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LANCER L15 5.56mm NATO By Rich Grassi  ............................................................. 18 A Professional Patrol AR-15 that’s demanded by today’s officer.
ATI TACPX2 12 GAUGE By Chad Thompson  .............................................................. 26 Lightweight pump action packs CQB-dominating power and reliability!
GLOCK 42 .380 ACP By Massad Ayoob  ....................................................................... 38 Next-gen deep-cover pistol offers 6+1 rounds of backup firepower.
SIG SAUER MPX 9mm By David Bahde  ......................................................................46 Ultra-compact submachine gun born for 21st century CQB operations.
ENFIELD MERC415 5.56mm By Rich Grassi  ............................................................. 52 Go beyond “mil-spec” with this Magpul-enhanced carbine.
WINDHAM WEAPONRY HBC 5.56mm By Jorge Amselle  .......................................62 Heavy-Barrel Carbine bred for low recoil and faster follow-up shots!
ELEVEN STREET-READY HANDGUNS By Richard Johnson  .................................74 Cutting-edge pistols and revolvers built for primary and backup LEO missions.
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PRIMARY WEAPONS SYSTEMS MK3 By Todd Burgreen  .......................................94 Turn cover into concealment with this sub-MOA .300 Win Mag countersniper!
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DEC/JAN 2015 • GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
The extinction of the .40 S&W is anything but imminent. It remains a popu-
lar cartridge, and it’s proven itself in many police shootings. Many law enforcement agen-
cies continue to use it. But the fact remains: Many are moving away from it—mostly to the
9mm—for several good reasons.
Early on, the 9mm suffered from a lack of efficiency, mostly due to its construction,
which resulted in either under- or overpenetration. At the time, the newly developed .40
S&W answered the call. Developed from scratch as a duty round, it seemed to offer some
advantages. Mimicking the 10mm FBI load in a smaller pistol, it simply worked, and its
terminal ballistics were on par with the .45 ACP without the 10mm recoil. It seemed like
a perfect solution.
But the 9mm has been improved. Across the board, it is much more effective, virtu-
ally flat-lining penetration, expansion, accuracy and effectiveness among common pistol
calibers. Data from actual shootings proves this, showing no measurable difference in
effectiveness amongst the three main 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP chamberings. Shot
placement—not one magic bullet or a minor difference in caliber—is the most critical ele-
ment. And no pistol round facilitates better shot placement than the 9mm.
Reliability & Recoil
Most early .40 S&W pistols were 9mms converted to take the new chambering. This
changed with time of course, but .40 S&W versions can still be problematic by compari-
son. So I had to wonder: Why deal with reliability issues when the 9mm always works?
While recoil control is not a pistol issue, per se, it remains critical and causes prob-
lems for some law enforcement officers. When it came to training, if an officer was having
trouble with a .40 S&W, my simple solution would be to hand them the same gun in 9mm.
Almost without fail the problems disappeared. And ultimately what you want is for your
officer to feel confident with their firearm and hit what they are aiming at. If changing to a
9mm pistol does that, then all the better.
Capacity & Cost
While I understand that officers did it with “five shots and a revolver” in the old days,
there is a reason those days are over. If you can carry a pistol that is roughly the same
size with a higher capacity, then you are foolish not to, especially in a duty situation. Eight
rounds is fine—unless of course you needed 10 on that day, or 17! With everything else
being equal, the more capacity the better.
Ammunition is costly, and prices probably won’t come down anytime soon. For a po-
lice agency, the difference between purchasing 9mm and .40 S&W ammunition can add
up to tens of thousands of dollars. Maintaining the same level of training for less money is
 just a budgetary reality. With no proven loss in effectiveness, possible gains in proficiency
and thousands of dollars in savings, it is a no brainer.
Making The Switch
Yes, the .40 S&W works—there is just nothing to prove it works any better than the 9mm.
As long as that remains true, LE agencies are going to keep migrating back to the 9mm, and
in my opinion they should. I carried a 10mm pistol for years, but the pistol on my hip is more
often than not a 9mm these days, and that is not likely to change any time soon.
GUNS-WEAPONS.com
Considering cost capacity recoil
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The 10th Anniversary Conference of the International Law Enforce- ment Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) drew more than 700 police trainers from all over the U.S. and several other countries.   It was an inspirational opportunity for all of us to “recharge our batteries” with the best and
the brightest in the profession. There were also
sad goodbyes: Shortly before the seminar Sgt.
Brian Stover passed away only a day before
his scheduled retirement. A master instructor
in multiple disciplines Sgt. Stover worked for
the Los Angeles County
and did much good work
for ILEETA, and before that, for the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers (ASLET).
MANAGING RISK
Since “The Job” often puts you in “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” positions, ILEETA gives instructors tools for explaining their officers’ actions to the public and the
courts. In an excellent
of ase
One, in which a department spokesman did a perfect job of explaining why his officers had done what they did. Then, when the reporter said they were done, the cop and reporter chat- ted comfortably, with the lawman now leaning back in his chair with his feet on the desk. The camera was still running, though, and the TV station showed him in that position with his
voice from earlier playing
look overly casual
in dealing with
SURVIV L
T CTICS
FIRST RESPONDER
Over 700 LE experts gathered to offer insight on limiting risk, mass murder responses and more!
The 10th Annual ILEETA conference offered insight into modern threats facing LEOs, such as active shooters and how officers must work together to stop the threat.
Big Stock photo
sure what’s “on the record.”
Risk management expert Steve Ashley
pointed out that police instructors can be their
agencies’ best risk managers. He cautioned
that excited utterances in the heat of the mo-
ment can come back to haunt cops as well
as criminals, citing Case Two. Here, the
pursuit of a dangerous escapee ended with the
suspect hanging off a bridge. He was Tased,
lost his grip, fell a considerable distance and
was seriously injured. In a world of turned-on
microphones, one officer was recorded saying,
“See that [expletive] fall?” Another officer was
recorded saying, “Some idiot up on the bridge
shot him with a Taser.” None of this helped the
involved department in the subsequent lawsuit.
MORE WITH LESS
projected waits of nearly a year before their
ammunition orders would be in. Case Three:
a Federal agent reported that ammunition was
in such short supply, it looked as if his agents
would only have enough to qualify with in the
coming year, not enough to actually train with.
Case Four: a federal agent from another
organization mentioned that his agency was
looking at cutting rearms
was devoted to responding
to mass murderers in
first responders.
was devoted to responding
to mass murderers in
first responders.
Many of the instructors suggested dry-draw-
ing and dry-firing time, while others were pur-
chasing airsoft equipment for training purposes.
Some recommended that rather than eliminating
training sessions when ammunition was short,
the time be used to emphasize hand-to-hand and
weapon-retention drills. Defensive tactics and
firearms instructor Larry Hahn gave an excellent
block on teaching action/reaction principles and
retention methods with dummy guns. He cited
Case Five, in which a deputy’s dashboard
camera recorded him being shot in the face dur-
ing a “routine” traffic stop. The deputy went down,
and his attacker jumped from the car and tried
to shoot him again, but his pistol had jammed.
He pistol-whipped the cop, then tried to get the
officer’s Glock. The wounded officer success-
fully retained his pistol, then drew it and took the
fight to his opponent. The attempted murderer is
now serving a 60-plus-year sentence. The officer
survived and went back to work.
MASS-MURDER RESPONSES An entire panel of experts was devoted to
responding to mass murderers in public places,
with emphasis on the role of first responders. We
were reminded of Case Six, in which Deputy
Justin Garner was able to shoot down a mass
murderer in a retirement home, using his Glock
.40 service pistol to drop the shotgun-armed sus-
pect at a range of 114 feet. And Case Seven,
where the first responder to a mass murder at a
USAF base was a lone officer on bicycle patrol,
Andy Brown. Under fire from a man with a drum-
fed, semi-auto AK-47 rifle at 70 yards, Brown was
able to fatally shoot the man and end the killing
with just his Beretta 9mm service pistol.
Many on the panel noted that the current
term “active shooter” poorly describes these
incidents. “Active killer” is the term preferred
by panelist Ron Borsch, the retired SWAT cop
who pioneered the lone-officer protocol for first
responders aggressively hunting down such
murderers. We were told that the Department of
Justice is now using the term “active threat” for
these incidents. Nor is “shooting” per se involved
in all such attacks. As the conference hosts
were setting up, Case Eight took place on a
college campus near Houston, Texas. Armed with
a box-cutter-type “razor knife,” the perpetrator
slashed 14 victims. And none of us needed to
be reminded of the horrors of Case Nine, the
September 11, 2001, terrorist attack perpetrated
by multiple suspects armed with box-cutters.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES ILEETA membership is open to those who
train in the law enforcement/corrections/criminal
 justice community. Visit the ileeta.org website to
see the incredible breadth of the training offered.
For example, each conference includes multiple
full instructor certification schools in various
disciplines, and assorted armorer’s schools. This
column barely touches the surface of the trea-
sure trove of cutting-edge information that the
International Law Enforcement Educators and
Trainers Association has become world-famous
for delivering to our LEOs.
This article is respectfully dedicated to the
memory of Sergeant Brian Stover of the Los
Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
 
