Active Pistol Shooting Drills – February 2017

I got to hitch along a shooting session instructed by the Special Unit of one of our local Law Enforcement Agencies, and one thing I liked about this session was how they used “Active” types of Pistol Shooting Drills. By “active” I mean drills that are stimulating or used movement also rather than just standing at a spot and then shooting at a static target.

In a way some of these drills are similar to the ones used by the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). IDPA by the way is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters. They put more emphasis on shooting on the move or behind cover, etc. anything that simulates shooting that might happen in real life.

They also don't allow “Competition only” equipment and permit only stock equipment with as minor modifications as possible. It was founded in 1996 now has an estimated 20,000 members in 50 countries around the world.¹

License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) Itself Process - December 2016

The jumble of License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) documentary requirements that people will have to collect and go thru.

On the same day I finally got the last of the results for my License to Own and Posses Firearms (LTOPF) requirements, I went out and applied for the LTOPF itself. For this I went to the main office of the Philippine National Police – Firearms and Explosives Ordinance (PNP-FEO) which is at the other end of Camp Crame opposite that of Gate Two. I arrived there at 11:40 am, so I immediately went to the Help Desk to ask for help on how to go about the process.

DAY ONE

’Document Check’
The lady at the desk told me to go to the Document Checker after doing the following:
- Fill up two copies of the Application Form for the LTOPF, attach my 2” x 2” sized Identification (ID) pictures on it, and then have it notarized
- Photocopy ID documents, on separate papers
- Put all of the requirements on an envelope

License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) Requirements Process - December 2016

The requirements for the License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) as posted on December 2016 outside the Firearms and Explosives Divsion (FED) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

I went thru the process of acquiring a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and renew my Firearms Licenses recently, and it was one hell of a saga, hence I decided to go and blog about it. This will be the first of a couple of parts, probably three parts, we’ll see, and this first one covers only how I got the REQUIREMENTS, not the LTOPF itself, but just the requirements.

There are a couple of ways and outlets where one can go about getting these requirements, but I decided to just go directly to Camp Crame to make sure I followed the correct procedure, and hopefully to get it sooner also (how wrong I was, I found out later).

My Review of the Fab Defense Glock TacticSkin and Recoil Spring Buffer Part One

Right Side view of my Glock 22 with the Fab Defense TacticSkin.

Ever since Fab Defense released the Glock TacticSkin Slide Cover I think around last year, I have always wanted to have one, and I finally was able to acquire it recently.

'Unboxing'
In the tradition of those "unboxing" videos and pictures prevalent now in the internet for Gadgets and just about everything else, here is my unboxing picture of the TacticSkin. The package came with the following items:
- Clear, resealable bag
- Manufacturer's logo and promotional material on a cardboard rectangle
- The TacticSkin itself
- Recoil Spring Buffer
- Ultimate Arms Gear Sticker

The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act Senate Bill No. 3397

It looks like the Anti-Gun lobby won a major, MAJOR victory for Gun Control under the PNoy Administration. One big problem with PNoy is that his financial backers, among them the rich and powerful Ayala clan, have Anti-Gun sentiments. In fact, rumors has it that Anti-Gun Advocates like Nandy Pacheco and his group has been pestering the Administration for tighter gun control laws as soon as he first stepped into office.

Now it looks like they finally got their wish thru the Administration's allies in the legislature, who has come up with the with the "Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act Senate Bill No. 3397". Here is a direct link to a copy of the law itself in full for everyone's reference: http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/1507312687!.pdf

While everyone was talking and arguing about the Reproductive Health (RH) and Cyber Crime Bills, it seems the legislature quietly worked on this bill and got under everybody's radar as it has now PASSED BOTH houses as of February 5, 2013. There was NO NEWS of President Aquino vetoing this bill, so I ASSUME that this has NOW PASSED INTO LAW as our laws states that any bill passed by both houses and not vetoed after 30 days automatically becomes law. 30 days after February 5, 2013 was March 7, 2013, or around 2 months ago.

My Review of the KCI 31-round .40 caliber Magazine

The highest capacity magazines in .40 Caliber that Glock offers is only 22 rounds, so if you are looking for more than that you will need to at other manufacturers like KCI and their 31-round magazines. I got mine from a local source for only P2,500, much cheaper than the high-capacity magazines sold by Glock.

'Appearance and Finish'
The magazine's finish initially looks good, but if you look closer, you will see evidence of flashes on some areas. The material also seems to be different, or at least the "blend" is different compared to the original Glock Magazines. The Glock magazines have somewhat lighter, almost grayish color, while these magazines have a semi-gloss black color.

