Wounded Warrior Charity

A good friend of ours, Daniel Shaw, an active duty Marine and host of Gunfighter Cast, is doing a unique charity run for our wounded warriors. I say it’s unique because Daniel is doing this run in full body armor, plates and all. That’s some serious weight to go jogging in. What we’re asking you to join us in is pledging a dollar amount per mile Daniel runs in full kit and to pass this along to everyone you know. This is a more than worth cause so please follow this PLEDGE LINK, learn more about the run, and make a pledge today.

Thank you.

New Shotgun Project

I picked up a couple shotguns at the gunshow yesterday. They’re a special project. You see, we’ve been working on adding shotguns to our line up for a while now. Well, I have these two to be our slinky models. I’m going to dress them up, turn them from the hunting 870′s you had in the back of the closet the last few years to be bad ass battle weapons. After a short discussion with George Hill, our Sr. Trainer, about matching parts to our training program we have a shotgun that will match our training style. We’ve been preaching about the versatility of the shotgun for a while now. These are not just a combat pistol range weapon that throws buckshot. Don’t get me wrong. The right buckshot in a 12ga  is a devastating package but a shotgun can be so much more. We’ve decided to go with rifle sighted barrels (imp cyl) on our shotties to better facilitate the combination of long and shot range shooting.

Besides, I was the safety officer for a group of scouts last month. We did some skeet shooting while at the range. Out of all the shotguns there, when it was my turn, I picked the 20″ rifle sighted barrel shotty. I nailed 6 out of 6 on an extremely windy day and (enter puffed chest and swelled head) spanked a Navy Special Warfare officer with a 26″ barreled shotgun. Ok, not exactly the combat shooting both of us were use to but come on…it’s a 6″ disk that you’re throwing tiny bird shot at, at short distances at the local range. Not rocket science or a huge challenge for a combat shooter with proper stance. I actually blame it all on the rifle sights. It was ridiculously easy to draw a bead on clay pigeons. In talking with George he related nailing the 400yd gong with slugs and rifle sights. You get the best of both worlds and let’s face it, (moral of the above story) the easier you make it on yourself the better you’ll preform.

I like the idea of keeping the same grip feel from rifle to shotgun so we have the Speedfeed pistol grip buttstocks on the way. There’s nothing wrong with a synthetic traditional stock but I see value in keeping a certain amount of  familiarity in your long guns.

Naturally, with anything that we do, the real magic happens on the inside of the weapon. Complete action and trigger jobs will be done on these two as well as a basic Slipstream. Everything done to these will be standard kit on our permanent models. I’ll be keeping an ongoing log here as I go with these. More pictures and everything so stay tuned.

 

Interesting enough to pass on

Suarez International Group Of Companies
13 APRIL 2012

Rules For The Gunman

1).  Don’t carry the gun to make you a man. Carry because you are in fact a man.

2).  Always carry your gun regardless of social pressures

3).  If you can’t physically carry a gun, always have a knife.

4).  Whenever you carry a gun, also carry a knife…and some spare ammunition.

5).  Carry the gun you can use best regardless of social fashion

6).  Make sure you are good with that gun through continual and obsessive practice

7).  Don’t bluff or threaten with the gun. If you pull it, be certain you are justified and willing to use it.

8).  Using it means shooting the other man or men in the chest and/or the face. Yes, it means killing.

9).  If you can avoid having to shoot, it is a good thing, but do not second guess yourself once it has begun.

10).  To facilitate the former, do not go to stupid places with stupid people to do stupid things at stupid times.

11).  If you are involved in such activities, take a team with you….and rifles.

12).  The default should be to mind your own business.

13).  The only time minding your own business is superceded by getting involved is if what you see shocks the conscience of humanity and needs to be stopped.

14).  The amount of violence you can justify and the number of rules you can break is directly proportionate to the level of evil displayed by your adversary.

15).  Never apologize for using violence. Not only is it indicative of weakness but also of a lack of moral standing.

 

A little commentary:

1.  Absolutely. Carrying a gun doesn’t make you anything at all. Carry a gun because you are a man or woman, responsible for your selves and those around you. Those you care enough to protect and those strangers who need protection from evil doers.

