There is an interesting question floating around Facebook today. I won’t quote it word for word because that really isn’t important. The point is more at the heart of the question itself.
Here’s the basics of it. Your start up PMC company was just awarded a contract in some third world crap hole. Support weapons like belt feds will be provided but you need to issue hour men sidearms and long guns. A Pelican case big enough for two long guns and two pistols will be provided for each man. You will also be provided with all the 5.56, 7.62×39, .308, and 12ga ammo you need. You have to bring your own pistol ammo so the caliber is your choice. Now what sidearms and long guns do you bring and why?
That’s an incredible question. Although it’s targeted toward a government contractor it has a lot of room for the every day Sheepdog. After all doesn’t a more simple version of this go through our heads every time we step in a gun shop?
lets narrow this down for those of us not going to a third world country to protect strangers. To do so it really has to be broken down into situational questions. How about something like these?
• The family is headed out to (insert location) how should I prepare for the worst?
• I live where (insert natural disaster) can hit without much notice. If another “Caterina” happens here how do I arm myself to protect my family and neighborhood?
• Do I have enough ammo if “this” happens?
Just because we choose the title of “Sheepdog” doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. Let’s face it, there is no aspect of this that isn’t fun but it’s easy to get lost in that aspect. What we need to be careful of is not taking ourselves seriously at all.
We take upon ourselves an immense responsibly when we get that carry permit or that training class of join the rest of those willing to label themselves as Sheepdogs. Don’t do so lightly. Put in the time to consider the questions that could save the life of your family, yourself, or even a perfect stranger. Discuss it with other Sheepdogs. Make your SHTF plans that include the Sheepdogs you’ve befriended. And never forget to wear the title of Sheepdog like a badge of honor and distinction.
Latest
Shooting Day
So we had the rare occasion today to have the entire Crusader team together during the winter. Ogre came out from Vernal to get some business done. We caught up with shop news and moved on to the range. That’s right it was time to bring out the Broadsword and have some fun. George’s opinions will be out on the latest episode of “The Armed Nation” and I’ll let him tell his own story. I popped off a few rounds but for the most part I had fun watching the other guys marvel at the wonder that is the Crusader Broadsword. The look on their faces said it all. It was pure, unadulterated, drooling on the floor, heavy breathing on the phone gun lust. That’s what a Crusader rifle does to you. You realize that you’ve been shooting a second rate rifle until the moment you picked up one by Crusader. You feel the action. The usual gritty feel of Anodizing against parkerizing as the action works… is missing. The “sproing” noise of the action…is missing. We’re talking about a .308…7.62×51…typically it has it’s share of muzzle flip…once again it’s missing. Never has a rifle been offered to law enforcement, contractors, military, or the general public like our rifles…NEVER.
Let me tell you about the actual shooting. George is a wicked scary shot. So I had him see what the rifle could do with the SpecterDR sight by Elcan on it. The sight is AWESOME. First two shots at 25yds (yeah, I know it’s not the usual test distance but it’s all we had) were through the same hole. Do you need to read that again? The same hole.
Crusader Broadsword. You need one.
Crusader TV???
So, once again Ogre attracts attention like no other. He’s been approached by two TV producers and he’s shot them down each time. Well, here comes producer number three and we’re starting to think it’s some kind of sign. We have a Skype video interview with them today to see if we can fit their bill. This sub-section of reality TV started with “Sons of Guns” and has been loved by millions. If this show airs with us I want to blow those numbers away. After all, we may be the little guy in this industry but that’s where the exposure of a show like this comes in.
So keep your fingers crossed and maybe you will see a firearm reality show that’s worth watching.
The Deadly Potential of the Untrained Gun Owner
Driving and shooting a gun are two things no American male will admit to being bad at. Both the automobile and the gun are ingrained in American history and culture and as a result, a lot of people think they have a natural gift when it comes to using them. However, the DMV doesn’t issue driving licenses to people who haven’t passed driver education, and just because no such training is required to buy a handgun or rifle, doesn’t mean training isn’t important. Of course, for those who want to carry a concealed weapon in those states that permit it, undergoing some form of training is part of the permit process. However, for the average gun owner who buys a firearm for home defense, there is no such obligation. The consequence is that many people who own guns in America have no idea of the correct way to use them.
