rlauferblog

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOST FROM MY SHOT SHOW 2018 REVIEW

As if going to SHOT wasn’t exciting already, I was thrilled to get into Doug Marcaida’s MyEdge seminar for 8 hours of training in knife fighting! Well actually the session was more than that…first we got to design our own knife, which they printed for us using 3D printers ahead of the training session, then we trained with not only Doug Marcaida but also Fred Mastro.

Some of you may know Doug Marcaida as one of the judges on Forged in Fire but he was well known as an edged weapon specialist in the knife community long before then.

Getting back to my knife design, I combined the blade and handle of two of my favourite knives, the REKAT Pocket Hobbit (which is based on the Bob Taylor Warrior) and the Emerson Karambit.

Here is the design that I submitted

And this is what they produced! I will have a knifemaker make me a real version 😊

We weren’t allowed to take pics of the actual training (they will send us a video including drone coverage) but I did manage to get a few good pics.

The venue for our training

Doug Marcaida

And btw, I got a chance to do a comparo pic at SHOW Show 2020!

Fred Mastro…i really like his “what works in the dojo does not work in the street” approach

ABS Mastersmith Jason Knight (who said my design is cool)

They also had knifemaker Charly Mann on hand forging a knife live.

Now for our swag.. 5.11 hat as Doug now represents the brand, foam and AKU Strike MIMIC electronic training knives, the later of which chirps when you stab or slash your training partner

Best of all, a signed Kali stick

All in all a phenomenal experience!

I first saw the Mossberg 940 JM PRO at SHOT Show 2020

Where I had the opportunity to speak with Gilles Stubbins, the Canadian rep as well as the two people who had considerable input into the design, champion shooters Jerry and Lena Miculek! (though very sadly I missed Jerry’s demo during Industry Day at the Range)

The re-designed 940 JM PRO has considerable advantages over the previous model that I saw on display at CSAAA 2020.

For example, both the fore-end and magwell have been completely redesigned to allow for quad reloads. Compared to the previous version, it also now has an adjustable length of pull and a cleaner running gas recoil management system that can go 1500 rounds before cleaning.

Many have been anxiously awaiting this gun to reach Canada and it is finally here! I was lucky enough to photograph one of the first 20 in the country at one of my favourite dealers, Select Shooting Supplies being one of the first.

With a Mossberg Nightstick for comparison

I like the full size Mossberg Retrograde and I think the look works well in the Shockwave style

More comparisons…my Wally Hayes Ninjato

And the original Unbreakable Umbrella lol

Now for some closeups (supported by Armageddon Gear Game Changer and Rear Squishy Bag)

I like the gold accents everywhere such as on the huge knurled bolt and bolt release as well as the safety and magazine cap.

Front sight (there is no rear)

Finally some in-hand pics…

Tom also saw it at SHOT Show and has been awaiting its Canadian arrival..i see one in his future

We didn’t get to shoot it today so we are really looking forward to doing so!

some people were asking about how the mag tube is plugged so i reached out to the Canadian Mossberg rep and got some pics for you…

So just to recap, the 940 JM PRO was great to handle…ultimately a shooting test will seal the deal. Given that Jerry and Lena use the 940, that test may not even be necessary lol.

RL

Given the government’s recent banning madness, I wanted to get something that has little chance of making it on the list (though you never know with this “so called” govt). I have always loved the FN PS90 so this one chambered in H20 was a no brainer!

While the 5.7 requires a PAL, as you can see on the box, this one is suitable for ages 8+, a perfect way to get new shooters into the sport.

The colour scheme is interesting, but I think it would be a disadvantage in a tactical situation.

Also, perhaps the Super Soaker marking is too aggressive….again, I am concerned that the government would consider this a “so called assault rifle”

Not sure what Fortnite is…perhaps some elite training academy like Blackwater or something?

Like its big brother, you load the ammo from the top however it is pump action rather then full or semi auto. Also, I have not taken it to the range yet so I don’t know how many shots you get from a full mag.

