6/7/08 -This beautifully painted poster was painted digitally by a friend, Duke. It's a great depiction of a U.S. sniper team that Duke based on research while creating it. He took on this project to benefit American Snipers.org, which is a non-profit organization run by both military and police snipers, whose sole mission is to ensure that every shooter in harm's way has the equipment they need to accomplish their mission, and return to their friendly area alive. As Duke describes:

"Throughout the War on Terror, vital equipment has not kept up with demand, and in some cases never reached the men who needed it. Lives have been lost due the lack of having the right equipment. This travesty is being addressed head-on with compassion, aggression and tenacity by the men of American Snipers. There are other organizations of sterling reputation on par with American Snipers (The Wounded Warrior Project, Special Operations Warrior Foundation to name a few who deserve your attention), but none that are superior. For every poster purchased, $10 goes to americansnipers.org to keep our snipers 'kitted-up' in the best gear money can buy, for whatever the mission may demand at the time. Wherever one's political convictions lay, let us agree that our fighting men who do this incalcuably difficult job need not be crippled and have their lives recklessly endangered because a vital piece of equipment gathering dust here stateside, is not in thier hands 'on the job'.

About the image: From left to right; the shooter is using the M24 SWS(Sniper Weapon System) with a GemTech HVT suppressor on the front. A McCann rail is attached to the top portion of the weapon, and Leupold MK 4 scope with Docter red-dot optic rides on the upper rail. He is resting his SWS upon an ATS Tactical R.A.I.D. pack, and is protecting his hearing with a Peltor noise-cancelling/communication headset. His spotter, or observer, the other member of the basic two-man sniper team, is spotting targets and calling out range to the shooter using a Leupold Mark 4 12-40x60mm Spotting Scope. The spotter's Colt M4 rifle, leaning against the wall within arm's reach, boasts a Gemtech HALO sound suppressor and a Trijicon ACOG optic atop (to augment the rifle's ability to hit targets at medium and short-range distances without divulging the team's position -hence the suppressor on the M4's barrel as well ). The rifle also has on its forward rail a Surefire M951 weapon-light with an Infrared filter, and a laser-targeting device. The security man, keeping the vulnerable rear position covered, is carrying a Mk 46 machinegun in 5.56 caliber, with an EOTech holo-sight, a laser-aiming device, and a collapsable stock - all to aid in maneuvering the bulky, but highly beneficial weapon in the close confines of urban areas. The painting itself was done on a Wacom Intuous3 tablet, in Corel Painter 9 on a Dell Dimension C521 PC. I use primarily artist's airbrush, chalk, thick/thin pen, and other variations to achieve the required effects.

One last piece of information about the painting I would like to share is about the name. The name of the piece came from a discussion at an online military/law-enforcement forum where a U.S. Army officer, who would later be tragically killed by an IED, asked to the membership to whom it applied; 'What went through your mind when you were shot at the first time?' In that discussion, 'Cyclops' (another forum member and U.S. sniper), recalled an incident from an early deployment of a sniper team during the War on Terror; "My first thought was; 'Ready'. Followed by, my observer saying 'Send it'." The name made itself known through this recollection, and it was perfect. "

"Send It" prints are 28" x 12.5" in size, and available here. Not only are you getting a great print to grace your wall, but you're also benefitting the men who put their lives on the line for us here at home.

10/15/06 - The M14/M1A Modstock (model M1S) from Vltor Weapons Systems is a drop-in replacement stock for the M1A. It offers adjustable length of pull and stock height, plus a pistol-grip configuration.

