Redback One Combat Pistol Sights

Our custom designed RB1 Combat Pistol Sights are now in production and should be ready in a few weeks. At this time they will only be available for Glock model handguns however, we may expand the line based upon demand.

These sights have been the product of several months of T&E to find the perfect match of height, width and depth to produce a pair of combat sights that shoot Point Of Aim/Point Of Impact at all ranges out to 100m.

Special thanks to Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance for taking on this project and getting the sights to production.

I will have more information regarding Specs and pricing soon. To reserve your set of RB1 Combat Pistol Sights please email me with your request. JF

Physical Fitness & Nutrition

A few years ago I was training twice a day seven days a week, I was on a great nutritional plan designed by a professional nutritionist, seeing a sports therapist on a regular basis for massage therapy and had a physical therapist on standby for any injuries. I was playing Australian Rules Football (AFL) at a professional level and was a team member of one of the best counter terrorist units in the world. I was is in peak physical condition and feeling great.

When I discharged from the military and arrived in the U.S, I tried to maintain this training regime and eating plan. During the first year I was able to keep up the fitness with regular visits to the 'gun shop' and plenty of pounding pavement. The one thing that I was struggling with was the nutrition! I was bombarded with fast food, eating out, too much processed foods and way too much saturated fat.

The one thing that I noted was how difficult it was to buy everything that I wanted from one supermarket! I had to drive to sometimes three different supermarkets just to buy what I needed. One didn't have very good fresh produce, the other didn't have very good fresh lean beef. This was very frustrating and made shopping days difficult.

Being a civilian, managing a business and balancing a family, I find that time is my worst enemy. It's hard to eat clean every day because of such a busy lifestyle. I have fallen fowl to a cheese burger and nacho cheese on a far too regular basis.

I don't think that I am on my own here, so I thought that I'd write some notes on some good PT workouts that gets results and for the most part are low impact, so joints will be preserved. I will also cover some good clean eating tips that will help the waistline!

Most of what I will write is either common sense or proven methods that I have not designed. I find that he biggest problem with fitness and clean eating is US! We make too many excuses for why we can't do it rather than reasons why we should do it. Then we look in the mirror and say "I should go on a diet!" or "I really need to work out!"

Eating 101

The first thing you need to do is clean out the pantry! Get rid of anything that will contribute to your physical demise! If you don't have it, you won't eat it! Keep the kids healthy too, they don't need ten different types of high fat cereals or snacks either. Keep plenty of yogurt, bananas, berries, and juice. No soda! I will cover what supplements are worth investing money on later also.

PT 101

Start to plan now for your PT sessions. Keep it at the same time everyday, make it part of your day and treat it like a business meeting and you have to attend! Log it into you electronic diary so that you don't forget about it. Have your PT gear ready and any other equipment for your training. Most of us have bits and pieces of home gym type equipment at the house and that's what you will need for the training that I will outline. If you have a gym membership and go, you can do all of these workouts also.

There will be more to follow!

JF

Redback One - SWAT Magazine Cover & Article

We recently had Ed Lawrence one of SWAT Magazines writers attend one of our 3-Day Tactical Pistol Carbine courses. Ed called me prior to the class and asked if I was interested in the possibility of getting the course covered in SWAT Mag. I was pretty excited about this opportunity as I have been a fan of SWAT Magazine for about 20 years! I remember driving across the city of Melbourne Australia to a local news stand that sold the magazine to pick up a copy every month. At that time I was a fresh faced 18 year old looking to join the Army!

After the course concluded I spoke to Ed on several occasions clearing up some doubtful points regarding the course curriculum and in-particular our training methodology and what we call our 'Y-Factor' the reason WHY we do what we do.

Not only did the article turn out great but we also made the cover!

The guys at SWAT Magazine sent us the link to the article as a sneak-peak. To read the article please click on the link below.

http://digital.swatmag.com/SWAT/2011/SWAT1108/?BuildGuid=8381791a-c090-49b0-8c3b-2fcaf7ef996d

Shooting 'Molly-dooker'!