Compared to the 5.7, the H20 is MUCH smaller…

And as a result, very hard to get shouldered properly (at least for my frame).

Quite apart from the cost of entry (you could buy like 80 of these for the price of a 5.7), H20 is MUCH cheaper (and easier to find) than 5.7mm….stay tuned for a range report.

RL

First Visit to the New Store!

Well Dean wasn’t kidding when he said the new space is 5 times the size of the old one… it is huge!

Gotta respect that social distancing

The store has everything to outfit the shooter from head to toe…including eyes

Ears…

I did pick up a pair of the Decibullz custom molded ear plugs and am anxious to try them out

And for your hands, Mechanix gloves

And Original footwear for your feet

For your firearms, a wall of Magpul, following their display at SHOT show

Magpul is moving away from plain brown boxes to ones with colour pics of the contents

More parts and accessories

Optics from Trijicon and Vortex…watch for big news about Vortex from Select soon

The best option to transport your guns, Nanuk cases

Although the Voodoo tactical soft cases were also nice

In fact, I regret that I didn’t buy this range bag as it was pretty spectacular

Gotta feed the beasts…some reloading equipment

Nice to see High Capacity (featuring my SHOT Show review)

Some other nice touches around the store…a live counter of Facebook likes

A rotating display (switched monthly) of historical arms from the Canadian Historical Arms Museum

Dean can control the lighting for all the display cases via a phone app…pretty cool!

Ok on to the guns! Mossberg

The new JM 940 hasn’t arrived yet….until then, the 930

Of course Jerry Miculek also endorses Smith & Wesson

More great revolvers from S&W

Glock…

including a rare cutaway (yes this has to be registered as a restricted)

Some high end options from CZ…an engraved Shadow and the Czechmate

Precision rifles

Including one of my grail guns, a consignment H-S Precision HTR

I have to admit, it was surreal to visit a gun store without seeing AR-15s, except for maybe 1

Or 2…

Last but not least, the new range! Still a work in progress, it will feature two ranges with 6 lanes each and everything up to 30-06 with some fancy retrieval systems and multiple membership options including a dual membership with a range in the US! Select will be posting more about that soon.

View from what will be the firing line

And for Select’s podcast

Congratulations once again to Select for the awesome expansion. I wish it could be a more positive time but we have to remain optimistic that the Conservatives will get in power and turn things around. Untilb then, keep supporting the industry and enjoying our sport.

Second Visit

It was great to be back at Select and see how things are progressing. Since my visit last month, the Vortex “store within a store” has been set up.

Lots of hats

I picked up that multi-cam one with glowing logo

Vortex is expanding their apparel line and I was surprised to see their new socks.

As I mentioned last time, the Canadian Historical Arms Museum has a rotating in-store display….my favourites were the Grease Gun

And FN Minimi

Of course those are not for sale but this Mauser C96 Broomhandle is…for $10,000!

I picked up a copy of the latest High Capacity but left it in the store…all the more reason for me to go back soon!

Third Visit

So I went to Bulls Eye North’s new store today (sorry no pics…I will be back in a few weeks for a review) and as I typically do, I like to visit multiple stores in one day. It was a great reason to go back to Select to pick up the magazine I forget there last week and also to check if that new product line (not sure it is public) came in yet. Plus of course it is always great to visit Dean and Tracey.

A few new things came in since last week, notably the Winchester Wildcat, which is their take on a 10/22 with some notable innovations.

Ambidextrous mag release…and there are a couple of options for everything

It uses the same mags as a 10/22

But the whole group is removable (cool how the bolt rotates out of the way), allowing you to clean the gun from the chamber end.

The Ruger American Ranch takes AR15 mags and these are flying off the shelves everywhere

The Vortex AMG red dot has been upgraded quite a bit…now compatible with night vision (and specialy coated so as not to be detectable by night vision from the other end), tool-less opening of the battery compartment and numerous other enhancements

Finally the Bog Deathgrip tripod…a great option for precision shooters at a very reasonable price.