The M14 Modstock is a modified military/G.I. fiberglass stock, which Vltor modifies and refinishes in black, foliage green or FDE (Flat Dark Earth - shown here). Vltor cuts off the rear portion of the stock, and installs a machined aluminum adaptor. The adaptor comes standard with a TangoDown Battlegrip attached, but any AR-15 grip may be substituted. On each side of the adaptor are female QD sling cups, for attaching a QD sling swivel. A 1-1/4" QD swivel is included. Vltor now puts a laser-engraved UID code and serial number below the swivel cup on the right side of the adaptor.
The receiver extension enables an M4-type collapsible stock to be mounted, just like any M4. The difference is that it's open at the rear and closed in front (since the M1A doesn't have a buffer tube system). The extension doubles as storage space and the rear opening is closed with a threaded o-ring sealed cap. The front of the extension is a male dove-tail, which slides into the female dovetail on the rear of the aluminum adaptor, by first removing the locking bolt. The extension slides up and down in the dovetail, and is limited in travel by the locking bolt which contacts upper and lower stops on the extension. The bolt rides in a vertical slot, and can also move up and down. It requires a 3/8" socket to loosen/tighten. Vltor chose this size bolt head as it's the same as the gas plug size (which the M1A combination tool is used for) and the bolts attaching the cluster rail to the receiver. In an emergency, as LaRue locking lever adjustment wrench works, but be advised that it was not designed to torque bolts and will deform. There is 1" of total height adjustment. When iron sights are used, the stock is in the lower position. Depending on the height of your optic, you can adjust the position to achieve the proper cheek weld. After I had taken all these photos and tried out the height, I actually found that the middle height position worked well for my IOR scope, and was also low enough for me to use the irons, if necessary, without adjustment. You often see standard M14 stocks with cheek pads installed to raise the cheek weld - with the M14 Modstock, that's no longer necessary.
With the included carbine modstock installed on the extension tube, the length of pull is adjustable from 10.5" to 14". The receiver extension has numbers from 1-5 laser engraved on the top, which are visible through the hole in the top of the modstock. The numbers indicate the different stock position detents; 1 being fully collapsed and 5 fully extended. You could even install a Vltor fixed Rifle Modstock, as shown on the extreme right (A1 length pictured).

Vltor M1A Modstock components

Top view

Components assembled

Extension storage

Top of stock

LaRue wrench in an emergency

Height adjustment travel

Vltor A1 modstock

CAS-14/Cluster Rail Handguard - Vltor debuted their CAS-14 handguard/rail system for the M14/M1A back at the 2004 SHOT show. It's similar in look to their CAS-V handguard for the M4. It has become the standard offering on the Springfield Armory SOCOM II rifle. Springfield is the exclusive seller of the CAS-14 handguard, also designated the 'Cluster Rail'. The only way to get one is to send your rifle in to Springfield Armory to get one installed. You cannot purchase it from Vltor. The Cluster rail comes in two versions - a standard rail and extended rail. The standard rail ends right before the receiver, while the extended one shown here, extends all the way over the ejection port to the rear. The extended Cluster rail provides more mounting options for optics.
The Cluster rail has two major components, the upper rail/handguard, and the lower handguard. The lower handguard attaches and detaches in a couple of seconds with one hand by pulling back on two spring loaded catches on each side of the lower handguard and swinging it down. At the front of the lower handguard are two hooks which interface with pins at the front of the top rail. The side rails are part of the upper rail, so it the Cluster can be used without the lower handguard. The Cluster is made of aluminum and well vented. The rails are riveted onto the handguards. Threaded inserts at the 4:30 and 7:30 positions on the lower handguard are for attaching rails at those angles.
The standard upper Cluster handguard attaches to the barreled receiver at three points - the op rod guide, the rear of the barrel and the left side of the receiver. A U-shaped bracket is installed around the op rod guide, which is tightened to the upper handguard. At the rear of the barrel, a clamping mechanism secures the handguard to the upper handguard clip grooves on the barrel. A bolt secures the rear of the handguard to the side of the receiver using the threaded hole in the receiver used for attaching scope mounts. The extended top rail has a forth attach point. The stripper clip guide on top of the receiver is removed, and replaced with a rail attachment block. This is done by knocking out the roll pin and sliding the guide out of the dovetail, and replacing it with the new block. The top rail interfaces with this block with two screws. One screw has scallops on its head to prevent it from loosening, as it 'overlaps' the second screw. Quite ingenious. A channel runs the length of the center of the top rail so that the iron sights can be used. As mentioned earlier, the Cluster rail is a Springfield Armory-only offering, and requires sending in your rifle for installation.

Vltor Cluster rail

Right side

Inside of handguard

Vltor/SA markings

Attach points to weapon

Top of scope

The M14 Modstock was a breeze to install. The original stock was removed the usual way and the barreled receiver dropped into the new stock. No modifications were necessary. The stock had a non-glare textured finish which was colour-matched to the Vltor carbine modstock and TangoDown battlegrip. As shown in the photo below on the left, the Vltor M14 Modstock can be used without the Cluster rail as a replacement for the standard stock. When used with the Cluster rail, the lower handguard can be removed when not needed to lighten the rifle. If magnified optics are to be used, I'd recommend the extended Cluster rail for a continuous rail on top of the receiver, and the ability to use a one-piece mount like the LaRue SPR-S shown here with IOR Valdada scope (the Mk11 non-cantilevered mount would have been better with this particular scope as the SPR-S does not place it far back enough). I've since switched to separate LaRue LT123 rings to get better eye relief on the IOR.