In the tactical shooting world there are seldom times that a right handed shooter needs to be a 'molly-dooker' (Australian slang) or left handed. So why are more and more shooting instructors, me included, teaching this low percentage skill to our modern war fighters? Surely it makes more sense to train someone to a better standard on their natural side rather than spend time trying to teach them to become a left hander, right!?

Well, it's partly true. It definitely makes a lot of sense to train someone to a higher standard on the natural side before training them to become a steely eyed freedom fighter on their non-master or support side.

So when would I ever need to switch the gun to my non-master side? And even if I did, why would I need to do it so fast?

These are the typical questions that I get asked when training students on this advanced technique. The answer though really lies with the task that needs to be performed by the individual or the unit. For example, an assault team that is dynamically entering a structure using the principle of speed to their advantage in order to maximize surprise, left handed techniques will seldom if ever apply. This is due to the short duration of the mission and use of overwhelming force ratios. This type of approach is frequently used also during hostage rescue or recovery type operations.

But, with the emergence of new enemy tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) designed to combat our modern warfare doctrine, we the good guys need to adapt and develop new TTPs or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to counter our enemies. This struggle or tug-of-war as it were, has been going on for centuries.

How this relates to being a 'molly-dooker' is this. Being able to safely handle and operate the weapon on both sides of the body confidently, provides the shooter with added security when performing CQB/MOUT (Close Quarters Battle/Military Operations in Urban Terrain). Being able to switch the weapon from natural to support shoulder, mount the weapon and accurately engage a target quickly and decisively is a real advantage to the shooter. Shooting from the support shoulder and from support side cover will provide the shooter with more security as he will be less exposed to the threat. These types of scenarios typically present themselves during urban warfare or MOUT operations. Support side shooting techniques can provide the commander with added force protection and flexibility, allowing him to clear enemy held strongholds more methodically while ensuring that the security and protection of his men is still maintained. This is particularly useful when conducting night operations using NVG's and Lasers.

There is another reason for shooting left handed, and that is to maintain combat effectiveness while injured. In line with the principles of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), if injured during combat operations, an individual should apply self aid and attempt to regain the initiative and continue the fight if possible. In situations like this, the shooter may need to employ the primary weapon from the support side should he sustain injuries precluding him from using his natural side.

Some of our advanced weapons manipulations training will involve the students handling and operating the weapon with the support hand and shooting from the support shoulder. This training includes support hand manipulations where the student will need to rectify malfunctions and reload the weapon using only the support hand.

We always stress the necessity for speed and accuracy of movement during the drills. This is to breed the instinctive nature of weapon handling and shows us that the student has in fact learnt the drill, committed the sequence to the subconscious and is able to perform the drill on demand under stress.

Flashlight position & mounting options for your M4

I get asked a lot about where to mount your flashlight to your rifle. I also get asked about mounting options. So I thought that I would drag out some of my SF lights with different mounting options and show you how I mount mine. I am currently running a Centurion Arms full Mil-Spec Cabine. It has a 16" cold hammer forged barrel, covered by a DD M4A1 rail.

I always say that there is never a perfect set up. You will always have to compromise on something. You will always have to give up something to get something. So if you are struggling with the perfect set, just realize that everything is normal. Always remember that if it's tactical, it's not comfortable!

Figure-1

Figure 1 shows my laser (LD D-BAL A2) positioned on the 12 o'clock rail and close to the front sight post so the illuminator beam is not interrupted by the sight housing. My flashlight, in this case a 'V' series SF scout light, positioned on the 3 o'clock rail and forward to minimize shadow created by the light hitting the weapon.

I activate the flashlight by pressing the tape switch velcroed to the rail between the 3/6 rail with my support fingers. My laser switch is mounted in the opposite rail, 12/9 and is activated by my support thumb.

I find this to be the best mounting solution for both laser and flashlight as it is very intuitive and allows the user to shoot day and night while activating both laser and light with the same grip. The grip forms an integral part of the recoil management system and should not be compromised to access controls.

