Posted on

Build Yourself a Budget AR That Doesn’t Suck

Norinco NEA Budget AR-15

I haven’t had an AR-15 in my safe in over a year. In fact it’s probably closer to two years since I shipped the last one off. This summer I figured was the right time to get back into the game. Prices were dropping, and there was lots of stuff available on both sides of the border.

But I decided I wanted to try building an AR. If not from scratch, then at least a “baby’s first build.” So I jumped on the SFRC stripped lower special and started hunting for parts. Six months later, I have a gun: Continue reading “Build Yourself a Budget AR That Doesn’t Suck”

Posted on

Crimson Trace Midnight 3 Gun: I Will Be There

Crimson Trace 3 Gun Midnight Invitational TV-PressPass

There are only so many blog posts that can be written about the Crimson Trace Midnight match without using “shot in the dark” or “lights out” or similar “moons out goons out” phrases.

But the heart of it is: this looks like a really cool shoot, and I’m really excited to be participating.

Starting in 2012, the light & laser masters at Crimson Trace have hosted a 3 Gun match in Bend, Oregon. The entire event runs from sun-set to 3 am, which certainly ups the challenge.

Continue reading “Crimson Trace Midnight 3 Gun: I Will Be There”

Posted on

MGM Ironman 2014 AAR: I Didn’t Die!

TV-PressPass MGM Ironman 2014 Zipline

I’m back! And finally decompressing from the amazing 3 Gun shoot that is the MGM Ironman. This was my first year at Ironman, and my second officiated 3 Gun shoot.

The short of it:

I’ve never run my guns so hard, experienced so much shooting stress, or had so much fun.

I find first person clips of entire stages are pretty boring if you’re not the guy who shot them, but here’s a highlight reel of some of the best moments from MGM Ironman 2014!

Continue reading “MGM Ironman 2014 AAR: I Didn’t Die!”

Posted on

Akdal MKA 1919 First Impressions as 3-Gun Shotgun

Akdal Mka 1919 Shotgun

As part of my preparation for the MGM Ironman it was easy to identify my shotgun skills as a weak spot. Juggling shells into a tube isn’t something I’ve trained for in the past. I’m much more accustomed to indexing magazines and activating bolt releases.

Enter the Akdal MKA 1919: A semi-auto, magazine-fed, 12 gauge shotgun that replicates the controls of an AR-15. Continue reading “Akdal MKA 1919 First Impressions as 3-Gun Shotgun”

Posted on

Practical Not Tactical: War-Belts Outside of War

This post is looking at two different load-bearing setups I’ve experimented with over the course of a year, using the same kit in two very different applications.

At the core of this is the war-belt, also known as a battle-belt. This padded belt traditionally integrated into a soldier’s load bearing system. It carries rifle magazines, first aid kits, and all manner of necessary equipment when on patrol overseas or in any number of dangerous environments. However, the war-belt has found a life independent from the drop-loads, chest-rigs, plate-carriers, and assault-packs involved in a complete system.

I have two distinct setups built from Tasmanian Tiger’s Warrior Belt: one for the specific applications of 3-Gun, and one built to maximize flexibility outdoors between all kinds of firearms.
Continue reading “Practical Not Tactical: War-Belts Outside of War”

Posted on

Introduction to Three Gun and the MGM Ironman

3 Gun Intro

I didn’t think I’d have to write this post, but when I asked my local gun shop “dude-behind-the-counter” if he had any sights that were 3-gun appropriate he went all gold-fishy on me. I have to accept that not everyone is as wired into the shooting sports as I am.

The best way to get excited about Three Gun is to see it done! There are lots of videos online, but I’ve gathered some of my favorites here. Continue reading “Introduction to Three Gun and the MGM Ironman”