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is known as the “Bluegrass State.” The 15th state to join the union, Kentucky is famous for Jim Bean bourbon, fried chicken and, of course, the derby.  The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is responsible
for providing law enforcement services and sup-
port for over 40,000-plus square miles. Since be-
ing formed in 1948, the agency has grown to over
1,000 sworn officers stationed at 16 posts. Unlike
most state and local agencies, the KSP maintains
a full-time, highly trained Special Response
Team (SRT) that consists of 11 troopers and one
sergeant. The unit is assigned under the Special
Operations Branch, which is also responsible for
the Canine and Hazardous Devices sections.
The KSP SRT unit is the only full-time tactical
team in the state. The unit responds to an average
of 70 calls a year. The unit handles the normal
SRT responsibilities, such as high-risk warrants
and barricaded gunman/hostage situations. How-
ever, much of the unit’s time is spent conducting
counter-drug surveillance, assisting the aviation
section with marijuana eradication, and fugitive
investigations. In addition, the SRT assists in pro-
viding security for large-scale events such as the
Kentucky Derby and the Quaker State 400.
JACKS OF ALL TRADES
troopers to be “jacks of all trades,” meaning they
must receive a wide variety of specialized training.
While this training includes the normal entry and
hostage-rescue techniques, the team also re-
ceives regular training in tactical tracking, wilder-
ness operations, breaching and tactical medicine.
The unit also works closely with the KSP aviation
section and trains in aerial marksmanship, search
and rescue, and aerial rope operations.
To maintain these skills, the unit spends as
much time as possible training. This training
curriculum is made easier by all members of the
team being full-time and
tor course consists of 40-plus hours and involves
over 20 basic tactical skills. This ongoing training
also includes members attending the most elite
tactical and shooting schools in the country. The
team has completed Advanced Hostage Rescue,
Urban Sniper and Tactical Medical Integration
courses from Paul Howe at Combat Shooting and
Tactics. Howe is a former Delta Force team leader
who was involved in the Battle of the Black Sea,
also known as “Black Hawk Down.” The SRT has
also attended training at TMACS and the Mid-
South Institute of Self-Defense Shooting.
SPECIAL GEAR
to work from specially equipped SUVs that are
a combination of armory, office and camper. The
vehicles carry a variety of equipment, includ-
ing firearms, ammunition, other munitions, body
armor and surveillance gear. Given their wide
range of missions, the troopers must carry their
equipment with them at all times. The team also
uses a Lenco BearCat when the mission requires
an armored vehicle. In addition, the SRT has two
Chevrolet Tahoes that are equipped to serve as
mobile com-
mand posts.
interesting. During the mid-1990s, the KSP fol-
lowed the lead of the FBI and issued the Smith &
Wesson 1076 in 10mm. During the late 1990s, the
agency was looking for a reliable and compact
backup pistol in a service caliber. The .40
caliber Glock 27 was evaluated and then
approved. In 2004, after an extensive testing
program, the agency transitioned to the Glock
35 as the standard service pistol. The
The KSP Special Operations Division consists of the SRT, K9, EOD and aviation units, which train together to handle multiple-threat incidents.
KENTU KY’S
ELITE ENFOR ERS
BY ROB GARRETT
AGENCY SPOTLIGHT
Special Response Team lays down the law with top guns, gear and tactics!
12  GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT • DEC/JAN 2015 GUNS-WEAPONS.com
 
The KSP aviation unit has several helicopters, including the ubiquitous
Bell Huey, and trains in tactical insertion techniques and rescues.
G35 has a 5-inch barrel and ported slide which
helps manage the recoil of their issued Speer
155-grain Gold Dot hollow-point ammunition.
The agency was impressed with the reliability
of the Glock as well as its magazine capacity. In
2012, the agency upgraded from Gen3 to Gen4
G27s and G35s.
Marksmanship (HARM) program hosted by the
KSP. While the unit had conducted internal train-
ing on aerial marksmanship, the HARM program
presented a unique opportunity. The course was
developed by Greg Coker of Shield 91 while he
was serving as an AH-6 pilot with the U.S. Army
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
(SOAR). Coker is an exceptional pilot as well
as an avid shooter. This combination resulted
in Coker developing the HARM program, which
was validated and is currently in use by the U.S.
military and several law enforcement units.
The complete KSP SRT unit attended the
training, along with officers from other Ken-
tucky, Florida and Indiana agencies. The SRT
ran their HK416 rifles equipped with Aimpoint
optics, SureFire lights and AN/PEQ laser units.
The rest of the class used a variety of M4
5.56mm carbines, with the exception of two
officers who ran 7.62mm LaRue Tactical OBRs.
The KSP aviation section provided pilots and
their OH-6 and OH-58 helicopters. The class
emphasized crew coordination and the marks-
manship skills needed to engage a target from
a moving aircraft. The initial flight profile started
with the aircraft at an altitude of 100 feet and
a speed of 40 knots. Shooters learned to track
the target, keep the rifle moving and sight in.
The HARM class is typical of the advanced
training that the SRT attends.
SHOTS FIRED
their recent missions, where the team was
activated in response to shots fired involving
KSP troopers. The troopers were responding to
a residence because of a reported disturbance,
possibly domestic. When troopers arrived,
a subject opened fire from a concealed and
elevated position in the woods. The troopers
returned fire, gained cover and set up a perim-
eter. The SRT was activated. Half of the team
deployed in a helicopter, while half responded
by vehicle. The team used the Lenco BearCat
to evacuate several troopers that were pinned
down during the initial gunfire. The helicopter,
with two countersnipers aboard, provided
overwatch. Two SRT operators then rappeled
down onto a ridgeline above the subject. The
troopers closed on the suspect, who was found
deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot.
The citizens of the Commonwealth of
Kentucky are protected by one of the most elite
special operations law enforcement units in the
country. During the team’s 24-year existence,
only 52 troopers have worn the SRT patch.
With ages ranging from 28 to 42, the members
share a common bond and sense of purpose.
This is reflected in the team’s motto, “ Custos
Fratris Mei ,” or “My Brother’s Keeper.” Should
you travel through the Bluegrass State, rest well
knowing that you are protected by this group of
dedicated professionals.
 
