John Smith

John Smith John Smith is a Texas Law Enforcement Officer and serves as a SWAT Officer for his department. He is one of the departments lead firearms instructors and also the head defensive tactics instructor. Sean holds a handful of instructor certificates such as TCOLE Firearms Instructor, Krav Maga Force Division Instructor, FBI Defensive Tactics Instructor, Tactical Breaching Instructor and various others. When not performing SWAT duties, he provides training to police recruits as well as certified officers on a number of police tactics. Sean has been competing in mixed martial arts for the last 10 years and is a practitioner of Muay Thai Kickboxing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Olympic weightlifting.

SWAT Officer reviews the ASP XT DF Flashlight

ASP has been stepping up their game to compete in the first responder flashlight world, and I must admit I’m not disappointed with some of their new products. The XT DT being one of them.

The XT DF is a primary duty flashlight with a max output of 600 lumens and the ability to be programmed by the user at 15, 60, or 150 Lumens. This light also offers a strobe effect which can be useful in the appropriate scenario. In keeping with the ASP model of simplicity in their law enforcement tools, activation is via a single pressure switch on the tail cap. A 3-position twist selector on the tail cap allows choice of intermittent, constant-on or locked.

Dual Fuel technology means you’ll never be without a power source―it runs with either a rechargeable 18650 battery (included) or 2 CR123A primary (single use) cells, sold separately. The 18650 battery charges inside the flashlight, using the supplied cord and adapters, or any micro USB phone/electronics charging cord―no separate battery charger needed.

XT DF is machined from 6061 T6 aerospace aluminum, type III hardcoat anodized in a proprietary matte black finish. The barrel is wrapped in an all-weather foamed vinyl grip.

Overall I like this light. It functions well for its intended audience and packs a solid lumen output for a lightweight and easy to carry model. The programmable feature is a plus and it is so user friendly even a firefighter could use it.

Surviving a gunshot: SWAT officer’s review of the Gray Man Training IFAK

I got linked up with Gray Man Training through a mutual friend and was sent this IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) to see what I thought. The short answer is, “I’m a fan.” But for those who want some more details, keep reading.

What I like most about the Gray Man IFAK is it is exactly that, an IFAK. No unnecessary bells and whistles. The owner (Shea Stewart) spent some time as a Navy Special Warfare Combatant –Craft Crewman (SWCC) and was selected to attend the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center in Fort Bragg, N.C. where he received extensive training in combat medicine, earning the distinction of Special Operations Combat Medic. So it’s safe to say he knows how to design an IFAK.

Gray Man’s IFAK is a modified version of the DA Medic Pouch from CRO medical. The two did a little collaboration to bring you a slim and low profile kit that can easily be concealed in a purse, briefcase, EDC backpack, vehicle etc. It can also function as a legitimate IFAK for duty without taking up too much belt space. Gray Man also built the kit with the idea that the person accessing it would need to be able to do everything by feel and that everything would stay in place.

The medical gear inside is laid out in the order that someone would need to grab them according to the MARCH algorithm of TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) and TECC (Tactical Emergency Combat Care). Tourniquet first, then hemostatic gauze and pressure dressing material for massive hemorrhage, then an NPA (nasopharyngeal airway) with lube (hand glued on to make opening the NPA and lube with gross motor skills possible) for airway management, then a chest seal for holes in the box (chin to navel).

As an ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training) First Responder Medical Instructor this is exactly the way we train police officers to apply treatment before we can get medical personnel on scene. Bleeding and airway comes first, and then tension-pneumothorax and hyperthermia treatment follows. There is no decompression needle in this kit but by the time that is needed, I pray medical professionals are on scene. Not to mention needle decompression is a semi-invasive procedure that needs training signed off on by a doctor and I myself as a police officer am not authorized to use or teach such a technique at my department.

All and all I think Gray Man Training did a jam up job at designing this kit and I would definitely recommend it to others. Jump on his Instagram page @graymantraining or shoot him an email to [email protected] to order. Checkout the video to see the kit in action.

Add a quad rail to your shotgun with the Black Aces Tactical Quad Rail

While shooting my shotgun one day I thought “man, it would be nice if this thing had a rail on it. And if there isn’t a company already making one, I’m going to start one.” A quick google search killed my second idea, as I found there was indeed a company already making rails for various shotgun make and models. That company is Black Aces Tactical.

After a look at their website, I ordered the Black Aces Tactical Quad Rail for my Mossberg 930 and I must say I am not disappointed. When the rail came in the mail I couldn’t wait to get it on. Pulling it out of the box I was surprised to feel how light it was. Weighing in around 10oz this T6 Aluminum rail barely adds any weight to your weapon. The 1913 Picatinny top rail with the forward quad gives you customization options that you could only dream to find on a shotgun.

The quad rail is MIL-A-8625 Type II anodized, comes with a secure lock clamp system, and all hardware and tools needed to assemble. At least it is supposed to. My kit was missing the spacer needed to secure the clamp to your magazine tube. It didn’t matter for me as I have a mag extension on my gun but had I been running a stock tube I would have been out of luck.