Owning a gun may be a constitutional right, but as with all rights, there comes responsibilities. Just owning a gun doesn’t make somebody proficient or safe to use it, just as owning a guitar doesn’t make somebody a qualified musician. Using a firearm effectively takes training because when a gun is really needed to protect loved ones or property, there may only be one chance to get it right. Furthermore, not knowing how to handle firearms correctly is often the cause of accidents. Learning to handle, clean and store guns safely is an integral part of all good gun-training programs, and having these skills is important for all responsible gun owners.
Safety
Every year in the US, there are around 600 fatal firearm accidents and over 15,000 emergency room visits due to accidental gun injuries. Most of the time, these accidents could have been easily avoided and were due to insufficient knowledge when it comes to safe handling of firearms. Learning how to fire and look after a weapon is something all responsible gun owners should do.
Not only do guns need to be discharged correctly, but also correct storage and maintenance of a gun is essential for ensuring that the weapon will operate effectively when needed. Guns have moving parts. As such, they need regular cleaning. Ideally, every time a gun is used it should be cleaned to remove any carbon deposits, which if allowed to build up, can affect accuracy and in some cases cause a gun to jam. Even if a gun is not used very often, it still requires regular cleaning as dust can build up in the mechanism.
Effectiveness Marksmanship
Hitting a target quickly and effectively is vital if somebody wants to defend his or her family or loved ones. If somebody can’t hit a target effectively, a gun is going to be no use for home defense. If an armed assailant breaks into a home, there is no telling how proficient the attacker is going to be with a firearm. If the homeowner misses, there’s a good chance the assailant won’t.
All too often, untrained gun owners only have Hollywood as a guide to firing a weapon, but holding handguns sideways on, or shooting rifles from the hip, is neither accurate nor safe. Good marksmanship requires learning the correct way to hold a weapon, the correct standing or kneeling position and knowing when and where to discharge the weapon. Whether it’s a rifle, handgun or even a shotgun, training is essential, and learning the basic techniques and strategies from professionals can give that vital advantage in a life or death situation.
Gun training should not just be for the gun owner, either. Gun training should be considered for everybody in the home where there is a gun. Not only will this mean that all members of the family are able to defend themselves properly, but also it will prevent accidents and ensure respect for the firearm. Proper training in using a weapon will also generate a better mindset, giving somebody the ability to identify when the circumstances justify using a gun, and providing the confidence to actually go ahead and use it. Hesitation can be costly, but having the correct training will provide the knowledge and understanding of when and where to use lethal force.
–
Kirstie Lennon has worked for reputation management firms so she knows how devastating an accidental shooting can be for the victim and the organisations concerned. Stay safe, America.
New Contributor
We got an interesting email about a week ago from an individual wanting to help out here at Crusader News. I have the first post ready to put up but wanted to do a bit of and intro. While admittedly a newbe to the gun culture Kirstie Lennon is going to be a good addition to the site. Her first post is geared more toward the beginning shooter and I really dig that. Most of you are well beyond the beginner stage but this is going to open a new area for us with beginners looking for info. Feel free to post whatever comments you feel the need to post. I know they will help her improve her focus on our readership.
Carry on.
Gundoc
Don’t let it fail
There is nothing worse than having your weapon fail on you with the zombie hoard coming after you. We know, we’ve been there too and it’s never pretty. Now during the zombie apocalypse we’re constantly exposed to all kinds of nasty weather conditions on top of the dirty dusty conditions we’re all use to. So how do we keep our firearms functioning in every condition imaginable? That’s easy. Slipstream STYX. Wet, Salt air, Dust, Dirt, or Carbon won’t slow down Slipstream STYX. So for the zombie hunter that doesn’t want to become the undead Slipstream STYX is the only way to go.
Every Zombie Kit Needs a Knife
Now we all know how important it is for every zombie hunter to have a knife worthy of the job. Well I have one for you. It’s the Cold Steel Kukri Machete. During testing this knife easily took off limbs. No linger will you have to worry about being grabbed by a stray Zed when your ammo runs dry. Simply whip out your Kukri Machete and remove the offending appendages.