Appearance-wise, the main difference this magazine has compared to the factory magazine is the checkering on the sides of the magazines on the area starting from the bottom of the magazine well to the baseplate. I don't really like them that much, it sort of makes the magazine look a bit cheap. In terms of overall appearance, I prefer and find the factory Glock magazines to be better aesthetically.

Gun Envy: Tracking Point's Precision Guided Firearms

I was hit with another case of Gun Envy when I read that a company named "Tracking Point" has just announced a new class of firearms it calls "Precision Guided Firearms (PGF)". In simplest terms, these are basically firearms made to function similar to a video game. For more detailed information about these PGFs, refer to this excellently written article: Bullseye from 1,000 yards: Shooting the $17,000 Linux-powered rifle

I am just going to give my personal opinions, observations and views about these firearms as the above article already covered the technical details comprehensively. There has been similar systems in place over the years, I recall seeing one on the Discovery Channel's "Future Weapons" episode, for example, but none has been able to integrate digital technology to firearms as seamlessly and as smoothly as this one.


'Longbow and Crossbow Similarity'
The invention of these PGFs remind me of the history of the Longbow and the Crossbow. Longbows were THE penultimate range weapons in its day, but it had one main drawback, and that is was is difficult to master. The strings were hard to pull back, and as if that was not enough, you have to hold the weapon in tension as you aim it, before releasing it to its target.

My Review of the Fab Defense FGG-S-K

'Model Confusion'

Before anything else, let me just warn everyone that I find the details for the FGG-S-K to be highly confusing. I bought the grip from the Zahal.org website, and there the model description is the "FGG-S-K", but the actual product in picture is actually the "FGG-K" (click on the link below to access the page):
- http://www.zahal.org/products/tactical-expandable-folding-grip

"FGG-K" I presume means "Folding Grip Glock - KPOS" because it is used mainly with the KPOS Carbine Conversion Kits that Fab Defense also sells. The difference between the "FGG-S-K" and the "FGG-K" is that the former has a protrusion that allows it to index to the lower side of the frame and the front of the trigger guard. The "FGG-K" lacks this feature, and looks "cleaner" in appearance.

I also have a hard time finding any official and direct reference to the "FGG-S-K", even from the Fab Defense website, or its sister companies (CAA Tactical and Mako Group). So right now, I don't even know exactly what "FGG-S-K" stands for. I like products from Fab Defense, I have used a lot of it on my Glock, and they have all been quite satisfactory. So it sorts of mystifies me as to why they end up with a mess like this. 

My Review of the Aimtech APM-1 Glock Mount Part One

'Optic Sight Mount Selection'
There are about a dozen or so different designs from different manufacturers of Optic Sight Mounts for Glock Pistols, but I decided on the Aimtech APM-1 Mount as my preferred one for a number of reasons. The first and main reason is that it is a STATIC mount, meaning it is independent of the movement of the slide. The previous mount I used for my Burris Fast Fire 3 was a Slide Mount, but over time I discovered some issues with that type of mount after firing a couple of hundred rounds in full auto with it. I plan to discuss this more in detail at a future date somewhere in my blog, but suffice to say for now I decided to use one that would not require the FF3 to be mounted on top of the slide itself.

The second reason is the fact that it leaves the Glock's frame rails free for use with other accessories. Most Glock Optic Mount designs use the frame rails to anchor on to, but I use Vertical Front Grips (VFGs) on my Glock, hence I wanted that rail free. Some mounts that use the rail also allow VFGs to be mounted on them, but I found these to be ineffective (again, further discussion on my blog at a future date). The APM-1 uses the Trigger Pin and Trigger Housing Pin to anchor on to, leaving the rails free for use.

The third reason is that it anchors itself to two points (as mentioned earlier), making for a much more secure attachment. Be careful of using mounts that secure itself to only one point (i.e., like those using the Frame Rails only) as they are less secure and will likely tend to move around during actual firing and/or handling. Here is a close look at the mounting pins as they are attached to the frame.

My First Encounter with the .22 TCM

I was doing some shooting at our local shooting range with some acquaintances a day before the Election Gun Ban, when suddenly I hear these faint, booming sounds thru my protective ear piece, coupled with concussion on my chest from the adjoining bay.

"Oh, good", I thought, someone is shooting a .44 Magnum caliber firearm. So I turn around to look. That's when I found something strange - The shooter was using a 1911 pistol, and as far as I know, the .44 Magnum has not been chambered for a 1911 pistol. Various confusing thoughts crossed my mind, like, could it possibly be some sort of new version of a Wildey I don't know about yet? Or a Coonan?