The rail itself has performed great and the install takes about 10 mins. A solid buy if you want to add some accessories to your shotgun along with some “tacticool” points. The only thing I wasn’t pleased with was the customer service at Black Aces Tactical. I emailed them about my missing spacer but never received a response.

The kit itself says it comes with the spacer, yet they never made an attempt to make it right, much less respond to my email. This makes me weary to purchase other items from them, but the rail is so cool, it may compensate for the poor customer service. I haven’t decided yet. Check out the video for more details.

5.11 Pursuit Advance Boots: A tactical boot in a casual profile

Nearly a year ago to the date, I acquired the 5.11 Pursuit Advance Boots. Originally I was drawn to the casual design, but as soon as I put the boots on I was in love. The Pursuit Advance are amongst the topmost comfortable boots I have ever put on, are extremely light, and extremely mobile. I have some hesitations about the durability we’ll cover that.

I have used them during my attendance to many Law Enforcement schools, some of which have required miles of running in full kit and other physical activities such as pivoting, changing direction, squatting, etc. The boots have not let me down and I am honestly impressed with their comfort. I have also worn them out to dinner and on camping trips with my family, which shows their versatility and ads to value.

5.11 went with some solid features to attract the quiet professional. Details like “High-performance tactical boot in a casual profile”, “5.11 RECON® footbed for stability and agility”, and “Supports 5.11® Blood Patch Type Kit” can’t be overlooked. But the good stuff is in the sole. The Pursuit Advance rocks an Ortholite® insole which aids in comfort and performance and moisture control, a full length CMEVA midsole for a high tolerant and sleek design, an 8mm heel-to-toe drop for mobility, and all the lugs you could hope for (forefoot, arch, and climbing lugs) for solid grip and agility.

Some wear and tear is expected considering what I have put these boots through. However, I can’t say that I am pleased with their durability. The sole is cracking on my left boot where my foot bends at the toe; most likely from running, kneeling and getting up and down off the ground. Additionally, the left heel is slightly damaged, but I will take some of the blame for this. I tend to get lazy at times and use my right shoe to peel my left shoe off at the heel. There are also random parts on the boot that are staring (ever slightly) to peel from the sole. They are holding their integrity for the most part, but I can’t see them lasting much longer.

I own several pairs of boots that I can confidently say outperform the Pursuit Advance from a durability standpoint. The Pursuit Advance, however, cost significantly lower than their outperforming competitors and are much more comfortable. I would like to see 5.11 put a little more into the durability if they are going to pitch this boot as a “ready for anything” boot. Even if it raises the price; I personally would pay a little more for a boot that is going to last me longer. There are several brands out there that can go several years with showing less wear and tear than the Pursuit Advance but, to be fair, considering the price point and comfort, the Pursuit Advance makes a solid buy for the right customer.

<br />

Zero Tolerance 0460TI: An ergonomic folder

I recently acquired this Zero Tolerance 0460TI and was immediately drawn to its pronounced ergonomic design. Similar to the original 0460 by ZT the folder fits neatly into the hollow of your hand, giving you a comfortable and secure grip on the tool. Unlike the original 0460, this knife is all titanium; built for toughness the whole way through with a CPM 20CV blade and a titanium frame lock. CPM 20CV is fairly new to the market but is becoming popular among top knife brands. It is a tool steel that combines impressive wear resistance and edge retention with the added benefit of being highly corrosion resistant due to high levels of chromium.

The 0460TI has partial 3D machining on the handle which adds dimensionality and increases grip while the stonewashed finish and machine satin grinds give a handsome and clean look. The contrast of the matte black backspacer, black hardware and reversible, black pocket clip is well executed. For a simple color scheme, this blade has a sneaky sex appeal.

ZT is well known in the knife community and I believe they have stood up to their name with this new design. I always love buying products made in the USA and you can’t go wrong with a solid folding knife. This one is an EDC contender that won’t let you down. Unlike their little brother Kershaw, ZT blades run a bit more. However, you get what you pay for and quality is not cheap.

<br />

Gerber Mini Pry Bar: A Breacher’s Sidekick

I am lead breacher on my SWAT team and am always looking for little hand tools that can be easily carried on our kits. There have been many times I left my ram at the door, only to find there were other breach points throughout the objective. I need look no further than the Gerber Mini Pry Bar.

The first time I got to use this tool I was impressed. There was a suspect who threatened to kill his family and was now barricaded in his room. After a long standoff, it was believed he had attempted to take his own life while locked in the room. I breached the front door with my ram and dropped it there (a ram is too big and clunky to carry through an objective). After clearing the home we came to a locked bedroom with a deadbolt (where the suspect was believed to be). I used my Gerber Remix Tactical Knife to cut away the weather strip (in order to see the deadbolt), and the Gerber Mini Pry Bar to separate the door from the frame. The pry bar made little work of the door and separated it far enough that the deadbolt cleared the frame and we were in. The suspect was taken into custody and another successful mission was complete.

The Gerber Mini Pry Bar is ergonomically designed and fits easily in your hand with a secure grip. It fits perfectly through 3 links of MOLLE and barely ways more than my last protein snack. Built with 4140 Steel and a glass filled nylon handle makes this pry bar virtually indestructible. At an economically priced $51, this purpose-driven tool is perfect for any operator.