The KISS Rifle

As seen in Thunder Roads LA-MS Feb. 2018 Vol. 14 – Issue 1.

These days, it seems that keeping things simple is a lost art. With tactically-oriented training methods at an all-time high for focus; the platforms seen within the classes tells a story of “pay-to-play” being prevalent within a decent part of the community. It may be odd to see that term being used but, there’s enough proof to say that the assessment is correct. Practice is foregone for the “high-speed”, and you must buy into the latest and greatest of weapon-mounted equipment to be a part of the “high-speed”.

The Kalashnikov

As seen in Thunder Roads LA-MS Dec. 2017 & Jan. 2018.

Everyone, within the firearms community, has a platform that first brought them into said community. The Kalashnikov platform held it for me early on. It was entirely based on an unmatched simplicity and a higher reliability than other rifle platforms available on our market. Of course, there is no such thing as the perfect machine, but the AK and its derivatives come very close. With the endeavors of American companies, followed up by the pursuits of the Russians, the Kalashnikov platform can be made as modular as any AR-15. Spetsnaz rifles started showing up with Texas Weapon Systems Dog-Leg top covers, EoTechs and UTG forward rail-integrated systems (RISs). All before the days of ZenitCo. But, they learned from what they moved out of the U.S.

Preserving History

As seen in Thunder Roads Louisiana August 2017 Vol. 14 – Issue 8.

Powders are carefully measured and poured into the bores of the rifles. Lead projectiles are set at the bores of the rifled-muskets, tapped in slightly before ram-rods follow, in a clatter, to pack the powder as solid as possible for a consistent burn-rate. The percussion cap is placed over the nipple cone and the hammer is retracted. The rifleman takes aim at the target, steadying the long gun before squeezing the trigger.

The SIG Sauer P320

As seen in Thunder Roads Louisiana May 2017 Vol. 14 – Issue 5.

The SIG-Sauer P320 is probably the most searched of firearms on Google and the most popular handgun on the market right now. I don’t believe that there are many who would disagree with that statement. Make no mistake, the P320 was popular before the U.S. Army concluded their Modular Handgun System program and named the striker-fired SIG the winner. The key word there – and stone cold fact – being modular. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to borrow a full-size 9mm P320 from a friend recently. I must say; this SIG platform continues to leave an impression on me. I have had the opportunity to fire several 9mm Compacts and one .45 ACP Compact, in the past.