I know that lopping off an arm isn’t going to put a zombie down. That’s a no brainer. So, naturally we tested it on head shots. The forward swept blade really helped drive deep into the skull. On even the thickest head we found at least and inch deep gash and all hits resulted in us adding another notch to the hilt.
Now I don’t want to say that this is the only knife suitable for your zombie hunting needs. There are many out there and we’ll do our best to test out each one so you don’t buy the wrong knife for your needs. We’d hate for a knife to fail you and we end up having you as our next test subject.
Remember, always be safe and thank you for helping quell the Zombie Uprising.
Slipstream STYX
Yeah, I know. The Ogre scooped me. I’m not exactly worried about that though because the announcement is bigger than that. Original Slipstream is still here and will always be available but STYX is a whole new animal.
We had to dredge the River Styx itself to get a product that would breath new life into metal. We made Styx for those of you in coastal areas that have serious worries when it comes to humidity and salt spray air. So, our Marine or Naval brothers that have to their weapons work no mater where they are, this is what you’ve been waiting for. Coast guard, absolutely what you need. Our CCW family in humid or especially coastal areas, you’ve been wanting Styx and you know it.
Pick some up today and be glad you did.
The Perfect Rifle for the Job
We all know that it’s not enough to simply survive the Uprising and it’s no surprise that you need a good quality rifle to thrive during the Zombie Apocalypse. Well, admit it, “good quality” just doesn’t cut it. If you could take only one rifle it would have to handle well in close range fights, be good enough to handle distant shots with relative ease, and simply work every time you pull the trigger. Now, you’re going to need the rifle to meet certain criteria. 1, reliability. 2, accurate. 3, handle quickly and easily.
Well, luckily I have just the rifle to endorse for your zombie survival needs. The Crusader Templar is the do all rifle that meets all the needed criteria. With a stainless steel, polygonal rifled barrel you more than meet the accuracy needs. Polygonal rifling deforms the bullet much less than traditional rifling and lets the bullet travel down it with more ease. What this gives you is more velocity for a heavier down range hit and a bullet that flies more true for enhanced accuracy. Is there really anything better? We say no.
Now for reliability. We’re talking about the only rifles with Crusader’s proprietary Slipstream Treatments. These permanent lubrication treatments will keep your rifle running as long as you have ammo. Long after your rust prevention oil has cooked off the Slipstream treatment will keep the rifle in the rock’n and roll’n. Nothing kills friction like Slipstream…NOTHING.
During sustained fire you need you rifle to stay on target. You know it and I know it. Well the Crusader Templar has an answer for that too. The BattleComp compensator is all you will ever need. We’ve tested these extensively and the results are staggering. For distant shots not only do you get back on target quickly but never leave the target. This is because the BattleComp completely changes the recoil profile of the rifle. Muzzle flip is a thing of the past making the recoil straight back. This also changes how a double tap works. Instead of worrying about your shots climbing they stay side by side. There is yet another effect of this compensator. Felt recoil reduction. Yeah, that’s right. I said “felt” recoil reduction. It turns your 5.56 into a .22lr. No joke.
Lastly, your zombie survival rifle has to handle well. The Crusader Templar is a quick handling AR type rifle with an 18″ barrel. This gives you enough length for superb accuracy but the ease of motion of a carbine. This is truly the perfect zombie hunter’s rifle.
Go see CrusaderWeaponry.com for details on this rifle and other Crusader products.
Zombie Ammo
Hornady is making a great new line of ammo just for the zombie hunter. The Z-Max line is one that’s here to stay and should fill every magazine in your kit. In our tests we have found the dramatic expansion to be just the ticket for taking down the stray zed or the hoard coming your way. During our testing we confirmed that whether you are shooting 9mm, .40, .45, .223, 7.62×39, .308, or 12 ga you will get consistent cranial or torso trauma. If we were to indorse one ammo for all your zombie disposal needs it is absolutely Hornady Z-Max.
Hornady official video
Get your stockpile at MidwayUSA or other fine online retailers or gunshops near you.
