Shooting

The Maxim Defense CQB Stock: Short and Sweet

The Maxim Defense CQB Stock is a strong, comfortable, durable and compact stock that is made for real-world use. The Maxim CQB Stock weighs in at just 18.59 oz and has a housing made of 7075 Aluminum Alloy where they’ve smartly placed QD mounts. When closed, the stock measures just 5.375″ and extends out to a full 10″, the same as a extended carbine stock.. It has two additional positions at 6.875″ and 8.375″.

You can set-up the stock with a myriad of buffer options to fit your rifle and tune it in. The stock is available in black and FDE.

The Maxim Defense CQB Stock isn’t built to be a safe queen, it’s made for real-world use. With the 4 available extension positions, you can dial in the stock for your body and function.

Installation was easier than expected. Just be sure to not launch your detent and spring for the rear take-down pin when you disassemble!

Once together, I was amazed by the compact size of this unit and the comfort of the adjustment points. I’m a tall fella at 6’6″ with gorilla arms and the Maxim Defense CQB Stock still adjusted out to fit me.

At the range, I had mentally prepared myself for failures on my short barrel suppressed work rifle using the generic buffer and spring and assumed I would have to contact Maxim for different variations of their product to dial it in. I was pleasantly surprised with it, not a single failure after about 200 rounds through it. Obviously it’s going to need some more put down range to put me at ease but I’m on the range next week for rifle training so we’ll push it then. The hex patterned and textured butt plate kept the stock welded in place while ringing my CTS Steel plates.

Overall opinion of this piece of equipment is that it is strong, quality craftsmanship that makes my rifle a better trunk monkey. I’m able to stow it in more compact spaces, deploy in the confines of the front seat of a patrol vehicle without smacking a windshield, and manipulate the rifle in the close quarter confines of the trashiest trailer house. Coupled with the Spikes Tactical Compressor upper, I’ll hopefully still be able to hear if I ever have to use it in the field without my hearing protection on.

Speaking of hearing protection – if you’re in a position to affect change within your agency, work towards getting suppressors on all department rifles. One incident in a confined space with the patrol rifle and you’re looking at a high likelihood of permanent hearing loss.

MSRP for the Maxim Defense CQB Stock is $395.00. Maxim Defense Industries offers a 30-day return policy.

If you’re looking for pistol or rifle training in SW Washington, come join us at Willapa Firearms Training.

Op-Ed: Stop throwing gear at the things you suck at and train instead

“There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.” — Miyamoto Musashi, “The Book of Five Rings”

Getting “cool guy” gear and tricking out your firearm is awesome, I have several mods and bits of gear I swear by. I routinely trick out my firearms with parts that I feel give me a performance related edge. It is important to realize, however, that these modifications and accessories are not solutions to any shortcomings in technique though. If your skills are lacking in any area, stop attempting to compensate for those shortcomings by applying external additives. Instead train in the fundamentals and perfect the things that you suck through rigorous training.

If you suck at marksmanship, spend more time at the range shooting and practicing the fundamentals of marksmanship through dry-fire off the range. If you suck at reloads, do more reload drills. If you suck at drawing from a holster, practice drawing your gun more often. It all sounds so obvious but far too often people spend the money on equipment instead of training. You will get far better at shooting with a base model gun and 1000 rounds of ammo than you will with a tricked-out gun and 100 rounds. For a couple hundred dollars a month you can afford to shoot and improve consistently. For the cost of around $1000 a year, you could take a training course (should you feel that such a thing would benefit you). I’ve seen guys spend far more than that on an optic for a gun they shoot once a year. If you can afford to do both, go for it but the main thing is that experience and training are far more valuable.

High-speed gear and tricked out guns are cool as hell but you look like an asshole with all that expensive stuff if you suck at using it. If you’re like me, you don’t have a big budget. So, spend your money on improving your skills rather than attempting to buy skill by way of external additives. A Tapout shirt doesn’t make a fighter, gym clothes don’t make someone an athlete, and “operator” kit doesn’t make you a gunfighter. Train efficiently, safely, and often if you want to be a better shooter. The guy with a couple of simple guns and a whole lot of hours behind them will always be a dangerous customer.

Article written by Kurt T. for Newsrep

Featured image: The author’s kit while in Ukraine.

