The Unfriendly Skies: Chinese Combat Drones in the Libyan Civil War

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Editor's Note: The following article was written by Robert Young Pelton, a journalist, filmmaker, and the author of several books including The World's Most Dangerous Places and Come Back Alive. His experience on the ground in the Libyan Civil War — including some serious close calls — reinforces the ever-increasing role combat drones play in wars and conflicts around the world.

Weaving our way through deserted back alleys, I can tell we’ve arrived at the front. Not just from the noise of heavy 14.5s, mortar hits, and RPGs, but because driver Hussam hunches down and peers up through the windshield of our grimy Toyota pickup. He’s looking for drones.
“Are you afraid of the drones?” I ask. “I am not afraid because I am putting my life for my country,” he answers.

I’m not totally buying it. Although the fighters I’m with are young, they’re well-seasoned. They fought in the 2011 Revolution, but now they really don’t have a plan on how to deal with this new threat. All while being partly encircled by the forces of General Khalifa Haftar.

Above: Hussam Elbakoush, of the Libyan Counter Terrorism unit points out a mortar hit.

China's Drone Industry

Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) attacked Tripoli on April 4, 2019, and part of his arsenal included UAE-supplied Chengdu Pterodactyl II Wing Loong drones.

The medium-altitude long-endurance drones like the Wing Loong impart an impersonal feeling of Russian roulette to combat. Add to that Haftar’s hired mercenaries from Darfur and Russia and we’re in a new kind of soulless war — one where the combatants aren’t quite sure who’s killing them and those doing the killing aren’t quite sure who they’re killing. A perfect proxy war.

Above: LNA airstrikes on hospitals are common. This bomb missed and hit a yard of impounded cars.

The Wing Loong combat drones can fire eight Blue Arrow anti-tank missiles but are used against everything from pickups to civilians. They’re unabashed knockoffs of the American-made MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper drones. At $1 million versus the $16 million price tag for the real thing, the Chinese (and countries like the UAE who “gift” them to Haftar) have made them very popular in dirty wars. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimates China sold 163 large, lethal UAVs to 13 countries between 2008 to 2018. But right now my driver and I are just worried about one.

The Wing Loong can fly at an altitude of around 5,000 feet for 20 hours. Their single 100-horsepower turbocharged engines sound a lot like lawn care equipment, only changing in pitch when they bleed altitude to fire. Right now, Haftar’s drone is searching above us for targets. The drone operator appears to get bored and moves off to surveil another front line.

Above: At only a million dollars a copy compared to $14 million for U.S. versions, Chinese drones are cheap. Photo: Government of Libya

Another mortar hits one street over and interrupts our scan of the sky. We’re now focused on winding through back alleys, across yards, and through broken walls to get to our front line position. We engage in small talk while keeping an eye out for snipers.

Hussam has been to America, “Chicago, Indiana, and New York,” he exclaims proudly. “The people. They are so perfect. So kind.”

A War in the Suburbs

Above: The Arch of Marcus Aurelius, built in 165 AD, is a reminder of Libya’s historic links to Europe. The front lines are only 20 minutes away.

Hussam Elbakoush is a member of the Libyan Counter-Terrorism group. Not to be confused with the radical Islamist anti-terrorism police called RADA or the hundreds of militias who augment the official military in Libya. The GNA in Tripoli is propped up by RADA, the Tripoli Revolutionaries Battalion, the Nawasi Battalion, and the Abu Slim unit of the Central Security Apparatus. The GNA actually buys its munitions from the Katibas or militias because even the official government is covered by the blanket UN Arms Embargo — which makes one wonder how this war continues with new, high-tech weapons.

The front lines at Ain Zara are a suburban neighborhood of freshly abandoned homes with small cinder block-walled yards. The nicely stuccoed homes are pocked with munition splatters and gouges and separated by orchards and sand.

Then, the buzzing is back. Like the kind of noise that pisses off rich people when the gardener shows up on Sunday. The drone is here. We scan the sky, but the glaring sun makes it hard to get a fix. Another mortar drops, this time about 100 yards away.

Above: Right: Two IL-76 taken out at al Jufra air base by Turkish drones.

Inside the house are half a dozen young fighters with various bits and pieces of uniforms. They have a sniper on the roof and keep their radios handy. The mortars are making them a little nervous. I tell them drones can target them by their cell phone and radio transmissions. They look at each other sheepishly. The idea of turning off your smartphone is silly. It’s their lifeline to the outside world. A place that pours psyops into their head while they keep in constant touch with friends and family, which also becomes a rich source of intel for real-time targeting.

Regardless, I suggest they shut off their phones. Then, of course, a ring tone emits from one of the fighter’s phones.

Above: If you know what to look for, you can find fresh meat.

Proxy Partners

Libya is one of the most developed nations in Africa, and it’s hard to understand why only 6 million Libyans can’t live comfortably off the shared oil revenue.

Peace and elections were something that seemed feasible until a 75-year-old American named Khalifa Haftar convinced the Emirati and Saudi rulers he could seize the capital of Tripoli and take control of the nation.

Flight records show that in early 2015, Haftar and crew were hopping between Tobruk, Egypt, UAE, and Saudi Arabia via a Malta-based Cessna Citation 550 9H-PAL (chassis number 550-0932) owned by Erik Prince’s Frontier Services Group. The goal was for the UAE to socialize the Qaddafist, former POW and ex-CIA asset as a potential strong man to take over Libya. This coincided with a February 2015 profile piece in the New Yorker by Jon Lee Anderson and an infusion of cash.

Above: The Chinese-made AVIC Wing Loong II drone is the poor man’s Reaper. Photo courtesy AVIC

It worked, and on March 2, Haftar was chosen to lead the LNA.

According to an intel officer from a wealthy Arab nation, Haftar asked the King of Saudi Arabia for a billion dollars to fight the war. The King said, half a billion will have to do. Waiting in his private jet, Haftar discovered that the $500 million had already shrunk to $350 million. Haftar wisely sent $300 million to Jordan with his two adult sons, Khalid and Saddam, to stash and tried to pay off the militias with only $50 million. So on April 5, 2019, Haftar and his forces attacked Tripoli … and surprise … it didn’t work. Some of Haftar’s overconfident forces led by Khalid weren’t only captured en masse, but met fierce resistance in South Tripoli from the very militias that were supposed to conveniently give up and hand the city over. Haftar was stuck. Since then, the LNA has ringed the south, east, and west of Tripoli and been stuck in a war of over-gunned Toyota technicals, badly trained militias, and drones.

Above: China’s best-selling aircraft is a lethal combat drone. Photo courtesy AVIC

The American Who Wants to Control Libya

In between interviews and trips to the front lines, I stay in the posh, eight-story Victoria Hotel. From my favorite evening table on the roof, the city of 2 million seems normal. Sort of. Tripoli is suffering from electricity and water cutoffs but stays illuminated by pools of light provided by hundreds of generators purring in the cool evening. People sit in groups, their faces glowing by the light of their smartphones. Trash sits uncollected, and Tripoli looks tired, but the citizens are defiant. To them, Haftar is an interloper, a mercenary who is well past retirement age, but someone who hasn’t been in Libya since he couldn’t find a role in the 2011 revolution and whose last official military job for Libya was being held as a prisoner of war by Chad in the late ’80s. You won’t find many Haftar supporters on the streets of Tripoli, if any.

Haftar’s forces had just fled the city of Gharyan a few miles south. Although I tried to drive in, I was sent back by militias due to the drone threat.

Above: The Pulemyot Kalashnikova, or PKM, is the favorite weapon on the front lines.

Instead, Gharyan Mayor Yousef Ibderi came to see me. We met on my hotel rooftop to explain how they flushed Haftar’s forces out. The young mayor tells me that after the LNA offensive was stalled, they set up their operations base in his town. So he organized a rebellion. Soon 80 men with their own weapons synchronized early in the morning and expelled the LNA.

“We just kept shooting at Haftar’s men until they fled in terror,” Ibderi recalls. Seems like the minuteman concept still works in Libya and is perhaps an omen of what would happen if the LNA and Haftar make it to Tripoli.

Above: In 1987, Colonel Khalifa Haftar and his massive army base at Wadi Doum were overrun in Chad. He was trained by the CIA to overthrow his friend Qaddafi. After some downtime in the DC suburbs, and with a little help and a lot of money from Arab kingdoms, he’s back. Photo: Government of Chad

Haftar isn’t one for hearts and minds. The hawk-faced resident of Falls Church, Virginia, turned-Libyan “Field Marshall” incessantly announces via social media that it’s “Zero Hour” for Tripoli. He makes these proclamations from his tiny bunker in Marj and his public relations spokesman, former actor and poet Colonel Ahmed al-Mismari, does his best impression of Baghdad Bob. There’s no Zero Hour, Tripoli isn’t falling, and Haftar isn’t winning. But, then again, neither is the GNA, crippled by the UN Arms embargo. Even the recent attempt by Turkey and Russia to broker peace talks ended up with Haftar storming out of Moscow because he was kept waiting. Nobody wins these kind of wars.

