Fred Rowlands

Fred Rowlands Fred “Garfield” Rowlands is a 21+ year Navy veteran who spent his career in strange and diverse places like Diego Garcia, Wintering Over in Antarctica, the Southern Border, and Burbank CA. Has spent over 30 years working in Military Physical Security, Law Enforcement, and Private Security, and has “more luck than a cat has lives” supposedly. He now resides in NW Florida with his wife and a Great Dane named Layla.

10mm For Christmas Anyone?

Yes Please Santa! Just beware, you’ll do more than shoot your eye out with this one. The 10mm cartridge was designed in response to the cataclysmic 1986 FBI Miami shootout in which FBI agents using 9mm caliber pistols were seriously outperformed. Regardless if the argument was true or not, the cartridge has endured. Yes, it […]

Last Minute Shopping Ideas for Christmas

The start of the Christmas season here is marked by bringing out the decorations just after Thanksgiving. Which was last week, correct? Ok, so maybe not but there’s still time to get online, get some shopping done, and get your gifts before Christmas. But as they say, “The clock is ticking” so if anyone is […]

First Tactical Sets a New Standard For Women’s Tactical Clothing

When it comes to tactical gear for women, the industry has often fallen short—literally. Ill-fitting apparel designed for men, hastily adapted for women, just doesn’t cut it. But First Tactical has stepped up to the plate, delivering purpose-built gear like the Women’s V2 Pro Performance Short Sleeve Shirt and Women’s V2 EMS Pant. These pieces […]

Laundry In The Field? It’s Possible With A Scrubba Bag!

Being in the Army while in the field can be difficult at times, with bad weather, inhospitable environments, no phone, no light/power, and no motor car (as the song used to say), among many other things. At least your days are planned for you and with enough activities you can forget some things like laundry. […]

Pic of the Day, Doing the Alps Army Style

Recently, part of the SOFREP family was in the field training in the European Alps with local allies. The air was thin and chilly, the ground rocky and covered in snow with beautiful vistas that truly belonged on postcards. Training during the trip involved taking advantage of the local terrain with plenty of rappelling and […]

The Hydra MARCK-15 H21, the Latest Version of Hydra’s Modular Rifle

Hydra Weaponry, Maine’s top gunmaker and the brains behind the MARCK-15 Hydra® Weapon System knows how to cater to the Glock crowd. Their latest creation? A modular rifle built around the .45 ACP, the second most popular caliber in civilian, law enforcement, and military circles (right behind 9mm). Enter the Hydra MARCK-15 H21 Modular Rifle—a […]

Well Hooray For The Sounds of Silence

When it comes to suppressors, SilencerCo has built a reputation for blending durability with high performance, and their latest release, the VELOS LBP 762, is no exception. This suppressor is dialed in for those who push their gear hard, built specifically for high-volume shooting with 7.62 NATO and other .30-caliber rifles. It’s a piece of […]

The Remington V3 TAC 13, Your Close-In Support Powerhouse

The Remington V3 TAC-13 isn’t your grandpa’s shotgun—it’s compact, quick, and hits like my truck. Built on Remington’s proven VersaPort gas system, this semi-auto packs versatility into a design that’s a blast to shoot. The 13-inch barrel and shock-absorbing Raptor grip keep this beast manageable and surprisingly comfortable, even if it looks a little intimidating […]

Smith & Wesson 327 TRR8, A Fast Shooting Wheelgun

I’m a history guy and I like a good history story. As with many people, I also enjoy a pistol that shoots well especially a revolver. Smith & Wesson manages to combine all of that in the 327 TRR8 revolver. But WHY, you ask, why should I care about a revolver in this day and […]

Adept NovaSteel Buckler: The Shield You Didn’t Know You Needed

There’s something primal about holding a shield, especially one designed with modern ingenuity like the Adept NovaSteel Buckler. For those of us who appreciate tactical gear that’s as functional as it is badass, this buckler hits all the right marks. It’s compact, durable, and has that ‘I can handle whatever comes my way’ vibe. So, […]