Tactical Life October/November 2021

Forgetfulness strikes us all with age. But there are monumental happenings in our history that get burned into the physical memory. Twenty years ago—September 11, 2001—life changed forever. Arguably there was no other time in modern American history when our nation was more unified—100 percent standing proudly flying the Stars and Stripes, singing the national anthem, saluting our courageous military, police and first responders. As a nation, we grieved hard for the family and friends of the 3,263 lost. Yet we rejoiced at the all-American valor, bravery and courage of those in uniform. To commemorate this 9/11/01 anniversary, we proudly bring you the heartfelt words from sister publication Skillset magazine’s editorial director and USMC veteran Jason Swarr. TIME MARCHES ON As I take a moment and reflect back on that…

KIMBER R7 MAKO The shooting world’s latest micro-compact 9mm might also be the greatest. Kimber’s R7 Mako is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol with a healthy capacity of 11 for its flush-fit magazine and 13 for its extended mag. Kimber machines the Mako slide from stainless steel, includes an optics cut for red-dots sights and then blackens the slide with a DLC finish. Best of all, Mike Detty, who reviewed the Mako for sister publication Combat Handguns, declared the gun a tack driver, reporting 0.53-inch fiveshot groups at 15 yards. (r7mako.com) SUUNTO CORE ALPHA STEALTH WATCH The Suunto Core Alpha Stealth combines key military features with robust construction and a strong, Berry-compliant textile strap. This non-connected and mission ready watch has a red-light mode for night vision goggle compatibility and comes…

There are many companies within the firearms industry that you probably never knew existed. These are companies whose products are at the forefront, looking you in the eye, and you still might not know who they are. One of those companies is Warne, one of the bestkept secrets in the firearms industry. They make almost every combo of scope mount and base that one can think of. And, out of some of those mounts that you debate over, they might have all been made in the same factory here in the good ol’ USA. Recently, I was invited to sunny Tualatin, Oregon, to tour and explore Warne’s manufacturing and research & development facilities. That was an experience for which I’m truly grateful, as there was so much to learn. Warne…

Some might not truly realize just how important selecting the proper scope/mount combination really is. There are five major variables in a rifle’s accuracy: 1. The shooter; 2. Ammunition; 3. The rifle’s action and barrel; 4. How well the optic is held within the mount; and 5. How well the mount holds to the rifle. Though rings/mount/bases aren’t typically part of the “cool factor,” together they make up two of the five variables, so 40 percent of the equation. Ammunition and the shot are too valuable to risk 40 percent on a lesser optic mounting solution. That is why it’s vitally important to select the proper product for your needs. Warne’s website has a nifty tool to help navigate you to the specific product that you are looking for. Learn…

DAN GOETZ, CEO: “The acquisition of Warne enabled me to execute on my dream of owning a company where I could apply over 30 years of strategic manufacturing expertise to an established brand in a fun, exciting marketplace.” BRIAN MOTLAND, PRESIDENT: “Firearms and the respect of the great outdoors have always been a large part of my life and I’m proud to say I am passing that down to my children.” KEN FLOOD, VP OF SALES: “My love is competitive shooting and I have competed in USPSA, IDPA, NRA High Power, Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays and the Precision Rifle Series.” VICTOR IANCIUC, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: “I consider myself fortunate to be able to say hobby and career in the same breath. Whether it is designing, testing or making the product—above…

The world of handguns is wide and deep. There is honestly something for everyone no matter how specific their demands might be. From polymer grocery getters to handguns walking the line between art and firearm, there is an ocean of options. Even in the din of all this, I find my eye drawn to a classic—the sexy lines and classic design of the .45 ACP 1911. To the uninitiated and those influenced by social media memes, the 1911 is a horse that should long ago have been put out to pasture. This could not be further from the truth. Well-made 1911s are simply some of the finest handguns on the earth. I would stack a quality 1911 against any handgun in existence. The thing I share with anyone, however, is…