Above: Libya is slowly trying to rebuild their army, but for now, militias who fought the military in the 2011 revolution hold sway.

The reality is that life still goes on in Tripoli. Watching the deep red moon rising over the bay of Tripoli, suddenly explosions boom and echo through the dark streets, sending showers of sparks. It’s a war journalist’s dream come true — not even spilling your drink while covering the fight close up. But no, it’s not the long-awaited final “Zero Hour” attack on Tripoli, but rather badly aimed fireworks celebrating the Algerian soccer team’s victory in the African Cup. Perception and manipulation via social media is a big part of this war, as smartphones are the lifelines and major news coverage is rare.

Above: Some of the old guard pass on skills to the new, but Chinese drones, UAE psyops, and electronic warfare are new to the Tripoli front lines. 

The Nine-to-Five War

Despite the war, there’s no shortage of hospitality and conversation in Tripoli.

Above: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz meets with Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia March 27, 2019, a week before Haftar attacked Tripoli. Photo: Saudi Press Agency

Retired military Colonel Suliman Sulewehi invites me out for a seaside lunch of freshly caught fish. After picking out our catch, he tells me, “This is a brother’s war.” Libyans are fighting Libyans at the behest of outsiders like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He takes me through the history of Libya and interlopers. The Arabs, Knights of Malta, Ottomans, and Italians. “They were all kicked out,” he insists. Now he believes the old colonial powers and Arabs from the east want back in. He describes France’s role as “mischievous” supplying weapons while holding peace talks. “The Arabs (meaning the Emiratis, Saudis, and Egyptians) do not want stability.” He believes Libya is the rightful gateway to Africa, not the UAE. He takes me out to the front lines in Salluhudin, which is a surprisingly short ride as the traffic thins down to nothing. Suddenly, we’re the only people inside a military base.

rpt

Above: Mayor of Gharyan Yousef Ibderi explains how the townspeople forced Haftar’s forces out in eight hours.

Sulewehi says he helps support a small katiba of 145 men and 20 vehicles. They’re holding the line near Salluhudin, about 1,000 meters from Haftar’s army. He admits it’s hard. “Haftar fighters get paid more money, 2,000 dinars compared to only 1,000 dinars for his people.”

“They have little training, they know little of tactics,” he continues. It’s an odd irony that both sides are paid by the Libyan government, but it’s a reminder that Libyans see themselves as a single nation, however divisive their politics are.

The commander is a man in his 50s who was once involved in embassy security. He tells me his men need uniforms, rifles, and ballistic vests. He’s most concerned about the UAE-supplied drones.

Above: Medics and doctors are routinely targeted by drone operators and in direct attacks.

“They are up every day and strike randomly at soldiers or medics,” he tells me. That day, the drones followed an injured fighter they had just hit until their vehicle arrived at a field hospital. When the medics came out with a gurney, the LNA drone operator fired again, killing two doctors.

The commander has no idea how to deal with drones except to hide their vehicles and spread them out. I ask if Libyans or Emiratis are deciding on targets. Without hesitation he says, “Libyans.” Why? “Because they are assholes and will shoot at anything.”

A Mortar Send-off

Above: Guided by a drone operator, another mortar hits outside our house.

It’s my last day in Libya and I have to catch a plane in the afternoon, so I spend the morning out on yet another front line. This time I’m being bracketed with mortars and watched by drones with Hussam Elbakoush. Everyone in the house is now in agreement with my thesis that the enemy is methodically moving each mortar strike slowly toward our house. Since spotters can’t see us, I figure they’re using a drone to target us. When another mortar lands on the street he motions me outside to the gate to take a photo. BAM. They almost get him with a quick mortar that lands on the street. Back inside, it’s clear someone is watching us. Hussam suggests everyone get in the kitchen on the floor where there’s an another story above. The window is blown out, and I realize that one of the perils of being with fighting groups is that you have to go with the flow — even if they have about 20 less years on the front lines than you and they don’t have to catch a plane in a few hours. Then, as I take a photo of a soldier walking in, BAM — the curtains blow in with a cloud of dust.

Above: After bracketing our position for hours, the LNA finally got us with an 82mm mortar round dead center.

I decide to go to the center of the house, where the added strength of walls provide the most protection. As I step behind the wall, BANG — the money shot. Right in the living room. Sprayed by plaster and coughing up dust, the soldiers finally decide we should leave. After dropping off the wounded, I catch my scheduled plane to Tunis. That night I’m at the upscale Villa Didon drinking an ice-cold Amstel overlooking the Mediterranean and the ancient city of Carthage. The news says the airport I flew out on was hit by a drone strike 90 minutes after my flight took off. F*ck drones. I order another beer.

Steelhouse Fabrication: Cost-Effective Custom Overland Trailers

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Overlanding is a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive. Whether you're getting into it as a hobby or you're looking for practical improvements to your vehicle's emergency preparedness, the costs add up quickly. First there's the vehicle itself — ideally, you'll want something with four-wheel-drive, high clearance, and a reliable drivetrain (like our Toyota 4Runner). Then there are the inevitable upgrades, ranging from basics such as better tires and a mobile radio through long-travel suspension, solar power systems, and fancy rooftop tents. For longer expeditions, many overlanders add a trailer with more spacious sleeping quarters, a camp kitchen, and storage space for supplies. Purpose-built overland or off-road-capable trailers can easily cost $30,000 or even $40,000. For those who can't shell out that kind of cash, Steelhouse Fabrication has developed a series of upgrades that can convert an inexpensive, multipurpose cargo trailer into a stealthy overland trailer setup.

Some of you may already own small cargo trailers for work or for hauling dirt bikes and other gear. Even if you don't, a basic 6-foot by 12-foot V-nose enclosed cargo trailer should set you back about $4,000. You might even be able to find a lightly used one for less than that. These cargo trailers are also lightweight — about 1,500 pounds empty and 2,500 pounds fully-outfitted — so you shouldn't need a big V8 or diesel rig to tow them. Since you'll be going off the beaten path, reduced weight also means improved maneuverability on the trails.

Once you've got your trailer, you'll need to install two 10-foot sections of E-track on the interior walls (you can DIY it or have a trailer dealership to do it for you). These will be installed 32 inches and/or 14 inches up from the floor, depending on the Steelhouse Fabrication modules you select.

Next, you can browse through Steelhouse Fabrication's list of modules to pick a sleeping setup and kitchen that fits your needs and budget. For the former category, there's a basic sofa sleeper that folds against the wall or a four-seat dinette sleeper configuration.

Above: The front of this trailer contains a fold-out sleeper sofa with plenty of room for a fridge (powered by the kitchen module's onboard battery) and other cargo.

The kitchen modules are completely self-contained and removable — just load one into the trailer, lock it onto the E-track with the included hardware, and go. They feature various options including a two-burner propane stove, stainless sink with 5-gallon fresh water and 5-gallon grey water tanks, and an onboard power system that includes a 90-watt solar panel, 105-amp-hour battery, and 1,500-watt inverter (the latter two items are enclosed neatly in a cabinet). The Steelhouse Fabrication Culinary and Culinary Pro modules come with a 6-foot-tall back panel with shelving, LED lighting, and a nice-looking backsplash.

Steelhouse Fabrication will ship its modules directly to your house on pallets. With a Dinette Sleeper ($700), Culinary Pro Module ($3,300), and a cargo trailer of your choice (about $4,000), you can end up with an overland-capable trailer for about $8,000. Since the Steelhouse modules are fully removable, you can always leave them in your garage and convert your trailer back to cargo-hauling configuration as needed, so you're not losing any practicality.

For more info on Steelhouse Fabrication cargo trailer conversions, go to SteelhouseFab.com or check out one of their walkthrough videos on Instagram.

Bag Drop: 5.11 Tactical Responder ALS Medical Bag

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As a medical provider, I feel the need to carry the tools of my trade. From a first aid kit to my trauma kit to my truck bag, I think I have the right tools for the mission. Sometimes I’m called upon to place a bandage on an abrasion at the peewee baseball game; other times, I need to have my trauma kit ready at the range (especially when the guy next to me has his favorite new pistol blow up in his hands). Although it’s impossible to have every tool for every incident, I can always improvise with the tools I have in this bag. This article will cover my 5.11 Tactical Responder ALS medical/truck bag that travels with me everywhere my vehicle goes. The exact bag I have is no longer available through 5.11 Tactical, although the company now offers a somewhat smaller 50-liter ALS/BLS Duffel Bag.