You can never have too much fun at a gun store lol

Fourth Visit

I had a few objectives for today’s visit to Select…first and foremost was to see the new Canuck Engage semi-auto shotgun. I have seen a lot of coverage of it on social media, including lots of pics from O’Dell’s annual range day. It has a “straight line” recoil system, which I understand does not use any gas or springs but the reports from range day suggest it shoots softly.

It is interesting that the bolt release is on the other side…clearly that is something you would have to get used to …I guess that would help if you use a Match Saver as you wont run the extra round over the button.

BTW, my Avon C50 mask is designed to allow for shouldering of a firearm but I didn’t get a great sight picture with the Canuck while wearing it…

of course I also tried with my Benchmark FR flame resistant gaitor and had no issues there.

Next I wanted a second look at the CZ Custom Shop A01LD…I had seen one at another store before but wanted a closer examination

Wow this thing points so perfectly! A great sight picture that was fast and easy to acquire. The long dustcover does add weight but it still feels balanced. I would love to shoot one.

Select posted pics of their latest Historical Arms Display and I gotta say it is the best yet!

I have shot a full auto suppressed Mac10 and it is one of the least accurate guns I have ever shot but I still love the design.

The “silenced” Sterling is exactly that..silent. As I understand, it is lined with a special material that makes it even quieter than a modern suppressor, with the down side that the material wears away with each shot. As such, this specimen is unfired.

My last visit was about a week before the First Tactical section was set up…I have a pair of their gloves and was impressed with them so it was great to finally see their whole line-up

Their products are packed with features and small details like little protectors to prevent muzzles from protruding…all their bags have lockable zippers and the backpacks have a solid plate that can be removed and used as a multi-tool (and the backpack straps can also be removed to attach to the plate)..

Colour coded medic bags (medicine, trauma, respiratory etc.) fit into a larger case

I really liked these boots, which feature a “hinge” at the rear for those who may spend lots of time seated in a vehicle and a knife pocket on the side

The accompanying knife

I picked up one of Select’s great new shooting caps…they are designed to work with ear/eye pro as they have no seams or buttons that can get in the way.

Oh and I also had a look at the range build in process…looks great so far! (I didn’t take any pics)

Always great to visit with Dean and Tracey!

RANGE 519

And now introducing Range 519!

The members only range has an incredible electronic return system made by Action Target, and is the first of its kind in Canada actually. The system allows you to program a vast array of drills including “teasers” that spin the targets to show you the back side as a “good guy” and the front as the “bad guy” to shoot. They can be lit up in various colours, including strobe, and my favourite feature, have a built in camera that shows you the target and where your shots are landing!

All stalls are “bulletproof”

The holes on the tracks help the system measure distance

The backstop is made of recycled airplane tires

View from the backstop

Great job on the range Dean!

To put things in perspective…

The stalls in the public range are extra wide to allow a range officer to stand next to new shooters..and again, the stalls are bulletproof (a great feature with public shooters). Everything is super well thought out!

The classroom

In terms of firearms, I was most anxious to check out the new Maple Ridge Armoury straight pull semi auto. While some have described it as a “bolt action AR”, unlike a precision bolt action rifle, the bolt here is spring loaded so will spring forward on a new round after it is pulled back.

Sadly the range is not ready for live firing…but I was able to “shoot” some pics

Tom brought his recently acquired Dan Wesson Specialist LASF…what a beauty!

I love the heinie Straight 8 sights and rough textured VZ grips.

The biggest surprise gun-wise was the new Canuck Recon, hot off the presses. This is essentially a mag-fed version of existing Canuck designs although it does have some enhancements. I got the full rundown from Phil O’Dell and Ian from O’Dell Engineering (thanks gents)

I also had the chance to look at the Troy PAR…I saw these a couple of years ago when they first came out but of course AR15s were still an option back then. With the OIC ban, the PAR has become a much more serious option and I prefer it to the straight pull options because you don’t need to remove your hand from the fore-end to rack it and the muscle memory is there for pump shotgun shooters.

Some closeups

The slide release button is under the triggerguard

I am seriously considering one.

I picked up a Glock hat and a second set of Decibullz hearing protection