tip” penetrator round that has a steel rod inside.

Things to keep in mind for M193 vs M855:

• Pricing is similar
• M855 is better at penetration (duh?)
• Some ranges do not allow steel core ammo like the M855
• M193 is better at soft targets under 100 yards
• More info about the differences
• Most of the time you’ll see XM instead of just M…that means it didn’t quite meet military specifications but still meets commercial specs.  Learn more here.

For more on how to pick the right ammo for your AR-15, check out the Brownells Daily Defense video below.

Where to Buy

We’ve selected a couple of our favorite online places to buy ammo. We’ve been buying from them ever since we got started and they have great live inventory, appropriate shipping charges, and quick service.

And since prices and inventory fluctuate, we recommend looking at all the vendors to see the price differences.  Sometimes one will be running free shipping deals!

Finally…the recommendations!

Best AR-15 Ammo

Now we combine the good stuff we learned above and stick to 55/62 grain bullets that are close to military specifications. These are the rounds that we’ve shot tons of and never had a problem.

Our suggestions are also all brass-cased so you can keep them if you think you might ever start to reload your own ammo in the future.

1. American Eagle XM193

Our Editor’s Pick is currently American Eagle XM193 since it’s never failed to go *boom.*

And the price is almost always one of the lowest.

2. PMC X-TAC XP193

Our second choice is PMC which also has never failed but is often a cent or two more than American Eagle.

3. American Eagle XM855

Our favorite green tip ammo suggestion is going to sound about the same…what can I say, it works and the price is right.

4. PMC X-TAC XM855

And PMC’s X-TAC XM855 variant is also GTG.

5. PMC Bronze

If your barrel is .223 or if you want to shoot some slightly lighter loads in your 5.56 barrel.

My personal favorite is PMC Bronze since it’s affordable and the brass is great for reloading. Plus…it’s on the low end of recoil so I love it for competition.

6. Wolf Gold

If you aren’t looking to reload and want the best bang for the buck…all my buddies and I love Wolf Gold. Buy it cheap (1,000 round boxes) and stack it deep! 

Wolf Gold is made in Taiwan and not Russia like other Wolf ammo.

And finally…if you’re going for pure accuracy…

7. Federal Gold Match 69gr

Our favorite when we do our accuracy testing.

And the “gold” standard for accurate factory match ammo.

8. Tula & Wolf Polyformance

We don’t readily use these next suggestions in our ARs, but if you’re really trying to save money, you can opt for Russian steel or coated steel cartridges.

Start off with a small batch first since some AR-15s don’t like steel-cased ammo. They offer pretty good savings but are dirtier shooting and less accurate…but probably great for the range.

Also keep in mind that you can’t save these to reload later, and you need to shoot at a range that allows both steel casings and bi-metal bullets.

Self-Defense AR-15 Ammo

For self-defense you want the bullet to put all its energy into the bad guy by breaking apart.

That means FMJ and the penetrator rounds are usually not the best choices.

I recommend going with specific use self-defense ammo that is hollow/soft point and used by law enforcement.

9. Hornady Critical Defense 55gr

Both Speer and Hornady are great but I give the edge to Hornady since I love their pistol defensive ammo.

10. Speer Gold Dot Duty 55 gr

Another go-to brand for self-defense rounds…Gold Dot.

Conclusion

So there you have it, our recommendations for the best AR-15 ammo in both .223 and 5.56.

Let us know what you went with and how it runs in your AR.

Want more AR-15 guides…check them all out here. Looking for a new AR? Check out our huge Best AR-15s Guide.

The post Best AR-15 Ammo [2021]: Range & Home Defense appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.

For the longest time, I wanted to continually grow, learn more, and be an ever-evolving agent for change and betterment in my community.

When I became responsible for other people, I understood innately that I needed to help others advance.

So, I focused on working with my deputies and honing their skills. I had a good team of folks with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.

Some were solid on law and procedure; others were strong in the ways of tactics. But planning traditionally had been left up to me.

I was big on commander’s intent, a practice that gives subordinates guidelines to work within but does not necessarily stifle creativity on how the person achieves that objective.

Often, I would tell the deputies the end objective I wanted to see, maybe communicate something that needed to be strictly avoided, and cut them loose. And I was often impressed with what they did.

It’s true in life that things do not always go according to plan — and doubly so in law enforcement.

So, when it came to SWAT missions, I was a lot more hands-on at first.

These operations are often high risk, and there was no vicarious liability at my level because I was in the stack, going through the door.

Any responsibility for mistakes on a mission was mine and mine alone…

Boots on the Ground

We served a warrant on an accused child molester many years ago.

The workup was brief because investigations wanted to pinch the guy in a hurry.

We got a floorplan from county planning and quickly rehearsed roles and routes and how we would clear the home.

The minute we went in, things changed – the home looked nothing like the plan we rehearsed.