The 5.11 Tactical Responder ALS Bag

Photos by Stacie Kwacala

I bought my 5.11 Tactical Responder ALS 2900 bag seven years ago. It’s a 72-liter bag with a shoulder strap and two straps to wear as a backpack. There’s a main compartment that zips down on three sides. Inside the flap are a zippered compartment and three pouches. The main compartment has dividers and two removable compartments that close with Velcro. At the back of the bag, there’s another zippered compartment on the outside, which contains three subdivided spaces. On the outside of the bag to the left is another zippered compartment with two subdividers. There’s PALS webbing on the outside of this compartment. The reflective tape also appears on the outside of the main compartment flap.

Make & Model
5.11 Tactical Responder ALS 2900 72L

MSRP
Discontinued; Replaced by ALS/BLS Duffel 50L ($235)

URL
www.511tactical.com

The Contents

Inside the main flap compartments, I have my sphygmomanometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, stethoscope, glucometer, pulse ox, and dental instruments. I removed the dividers and the removable compartments within the central part of the bag. I wanted to make this area easier to organize, so I replaced it with six modular vinyl bags (Shiffler MobileAid Clear-View quick access utility pouches).

Pouch 1, labeled GSW, is my trauma kit that contains a CoTCCC-recommended TQ, HyFin Vent Chest Seal, Israeli dressing, decompression needle, nasopharyngeal airway, and Celox Z-Fold Gauze.

Pouch 2, labeled Dressings, includes ACE wrap, Coban, rolled gauze, and 4×4 gauze.

Pouch 3, labeled Lacerations, contains 4-0 Ethilon and 6-0 Prolene sutures, needle drivers, rat-toothed forceps, scalpels, skin stapler, Dermabond, lidocaine (1%), Steri-Strips, and 3ml syringes with 18- and 22-gauge needles.

Pouch 4, labeled First Aid, contains Band-Aids, triple antibiotic ointment, burn gel, cotton balls, baby aspirin, ibuprofen, loperamide, ondansetron, acetaminophen, lip balm, and a tick twister.

Pouch 5, labeled Meds, contains Proventil inhaler, glucose tablets, glucagon pen, EpiPen, lidocaine 1%, and Narcan.

Pouch 6, labeled Splints, contains SAM Splints, tape, Kerlix gauze, and handkerchiefs.

The back zippered pouch contains Wagan Tech FRED lights, Mylar emergency blankets, cleansing wipes, and nitrile gloves. The side pouch contains an air horn, ethyl chloride, and a flashlight.

Final Thoughts

Since I purchased my Responder ALS bag, 5.11 has gone through two different iterations. They’ve also moved to a more modular setup within the bag. I like my bag better than the current model — it’s larger in capacity but can still be worn as a backpack. The pouches from Shiffler have made my bag much more manageable.

Smoke Alarms: An Overlooked Emergency Prep

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When it comes to emergency preparedness, many of us subconsciously focus on what seems exciting, such as flashy new gear and training classes. This can lead us to overlook more mundane forms of preparedness that can be equally essential. A good insurance policy is extremely helpful for recovering from a disaster, but unlike fancy knives and overland vehicles, nobody wants to see you showing off your coverage or deductible on social media. Similarly, smoke alarms (a.k.a. smoke detectors) are an emergency preparedness tool every house has, but one that we rarely think about… unless one is beeping at 3 a.m. due to a low battery. Read on for some considerations when testing and replacing your home's smoke alarms.

Why Should You Care About Smoke Alarms?

This topic was brought up among our staff when Concealment editor Dave Merrill tested his home's smoke alarms. To his surprise, one of them failed testing, despite there being no previous sign that it was faulty. With home fires causing an average of 2,620 deaths, 11,070 fire injuries, and $7.3 billion in property damage each year according to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this is something that should be taken very seriously. For more perspective, it's the sixth most common injury-related cause of death worldwide, ranked between drowning and poisoning.

Smoke Alarm Testing and Replacement

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fire Administration

NFPA says that smoke alarms should be tested each month. We recommend marking your calendar so you don't forget to check them on a regular basis. All it takes is a stepladder and a few minutes of your time.

Although many of us don't think about it, smoke alarms are a limited-lifespan item. NFPA guidelines recommend replacing your smoke alarms 10 years after the date of manufacture (usually at least a few months earlier than the date of installation). So, if you've been living in the same house for more than 9 years, you should definitely start thinking about replacing your alarms.

Alarm Types: Ionization, Photoelectric, or Both?

So, maybe you're getting ready to replace your smoke alarms, or you just want to make sure the ones you already have are up to par. Did you know there are two main types of smoke alarms, each with varying performance? These two types are ionization and photoelectric alarms, which are explained in the graphic below from NFPA:


In simple terms…

  • Ionization alarms are triggered when smoke interferes with the flow of electricity between two plates, and tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by flaming fires (rapidly-burning items).
  • Photoelectric alarms detect smoke particles between an LED and a light sensor, and tend to respond faster to smoldering fires (slowly-burning items).

NFPA explains, “For each type of smoke alarm, the advantage it provides may be critical to life safety in some fire situations. Home fatal fires, day or night, include a large number of smoldering fires and a large number of flaming fires. You can not predict the type of fire you may have in your home or when it will occur. … For best protection, it is recommended both (ionization and photoelectric) technologies be used in homes. In addition to individual ionization and photoelectric alarms, combination alarms that include both technologies in a single device are available.”

The U.S. Fire Administration echoes this sentiment: “The USFA recommends that every home and place where people sleep be equipped with either (a) both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms, or (b) dual sensor smoke alarms (which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors).” USFA's statement adds, “The location of a smoke alarm within a home may be more important than the type of smoke alarm present, depending on the location of a fire. The USFA recommends that users follow the manufacturer’s guidance on the recommended location of smoke alarms in a home.”

More Home Fire Preparedness Tips

Smoke alarms are only one aspect of preparing your home and your family for a fire. Check out some of our related articles about fire preparedness below:

Video: Forgotten Weapons Tests ArcFlash Labs EMG-02 Coilgun

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Whether it's from sci-fi movies, video games, or books, we've often been told that present-day firearms will be replaced by high-tech blasters decked out with buttons, screens, and battery packs in the future. But is it true? We've also been told that our four-wheeled vehicles will be replaced by flying cars, jetpacks, and hoverboards, but we haven't seen anyone zipping around town like Marty McFly or the Jetsons. A company known as ArcFlash Labs has been pushing the envelope with 3D-printed electromagnetic guns that have become more sophisticated and powerful with each new model. The latest creation, the ArcFlash Labs EMG-02 coilgun, was recently tested in a video from Forgotten Weapons. The results have us thinking that those sci-fi blasters might not be so far-fetched after all.

Above: This coilgun fires cylindrical pieces of steel using a 15kW Gauss accelerator. No gunpowder, primer, or casing required.

The EMG-02 is described by ArcFlash Labs as a “10-stage medium voltage capacitor augmented fully-automatic coilgun.” That's a mouthful, but in simpler terms, it uses electromagnetic coils to accelerate solid steel projectiles to about 250 feet per second (75 meters per second). We've seen the term “railgun” used to describe this category of electronic weapon, but that's not accurate in this case. It's a coilgun or gauss gun (not a gauss rifle, since it has a smooth bore).

This still from the Forgotten Weapons video shows the ArcFlash Labs EMG-02 below its predecessor, the ArcFlash EMG-01. On the 01, ten cylindrical capacitors at the bottom of the handguard powered eight coils around the barrel; on the 02, there's one huge capacitor inside the shoulder stock, which powers ten coils around the barrel. Several other improvements have been made, including the use of an off-the-shelf lithium-ion drill battery. Improved efficiency allows the EMG-02 to fire up to 13 rounds per second.

The EMG-02 is a variable-caliber weapon, since it can accept steel armatures (i.e. sections of ordinary dowel pin) from 1/4-inch to 4/16-inch (6-8mm) in diameter and 3/4-inch to 13/16-inch (19-22mm) in length. The ammo is loaded into an included magazine, which holds 15 to 18 rounds, depending on diameter.

Above: Iain from Forgotten Weapons holds the ArcFlash Labs EMG-02 with a 20V drill battery installed.

