The second time, did you aim high and right on the paper?


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Took a skill builder this weekend. For the 1st time, I slung my rifle on my back.  And not over the top, but "swim in and swim out" style.  Benefit is if you need to carry someone or something, the rifle is more out of the way.

Confirmed what I already knew, cold start on pistol sucks. At 15 yards, of 12 rds, got 3 hits on a 8x11 size paper. 2nd try got all 12 on paper.  This was after transitioning from rifle to pistol. So it wasn't just a pistol draw.  But my grouping off paper was consistent, which is left slightly off the paper and size of large grapefruit.

I think I will be focusing on more pistol skill  builders because my rifle is fine, even after not shooting it for months. Basically, practice what you suck at.

More tools for your toolbox. 

Shooting cold is definitely something to be mindful about.  Can't be like "oh hey attacker, let me dry fire a bit before you do your thing". 

I get what your assessment is getting at.  Pistol shooting always needs more attention, at least for me.  That said, how much until your "rifle is fine" isn't fine. . .

The second time, did you aim high and right on the paper?


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I used a Glock instead. 

More tools for your toolbox. 

 That said, how much until your "rifle is fine" isn't fine. . .

Maybe gotta test it out. 2020 covid, no skill builders and 1st rifle class back and I was fine. That's maybe 8 months? Good thing about not being expert mode is you don't lose as much skills compared to a average shooter.

Took an HRA carbine skill builder this weekend.

Big SB, about 40 students. All ranges of proficiency, from total noob to more advanced.  Had fun, but I soon expect them to limit the class sizes because it was very big.  But at least they were safe. 

Caution RANT:

I got there late because there was the half marathon in Kakaako and I left at 6:15am and didn't actually get out of the area until 7:45. So I was driving around looking for an exit for 1.5 hours.  The area was blocked off from Chinatown to Fort DeRussy. And from the ocean to Kapiolani. When I went online after driving for a while, there was no mention it was a TOTAL BLOCKADE.  I asked a few cops who were stationed at intersections and they had no clue if there is an exit or total blockade. THey just knew their intersection. So poor planning by the city/event host.

Then on a busy road such as Ward Ave, they had cars piling up, which gives the impression that HPD will stop the runners so they can let some cars pass Kapiolani, but nope. Instead the cops at that intersection chose to face their backs toward the cars lined up and not even acknowledge them.  A simple wave off or something to let people know that you wont be able to pass would have been nice. But I guess that's expecting too much from HPD.

So what it came down to is that if you work or trying to leave the area, it's not possible. I feel bad for tourist trying to get to the airport.

What I did learn from the SB was that the velcro on my plate carrier is wearing out.  Which means I will need a new one. The options I'm looking at is going with the same Spartan Armor Systems Sentinal, but buying a First Spear Tube Retro Cummberbun or going with the Spartan Armor System Leonidas which already has it, but cost about  $60 more. But it's more "updated".  I like my set up as it is, so we shall see. Not a huge rush, so I may wait until the next federal holiday for a sale.

The Leonidas looks more bulkier which is why I'm leaning toward getting the same one I got now.  I'm still at the beginning stages, so I haven't look up other brands of carriers yet. But I do know I want a QD cummberbun because this way the velcro doesn't wear out.  Because my carrier is still cherry, all except the velcro. I spray it with Lysol after every range day so it doesn't smell either. And it gets usage about once a month. The carrier is about 5 years old.

*Edit

Funny I had 1 guy ask if I was an EMT and another guy as if I was HPD. We had no conversations about either that would give the impression that I'm either of the 2.

Also for the first time, I got to load my AR mag to the max, well 1 below max anyways.

CMO - Good stuff.  It was my first range day with carbines in many months, and I felt it.  Been spending a lot of my range time with bolt guns, as well as been distracted by work and other activities on the set weekends.  Always good to be on the range with like minded folks.  Also very interesting what electronic ear pro picks up.

