The Salt Home Defense Gun

Salt has created a CO2 propelled pepper spray pellet fired through a gun that’s Matrix worthy in size. I like to call it the Salt Gun. Their main customers are those looking for a viable form of home protection and self defense other than using an actual firearm. As an example, I know there are those of you out there that just aren’t confident in using a firearm yourself and fear that your children will find a firearm in your home and potential harm themselves with it, either accidentally or intentionally.

Personally, I’ve always been the kind of guy that feels proper education and quality handling time with your children will solve most potential firearm related accidents. Plus, if I feel threatened by another person, I want to make sure they can’t get up after I fire at them…if you know what I mean.

But if you’re not like me and feel you’re not quite ready for a firearm in your home, this is safe for kids. Yes, it will hurt if shot by it. Yes, the pepper spray will burn if shot with it, but, it’s safer than a real firearm, for children.

Other uses for this type of a weapon would be limited only by your imagination. I can see it being used on that annoying dog that chases my kids down the street as they ride their bikes, or that drops a dookie in my front yard.

It’s a pretty large gun, so concealing it on your person or in a purse might be a task. It’s lightweight, easy to fire and launches the pellets at a pretty good velocity, reaching distances of over 150 ft.

Curious of your opinions. What do you think?

Again, this is just my review of a product I think could be of help in either self defense or pest control. That’s up to you to decide for yourself. If you’d like your product reviewed, I review pretty much anything from hunting gear reviews to hunting boots, which you can read more about here.

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The Most Popular Firearms vs. The Kevlar Vest

Colt Python

The Colt Python was first made in 1955 by Colt, and is often referred to as a ‘combat magnum’. Colt stopped production in 1999, and the final release of the Python was in 2005. This revolver was originally favored by law enforcement, with different variants used for different roles. However, the modern need for semi-automatic pistols meant it fell out of favor. To protect against the Colt Python you will need a Level II bullet proof vest.

Smith & Wesson 686

The Smith & Wesson 686 double action revolver was first introduced in 1980, and gained fame and popularity thanks to its adoption by the US Navy Special Operations. This revolver is popular for waterborne missions in particular because of its durability in the face of exposure to the elements, and it is easy to maintain compared to similar weapons. The Smith & Wesson 686 is also famed for its use by Luxembourg’s Grand Ducal Police. Protection against this weapon requires a vest at Level II.

Sig Sauer P226

The SIG Sauer P226 follows the same basic design of the SIG Sauer P220, but was developed to use higher capacity staggered-column magazines. It was originally conceived as a replacement to the M1911A1 used by the US Army, but it was eventually beaten by the Beretta 92F. However, the SIG Sauer P226 still gained fame thanks to its adoption by the Navy SEALs. A bullet proof vest at Level II is needed to protect against this weapon.

Ruger 10/22

The Ruger 10/22 is a semi-automatic rimfire rifle, designed as an ‘adult gun’ that could nevertheless provide easy handling. This, coupled with low recoil, made the Ruger 10/22 popular with young and inexperienced shooters, as well as being popular among small game hunters. It is also known for its compatibility with modifications, which are relatively easy to create and equip compared to other rifles. Protection from this rifle would require a Level II bullet proof vest.

FN SCAR

Constructed to be extremely modular, the FN SCAR became incredibly popular thanks to its use by the US Military. It is available in two common variants; the SCAR-L for ‘light’ ammo (5.56x45mm NATO) and the SCAR-H for ‘heavy’ ammo (7.62x51mm NATO). The first rifles were issued in April 2009, and given to a battalion of the US 75th Ranger Regiment. However, US Special Ops Command would later drop the SCAR-L in favor of the SCAR-H, and plan on adopting conversion kits for the MK17 SCAR-H to enable their use of 5.56mm ammo. As of early 2015 the FN SCAR in various types was used by special ops/police in over 20 countries. The FN SCAR-L requires a Level III bullet proof vest, though only a Level IV vest can protect against the SCAR-H.

HK416

Named for the makers (Heckler & Koch), the HK416 is based on the AR-15 platform and was designed as an improvement on the M4 Carbine for the US army. This Automatic was made famous as the rifle used by the Navy Seals to kill Osama Bin Laden. The HK416 was adopted as the standard rifle of the Norwegian Armed Forces and is in official use by countries all over the world. This famous weapon uses a gas system which reduces malfunction and increases the longevity of its parts. A Level III bullet proof vest is necessary to protect against this weapon.

