New DTI Web-Page Feature

28 June 09 DTI Web Page: On our Web Page (defense-training.com), we now have a quick Google custom search-bar at the bottom of the main page. This function only searches the DTI site and returns results for the schedule, class descriptions and all Quips, as far back as 1998. This addition is the result of numerous requests. I trust readers will find it useful for locating comments on specific topics. Guns and Warriors, Vol II, in book form, will be out sometime in 2010. /John

Comments on Ammunition

28 June 09 Ammunition durability, from a noted Armorer: "Duty pistol ammunition, where bullets get pushed back into cases after repeated feeding, is a common problem, and there is no real solution, except to shoot regularly! After many discussions with ATK, Winchester, Cor-Bon, and other large manufacturers of small-arms ammunition, all agree that most small-arms ammunition is intended to be cycled only two times! That includes handgun and rifle ammunition. After two cycles, expect the bullet to start pushing back. We must all thus be a diligent and insure our carry ammunition gets inspected and 'rotated' (ie: fired) regularly. The alternative is facing the distinct possibility of a failure to feed when we really need to shoot someone! Repeatedly cycling (unloading and reloading, without firing) the same round of ammunition is a recipe for disaster. Be warned! Adding to the problem:

Here in the New York area, there is no 380 Auto nor 45ACP to be had at stores anywhere. Anyone with a 380 Auto or 45ACP pistol is relegated to imposing upon friends, in order to secure a box here and there. The situation with 9mm, 38Spl, 40S&W, 357SIG, and 45GAP isn't much better!" Comment: Who has waited until now to get prepared will have great difficulty indeed! /John

Rifles for Bodyguards

28 June 09 Rifles for Bodyguards, comments from a friend in the System: "Many of us here at DOD are currently using rifles, in addition to pistols, while doing protection details, both in-Country and in CONUS. We used to be limited to some MP5 variant, but we're now all using M4s. I currently run a high-risk detail on a four-star, and we're all equipped with M4s. The problem is, given its design, when low-profile is required, we have to carry our M4s disassembled in order to keep from bearing obvious weapons cases. We still have them with us, but getting them into action quickly is a non-starter! Most times, we're in-Country, so profile is not an issue. We would all like RA/XCRs in either 7.62x39 or 6.8SPC, so we could actually shoot through things! And, the XCR's folding stock would make rifles, even when in low-profile, fast into action. In any event, any rifle is superior to any pistol, particularly when threats are, as we increasingly see: (1) In excess of fifteen meters, and (2) Increasingly showing up wearing soft body-armor and helmets!" Comment: Signs of the times! /John