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Gear

Planning to raid Area 51? Here’s the gear you’ll want to take with you

When last I checked, over 1.2 million people had made the extraordinary commitment to bum rush a government facility with a storied history of testing some of America’s most advanced military aircraft. The SR-71, U-2 Spy Plane, F-117 Nighthawk and many more can trace their lineage back to test flights over the dry bed that was once Groom Lake, but in the minds of many, that doesn’t serve as quite enough justification for a secretive airstrip in the middle of the Nevada Test and Training Range. As far as they’re concerned, the government is sure to have something more nefarious… even out of this world… locked away in Area 51’s expansive hangars.

Of course, if you’re among the few human beings out of that 1.2 million that clicked “going” on a Facebook page that actually intends to make the trek out to Area 51, there are a few things you should know first: 1) the U.S. Government is authorized to use lethal force in many places that don’t house alien spacecraft (like if there’s a chance a crowd of idiots are going to gain access to a dangerous weapon system like a fighter jet). 2) The U.S. military is exceedingly good at killing idiots that are stumbling through an open expanse of desert. Anybody would be. It’d be like an episode of The Walking Dead. 3) It’s worth reminding one another that the troops stationed on the Nevada Test Range that these “raiders” would be throwing themselves at are regular Americans like me and you — not nameless bad guys in an Area 51 video game.

Okay, now that we got that all out of the way, you might still be pumped to start packing your Area 51 Raiding Party Pack. So here’s what you need to make sure to bring:

Hydration: Carrying a water purification or filtration set up is always a good idea, but in the unforgiving deserts of Nevada, you’ll be hard pressed to find any water to filter or treat. That means you’re going to have to carry your hydration on your person, and depending on how long you expect to be out raiding, that means carrying a lot of water, so I recommend the CamelBak M.U.L.E. It’ll carry 3 liters of water,  which means almost enough for one day’s walk in the desert. You might want to stow some extra water bottles in your pack too.

Tourniquets: In the event Area 51 security decides to deter your advance the good old fashioned way (with bullets), you’re going to want at least four tourniquets on hand. Why so many? Because that’s how many limbs you’ve got, and if you’re lucky you won’t take any round to the chest. I recommend the SWAT-T Tourniquet for proven reliability and performance. In fact, you might want to grab a few spares for your buddies that come under-equipped.

Adult diapers: Now, I already hear what you’re saying: “I don’t wear diapers!” Well, you’ll want to start. If a raid on Area 51 actually did occur, the U.S. Air Force would likely engage the crowd with a wide variety of non-lethal weapon systems, and I don’t just mean rubber bullets (though they would be extremely effective). It seems likely that they would employ some sound-based weapons that were purpose built for riot control, like the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) Sound Cannon. Forget taking rounds to the chest — stand in the way of this thing for too long and you’ll probably end up shitting your pants.

A satellite phone: Chances are good that your service will be terrible out in the middle of nowhere, Nevada, but you’re going to need some way to communicate with your mom so she knows when to come pick you up. That’s where the satellite phone comes in. Use this baby when you realize the “raid” you signed up for is actually a mass gathering of dweebs with no real plan, resources, or even goals to accomplish. Once the people in the crowd realize that they didn’t all vote for the same candidate (in the last presidential election or the last season of American Idol), the in-fighting is bound to ensue. The only thing Americans hate more than the government telling them they can’t see their aliens is literally everything else about one another.

When the crowd turns on you over whatever the trending outrage of the day may be, you’ll want to dial your mom’s digits and coordinate an EXFIL as quickly as possible.

 

 

Feature image courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

How To Choose A Rifle Scope: The only guide you’ll need to read

Finding the right scope is like running through a maze, you don’t know WHERE you’re going. Couple that with the countless landmines of confusing technical jargon, specs, acronyms — and you might be in the maze for LIFE.

Not good.

That’s why I wrote this article — to help serve as a guide through the scope maze. In fact: This will be the LAST guide you’ll ever have to read to find the right scope…for YOU.

Let’s dig in!

Magnification

This is the part 99% of people screw up on. They either buy TOO much magnification or too little — ESPECIALLY when buying the best AR-15 rifle scope. Rest assured — you won’t make that mistake after reading this. So, let’s first start off by defining magnification.

Magnification is how much closer you can see the target than a naked eye.

For example, if the magnification is 2X that means you can see TWO TIMES closer than the naked eye. Easy enough?