Then I looked at the target paper, and there were small holes in it, and from that I figured, large fireball, concussive sound, but small caliber, "Ah, the (in)famous .22 TCM" round. 

Gun Envy: Grand Power K105R Machine Pistol

I was going around Youtube when I came across this video of a little known, modern Machine Pistol: The Grand Power K105R

I was immediately hit with an extreme case of Gun Envy, mainly because of the gun's controllability at full-auto, shot in FREE HAND (i.e., no Forward Vertical Grip, no Shoulder Stock, etc.). Having some experience with shooting my Glock 22 in full auto mode, I knew this was something special.

Despite the adding a Shoulder Stock, Vertical Grip and DPM Recoil Reduction System, the Glock 22's recoil at full auto is still relatively considerable, definitely not anywhere near that of a full-pledged Sub Machine Gun. So when I saw the K105R in full auto at freehand with low recoil, I thought, wow, this is something I've always wanted my Glock 22 to be as a Machine Pistol, but which I could not do.

Using Light Striker Springs on Glocks

Update History:
- Original posted January 6, 2013
- Updated January 19, 2013, add note on use of lightened and extended Strikers
-------------------

In an effort to lighten the trigger of my Glock 22, I have been using a lighter Striker Spring on the unit for the last couple of months, and I just found out lately that using such results in a long-term reliability issue, as I will explain in detail.

'Light Striker Spring'
To lighten the trigger pull of a Glock, there are a couple of ways you can do so, and all involves a simple replacement of parts. You can lighten the Trigger Connector to the most common 3.5 lbs. from the standard 5 lbs; You can also lighten the Safety Plunger Spring. However, the one that will result in the biggest improvement in trigger weight is the use of lighter Striker Springs. 

My CZ-75B Omega Review

Growing up, the CZ-75 has been one of my "fantasy" guns. I remember going to the gun shows, always trying out one and being constantly amazed by its ergonomics. The grip is not only "shaped", is it SCULPTED to fit one's hand with utmost comfort. It was as if each gun was made specifically just to fit my hand, which is of course preposterous, but speaks volumes of the guns ergonomics.

Its all-steel construction gives it a nice "feel" and heft also, it is a finely balanced or weighed gun. My brother got issued with the CZ-75B Omega version of the CZ-75, and I got to shoot about 50 rounds thru it at a shooting range.

'Trigger System'
The CZ-75B Omega is basically a typical CZ-75B, the only main difference meriting its "Omega" designation is the fact that the trigger system has been reworked by the factory to make smoother than the standard model. Externally it looks exactly the same as the standard model, and the only way to tell the difference is by the Omega symbol on the slide markings. The trigger is supposed to come as close as possible to a custom trigger job.

My Review of the Lone Wolf .40 Cal Compensator for Glocks

I got the Lone Wolf .40 Caliber Compensator for Glock pistols a couple of months ago mainly for use to help control recoil at full-auto. Aesthetically, the compensator looks great, giving the gun an exotic, space gun like look to it. The sharp edges also seem to make it look intimidating, and in my personal opinion, just helps in making the gun look very nice. 

Bottom view of the Lone Wolf .40 cal Compensator

Side view of the Lone Wolf .40 cal Compensator

My M4-Based SBR Build: On Hold Indefinitely

A couple of people have been following and asking about the status of my M4 Rifle build, hence I have decided to give this update. As of this writing, I have put my M4 Rifle build on indefinite hold, mainly because of problems acquiring the two most critical parts of the rifle: The bare Lower Receiver, and the Barrel.

I was set to get these two items from Twin Pines, as they were offering the cheapest price for them that I know of (brand new, anyway). Their casted, bare Lower Receiver costs only Php 15,000 (approximately Usd 365), while their 7.5" barrel made by Dassan of South Korea costs only Php 9,000 (approximately Usd 220).

Initially, they told me that to get these two items, I would only need licensing requirements for a High Powered Rifle (HPR), plus licensing fee of Php 7,500 (approximately Usd 180). So a couple of months ago, I prepared the requirements (National Bureau of Investigation Clearance, which I fortunately had one ready at that time, Proof of Employment as Overseas Filipino Worker, etc.), and the funds, and proceeded to get the items from them.

My Review of the Burris Fast Fire 3 Part Three

'Batteries, and Battery Life'
One problem with these Reflex Sights as opposed to iron sights is that they use batteries, which are consumable, and therefore have limited lifespans. Since I bought the unit in May 2012, I have had two battery changes already. The first battery change came a month after I bought it. I think the reason why the battery life was so short, was because the battery that came with the unit was the generic, unmarked made-in-china type of battery.