AK-47

Designed in 1945, finished in 1946, and adopted by the Soviet Army in 1948. In 1949 it became the official weapon of the Soviet Armed Forces. The AK-47 is one of the most famous weapons in the world, and there is little that can be said about it that hasn’t already been said. The AK-47 is renowned for its reliability, accessibility, and its low production costs. The AK-47 is so popular that they make up approximately 15% of all firearms in the world. Protection against an AK-47 requires the highest level of protection at Level IV.

M16

A US military adaptation of the AR-15, the M16 is another incredibly famous and popular rifle. The M16 was most famously used in Vietnam from 1963, and in 1969 the M16A1 replaced the M14 rifle to become the US military’s standard service rifle. In 1983, the USMC adopted it as their official weapon, and three years later the US army did the same. The M16 is the most produced firearm of its 5.56mm caliber, and total worldwide production of the rifle is approximately 8 million. The M16 was originally designed as part of an effort to replace the M1 Garand and other similar weapons, but also as a direct US competitor to the AK-47. Protecting against this famous weapon will require a vest at Level III.

The post Guns vs. Armor; What Level of Kevlar Vest Matches up Against the Most Popular Firearms? appeared first on The Gunsman.

Bullet proof vests are tested and graded according to the protection they can offer. This testing is undertaken by the US National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which is widely regarded as the world leader in ballistic testing. This grades body armor according to its level, with higher levels naturally offering more protection than lower levels. For example, bullet resistant armor at Level IIIa is capable of stopping the vast majority of ammunition used in handguns, while still remaining lightweight and flexible. However, it may be that this is not adequate protection; there is no reason to sacrifice protection in the face of high caliber ammunition.

Body armor is capable of protecting against all manner of ammunition, including high caliber rounds usually fired from rifles and automatics, and even armor-piercing ammunition. Protection at lower levels uses materials like Kevlar that are soft and flexible, yet still very strong. These work by ‘trapping’ and flattening a bullet, dispersing its energy and slowing it until it comes to a complete stop. Armor at higher levels still uses these materials, but needs additional protection to stop high caliber rounds. Bullet proof vests at Level III or IV will therefore use rigid plates made from Ceramics, Polyethylene, or a blend of the two. These plates will increase the weight and bulk of armor, but will help protect against higher caliber ammunition. This is done by absorbing the bullet and deforming around it, absorbing its energy in a similar way to Kevlar.

Bullet proof vests at Level I-IIIa use Kevlar inserts, keeping bullet resistant vests soft, lightweight and flexible. However, even higher level armor is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and is available in different styles. Body armor can largely be split into covert and overt styles. Covert vests are designed to be worn underneath clothing, providing discreet protection, whereas overt armor is worn over clothing, and can form part of a uniform. While both styles will be lightweight and comfortable, they each have their advantages.

Overt armor has the advantage of being customisable, and can be augmented with additional protection for the neck, throat, upper arms, and groin. Similarly, high-visibility covers, logos, and insignia can all be added to make overt armor more useful. At high levels, overt armor can form complete protection for high risk situations. Of course, it may not always be beneficial to display your armor, and certain situations will require more discretion. Covert armor offers lightweight and discreet protection, and can still be upgraded to higher levels with rigid inserts at Level III or IV. Covert armor has the advantage of being available with temperature regulating technologies to help keep the wearer cool.

Body armor is a diverse term that encompasses bullet proof vests, stab proof vests, and even ballistic helmets. Understanding the nuances of body armor will help you make the right decision when choosing your vest, and will keep you completely protected. However, whatever the style of vest and however it is worn, complete protection against even armor-piercing rounds is available to be worn however is best for you, keeping you as safe as possible.

The post High Caliber Protection; How Covert Bullet Proof Vests Can Stop High Caliber Rounds appeared first on The Gunsman.

The Survival Shovel

So let’s take a look at this survival shovel. I’m telling you right now….it’s quality.

Many other survival shovels sacrifice durability and quality for convenience and price. They’ll use plastic parts instead of metal, which always end up breaking. The only plastic you’ll find on this survival shovel is in the washer between the head of the shovel and the handle.

It adjusts into three different positions. The first position, straight out, is for digging, sawing and using the blade side of the shovel head. The second position is with the head at a ninety degree angle and most likely used for a hoe, or pick. The third position is angled down and away from the handle and could be used for climbing or or easier storage.

I used it, and I like it!