GUNS-WEAPONS.com
Fetters, shackles—these are age- old terms going back to Biblical days. Unfortunately, as long as man has wronged his fellow man— think Cain slaying Abel here— the pursuit of justice has meant at some point temporarily restraining the guilty party in the process.  And metallic handcuffs have been a part
of that (and police work) since they were
developed and the first paladin kept watch
over the sleeping citizenry.
iron or steel rings that could be riveted or locked
shut with a length of chain between the two.
Every modern street cop carries at least one
set of handcuffs on duty. Most active street cops
I know carry at least two; it always seems that
bad guys, like wolves, travel in packs.
RESTRAINT TYPES
include hinged cuffs, larger cuffs for bigger
wrists, models that include polymer in their
construction and flex-cuffs. Hinged cuffs restrict
movement more than conventional chained
cuffs, and they can be used to generate more
leverage to force a suspect’s hands behind his
or her back, or to apply pain against the wrist,
forcing the subject to comply and quit resisting.
Considering the ever-increasing amount
of gear cops are forced to carry on their duty
belts, lighter-weight handcuffs that incorporate
polymer in their lock housings can be a boon
for LEOs. ASP, Inc., makes handcuffs—chain,
hinged or rigid designs—that are made of alumi-
num or steel and incorporate polymer. ASP even
offers different color housings so that jailers can
segregate offenders based on classification.
Disposable restraints such as flex-cuffs are
essentially beefed-up cable ties that are de-
signed to have a tensile strength of 300 pounds.
There are different makers of these plastic
restraints, which include single-loop versions,
double-loop versions and even plastic cuffs that
have a lock with a standard cuff key so you don’t
have to remove them by using safety scissors or
snips. These plastic types of cuffs are nice be-
cause you can carry a lot for riot-control duties.
I’ve known of cers who used to carry them
inside the brim of their patrol caps or under
their duty belts back in the day. SWAT opera-
tors usually have several on their entry vests.
SUSPE T TYPES
defensive tactics or suspect control programs
teach that there are three types of people to
handcuff: the totally uncooperative subject, the
totally cooperative subject and the potentially
uncooperative subject. The rst person, the
GUNS WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
•
subject’s hands behind their head A) or
interlaced behind their back B), but you
first must make sure you have control of the
subject C) before you can apply handcuffs.
Handcuffs are temporary restraints that need to be put on and taken off safely. Here an officer begins to handcuff a suspect using the “LA Method,” with his hands interlaced behind his head.
caus
I’
to
SU
def
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• DEC/JAN 2015
su b
su b
totally uncooperative subject, must be con-
trolled first. Too often on the street I saw cops
trying to handcuff a person who was actively
fighting back. Tying up one of their hands
that could be used for striking, grabbing or
 joint-locking the suspect, they would attempt
to chase the arm around as the subject flailed
or struck. Put simply, you cannot handcuff
someone who is fighting you. Concentrate on
controlling them first, then handcuff.
The problems with dealing with the next
two subjects, who are either cooperating or
feigning cooperation, is that officers tend to let
their guards down. I’ve seen officers gingerly
apply handcuffs—“Put your hands behind your
back, please” —thinking or operating under the
faulty assumption that if the officer acts nice
and handcuffs comfortably, the suspect will be
nice, too. Of course, when the officer makes
contact or applies the first handcuff, the sus-
pect realizes the gravity of the situation, i.e.,
they are going to jail, and the fight is on.
I tell my officers that when you penetrate
the reaction gap (move inside 6 feet) your
h nds should be up nd you should be re dy
for resistance. Grab the subject first, establish
control and then apply the handcuffs while
maintaining control. The first handcuff is like a
switch, and you better be ready for resistance.
If the suspect resists, you can either
escalate your force control or disengage and
possibly attempt a “remote control” less-lethal
device, such as the expandable baton or Taser.
RULES FOR CONTROL
first. As soon as you develop probable cause to
make an arrest, handcuff them. It is much easier
to control or search a handcuffed subject.
• Handcuff behind the back. There are rare
exceptions, of course, for the elderly, pregnant
or individuals with injuries or physical limita-
tions/disabilities.
• Handcuffs are ovals; wrists are ovals.
Match the oval of the cuff to the oval of the wrist.
This means pressing the single bar on the top
or bottom of the wrist, not the inside or outside.
Make sure you take control
cuff ’em correctly and
end of your shift.
CUFF ‘EM
between the base of the palm and the ulna and
radius bones at the wrist.
• Don’t grab the arm or wrist where you are
going to cuff. “Shake hands” (palm to palm) with
the suspect as you handcuff. This offers control
via a joint lock (wristlock) and speeds application.
• The chains grow out of the back of the
hands. This is an old rule which simply means you
should ensure the handcuff chains are positioned
to the back of the wrist so that, when both cuffs
are applied, the back of the suspect’s hands will
be facing each other behind their back, reducing
mobility and the likelihood of being able to br ing
the cuffs under the legs to the front.
• Handcuff, then check the gap with the tip
of a finger to make sure the handcuffs aren’t too
tight, and then double lock the handcuffs.
• If you want to decrease resistance and
increase control, take the suspect to a kneeling or
prone position. You cannot and should not make
every subject kneel, but if the risk or threat is
greater, reduce their mobility by taking them off
their feet and closer to the ground.
CUFFING TECHNIQUES Fingers Interlaced Behind The Head:
Known colloquially as the “LAPD Method” in my
neck of the woods, this technique starts with the
suspect standing or kneeling with their fingers in-
terlaced behind their head. The key to this cuffing
technique, which is also used to frisk suspects, is
to take the person off balance to the rear. If you
allow the suspect to stand upright, he or she can
easily escape and/or attack. The single bar of one
cuff is pressed down on the wrist at the cuffing
notch. The key is to walk your hand around after
the first cuff is applied to position your hand for
the second handcuff application.
and their hand in between the suspect’s arm and
body. This maneuver positions the suspect’s arm
for application of the second cuff and offers more
control. The cuffs are gripped between the lock
housings. (Please turn to page 100) 
 
What if you wanted some additional duty accessories
on a patrol carbine and preferred to have them fac-
tory installed, like a semi-custom/production AR-15? 
You could contact Lancer Systems, known for its hybrid
polymer/metal magazines, and get the company’s L15
Professional Patrol rifle. Guided by a legitimate need for
speed, accuracy and smooth operation, Lancer put toge-
ther an AR-platform rifle in 5.56mm NATO that has “light
custom” written all over it—the L15 Professional Patrol.
The L15 Professional Patrol features a mid-length
gas system—a smoother operating system than the
carbine-length systems. The 14.5-inch, mid-weight-profile
barrel features a chrome-lined bore and the NATO-spec
1-in-7-inch twist rate. This is good for rounds weighing
between 55 and 75 grains. The carbine has a 5.56mm NATO
chamber—not a .223 chamber—meaning it can fire both types
of rounds. A Smith Enterprise Vortex flash suppressor is pinned
to the barrel, taking it to the non-NFA length of 16 inches.
LANCER
 UN T ST
 
From its carbon-fiber
 written all over it…
Surrounding the barrel is Lancer’s 12-
inch, carbon-fiber LCH5 handguard, which
is smooth on all sides and comes with a
2-inch Picatinny rail at the front, in the 12
o’clock position, for mounting a front sight.
The upper receiver itself has a top Picatin-
ny rail for mounting optics. The handguard
is slim and lightweight. I get tired of typical
quad-rail handguards for stateside police/ 
defense carbines. We don’t need to load
them up with gizmos. Just attach a light,
a sling, an optic and backup sights and
you’re ready to go to work. The point of
having a short AR weighing between 12 to
16 pounds escapes me. At that point you
might as well get an M14.
The Professional Patrol features Lanc-
er’s modular lower receiver, which allows
shooters to install three magazine wells
of different sizes—Standard, Tactical and
Competition. My test rifle came equipped
with the enlarged Tactical magazine well,
which is wide enough to ensure faster,
fumble-free reloads.
Ergo pistol grip, an ambidextrous bolt re-
lease and an enlarged magazine release
that is more like a tab than a button—it’s
longer but still low profile. It’s easy to reach
LANCER L15
The rifle comes with Lancer’s enlarged Tactical magazine well funnel, which makes for faster, fumble-free reloads.
 
and yet I never accidentally dumped a
magazine during testing.
before it’s been a few years and this
model was a welcome addition on the
Lancer carbine. It has a good grip
angle and its rubber over-molding
is quite “grippy.” I’m a fan of these
grips. As to the ambidextrous bolt
release it’s a tab on the right side
of the lower receiver above the rect-
angular magazine release. I found the bolt
release handy when I shot the carbine left-
handed. You don’t have to take your domi-
nant hand off of the grip to release the bolt.
Farther back, the lower receiver sports
Lancer’s Single-Point Sling Mount, which
uses a nylon-coated, braided stainless
steel cable for attaching a sling. Its coating
helps it remain silent—there’s no metal-on-
metal noise from the attachment point.
Finally, the carbine has an adjustable
GL-MAG “Survival” buttstock from FAB
Defense. A grooved, rubber buttpad keeps
the rifle from slipping off of your shoulder.
The base of the stock, just ahead of the
buttpad, is a magazine well, and a pad-
dle-type magazine release is
stock, just ahead of the maga-
zine well. While the stock was a
little weird at rst, it grew on me.
FAB normally sells the stock with
a 10-round magazine, but my test
rifle only came with two of Lancer’s
Advanced War ghter 30-round maga-
zines (along with a trigger lock and a man-
ual). Indeed, the stock’s magazine well is
a handy place to store spare ammunition.
While I wouldn’t carry a 30-round magazine
in the GL-MAG as a matter of routine, a re-
liable 20-round magazine (Lancer makes
20-round magazines) would be great there.
The GL-MAG
store spare ammunition.
makes
extra magazine and sports a oved, rubber
u tpad for shoulder- unting stability.
ccidentally dumped a
elcome addition on the
ts rubber over-molding
trous bolt
ine rele
 