Figure-2

Figure 2 shows (4) different mounting options for your flashlight. The 'V' series light uses the proprietary SF QD rail grabber. I have rotated mine around so that it does not irritate my support hand. I always use an IR cover (figure-3)or black cover on all of my light to prevent white light ADs or to ensure that there is no reflection from sunlight creating shine and reflecting back towards the enemy. Another reason I keep a cover over the lens is so that is does not get blacked out by the muzzle blast.

Figure-3

The next light is a SF mini scout light and the body has been replaced by an S&S Precision IMF Hinged mount. This is an early model and the new ones are made from one piece of aluminum. This mount allows the light to be mounted to the rail so that the light sits between rail segments and keeping it as close as possible to the gun.

The third light is a SF scout light with another S&S Precision low pro mount designed specifically for the HK 416. This version like the previous is designed to have the light as tightly as possible to the weapon, keeping it very slick and tight!

The last light is again a SF scout with the standard thumb screw SF mount that comes with the unit.

My preference is still a tap switch over most others and to me honest my favorite switch of all time is the rubber SF on/off switch from the Classic series that I had on my MP5. Sometimes you need constant on!

Figure-4

For more information please visit the following websites:

www.surefire.com

www.sandsprecision.com

www.tnvc.com

www.centurionarms.com

Redback One Training Trip

A recent whirl wind trip across the U.S took Redback One to El Paso, TX for the 2011 SOG Border Security Conference. We invited SORD USA to join us at the booth to display the latest range of tactical nylon products that included the RB1 Elite Series product range. On the second day we were able to demonstrate our training methodology through a series of live fire drills at McGregor Range Complex. We gave demonstrations of our square range techniques of andvanced weapons manipulation then two live fire demonstrations of Combat Clearance and Hostage Rescue in the Shoothouse. Everyone was suitably impressed with the demonstrations.

From there, it was off to California for the 2-Day Advanced Tactical Carbine course, held at the Eagles Nest range in Angeles, CA. Despite the high winds during the first day, the students had a great time learning advanced weapons manipulations and tactical movement techniques that concluded in a run and gun stress course that incorporated plenty of running, assembling weapons, medium range targets at 150m standing, 225m targets kneeling and 300m targets prone, followed by two surprise targets in the low ground at 100m and 175m. Both of these targets had to be engaged with rifle then with pistol during a change over drill.

From there is was a reload on the run to a support shoulder clearance and engage a close range target from the support shoulder, a quick switch back to strong side and sprint down range to engage an IDPA target with a 6 round cadence drill. High port turn and go, back up range 55m to a prone support side shot onto another IPDA target to finish.

Everyone did a great job completing the course of fire with some really great times that had me putting in the big ones to ensure that I stayed head of the course.

At the completion of the course several of the students went out for an end of course dinner at which we all heard the news of the demise of UBL. There was plenty of celebratory drinks all round!

The next day was a slight change of gears and a change of curriculum for the 2-Day Tactical Carbine Course for Brea SWAT at the Prado Shooting Center in Chino, CA. We had several departments attend this course due to the multi-jurisdictional team. We also had some patrol officers on the course too. The interesting point on this course was that all students arrived with the HK G36 carbine or rifle. There were a couple of shooters that were using M4's also. So I strapped a G36R to my back to ensure that I was able to demonstrate all drills with both M4 and G36.

Everyone learnt plenty of new tricks and tweaked pre-existing skills with the advanced weapons concepts that we put out on our training courses.

We finished up around 1830. I quickly grabbed a shower and change of clothes then off to LAX for the red-eye to Washington DC to prepare for a high level security presentation for an elite group of influential women operating business' in the DC area. This was a change of gears, swapping guns, armor and multicam for a pin strip business suit and tie.

The presentation was a great success for our company's latest addition RB1 Consulting. This side of the business offers security services covering a wide spectrum from Mission Analysis, Risk Assessment, Advisory Services, Provisional services including boots-on-the-ground and full spectrum equipment procurement.

