All future posts on this blog have been moved to Journal of a Sheepdog

As the title says, all future posts on this blog have been moved to Journal of a Sheepdog. 

Find them here:

http://journalofasheepdog.blogspot.com/ 

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

The KRAM spacer by Macedon Defense was designed to help shooters get on target faster with an ACOG sight, and it works!

Get your own KRAM here: http://www.weaponoutfitters.com/macedon-defense-kram-optics-spacer.html

RWCS rifle slings provided by RedWire Gear: http://www.redwiregear.com/

AR500 steel targets by Precision 3D Targets: http://www.p3dt.com/

You should also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/user/IndependenceTraining/videos



Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

AAC 7.62 SDN6 Suppressor / Silencer - best multi caliber can we've ever used

There are a lot of suppressor companies out there, and a lot of them do a great job at building a good suppressor, but AAC ranks up there as one of our favorites. Their 7.62 SDN6 silencer is a multi-caliber piece of equipment that allows you to get excellent sound and flash suppression while getting more bang for your buck!

AAC Website: http://www.advanced-armament.com/
More info on the SDN6: http://www.advanced-armament.com/762-SDN-6_p_433.html
More info on the quick attach muzzle devices: http://www.advanced-armament.com/Accessories_c_30.html

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

You should also definitely visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining


And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

AR500 Steel Targets from Precision 3D Targets - P3DT - Independence Training model

Most of the AR500 steel targets that we use in our training classes comes from Precision 3D Targets (P3DT) out of Flagstaff, AZ. The model shown in this video is the 'Independence Training Model' and is very sturdy yet breaks down easily for transport, and also has 3 different levels of adjustment for the angle of the target. You can check out Precision 3D Targets, which also include 3D cardboard targets as well as a host of other steel targets, at http://p3dt.com/.

We shot this video during our Practical AK Upgrades video series with LRK Mechanical (http://lrkmechanical.com/) - be sure to check out their website as well as their Facebook page for their awesome gun photos: https://www.facebook.com/lrkmechanical.

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

You should also definitely visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining


And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

SJK Carbine 2500 Pack - a rifle pack that actually works

Check out my review of the new SJK Carbine 2500 pack over at Western Whitetail - it's one of my new favorite packs: Read the Full Review HERE.


Learn more about the Carbine 2500 on the SJK Website.

Read the story about the fox hunt here: 5 Gray Fox in 5 Minutes.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

Practical AK Upgrades with LRK Mechanical - Part 2: At The Shop with AK Pistols

In the first video, we shot an LRK Mechanical modified AK-47, as well as a few AK pistols, and talked about practical AK modifications that you should consider. You can see that video here: http://youtu.be/uoSEyTRAkrY. In this video, we'll be looking at two of the AK pistols that LRK Mechanical has built and modified, one in 7.62x39 and another in 5.56x45. One of them even easily conceals in a daypack!

You can reach LRK Mechanical to get a quote or learn more about their services by visiting their website: http://lrkmechanical.com/

Be sure to visit LRK Mechanical's Facebook page for their awesome gun photos: https://www.facebook.com/lrkmechanical

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

You should also definitely visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

Steel target comes from Precision 3D Targets (P3DT) and is called the 'Independence Training Model': http://p3dt.com/

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!



Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

Practical AK Upgrades with LRK Mechanical - Part 1: At The Range

The AK series of rifles and pistols is one of the most widely recognized systems, largely due to its cost and its reliability. There are some upgrades that can be done, however, to make it a more effective and more accurate system. We met with Matt from LRK Mechanical after his shop worked on Glen's AK-47 to learn more about what they did and why they did it.

Be sure to check back soon for Part 2 of the video, which is all about AK pistol variants!

You can reach LRK Mechanical to get a quote or learn more about their services by visiting their website: http://lrkmechanical.com/

Be sure to visit LRK Mechanical's Facebook page for their awesome gun photos: https://www.facebook.com/lrkmechanical

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

Please also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

Steel target comes from Precision 3D Targets (P3DT) and is called the 'Independence Training Model': http://p3dt.com/


And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

RedWire Gear CS (Convertible Sling) and How to Use It Effectively

One of our assistant instructors, John Pinnix, owns his own tactical gear company called RedWire Gear (http://www.redwiregear.com/), where he makes slings, wallets, medical kits and pouches, and other nylon gear. His Convertible Sling, or CS, is the only rifle sling that we use and recommend, and if you watch the video below, you'll find out why (click on the photo to watch the video).