Op-Ed: Gun ownership is tarnished by fools among us, keep your pistol holstered

Among those of us who carry a firearm on a day-to-day basis, it isn’t uncommon to hear us cite self-defense as the primary reason we lug our EDCs around with us. Indeed, the internet is rife with stories about legal concealed carriers stopping tragedies before they can happen, or ending them sooner than they otherwise would have, but unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Last week, a story broke about a legal carrier opening fire on shoplifters at her local Home Depot… and it got me thinking… maybe some of the folks who criticize America’s love affair with firearms have a point.

During the onslaught of visitors in our home throughout the holidays, one of my more liberal-leaning relatives snuck in a remark about us gun-toting crazies, keeping a pistol strapped to our waist “and looking for a fight like this is the Wild West.” Of course, I disputed that statement, and she pleasantly back tracked, happy to suggest that I’m “different” because I received military training – perhaps unaware that she was then extending her insult only to my lovely wife, who despite not actively serving in uniform, keeps a Walther tucked in her purse.

In the spirit of the season, or maybe because my wife was digging her nails into my arm, I let it go… but it kept nagging at me. The idea that all concealed carriers see themselves as some kind of cowboy, carrying their pistol to dispense justice over personal slights, is an offensive characterization of my people – but the part that stung the most was the realization that, in some ways… it’s true.

Now, you may be an upstanding gun owner. You may follow the rules of firearm safety to the letter. You may be well-trained and practiced regarding situations that may call on you to draw your weapon. You may be the very model of responsibility… but as long as there are folks looking to draw down at Home Depot when they spot some shoplifters, we all carry that 2nd Amendment scarlet letter. When we suffer fools within our ranks (however loosely established those ranks may be), we make ourselves all look a bit foolish.

I know what you’re saying: “It isn’t fair to judge such a broad group on the actions of a foolish minority,” and I agree. It isn’t fair – but these types of generalizations exist in all walks of life, and often, are the very basis of legislation when anti-gun types start writing up new laws. To the lefty-gun hater that lives in suburban Connecticut, firearms exist only as they’ve seen them on TV, in fictional depictions, and news stories about murderers.

If your only exposure to guns comes from the media, it makes perfect sense that you’d perceive them as too dangerous to be necessary.

So, because I know that convincing anti-gunners that gun owners are overwhelmingly responsible is a never-ending battle, I’ve decided to take the fight in a different direction: I’ve decided to take the argument to fellow gun owners themselves. We all need to work to ensure that we’re all on the same page when it comes to drawing (and discharging) our firearms.

Sure, I could come up with a long think-piece about utilizing a “rules of engagement” type escalation of force when facing a potential threat… but honestly, I think it’s simpler than that. In fact, I think it really boils down to one simple rule any time you’re not standing on land you own:

Never draw your weapon unless you think someone’s life is in danger.

That sounds easy enough, but it gets murkier in practice. There’s no question that seeing someone steal stuff from Home Depot isn’t a life threatening set of circumstances, but what about when an aggressive driver gets out of his car to confront you in traffic? Or what if a rowdy drunk shoves you outside the bar you met some coworkers for a drink? The truth is, it can be downright difficult to know for sure if your life is in danger… right up until it’s abundantly clear.

I can’t make that judgement call for you, no matter how long I wax on about possible circumstances: it’s a decision that you’ll have to make in the moment, and the repercussions of that decision could potentially end a person’s life, and irreparably change the course of your own. That is the inherent responsibility of gun ownership: understanding that, tucked into your concealed carry holster is a magic wand, capable of ending lives and ruining your own. That bit of security you keep in your waistband or purse has the capacity to keep you safe from danger… or the potential to unravel someone’s existence – to take a child away from their parents, to take a father away from his children.

When you decide to carry a firearm, you make a bet with fate. You’re gambling that your judgement will be sound, your marksmanship will be adequate, and your response will be appropriately measured… and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Losing that gamble could cost your life, the lives of your loved ones, or even the life of a shoplifter that, while deserving of punishment, may not be deserving of execution.

Like it or not, we’re all judged by the actions of our fools. As a conservative-minded guy, I’m constantly held accountable for the crazier things those with similar political affiliations say. As a man, I’m held accountable for the cultural misogyny of creeps and monsters like Harvey Weinstein and company. As a Marine, I get asked about washouts like last week’s attempted terrorist in Northern California. If you’re a woman, a person of color, a vegetarian, a southern judge, a politician, or a firefighter… we’ve all got ideas about you and your beliefs; many born out of the actions of the most foolish and outspoken among you. It’s just how our brains work.

