Brian (Rev) Norris

Brian (Rev) Norris , in addition to writing for the Arms Guide and talking guns and gear via video, is a pastor (hence the “Rev”) who specializes in mentoring young men in the urban context. If he catches a moment of free time, you’ll likely find him enjoying his family or heading to the range on his motorcycle. Brian has enjoyed the shooting sports since his father introduced them to him as a child. He’s an outdoorsman who enjoys life to the full.

Marlin 336 30-30: An All Purpose Lever Gun

Lever action rifles may not be the best option for anything anymore. That may or may not be debatable, but they seem to be a good option for almost everything. You can debate with me about that all you want, and I’ll just nod and smile.

Here on the East Coast of the good ol’ US of A they make phenomenal hunting arms. Everybody calls them “brush” guns in a semi-disparaging way. Though I don’t really hunt much these days, I can’t recall many circumstances that I would have needed to reach out beyond the range of a good lever gun.

This past year I decided to “tactify” one—a newish, Marlin 336 30-30 to be exact. Well truthfully, I just decided to set it up in a configuration that I thought could function equally well in two very unlikely scenarios: namely, that I find time to go hunting or that I find myself in need of another long gun as we defend the homestead.

I live in an urban context, so please do recognize the tongue pressed firmly against my inner cheek.

I replaced the old-school sights with Williams Fire Sight, giving me a nice ghost ring/peep sight option. I then mounted an XS Lever Scout Mount and a Bushnell TRS-25. I selected a Protec mounting clip from Nebo tools and a matching Streamlight PT 2L. I fitted her with a knurled thumbscrew from Grizzly Custom Shop just because I could.

I put an Allen cartridge holder on the butt of the stock. I’m still in search of a better option in this department; all you manufacturers don’t line up at once!

In the end, I’m quite pleased with this little jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. Is she as fast or light as an AR? Nope, but she is pretty darn fast and I’d call her “handy” in the weight department. Is the capacity significant? Her seven rounds certainly isn’t insignificant, and I think a similar technique to that used when keeping my 870 topped off and in the fight works with this rifle. Is it a long-range gun? No, but I don’t live in a primarily long-range environment, and I’m pleased to report that those Hornady LeverRevolution rounds really do extend its range a bit.

What can I say? I just like this gun and I’m keeping her. Lever guns have more fun!

Photo Credit to Sam T. Baucom

CTS Target: The Ring of Steel

I was standing in what looked to be a cowboy town made out of fence post lumber, and I was being directed to shoot the steel targets in front of me. The place was a range called Tac2 in East TN. The targets were in various configurations; I recall a steel plate rack, some silhouettes, and a large circle with each arm holding a steel circle. I discovered the latter contraption was called a Texas star.

Following the directions given I soon felt the euphoria of engaging targets that provided instant feedback. What had I been doing for years shooting paper and cardboard? Shooting glorified pizza boxes as if that was enough.

My life changed in an instant. Now, I was AWAKE.

I’m sure you sense the hyperbole by now, but seriously, I do like to shoot steel targets. So when I was given the opportunity to check out the silhouettes from CTS, I didn’t hesitate.

What used to be target luxury has become quite affordable for the average shooter.

Impressions:

When looking over the specs, CTS appeared to make a quality product, but I’ve learned the hard way that it’s better to withhold judgment until you have the product in hand.

When I opened the CTS box and began to inspect the targets, my initial opinion was quite positive; everything appeared to be made with care from quality parts. I assembled the target with ease and by later that week I had the assembled target in the field.

I utilized the kit that includes a 2×4 X Ground base, an ABC Zone Silhouette, and all the mounting components necessary to get started.

After my first experience at the range, I was relatively confident that we had a winner.

I’ve had both positive and negative experiences from a number of steel target manufacturers. One design (from another manufacturer) fell down all the time. Another target ended its use when a range session revealed a hole in the steel. The target in question was rated for more potent loads at shorter distances, but it failed nonetheless.

However, none of these problems were evident with CTS.

Construction:

The mounting hardware is the best place to analyze the overall quality of CTS targets’ construction. They certainly could have made their brackets lest robust, their screws less stout, and their springs cheaper and less reactive, but they chose to use top tier components instead.

The proof is in the pudding!

Durability:

After several months of use, I can tell you that these targets are built to last. Mine has been in the mud, shot with all kinds of loads, in all kinds of weather conditions and it just keeps pinging away. It’s holding up remarkably well!

Foundation:

I haven’t had the pleasure of testing the spike base, but I have used the X Base in a host of environments. If you’ve spent much time setting up targets in various outdoor locations, you know how frustrating it is to need to carry additional stakes and mallets with you. Every additional handful of gear is another trip from truck to field that must be loaded and unloaded. Most of us are already fighting for time to get to the range; once we’re there, we want to spend our time training not setting up and tearing down. The X base allows you to set up targets free standing and not go back out to set them back up after your rifle has knocked them down. They are practical, functional, and reliable because of the design of the target’s foundation. It’s simple and effective. The ends dig into loose dirt and the geometry is very stable like a fighter in his stance.

Final thoughts:

After a lot of careful consideration, I give CTS the Rev seal of approval.

However, it doesn’t stop there. These targets are not only good-to-go, but they rank among my top steel target manufactures ever used!

Some people get that special feeling when they hear bells ringing at Christmas, but ever since 2003 I’ve had that special sensation whenever I hear lead ring steel. Oh, the glorious sound of steel.

Pew, pling, pling!

Pew, pling, bling!

Awe yes, with CTS ’tis the season of joy all year long.

So load up your CTS targets and get yourself to the range; feel the weight of life fall away with each beautiful sound!

Rev Interviews Rob Pincus of ICE

I recently sat down with Rob Pincus of ICE training.

Rob’s Bio

Rob’s a professional trainer, author, and consultant. He’s the owner of the ICE training company. Mr. Pincus has law enforcement experience and has served as an executive protection agent. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Reserve after graduating from the Military College of Vermont with a degree in Political Science. He serves as a Training Officer for a local Sheriff’s office and has been a staff writer with S.W.A.T. Magazine since 2001.

He sees his Combat Focus Shooting program as a natural outgrowth of the evolution of defensive shooting that prepares humans for real-world defensive encounters.

Rob talks about his executive protection training with ESI, Valhalla, days writing for SWAT magazine, and early interactions with 10th group special forces.
We get his opinion about TN’s recent decision regarding silencers and about the potential of the Hearing Protection Act in particular.
He talks about his relationship with Mike Hughes (the developer of the SIRT pistol) and the way a teacher’s thought resonates with a growing student base.
The most recent update on the Avidity Arms project is provided, and much more…

Check out the interview and look forward to upcoming coverage of some of Rob’s classes.

Photo by author.