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.

What Really IS Being Prepared? How Your Attitude is Everything

5.11 has a saying, “Always Be Ready” and they offer a great number of items that will help you in so many ways. The idea that even if it’s 0200 Tuesday morning in a normally sleepy Wal Mart parking lot, when someone is in trouble you’re going to be ready and able to respond. Been […]

The Final Shot on the Anderson Frontline 16

“Parting is such sweet sorrow” Although the Bard was referring to the love between Romeo and Juliet it’s appropriate for my feelings today as I’m bidding a fond farewell to a rifle we’ve been testing on multiple range trips lately, the Anderson Frontline 16. Vincent’s original comment in my first article was echoed by numerous […]

Pic of The Day, Shooting the M1 Garand

Shooting different types of guns is a common occurrence in Today’s Army, especially if you’re in a Sniper Unit. It’s not every day though you get to shoot an iconic rifle from a bygone era but that’s what happened recently when a member of the SOFREP family was out on FTX and a special visitor […]

X-Vision Impact 100 Thermal Laser Rangefinder: A New Must-Have for Your Kit

When you’re out there in the field, precision isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Enter the X-Vision Impact 100 Thermal Laser Rangefinder, a device that promises to take your shooting game to the next level, day or night. Built with the serious shooter in mind, this rangefinder offers features that can make the difference between […]

Are YOU Prepared?

Fourteen earthquakes of 6.0 or greater magnitude since June 1st, (and many smaller ones), the 7th named storm of 2024 is another Category 3 hurricane, major flooding this year in the northeast, a very contentious election year, wildfires, cyber hacking is at an all-time high including threats to our infrastructure and transportation grids. Wars in […]

Making Ends Meet

Welcome a new writer to the LoadoutRoom, Sean Northrop! Looking at the title, it might make you think of a time when you’ve had to make the best out of a bad situation. We’ve all done it at some point to get the job done. For example, taking a strap off a less used piece […]

Vortex Venom 1-6×24, the Perfect AR-15 Riflescope?

The Vortex Venom 1-6×24 SFP riflescope is like the Swiss Army knife of optics—versatile, reliable, and ready for action in just about any scenario you throw at it. Whether you’re punching paper at the range or tracking a moving target in the field, this scope’s got you covered. Key Features: Magnification Range: 1-6x With a […]

The BC-201: Bear Creek Arsenal’s Precision Powerhouse in .22 LR

Shooting a good .22 semi-auto rifle can be one of life’s great pleasures, especially if you’re with family and/or friends, it’s simple pure fun. That’s what we found with the BC-201 from Bear Creek Arsenal, it’s fun to shoot and it’s a straight, precise shooting little rifle. When it comes to precision shooting, Bear Creek […]

Falco G122 CrossBody Bag: Concealed Carry That Doesn’t Compromise

When you’re on the move and need a solid concealed carry solution, the Falco G122 CrossBody Bag steps up to the plate. This bag isn’t just about looking good; it’s about function, durability, and making sure your gear is right where you need it when you need it. Built to Last, Styled to Blend In […]

Alpaca Wool Socks, Summer Comfort From Hollow

I think I’ve said it before but, it’s STILL hot here in NW Florida and we’re just getting into August when your clothing gets tested the most, especially your socks. If you’re on your feet all day and you don’t have good socks the problems will count up quickly and you don’t want to have […]