So…

How Do You Find Magnification?

It’s usually the first number (or range of numbers) on a scope. For example: if a scope says 3×32… then the first number (‘3’) is the magnification. However, if it says 2-7×32… then the first range of numbers (2-7) is the magnification. In other words: you can choose a magnification between 2-7X. Because of this, there are actually two scope types:

  • Fixed power scope
  • Variable power scope.

Fixed power scope means there’s only 1 magnification (Ex: 3X), while variable allows you to choose from a range of magnifications (Ex: 2-7X).

Easy, right? But…which should you choose?

Fixed Power vs Variable Power

That depends on your use. If you require more than one magnification, then go for the variable. However, fixed power scopes are faster, higher quality, and cost less. So, keep that in mind when you’re choosing your scope. Don’t worry about making a decision now — we’ll touch on that in just a bit. But for now, let’s answer the lingering question that we left unanswered:

How Much Magnification Do You Need?

This is HIGHLY dependent on your rifle usage. If you use your rifle primarily for small game or homestead defense (>100 yards), then go for a magnification between 1 – 4x. Pro Tip: Go for a fixed power scope. It’ll make your short-range encounters faster.

However, if you use your rifle primarily for hunting large game in forests or mountains (>200 yards), then go for a magnification between 5 – 8x. Or, if you’re a sniper that hunts in fields or deserts (200+ yards), then go for a magnification between 9 – 12x. Simple enough, right? Now that you have your magnification, the next thing to find is the right…

Objective Lens

The objective lens is the lens at the end of the scope. The size of the objective lens is usually found at the END of the numbers (or after the x). For example: 3x32 means it has a 32mm objective lens. What about if it’s a variable scope? Same thing.

For example: 2-7x35 means it has a 35mm objective lens.

Understood? Cool.  So…

WHY Is Objective Lens Important?

In layman’s terms: The more objective lens you have, the clearer and brighter your scope will look. However, it does come at a costly price. Larger objective lenses mean smaller scope rings, a heavier scope, and it may even give away your position due to the reflection of sunlight off the lens. So be careful.

With that said…

How Much Objective Lens Do You Need?

If you hunt in close range (>100 yards) with low recoil, go for 28mm & under.

If you hunt in medium to long range (150+ yards) with medium recoil, go for 30-44mm. (Also great for low-light hunters.)

And finally, if you’re solely a long range shooter, then go for 50mm & up objective lens.

With your magnification and objective lens in hand, now it’s time to talk…

Rifle Scope Lens Coatings

This is usually the second feature advertised. It may come packaged in fancy names, however ALL rifle coats fall under one of these criteria:

  1. Coated: They cover at least one surface of the scope in one layer. The budget man’s package.
  2. Fully-Coated: They cover ALL external glass surfaces in a single layer. The standard package.
  3. Multicoated: They cover at least one surface in several layers. The upgraded package.
  4. Fully Multicoated: They pamper ALL your scope’s external glass surfaces in several layers. The luxury package.

Which Rifle Coat Should You Choose?

Most scopes today are fully multi-coated. In fact: Over 90% of the scopes I’ve reviewed on my site so far are fully multi-coated. And if it’s not fully multi-coated, don’t sweat it — coats don’t make up for poor glass quality. However, something you DO have to sweat is…

Scope Reticles

The reticle is the crosshair (or the aiming point) you see. This will either make shooting easier or harder.

Here’s the best reticle to choose based on your use:

Duplex

If you’re a hunter or target shooter, go for a Duplex. It’s the simplest and fastest reticle to use.

Mildot

If what you’re shooting is a life and death situation (like the Military), go for a Mildot. It helps estimate target’s distance.

BDC

This is for the long-range shooter. Sure, it takes longer to use, however it helps adjust for bullet drop. Insanely useful for long distance shots.

But which to choose? If you hypothetically put a gun to my head (please don’t) and said: “Choose a reticle or die!” I’d honestly go for the Duplex. It’s easy, fast, and it plain up WORKS. But don’t take my word for it. Instead, test all these reticles and see which one you like best. The best reticle is the one YOU prefer.

With that said, it’s time to talk…

Focal Planes

This is the most common scope question I get asked: “Should I choose the First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane?”