Of course, there are some drawbacks and growing pains associated with all cutting-edge technologies, and this appears to be true of the EMG-02 as well. In the Forgotten Weapons video, Iain mentions that the weapon isn't especially accurate, and demonstrates this by showing shot groups at the range. The projectiles tumble after leaving the barrel, since they're not stabilized by rifling. It's also expensive compared to most modern carbines, at an MSRP of $2,795. However, it's exciting to watch this tech develop and consider where it might be 5 or 10 years from now.

Check out the video below from RECOILtv, and for more info on the ArcFlash Labs EMG-02, go to ArcFlashLabs.com.

Haley Strategic Kalashnikov: The Basics of Shooting an AK

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Most sources concur that over 100 million individual AK-pattern rifles have been produced worldwide. At time of writing, the world’s population is estimated at 8 billion. That means there could be roughly one AK for every 80 people on the entire planet; counting out those that have been lost or destroyed in combat, let’s call it one Kalashnikov for every 100 people on earth. There’s a statistically significant chance that, if you haven’t already seen, touched, or fired an AK, you will at some point. Hopefully it’s because you buy one or shoot a buddy’s at the range. But, with the commonality, low cost, and popularity of this rifle — particularly among radical actors around the world who have imported their extremism to American shores — there’s an unfortunately real possibility you may come across one in the “real world” under less enjoyable circumstances.

Regardless of the context, understanding the Kalashnikov’s unique manual-of-arms is a valuable skill to have in your library of preparedness knowledge. While most of the RECOIL OFFGRID team has previous experience with AKs from personally owned weapons or deployments overseas, it never hurts to refresh a skillset under the guidance of specialists. In this case, we attended the three-day D5 Kalashnikov course put on by Haley Strategic Partners (HSP). Former Force Recon Marine and HSP owner Travis Haley has extensive knowledge of this platform through multiple deployments around the world as a Marine and independent contractor. More recently, HSP teamed up with famed AK gunsmith Jim Fuller and his new company, Fuller Phoenix. We had the privilege of learning directly from these two AK experts during our time in the course. At the end of the day, proper sight alignment and trigger press are universally applicable, but the accompanying manipulations are substantially different for those used to AR-pattern black rifles.

AK Setup & Equipment Notes

In preparation for this class, we took the chance to pressure test an AK we had on hand from a previous review in RECOIL, and the accessory configurations we thought were ideal for running these guns hard in the desert dust.

Above: Our full load-out for this course, including OTTE Gear LVZ OVT Plate Carrier with G-Code Scorpion mag pouches, which flex to accommodate the odd shape of 5.45x39mm magazines.

The base gun is a Petronov Armament AK-74 in 5.45x39mm. The smaller 5.45mm cartridge has better long-range ballistics than its bigger, heavier 7.62mm progenitor, and has an incredibly light, quick recoil impulse that’ll give anyone the giggles after a few fast strings of fire. I dressed this rifle out with a Mk1 handguard system from Sureshot Armament, which includes an M-LOK handguard as well as a railed gas tube. The two pieces are machined to link together and reinforce each other for a secure fit. A TangoDown M-LOK vertical grip, SureFire Scout Light Pro, and Definitive Arms muzzle brake rounded out the front-end setup. For optics, I mounted a Holosun 512 red dot to a Strike Industries rear sight riser rail. This resulted in a minimalist optic mount that sits nice and tall for a heads-up position while shooting and facilitates passive aiming under night vision. The rear end was dressed out with a matching TangoDown Battle Grip and a Fixed Triangle Stock from CRH Customs. As the name implies, this stock replicates the look and feel of a traditional triangle folder for fixed-rear-trunnion receivers. While there’s no folding mechanism, it’s a lightweight, low-bulk stock with a pleasing aesthetic.

Above: The business end of our Petronov Armament AK-74, along with several boxes of Century Arms' Red Army Standard 5.45x39mm ammo.

Finally, we attached an Arbor Arms adjustable sling and dropped in an ambidextrous Lightning Bolt from Colorado Shooting Sports. This kit includes a bolt carrier and top cover that can be had in either left-side or ambi-charging handle configurations. Slab-sided Bulgarian mags courtesy of GunMag Warehouse kept this rig well-fed throughout the course. It should be noted that many folks shied away from AK-74s once a ban on the importation of cheap Russian 7N6 surplus ammo was implemented in 2014. But Red Army Standard, Century Arms’ ammo imprint, sells non-Russian 5.45mm ammo that functioned flawlessly for us. At the time of writing, a 1,000-round case could be had for right at $400, which puts the price at or just under comparable .223/5.56mm ammo.

The differences in manual-of-arms between AKs and ARs primarily boils down to differences in the three fire control interfaces: the safety selector, the charging handle, and the magazine release.

Charging an AK

Above: Haley Strategic instructor Jared Segraves demonstrated several different methods of charging AK pattern rifles.

Charging your weapon (chambering a round) can be either an administrative or fighting function, depending on the context. You may be loading your weapon and then placing it on safe for ready storage — in your vehicle or under your bed, for example. You may be conducting an administrative “load and make ready” at a course or competition. Or you may be in the middle of a firefight and conducting an emergency reload.

All of those situations have one thing in common: They require you to cycle the bolt. AR shooters are spoiled by the addition of a dedicated mechanism to lock the bolt in an open position and to release it at the literal push of a button. Mr. Kalashnikov, it seems, would’ve dubbed such a thing extraneous. Instead, the bolt handle is attached to the carrier itself and pokes out the ejection port side of the rifle by about an inch. For right-handed shooters, there are a couple of different techniques to run this handle.

The most popular method is probably running your support hand underneath the rifle, in front of the magazine and racking the bolt that way. Alternately, you can reach over the top of the receiver and run the bolt with your support hand. If you’re running a classic iron-sighted AK, or one with a forward-set optic (rear sight rail, as seen here, or on a railed gas tube), then whether you reach under or over the receiver is largely personal preference. But if you use the side-rail optic mount or a railed top cover to mount your optic further back on the rifle, that placement may interfere with your ability to reach over the top.

Left: Segraves rolls the rifle left to run the charging handle from above. Right: Reaching underneath is one of the most common ways to run the charging handle, especially on AKs equipped with optics.

There are variations on both of these techniques that involve rolling the entire rifle 90 degrees left or right. This orients the charging handle straight up or straight down. While this might make the charging handle more accessible, since you’re not wrapping your support arm completely over or under the receiver, you have now introduced additional motion that requires moving both hands simultaneously (roll the rifle with strong hand, run the bolt with support hand) without reducing the amount of work your support hand already had to do. The cadre at Haley Strategic makes a point to emphasize biomechanical efficiency, as “going faster” is directly related to economy of motion. Therefore, rolling the rifle — while demonstrated — wasn’t prioritized in training. In fact, reaching underneath the rifle was our method of choice; it seemed to work consistently for the widest array of rifle setups without adapting or modifying the technique itself.

Above: Some users prefer to keep the support hand on the rifle and move the dominant hand to the charging handle. This offers the advantage of maintaining a constant sight picture.

Finally, there’s a third method: removing your strong hand off the pistol grip to rack the bolt while holding the rifle up with your support arm. Most Western schools of thought on running any type of defensive carbine recommend you minimize the number of times you remove your hand from the master grip. But it’s an option worth considering, and one that’s reportedly more common among Russian and Eastern European users. The upside to this technique is that it allows the shooter to maintain a continuous sight picture and shouldered position while charging the AK, much like one would while operating a bolt-action rifle.

Reloading an AK

Between ARs and AKs, there are two primary differences in reload management: You cannot reach the magazine release with your trigger finger, and you cannot insert magazine straight into the receiver – mags must be rocked in and out.

Above: Reloading the AK while retaining the (partially) spent magazine. 

Reloads WITH Magazine Retention

If you want to keep your magazine, say in the case of a tactical reload, the traditional V- or L-shaped reloads you may have learned on an AR will not work here. You’ve got two basic options. The first is to completely remove the magazine from the gun by itself. Grab the mag high and, in a beer-can grip, press the magazine release tab with your thumb, rock the mag forward and down. Stow it in a dump pouch, mag pouch, or pocket. Grab a fresh mag, rock it in front-to-back. If consistency across multiple weapon platforms is your jam, or if you already use a “grip-and-strip” method on your AR, this is the way to go. The changes are minimal, and only to accommodate the mechanics of the rifle itself.

The other technique is to remove your new mag off your kit first. Then, when you bring your fresh mag up to the rifle, pin it to the left side of the receiver and get your digits around both the reload and the magazine currently in the gun. Pop the release tab with your thumb. Rock the mag out of your gun, move your hand to position the new mag underneath the gun, and click it into place. Slide the partial (or empty) mag you just removed off the fresh reload, keeping it in your grip the whole time, and stow it. This may be faster if trained sufficiently, but requires a baseline of hand size and manual dexterity to execute effectively.