Modstock alone on M1A Scout Squad

Modstock with top rail

Bottom handguard installed

Two-piece LaRue rings

11/5/06 - SureFire produces Picatinny Rails/handguards for various weapons, and one of them is the M69 for the Remington 870 shotgun. The shotgun is generally a close-quarters weapon, and still very much in use today, even with the police carbine becoming more popular. When used indoors or under low light conditions, it is imperative to have a weapon-mounted light for identification/verification of the threat or target.

The SureFire 618FA dedicated forend and variants is the accepted standard for shotgun lights, as it integrates the light into a replacement fore-end with different switch options. The 618FA has a rocker constant-on switch on the left side and momentary-on pressure pad switch on the right side. While the 618FA is an excellent product, I found that the switch setup wasn't optimal for me as I'm left handed, and SureFire doesn't offer a mirror image model for lefties. Enter the M69 fore-end, which gives the user the ability to configure it however they want to.

The M69 is constructed of hard-anodized machined aluminum, and provides 6" of Picatinny rail on the sides and bottom. Width is about 2.1". It's a very lightweight forend, with lightening holes and scallops machined throughout, and of very nice quality. The M69 is a direct replacement for the stock fore-end, and installs on the fore-end tube by unscrewing the tube nut, sliding off the standard fore-end, and replacing it with the M69.

M96 top

Side and bottom

Assembled on fore-end tube

Installed

It goes without saying that rail panels are needed for use with the M69 - the exposed rails are too sharp to use uncovered. The M96 can be set up in any configuration the user chooses. I experimented with some different combinations, shown here. The X200 turns out to work quite well on the M69, and more than adequate for the distances a shotgun is normally used for. The X200B with its wider beam would probably be a better choice than the X200A. With the X200 mounted on the weak side, I could activate it with my thumb, either momentarily or constant-on. I also tried using the TangoDown vertical grip, and also liked that configuration. The X200 would have to be mounted on the opposite side, in that case.

Compared to 618FA forend

Bottom view

X200

Scout

Vert grip and X200

Going back and forth between a 'conventional' grip and vertical grip, I'm beginning to like the vertical grip. While natural 'pointability' of the weapon isn't as good with the vertical grip, it provides a secure hold on the fore-end of the shotgun, either while using the push-pull method when firing or pumping the action. Whether one prefers a more conventional grip than a vertical grip on a shotgun is entirely up to personal preference; but the M69 gives you the option. Another plus is its very reasonable price. Definitely worth considering for the 870.

The Cavalry Arms SST-870 is a stock and pistol grip adapter made for the Remington 870 shotgun (the SST-590 is made for the Mossberg). An alternative to folding shotgun stocks which are useless when folded and non-adjustable when deployed, the SST-870 enables the user to have a collapsible stock with adjustable length of pull to accomodate different sized shooters, positions, styles, and body armour. It will accept any AR15 type buffer tube or stock (retractable or fixed), and any AR15 type pistol grip. It is machined out of T6 aluminum and mil-spec type III hard anodized for durability. The mil-std 1913 rail on top is bolted onto the adapter. Since the stock is now 'straight line', raising the cheek weld up, the SST870 is designed with the use of optics in mind. Iron sights on the shotgun can no longer be used in this configuration. Machining and finish were very nice, and after removing the standard stock from my 870, the SST870 bolted right on with the supplied bolt. No fitting was necessary - a perfect fit. The adapter also incorporates QR sling swivel attach points on each side, which I'm going to attach a single-point sling to.
Instead of a normal buffer tube, I installed Vltor's closed 5-position buffer tube with storage compartment. It is closed on the end that normally houses the buffer spring on an AR15, and open on the back end, forming a storage compartment. A knurled cap with an O-ring seals the compartment. A standard receiver plate and castle nut are all that are required to install the tube onto the SST-870.
To illustrate some variations below, I installed both a Cavarms Ergo Grip and a TangoDown pistol grip on the SST-870, along with both standard and clubfoot Vltor modstocks. I also tried on the Magpul M93, which I think looks pretty good on this weapon. The wider butt will also help distribute recoil. I chose the Hakko BED-35 sight, which has 4 different reticles. It's no Eotech, but it was inexpensive and looks like it'll work fine. A Surefire forend and side saddle rounds it out.
Another benefit of this configuration is the similarity to the AR15 system, which I'm very familiar with. I'll post an update when I shoot this thing - can't wait to get out to the range.

