http://ssuss.liveprepared.org/stake-safety-security-newsletter/

Staying Current with news, skills, interests QUICKLY…daily!

In our fast paced world, staying current can be challenging. Staying current with news/events, professional skills, hobbies/interest can be challenging.

I want to teach you how to save time & money, so you can live a better life.

I’ve been using RSS readers for about a decade to stay current with my fast changing “IT Profession”.

Imagine not having to watch the news everyday! but in that same amount of time, cover ALL the news material!?!

Imagine finding new articles, podcasts, videos in your hobbies/interest?

Imagine not having to re-review articles over and over as you hit a dozen different websites daily/weekly!

For me, I have not watched TV since 1999! BUT, I stay current on news, trends, intellectual theory/journals etc by using an RSS Reader.

Why you should use an RSS Feed Reader

1.  Quickly consume massive amounts of information that YOU are interested in. Not what “popular culture” believes YOU should be interested in.
2. Subscribe and be “notified” of new articles from sources you want to read.
3. Research and stay current on technology, theories, skills & even “news”
4. So you can subscribe to your favorite blog; https://libertyfoxdefense.com/blog

My REQUIREMENTS for RSS Feed reader.

1) Support mobile device (smart phone). Meaning, I can review while eating breakfast, or throughout my day as I have a few seconds here and there as slack time.

2) Be able to configure it on a full sized keyboard.  Also, I want what I flag as READ on my mobile-device and computer to synchronize.

3) Flag articles as favorites to be referred to later…maybe for the rest of my life!

Products evaluated.

1) Firefox RSS “live bookmarks”. hee hee, remember when we used that!?! Pretty cool technology at the time!

2) Thunderbird email client, forums reader and RSS reader.

3) Google Rss Reader. Yeah, we are all sad it is no longer available!

4) INOreader (my favorite, that meets all my requirements).

So, lets talk about INOreader.

I have the app on my phone, and a toolbar link on my browser. I really do hit it everyday of my life 🙂 Gone are newspapers, books and old-school distribution of information!

Here is a screenshot of inoreader on my laptop. Its very similar on the mobile device!

 Where does Thomas get his information/learning?

1) http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/ – daily 60-90 minute podcasts that will change your life for the better. Healthier, happier, better family life, gardening.

2) My inoreader subscriptions (see above).

3) Marksmanship Matters

 ALSO, I’m highly recommending that you use an RSS Feed to be notified of my new BLOGS.

So, to be honest, this is my 2nd attempt at a kydex sheath. I’m very good at making quality leather sheaths, mostly because I’ve made dozens of them. I’ve made hundreds of “perfection” Foxy Tucks; and I’m very happy with the fit & function of Kydex/leather holsters (and so are hundreds of customers). BUT, I don’t have a lot of mileage with Kydex Sheaths. 

Kydex is quicker, easier and less expensive than leather.  Kydex also has the advantage of not retaining water which in the field could rust your high-carbon blades.

This awesome knife came with a horrible sheath:
KNIFE: TOPS Steel Eagle 107C, 1095 High Carbon Alloy RC-58

Making a kydex sheath is quite EASY.  However, attaching that Kydex shell to a backer in an “ideal” way is often difficult because the screws or other fasteners used to attach the shell to the backer might catch/rub on the blade and/or handle.  I do want to make an attachment system out of leather; likely on my next project.

My idea was to take the junky sheath that came with the knife and cut off the part behind which you insert the blade; then use the remaining part of the original sheath as a backer for a Kydex shell.

LESSONS LEARNED:

1) If your blade has a saw on it, use file-folder cardboard to cover the saw. Otherwise it’ll be too tight and the saw will cut into the kydex.
Make sure you get the perfect blade gap. I believe this is achieved when you can wobble the blade inside the sheath.  If you have an esee blade, try wobbling it inside the sheath and see how much blade-space there is.