22  GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT •DEC/JAN 2015   GUNS WEAPONS com
During testing, magazines held in the
GL-MAG stock never shook loose, but I
didn’t get the chance to take the rifle to
any tough training courses to really test it.
The stock also has ambidextrous, quick-
detach rear sling swivel attachments—a
very nice, well-thought-out touch.
generally a good idea. For a rifle of
this class, the user/user’s agency
will likely determine the best backup
sights and optics for their mission. For
testing I chose the Trijicon TA33R-8
ACOG, a 3x30mm scope that uses
tritium and ber optics to illuminate
its Red Chevron .223 Ballistic Reticle.
I locked the ACOG onto the rifle with
Trijicon’s TA60 mount.
you identify a threat at 50, 100 or 150
yards with just your eyes? The magni-
  cation is low enough that using the
ACOG for close-range encounters—far
more likely—is just ne. The long eye
relief is critical if you need to mount
backup irons. All you need is a quick-
detach mount and you’re good to go. I
collected some ammunition, my chro-
nograph, a Bushnell spotting scope
and headed out to the range.
I found this carbine to be remarkably
accurate. The data may surprise you, but
after testing as many ARs as I have, I’m
somewhat unsurprised. It’s a high-qual-
ity carbine, and it’s likely to give you
results in the 1- to 1.5-MOA range—
more accuracy than you need for a
carbine of this type. The average
ve-shot group with 55-grain Liberty
Silverado ammo was around 1.4
inches, and the “best” group mea-
sured 0.75 inches. Likewise, the
excellent Federal Premium ammo,
TSX bullet, produced a best group
measuring 1 inch at 100 yards. The
average was just over 1.5 inches.
To say that the other loads
are “bad” would be silly. These
are great groups from a 16-inch-
barreled carbine with a 3x optic
and a mil-spec trigger. Since the
Professional Patrol is designed for
law enforcement of cers, I met my
friend Lieutenant Chuck Haggard
Lancer and give his opinion.
The rst comments he made
had to do with the Trijicon
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO • Barrel: 16 inches
OA Length: 32.5-35.25 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds (empty)
Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
Finish: Hardcoat anodized black
Capacity: 30+1 • MSRP: $1,949.99
Federal American Eagle 62 FMJ 2 698 2.00
Federal Premium 55 TSX 2 893 1.00
Liberty 55 Silverado LF 2 993 0.75
Bullet weight measured in grains velocity in fps
by chronograph and accuracy in inches for
best five-shot groups at 100 yards.
the
and headed out to the range.
I found this carbine to be remarkably
accurate. The data may surprise you, but
after testing as many ARs as I have, I’m
somewhat unsurprised. It’s a high-qual-
ity carbine, and it’s likely to give you
results in the 1- to 1.5-MOA range—
more accuracy than you need for a
carbine of this type. The average
five-shot group with 55-grain Liberty
Silverado ammo was around 1.4
inches, and the “best” group mea-
sured 0.75 inches. Likewise, the
excellent Federal Premium ammo,
TSX bullet, produced a best group
measuring 1 inch at 100 yards. The
average was just over 1.5 inches.
To say that the other loads
are “bad” would be silly. These
are great groups from a 16-inch-
barreled carbine with a 3x optic
and a mil-spec trigger. Since the
Professional Patrol is designed for
law enforcement of cers, I met my
friend Lieutenant Chuck Haggard
Lancer and give his opinion.
The rst comments he made
had to do with the Trijicon
e
L
ccuracyr
1.50.50
1.500
2.00
1.00
0.75
Another lower enhancement is
 
ACOG—he really liked it. He was surprised
at the magnification and how much differ-
ence it made at 25 yards, and how little
difference there was from the usual 1x
duty optic up close. It’s become a favorite
of mine for just that reason. The only real
downside for me is having to dump the op-
tic if I have to use my backup iron sights,
but that’s less a likelihood for me than for
an on-duty police officer.
a plus, as was the mid-weight barrel profile.
These aren’t “light machine guns,” they’re
patrol carbines.
tion into magazines with .223 ammunition to
see if it would create any malfunctions in the
Professional Patrol and to determine if the
chamber as truly NATO-spec. However, the
gun didn’t miss a beat throughout the test.
The Smith Vortex ash suppressor is a
great addition to the Lancer carbine. Work-
ing with the carbine’s overall design and
gas system, it helps reduce muzzle flip,
making for a flat-shooting AR. With mag-
nified ear protection, we could hear the
“hum” of the Vortex’s prongs after firing.
FINAL NOTES
standards on modifying weapons issued or
provided by officers. In that situation, get-
ting the patrol rifle set up for your agency
needs with the requisite gear from the fac-
tory is easier and has administrative ad-
vantages. The Lancer Professional Patrol
we shot was accurate and reliable. The
way it was set up from the factory made it
easy to shoot well. The mid-length gas sys-
tem not only helps its reliability, but it also
makes for a smoother-shooting carbine.
For more information, visit lancer-systems.
com or call 610-973-2600.
we shot was accurate
and reliable. The way it w s set up from the
f ctory m de it e sy
to shoot well.
to save money without cutting
corners. Civilians are doing it
as are law enforcement agencies.
To that end, there is a solid need for proven tactical
shotguns for duty use that will not break the bank. A
great example of one of these is the TACPX2 from
American Tactical (ATI). It is a 12 gauge, 18.5-inch-
barreled, pump-action shotgun that is made in
Turkey by Ottomangunsand imported into the U.S.
by ATI. It’d be hard for you to nd a more affordable
pump shotgun ready for duty. Period.
GUNS WEAPONS com
 TI T CPX 
CQB -dom inating power and reliabil ity
eedless to say, everyone
to save money without cutting
corners. Civilians are doing it,
as are law enforcement agencies.
To that end, there is a solid need for proven tactical
shotguns for duty use that will not break the bank. A
great example of one of these is the TACPX2 from
American Tactical (ATI). It is a 12 gauge, 18.5-inch-
barreled, pump-action shotgun that is made in
Turkey by Ottomangunsand imported into the U.S.
by ATI. It’d be hard for you to find a more affordable
pump shotgun ready for duty. Period.
GUNS-WEAPONS.com
 
  GAUGE
dent that the TACPX2 shotgun closely follows the
design of the Remington 870, and who can blame
it for that? If I were to attempt to design a firearm,
I firmly believe replicating one of the bestselling,
most popular firearms of all time would be a great
way to start. Just like its inspiration, this shotgun
features a bottom-loading, side-ejecting receiver
with a magazine tube under the barrel. The big-gest
difference I noticed came when I picked the shot-
gun up: The TACPX2’s receiver is made from alumi-
num as opposed to steel, and wthe entire gun is a
lot lighter as a result. For use on the job, this makes
a huge difference, and it’s a great advantage over
some other shotguns that weigh as much as twice
what this one does. My test TACPX2 came with an
appealing all-matte-black finish that included the
polymer stock and forend. Its crossbolt safety is in
the same place as the 870’s—just behind the trig-
gerguard—and the action release button is just in
front of the triggerguard as well. If officers are used
to the 870, it’ll be easy to transition to this shotgun,
as every control works exactly the same.
The TACPX2 is capable of firing 2¾- or 3-inch
shells and will hold five shells in the magazine
tube plus one in the chamber when fully loaded.
 
Because of the aluminum receiver, the
shotgun weighs 5.95 pounds unloaded,
and there are actually two things pres-
ent on this shotgun that my personal 870
does not have: It features a ramped, rifle-
style front sight to accompany the rear
sight notch, and scope mounts are milled
into the top of the receiver on either side
of the rear sight.
with a gun lock and paperwork. After mak-
ing my initial observations and picking the
shotgun up, I went ahead and took it apart
to see what the fit and finish looked like
ATI TACPX2 2 GAUGE
The enlarged triggerguard and crossbolt safety, just behind the trigger, are reminiscent of the venerable 870.
The shotgun features a steel bolt assembly for durability, while the receiver is made of aluminum for reduced weight.
With
With its matte
 
