Hondo and His Guns Through Three Generations of SWAT

SWAT is an interesting television show and it was the first police show to ever focus on the Special Weapons and Tactics teams pioneered by the LAPD. The leader of the unit Dan 'Hondo' Harrelson, helped inspire not only the use of modern weapons by police but helped create the entire 1980s tactical look. What's always captured me about these film SWAT officers is that they've also done a great job of representing the gear and tactics of that era. The guns, accessories, and gear all match the era from the 1970s origins to the 2003 early GWOT to the current crop of high-speed rifles, optics, and gadgets. Today, we are going to examine the weapons of Hondo and see how they reflect the era they originated in.

Women’s History Month: Lyudmila Pavlichenko AKA “Lady Death”

Born near Kiev, Ukraine, in 1916, Lyudmila Pavlichenko was the deadliest of the 2,000 or so female snipers deployed by the Soviet Red Army, a former ally, in World War II. Despite an archaic "less-than-equal" view of women in war, Pavlichenko was truly an amazing inspiration for future female warriors and the world wouldn't be the same without her.

Vortex Defender CCW Red Dot Full Review: See How It Held Up

The new Vortex Defender CCW red dot is not just another average micro-optic for handguns, PCCs, or sub-guns. It has some improvements that make it stand out over other red dot sights on the market.

Bear Creek Arsenal PCC: Now in 45 ACP and 10mm

Bear Creek Arsenal now offers the Bear Creek Arsenal PCC in 45 ACP and 10mm Auto, two calibers capable of handling numerous applications.

DeSantis Woodsman Holster: 22LR Ready

The DeSantis Woodsman holster is designed for 22 LR target pistols. It is available in two models: one is optics-compatible and one is for guns without an optic.

Concealed Carry: Beyond the Gun

To be dedicated to the safety and protection of yourself and others, consider these invaluable skills that go beyond concealed carry and gun handling.

Nexbelt NTAC-45 EDC Belt: No Holes, No Problem

The Nexbelt NTAC-45 was designed with IDPA, USPSA, and 3-Gun competitors in mind, but it's useful for anyone carrying a holstered firearm.

MEAN Arms DW Training Chip: What Is That?

We simulate malfunctions on the range all the time. But we don’t always get to run drills with a gun that will intentionally malfunction and force us to clear it and move on. MEAN Arms Training Chips are a simple and effective way to create malfunctions in your firearms when training.

Surefire EP7 Sonic Defenders Ultra: Comfortable Versatility

Hearing protection is no joke. For a long-term yet incredibly affordable option check out the Surefire EP7 Sonic Defenders Ultra ear plugs. 

Quick Quips: Five Neat Facts About Colt Navy Revolvers

When was the Colt Navy invented? How long it was used? How many were made? Here are the details about this historic revolver.

These Firearms Aren’t As Prolific in the Movies As You Might Believe

When it comes to guns in the movies, a number of truly high-profile guns like the AK-47 and Uzi 9mm show up less often than you may realize.

Fix It Sticks: The Works — The Last Toolkit You’ll Need for the Range

The Fix It Sticks: The Works Toolkit is curated specifically with shooters in mind, with common tools needed to make fixes on the go.

PPQ Plus 2: Extended 9mm Mags for Your Walther PPQ

The 15+2 magazine is a welcome accessory for the Walther PPQ. Do I wish they were flush 17-rounders? Yes, I do. But they aren’t, so I use them where they fit what I’m doing.

Arizona Tactical Adventures: Black Ops Experience and 3-Day Team Training

Arizona Tactical Adventures offers an awesome night vision package, but also can create a tailored training course to your personal needs. Here's how it went.

Tyrant CNC H&K VP9/VP40 Flared Magwells

The Tyrant Designs H&K VP9/VP40 Flared Magwell offers a simple, nonpermanent addition to help guild magazines in place smoother and easier.

Donaustahl Odin 2: Universal Pistol Chassis

Donaustahl'S Odin 2 is designed to be a universal pistol chassis rather than one limited to only a specific model of handgun.

Long-Range Hunting Performance: Burris Signature LRF 2000 Rangefinder

Burris Optics is stepping into a new realm with its Signature line of rangefinders. The Signature LRF 2000 reportedly gives fast results out to 2400 yards.

Springfield Armory XD-M Elite 4.5″ OPS now in Desert FDE

Springfield Armory has upgraded its offerings for the XD-M Elite pistols with the XD-M Elite 4.5” OSP 10mm now in Desert FDE.

Arsenal Circle 10 AK Mag — Quality You Can Trust

AK-47 rifles are nicknamed “mud guns” because they keep on keeping on. Rain or shine, sand, or mud, they don’t fail. But a reliable gun is useless if the magazine can’t feed it ammo. The Arsenal Circle 10 AK mag isn’t the cheapest, but it is the best. And it makes a perfect companion for such a legendary rifle like the AK-47.

Women to Watch: Dedicated 2A Supporters and Shooters

These are women to watch in the firearms world, some of whom you've undoubtedly heard of before, and some you probably have not. Check it out.

The Streamlight Macrostream USB: Small but Powerful

Flashlights are one of the most overlooked yet universally significant tools out there. Whether your job calls for having a reliable flashlight or if you just like being prepared, the Streamlight Macrostream USB flashlight is a great choice.

Safariland Group Liberator HP 2.0 | Review

Safariland's HP Liberator 2.0 headset is made for professional end users and gun enthusiasts who want a high-quality headset with high-end electronics.

The Great Ammo Shortage of 2020: When Empty Shelves and High Prices Wrought Havoc

With the chaos of a pandemic not seen in years, Americans armed up in record numbers and the Great Ammo Shortage of 2020 began and would continue well into 2022. Given demand, supply chain problems, and inflationary pressures, is there ever going to be a return to normal?

Joe Biden’s Anti-Gun Executive Order: What You Need to Know

Let’s break down Biden's Anti-Gun Executive Order and talk about what it is, what it purports to do, and what it will not do.