You can also find Part 1 of the video on how to mount and setup the sling here: http://youtu.be/3iAhf8KRM3Y.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

Dry Practice Application of Saf-T-Trainer Dummy Rounds

Dry practice is one of the most important things you can do to increase firearm marksmanship and manipulation skill sets. Including Saf-T-Trainer dummy rounds will improve the quality of practice, and make for more effective training on the live fire range. See how we use them during our "Roadside 10 Round Workout": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8eVYU2xHyY

We purchase our Saf-T-Trainer rounds from the following companies:

Streicher's: http://www.policehq.com/Products/PGS-ST
Brownell's: http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/cartridge-dummies/saf-t-trainers-prod9923.aspx

Our radio show, The Arms Room (http://www.vetsonmedia.com/radio-shows/the-arms-room/), recently discussed dry practice and personal training techniques - check out that show here: http://youtu.be/5aVF66tL2AI

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

Please also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson


(Are you wondering what that shot-up target is all about? Check out this video: http://youtu.be/2LPdM7UlYnU)

MK81 Pocket Trauma Kit from RedWire Gear

Some of the most useful training you will ever receive is how to save someone's life - but that training can't always do you a lot of good if you don't have the necessary supplies to get the job done. The MK81 Pocket Trauma Kit solves that problem by putting necessary life-saving tools in a convenient package that can be carried with you everywhere, every day.

Contents:
Red Nylon Velcro Pouch
TK4-L Tourniquet
WoundStop Bandage
Tegaderm Occlusive Dressing
Pair of Nitrile Gloves, XL
CELOX Rapid Gauze (optional)

For more information, or to order an MK81, contact RedWire Gear: http://www.redwiregear.com/ or Independence Training: http://www.independencetraining.com/

Our radio show, The Arms Room (http://www.vetsonmedia.com/radio-shows/the-arms-room/), recently discussed medical training and medical kits - check out those shows here: http://youtu.be/LV8lPVPDoRY and http://youtu.be/lg0EC_BxMkk

For our previous video on our homemade Pocket Trauma Kit, go here: http://youtu.be/w07XU5S9la4

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

Please also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining


And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!


Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson


(Are you wondering what that shot-up target is all about? Check out this video: http://youtu.be/2LPdM7UlYnU)

Dry Practice with Laserlyte - increasing your skills without breaking the bank

If you've ever taken a training course with Independence Training, then you've heard us talk about the need for, and the real-world benefits of, dry practice. Dry practice is utilizing unloaded (see the safety rules below) firearms to practice effective marksmanship techniques such as sight picture and trigger compression, manipulation techniques such as loading and malfunction clearances (made easier with dummy rounds), and even defensive concepts such as drawing from a holster, fighting with your firearm in close quarters, and movement.

LaserLyte has some very cool products that help you to dry practice in such a way that you will be able to see where your shots are going during dry practice - including some awesome reactive targets! There is really no end to the benefits that a good training regimen and an active imagination can do to utilize products like those from LaserLyte. Increasing accuracy, reducing draw and presentation time, training in close quarters fighting techniques, teaching new shooters and youth the fundamentals of safety and marksmanship, and training to recognize and engage targets effectively in low-light conditions are just a few of the ways that we use our LaserLyte units.

Regardless of where you are in your shooting career, these LaserLyte products are something worth adding to your training equipment.

Dry Practice Safety Rules
-Unload all firearms in the area
-Double-check that all firearms are unloaded!
-Treat all firearms as if they were loaded
-Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to put a bullet through
-NEVER dry practice with live ammunition in the area

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

SCCY 9mm CPX-2 Pistol: compact, accurate, reliable, and inexpensive!

When it comes to compact pistols for concealed carry or backup carry, inexpensive and reliable don't necessarily go together. With the new SCCY CPX-2 9mm, however, you can get a reliable and accurate compact pistol for around $250! We got together with Troy from CP Firearm Sales to test out the new SCCY and find out why it has been flying off of gun store shelves.