We are very pleased to include former Tier 1 U.S Army Special Operations personnel to the RB1 cadre staff to assist with both the operational and training sides of Redback One. More on this later.

My assessment, opinion and conclusion of Colt's 6920 LE carbine.

I just finished up teaching my first carbine class in New York. The course was organized by Grey Group Training and was held at the Brookhaven Shooting Range in Long Island. I travelled light for this course leaving both my pistol and carbine behind. I arrived at my hotel in vicinity of the range and grabbed some shut eye after a dismal drive from New Jersey across the the Washington Bridge.

I was greeted at the range on Monday morning by my friend Dave V. who handed me a gun bag that contained the carbine that I was going to use throughout the course. I opened the bag and removed a brand spanking new Colt 6920. The last time I ran a Colt gun was when I in the Regiment back in Australia so I was really excited to shoot a one again. This gun was stock out of the box with a standard trigger, pistol grip, trigger guard and M4A1 butt-stock, A2 birdcage, LMT fixed rear sight on the flat top receiver with an Aimpoint Comp M2 to finish it off.

After we knocked out the mandatory power point lessons, we headed down to the range to zero the weapons. We had a full class with 21 shooters on the line and being a basic class there was plenty of coaching required to ensure that each shooter could meet the marksmanship standards for the course of a 1" group at 25m.

After a couple of trips back and forth to check targets and make bold adjustments to the sights, I was able to sneak in a quick group of own. I loaded a magazine containing 28 rounds of 55gr Federal LE BTHP's into the well lubricated 6920 with a 16" barrel. I dropped into the prone and tested and adjusted my position to ensure I had natural point of aim and loosed off 3 rounds down range. I checked safe, called the line cold and walked down to check my handy work with the class. I checked the zero target and saw the three holes grouped up a few inches from the intended point of impact. The group was pretty decent and measured less than a inch at the extreme spread. I made some quick adjustments to the M2 Aimpoint and went back to supervising the class. Once I was happy enough that the students were in the ball park at 25m, I moved them back to 50m to confirm that each shooter was point of aim/point of impact at 50m.

I snuck in another group, this time 10 rounds from 50m. One thing I really like about the 6920 was how soft it shoots. The 55gr bullets helped out a little too! I inspected the target at saw my group. Again another pretty good group that covered about 1.75". A few more trips down to targets and we were done with zeroing and moved onto more tactical applications of employing the weapons.

I ran the gun as hard as could during the course shooting loads of multiple round drills. The 6920 performed flawlessly without any malfunctions. I used the gun to demonstrate to the students methods to clear bolt override malfunctions. I saw the look on Dave's face as I collapsed the butt-stock and began to 'mortar' it into the earth. Luckily on this day the earth was soft and sandy, and even with plenty of dust dirt and debris the Colt still ran like a charm. I didn't oil it at all over the two days nor was it cleaned.

There is certainly something to be said about quality in this game of combat shooting. I truly believe in buying high quality brand name guns and quality ammunition. This combination will give you the best performance overall. During this course there were several students shooting NY compliant guns and others using LE guns. What I noticed was that the off brand guns and parts, cheap steel cased ammo and home built guns failed more than any other. There was even a POF that continued to malfunction due to a broken lug on the barrel extension causing continuous failures to feed.

One of the students had a stainless steel 'bull' barrel that gave him all sorts of problems too. In my opinion, a cold hammer forged barrel is the only way to go if you want to attend combat shooting courses. Stainless barrels may well have there application but not for combat shooting where you need to continually run magazines through it.

Overall, I was super happy with the Colt 6920. Even with the 7" RAS II on the front I didn't have any problems managing recoil during the 6 round cadence drills. I was easily able to shoot 6 rounds in 1.5 seconds from 7m inside a 7" circle.

If your looking to purchase a quality carbine that wont let you down on your next combat shooting course, you can't go past a Colt 6920.

Take care.