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.

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, […]

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 […]