That means those of us who choose to place ourselves within the firearm-owning demographic have to remain constantly aware of the responsibility we carry in our holsters. Your firearm offers you the means to protect yourself and others, but it affords an equal share of destructive potential, in the physical sense, but also in the political one. Foolish behavior with a firearm serves as further evidence that firearms themselves are simply too dangerous for the public at large. As our politicians sit in their Washington D.C. offices, surrounded by armed security and blissfully ignorant of the challenges and risks facing actual human beings, it’s easy to think no one needs a gun. When they think gun, they think murder – not shooting the massive possums that keep coming after my poor little dog in the back woods of Georgia (which account for my only confirmed kills in the winter of 2017).

These things get aggressive in the winter months, and when you wake up to the sound of a possum going after your cat, you’ll hope you have a gun to take out into the darkness with you.

So, unfair as it seems, remember that your firearm makes you a part of something larger than yourself. When you carry, you’re representing gun owners all across the country, and your behavior could potentially result in legislative changes that affect all of us. Worse, you could take a parent away from their kids, a loving spouse away from their husband or wife, and that’s assuming you hit the person you’re aiming for. Taking a life is an awfully permanent thing to dispense over some jacked lawn equipment.

So unless someone’s life is in danger… keep your pistols holstered.

Feature image courtesy of Ibropalic (pixabay.com)

How To Improve Your Ability to Hit a Moving Target

One of the best lines about SOF I ever heard when I first made it into CSOR was from the RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major) when someone asked if us new guys would be on probation. “You’re on probation your entire career here.” That always stuck with me, that just because I had made it, didn’t mean I could stop training and looking for an edge like I had to when preparing for selection. You never stop innovating, tearing TTP’s apart and putting them back together. You may find a great fitness program that works, but you never stop looking for a better one.

For the most part you’re merely polishing your techniques, making them slightly better, and occasionally adding a new capability or skill to your training regime. Discovering sports vision training was a huge game changer for me. Rarely do you find something so fundamental that it makes almost everything you do better. Physical fitness is one, vision training, as I discovered, is another.

When I went through sniper course the importance of vision was really driven home. I’ve written previously on the difference between vision and eyesight, but it bears repeating. Eyesight is what your eyes sense, but vision encompasses the brain processing what the eyes see, as well as whether the eyes are working in sync, aka binocularity (Tavel, 2009). But I realized it wasn’t just judging distance, “spotting the swirl”, or resolving the target in my reticle where my vision needed to be sharp. In fact, in many ways it was easier as a sniper since these were slow, deliberate tasks where you’re consciously focusing your vision.

CQB is every bit as vision dependent, but the environment is much more dynamic. Your visual system has to be well-oiled, quick, and accurate. It is almost completely unconscious, constantly scanning the environment for threats, bringing your weapon up to engage them, and then spotting and transitioning to new threats. Visual acuity, the clarity and sharpness of our focus, is key (Wikipedia, 2016).

If our eyes can’t quickly focus and resolve the image our brain must do it, and this takes time. We constantly practice the gross motor skills of weapons handling, but not the finer motor skills of visual acuity. In my book I have a host of different drills to warm up and improve the visual system for shooting, but I will go over one simple and fundamental warm-up here. If you suspect you’re having eyesight problems don’t hesitate to make an appointment to see a medic and/or get a referral to see an optometrist.

Push-ups are everyone’s favorite staple exercise, and they come in a variety of types and flavors. There is even on for our eyes, called “pencil push-ups”. No, not what you feel like doing when you get stuck in a dry lecture theater in December listening to the eighth lecture in a row about how drinking is driving is bad (spoiler alert: Yes, it is. There, I just saved you three hours). No, pencil push-ups help warm up your visual system for focusing on close objects like your weapon sights, and then quickly transitioning to objects further out.

This is more important than you might think. Even if you find it fairly easy, it is a different matter under pressure, such a combat scenario. In a state of high arousal or alarm, it is difficult for the eyes to focus on near objects like your weapon sights (Godnig, 2004). Training can help combat this effect.

The purpose of the pencil push-up is to train both eyes to work together to keep a moving object in focus as it moves toward and away from you. With a pencil in hand, assume your shooting stance and hold a pencil at full arms’ length centered between your eyes. Focus on the tip of the pencil, and keep it in focus throughout the drill. Follow the pencil as you bring it toward you, keeping it centered. The goal is to bring it all the way to your nose without the image splitting in two. If this happens, stop, reacquire your focus and then follow it as you return to the start point. Complete 1-2 sets of 3-5 reps, with 20 seconds of rest in between.