The battery needed for the unit was the CR1632, and after the generic china battery, I bought a branded Panasonic battery for the unit for P50 each at one of the kiosks in the malls specializing in batteries. The Panasonic battery lasted about 5 months of fairly heavy use, until it gave out last week (October 2012). 

Generic CR1632 battery on the left, compared with the Panasonic version

Lone Wolf Glock 22 Barrel Chamber Reaming

'Reaming the Chamber of My Lone Wolf Barrel'
I detailed my problems with using reloads on my Lone Wolf barrels in an earlier blog, ("The Truth About Lone Wolf Barrels for Glock"), and it took me awhile to correct the problem mainly because I had a bit of trouble finding a local Gunsmith who could do it. I went to four different Gunsmiths, and only one was able to do it.

To correct the issue, what needed to be done was to ream to widen the chamber of the barrel to approximate the dimensions of the stock Glock barrels as Lone Wolf barrels have smaller chamber dimensions. The smaller dimensions result in Failure To Feed (FTF) issues when using reloads that would otherwise function perfectly with stock Glock barrels.

Of the three who weren't able to do it (which shall remain unnamed as of now), one said there is no need for it as the barrel would widen up on its own (but after a couple of hundred rounds, that didn't happen); Another didn't even know that such procedure could be done; And the third was hesitant to do it, saying the chamber might become oversized. Seeing that they did not have the experience to do the job, I just decided not to let them do it.

My M4-Based SBR Build: Sighting System

The third assembly or system I have completed on my M4-Based SBR build is the sighting system. Rifles will be largely useless without a sighting system, and I have chosen to use an Optic sight for my main sighting system, and Iron Sights as back up. 

Total price was at Php 12,154 (approximately Usd 289), which I think is just about the same in the US, based on the prices of similar items that I have looked at in the internet being sold there.

‘Parts Breakdown and Details'
Here is a breakdown of the parts of the system, and posted alongside each are the prices and where I bought them (note that all the prices included Shipping Costs wherever they apply. If the parts came with multiple shipments, I just divided the Shipping Costs with the number of items that arrived):
- Burris Fast Fire 2 Reflex Sight, P 6,000 (Online, Philippine Pistol Forum)
- Picatinny Protector for Fast Fire 2 Matte Black, P 4,202 (Online, Ebay.ph -from US location)
- 45 Degree Offset Back Up Iron Sights, P 1,952 (Online, Ebay.ph - from US location)

My M4-Based SBR Build: Upper Receiver Assembly

I have completed the second assembly for my M4-Based SBR build, and it is the Upper Receiver Assembly. Total price was at Php 22,466 (approximately Usd 535). Again, by US standards, it is shockingly expensive, as it is almost the price of some basic M4 Rifles I have seen on US websites. 

But that is life here in the Philippines, where owning firearms is not a right but a privillege, meaning only those who can afford can legally get one.

‘Parts Breakdown and Details'
Here is a breakdown of the parts of the assembly, and posted alongside each are the prices and where I bought them (note that all the prices included Shipping Costs wherever they apply. If the parts came with multiple shipments, I just divided the Shipping Costs with the number of items that arrived):
- Elisco Bolt Carrier Group (BCG), Php 6,800 (Online, Philippine Pistol Forum)
- Rock Island Armory M16 Upper Receiver, Php 12,000 (Twin Pines MCS)
- Ejection Port Cover Assembly, Php 1,100 (Final Option SM Megamall Gun Show)
- Forward Assist Assembly with Round Handle and Roll Pin, Php 916 (Online, Ebay.ph from US location)
- Charging Handle Assembly with Tactical Latch 1, Php 1,650 (Online, Ebay.ph from US location)

My Review of the Pachmayr Tactical Grip Glove for Full-Sized Glocks

I was thinking of trying out some of those Rubber Decal Grip Stickers on my Glock 22, but then I noticed that Rubber Slip-On Grips more or less accomplish the same thing. Because of this, I decided to try one out instead. 

'Slip-On Grip Choices'
When it comes to these rubber slip-on grips, there are basically only two major brands for it: Hogue, and Pachmayr. I chose the Pachmayr over the Hogue mainly because of the type of rubber used. These two manufacturers use different types of rubber raw materials and/or blends, and their grips end up with slightly different properties.

Hogue has this sort of "wet" type of rubber that tends to stick into your hands better, but feels a bit messy or "juicy" to me. I got to handle one a lot before on my father's 1911, and I didn't like it very much. Pachmayr, on the other hand, uses a "drier" type of rubber that doesn't stick to your hand as much, which for me is better.