I took the shovel out for a spin, at night. I wanted to test it out on a dead apricot tree I had out towards the back of my property. My target of choice for the axe was a branch around two to three inches in diameter. With a mediocre swing, I nearly chopped half way through the limb. You’ll have to watch the video to see what happened on my second attempt. Totally unexpected.

After hacking away at the tree, I took it into the front yard from some good ole night time digging. I’ve been replacing some sprinkler lines and put the survival shovel and hoe into action. Due to the length of the shovel, it’s not something you want to use for a full day of work, but it can get the job done. And when switched to the hoe/pick position, it works exactly like it should.

In conclusion, I was impressed. It’s a quality built survival shovel will last me for a very long time. Great addition for your camping, hunting or prepping gear!

Here’s my quick YouTube review as well if you’d like to check it out:

If this review was helpful, take a look at carseatexperts.com for other helpful reviews.

The post The Ultimate Survival Shovel (Product Review) appeared first on The Gunsman.

No matter how much experience handling a rifle you have, you should never become complacent: safety and caution is paramount for shooters of all levels. Body armor is, of course, essential when firing guns in any situation: whether due to ricochets or someone taking control of your weapon, bullet proof vests can mean the difference between life and death.

Bullet proof vests stop rounds by absorbing their energy on impact, slowing them to a halt – but vests can only protect against specific rounds. With five levels of protection available on today’s market (according to the NIJ’s current standard, 0101.6), how can you know which vest to use with your rifle? Below, we take a look at three of the most commonly-used rifle-round types, and which armor is best-suited to staying safe when firing them, or being fired upon.

.223 Remington

As one of the most popular rifle cartridges used in the United States, the .223 Remington is used in two types of firearm: varmint rifles and semi-automatic rifles (such as the AR-15). Typically, this type of round is used in home defense and law enforcement, being one of the cheapest available. Survival rifles also use .223 ammo. Numerous types of bullet are used with this cartridge, including Montana Gold 55 grain FMJ and Sierra 55 grain Spitzer Boat Tail.

To stay as safe as possible handling a rifle firing .223 Remington ammunition (across its various types), you need to wear a vest at level III or IV, featuring steel and ceramic plates respectively: depending on the specific type of .223 Remington, its velocity may be between 840 and 1,140 meters-per-second, and so could be too fast for safe use even with ballistic plates. Always be sure you have a firm understanding of your chosen rounds’ velocity before use.

.308 Winchester

This cartridge has been in use since 1952, and was designed to provide more reliable case-feeding and removal from machine guns and bolt-action rifles than other firearms – hugely beneficial when in high-pressure, life-or-death situations.

While numerous bullet-types can be used with this cartridge, wearing level III armor when firing .308 Winchester rounds will provide enough defense, with most fired at around 800 – 820 m/s. The 150gr Nosler tip round has a velocity of 860 m/s, so level IV vests should be used with these for maximum safety.

30-06 Springfield

The .30 caliber cartridge was first used in 1906, which is where the ’06’ originates from. There are various bullets in this caliber, include the armor-piercing M2, Ball M1906, Frangible M22 and Tracer M2. Multiple military firearms have used 30-06 cartridges in the past century, including the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle and the M1941 Johnson Rifle.

Depending on the bullet used with your 30-06 cartridges, you may be able to wear a level III vest, with some velocities as low as 760 m/s (220gr RN). However, it’s generally recommended to wear armor at level IV to protect against all rounds of this caliber, with the highest velocity reaching 890 m/s. The ceramic plates will stop the round upon impact, but likely shatter – meaning replacements should be on hand. The force of such gunfire is likely to cause severe swelling and/or bruising.

Always take time to familiarize yourself with the velocity of you chosen ammunition in every shooting situation, to ensure you wear the right bullet proof vest to match it. For more info on body armor protection levels, click here.

The post What Bullet Proof Vest Would Stop High Powered Rifle Ammo? appeared first on The Gunsman.

As soon as he read it, I’m thinking, “Gun!” Right? Even though it is a weapon, it can obviously be used as one.

The next thing that came to mind, just as the guy on TV said it was mace…another obvious answer, which is also a weapon, but was listed.

As the family took the challenge of naming the rest of the items on the board, answers such as nail file, hair spray, hair brush and keys. Keys were actually number one on the list!

Family Feud Surveys 100 People

So out of one hundred people who were surveyed, most of them would either use their keys or think that a woman would use her keys as a weapon. I sure feel bad for the guy that gets tore up by a woman with a pair of keys! (said in all sarcasm)

Think about the worst possible damage a pair of keys could do to an attacker.