That was a large group.  Biggest I've seen in a while.  I think that's great and an indicator of folks dedicating the time for training, as well as newer folks coming to the realization of importance of 2a and firearms in self defense, particularly in current state of affairs.  Hope to make it out to future range days on a regular basis. 

What brand PC do you have?  Your velcro is wearing out already? 

Check out SKD Tactical for sales every so often.  They have lots that are really high quality.  The latest one I've tried is Spiritus Systems.  Basic, expandable, and not super expensive (or at least they weren't a few years ago).

Some of my highlights from yesterday:
1) Have folks video your shooting or do dry fire in a mirror.  When adding in new skills or other elements, folks tend to forget some basics or not realize that they are doing so.  That was very true for me when I was changing stance and head position a while back.  I would catch myself reverting to old habits when say pushing into new skills. 

2) Be open to other ways to do things.  At least try.  Yesterday, most folks seemed very open to feedback and help.  However, that's not the norm.  But hey, if your tool box is already full, rock on, as long as you're safe. 

3) With ammo situation the way it is, there's definitely a damper on range days.  That said, I think good to focus things on purpose driven training, as opposed to ballistic masturbation. 

4) Range days are an excellent time to iron out your gear setup.  What may work in dry fire or in your living room, may not quite work out when doing live fire exercises.  I've noticed this over the years, and noticed it yesterday.  While it is good to note how others setup their gear, be sure to factor in context of use and try for yourself and see if it works.  Then there's gear selection, where not all gear is built/manufactured equally. 

Many folks haven't been shooting as often as we had in the past and it showed.  There were a few drills that had an aspect of competition involved, which is always good.  See how stuff like adrenaline and stress can affect your performance.  There were two friends that were pushing each other, then when it came time for them to do an exercise head-to-head, one was like "whoa, my heart is racing".  I think that's great training! 

What brand PC do you have?  Your velcro is wearing out already? 

I got the Spartan Armor Sentinel. It came with the AR500 Lvl 3 armor special as a kit. Front/rear and side AR500 plates on black friday special back in 2017 for like $200 and free shipping. I have since upgraded the front and rear to Lvl 4 Spartan Armor Systems ceramics in 2019. The sides are still the steel, but I plan on upgraded those to DFNDR light weight sides. Saves me about total 3 lbs, but will cost $500. So still debating to do that or the front and rear with DFNDR, but cost $1K starting and go from 17lbs to 10lbs. But again, price is the issue since I wear it at most once a month. If I wore it weekly, then I would have done it years ago.

Yeah, the front velcro and the velcro on the cummberbun are wearing. No as sticky as they used to be due to donning and doffing over the past 5 years. Material itself has no holes or wear and all the stitching is still perfect and doesn't smell. If it wasn't for the velcro, she should have another 5 years easily in her. Which is why I wanna go the QD tube route. And I was just gonna buy the cummberbun, until I tested the velcro on the carrier itself and even that's wearing. So failing on 2 areas.

I got the Spartan Armor Sentinel. It came with the AR500 Lvl 3 armor special as a kit. Front/rear and side AR500 plates on black friday special back in 2017 for like $200 and free shipping. I have since upgraded the front and rear to Lvl 4 Spartan Armor Systems ceramics in 2019. The sides are still the steel, but I plan on upgraded those to DFNDR light weight sides. Saves me about total 3 lbs, but will cost $500. So still debating to do that or the front and rear with DFNDR, but cost $1K starting and go from 17lbs to 10lbs. But again, price is the issue since I wear it at most once a month. If I wore it weekly, then I would have done it years ago.

Yeah, the front velcro and the velcro on the cummberbun are wearing. No as sticky as they used to be due to donning and doffing over the past 5 years. Material itself has no holes or wear and all the stitching is still perfect and doesn't smell. If it wasn't for the velcro, she should have another 5 years easily in her. Which is why I wanna go the QD tube route. And I was just gonna buy the cummberbun, until I tested the velcro on the carrier itself and even that's wearing. So failing on 2 areas.