2) Make sure you have 3 layers of painters tape to add a needed gap between the blade and sheath. I like painters tape, because it doesn’t leave a residue. You do NOT want the retention on the blade, it binds, has too much drag, and could wear your blade…or at least impact the finish.

4) Do you really need to spend a lot of time measuring and marking straight lines? Perhaps.  I cut the kydex to fit the nylon…after all that precise measuring 😉 The lines helped a lot for putting in the eye-lets.

5) I’m using my holster making screws (Chicago screws) to put the kydex on the nylon. This is a small fortune in screws…but it’s worth it. (About $7 in screws)

6) I used a rubber washer for retention; so I could get the perfect retention…I want the blade to be vertical upside down…over my heart.  1/4″ of very hardened steel could provide “some protection”.

In fact, this sheath has molle on the reverse side; so I should be able to attach it upside down to a Load Bearing Equipment (LBE) vest (chest rig), pack, or even run it horizontal on a belt.

7) You need to consider the “drop” for a large blade. Otherwise, you may need to lean to the side in order to “present the knife”. For mine, if worn on the hip, the drop is perfect for this size knife! But, you MUST have the leg strap in order to draw the knife one-handed…the nylon has too much flex in it otherwise.

SUMMARY:

Yeah, I think I could get into making custom sheaths. But I don’t know how much to charge given the time it takes to make one of these.
Looking back at time & materials…this sheath “cost” as much as the knife
BUT, I learned a ton. I think I can do the next one in half the time…the one after that, in half-that-time.
Now…I need to find something to give this knife some good character… like some good old fashion field-wear

So, you want to get into Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS)!

For CAS you basically need:

•  two single action revolvers
• a lever action rifle
• pump shotgun

PROS of CAS:

• FUN, low-key/low stress. The other competitors love to offer you tips and helps!
• Great for the WHOLE family
• Stress of the clock and competition…embarrassment etc. Help you to train for combat! You always have things that go wrong, and that is a training opportunity to stay in the fight!

CONS of CAS:

• Many competitors get into the “game” so much, they cut safety/combat corners to increase their time (I believe  hardwork/training is how you shave seconds off, not putting your finger in the trigger gaurd when it shouldn’t be there, or looking at your holster instead of the threat, etc etc!)
• non-carry weapons. Having a 9mm, tactical shotgun and ar15 for tactical shoots is awesome, but you’ll need the same load-out for the late 1800s.  This could get costly, but worth it IMO. What is the cost of not training your family to protect themselves and not having the confidence to shoot under stress?

To compete in CAS matches, the guns need to be in the late 1,800s (most of us use replicas). Its a good idea to have your pistol & your rifle use the same caliber IMO.

Here are my notes from when I bought mine:

I paid $480 EACH for two NEW stainless steel 357 Ruger Vaqueros (cabelas sell these for about $700!)
I paid $335 for an IAC  replica of the 1897 Winchester pump shotgun in 12ga 2 3/4″ with 20″ barrel and American walnut stock
I paid $995  brush popper (Cimarron 1873 Brush Popper 357 mag Short Stroked)

I bought them online and had them shipped to my FFL. I bought them all from the same guy, for a volume discount 🙂

If I knew what I know now:

I would get the REAL (non-replica) Winchester 1873 in 357. I’m STILL going to get one, they are new in 2013, and still hard to come by, still several hundred over MSRP on gunbroker. I want the case-hardened blue’d with octagonal barrel…in my living room, someday!

MAN, I’d go into debt for this!

http://www.winchesterguns.com/products/catalog/category.asp?family=027C

I bought a cheap-o 1897 shotgun. I wish I would have just bought a already smooth’d up 1897 from TL (st. george). At one shoot, I saw him selling original winchester for about $600-800….all smoothed up etc. So, if you can find a cowboy gun that is already smoothed up, that is likely a good bet…from a REAL CAS gunsmith!

Get on this guys email list: Brer Rabbit <rabbit54820 AT gmail.com>

Do NOT get a lever action 12ga!!!! the alternative is a coach gun (break-open). I like the pump(1897), as its good tactical practice & vice versa.