Here’s the straight up answer: go for second focal plane. Here’s why: For most general situations, the second focal plane works better. It’s cheaper and doesn’t obscure your view while the first focal plane does. That said, should you ever go with first focal plane? In only one condition: If you’re a long-range shooter (10X+ magnification).

The reason? It’s more accurate as the reticle size adjusts as you move up in magnification. Yet for most general situations, go for a second focal plane. It won’t disappoint. Once you’ve got your focal plane selected, it’s now time to discuss adjustment systems…

Minute of Angle (MOA) vs Milradian (MRAD)

To be completely honest, this part doesn’t matter much, but I’ll cover it anyway. So, which adjustment system is better: MOA vs MRAD? The straight up answer? Neither.

In fact, they operate interchangeably like miles per hour and kilometers per hour. Just choose an adjustment system your hunting buddies use. If you don’t know what your buddies use, just opt-in for MOA. It’s easier and more popular. Simple.

Let’s move onto…

Parallax

Parallax is bad. It happens when your scope’s reticle kind of bobs around with your head movement. Not good. If left unchecked, it can lead to bluriness, fuzziness, and missed shots. You want as LITTLE of parallax as possible for maximum accuracy.

The good news? There’s a way to…

Kill Parallax

This is dependent on the scope (and cheekweld). Scopes usually correct parallax in one of three ways:

  1. Factory-Set. Parallax adjustment is built-in the scope by the manufacturer. This will be advertised.
  2. Adjustable Objective (AO). This corrects parallax through a ring on the objective lens.
  3. Third Turret. Move this knob to correct the parallax.

With that said, which option is best? They all do their job. Obviously the factory-set will be the easiest, but don’t worry about it too much. Only look at parallax adjustment as a tiebreaker between scopes. Speaking of tiebreakers, there’s one core feature that breaks all ties…

Windage and Elevation Turrets

This is by FAR the most important part. Actually, if these knobs (turrets) don’t work, you WON’T be able to zero your scope properly. In other words: You won’t be able to shoot JACK–So it matters. Here’s what you’ve got to know about windage and elevation:

First, make sure the turrets produce a loud “click” sound when they adjust. That way you know when you’ve adjusted. This is usually mentioned in the reviews.

Second, make sure the turrets are reliable. Don’t listen to the advertisers. Instead, read what people say about the turrets’ reliability.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll have found reliable windage and elevation turrets. Now, it’s time for the last important feature…

Eye Relief 

Do this part wrong and you’ll look like Mad Eye Moody from Harry Potter. Do you want to look like him? I hope not.  (If you do, you’ve got bigger problems than scopes).

Here’s how to save your eye (and comfort) from pain with proper eye relief. Let’s start off by defining eye relief: Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the lens you look through (ocular lens). If your weapon is higher recoil, you’ll need more eye relief. And vice versa for lower recoil.

In short: Aim for at least 3.5 – 4 inches of solid eye relief. Simple enough. With that, you now know EXACTLY what makes a good scope. But the million dollar question remains…

How Much Should You Spend On A Scope?

Here’s the ugly truth: It depends. You can be spending anywhere from $50 up to $1,000+. There’s really no ‘optimal’ amount to spend on a scope. Why? It’s HIGHLY dependent on your rifle, caliber, and usage. But you now know what makes the very best scope. The next part is easy:

Find The Scope That Calls Out To You 

Yes, it’s true… you’re going to have to do a BIT of Googling before finding the right scope for you. That’s part of the process. Alternatively, if you’re having trouble finding the right scope for your rifle, visit my site: Scopes Field.

I’ve actually reviewed (and hand-tested) scopes for almost EVERY major rifle and calibers (like the Mini 14). So if you’re having problems finding a good rifle scope, then feel free to stop by for some tips.

And there you go! You’re now fully armed with EVERYTHING you need to know about choosing a rifle scope. Now go out there and buy yourself a great scope!

 

Feature image: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alexis B. Betances


 

Author Bio:

Richard Douglas is a scopes expert with over 10 years of hands-on experience and has been featured on Burris Optics, War History Online and more. No wonder his friends call him the “James Bond of Scopes.” Richard now spends most of his time reviewing scopes and sharing his exclusive findings on his blog, Scopes Field.

Gear in the Wild: Navy SEALs in their natural habitat

Members assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 2 conduct military dive operations off the East Coast of the United States. U.S. Navy SEALs engage in a continuous training cycle to improve and further specialize skills needed during deployments across the globe. SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct missions from sea, air, and land. Naval Special Warfare has more than 1,000 special operators and support personnel deployed to more than 35 countries, addressing security threats, assuring partners and strengthening alliances while supporting joint and combined campaigns.

