Author: Braxton Taylor

Sierra Bullets is unveiling the new MatckKing X, an evolution of the company’s well-known Sierra MatchKing rifle bullet engineered to perform well in hunting and long(er)-range shooting applications out to 500 yards. Unlike the original Sierra MatchKing bullet, which has been optimized for precision and accuracy in target-shooting disciplines, the new Sierra MatchKing X has a few design enhancements that allow its jacket to open and expand rapidly on impact. To make this happen, Sierra took a different manufacturing approach with a draw and trim method that results in a much thinner jacket mouth (compared to the original Sierra MatchKing)…

The Pentagon is sending 1,115 additional troops to the U.S.-Mexico border from over half a dozen units across the different services in support of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, the military announced Thursday.They will join more than 8,000 troops on active-duty orders who have been added to the mission since late January, though a spokesperson for U.S. Northern Command emphasized to Military.com that not all of those supporting the mission are directly on the border, with some involved in air or maritime missions or even participating from their home station in some capacity.The additional troops announced this week are considered…

Firearm: Girsan MC9 Disruptor (MSRP: $399) Girsan’s MC9 Disruptor pistol (imported by EAA Corp.) is designed to be a well-equipped pistol with an entry level price, and with its impressive list of features, it’s pretty easy to say it hits that mark. Multiple backstraps are available to fit the MC9 to the individual shooter’s hand, there’s an optics cut on the slide for RMSc-footprint optics, there’s a threaded barrel should a sound suppressor be desired; all of this is included in a handgun with an MSRP less than $400. The Disruptor is on the larger side, there’s no getting around…

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken yet another step to curtail the work of the press inside the Pentagon by imposing harsh restrictions on where reporters can go without official escort in a memo released late Friday.The new rules forbid reporters from going into the hallway where Hegseth’s office is located “without an official approval and escort from the Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs” — a job held by top Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.If reporters wish to visit the public affairs offices of any of the other services, “they are required to be…

The prime directive for all performance shooters is simply “Bring stability to alignment and press the shot off without disrupting that alignment.” Elite shooters endeavor to follow this directive as opposed to chase after the results of this process, which are speed and accuracy—the mere measurements of how long it took to complete the task (speed), and where the round ended up (accuracy). The best kept secret of the professionals is that “speed” and “accuracy” are misperceived illusions—spectral artifacts of measurements that don’t even exist during the process. It is the exact reason why they adhere to the process and…

Many people assume their fitness journey must include pricey gym memberships or high-cost home equipment, but establishing a workout program is more budget friendly than you may think. Many affordable and time-effective methods can help you maintain fitness without overspending. Here are several practical suggestions to keep you healthy while conserving money and time:Consider Free or Affordable ActivitiesWalking, running, cycling, hiking and working in the yard offer enjoyment and excellent cardiovascular benefits without financial strain. Local parks typically feature lovely trails suited for walking or hiking, and many community pools offer free swim days throughout the summer. Take advantage of…

Leupold is known for its scopes and optics, but the company is also offering customers high-end sunglasses and eyewear that are optimized for outdoor activities. The Beaverton, OR, company recently announced the addition of a new style of lens to the Performance Eyewear line with Daylight Max lenses. Daylight Max lenses are designed to allow for more light transmission in low light settings without the extra glare or other uncomfortable byproducts that are normal with lenses that have higher light transmission. Leupold’s new Daylight Max lenses accomplish this while also retaining polarity, which means that not only is glare reduced,…

Have you ever wondered about becoming a family child-care (FCC) provider? If you’re good with kids, this can be a great way to support your fellow military families and build a portable career. FCC providers run licensed child-care businesses out of their homes, filling a shortage while earning an income and often caring for their own children at the same time.What’s in it for the FCC Provider?One of the primary benefits of becoming an FCC provider is the ability to work while staying at home with one’s own children. This flexibility can be so valuable for military spouses, who may…

Might a centuries-old war power be the key to U.S. cyber retaliation?In recent closed-door discussions, Trump administration and industry officials have discussed whether modern-day letters of marque—once used to deputize privately owned ships to lawfully attack other vessels during wartime—might enable private-sector hacking operations against unfriendly nation-states, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss the sensitive deliberations.The high-level view among U.S. officials is that this old-world maritime authority is unlikely to be directly used in cyberspace, but a more modern, tailored version might arise as the administration seeks ways to even the fight…

You’ve seen posts reminding you that you are your own first responder. I have more than occasionally pointed out that you are responsible for your own safety, but I fear that too many fail to realize how quickly things can go bad. Consider this: the Tombstone streetfight near the OK Corral (October 26, 1881) left three men dead and two others wounded. All of that occurred in approximately 30 seconds, with some 30 shots being fired. While this was a police action, my point is that a lot of death and destruction can occur in a very short time. Add…