I didn’t think I’d like the shotgun(SG), but its my fav.

I’m a rifle guy (just speaks to my soul), so…its odd the SG speaks to me too….but just for CAS 😉

Have you seen my vids? run’n the shotgun(SG)?

So, here is a shopping list I would recommend for you:
STAINLESS ALL THE WAY, its like another $20-30!

http://www.slickguns.com/product/ruger-vaquero-357mag-4-58-fs-sass-56450

I recommend the brownells spring kit to smooth up your vaqueros, is all I’ve done to mine..I LOVE THEM!

I’d be happy to help you swap the springs.

 or the non-sass version:

http://www.slickguns.com/product/ruger-vaquero-357mag-4-58-fs-glss-50840

I have the non-sass version. Do NOT get sucked into buying something other than a vaquero! Vaquero all the way. They are tanks. good value.

I would say 90% of the shooters at the match, are running vaueros.

1897 shotgun

out of stock, I don’t know if these are worth “smoothing up”  I think TL would smooth one up for $125-150.

some guys add a choke, which is a good idea IMO.

http://www.slickguns.com/product/cimarron-1897-12-gauge-pump-action-shotgun-32999

1873 lever action – make sure you get a short-stroke’d one 🙂

having the same caliber as revolvers is important IMO. almost everyone uses 357( 357/38…but most have the low-powered 38 spc loads), especially if they are competitive. I’m so busy with my kids at the shoot, I usually don’t get too rap’d around being competitive. Someday I dream of going on world tour with my sweatheart with our cowboy & cowgirl gun & gear. To do that, I get all my kids into it so she comes along…once the kids are out of the house, we go on world tour!

geez, for this price, how can you go wrong?

http://www.slickguns.com/product/winchester-1873-short-357mag-blwd-20-inch-104598

I’m going to get the deluxe, just as soon as I can.

 a replica 1873 makes sense, cuz you are going to beat it in matches…and I’d hate to do that to an original 1873.

You kind of got to figure out if you want octagonal and walnut checkering….and case hard’d bluing.

I think its worth another $100.

See if you can find one that is already short-stroked 🙂 VERY IMPORTANT!

The holsters are pricy. I made my own, all six of them. …for the price of one set….but lots of time & effort.

High desert leather (Tim) is a good way to go (Tim offered a one-time holster making class, which I took with my son; which got me started in all this leather stuff and holster making). Or I think Simmon is a bit cheaper than Tim.

You want double lined, form fitted holsters!! Don’t go cheap, it costs more(cuz you buy twice!). Get something you’ll be happy with your entire life, once the sting of the money is gone, you’ll be happy you got the right gear, that will last a lifetime!

THAT will get you started!

It is hard to get by without a “gun cart”! This is the one I bought:

http://www.cal-graf.com/products-page/gun-carts/simple-cart-pine/

I think pine is OK, I put on 7 layers of polyurethane and stained my DARK. But if you can afford hard wood, fine.

You don’t think you need a cart, but its a good way to keep your guns safe. Addin friends/kids, and 8 guns, no way can you carry all that gear AND be safe! and protect your guns 😉 without a cart!

IMO, most CAS are NOT safe and I see ongoing safety violations with “unloaded” guns at matches all the time. I don’t think I’ve ever been muzzled, but I’ve seen a lot of folks muzzle themselves!

I made a home-made buck skin shirt for my costume. carhart pants and a cowboy hat.

I don’t like cowboy boots with a tall heal, so I like the flat footed boots. I use a pair of all leather/old hiking boots.

Compared to a lot of shooting sports, I think its one of the safer sports.

and of course, you need to pick out and register an ALIAS. THIS can be fun!

<paste>

Here is the handout of a recent FREE HAM Radio Class I presented for my friends/neighbors/community.