end cap and pulled the barrel off—just as
you might with any pump shotgun. Upon
removing the innards of the TACPX2 one
of the biggest things I noticed initially was
that the bolt can easily be removed without
any manipulation of the shell latches. Once
the barrel was removed I simply pulled for-
ward on the forend and the entire bolt and
carrier came out on the twin action bars.
Upon removing the bolt, another notice-
able difference between this shotgun and
the 870 is that the bolt carrier is actually a
part of the action bars and isn’t removable
from the forend assembly.
gle extractor on the right-hand side. The
groove located on the left side of the bolt
that would normally allow for an extended
ejector on the inside of the receiver itself
is actually just a groove to allow the bolt to
move around—an interesting concept for
an ejector on a shotgun. The entire ejec-
tor is simply a bump on the inside of the
receiver and appears to rely on aggressive
manipulation of the action to eject properly.
The last thing I did for disassembly was
take out the two pins holding in the trigger
group, removing the trigger group from the
receiver. The pins were easily removed
with a standard punch but were held inside
the receiver with the appropriate amount
of tension to avoid being worked out while
operating the shotgun. The trigger hous-
ing itself is comprised of mostly high-im-
ATI TACPX2 2 GAUGE
Action: Pump
Finish: Blued
Federal Power-Shok 2.75
Winchester Super-X 2.50
Buckshot pattern in inches at 25 yards. Slug accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 25 yards.
PERFORM N E
end cap and pulled the barrel off—just as
you might with any pump shotgun. Upon
removing the innards of the TACPX2, one
of the biggest things I noticed initially was
that the bolt can easily be removed without
an ma
PERFORMANCE
 
pact polymer, with the parts that take the
wear and tear being metal. There are also
some obvious differences inside the trig-
ger group. The safety, for example, cannot
be readily switched over for a left-handed
shooter as easily as it is on an 870.
RANGE TIME
reassembled the TACPX2 and headed to
the range. One of the first things I wanted
to test was the shotgun’s ejector design.
Now, on the 870, Remington actually
stakes the extended ejector through the
left side of the receiver to assist in positive
ejection. But this is a double-edged sword:
It makes the shotgun ultra-reliable in re-
gards to positive ejection, but if the ejector
is broken, then the user is forced to have a
competent gunsmith reinstall and re-stake
a new ejector. Being a separate piece from
the receiver does inevitably make the part
more susceptible to breakage.
minimizes the chance of breakage, and I
thought the concept was interesting to say
the least. It works in conjunction
with the extractor
lies upon strong manual
order to be most effective. To prove
this, I loaded one shell directly into the
ejection port and closed the action. I then
slowly opened the action and moved it all
the way to the rear while observing the
shell in the chamber. The extractor pulled
the shell to the rear and then simply re-
leased the shell at the point of contact with
the ejector “bump.” I then combat-loaded
the same shell and moved the action to the
rear a little faster—the shell came out, away
from the shotgun, as designed. On the third
try, I combat-loaded the shell and worked
the action as I normally would—which is to
say I did not baby the shotgun but brought
the action all the way back and then all the
way forward briskly and, as I expected, the
shotgun functioned flawlessly. I personally
find this ejector to be functional as well as
interesting in concept.
ing. The shotgun is a straight shooter, and
it ran without any hitches at all. However,
this shotgun isn’t soft shooting. That isn’t
to say that it is too abusive, but due to its
extremely light weight the recoil from a
full-power slug or buckshot charge is not
The TACPX2’s polymer stock has a newly designed buttpad that helps
absorb some of the recoil from hard- hitting 12 gauge slugs and buckshot.
The rifle-
for a nice clean sight picture.
ATI TACPX2 12 GAUGE
with the extractor
full-power slug or buckshot charge is not
 
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* MOUNTING HARDWARE ADDS 2.2 OZ BravoCompanyMFG.COM/KMR
 
something I want to experience excessive-
ly. All shotgun shooters understand that
basic physics are applied when handling
something as powerful as 12 gauge slugs
and buckshot—and a comfortably light,
easy-to-carry shotgun simply is going to
recoil more than a heavy one. Fortunately,
most agencies today recognize the inher-
ent advantage of reduced-recoil shotgun
ammo, and that should certainly help a lot.
I tested the TACPX2’s accuracy at 25
yards with 1-ounce slugs and ran the shot-
gun through its paces using a variety of
ammo. I tested the shotgun with reduced-
recoil Federal Law Enforcement slugs Win-
chester Super-X slugs and Federal Power-
Shok slugs. All three shot five-round groups
well at 2.75, 2.5 and 2 inches even, respec-
tively. Two of the five shots with the reduced-
recoil Federal slugs fell into the same hole.
After extensively testing the TACPX2,
I can wholeheartedly recommend it as a
tactical LE shotgun. It is relatively inex-
pensive and based upon a tried-and-true
design, featuring some extras not even
found on much more expensive offer-
ings from other manufacturers. If you find
yourself in the market for a lightweight,
economical pump shotgun, give ATI a
chance. I think you will like the result. For
more information, visit americantactical.
us or call 800-290-0065.
ATI TACPX2 12 GAUGE
Officers accustomed to Remington 870 shotguns will feel right at home with the TACPX2, as its controls are similar.
The shotgun is
a straight shooter
hitches at all.
BLACKHAWK!® EPOCH™ LEVEL 3 LIGHT-BEARING DUTY HOLSTER
accepts most popular weapon-mounted lights and features a fast,
intuitive thumb lock release that reinforces proper grip
 
GUNS-WEAPONS.com
Often undervalued by desk jockeys counting beans at the depart- ment HQ, a good pair of gloves can be a street cop’s best friend.   Quality gloves can protect law enforcement patrol and SWAT of cers from abrasions, cuts,
needle sticks and bites. Gloves are a kind of body armor for the hands.
Like any other tool, there is not a single pair of gloves that is perfect for every occasion.
Many cops have a general-use pair, another pair for winter duty and a third for high-risk
searches. Of cers on a SWAT team will frequently have special needs such as re resis-
tance. Here is a look at some of the best choices in tactical gloves on the market today.
  3 TACTICAL
GEAR BAG
Get a grip and protect your hands with these new duty-ready designs!
5.11 SCREEN OPS
information, visit 511tactical.com
or call 866-451-1726.
bines a goatskin leather palm with TouchTec nanotechnology to give
an officer good protection and ample dexterity with the ability to use
touchscreen tools. Available in black, tan and MultiCam. For more
information, visit condoroutdoor.com or call 800-552-2554.
BLACKHAWK
blades, broken glass and other cutting
hazards associated with pat-downs and
drug searches, the BlackHawk CRG2 Cut-
Resistant Patrol Gloves can provide a layer
of protection. For more information, visit
blackhawk.com or call 800-379-1732.
the company’s Razornet Ultra liner to protect the
officer’s hands. The Razornet Ultra liner is very re-
sistant to cuts and has an anti-microbial treatment
to help prevent the gloves from picking up an odor
after months of use. For more information, visit
damascusgear.com or call 800-451-4167.
General Search & Duty 4045
them. The material built into the fingertips can
literally bend needles. The palm of the glove is cut
and puncture resistant. For more information, visit
hexarmor.com or call 877-668-3675.
ce. Here is a look at some of the bes
HATCH TWG-100 PATROLMAN
Hatch offers a duty glove that uses a soft sheep-
skin leather for the palm and a nylon spandex
for the back of the hand and sides of the fingers.
TheseTWG-100 Patrolman gloves have a Cool-
Max liner to wick away sweat from the hand. The
thumb and index fingers of the gloves also have
a conductive material to allow for the operation of
touchscreen devices. For more information, visit
hatch-corp.com or call 800-347-1200.
MECH NIX ORIGIN L
the Original 0.5mm
Covert from Mechanix
allows for good airflow. These gloves
are machine washable. For more information,
visit mechanix.com or call 800-222-4296.
HWI GE R
information, visit hwigear.com
or call 805-646-3879.
OAKLEY SI LIGHTWEIGHT
gloves offer superior comfort to officers
working in hotter climates. The fingers have a
special surface pattern to enhance grip, and
the suede palms are perforated for increased
airflow. These gloves are available in black,
coyote and foliage green colors. For more infor-
mation, visit oakley.com or call 800-403-7449.
 