Reloads WITHOUT Magazine Retention

If you’re not concerned with retaining the magazine, both of the above-listed methods work almost the same. The only difference on the second method would be to bring the magazine alongside the receiver and, when you hit the release tab with your thumb, just follow through another inch or so to knock that mag out so it falls free. Then, insert your new mag.

Above: When it's not necessary to retain a magazine (i.e. an emergency reload), simply extend the thumb to press the magazine release and knock the empty mag out of place.

There is, of course, the method made popular by social media and tacticool AK operator internet videos: drawing a fresh mag off your kit, turning it sideways, and using the front edge of the magazine itself to hit the release tab and fling the empty mag out of the gun. We admit, it’s got style points. But those points are gained entirely out of context. According to the cadre at Haley Strategic, this method was actually developed for Russian troops fighting in extreme cold weather conditions — typically while wearing “half mitts” with independent thumb and trigger fingers, and the remaining digits bound up in true mitten style. With this reduced dexterity, using the magazine as a reload tool made sense. But it’s not particularly efficient from a biomechanics standpoint. Also, the effectiveness of this move could be influenced by the size, shape, or quality of construction of your magazines or your magazine release tab. As cool as it might look, executing a smooth and efficient reload to get back on target quickly will always be cooler.

Above: The now-famous method of using your full mag to eject your empty one came from Soviet troops in cold weather wearing arctic mittens.

AK Malfunctions

Despite what you may have heard anywhere ever, the Kalashnikov is, in fact, capable of malfunctioning (gasp). But, if built to proper specifications, it’s a pretty rare occurrence.

In addition to the rugged simplicity and relatively loose tolerances of the system itself, the 7.62x39mm’s full-taper case geometry aids in reliability by minimizing the possibility of a stuck case — whether through swelling or debris in the action. Most of the common malfunctions we’ve run across tend to be magazine related. Sometimes the issue is the magazine itself, especially if you’re shooting from the prone position in a dusty environment as we did. Muzzle brakes kick up a lot of dust, and it gets everywhere. Other times, the magazine well or magazine locking latch isn’t properly sized. In the latter case, the magazine hangs so loosely inside the well that rounds may not be lined up properly with the chamber. If you lock a magazine into your AK and it wobbles side-to-side a little, that’s usually acceptable. But if it wobbles front-to-back, keep a close eye out for feeding issues. In terms of remedial action for malfunctions, the process — like all things AK — is simple. As opposed to AR malfunction procedures, which tend to be taught in a “if this, do that” format, there is exactly one malfunction procedure for the AK platform:

  1. Run the charging handle
  2. Press the trigger

If that doesn’t fix it …

  1. Remove magazine
  2. Run charging handle
  3. Reinsert magazine
  4. Run charging handle
  5. Press trigger

The process is even further simplified by Haley Strategic instructor Jared Segraves, who reminded us that, when all else fails: “Just unload the gun, then reload the gun.”
With approximately 20 students over three days running 1,000 rounds each, we didn’t see any malfunction that wasn’t remedied by this procedure.

Above: Travis Haley demonstrates AK malfunction clearance.

Lessons Learned

After three days and 1,000 rounds through my test rifle, I also came away with some lessons about how my specific rifle was configured and made some changes to integrate said lessons.

The biggest issue I had was with the handguard. The Sureshot Armament system worked great, but the version I ran was their shorter “4-slot” Mk1 handguard which is designed to work with a standard AK handguard retainer. The handguard itself held up fine, even through back-to-back runs of rapid-fire drills. But the handguard retainer heated up to the point where, even with gloves on, it became too hot to keep a hand on that portion of the front end. Fortunately, the solution was fairly easy. The Sureshot Mk1 is also available in a longer “5-slot” model that provides another row of usable M-LOK slots at the so-called cost of cutting off the handguard retainer. A Dremel tool and cutting wheel made quick work of the retainer, and swapping the four-slot for a five-slot lower handguard was a matter of a couple screws and locking tabs.

Switching to the slightly longer Sureshot USA Mk1 handguard (pictured below) gave us more usable rail space and allowed us to ditch the handguard retainer, which acted as a heat sink.

The only other “issue” we ran into was with the CRH stock. Again, we want to clarify that it functioned fine. There was no rattle or flexing in the stock during our range time. But the high volume of fire made the all-metal stock with machined-in tread pattern on the butt pad somewhat uncomfortable to shoot, even with the light-recoiling 5.45mm round. This is, of course, a matter of personal preference. We’d still recommend the CRH Fixed Triangle for anyone who’s interested in it, but be mindful that it won’t baby your shoulder if you run your AK hard and do so often.

Above: The CRH stock features a deep-cut tread pattern.

For those interested in more adjustability or flexibility on the back end, we also experimented with a VLTOR RE-5 tube extension, capped with a BCM Gunfighter butt stock. While not as svelte as the CRH, the thick recoil pad on the end of the BCM stock was a little comfier to shoulder during extended range sessions. This combo adds some length and bulk to the end of the gun compared to the CRH option, but individual needs and preference will help you make your stock selection.

Above: An AR-style stock adapter offers extra adjustment if preferred.

Finally, we removed the extended charging handles on our ambi Lightning Bolt. While the knurled, screw-on sleeves did give us some extra purchase during fast reloads, we found that our slow-fire groups were significantly larger than we thought they should be — about 4 to 5 inches across at 50 yards. Even for an AK, that’s a problem. Especially when our “groups” were essentially lateral strings with no vertical dispersion. Fortunately, Jim Fuller happened to be on the range and ran down some basic diagnostics with us. The end result was realizing that our particular 74 has some pretty loose tolerance between the bolt carrier and receiver rails. So, the extra weight of the oversized charging handle knobs was creating a significant amount of left-right play in the BCG as it cycled. As soon as we removed these, our groups shrunk to a much more respectable 1.5 to 2 inches across at 50 yards.

Above: Strike Industries' rear sight rail allows a more head-up shooting stance.

Everything else withstood the crucible of Haley’s D5 Kalashnikov course, and the rifle remains otherwise unchanged aside from these two plug-and-play parts swaps. Not only was I extremely satisfied with this rifle build, but I also came away from the Haley Strategic class with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the peculiarities of running an AK-style rifle as a primary duty weapon. Whether you intend to run an AK as your primary survival rifle or just want to learn how to handle the rifle most common to America’s enemies, we highly suggest investing in some specific training, and the Haley D5 AK course is one of the best options we know of out there. The Kalashnikov platform is rugged, reliable, easy to operate, and commonly found all around the world. If you don’t have one in your armory, consider getting one and learning how to operate it properly. As always, forewarned is forearmed.

Sources

Taming the 12-Gauge: Vang Comp Remington 870

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When the subject of recoil management comes up, we’ve noticed that an element of machismo often comes with it. Who cares if a weapon kicks like a mule? Lean into the recoil and suck it up, princess! say the self-proclaimed experts with their chests puffed out. Admittedly, you shouldn’t be developing gnarly shoulder bruises after shooting a 10/22, but recoil management is a worthwhile consideration for other weapons — shotguns are a prime example. We’ve all seen videos of young or inexperienced shooters picking these guns up for the first time, and nearly toppling over after the first round. More experienced shooters may feel discomfort after a few dozen full-power loads. Rather than accepting these issues as inherent to the platform, it’s worthwhile to take a look at what can be done to manage them.

As with any weapon, proficiency with a shotgun is a by-product of two factors: software and hardware. The importance of software — meaning your training and experience — cannot be overstated, but the gun itself is also a contributing factor. That’s why muzzle brakes, compensators, weighted buffers, and other recoil mitigation systems exist. Bearing in mind these two factors, we set out to improve the performance of our Remington Model 870 pump shotgun.

This article was originally published in Issue 21 of our sister publication Concealment magazine.

Above: Here's our humble Remington 870 Express Tactical before we sent it out to Vang Comp. It was completely unmodified aside from the Streamlight TL-Racker.

The Hardware – Vang Comp Systems

Our project began with an 870 that’s resided in our gun safe for several years. This is the Express Tactical — a slight step up from the basic Express model. Out of the box, it included an 18.5-inch barrel with extended “Tactical” choke, factory-installed Picatinny rail, XS ghost ring sights, and black synthetic furniture. The gun worked fine in this configuration, but we knew it could be better, so we reached out to Vang Comp Systems in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their gunsmiths tore the gun apart and customized it to our specifications.

