Range Time
Tested in a few other configurations using different suppressors, the Gemtech proved to be the best to date. It is neither too long, nor too heavy, and it allowed me to turn the gas down on the PWS to one stop short of off. Using an H buffer and Sprinco White spring, it never missed a beat. The new Barnes 120-gr. TSX proved incredibly accurate, and the Trijicon VCOG’s BDC reticle was dead on out to 500 meters, making it my first choice for self defense/duty. It was equally as accurate with Gemtech’s 125-gr. Nosler, an excellent hunting round. Loaded up with the Gemtech 147-grain FMJ for range time, it ran like crazy. Moving to the frangible, there was no change in point of impact, making it an easy transition when it was time to hit the range at Aegis.
Heliborne Assault
This particular class was a combination shake out and video event. Participants ranged from combat experienced Marines, to those never having touched a rifle before. We prepped for the helicopter, but also performed a number of drills to assist 5.11 media and Aegis with the completion of a promo video. It gave me some solid quality time on the rifle. Rapid fire it functioned perfectly, and engaging steel targets at 50 to 100 yards was just a matter of holding the dot dead on and bang, simple as that. Even at 200 yards it still hit using the 147- and 149-gr. bullets. The difference between 50 yards and 100 yards was all but non-existent. The Law Tactical folder stayed put, never came loose, and other than being able to fit it in the bag you forgot it was there.
After a couple days and a couple hundred rounds it was all about getting on the helicopter. Live fire on steel at ranges we might expect, all from a chair and at the proper 15-degree (minimum) angle. Moving between the VCOG and the MRDS it was just a matter of hold and shoot using the frangible. Once everyone was checked out in the chair we moved to an LZ and operated dry out of the little bird. Treated to a “check out” ride we were able to practice our position, as well as get treated to some seriously cool flight time. Any concerns about the pilots vanished—these guys were seriously good!
Up early the last day, the MK112 300 BLK was set up with four magazines of International Cartridge 149-gr. frangible, with it, my helmet and anything else needed for the live fire runs all fitting nicely in the Khard 60. After an exhilarating ten minutes or so on the way to the preparation area, the MK112 300 BLK was removed from the bag, loaded and test fired. Unfortunately, the MRDS was removed to accommodate the brass catcher, so the VCOG was on the spot. Optics are not the best thing for this mission, but the VCOG is about as good as they get.