  3 TACTICAL GLOVES
OUTDOOR RESE RCH
too often stuck with bulky choices
that severely limit their ability to
use handcuffs and weapons. The
Coldshot gloves from Outdoor Re-
search offer improved dexterity and 
feel while still providing insulation. The
gloves are also water resistant and have
a neoprene cuff to help keep war mth in and
the elements out. For more infor mation, visit
outdoorresearch.com or call 855-967-8197.
Dexterity Tactical (FDT)
grip. The trigger nger uses a very
thin synthetic leather for maximum
sensitivity. For more information,
The R-21 uses 6mm-thick
hand, knuckles and fingers to
reduce potential injuries. The
information, visit ringersgloves.
gear Grip offers excellent dexterity
and sensitivity. The ngertips are
tacky for a better grip, and there
is padding over the palm
and knuckles for increased
glove during strenuous
com or call 561-865-7279.
hands
THE NEW P320. We asked leading law enforcement professionals
what they required in a pistol. They told us they needed safe, tool-free
disassembly. A smooth, consistent trigger pull. A proper fit for any hand
size—not just a back strap. We listened. And carefully followed orders. The
result is the P320. A superior pistol in every way.
WE
DROPPED
P320 ™
W
great deep-cover or backup gun option
that works just like their primary duty gun.
The subcompact Glock 42 in .380 ACP
was officially introduced in January 2014,
but I was able to get an early sample for
testing in late 2013. Only 0.94 inches thick,
4.13 inches high and 5.94 inches long,
this will pistol lie flat against your body in
a pocket or vest holster without bulging
through your uniform. Weighing only 13.76
ounces unloaded, its feathery heft will
be appreciated by a uniformed of cer over-
burdened w ith duty gear, and the lightly
dressed off-duty cop in hot weather alike.
 he Glock 42 has an extremely
short trigger reach, which will also endear
it to petite female of cers and male of cers
with short ngers. Its cartridge capac-
ity is six .380 rounds in the magazine,
and a seventh carried safely in the ring
chamb er of its 3.25-inch ba rrel. The pistol’s
overall size is roughly comparable to the
S&W S hield and Spring eld XD-S, but it’s
distinctly lighter and thinner with much less
UN T ST
 in late 2013. Only 0.94 inches thick,
hes high and 5.94 inches long,
istol lie flat against your body in
r vest holster without bulging
r uniform. Weighing only 13.76
ded, its feathery heft will
d by a uniformed officer over-
uty gear, and the lightly
cop in hot weather alike.
The Glock 42 has an extremely
short trigger reach, which will also endear
it to petite female officers and male officers
with short fingers. Its cartridge capac-
ity is six .380 rounds in the magazine,
and a seventh carried safely in the firing
chamber of its 3.25-inch barrel. The pistol’s
overall size is roughly comparable to the
S&W Shield and Springfield XD-S, but it’s
distinctly lighter and thinner with much less
 
recoil. Though the internals are slightly
different to allow for a drastically reduced
size the mechanism and trigger pull are
essentially “all Glock ” a system w hich has
proven itself to be extremely “shootab le”
under stress for more than a quar ter cen-
tury. It is much easier to learn to shoot well
than most micro .380 pistols
, which tend
of the trigger), my test G42’s trigger had
a 7-pound pull weight when measured
from the center of the trigger, where the
finger normally lies. However, because
the short trigger reach lets shooters get
more finger on the trigger, it felt like 5 or
6 pounds. The pull was smooth and the
break was clean, without noticeable back-
lash. For targeting, the pistol has a stan-
dard Glock white-outlined, square-notch
were easy enough to see and align.
RANGE TIME
guns” being difficult to shoot accurately at
distance. This is due to their short sight
radius, their very light weight in relation
recoil. Though the internals are slightly
different to allow for a drastically reduced
size, the mechanism and trigger pull are
essentially “all Glock,” a system which
proven itself to be extremely “
under stress for mo
By Massad Ayoob
The new G42 is extremely compact yet carries plenty of lifesaving .380 ACP backup firepower as well as
Glock’s renowned simplicity and reliability.
Straight 8 photos
to relatively heavy trigger pulls and small
grip frames that don’t allow for a full hand
grasp. Accordingly, it is customary to test
very small handguns like these at no more
than 15 yards, or as little as 7 yards. How-
ever, there are no bad guys who’ve been
across a parking lot shooting at an off-duty
cop who said to each other, “Gosh, Spike,
that poor off-duty cop we’re shooting at only
has a little gun, so let’s be fair to him and
level the playing field. Let’s get closer to him,
so he can shoot us easier.” Accordingly, I
make a point of testing off-duty and backup
guns at the same distance now included in
most service pistol qualifications: 25 yards.
Initial testing showed the bullets group-
ing slightly left of the point of aim at 25
yards, but some quick work with a univer-
sal sight-pushing tool brought the point of
impact center and square with the point
of aim. Winchester’s affordable, 95-grain,
full-metal-jacket (FMJ) “White Box” ammo
is a practice load for .380s, but some be-
lieve that FMJs are the best choice for a
defensive .380 because they guarantee
sufficient penetration. This load put all five
shots in 3.6 inches at 25 yards, and the best
three into 1.6 inches. For perspective, a
GLOCK 42 .380 ACP
in f vor of these ne t
little .380s.
an overall length of 5.94
inches the Glock 42 is
very easy to conceal.
group size of 4 inches at 25 yards is widely
touted as acceptable service pistol accu-
racy for a full-sized duty gun.
However, the round my test G42 liked
best was the heaviest .380 hollow point
out there, the Remington 102-grain Golden
Saber. Five shots went into 3.55 inches at
25 yards, with four of them in 1.45 inches
and the best three in 1.2 inches.
By the time I got to 7- and 15-yard ac-
curacy testing, having run hundreds of
scarce .380 rounds through the G42 to test
its reliability and competed in two matches
with it, I was almost out of .380 ammuni-
tion. With some 95-grain PMC FMJ ammu-
nition at 7 yards, firing at PPC competition
pace with a two-handed, standing Isosce-
les stance, the traditional five-shot group
measured 1.15 inches, with four shots
 just about touching in a 0.55-inch cluster.
Clearly, the G42 is one accurate .380 ACP.
IN PRACTICE
pistol matches are hugely popular all around
the U.S., and they draw many cops. In Feb-
GLOCK 4
OA Length: 5.94 inches • Sights: Fixed
Weight: 13.76 ounces (empty)
Finish: Black, surface-hardened
Remington 102 Golden Saber JHP 871 3.55
Winchester 95 White Box FMJ 873 3.60
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in feet per second (fps) by chronograph, and accuracy
in inches for five-shot groups at 25 yards.
PERFOR
M N E
The G42 has a short trigger reach and, like all Glock pistols, has the trigger safety toggle that prevents accidental discharges.
During testing, the Glock 42 pistol ejected every spent casing reliably, thanks in part to its external extractor.
 S  t   r 
 8  
   p     h    o    t   o    s
 
with the new “Pocket Glock” category, in
Orlando, Florida, and Griffin, Georgia.
Shooting from a standing, off-hand posi-
tion and against the clock, I found the short
trigger reach could be a problem. Starting
with my finger out of the triggerguard (as
required) and coming up from a low-ready
position, I found that if I contacted the trig-
ger with the pad of my trigger finger, I pulled
left. I quickly learned to center my finger’s
distal joint on the trigger, as if shooting a
double-action revolver. The shots returned
to the center, but not before I had left one
steel plate standing in Orlando.
Otherwise, the G42 sent the bullets
where I held the sights, and I finished in the
GLOCK 42 .380 ACP
Early in 2014 the Marietta Georgia Police Department adopted the
Glock 42 as a backup/off-duty gun for its officers, perhaps the first law
enforcement agency to do so. Their testing of early samples had shown
that the pistol was sufficiently reliable and “shootable” for the task.
I spoke with Lt. Brian Marshall, the department’s lead firearms instructor and a
regular “trainer of trainers” for the International Association of Law Enforcement
Firearms Instructors (IALEFI). Almost immediately, he told us, 70 of the 100 G42s
were spoken for, requested by working cops. The G42 had captured their attention
with its lightweight and flat profile. Each was issued with an Uncle Mike’s vest hol-
ster, though pocket and ankle holsters are also allowed.
RELIABLE BACKUP: Lt. Marshall is pleased with the transition to the .380 back-
up guns so far. These small Glocks have proven easy to shoot quickly and accurately
under stress. The officers’ familiarity with the Glock already eased the adoption of
the new backup/off-duty piece; Marietta has been a Glock department since the late
1980s. The agency prides itself on top equipment: They have issued Glock 22s with
Insight Technology M3 weapon-mounted lights for more than a decade. Lt. Marshall
is also one of the leading authorities on the use of weapon-mounted lights.
Training and qualification with the Glock .380
include stages in which the officers sustain fire
with their .40s until they run out of ammunition,
and then transition to the backup guns. Transitions
are encouraged at the end of all shooting drills
that run the primary gun empty. Shooting includes
ring while moving, drawing while supine and other
wounded-officer survival techniques suited to
using secondary handguns.
notch with U.S.-made ammuni-
G42s is the Speer Gold Dot,
though the department may
sponsored ballistic gelatin testing.
that gives them a great option for backup carry,
allowing them in turn to better protect the public
they are sworn to serve. —By Massad Ayoob 
M RIETT PD
DOPTS THE
GLOCK 42
 