Vang Comp Systems’ signature upgrade is its VCS Barrel Modification, which was developed by company founder Hans J. Vang in the early 1990s. A government agency was looking for a way to tighten the shot pattern of its duty shotguns without adding choke tubes, so Vang began modifying barrels to achieve this result. He lengthened the forcing cone to produce a smoother transition between the chamber and bore, then back-bored the barrel to squeeze the projectiles into a denser column as they reach the muzzle. Finally, he drilled a series of 62 holes into the barrel to release some of the expanding gases from each shot — this reduced felt recoil and muzzle flash. The end result was a flat-shooting gun that produced consistent 12-inch shot patterns at 25 yards with off-the-shelf 00 buckshot. Today, the VCS Barrel Mod is available with or without ports for a variety of Remington and Mossberg shotguns. The company strongly recommends non-ported for semi-auto models, but we chose the ported option for this pump-action build.

Above: The safety, trigger, bolt, loading gate, and action bars were coated in self-lubricating NP3 finish at VCS, making the action smoother to operate and easier to clean.

In addition to the Barrel Mod, Vang Comp Systems performed a trigger job and action job to smooth out the operation of these moving parts. They also provided several of their in-house upgrades. The standard magazine tube was replaced with a VCS steel magazine tube and matching stainless magazine follower. The original flat cross-bolt safety was replaced with a higher-profile VCS Dome-Head Safety button; this can be pressed quickly with the middle knuckle of the index finger, as opposed to the fingertip. A VCS detachable ammunition carrier attaches via two replacement trigger pins that pass through the receiver. It offers an additional six shells on deck, and features tear-away hook-and-loop backing for fast replacement between drills.

Above: Vang Comp Systems ported our Remington’s barrel with a series of 32 holes on each side. This option is only recommended for pump-action guns.

Outfitting

We sourced additional parts for this build from a few other companies. Mesa Tactical provided an LEO Telescoping Stock Kit, which adds an AR-15 buffer tube, pistol grip mount, and a pair of QD sockets for sling attachment. The company also offers a version of this kit with a hydraulic buffer to absorb recoil, but after discussing this with Vang Comp Systems, we decided to skip that option (more on that later). A Magpul CTR stock with Enhanced Butt Pad and MIAD grip were installed on the Mesa Tactical adapter. Magpul also provided a Forward Sling Mount and MS4 QD sling.

A weapon-mounted light is one of the first accessories most shotgun owners purchase, and we were no different. The Streamlight TL-Racker forend was installed shortly after we bought this 870 and carried over to its new form. It features a 1,000-lumen LED light powered by two CR123A batteries, as well as ambidextrous pressure switches with momentary and constant-on functionality. The light’s central placement reduces barrel shadow, and it’s bright enough to illuminate a whole room in home-defense situations.

Above: Our 870 came with a Picatinny rail pre-installed, but mounting an optic on it resulted in a high cheek weld and unusable iron sights. The Aridus Industries CROM offers a cowitness-ready mount for an Aimpoint Micro sight, with your choice of an XS ghost ring or “Rob Haught mod” U-shaped rear sight (pictured). Vang Comp Systems’ Deluxe ammunition carrier includes two hook-backed shell holders and a loop-backed mounting plate that attaches through the receiver. A slot is cut to keep the serial number visible.

Those who have little experience with shotguns tend to assume their shot spread makes aiming virtually unnecessary — this certainly isn’t the case, especially not with the tighter pattern produced by the VCS Barrel Mod. However, quick target acquisition is clearly more of a priority here than precision. For this reason, we decided to upgrade the iron sights and add a red-dot optic.

The Aridus Industries CROM — short for Cowitness-Ready Optic Mount — attaches directly to the 870’s receiver in place of the original Picatinny rail, and acts as an extremely low-profile mount for an Aimpoint Micro. The CROM also features your choice of a standard XS ghost ring or a Rob Haught Mod rear sight aperture. The latter is a ghost ring that has been milled down into a U-shape to speed up sight acquisition and reduce visual obstructions. It was inspired by famous shotgun instructor Rob Haught, whose son we would be training with after the completion of this build. As for the front sight, Vang Comp Systems replaced it with a newly machined Sentinel prototype fiber-optic post that slid into the factory dovetail.

Finally, the exterior of our shotgun was refinished for a new look and improved corrosion resistance. The receiver, barrel, magazine tube, and stock adapter were finished in FDE Cerakote at Vang Comp Systems. VCS is also one of five shops in the U.S. that has partnered with Coating Technologies to offer its self-lubricating NP3 finish to the public. We took full advantage of this and asked for key moving parts to be coated in the slick silver substance — this includes the loading gate, bolt, extractor, trigger, safety, and action bars.

Build Sheet: Remington 870 Express Tactical

Caliber: 12 gauge

Weight: 7.3 pounds

Weight as Shown: 9.6 pounds loaded

Barrel Length: 18.5 inches

Magazine Capacity: 6+1

Length: 40.5 inches (with Tactical Rem Choke)

Length as Shown: 36.1 – 39.4 inches collapsed

MSRP: $601

Parts List:

  • VCS Barrel Modification with Ports $255
  • VCS Steel Mag Tube $75
  • VCS Stainless Mag Follower $20
  • VCS Dome Head Safety $15
  • VCS Detachable Ammunition Carrier (Deluxe) $110
  • VCS Sentinel Prototype
  • Fiber-Optic Front Sight $60
  • Aridus Industries Remington / Aimpoint Micro CROM (with Rob Haught Mod) $125
  • Aimpoint Micro T-2 $782
  • Streamlight TL-Racker $225
  • Mesa Tactical LEO Telescoping Stock Kit $190
  • Magpul CTR Stock & Enhanced Butt Pad $80
  • Magpul MIAD Grip (Type 1) $36
  • Magpul Forward Sling Mount $30
  • Magpul MS4 Dual QD Sling (Coyote) $60
  • VCS Gunsmithing: Cerakote and NP3 Finish, Trigger Job, Action Job, Assembly $575

As Shown: $3,239

The Software – Symtac Consulting

A high-quality tool is still only as effective as its user, so we decided to seek training that pertained to using a shotgun for personal defense. As mentioned earlier, Rob Haught and his son Matt Haught of Symtac Consulting are well-known for specializing in just that. So, we took our freshly built 870 to the range for a private shotgun clinic with Matt Haught and some of his friends. Attendees included several young and new shooters, and it was clear that many of them were a bit apprehensive about their ability to manage the recoil of a 12-gauge. That wouldn’t be the case for long.

Haught explained that most of us are used to shooting carbines with relatively light recoil, but what works for these weapons doesn’t necessarily work for shotguns. Traditional thinking says to pull the gun firmly into your shoulder and lean forward to absorb the recoil, but Haught says there’s a better way — he calls it push-pull. This technique involves simultaneously pushing the gun forward with the support hand and pulling it rearward with the dominant hand, as if you’re trying to stretch it out. This opposing pressure should be applied a brief moment before breaking a shot, while resting the buttstock lightly against your shoulder. Getting the timing down and equalizing the push-pull forces took a little practice, but once we got the hang of it, we were surprised by how little recoil we felt.

Drills were simple at first — shoulder the shotgun quickly and hit a single steel plate using push-pull recoil management. Next, we began applying it to follow-up shots, learning to cycle the pump quickly and apply the forward motion into the next push-pull shot. We also spent time on target transitions between multiple steel plates, push-pulling as we brought the gun to a stop on the next target.

Since most off-the-shelf tactical shotguns have 18- to 20-inch barrels, this poses some maneuverability issues in close quarters — clearing rooms in a home-defense situation, for example. Once we had the basic push-pull technique down pat, Haught showed us a more advanced technique called short-stocking that can help shotgun users overcome this challenge. He asked us to be very clear that this should not be attempted without prior training, since it’s very easy to punch yourself in the nose or teeth if you don’t manage the recoil properly. Short-stocking involves lifting the shotgun’s stock over your shoulder, then rolling the gun onto its side so the sights are visible. With solid push-pull technique, it’s possible to shoot comfortably from this position, making the gun feel much shorter and more maneuverable.

Loose Rounds

Above: Haught’s short-stocking technique involves turning the gun sideways with its buttstock over your shoulder for more maneuverability in tight spaces. Don’t attempt this without prior training — otherwise you might end up with a split lip, or worse.

Compared to its original form, this Remington 870 looks almost unrecognizable. The refinished aesthetics are nice, but we’re more concerned about how it shoots. The Vang Comp Systems barrel mod and ports resulted in a noticeably tighter shot pattern and softer recoil. The action feels vastly smoother as well, thanks to the polished internals and slippery NP3 coating. Shells glide over the loading gate and into the mag tube with minimal effort. The pistol grip and telescoping stock on the Mesa Tactical adapter are comfortable to use, and offer a good cheek weld in conjunction with the CROM and Aimpoint T-2. We’re glad we chose the Rob Haught mod rear sight, since it offers a lower-third cowitness without intruding on the red-dot sight picture.

