5 Arrows Tactical Training
5 Arrows Tactical Training February Newsletter
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Body Armor
Upcoming Class Schedule
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Issue: #14February / 2012
Greetings!

We are finally getting into the swing of things for the New Year around here at 5 Arrows Tactical Training.  The class schedule is filling up, more and more private classes for people, and we are adding things that you guys have been asking for.  In the March / April timeframe we will be adding the classes out in Las Vegas for those that are interested in those classes.  
 
At the time I am writing this, I shortly returned from the SHOT show in Las Vegas.  Great time getting to talk to business partners, friends, and making new business contacts and friends.  All of this will benefit you, the student, with new offers, new classes, and improved training.
 
The article is on body armor, which is something I did quite a bit of homework on recently and also recently purchased.  Some of you have expressed an interest in this subject so enjoy the article. 
Body Armor          
 
Defensive Combat
For Christmas I asked for body armor on my wish list.  My wife ended up getting it for me.  But before I decided to buy, I had to do my homework on just what I wanted.  The picture to the right of this article is yours truly wearing my Christmas gift!  
 
The National Institute for Justice (NIJ) is the one that decides the testing criteria for the various levels.  Below is a summary of what those are currently:
 
Level II - 9mm FMJ at 1175 feet per second (fps) and .357 JSP at 1400 fps
 
Level IIIa - .44 Magnum Semi-jacketed Hollow point at 1400fps
 
Rifle Armor is Level III and Level IV 
 
Level III - .308 Winchester FMJ 6 rounds within 6 inches at 2750 fps
 
Level IV - .30-06 Armor Piercing 2850 fps (one round only)
 
Notice the Level III requires the armor to sustain 6 hits within a 6 inch circle and the Level IV only requires the armor to stop one hit.  The armor I chose is by Steel Defender and it is rated to Level III and uses steel plates.  At a very good price point and a lifetime warranty it seemed like a no brainer.  The vest weighs in at around 19 lbs, but after wearing it around the house for a while you get used to the weight.  Many people are keeping this by the bedside in case they have to investigate the bump in the night.  
 
An interesting tidbit is that body armor is legal to own and use in all 50 states.  That being said, many of the states will add extra counts if you are caught wearing body armor while committing other crimes, so be sure to do your homework.  My goal within the next few weeks is to take out some spare plates sent to me by Steel Defender to test out against various rounds and to make a video of that shoot.  Should be a lot of fun!
 
As you search on body armor, you will find there are a ton of different options out there.  Steel plates, ceramic plates, polyethelene, plate carriers, soft vests, etc.   Do your homework, decide your price point, and figure out your use case.   Ceramic plates can crack, soft armor is lighter but rated lower, polyethelene is very expensive, etc.  The guys at BulletProofMe.com have a lot of knowledge and have been very willing to talk on the phone about the various things you can choose from as well.  As always, if you have questions, I am happy to help out as well.

Upcoming Class Schedule
Combat Shooting
Below is the schedule of the upcoming classes that are currently scheduled:

Utah / Florida / Virginia / Oregon / Arizona CCW Class - February 4th - San Dimas, CA - This class meets your training requirement to be able to carry concealed in 34+ states.  Class starts at 9am and will be done at 1pm.  Cost is $75, which is payable by cash, check, money order, or credit card.  Most of you have taken this class and have referred others.  Reserve your spot for this class by February 2nd at 5pm. 

 

Tactical / Self-Defense Pistol - February 18th - Burro Canyon Shooting Park  - Have you only been shooting on a square range?  Maybe you have always had an interest to do shooting and moving?  What about holster work?  Want to know how to clear your own home?  Ever done any work with a flashlight / low light?  All of that can be learned in this class.  This is a great learning class and a lot of fun.  Cost for this class is $120 which is payable by cash, check, or money order; sorry no credit cards as I have no way to process them up at the range.   Students will need a folding chair, weather appropriate clothing, drinks / snacks, 300+ rounds of ammo, pistol, holster, and eye / ear protection.

 

 Tactical Carbine with Sidearm - February 25th - Burro Canyon Shooting Park - Do you own a carbine and want to use it for self-defense or know how to utilize it to it's fullest potential? Then come on out for this class! It is designed as an intermediate level class that will not only teach you the basics but will work you on advanced concepts as well. Transitions between the carbine and sidearm, reloads, working near and far targets, unorthdox shooting positions, and low light techniques are just a few of the items to be covered. Cost for the class is $140 which is payable by cash, check, or money order. Sorry no credit cards as I have no way to process them up at the range. Reserve your spot in the class by February 4th at 5pm. Once you reserve your spot the rest of the details will be sent to you.

 

Tactical / Self-Defense Pistol - Level 2 - March 10th - Burro Canyon Shooting Park - Many of you have been waiting for this course for quite some time, and now here it is! Tactical Pistol - Level 2 takes the items learned in Tac Pistol - Level 1 to the next level. Things such as multiple transistions, unorthodox shooting positions, weak hand only reloads, weak hand only misfire clearing drills, more low light with reloads, team drills, protection drills, etc are all included in this drill. Students will need 350+ rounds of ammunition, eye / ear protection, drinks / snacks, weather appropriate clothing (we shoot rain or shine), chair, and sunscreen. Cost for the course is $120 which is payable by cash, check, or money order; sorry no credit cards as I have no way to process them up at the range. Pre-requisite for this course is having completed the level 1 course or an equivalent course. Reserve your spot in this class by Feb. 25th at 5pm.

 

Tactical Shotgun with Sidearm - March 24th - Burro Canyon Shooting Park - Do you have a shotgun for home defense use? Ever wanted to learn how to use it effectively for self-defense or house clearing? Then come on out for this class! This class is considered an intermediate level class. Students will learn rapid reloading, transitions from shotgun to sidearm and back, weapon retention, and low light techniques. Students will need 10 slugs, 10 00 buck rounds, and approximately 150 rounds of birdshot, and 150 rounds of handgun ammunition, holster, eye / ear protection, a sling on the shotgun with an 18" barrel, weather appropriate clothing, drinks / snacks, and a chair. Cost for this class is $140 which is payable by cash, check, or money order; sorry no credit cards as I have no way to handle them up at the range. Reserve your spot in this class by March 10th at 5pm.

 

Tactical Medical / Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) - May 5th - San Dimas, CA - Are you someone who wants to learn how to save a life? Do you hunt or travel in the outdoors? What about going to the range? Does your family go camping? How prepared are you to handle medical care in these type of scenarios? This is a unique chance to learn from those that do this for a living under fire on a daily basis. In the course of one day you will be taught by Los Angeles Sheriff Special Enforcement Bureau (SWAT) that all have 25+ years of experience and at least 10 years on the SWAT team. They are the best of the best and train others around the world. I have personally worked with and trained with a number of these individuals and cannot recommend them highly enough. The class will be lecture, hands on, scenario based training, and other vital information necessary to perform under stress. Every student will receive their own Tactical Medical Kit as part of the course fee. Cost for the course is $300 which is payable in cash only. Lunch and afternoon snacks are also being provided as part of the course. Space is limited to the first 25 that sign up for the class. Reserve your spot in the class by April 20th at 5pm. The class will be held in San Dimas, CA and details will be provided when you reserve your space in the class. The life you save might be your own.
I look forward to seeing you guys at the upcoming classes.  Watch the newsletter and website for updates on business partners headed your way.  It really was a great time at the SHOT show and I know that you will benefit from it.  Stay safe and in condition yellow. 

Sincerely,

 


Darren Harlow - Primary Instructor
5 Arrows Tactical Training