9/22/04 - Went out to the range. After sighting it in with slugs, I proceeded to put 1 oz slugs and 00 buck through the shotgun. The Magpul stock work very well - the wider butt making the recoil less painful on the shoulder. I definitely like the adjustable length of pull on this shotgun, and I found it easy to handle. The Hakko sight also worked well and target acquisition was very fast with the dot/circle reticle. One thing though - make sure ALL SST hardware is locktited - a couple of the rail bolts came loose (my fault for not loctiting them).

3/6/06 - Costa Mesa (California) based Mesa Tactical was formed in 2003 with the goal of providing high quality tactical accessories and gear to military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike. One of the first items of a complete system for the tactical shotgun they plan to offer is their M4 Stock and Rail Adapter kits for the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 and Winchester 1300, which will convert either shotgun to an AR/M4-style collapsible stock with Picatinny rail for optics. Yes, the Cavarms SST-870 (seen above) and the Mesa adapter serve essentially the same purpose. But just like there are many stocks and grips available for the AR15, the more options and alternatives we consumers have to choose from, the better.

Various kits are available, ranging from just the stock adapter and rail, to full stock and rail kits (shown here, which includes everything). The Mesa high tube adapter places the stock tube approximately in line with the bore, which dictates the use of optics (unless you have very high AR-style irons). It's made of hard-anodized cast T6 aluminum, with a matte medium grey finish. It will accept all AR-15 grips, with the Hogue overmolded rubber grip included in some of the kits. Note that grips with a duckbill will over hang the front, and may need to be ground off (like I did with the TangoDown grip on the SST-870). All edges are rounded and smoothed off. On the top and sides of the adapter are mount/interface points. The Pic rail attaches to the top point, with two screws going into helicoil inserts. Side rails or accessories like the shotshell carriers attach to the points on the sides. The large holes accept a standard push-button QR sling swivel. Unused mount points can be covered by polypropylene plugs to protect them from debris.

High tube M4 stock and Rail kit with optional short rail	Kit and prototype shotshell carriers	Full length top rail	Short top/side rail

Two lengths of rails are available - receiver length and short. The receiver length rail is recommended for the top for optimum mounting of optics, and the shorter one for the sides. The front of the rails are supported by a polyurethane spacer, or saddle, as they call it. Use of a rail and optics is mandatory with the high tube adapter as the cheek weld is too high to standard sights. For those who want a collapsible stock and pistol grip, but do not necessarily want optics, Mesa Tactical also offers their Low Tube stock adapter seen below.

Also seen below are various shotshell carriers. Both attach to the mount points on either side of the adapter. The 6-shell carrier mounts on the left, and the 4-shell on the right. Shells can be inserted from above or below. Instead of using elastic for retention, the SureShell carriers use an innovative rubber retention system that provides just the right tension. Shells will not fall out, but are easy to insert and extract. The shell carriers are made from aluminum, not plastic.

Left side shotshell carrier

Right side shotshell carrier

With Magpul M93

Low tube adapter

Low tube

Low tube

Mesa Tactical also offers shell carriers to fit on Remington, Mossberg and Benelli shotguns without stock adapters. These shell carriers mount directly to the side of the receiver by replacing the trigger pins. An optic mount is also offered, which mounts on both high and low tube adapters.