1. You could scratch them really, really bad….possibly drawing blood.
2. You could get lucky and actually stick a key in your attackers eye.
3. Throwing the keys could really bruise someone, maybe…or give you a half second head start as your attacker dodges the keys.

That’s about it. Keys are not a solution for someone who is prepared for such an event. Preparation is the one thing that could mean the difference between a victory or a tragedy. Thinking that you could effectively use a pair of keys, hair spray, a hair brush or even a nail file to fight your way to safety is false hope.

If you are concerned for your safety and a frequently alone, learn how to use a gun and then purchase one for yourself. What says “Leave me alone” better, a pair of keys or a gun? There’s all sorts of apparel to help you easily conceal a small pistol without making you feel like Lara Croft, from Tomb Raider.

I recently paid a visit to www.rangemastertacticalgear.com and was impressed with their selection of purses and handbags with compartments for concealing a small firearm.

As a man, I feel pretty secure with my ability to fend off an attacker, but whenever I’m with my family, I always carry a weapon. You’ll never know when you might have a use for it.

Better safe than sorry, always.

So out of 100 people attacked/surveyed, more than 80% of those would be women. I would hope that more than half of those women would be packing heat along with their keys.

The post Carry a Gun in Your Purse Woman! Family Feud Trivia appeared first on The Gunsman.

Of course, there’s a wide range of bullet proof vests available on today’s market, each designed to protect against specific threats. You need to wear armor which is, at least, suitable to stop the bullets you (or a shooting partner) intend to use, but if you expect to engage in a gunfight – for whatever reason – you should be well-equipped for the level of danger you expect. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) tests and rates bulletproof vests to evaluate the amount of protection they offer, and then place them in their respective levels to help you find the right one for your needs.

Guide to Choosing the Correct Body Armor

Soft Armors

Bullet proof vests in the soft armor range are designed to stop various lower-velocity rounds, climbing from level I through to level IIIA. Multiple layers of Kevlar are used in each one, which absorb and redistribute a bullet’s energy on impact, flattening the round to stop it penetrating. Armor at level I protects against 380 ACP FMJ RN (with an impact velocity of 312 meters per second) and .22 caliber LR LRN rounds (320 meters per second). Level IIA bullet proof vests stop 9mm FMJ RN and .40 Smith & Wesson caliber FMJ rounds.

Level II vests are designed to stop bullets of a higher velocity, from the common 9mm to .357 Magnum range, while vests at level IIIA will stop 9mm submachine gun and .44 Magnum rounds. This is the toughest type of armor still able to be concealed – as we shift to the harder armors, the weight of the vests increases, given the stronger materials used in their construction.

Hard Armors

To defend against weapons of a higher velocity, hard armors are essential. Combining multiple layers of Kevlar (as used in the soft armors) with hard plates of steel, titanium, or ceramics, these can stop the most lethal of ammunition.

Level III vests protect against such rifle rounds as 7.62mm FMJ, 223 Remington (5.56mm FMJ), 30 Carbine FMJ, and 12-gauge slugs. The strongest armor available is of level IV rating, featuring panels for additional plating on the front and rear if needed: these defend against armor-piercing rounds, such as .30-06 caliber bullets, keeping you safe in the most extreme situations.

You should always have bullet proof armor available, to make sure you stay protected against your own bullets (should someone else take control of your gun) and those of a potential attacker.

Always seek expert advice from companies such as SafeGuard Clothing if you’re ever in doubt of which vest is best.

The post Staying Safe with every Shot: A Guide to Body Armor Protection Levels appeared first on The Gunsman.

The most likely thing to have happen in your home if you have a firearm there is the injury of you or one of your family members. The odds are really bad. Originally, 43 to 1 by Kellerman. So what if it is only 20 to 1. As fearful as you are, still the most likely event is you or yours getting injured. A really bad bet.

Well, what do you think about his opinion? Are more likely, 43 times more likely, to be injured or fatally wounded as a result of owning a firearm for self defense?

Someone said it, so it must be true!

Here’s a bit of background on the “Kellerman” this commenter is referring to.

Dr. Arthur L. Kellermann, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.E.P, having worked in medicine decided to conduct a study on firearm related injuries and deaths. His studies concluded that those who possess firearms for the purpose of self defense are 43 times more likely to be injured or killed by a firearm.

Although his studies were over a period of around 6 years, he never provided proof of his studies and was criticized by pro-gun organizations such as the NRA (National Rifle Association) claiming that he was just providing anti-gunners propaganda.