We found the SCCY to be very reliable, accurate for it's intended purpose, and easily manageable with recoil. Our only real complaint is the trigger, which has a very long reset and is easy to "jump" when trying to fire multiple shots very quickly. For the price, however, it's a pistol that is better than others in its price point.

For more information check out SCCY's website at http://www.sccy.com/.

Do you want a SCCY 9mm? Contact CP Firearm Sales: http://cpfirearmsales.com/.

View the complete Equipment Review blog here: http://IndependenceGear.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to visit our website to register for one of our courses, or to setup your own private training: http://IndependenceTraining.com/

Please also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/IndependenceTraining

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

Tru Flare Pen Launcher: a must-have for emergency signal and survival

When you are trying to signal for help, alert nearby friendly forces, or trying to scare someone or something away, you need to be able to do so with minimal effort and maximum effect. The Tru Flare pen launcher can help you do just that with red, green, or white flares, a whistle round, or a 'Bear Banger' - which could attract attention if needed, or scare unwanted attention away!

We demonstrated the Tru Flare pen launcher at our recent Priorities of Survival: SIGNAL class, and it's a vital piece of equipment for any get home bag (GHB), vehicle, or bug out bag (BOB). Lightweight, small, and fairly inexpensive, you can find them online here: http://www.truflareusa.com/.

For our local students, you can pick up the Tru Flare launchers and various rounds at Off The Grid Survival Gear in Prescott, AZ: http://www.offthegridsurvivalgear.com/. This is also one of the locations where we teach our Priorities of Survival and Emergency Prep classes.

Please also visit and 'Like' our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/IndependenceTraining

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

Lifestraw Water Filter: Water is Life - emergency and survival water filtration

I've used a lot of water filters over the years, but none have been able to do what the Lifestraw can do. Lightweight, easy to use, inexpensive, and highly effective - what's not to love? Add to that their indefinite shelf life and 264 gallon filtering life, and you have no more reasons not to add a Lifestraw to every pack, bag, and emergency kit that you own.

Watch the video for more information on how to use the Lifestraw, what the advantages are, and how to easily clean and store it.

We are also now an official Lifestraw dealer - so if you'd like to purchase a Lifestraw through us, Contact Us by clicking here: http://www.independencetraining.com/contact-us/

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/user/IndependenceTraining

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

Muzzle Flash: is your defensive ammo a fire-breather?

Many people select defensive ammunition without considering what kind of flash comes out the end of the barrel when it's fired, even though we know that most civilian self-defense situations happen in low-light or no-light circumstances. In this month's Equipment Review, we'll take a look at the types of muzzle flashes that some of the most common ammunition puts out through a full-size 9mm handgun, compact 9mm handgun, full-size .45ACP handgun, and M4/AR-15.

Special thanks to our student Justin for allowing us to use his photos! Check out his blog at: http://www.thepropergrip.blogspot.com/

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

Covert Carry: 5.11 Tactical COVRT Cases and Bags

There are many instances where you don't want everyone to know what you are carrying. Several cases of theft and robbery that our students have been the victims of over the years involve the victims moving valuables, such as firearms and electronics, from homes to vehicles or carrying them around town in cases and bags that obviously are designed to carry such valuables. Doing this can make you a target for the thief who keeps an eye out for such easy paydays. 

Watch our videos this month on the 5.11 Tactical COVRT 18 backpack and the COVRT M4 rifle case to get a better idea of some of the equipment that is out there to help you keep your valuables safe and secure from prying eyes.

5.11 Tactical COVRT 18 Backpack:

5.11 Tactical COVRT M4 Rifle Case:

Real training sucks, EMBRACE the suck.

- John Pinnix

SOB Blow Out Kit: everything you need in an easy to reach location

While deployed earlier this year I saw a piece of kit that piqued my interest. It was a blow out kit worn in the Small Of the Back (SOB). The blow out kit is a stripped down version of the IFAK (Improved/Individual First Aid Kit). The contents of a blow out kit generally consist of an Israeli Bandage, H&H gauze, and some type of hemostatic agent. These small kits are easier to carry than a full sized IFAK, and gained quite a bit of popularity in the training and operational communities. I also feel that having some of these basic trauma items readily available is not a bad idea in today’s environment here at home.