I cover this exercise in greater detail in my book as well as more advanced techniques and trouble-shooting (like what to do if you find your eyes aren’t working together). If you find you aren’t totally convinced of the value of sports vision training try out the exercise, and pay attention to your visual system as it works its magic. Is it holding you back from getting rounds down range faster? Are you quicker acquiring and reacting to threats on your left or right side? Are you quicker on the range than in the house? These are the questions I asked myself when I first discovered vision training. I also wondered if it really was something I could train although I really shouldn’t have. Like physical fitness it’s all about building up stronger muscles and neural networks for stronger, quicker, and more accurate reactions. It’s now a staple part of my training and I continue to look for the next edge.

Works Cited

Godnig, E. (2004). The Police Policy Studies Council. Retrieved from Vision and Shooting: http://www.theppsc.org/Staff_Views/Godnig/vision_and_shooting.htm

Tavel, D. (2009, August 12). Dr Tavel. Retrieved from The Difference Between Eyesight and Vision: http://www.drtavel.com/blog/eye-health/the-difference-between-sight-vision/

Wikipedia. (2016, August 23). Wikipedia. Retrieved from Visual Acuity: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_acuity

(featured image courtesy: borongaja.com)

How to simultaneously walk and shoot like a pro

Walking and shooting is an incredibly simple task that is often made unnecessarily complicated by instructors and the general shooting community. For instructional purposes, this article will be targeting beginners — but you paper-slayers out there might learn a thing or two as well. There are a great deal of practical uses for shooting while on the move, anything from competitions to creating your own base of fire while maneuvering on a threat in a gunfight. However, to attain any level of competence at this skill, you should know how to shoot standing still first; learn the fundamentals and master them, then move on to more complex things.

The good news is that you already know how to walk, hopefully. Walking while shooting is pretty much the same thing with some minor changes. The most noticeable change is that you will be wielding a firearm, but let’s forget about that for a minute. To get started let’s imagine walking in a normal fashion down a sidewalk. Now we modify it starting from the ground up — and remember to relax a bit, don’t walk like a robot.

Beginning with the feet, you should roll from the heel to the toes with each step. Lower your center of gravity slightly by bending the knees and leaning forward a bit at the waist. This is often referred to as the combat glide, duck walk, or Groucho walk because of its similarity to how Groucho Marx would walk around with a cigar in films or how a duck heel-toes when it waddles on land. The idea here is to create a steady stride that is smooth and has as little bounce in the step as possible. The smoother, flatter the walk is, the less vertical sway there will be when a firearm is introduced into the mix.

Now that a technique has been introduced we need to establish a tempo. Many people try to time their shots between or during steps and this is a poor way to do things because it is forcing you to focus on way too many things at once. Instead pick a pace and stick to it, then take shots accordingly. Much like a tank turret, the upper body should function separately from the legs here; the upper body pivots at the waist to engage targets. Stride length can also be a factor here, shorter steps equal more stability because larger steps can create increased vertical sway of the weapon. Your stride length should be a balance and entirely dependent of the individual shooter’s body type.

Now we sling lead; simply apply the technique and practice keeping your sights on target in a steady fashion. Terrain can make things difficult depending on how uneven it is, so it’s best to practice on a flat surface first. Avoid sidestepping when possible here, keep your momentum going in the direction your toes are pointed. Just remember that this is an advanced skill and will require a good deal of practice to master. Work on doing it dry (with an unloaded firearm) and then if you can practice it somewhere safely, move on to live fire.

Featured image: U.S. Marines and Sailors perform “combat glides” while shooting during combat marksmanship training at Melissatika training area near Volos, Greece, June 10, 2009. The Marines and sailors are assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. By English: Cpl. Theodore W. Ritchie [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

*Originally published on NEWSREP and written by Kurt T

The Modular Evolution Bipod: A solid choice

“The Evolution Bipod replaces, shooting sticks, multiple bipods, and heavy tripod adapters.”

Video first per usual….

The specs and features are as follows –

Removable Legs
Locking Quick Detach Attachment
20 Degree Pivoting Head with lever lock
leg Positions 0,45,90, and 125 degrees
Light Carbon Fiber Legs and Accessories
Spring Loaded Extending Legs
ADM-MFG. Tactical Locking Lever

The base options for the bipod come with a choice of legs in various lengths to include 10”-14″, 8″-11″ or 7”-10”. The height of the bipod is based on an average rifle, from ground level to the center of the bore.