I don't have experience with Spartan Armor's PC.  That said, I recommend you go with companies where that's what they do specifically, vice say as a support product for their "main dish".  Maybe not fair, but my thoughts. 

I don't have experience with Spartan Armor's PC.  That said, I recommend you go with companies where that's what they do specifically, vice say as a support product for their "main dish".  Maybe not fair, but my thoughts.

I get what you're saying. If I were an instructor or wore this daily, then that would be a huge thought to consider.  But I'm a once a month warrior and tacticool is also a factor for me. My tacticool taste that is.  I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna go with the Leonidas from Spartan Armor. The diff between that and getting their Sentinal + FIrst Spear tube cummberbun is that the cummberbun for the Leonidas instead of being all velcro in the back, is attached via bungee cord.  This would allow for the carrier to give slightly, like 1 inch when bending or going prone. Instead of being strapped in super tight with zero flexible movement. My current cummberbun is the all velcro in the back, so zero flex and I do feel a slight compression when at different firing positions.  So I wanna try the bungee flex and see how that feels. And if I don't like it, as in it gives too much, then I can always use paracord or something that doesn't give. Each system as it's pro's and con's and for a once a month usage, I think I'll be OK.

I checked out DFNDR, CRY, HRT, Blue Force Gear and wasn't really a fan of the tacticoolness. Plus many didn't have the tube QD system.  HRT does, but on the front of their carriers is open velcro. I like how Spartan Armor has a flap to protect the velcro.  And HRT has no molle rings, which would mean I need new mag carriers (the velcro attaching kind).

I looked up the DFNDR plates and each plate is just under 5lbs (3++) but at a cost of $600 per plate. So front and back would be $1200. Their sides are still $500 each, so if I do want to go lighter, I'll forgo the sides. Spartan Armors new Lvl4 ceramics are 6.1lbs each and way cheaper. DFNDR does have 3lbs front and rear plates, but lvl 3+ which won't stop greens.

I get what you're saying. If I were an instructor or wore this daily, then that would be a huge thought to consider.  But I'm a once a month warrior and tacticool is also a factor for me. My tacticool taste that is.  I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna go with the Leonidas from Spartan Armor. The diff between that and getting their Sentinal + FIrst Spear tube cummberbun is that the cummberbun for the Leonidas instead of being all velcro in the back, is attached via bungee cord.  This would allow for the carrier to give slightly, like 1 inch when bending or going prone. Instead of being strapped in super tight with zero flexible movement. My current cummberbun is the all velcro in the back, so zero flex and I do feel a slight compression when at different firing positions.  So I wanna try the bungee flex and see how that feels. And if I don't like it, as in it gives too much, then I can always use paracord or something that doesn't give. Each system as it's pro's and con's and for a once a month usage, I think I'll be OK.

I checked out DFNDR, CRY, HRT, Blue Force Gear and wasn't really a fan of the tacticoolness. Plus many didn't have the tube QD system.  HRT does, but on the front of their carriers is open velcro. I like how Spartan Armor has a flap to protect the velcro.  And HRT has no molle rings, which would mean I need new mag carriers (the velcro attaching kind).

I looked up the DFNDR plates and each plate is just under 5lbs (3++) but at a cost of $600 per plate. So front and back would be $1200. Their sides are still $500 each, so if I do want to go lighter, I'll forgo the sides. Spartan Armors new Lvl4 ceramics are 6.1lbs each and way cheaper. DFNDR does have 3lbs front and rear plates, but lvl 3+ which won't stop greens.

So your PC failed, under light use. . . :hmm: 

Regarding the flexibility and/or movement of the PC, just be sure that sucker doesn't give you some "chin music".  But if it does, please report back.  Like those who get "scoped". . . 

So your PC failed, under light use. . . :hmm: 

Velcro is the weak point. From the YT vids that I've watched for other brands of carriers, velcro will wear eventually. Which is 1 benefit of the QD type. No repeat tearing of the velcro.

Velcro is the weak point. From the YT vids that I've watched for other brands of carriers, velcro will wear eventually. Which is 1 benefit of the QD type. No repeat tearing of the velcro.