2. Social pressures…are we really going to get into that? As aforementioned men and women, we battle social pressures every day just being who we are and what we stand for. This is a non issue for us.

3. Sure there are time that you simply can’t have your gun on you. Post office, court, so on ans so forth. Always have a knife on you.  If they won’t allow you to protect yourself in a place that has become famous for the term “going postal” with your tool of choice then at least have a good knife on you. Bottom line is, never be without a defense tool.

4. Spare ammo, duh. You never know when a knife will come in handy. Gun or no gun always carry a knife.

5. Barbeque guns aside, always carry the weapon you are most comfortable with. The one you know you can rely on and that you are accurate with. Yours, or the life of someone else may depend on it.

6. Continual practice. Absolutely. Obsessive…may be a little obsessive…know what I mean?

7. DON’T BE STUPID. Bluffing or threatening with a gun is called Brandishing a Weapon and you will see jail time for it. Use your head folks. If you feel you have to draw your weapon you’re already in mortal danger. Threatening will either get you said jail time or give the bad guy enough time to kill you.

8. I can’t say much more about #8. Be aware that if you have to pull your weapon to defend your life, it means killing another human being. Don’t take drawing your weapon lightly and don’t do it unless you mean it.

9. Most of the time drawing your weapon and issuing a verbal order in a command voice will make the bad guy soil themselves. They look for willing or easy victims. Fighting back isn’t something they are expecting. For all others refer to #8.

10. and 11. Kind of a non issue for civilians. That being said, if you were going into a known danger zone, yes, bring a team and rifles. For the rest of us civilians…avoid those areas entirely.

12. Common sense. Mind your own business. Stay low key. Don’t make yourself a target.

13. Yes, if you see someone being beaten to death, shot, or raped it is time to stop minding your own business and help the victim.  You can do so with pride.

14. A little evil demands a little action. Someone may just need a black eye to back off. If the level of evil is more like the above examples then more force is needed to deal with the situation. It’s up to you to know what level of violence is legal in your state and what you are comfortable with doing.

15. If some dirtbag forces you to defend your life. I see no need to apologize for that. Will we feel sorry for the family the dirtbag left behind? Any human being would. If you don’t then you have something disconnected inside.

SHTF City Defense

Defense situations in the city, when it all hits the proverbial fan, is a difficult subject. I don’t want to say that those of us in the city are screwed…but it’s not that big of a stretch. I would love to only be dealing with other small town people but city dwellers are a completely different breed. Having lived in both areas I can tell you that the differences are stark and in your face between city and rural people. Let’s start out by covering a few and how to deal with them.

Unless the people you’re around in your city believe in having some type of food storage “just in case” you have a group of people with few self sufficiency skills. They are use to having a fully stocked grocery store every mile or so. When they’re running low on milk they have more than one choice of places to stop on their way home from work. If the supply ran out most would have no idea how to get more. Sure they would go to neighbors and family. Maybe even their church for help. Now what if supply chains are severed and there is no way to refill the grocery stores? Everyone is running low and not willing to share what little they have left. There has been a rush on every grocery store and there’s nothing but empty shelves.  What are you going to do when your children are crying themselves to sleep because of hunger pains at night? It’s a recipe for violence. Don’t discount that. It’s human nature. When our children are suffering it’s in our genes to do whatever it takes to quell the cause of their pain. This is one of those “be advised” moments.

Being in a city now…I know…I know…not ideal for me personally but it gives me insight. People in cities rarely know their own neighbors. Coworkers, and a few people at church or other such activity and that’s about it. I have to admit I’m guilty on all counts when it comes to not knowing my neighbors. Here’s the problem with that. In a city there are just too many people to keep track of. We tend to stick to our small groups and “to hell with the rest”. This can be both a fatal flaw and a blessing. Smaller groups operate easier in urban environments yet can be easily overwhelmed by superior numbers if they aren’t careful and trained to deal with such situations. We’re talking about civilians trying to survive, not a Navy Seal unit.