This threw the whole stack off. We bunched up just inside the fatal funnel while everyone’s minds tried to figure out what to do next.

To complicate matters, there were kiddos everywhere.

Had I known this upfront, I would have opted for a different course than storming the house with a SWAT team.

While a couple of deputies broke off in different directions, I quickly bent down next to a little girl with enormous blue eyes and asked, “Sweetie, where’s your daddy?”

Her startled face told me much of what I needed to know. She pointed a shaky finger down the hall to a bedroom.

I directed a couple of deputies down, and within seconds, they emerged with the arrestee in tow.

This confirmed I needed to be present for critical situations.

All my folks were 40-hour SWAT trained, and many had been part of a team for years. In this small jurisdiction, though, teams were not a full-time option.

Much like a muscle that does not get used, atrophy is always a concern. The level of risk was highest on these types of call-outs or services.

As we worked together, our mutual trust grew.

Exit Plan

Toward the end of my tenure with the sheriff’s office, we received some warrants on some bad dudes.

During planning, I often stood at the front of the room and briefed the team. But I realized I had never asked them to plan one.

I usually got their input and implemented it in the plan, but this time they would build the plan.

My only contribution was to remind them to designate a recovery point if things went to hell. With this implemented, the plan was set, and we went out to serve the warrants.

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men…

I don’t mind telling you I was a little nervous. But I kept my word, watching intently as they worked the plan they developed.

The intent was to sneak up in the dark, enter the home, and secure everyone inside before anyone could wake up and offer resistance.

We drove up with our vehicles blacked out and made the approach to the house undetected.

The plan called for me and another deputy to enter a door to the rear of the house.

I know, I know. To you SWAT folks out there, a nighttime op with multiple entry teams might seem unduly complicated. That said, there was something about the bottom floor of the house that made it tactically advantageous for another team to come in the back.

Besides, short of clear and present danger, I was going to work my team’s plan.

When I stepped up to that back door, I looked at it contemptuously, like an opponent I had defeated many times before.

I knew I was going to absolutely own it.

When the call “BREACH BREACH BREACH” went out over the radio, I stepped forward and threw one of my favorite Muay Thai kicks called the teep.

This kick is a type of pushing blow that chambers the leg in front of the kicker. It shoots the foot straight out at the recipient with the ball or bottom of the foot striking.

The teep is marvelous to throw at the hips, chest, and even face of your opponent if you’re limber enough or have the inseam. I had both.

I kicked that damn door with enough force to do some real damage, and I heard this enormous thud…but nothing moved.

Odd. I’m 6-foot-4-inches and also weighed around 260 pounds with all my gear on at the time.

Not to mention, for the seven years I was gone from the sheriff’s office, I had fallen in love with Muay Thai. I trained in it religiously and even attended a seminar taught by eight-time World Muay Thai Champion Ramon Dekkers.

Through the wall, I heard my primary team make entrance and spread throughout the house on their assignments.

I felt almost frantic now. I needed to help my deputies. So, I took two steps back and came at the door like the Incredible Hulk with another teep.

THOOM!

I swear the house shook, but that door did not move.

Quickly swallowing my ego, I sprinted to the front door at top speed. I could hear my deputies giving commands upstairs and flew to check status.

When I got there, all the suspects were in custody, and no one was hurt. My team had pulled it off flawlessly.

I was a proud lieutenant, and I learned some humbling lessons from that mission.

First, plenty of people can plan and execute (even high risk) skills when given a chance.

Second, if you don’t see a door commonly used as an entrance or exit, that door is suspect.

With the scene secured, I investigated what the hell had resisted my Herculean blows.

Not only had the door been screwed shut in multiple places, but a bookcase had been mounted to the wall in front of it. Sheesh.

Adapting Under Pressure

I never forgot the lessons of that day. Even now, I find myself adapting to accomplish my mission while facing various forms of resistance.

If there is no clear way forward, sometimes you have to switch directions and attack from a different angle.

That holds true to this day. I recently left the fabled halls of law enforcement after 22.5 years of service.

I have seen things in this field from the viewpoint of a volunteer reserve deputy, a patrol deputy, a patrol sergeant, a patrol commander, and that of an investigator at a district attorney’s office.

It’s been fascinating, infuriating, fulfilling, heartbreaking, and a slew of other adjectives. I have enough wisdom now to know it’s time for change.

This is not a scenario where I ride off into the sunset, though!

I have helped many people over the two decades I served, and I intend to continue in that noble effort — just in a very different way. In fact, you will be seeing a lot more of me around here at Pew Pew Tactical. Stay tuned, folks, and thanks for the read.

What are your thoughts on policing and its effects on the modern office? Sound off in the comments below. For more on LE, check out back issues of The Blue Brief.

The post Blue Brief: The Best Laid Plans… appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.