Although Mesa Tactical offers a hydraulically cushioned version of the LEO Stock Kit, both VCS and Matt Haught steered us toward the non-hydraulic version for a few reasons. First, users who become proficient with push-pull rarely find themselves in need of more stock cushioning — we can attest to this after the clinic. Second, the hydraulic buffer’s movement may cause advanced users to short-stroke the action while firing multiple rounds quickly. That said, it’s mostly a matter of preference — editor Tom Marshall has a gun with the hydraulic setup and likes it.

Pairing these hardware upgrades with the software we picked up during the clinic, we feel dramatically more proficient with our 870. Even if you’re not someone who has left the range with a black-and-blue shoulder, there’s much to be gained from learning to better manage the recoil of a shotgun, especially if it’s a weapon you’re planning to use for home defense. And for those who may not be able to drop thousands of dollars on a customized scattergun like this one, a basic $300 pump shotgun and a few hours of training still offers a whole lot of bang for your buck.

Sources

Gear Up: New Survival Gear for August 2022

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Prometheus Design Werx ROAM Jacket EC

NOTES
Designed, cut, and sewn right here in the USA, and based directly on the classic American “Trucker Jacket,” PDW updated this style of outerwear with their Expedition Cloth. It’s made of a nylon/poly four-way Stretch Technical Soft-Shell fabric with a water-repellent coating. Comfortably cut to wear over a base layer or your favorite hoodie, the ROAM Jacket EC is also fully lined in Guide Cloth, features chest pockets specially sized for most smartphones, two hand pockets, two interior pockets, PDW’s signature hide-away pocket under the collar, snap cuffs, center placket, waist tabs, and pocket flaps. It's well-suited for cool to cold weather when worn with layers.

COLORS
Universal Field Gray, All Terrain Brown

MSRP
$245

URL
prometheusdesignwerx.com

Streamlight Wedge EDC Pocket Light

LUMENS
1,000

MSRP
$150

URL
streamlight.com

NOTES
The Wedge is a compact, high-performance EDC light designed for convenient pocket carry. It’s outfitted with an intuitive rotating thumb switch that provides tactile control over the dual modes. Made of rugged anodized aluminum with a waterproof USB-C port, the Wedge balances durability with performance. It features two lighting modes: constant-on and THRO (Temporarily Heightened Regulated Output; a momentary “turbo” function) for maximum brightness. Constant mode provides 300 lumens and a 69-meter beam that runs three hours when fully charged. THRO will provide 1,000 lumens and a 110m beam that lasts as a 35-second burst. Its thin, ergonomic design fits comfortably in hand and slips easily into a pocket. The deep-carry pocket clip attaches on either side of this light. Rugged anodized aluminum construction and a polycarbonate lens protect the light from impacts and abrasions, and it’s waterproof to one meter.

Halfbreed Blades MCK-02 Medium Clearance Knife

MODELS
Black, Dark Earth, Ranger Green

MSRP
$217

URL
halfbreedblades.com.au

NOTES
The MCK-02, or Medium Clearance Knife, from Halfbreed Blades is a mid-size utility fixed blade knife, offering an exceptional balance between weight, strength, and cutting power. Austrian 6.5mm Böhler K110 (D2) tool steel lends the blade a weight and durability that can be felt when wielded. The hard-wearing, low-friction Teflon coating mitigates glare and protects against corrosion. Its U.S.-made G10 handle scales are ergonomically contoured for maximum grip and control with non-gloved hands. The crusher pommel is ideally suited for breaking glass and other hammering tasks, and a pommel lanyard hole allows for paracord attachment. Each sheath is precision molded for secure retention and easy maintenance. All MCK-02 sheaths are supplied with a belt carry system as the primary attachment method, and eyelet holes around the sheath’s perimeter serve as a secondary attachment option.

Griffin Pocket Tool Starter Pack

SIZES
Mini, Original, X

MSRP
$85

URL
griffinpockettool.com

NOTES
With a dozen or more tools in the same space as a pack of gum, Griffin Pocket Tools (GPT) make a great addition to any EDC loadout. The GPT Starter Pack is perfect for adding functionality to key chains, stashing in a glove box, or stowing in a pack. Each tool is lightweight, compact, and features as many as 16 functions. Starting with the GPT Mini, this 14g stainless steel tool is the combination of a bottle opener, pocket clip, flathead screwdriver, scoring tool, pry tool, 1/4-inch bit driver and wrench, 5/16-inch hex wrench, and 11/32 hex wrench, all in a compact 2×0.6×0.2-inch size. The GPT Original is only slightly larger, 3 by 0.6 by 0.2 inches, features two more hex wrench sizes, and weighs 28 grams. And last but not least, the GPT XL, as the name implies, weighs 65 grams, is 4.3 by 0.9 by 0.2 inches, and offers a few more additional features like rulers in millimeters and inches, a nail pry bar, and a key ring.

Giant Mouse ACE Biblio Folding Knife

TYPE
Brass

MSRP
$235

URL
giantmouse.com

NOTES
Giant Mouse, renowned for making quality folding knives, recently added the Biblio Brass to their ACE line. The blade steel is satin-finished Böhler M390 MICROCLEAN stainless steel, and as the name implies, its handle is solid brass. A ball-bearing pivot lends to a smooth opening with the slightest twitch of a finger and flick of the wrist. Its reverse wire clip and 4-inch handle size fits in most pockets, and the 3-inch blade length makes it a knife that’s fast and easy to manipulate. Not to mention, the brass looks classy and gives it a little extra heft to power a piercing cut. It’s an heirloom-quality blade that could hold up for generations.

Wazoo Cache Cap

COLORS
Black, Blue, Gray, Tan

MSRP
$36

URL
wazoosurvivalgear.com

NOTES
There’s something satisfying about items that serve more than one purpose. Saving space and reducing bulk is both smart and comfortable, and Wazoo’s Cache Cap does this in several ways. What looks like a normal cap hides six pockets large enough for many EDC purposes. The main pockets are made with high-visibility orange material and lined with a reflective “X” for signaling or marking a camping site in the dark. There’s also a hook-and-loop enclosure in the band and two pockets built into the brim. A cotton sweatband and evaporative technical material ensures the wearer will be keeping their cool when things heat up. An anti-glare black underbill keeps the threats of solar injuries to a minimum. Not sure what to store in those pockets? Wazoo has plenty of options on their website for inspiration.

BONE-DRI Handgun 2.0 Case

DIMENSIONS
16 by 10 by 1.8 inches

MSRP
$58

URL
bone-dri.com

NOTES
Traveling with firearms in any region or condition other than perfectly dry introduces a few complications. It doesn’t take long for moisture to corrode metal, and that destructive process happens even quicker when the firearm is trapped in a case. The BONE-DRI Handgun 2.0 Case is designed to keep handguns and ammo in optimal working order. Humidity and moisture can affect the performance of a gun, cause rust, and make cleaning difficult. Unlike other gun case brands, BONE-DRI cases are engineered with Absorbits moisture-removal material to store and protect your firearms from rust after exposure to moisture. Constructed with heavy-duty industrial 800D PVC nylon and lockable Mil-spec zipper sliders, this case easily withstands heavy wear and tear and is guaranteed for life. It’s MOLLE compatible, has a felt patch to host morale patches, and fits two midsize handguns, five magazines, and a toolkit.

Grey Man Tactical #401 Backpack RMP Insert – Universal Concealed Carry Package

COMPATIBILITY
Any bag of sufficient dimensions

MSRP
$100

URL
greymantactical.com

NOTES
MOLLE panels have often been used in vehicles to provide easy access to organized firearms storage. Made from high-density polyethylene, the panels are sturdy and can take a beating. Grey Man Tactical took it a step further by mobilizing those panels for concealed-carry use in the backpack of your choosing. This pre-configured Backpack RMP Insert package includes the patented Rigid MOLLE Panel (RMP) with adhesive-backed hook and loop for easy installation into any backpack. More than 20 sizes of RMP are available to fit any bag, and a Universal Pistol Holster and two pistol magazine pouches are included to get things started. And if choosing the right pack is a concern, Grey Man Tactical has a Stealth 20L RMP bag specifically designed for the Concealed Carry Package. The backpack enables you to carry essential gear without drawing attention, while offering excellent organization and modularity.