Another huge disadvantage about cities is something we have all heard about but don’t really know the depths of. Gangs in inner cities are a problem for Law Enforcement and civilians alike the way it is. What do you think would happen if the normal structure of society crumbled? They already have a hierarchical type leadership structure. They have arms and the black market contacts to get better ones not to mention the numbers to overwhelm local gun shops and steal all the guns and ammo they need. What would the inner city look like with the gangs in complete and utter control? Not the control they enjoy now, through fear and intimidation, but complete ownership of territories of the city and all their resources. Territories in constant flux and in constant battle between each other over those resources. In this situation what do you think will be the fate of any woman or teen age girl found? What will their existence be like? I personally fear a world for them filled with rape, violence, and degradation.

Does it sound like some low budget, post apocalyptic movie? Someone had to dream up what the worst case scenario would be for those movies. The big difference here is that it would be your every day waking nightmare.

Now that I’ve scared the crap out of you lets talk solutions.

The key to survival in cities is preparation and prayer that it will never have to be used. Store what food, water, and supplies you can now while it isn’t needed. Wait till it’s needed and it will be too late.

There are several companies out there doing food storage that lasts worry free for 25 years. How perfect is that? If you can’t afford to do their big chunks at a time hit the “case lot sale” at a grocery store and build up little by little. The expiration dates will have to be paid attention to and expired items replaced. It’s a pain but better to not have a closet full of spoiled canned food when you need it.

Medical supplies will be a valuable commodity in the event of a social melt down. Why, because we’ll all be placing ourselves in increasing danger to survive and without new supplies of medicine, bandages, higher (hospital level) medical supplies will run out fast. Don’t let your vaccinations expire. What will happen if you stem on a rusty, sharp, pointy anything and there is no chance of a tetanus shot?

We’ll go into weapon types at a later date but suffice it to say, have them. Have them and train with them so you have confidence with your equipment and in your skills. This is not just for basic protection and brings us back to the gangs. Their numbers in the military are increasing. They do this to gain military training to bring back to the gang. So be aware of this. It may not be a part of every city but realize that there may be some that did their 4 years, got out, and came home to the gang to increase their lethality.

One key point has to be made here. Daily concealed carry is a must. Sure its always a good idea because we never know what will happen to us or what threat we might face but also because SHTF situations are likely to hit when we least expect. The means to fight back to our families may be needed. carrying will be a part of normal life after a melt down so you might as well get use to it now.

Safety in numbers isn’t just a flowery saying. Survival in a city will depend on being part of a group. You will see some side with the gangs because of that. For the rest of us a group will have to be found or founded.

Luckily for church goers you are already part of a group with similar values, you’ve probably done activities together, and have at least weak but buildable bonds. These bonds should be cultivated now so the bond of “brothers in arms” is more easily formed when the time comes.

Better yet, feel out the men at church for a group interested in a martial arts training group. It doesn’t have to be anything formal. You don’t need to wear Gi’s and have a make believe belt system. Just make it a skill builder activity. Someone has to have some experience, naturally, but have fun with it and build those initial “brother warrior” bonds. There is your initial Defense group. Find out if there are any cops in your congregation. They should be interested in this type of group because it gives them trusted people to count on in an emergency. Someone who, in a big crisis they are called away for, can be trusted to see that their family is safe until their return or the possiblillty of no return. They will also have a lot of real world insight to add to your group.

Another aspect churches bring to a SHTF scenerio is the building itself. They are usually large enough to house dislocated families, at least temporary, and they give you a defensible position. The parking lots or lawns surrounding them gives you a “killing field” (enemy enters that area and they should be in someones sights), some have even a small kitchen area to prepare for potlucks (now can be used to feed yourselves), and with your paster, preacher, or bishop you have a support structure ready to help those in need so you can concentrate on defense and securing the essentials.

The one thing you don’t want to do is to go it alone. You will fail unless your plan is to get out of the city. For this plan…plan for it to be a battle. You are all but guaranteed to hit road blocks by law enforcement trying to keep everyone from fleeing in a panic. They’re just trying to do their job but they wont care that you know how to survive in the wild and will probably be more safe because you know what you’re doing. They’re just following orders. So, find a way around them. They aren’t the enemy and should never be harmed but if you’re like me, a country boy stuck in the city, your plan to bug out can’t be allowed to fail. Know the back roads out of town and don’t be afraid to get your 4×4 dirty in the process. At this point roads are for chumps.