I went with the 7”-10” leg option (322.99$) for use at the range on normal shooting benches. I have it mated to a KRG Bravo chassis rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. The 7” height has worked perfectly on seated shooting benches with a small shot filled rear bag to adjust elevation. The weight of the Evolution Bipod in this configuration is approximately 13 oz.

There are several options for longer lengths of legs that extend to 29 inches for about $100-$127, if you want to use the bipod to sit in a stand. Additionally, the legs will attach to each other, which is a neat feature (see below). This means if you have a 10-14in leg and an 8-11in leg you can put them together for an 18 – 25in leg. Kind of nice if you want to have several of the shorter length legs that you would use more frequently, but you still get more height out of the bipod when you need it.

Two legs attached to each other to make a longer leg.

With that said, my preference would be to get the tripod adapter or trekking pole adapter if you’re getting anything longer than the 10-14 inch high legs. Both are around 49.99$ and both, to me, are significantly more versatile than the 22-29 inch legs. I also feel that, at that length, you will benefit from a more robust platform (like a tripod) for a steadier hold. The trekking pole adapter is great for long hunts when you will already be utilizing the poles. Gear that does double duty so you can leave something behind to save weight and pack room is always a bonus and appreciated on long hikes.

From the Evolution website — the Trekking Pole Adaptor:

“The Trekking pole adapters work with any trekking pole that has the 1/4″-20TPI stud on the top of the pole for camera/gopro attachment. There are two adapters in this kit. You will need a pair of trekking poles with studs to work as a standing length bipod.”

From the Evolution website — The Tripod Adapter:

“It takes just a few seconds to convert from a two-legged bi-pod to a tripod mounted shooting support with the “Tripped Out”! This tethered pin locks the bipod pivot into the adapter so the rifle will be attached to the tripod. But can be quickly and easily released by pulling the pin and reinstalling the legs.”

Photo of the base of the Bipod with legs removed. All other accessories utilize this base unit and are very quick to change and are plug and play.

The legs themselves are adjustable to 0, 45, 90, and 125 degrees. There is a button on the side that, when pushed in, allows the legs to rotate. The joints are machined very well with no burrs or hang-ups and the legs rotate very smoothly when deploying and the Bipod. It feels like a well put together piece of equipment. Once the legs are deployed and are locked down, the whole bipod is rock solid. There is no wiggle room at all – tight tolerances and great machining. Pair the bipod with a rail mount that’s bolted tight to the rifle chassis and this is an extremely solid setup that won’t wiggle around on you.

Close up of the 4 lock positions for the bipod legs. Lock up is solid with great machine work on the parts.

To make the bipod more solid when deployed. it is built with non-rotational legs so you do not have to worry about it walking on you. If you are the kind of shooter who pushes the rifle forward into the bipod, one leg won’t spin and take you off target. It is a great feature and one I appreciate.

The latch that allows removal of the bipod from the rail has a lock on it. In order to use the latch you have to depress the “safety” shown below, once that’s depressed you can then open the latch.

This is a great feature that will stop you from inadvertently catching the latch on clothing, a sling or even a branch when hunting. I am very happy to see a lock like this and it shows how well thought out this whole system is. Every small detail was thought through and solutions were integrated into the bipod.

The handle for the swivel lock that allows the bipod to swivel the rifle right or left is also well thought out. If you pull the lever straight back you can turn it without engaging the swivel lock itself. This allows you to move the handle out of the way if you’re trying to rest the bipod on a railing or branch. Another great feature and a well thought out solution.

This is a solid bipod that has all the features that I was looking for. The legs lock in very tight and the whole system is rock steady with no play in the joints. The options are great, from tripod mounts to trekking pole mounts this bipod fills many roles and can become a go-to piece of equipment for everything from hunting to precision shooting. Although the price is higher than some entry-level bipods on the market, it is on par with other high-end bipods that do not have as many features. The Evolution Bipod is worth every penny.

Scott Peeler has been shooting for over 15 years, jumping head first into the weekend competition world only recently. Due to his OCD tendencies, he can’t leave anything alone, is constantly tweaking gear and equipment and is always on a quest for that perfect hand load. In his spare time, he reviews equipment for his blog HooksandAmmo.com