Griffin match, my time was within a second
of my score with the Glock I seem to shoot
best, the subcompact, .45 caliber G30, in
what the GSSF calls the “Major Sub” cat-
egory. With one shot per target, the course
of fire is identical between Pocket Glock
and Major Sub. This told me that the G42 is
one “shootable” little .380!
band holster clipped to the top strap of a
Second Chance ballistic vest in a shoul-
der-holster-like position. It also carried very
comfortably in a Galco pocket holster in the
left-side pocket of some lightweight cargo
pants. In one department that has made
the G42 an optionally issued backup, along
with snubnose revolvers and subcompact
9mms and .40s already in inventory, the
comfort factor of the G42 is already sky-
rocketing it to the position of being the fa-
vorite backup in that department.
I ran hundreds of rounds through the
G42 in testing with zero malfunctions.
The only two malfunctions I later expe-
rienced were (naturally!) in the Glock
matches, one with Winchester flat-nose ball
ammo in Orlando and the other with a Speer
Lawman round-nose FMJ in Griffin. Both
were premature lock-opens of the slide, and
each was cured by simply thumbing down
the slide-stop lever. One may have been
caused by the median joint of my right thumb
hitting the slide stop during the firing cycle.
UNDERCOVER
ered powerful enough in this country to be
an on-duty uniform service pistol. How-
ever, when concealability took priority over
power, .380s have been issued as primary
handguns to undercover agents, autho-
rized for detectives and supervisors, and
issued as backups by various prestigious
agencies. The big complaint I’ve heard
about the G42 from brother officers in per-
son and on the internet is, “It isn’t cham-
bered for the 9mm!” If that’s your concern,
I can only say, “Wait a while.” If that’s not
a concern and you’re comfortable with the
.380’s power level, you know why cops are
ordering Glock 42s for backup and off-duty
carry in droves. We all know that with hand-
gun ammo in general and less-powerful
rounds in particular, it takes precise shot
placement to end a lethal fight. The G42 is
one .380 whose design lends itself to such
precise shot placement.
agencies tell me that they’re already
hugely back-ordered on individual officers’
purchases of Glock 42s. Clearly, the po-
lice community is voting with its feet and
its wallets in favor of these neat little .380s.
For more information, visit us.glock.com or
call 770-432-1202.
GLOCK 42 .380 ACP
G42 magazines, which hold six .380 ACP rounds, have witness holes so you can easily see how much ammo you have left.
    S    e    a    n
 
 Also available in left-hand
(Scope and bipod not included)
THIS could be your RIFLE.  At Savage, we understand the difference between a
shooter and a rifleman. For those wanting to test their skills at extreme distances there are the M110 and M111 rifles in 338
Lapua. A lot of companies make guns for shooters. Savage makes them for riflemen.
M110 FCP HS PRECISION, 338 LAPUA
M111 LONG RANGE HUNTER, 338 LAPUA
 338 LA PUA
tactical team career, “high
not the weapons or gear you elded. 
Operators often made their own “nylon,” and tactics and
training were ad hoc at best. Training experts were few and
far between. Teams just did not share much, so you were
kind of on your own. Shortly after being placed in charge of my
agency’s tactical team, I made it my focus to get as much training
as possible. Thankfully, a friend of mine owned a gun store, allowing
me to get a second job to facilitate out-of-state training at my own
expense. Like most agencies in my area, “outside” training meant
travel to the next county, and that was about it. Since we elded
Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns at the time, HK seemed the
best place to start when it came to training. After I worked my way
through HK’s Master Submachine Gun training course, I passed
that knowledge on to my team. My operators began to love the
platform and realize its effectiveness. To my amazement, however,
in each subsequent SWAT school, the guru in charge told me my
submachine gun was “obsolete” and must be replaced by a r ifle.
I’ve spent close to three decades in the police world, and many
things termed “obsolete” seem to still be around. Unfortunately,
GUN  TEST
By David Bahde
submachine gun provides AR-platform controls in a lightweight,
compact package built for high-risk entry operations.
Sean Utley photo
obsolescence is more a product of
what is popular, not practical. Fortu-
nately, time seems to prove that, with
more than a few weapons coming back
after being replaced by the next greatest
thing. It’s true of pistols and shotguns, and
it’s also true of the submachine gun.
Contrary to popular belief submachine
guns remain a viable system for many different
applications. Some agencies remain unconvinced
of the need for rifles, or politics preclude them from fielding
them. Submachine guns are a solid replacement. Truly urban
teams who prefer pistol calibers still use submachine guns. Their
compact size makes them a good choice for motor units or those
working in close quarters. Detectives with my agency continue to
use .45 caliber submachine guns with great success. Protective
details often prefer pistol-caliber weapons for concealment, ease
of use, efficiency and firepower, especially when suppressed.
While the MP5 remains the most prolific given its time in
service, several other submachine guns exist today, including
the HK UMP (the MP5’s replacement). Several other compa-
nies have developed similar systems, and there are always the
AR-type rifles chambered in pistol calibers. Most of the newer
systems are almost exotic and the AR-based systems have
proven to be less than popular for a number of reasons. What
today’s operators really needed was a true submachine gun built
from the ground up that utilizes all of the advantages of the AR
platform without its problems. It looks like Sig Sauer has just the
ticket with its next-generation MPX.
GUN DET ILS
The MPX is available in a number of con gurations. The
standard model that I was able to test has an 8-inch, threaded
barrel. The MPX-P is configured as a pistol using the same
8-inch barrel with no stock. The MPX-SD model utilizes an
8-inch, ported barrel that is integrally suppressed. For those in
need of a shorter version, the MPX-K utilizes a 4.5-inch barrel.
While offered in select-fire, Sig Sauer is also doing a 16-inch
version for the standard rifle market in semi-automatic verisons.
All are available with either an aluminum or carbon-fiber forend,
and a folding or collapsible buttstock.
The 9mm SIG-SD silencer is available for use on the threaded
barrels. The standard 9mm SIG-SD is 3.9 inches long, and a
longer version like the one I tested will soon be made available.
Magazines are built specifically for the MPX by Lancer Systems,
and they are available in 10-, 20- and 30-round capacities.
The MPX is available in several calibers
and configurations, including the MPX-
SD variant (shown), which features an
8-inch barrel and an integral suppressor.
Photo courtesy Sig Sauer
•
tached to the 8-inch barrel, making it
a 16-inch-barreled weapon available for
civilian purchase. Con gured in semi-auto,
it is still in the works and should hit the m ar-
ket as soon as it has made it through the
BATFE approval process.
short-stroke gas piston system, configured
specifically for this platform. The use of a
fully closed and locked rotating bolt en-
hances its operation and safety. Barrels can
be changed in the field to meet varying mis-
sion requirements, and the bolt holds open
on the last round. Starting out in 9mm, the
MPX is easily convertible to .357 SIG and
.40 S&W. A monolithic upper receiver with
an integral top rail allows for the use of any
common AR-compatible sighting system,
The MPX utilizes AR-style controls,
which makes for
The remaining controls
including the magazine
larly to an AR’s, and it does
not interfere with any rail-mounted
accessories. While the excellent SIG516
pistol grip is used, any AR-based grip can
be added. Stocks are interchangeable and
can be con gured based on mission needs.
R NGE TIME
a folding stock while I was at the Sig Sauer
Academy. The stock folded to the left and
snapped into place nicely. You will be able
to order a production gun that both folds
and collapses. The prototype 9mm SIG-SD
silencer was attached to the threaded bar-
rel; it measured about 5 inches in length—
 just a bit longer than the standard model.
For targeting, I had flip-up AR-style backup
iron sights as well as a Sig Mini Red Dot
Sight. Not only was this MPX a prototype,
but it had seen some serious range time
with an estimated 10,000-plus rounds of all
types of ammunition run through it. I used
both 20- and 30-round magazines. For
ammunition, I used Speer 124-grain FMJ
rounds. All of the testing was done in full
kit, minus a helmet.
hold, I was able to stack three rounds on
top of each other on the head of a steel sil-
houette
much move the swinging
than a submachine gun,
gets and a solid slab of lead on the steel
targets. As expected, recoil was all but non-
existent, and the SIG- SD suppressor kept
the SMG pretty much exactly where it was
aimed with very little movement. The MPX is
flat-out accurate, no matter the conditions.
One of the equalizing factors with a
submachine gun is the ability to administer
controlled bursts on select-fire. While pos-
sible with a rifle, it can be very difficult with
an SMG. The standard during the Master
Submachine Gun and Hostage Rescue
school at HK was putting four rounds into
0.75 inches while moving and firing on full-
auto. With practice, failure drills consisted
of getting nine rounds on target while on
the move. Mimicking this standard, shoot-
ing doubles and triples with the MPX was a
breeze. With a rate of fire exceeding 1,000
rpm, it’s easy to get a lot of rounds on target
in short order. Shooting on the move, it was
equally easy to keep multiple-round bursts
on target. About the only thing the MPX
would not do easily was allow for “singles”
on select- re. Hones tly, that is a product of
the rate of re and the AR trigger. I could do
it, but not consistently—it’s about the same
with my M16 rifles. From a practical per-
spective, it is less an issue with these con-
trols, as moving back to semi-auto is pretty
easy, but it is something to be aware of. For
the most part, trigger presses on select- re
will be doubles or more.
The AR platform seems to dominate the
tactical world in America, and the MPX
uses the same basic controls. It’ll
be very seamless to move
back and forth between an
AR-type rifle and the MPX.
The MPX’s reliability was also
excellent, especially consider-
type. Ejection was consistent and
reliable. Magazines inserted easily
Caliber 9mm • Barrel 8 inches
OA Length 16.7-24 inches
Weight 6.2 pounds (empty)
Stock Folding • Sights None
Action Piston-operated, select- re
Finish Hardcoat anodized black
MSRP N/A
a prototype 9mm SIG-SID
suppressor that did not
affect the weapon’s
and other accessories
like Sig Sauer’s vertical foregrip.
The MPX utilizes Lancer-made mags and either a folding or collapsible stock.
Sean Utley photos
Sized very similarly to MP5 magazines, my
guess is any of those would work very well.
FINAL NOTES
pletely ear safe (unless you’re shooting
steel plates), and it’s easily usable on op-
erations without hearing protection. Even
heated up during sustained fire, there were
no visible point-of-impact shifts. Because
of the threaded barrel, the suppressor is
easy to remove, making for a really com-
pact package. The 13.5x1 LH thread pitch
keeps the suppressor from coming loose
under sustained automatic fire.
cers these days have never seen an MP5
outside of video games. Most operators
have only run one system (an AR), and the
MPX is very easy to transition to. This allows
a team to change weapons based on mis-
sion without learning a new manual of arms.
The MPX’s folding stock made it pos-
sible to start from a concealed position one
might use in a protective detail and move
smoothly and easily to well-aimed shoulder
fire—even while I was on the move. It may
be the most versatile submachine gun pro-
duced in recent history.
bilities to the platform. Given how well the
prototype worked, I am looking forward to
the chance to work with the first production
guns. If you are looking for a solid subma-
chine gun, make sure you check out the
MPX. For more information, visit sigsauer.
com or call 603-772-2302.
SIG SAUER MPX 9mm
The MPX’s monolithic upper receiver features a long Picatinny top rail for mounting optics and sights, such as these flip-up front (left) and rear (right) units.
 S   e   a  n 
 U  t   l    e 
The new MERC415 carbine in 5.56mm NATO is a reliable,
M4-style upgrade born for LEO patrol and SWAT details.
Shown with a Bushnell TRS-32.
 