Knog Bilby 400 Headlamp

COLORS
Black, Fluro Orange, Putty Grey, Violet Blue

MSRP
$110

URL
knog.com

NOTES
A silicone band, USB charging, and a wide variety of options make the Knog Bilby 400 a truly unique headlamp. The Bilby produces an output of 400 lumens, offers a five-hour runtime on full power, and over 105 hours on the lowest setting. It’s lightweight, dustproof, waterproof to one meter, and intuitively designed from medical-grade silicone. The five LEDs on the Bilby are optimally placed for their individual purposes — a high beam for long-range visibility, two elliptical beams for midrange and wide beam angles, a red light for night light purposes, and downlights for reading. Within each mode are four brightness settings. On the brightest setting, the Bilby has a range of up to 100 meters. Another interesting feature of the Bilby is its ability to be customized via Knog’s own Modemaker app. This app allows users to increase Bilby’s modes from six up to eight, and choose which order they’re operated, allowing users to create a headlamp customized to their specific needs.

Nutrient Survival Bug-Out Go-Bag | 72 Hour Food Kit | 10L Dry Bag

MENU
Chocolate Grain Crunch, Creamy Chocolate Shake, Hearty Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, Southwestern Medley, Triple Cheese Mac

MSRP
$129

URL
nutrientsurvival.com

NOTES
When disaster strikes, the power goes out for days on end, or it’s time to get out of Dodge, one of the most important things to do is maintain a healthy diet with enough calories to keep you going. Nutrient Survival takes emergency preparedness to the next level by loading their food supplies with a multitude of vitamins and minerals. The 72 Hour Food Kit stores more than enough to get through a 72-hour emergency, all while consuming an average 2,333 calories per day. It comes in 25 individual packs plus a heavy duty 420D poly 10-liter waterproof dry bag. Nutrient Survival is specially designed to meet the nutritional standards of the U.S. military for Special Operations Forces.

Uncharted Supply Co. The Park Pack

COLORS
Black, Gunmetal, Olive

MSRP
$119

URL
unchartedsupplyco.com

NOTES
Don’t confuse the Park Pack from Uncharted Supply Co. for your run-of-the-mill fanny pack. For the biker, hiker, fisherman, hunter, walker, climber, and explorer, the Park Pack is designed to give your gear the protection you need, without interfering with the experience of your adventure. This hip pack is lightweight and narrow with wide hip straps providing lower back support. A cube-like design lets the wearer move freely with equally distributed weight on both hips. Its waterproof construction, 600D Tarpaulin, and YKK water-resistant zipper assures your gear will stay dry. Both of the pack’s hip straps feature MOLLE attachment points, allowing both water bottle holders to detach. This leaves room for alternative add-ons, such as bear spray, fishing net, holster, or medical gear.

Offgrid by EDEC Digital Forensics Standard Faraday Travel Kit

COMPONENTS
USB Data Blocker, Sliding Webcam Cover

MSRP
$35

URL
offgrid.co

NOTES
Threats to electronic devices — and your privacy — are endless in modern times. With the conveniences of computer software come those who manipulate it for nefarious goals. This could be anything from stealing personal information in the hopes of committing some kind of fraud, or monitoring your location remotely to plan and carry out criminal acts. Protect yourself in the digital sphere with Offgrid’s Faraday Travel Kit. Not to be confused with the title of the magazine you’re reading right now, Offgrid.co is a product line from EDEC Digital Forensics that specializes in mobile, digital security. Included in the Travel Kit is a USB Data Blocker that can protect your devices from receiving malware while charging at untrusted USB ports. The discreet sliding webcam cover allows users to maintain their personal privacy with the swipe of a finger. They're simple and convenient solutions to prevent a host of cybersecurity problems.

Book Review: “Guaranteeing America’s Security in the 21st Century”

Written by

The Premise: Published in 2016, this book seeks to convey what military, intelligence, and homeland security believed the 21st century would hold for the United States. Author William J. Parker III assembled essays from America’s “best and brightest,” including captains, colonels, majors, PhDs, and lawyers. Each of the U.S. armed services discusses its approach to the 21st century.

Our Review of “Guaranteeing America's Security in the Twenty-First Century”

The Army has moved from dominating land into a world where its role is increasingly restricted by political concerns. Land dominance focused on being an army of occupation — less so in Iraq, but more so in Afghanistan. The Army philosophy was to bring lasting change to places where America was investing its national prestige.

The Navy treatise was focused on budgeting and contractor management efficiency. Future Navy missions weren’t questioned critically. Given the importance of maritime commerce and influence, this essay didn’t impress. The critical question of how the U.S. Navy could win against a peer adversary wasn’t mentioned.

U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens

One of the largest sections is an essay by the U.S. Coast Guard, by then part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The section began with buoy tending and ended with how one of the USCG’s most important missions was dealing with the feelings of its service members. It’s a precursor of the sensitivity training that is commonplace in the American military today.

The Air Force section totally lost me. It went on and on about cyber warfare and personnel skills development. I didn’t see much in the way of substance discussing what types of air campaigns the Air Force needed to prepare for. There was no mention of Yemen, which was just beginning to become a proving ground for advanced drone warfare, something that would become a vital element of the current war in Ukraine.

The Air Force section was also silent about the modernization of nuclear forces, and shift toward lower-yield weapons intended to influence regional power struggles. This glaring omission would have future consequences in the early days of 2022, when Vladimir Putin raised Russia’s threats of employing tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Chapters were also devoted to the intelligence community, the FBI, and various elements of the DHS. These U.S. assets seemed to struggle finding direction, even a decade after September 11. There were worrisome questions asked. Writers expressed concern about homeland security turning toward the American people as international threats were perceived to be more remote. This hesitancy from non-military U.S. assets is the main reason I’d recommend serious students of American policy take the time to read this book. It’s a warning about what rot lurks inside the apple.

There are other poignant nuggets in this book. Almost in passing, one of the analysts noted a key difference between the U.S. and countries like China and Russia — both of the latter warn that harming one of their citizens abroad will result in swift retribution. This contrasts with our own government’s accommodating posture when foreign regimes mistreat U.S. nationals.

There’s a haunting feeling reading this book. At the writing cutoff in 2013, we were departing from the war in Iraq. The Arab Spring was just sprouting. And no one thought Russia would be bold enough to launch a full-scale military offensive on the capital of Ukraine.

The section written describing the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan is telling. The book makes little mention of Afghanistan’s problems of corruption that would lead to the humiliating U.S. withdrawal in August 2021.

The Verdict

Read it? Yes. But if you do, it’s best viewed as a historical work about America’s struggles to understand the world. Yet again, the “best and the brightest” got a lot of things wrong.

About the Book

Book & Author
Guaranteeing America’s Security in the Twenty-First Century by William J. Parker III

Publisher
MCP Books

MSRP
$35 (Amazon hard cover version)

URL
Amazon.com

Pages
625

Rating

Thrive
>Survive
Die

New: STEP 22 Tamarin Trunk Gear Bag

Written by

Even if you don't consider yourself a “prepper,” it's impossible to deny the value of certain basic emergency preparedness measures. A first aid kit, for example, is something every home should have. A vehicle emergency kit is another item we'd consider absolutely essential. Statistics show that driving a car is one of the most dangerous activities we do on a daily basis, so it's wise to keep some simple tools and supplies in the trunk or backseat. These might include jumper cables or a jump box, road flares, work gloves, a headlamp, a warm blanket, and so on. STEP 22 has released a new Tamarin Trunk bag that's designed to keep these items organized and accessible.

The STEP 22 Tamarin Trunk is an 18.5-liter zippered bag similar to a duffle design, but with a boxier shape and full-zip top for unrestricted access. It's made from double-layer of 500D nylon plus C.R.A.W.L. (Coated Rugged All-Weather Layer) finish and a padded base layer. There are grab handles on all four sides plus a carry handle on top, so you'll be able to pull it from your trunk easily even if there's other cargo around it.

The YKK zippers feature T-pull handles and reflective red cord for quick access. Removable compression/accessory straps keep the contents compact, or can be used to lash oversized items to the exterior. As for the interior, it consists of a single spacious compartment with a zippered mesh pocket on the inside of the lid. The main compartment can be used as-is for large items like power tools and recovery straps, or it can be sub-divided using STEP 22 Tenkile pouches or Quoll Packing Cubes.

Above: Although the Tamarin Trunk seems best-suited to storing vehicle emergency gear, it can also be used as an organized compartment for camera gear and other small items.

The STEP 22 Tamarin Trunk is available at an MSRP of $90, with removable pouches and packing cubes sold separately. Additionally, a portion of every sale goes towards conservation of the Cotton Top Tamarin (one of the most endangered primates in the world) and the Rhino Recovery Fund. For more information on the Tamarin Trunk, go to STEP22Gear.com.