Contents of the SOB blow out kit are very small and compact, and offer 

just what you need until you can get to a larger kit or a higher level of medical care

As I said, seeing one of these kits worn in the SOB got my attention. However, being deployed I was busy and did not have the time to investigate it any further. A couple of weeks ago while I was going through some of my equipment I found an old admin pouch. The size was just about perfect for putting a blow out kit in and I figured I would give a shot. I emptied out one of my IFAKs and stripped the contents down to an Israeli bandage, 1 packet of H&H gauze, a package of Quickclot Combat Gauze and added 2 Tegaderm seals (chest seal).  I wanted a way to keep these items protected from sweat and the elements so I sealed them up with my Foodsaver. It took me a few tries to get the size of the bag right, but after about half an hour I had it. The next step was to find a way to get it out of the pouch. This was the easiest step as all I needed was some duct tape to make a tab. My total time spent putting this kit together was an hour.

Deploying a SOB blow out kit is easy and can be done with either hand

My biggest reason for building this was to wear it when I am instructing or attending firearms training courses. Most training organizations have some type of medical personnel and equipment readily available, but nothing will be as fast as self-treatment. This also holds true if you are somehow involved in any type of traumatic incident. The size of this kit lends to easy carry in everyday situations -  it will fit into the cargo pocket of most pants and will absolutely fit into your EDC (everyday carry) bag. If you are going to carry this type of kit I recommend you keep it in a readily available location and get some training on how to properly use the items in it. 

Real training sucks, EMBRACE the suck.

- John Pinnix

Vehicle Evacuation Tools: how they work and why you need one

Getting yourself or someone else out of a vehicle in an emergency situation may need to be done quickly and efficiently, and without an appropriate rescue or evacuation tool, you may not be able to break that glass or cut that belt fast enough to save a life. There are several of these tools available on the market, from the cheap to the expensive, and we took a look at 3 of the more popular and readily available models.

Interested in one of these tools? Check out the manufacturer's full description:
-CRKT ExiTool: http://www.crkt.com/ExiTool-Seat-Belt-Cutter-Window-Breaker-LED-Flashlight-Tool
-Benchmade Houdini Pro: http://www.benchmade.com/products/30200
-resQme: http://www.resqme.com/US/

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

Remora Tuckable Holster: a clip-less option that actually works

Choosing the correct holster for concealed carry can be a tough thing to do if you can't find the right holster that fits you and your lifestyle. This can be especially true when it comes to a tuckable option, and we have tried just about every option out there without ever finding a tuckable holster that really conceals the firearm. Then we got our hands on the tuckable holster from Remora Holsters.

If you'd like to read our review of the original Remora Holster and the Kel-Tec PF9, click here to be taken to that review. And as one final note, here's some feedback on Remora Holsters that we received from one of our students recently:

Just a quick comment on one of your equipment reviews. Last year I purchased a Kel-Tec PF-9 and a Remora IWB holster for one of my concealed carry options. I absolutely love the holster. I often forget I am wearing it because it's so comfortable, but more important than comfort is the performance. I have to admit I was skeptical of an IWB with no clip or belt hooks. Well those concerns have been put to rest. Last weekend, with the nice weather, I found myself outside with the kids for several hours. I had my Remora holster and Kel-Tec on and was running around with the dog - and better yet, jumping on the trampoline with the kids. My setup didn't even slip! Literally doing flips and playing "crack the egg" on the trampoline and no issues whatsoever. 
- Sergio M., Prescott Valley, AZ

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson

Personal Trauma Kits that can be Carried Everywhere

Emergencies can happen at any time: in the home or in the outdoors, in the middle of town or in the middle of nowhere. Recent tragedies such as Sandy Hook and the Boston Marathon attack have shown us that the average person can make a life-saving difference in emergencies if they have the proper tools and knowledge.

 

In this video, Independence Training Head Instructor Glen Stilson will talk about the types of small personal trauma kits that he carries with him wherever he goes.

 

 

Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Train Hard.

-Glen Stilson