Another good choice is a warehouse. They’re typically big enough to house all the families in your group and still pick up stragglers along the way. The buildings, themselves, are sturdy and will likely have valuable materials and tools in them depending on the type of business it use to house.

There may come a time, current sanctuary be dammed, that your group has to leave town. Do so as a caravan and do so armed to the teeth. A good position to take up would be far enough out to be easily defensible but close enough to send out raiding parties for supplies, equipment, and and any food left in the city.

Now I realize that I didn’t go into too much detail. I could just about make an entire post out of each of the above paragraphs. Where do we go from there? Well, that’s a topic for another day.

SHTF Defense

We could write volumes on this subject and that wouldn’t be a bad idea. That would have to be done on a situation by situation basis. Before we delve into that let’s do a general overview.

The difference in the level of defense needed between large city and rural area is vast.  A rural area has many advantages over a city. The amount of space between you and a potential threat is much larger, for instance. Also, the close knit aspect of rural communities means that you are familiar with those that are either in danger or may be able to come help you out of danger. These communities have almost an extended family type bond. They work together, they play together, they share both joy and crisis together.

Personally if things went south a small,  rural type of environment is what I would want to find myself in. The amount of space that would need to be patrolled would be much larger than a city but you’d be doing it with people you’ve already grown to trust. Trust is a part of this equation that can’t be ignored and is more easily found in the rural setting you grew up in.

Patrols would need to be done in pairs and by vehicle. There will be a lot of room to cover for each pair so foot patrols would have to be saved for the small, downtown, areas only. Each farm would have to be ultimately responsible for their own safety but plans would have to be laid out so each home was visited every day and night. A quick scan of the area around the family home would need to be done and probably on foot. Nothing big just visually scanning to make sure noting looks out of place. The home doesn’t look broken into, there are no signs of a struggle, and nothing looks like outside forces destroyed anything (barns, coops, ect). Your biggest worries will be people from other communities, or the cities, raiding for supplies.

I know the temperament of rural people. They won’t be raided without a fight. So if a farm or ranch was raided expect casualties. It would be necessary for every patrol vehicle to be equipped with medical supplies. You’ll never know when they will be needed for either out lying families or themselves.  Medical staff in town will need to train those going out on patrol in the use on not just first aid but in their best version of combat medicine. The life of those on patrol, or the life of others, will at some point depend on those skills. Wounded, even enemy wounded, will have to be stabilized until the patrol can get them back to town and in the hands real medical personnel.

Food production can not stop but it may be a good idea, depending on your situation, to have farm families moved into town for the night just to better ensure their safety. They won’t want to come. It’s not in their nature to leave their property for any reason. It may have been passed down through multiple generations. Bottom line is they may never be convinced to leave, even for the night, so you can plan on dealing with that situation.

Another big advantage you have in rural communities is a deeply engrained firearm culture. All of us grew up shooting, weather you hunted or not, firearms are in your blood and we can all hit what we aim at.

Another resource that should never be discounted is any veterans living in any community. I don’t care how young or old they are they will be a wealth of knowledge. Yes even the “crazy old man” may have fought his way across France or Island hopped his way across the Pacific in WWII and will be invaluable to you. Don’t discount anyone.

One thing to keep in mind is that small town Law Enforcement will want to rule the narrative. Yes, it their job to keep the peace and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Let them keep securing the town. That’s their job so why not use them for what they’re trained for. When it comes to patrolling the out lying areas don’t be bullied. They won’t have the manpower to handle it so a smart chief or county sheriff will be glad for the extra help.

Knowing the terrain will be essential. This is another aspect that small town folks already have taken care of. These people know their farm and hunting lands reaching far beyond city limits. Any fighting will likely be using Guerrilla Tactics so superior knowledge of the area is essential. This is another advantage they will have over city dwellers.

You will have to control the access roads into your town. The easiest way to handle it is to cut down traffic flow to one lane. Block any other lanes with whatever you have. If your town has a small junk yard that’s perfect. A couple junked out cars (that still have wheels if they have to be moved) is perfect. You still want to be able to get in and out. Mobility is still important, however, you want to control who is coming in. These should be manned check points and placed where someone can’t simply drive around them. A bridge, next to a rock wall or deep spot in a river, or a canyon are ideal spots to do this at.