 

U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jayme Pastoric

 

Learn more about what it takes to be a SEAL in the video below:

Watch: Royal Marine inventor uses jet pack on commando assault course

Way back in the spring of 2017, NEWSREP reported on former British Royal Marine-turned-inventor Richard Browning and his efforts to produce a jet pack that allows the user to fly a whole lot like Iron Man — using thrusters mounted on different parts of the body to control his movements while airborne. Gravity, the company that sprang up from those efforts, is in the news again recently, thanks to Adam Savage attempting to use it to create a “functional” Iron Man suit all his own.

Watch: Royal Marine inventor takes on commando assault course in his jet pack
(Gravity on Facebook)

The latest iteration of Browning’s suit utilizes six small jet engines: two mounted on the user’s back, and two mounted at the ends of each arm. Previous versions used leg-mounted jets, but the shift in placement seems to have added some much-needed stability to the apparatus. This demonstration doesn’t appear to be tied to any sort of deal brewing between Browning and the U.K. Ministry of Defense. Although his jet pack does make for one hell a ride, it likely wouldn’t offer much in the way of combat value in its current state. Of course, that didn’t stop some of the spectators from pointing out how handy a jet pack might be.

Well you don’t see this everyday. A Commando-trained ‘rocket man’ training on our assault course! pic.twitter.com/23IsRQRlqt

— Commandant of CTCRM (@ColMikeTanner) January 18, 2019

“Royal Marines are sometimes called ‘supermen’ for their achievements, but even we stop short at the ability to fly,” said Royal Marines Captain Oliver Mason after the demonstration. “Watching Richard float, fly and hover around the assault course was a very impressive, surreal experience. Imagine what we could do with these suits on the battlefield – although Royal Marines pride themselves on being stealthy and one thing the jet pack isn’t is quiet.”

The jet suit, dubbed Daedalus Mark 1, boasts a combined 1,000 horsepower, according to Gravity, Browning’s company. According to Browning, the suit could probably sustain speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour and reach altitudes as high as a few thousand feet — though safety has prevented him from truly attempting either. With just a few minutes of flight time, an engine failure at that speed or altitude would be fatal — particularly because there are two jet packs strapped to his back where a parachute ought to be. For now, users tend to top out at around 50 miles per hour.

Watch: Royal Marine inventor takes on commando assault course in his jet pack
(Gravity on Facebook)

Nonetheless, Browning has reportedly sold one suit for around $250,000, though the company doesn’t market itself as a supplier of jet packs. For now, its focus seems to be on conducting demonstrations of the technology. As far as the Royal Marines are concerned, the demonstration was worth it.

“I was delighted to welcome Richard and his Gravity team to test his latest jet suit on our assault course,” said Colonel Mike Tanner, the commandant of the Commando Training Center. “His endeavor to create this jet suit over two years is emblematic of the Commando mindset. I think it’s fair to say we all wanted a go!”

Watch more below:

 

Gear in the Wild: Even Special Forces operators need to check their gear one more time

A U.S. Army Special Operation Soldier with 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) checks over his gear before a night time operation during Integrated Training Exercise 3-19 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms (MCAGCC), Calif., May 2, 2019. The Green Berets utilized the training areas at MCAGCC while supporting ITX as a special operations unit for force on force training.

 

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Chockey

See some of the gear utilized by the Green Beret’s below:

 

Gear in the Wild: The face you make when the kid has no trigger discipline…

DEVESELU, Romania (May 31, 2019) – Romanian military personnel, along with U.S. Sailors and Soldiers hosted more than 150 kids for the International Children’s Day events at the 99th Military Base in Deveselu, Romania, May 31, 2019. U.S. military and civilian personnel from the NSFD displayed gear and equipment for a hands-on experience for local school children and special-needs kids from nearby orphanage. The kids also enjoyed face-painting, sports provided by Navy MWR and a pizza party. The annual event is designed to foster positive relations and to strengthen local U.S. and Romanian community partnerships.

 

Photo by U.S. Navy Lt. Amy Forsythe, Public Affairs Officer, Naval Support Facility Deveselu

 

Watch U.S. Marines conduct live-fire training alongside Romanian troops below:

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