Left side shotshell carrier

Left side 8-shell carrier

4 and 8 shells carriers

Right side 4-shell

Optic mount on high tube

Optic mount on low tube

9/3/07 - Saddle Mount SureShell Carrier and Picatinny rail for the Rem 870 - The Mesa Tactical Saddle Rail comprises of a machined aluminum bracket that wraps around the shotgun receiver. There is a 1913 Picatinny rail at the top for mounting of optics, and their excellent SureShell shell carrier on the side. The Saddle mount attaches via internally threaded steel pins, that replace the receiver pins on the 870 and to which the saddle bolts securely. This particular one has a 6-shell SureShell mounted to it. I like the position of the 1913 rail with this setup vs. the rail extending from my high-tube adapter as it puts the optic further forward. I sighted in the 870 at the range with slugs and put it through some drills. The Docter optic, mounted on the rail wa at just the right height. The Magpul M93 stock did give my shoulder a beating, though, due to the lack of rubber buttpad. Even using the push-pull method, it was still harsh shooting 3" magnum slugs. It really made me consider installing one of Mesa's Enidine buffers on this 870 for future sessions. The SureShell carrier just works better than any other I've tried. Slightly heavier but more durable than elastic loops or plastic, it provides secure retention of shotshells with easy insertion and extraction.

Saddle mount and 6-shell Sureshell

Right side

Mounted to 870

Loaded with 6 shells and Docter sight

Right side

At the range

7/20/05 - The Beez Combat Systems (BCS) Tactical Shotgun Scabbard is designed to carry and protect a shotgun on the user's back. Targeted at individuals that need to carry a shotgun as a secondary weapon or breaching tool, or those who rappel or engage in activities that require more security and stability than a sling will allow. It's constructed completely of 1000D cordura fabric and mil-spec materials, and double stitched throughout.

The scabbard has a main compartment, 28" long from the top of the opening to the bottom, and 10" wide at the top, tapering to 5.5" at the bottom. It will accomodate shotguns with barrels from about 14" to 20". It is fully padded with closed-cell foam. A retention strap secures the shotgun in the compartment by putting tension on the opening of the main compartment.
Sewn diagonally across the back (I'm referring to the side farther from your back as 'back' and the 'front' is against your back) is a pry tool pocket to fit pry bars up to 24". A length of 2" webbing is sewn vertically down the center of the back, sewn down horizontally every 2", which provides slots for running the 2" wide waist belt through, or lash points. The 2" wide web belt is adjustable, as are the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are made of 1" wide webbing doubled up and sewn together every 1.5". The sternum strap can be moved up or down the slots.

I was able to fit my either my Benelli M3 Super 90 or my Remington 870 with SureFire forearm in the scabbard. The 'slicker' the shotgun, the easier it is to insert and remove. I'd refrain from putting shotgun with too many accessories in it, as they might hang up. A side saddle/shell holder isn't a problem - I have one on my Benelli. I wouldn't recommend using a sling with the scabbard.

The scabbard is worn on the back like a pack, and the straps can be adjusted to accomodate armour or vests. At first, I was quite skeptical about shotgun scabbards, (never having used one) as the stock looked like it would keep bashing me on the back of the head and they looked difficult to draw the weapon from and impossible to re-insert while wearing. The stock, however, pretty much stays clear of the back of your head, due to the curvature of your back and the waist belt keeping the stock pointing slightly rearwards. The only time it'll get in the way is if you go prone and stick your head up. I ran around, jumped, got into standard firing positions, and didn't get whacked on the back of my head. I was having a difficult time drawing the shotgun out of the scabbard at first, and couldn't insert it, even with both hands. It kept hanging up on the retention strap. Beez said that the retention strap wasn't normally needed for most activities, as the shotgun is kept secure by the tendency of the scabbard to bend to match the curvature of your back, keeping the shotgun snug in the compartment. I undid the retention strap from the loop on the front panel and found that I was then able to quite easily draw a shotgun from the scabbard and replace it with a bit of practice. I found that even without the retention strap, the shotgun is very secure while running or jumping - it just goes farther down into the bottom when bounced around. If you're going to go upside down, though, use the retention strap.

A one-handed draw is possible with a shotgun. Replacing it isn't too difficult once you've done it a few times, but I required both hands to do it. I found that grabbing a top corner of the scabbard with one hand and guiding the end of the barrel into the opening of the compartment helped. It's imperative that the shotgun is on 'safe' and that the user is aware of which part of the shotgun he's grabbing, and where the muzzle is pointing during draw and inserting the shotgun. Once the shotgun is started in the compartment, it can be shoved down the rest of the way by pushing down on the stock. With practice, it gets easier. Bear in mind that when worn over bulky gear, the scabbard and shotgun are farther out from your back and harder to reach. Tipping it forward with your other hand at the bottom helps the strong hand get a hold of the stock.

I'll update this writeup when I get a chance to use it at the range.