There are lots of other rural area defense subjects to cover but I’ll save them for later. This topic isn’t finished so keep an eye open for new sections. The next post will cover the same type of issues in a city atmosphere.

 

As usual comments are more than welcome. In fact, please do.

Missing my baby

I have to admit I am really missing my Broadsword. It’s currently off with a Harris Publications writer. It’s going through a rigorous 60 day test and evaluation. I am really looking forward to the upcoming article but when it comes down to it I am looking forward to the Broadsword’s return even more. My crew has gotten more trigger time with it than I have, okay so they’ve gotten a lot more trigger time than I have but I digress. The fact that this rifle is missing from the shop has created a void in the armory. This is, after all, the first Broadsword built strictly for the uses of the shop. Sure, we have built many rifles for others and sure I get to test fire each. Having a Broadsword, one of the sexiest rifles ever built, if I do say so myself, all to ourselves…well there’s nothing like it.

All our testing on this rifle has been bone dry with only the basic Slipstream treatment for lubrication. We put over 200 rounds through a 7.62 AR pattern rifle with no oil ever touching bolt/carrier group. That’s unheard of.

After that did we strip it down clean it, re-Slipstream it, and ship it out for testing? Why? I ran a bore snake down the barrel a few times and packed her up. Why would I do that? Because the rifle had to be tested in it’s true nature. It’s a do all battle rifle. It’s 16″ or 18″ barrel gives the operator the compact rifle capable of use in compact areas. Kicking in doors or room to room fighting for instance. Just as the weapon the rifle was named for the Broadsword has a double edge. This edge is accuracy. The polygonal rifling give even our shorter barrels the accuracy of their longer, traditionally rifled, counterparts. We had one of our early Broadswords, owned by a friend of Crusader, out at the range this past weekend. Great close and medium range accuracy, naturally. The fact that our best shooter was able to hit the gong at 1000 yards with a 16″ barreled rifle is an extreme testament to the rifle’s capabilities.

No other rifle operates as smooth, as reliable, or as accurate as a Crusader rifle. As a do all (CQB, medium, and long range) battle rifle there is truly nothing like the Crusader Broadsword. NOTHING.

Needless to say…I can’t wait for our Broadsword to come home.

Eric Holder Brainwashing Campaign

Just like the title says, folks, we have Holder on video talking about his plan to use the media to brainwash people into thinking guns are bad. This is just one example of why we need the current administration out of office.

The Freeman

True freedom has been a rarity in human history. Slavery and serfdom seems to have been the norm. What ancient civilization do you think of in conjunction with the word “freedom”. Rome…nope. Japan…not really. Among free men there has always been one key symbol. Weapons.

With cavemen it was the club. The Celtic tribesman the sword. The mid-evil Yeoman…the longbow. The American…the gun.  It made them free because no other man or beast could enslave or harm him without a fight. With a weapon mankind could hold on to and protect the rights God gives every human that has ever walked the planet. With a weapon a man’s life is given meaning because he has the means to defend it, property has value because not just anyone can take it away, and liberty binds a country because every man, woman, and able child can have the national pride to be “behind every blade of grass” in a time of need.

There was a time when every free man not only had the right, but the duty to bear a sword. The Germanic tribes had a ceremony to free a slave. Only one thing was a necessity. A slave could only be freed if given the weapon of a Freeman. Bonds aren’t broken with pretty words but with sufficient force. This ensured him a fighting chance if anyone else wanted to enslave him.

That brings us to today. What makes a Freemen in today’s society? Well, to tell you the truth, men and women of today aren’t so different from our primal ancestors. Sure we have a Constitution and a bill of rights but is that what makes us free? Laws and documents give us structure and bind a geographical location into a nation of citizens. But is that what makes a man free. I say it’s the ability to defend those binding documents.

Having the proper tools to defend a persons life, those of his family, and the lives of perfect strangers is the insurance policy our founding fathers took out on our founding documents. Only free men and women can defend liberty. Only Freemen and women can choose what is worthy of defense.

Take pride in the fact that most of you are not merely men and women but Freemen.

The Sheepdog Question

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.

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.