43 times more likely to be injured by a firearm if I own one, says Kellerman?

Here’s my take on Kellerman and the comment being addressed above….

I’ve owned a firearm my entire life and nearly every single family member, immediate and extended, owns firearms for self defense, sport and hunting. Out of my 37 years on this planet, I have never heard of any one of those family members being injured by a firearm.

If anything, I would say that those who own a firearm for self defense are AT LEAST 50 times MORE likely to survive an attack from an armed assailant.

I don’t know about you, but if I were in a sticky situation, I would rather be carrying, and at least have the option to defend myself instead allowing someone else the freedom to do as they please with myself and those I care about.

So, tell me. What do you think of the comment above and Kellerman’s study?

The post Kellerman – You are More Likely to Get Injured if You Own a Firearm? appeared first on The Gunsman.

Most of the stories I hear, the victims weren’t ready for it. Let’s be the rare exception!

And in my book, part of being ready for such an event within my home is properly concealing my firearms in strategic areas. Heck, we’ve all seen the movies where the guns are taped underneath the sink or are in the tank of the toilet. Sure, they’re concealed, but in my home, that’s an easy find for my two year old.

A good gun safe, from a tactical point of view, is both concealed and easily accessible, yet, is safe enough to protect your own children from injuring themselves.

Concealed and Hidden Gun Safe Ideas for Your Home

So what I’ve done is researched the gun safe and found some pretty original creations out there. We’ve all seen the typical gun safe. They’re green, about four feet tall and have a keyhole in the door, usually right below the “Cabelas” logo! Others are the size of a tank with a huge pirate ship wheel on the front.

But the non-typical gun safe is concealed in the ordinary things we use every single day of our lives, and that’s what you’ll find in these images.

I’m sure there are others out there, so please share them with me and I’ll add them to the gallery as I get them.

The one that won my vote was the Pepsi Machine gun safe. If there were only a way to get a pistol, or even a hand grenade from the dispenser when the “Mountain Dew” button was pushed.

(Click on an image to enlarge to slideshow)

The post 19 Concealed and Hidden Gun Safe Ideas for Your Home appeared first on The Gunsman.

You know what I mean?

We’ve actually made a habit out of it. Every week, we take the time to go out on a date, just the two of us, without the kids. It’s an extremely healthy, relationship building habit to adapt, and if you’re not doing it already, or something close to it, I highly recommend it. You and your spouse absolutely deserve it.

So, for those of you who are going on regular dates with your spouse, what do you do for a babysitter?

As for Amy and I, we have my parents and each of us has a sister who all live in the same town. So whenever we need a babysitter, most of the time, our kids end up going to Grandma’s house.

You might already be doing the same. But for many, it’s not always that easy. And that’s where the word, “Babysitter” comes into play.

We’ve been there! When you live in an area away from family, sometimes finding a babysitter can be tough. We all know the horror stories of the babysitters who do nothing but chew bubblegum and chat on the phone with their friends instead of actually watching your kids. And believe it or not, that still happens, and some parents are oblivious to it. Just because someone is nice doesn’t mean they’re a good babysitter.

When we lived in a small town called Pinetop, here in Arizona, we lucked out and had some pretty good babysitters. They lived just across the street from us, so if they needed anything, they could always call on their parents for immediate help. Most of the time, when we arrived home from our date, not only were they interacting with our kids, but the dishes were done.

Bonus!

Here are a few questions to think about when choosing a babysitter:

• Does she know who to call if something happens?
• Does she have any experience?
• What are her parents like?
• Does she do well in school?
• Does she attend church regularly?
• Is she even good with kids?

And I’m sure you have some questions of your own.

Here’s another question you can ask yourself, a little more on the serious side:

If the need arises, does she know how to handle a gun?

If you trust your babysitter enough, have approval from her parents and feel comfortable with it yourself, tell them where they can find your pistol should the need arise. Most teenage girls have no desire to handle a weapon, but wouldn’t you feel a little more secure if your babysitter knew how to handle a gun?

This is kind of the same concept of allowing our children’s teachers at school carry weapons.

Very controversial.

With that said, here’s a picture of Chynna, who was our babysitter once upon a time. She’s since grown up a bit and is doing some modeling (obviously), but it’s nice to know that she can handle a weapon should the need be. I’m not quite sure if she knew how to back then, but my guess is she probably did.

So if you’re looking for a model, actress or a nanny, who knows how to handle a weapon, she comes highly recommended.

The post Babysitters with Guns appeared first on The Gunsman.