DEC/JAN 2015 •GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 53GUNS-WEAPONS.com
If you’ve not heard of the modern Enfield Ri e Company, or MERC, don’t feel alone. 
According to MERC’s site, the company sought
to bring the Old World aura to what it refers to as
“New World technology.” As MERC seeks accep-
tance from law enforcement personnel and citizens,
the company used a name it says was “previously
reserved for military and security forces.”
The company, the site goes on to note, is “100
percent American owned, Georgia based” and
makes an AR-style rifle in the U.S.A. In attempting
to attract buyers interested less in “hobby-grade”
AR-15 carbines, MERC has arrived at a “Mil-
GRADE” standard, as opposed to “mil-spec,”
itself somewhat of a misnomer.
 “Mil-spec” confers the understanding that the
particular firearm is built from its specified Techni-
cal Data Package, or TDP. The TDPs are govern-
ment owned and are supplied to manufacturers
attempting to bid on U.S. government contracts. The
prospective bidder has to agree not to use informa-
By Rich Grassi Photos by Sean Utley 
G
o 
be
yo
nd
pe
c”
 
54  GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT •DEC/JAN 2015   GUNS WEAPONS com
tion contained in the TDP for any pur-
pose other than the bidding process.
The information in the TDP is not sup-
posed to be placed into any item made
for commercial consumption. Material
specifications, certifications of materials
ing protocols are all par t of the package.
Among the specifications that do become
known are the materials and finishes.
The question then is how far can
you stray from USGI and still make
a quality product? Mission-essential
present. What does that mean for an
AR-platform rifle build?
“Military-Government Requirements and 
and components are ordered from the
same suppliers and vendors that sup-
ply those materials to Uncle Sam. The
parts don’t come from military supplier
assembly lines. The big difference is
that raw material batches aren’t audited
by government inspectors and samples
aren’t kept for later government inspec-
tions or measurements.
able carbine possible without the costs
of government inspection and examina-
tion. Non-essential components that are
seen as “product improvements” on the
original are added, like Magpul furniture.
GUN DETAILS
without the short barrel and the select-
fire capability. The 16-inch barrel has
an M4 profile and is made from 4150
chrome-moly-vanadium steel. The rifle
barrel features 1-in-7-inch, right-hand
magnetic-particle (MP) inspected. Yan-
flash suppressor is affixed to the muzzle.
The gun appropriately has a carbine-
length gas system and M4 feed ramps.
The front sight base is “F” stamped,
meaning it’s made for the flattop up-
per receiver—an important feature if
you want to zero the carbine with iron
sights. T-marks are engraved along the
top rail, and the upper is mil-spec hard-
coat anodized. The bolt is made from
MP-inspected Carpenter 158 steel. The
gas key, according to factory specs, is
properly staked. The extractor has the
appropriate spring and black O-ring.
The lower receiver has a rear sling
loop (MERC apparently prefers single-
point slings, as there’s no forward sling
attachment) and a mil-spec, six-position
buffer tube. The trigger is clean, not par-
ticularly heavy. Without putting it on a
rifle vise and using a trigger pull gauge,
I’m guessing it weighs about 5 pounds
or so, and it’s very clean.
The Magpul upgrades on the 
MERC415 include the MBUS rear sight,
the MOE pistol grip, buttstock and hand-
guard, and the included PMAG and en-
hanced triggerguard. The rifle ships in
a hard plastic case with a foam interior.
RANGE TIME
MERC415, loaded up my Shooting
Chrony Beta chronograph, some tar-
gets and an assortment of ammunition,
and headed to the range.
I began by patching the barrel and
ensuring we were operating on enough
lube. I set a target at 25 yards and
checked the optic. I had to adjust the fo-
cus when I ran the scope up to its maxi-
mum magnification and had little hope
I would be very close to center. Five
rounds later, I found we were headed
low and left but were easily
on paper.
dard for the M4A1 calls for a 10-
shot, 100-yard group not exceeding
5 inches—and knowing what I
know about shooters and the vari-
ous carbines I’ve tested over the
years— ve-shot groups with decent
ammunition out of good M4-type
commercial guns tend to vary from
2 to 4 inches at 100 yards.
I use a magni ed optic to do
these tests, though I’ve shot with
zero-magni cation optics and with
irons. As I age, I tend to move to-
ENFIELD MERC415 5.56mm
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Barrel: 16 inches
Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
Finish: Hardcoat anodized black
SPE IFI TIONS
PERFORM N E
Hornady 55 TAP FPD 2,852 1.70
Bullet weight measured in grains,
velocity in fps by chronograph,
and accuracy in inches for best
ve-shot groups at 100 yards.
GUNS WEAPONS com
and rail sections can be added as needed.
 
GUNS WEAPONS com DEC/JAN 2015 •GUNS & WEAPONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT 55
ward comfort and away from a Spartan ap-
proach when it comes to accuracy testing.
The MERC415 was closing onto the
short list of the best of the carbines I’ve
gotten to shoot. The tr igger no doubt
contributed to the score, and the Trijicon
AccuPoint certainly didn’t hurt. The bullet
weights, from 55 to 75 grains, didn’t seem
to vastly influence the groups, either—
something I’ve noticed in other 1-in-7- and 
1-in-8-inch-twist barrels. These twist rates
are supposed to be too fast for 55-grain
bullets but they don’t tend to display the
inaccuracy I’ve been given to expect at 100
yards. I imagine greater distances would
create greater issues for light bullets re-
gardless of the barrel’s rifling twist.
L INSIGHTS
removed the Accu-
AR-15 front sight wrench from Brownells,
I g