What?  No way. . .   

My PCs aren't heavy use, but at least one has lasted for quite a while and velcro going strong.  I also know many folks (personally and through work) that use their PCs on the daily, and they haven't failed that quickly, in terms of on/off.  They aren't meant to last forever, but seems like yours are either failing early, or you're doing something to gum/clog the velcro.

What?  No way. . .   

My PCs aren't heavy use, but at least one has lasted for quite a while and velcro going strong.  I also know many folks (personally and through work) that use their PCs on the daily, and they haven't failed that quickly, in terms of on/off.  They aren't meant to last forever, but seems like yours are either failing early, or you're doing something to gum/clog the velcro.

I do have cats. I'll look at it when I get home with the flash light. Cause the patch area (top of the chest) velcro is still g2g.  That same patch doesn't stick to the cummberbun area part. Crossing fingers that I don't need a new carrier, but I woudln't mind getting a new tube QD cummberbun ($230).

I do have cats. I'll look at it when I get home with the flash light. Cause the patch area (top of the chest) velcro is still g2g.  That same patch doesn't stick to the cummberbun area part. Crossing fingers that I don't need a new carrier, but I woudln't mind getting a new tube QD cummberbun ($230).

Don't know how long you've had it, but their warranty says they back their products 100%. 

We stand behind our products 100%! Should an item be returned because it was defective,
mis-represented, not as described, etc. Please notify us immediately if you discover a
manufacturing defect with your item. Spartan Armor Systems will issue a full refund and
provide a return shipping label.

Please allow 5-10 business days from the time the item is received to process a refund.

https://www.spartanarmorsystems.com/billing-shipping-returns-terms-and-conditions/

To me, it's worth contacting them to see if there's something they can do.  It's possible the velcro was low quality, making it a manufacturing/material defect.  During periods of high demand, sometimes they have to use whatever materials they can get, meaning they might not meet the high standards they set.

Worth the time to ask the question.

I do have cats. I'll look at it when I get home with the flash light. Cause the patch area (top of the chest) velcro is still g2g.  That same patch doesn't stick to the cummberbun area part. Crossing fingers that I don't need a new carrier, but I woudln't mind getting a new tube QD cummberbun ($230).

Do they sleep on your PC? Haha

Get a section of new/fresh hook side and try that on the loop side.  The loop sides is often what I've seen fail quick(er) on velcro.  Especially bad for cheaper velcro where the loop side is thinner.  Can't do anything about loop side getting thin.  Can refresh the hook side (can get clogged easy). 

I've had companies like NorthFace and Patagonia (no longer buy their products though) replace quite old products when stuff I considered "wear items" fail.  Stuff like elastic stretching out.  They've replaced with new products if they couldn't fix/repair. 

Ill call them tomorrow. Total no focus. Its the Leonidas Legend (v2.0) that im looking at. This was released 4 months ago.

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They said on the carrier, it's a 1 year warranty.  I didn't want to argue that the website doesn't state time. They will have an Easter sale starting this Friday for 15% off. So I'm gonna order the Leonidas Legend on Friday.

Why:
1) Tacticool
2) QD tubes (should minimize the velcro wear)
3) Has molle for the front (HRT Doesn't and I'm not a fan of their velcro for  attachments (mag carriers) for the front. I may run into the same problem 5 years later.
4) Their cummberbun has the ability for me to insert my side plates.

Haven't decided on the color, I may get the tan one. But my mag carriers are black, so no matchy matchy. Not a fan of multi cam. The green is a close 2nd.  I got till Friday to decide. Wish they had gray.

15% off sale at SKD

https://skdtac.com/firstspear-stt-plate-carrier-skd-exclusive/

15% off sale at SKD

https://skdtac.com/firstspear-stt-plate-carrier-skd-exclusive/

I seen that. Im a fan of the kangaroo pouch. I often dont have enough rifle mag carriers (3 on the front) that i put more in the kangaroo for skill builders. Plus i keep sharpies and index cards.

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