Loadout Room Guest Authors

How to breach a door using a shotgun

Utilizing a shotgun to defeat a door in CQB is a technique that is not only efficient but also relatively cost-effective in terms of specialized equipment. Really it requires very little other than a shotgun and the correct ammunition. The shotgun itself should be a tertiary weapon to the breacher’s sidearm and primary weapon in […]

SOFREP Radio: Ernest Emerson talks knife craftsmanship, and early mixed martial arts

Emerson Knives is a brand that’s trusted by everyone from Navy SEALs to NASA astronauts, and that’s why you’ve seen their products in the Crate Club and receiving rave reviews on The Loadout Room. The story of how the company’s founder Ernest Emerson got into crafting these knives is fascinating, and you won’t want to miss it. Ernie is also a […]

Proficiency in combat: Getting good at the basics

You’ve seen it before time and time again — the YouTube videos of foreign Special Operations members drawing their weapons in non-traditional ways lightning fast, engaging two targets with rapid headshots from the hip, transitioning to a knife, stabbing another target in the chest. Well, you’ve probably seen some version of this — you know the types […]

S&S Precision’s Cold Water Maritime Assault Gloves

First off, not that my opinion matters much in this world, but If something truly isn’t good I probably won’t review it. I’m not one to post negative reviews, but If I don’t think something is useful or made of the highest quality, I just flat out won’t review it. It’s a waste of time. […]

My top four battlefield tips and tricks

I’m sure we’ve all seen the soldier in a movie (or real life) with his two magazines taped together upside down or the dude rocking the single knee pad so he can retain freedom of movement. My personal favorite comes from the days before Magpul Industries when high-speed dudes used to tape 550 cord to […]

The Spanish Star BM 9mm service pistol

The Star model BM Spanish service pistol was an excellent firearm for its time. The pistol saw service with the Spanish military and police but also was used by the South African Defense Forces and found its way into the Rhodesian bush war. Although it looks strikingly similar to the 1911, the Star BM is […]

Tactical Tailor First Responder Bag: Like it or not, Fanny Packs are in

The concept of the fanny pack or waist pack is nothing new. There has remained a steady trend in the utilization of these types of packs within the SOPs of varying SOF units. Waist packs used as quickly removable IFAKS, assaulter load outs, and housing for extraneous breaching equipment have all found their niche within […]

ASP Tungsten DF Light: A Solid Back Up

“Uh-Oh, your lights have gone out”, says the instructor. While clearing an objective during SWAT training the instructor’s decided that my team’s weapon mounted lights had run out of battery. How convenient. I recently received the Tungsten DF Light and had it on my kit for such a “surprise”, so out it came. The emphasis […]

Weapons of the Criminal Element | The London Attackers Knife

Knives of the Criminal Element | The London Attackers Knife

One of the knives used by the London terrorist attackers in June of 2017. Note the selection of a non-metallic blade to circumvent metal detectors and the dedication to grip and retention of the knife by adding an elastic cord on its handle. Ceramic knives depending on the place of fabrication and company might have […]

The Secret to Getting Selected in SFAS? There Isn’t One

I know what you’re thinking,…” here’s this FOG (F***ing Old Guy) preaching again about being in the last hard class.” Okay, first let’s dispense with the myths and get right to the crux of the matter. Every Special Forces guy you will meet, regardless of era went thru the last hard class and everyone since […]