HAM RADIO EQUIPMENT REVIEWS:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/

 WHERE/WHAT TO BUY?

murs-radio.com (I’ve ordered from Rob several times). Check out the dakota alert systems, they are awesome SECURITY….even in grid down.
http://www.hamradio.com (HAM Radio outlet) — I suggest the FT-60R (or for those on a budget tyt or px-888k, or KG-UVGd)
http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007323

See this article on “selecting the right radio”

• Wouxun KG-UV6D

Recommended antennas
https://signalstuff.com/

Pros/benefits

• flexible difficult to damage, car door etc.
• good high gain
• not heavy so your radio doesn’t tip over
• doesn’t seem like it’d put high stress on the connector because no leverage (because its super flexible) whether in your pack or on your hip.

HAM RADIO on a Motorcycle?!?

Yep, there are tons of advantages to a radio on a bike.  Communicating with your other riders, weather alerts, just-in-case and “heads up” on the trail. I recently installed a helmet headset and I’m pretty happy with it. Mic goes in your helmet and two speakers insert into your helmet.  a PPT (Push to talk) mounts on the handle bars. Even if you have a rider, running a radio so you can talk is nice!

I’ve used a similar setup for helping my neighbors in the flood response. Being able to hear while operating noisy equipment like an ATV/bike is very helpful.
The ham radio guys were super excited to talk to a motorcyclist. They have talked with planes, boats and even space stations, but many said they’ve never talked to a motorcyclist.
Why not use FRS you say? Most FRS radios only have one pin and 1 watt, if you buy a cheap ham radio, you get two pins for more robust and you can “program” your radio for closer to 4 watts (not FCC approved, but it can be done).

BaoFeng 2 PIN Full Face Motorcycle Headset Earpiece Mic, for BaoFeng / Kenwood / WouXun / PuXing / Linton Two Way Radio Walkie Talkie, Black

For non-helmet headset, try:

Retevis 2 Pin PTT Mic Covert Acoustic Tube Earpiece Headset for Kenwood PUXING Baofeng UV-5R UV-5RA 888S Retevis H777 RT7 RT21(1 Pack

Research in progress:

requirements

1. battery shell (aa or aaa)
2. scramble option
3. programmable via chirp
4. two prong’d headset
5. 6 meters would be NICE

HAM RADIO EXAM SCHEDULE (Utah)
http://user.xmission.com/~uarc/testinfo.html
See schedule for next exam at  J. Reuben Clark Law Building (BYU).
Visit: https://hamstudy.org/sessions

Preparing for HAM exam – fast track:

(first level of licensing is Technician)
https://hamstudy.org/
* Flash cards | QUIZER

* THE ACTUAL test questions
https://www.google.com/#safe=active&q=Element+2+Technician+Class+Question+Pool

ALSO, search PLAY STORE on your smart phone/tablet for HAM radio study, there are some pretty helpful apps.
Answer’s bolded and larger text – kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Radio-Technician-General-Question-ebook/dp/B00CGEZGOS

RESOURCES:
http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/?s=ham+radio

PRIVACY TIPS!

• Use a post office address, anyone hearing your call-sign can lookup your home address
• Get an FRN number, so you don’t have to use your SSN on the application(when you take your test)
  http://www.fcc.gov/help/getting-fcc-registration-number-frn-universal-licensing-system-uls

HAM FAQ:
What is the cost of the exam?
Usually less than $15 cash–bring TWO forms of ID to the test.

http://www.arrl.org/what-to-bring-to-an-exam-session

How often do you need to renew license? Every 10 years. You may renew online.

Do I have to learn Morse Code? Not for the last 10+ years.

Call Sign LOOKUP/search FCC
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp
HEADS UP: Your full name and address can be looked up by using your call sign.

Storing your RADIO:

I suggest you store your radio with battery disconnected in an EMP proof bag & an AMMO can…in your trunk.
empbags.com

ALSO, you should get a ear-piece for your radio (hands free and privacy).
AND a battery pack you can thumb in AA or AAA batteries.

 HAM Class details

Please read the following carefully so we may have a successful class and you will
pass the exam and earn your license.

Location: Room 206 in the J. Reuben Clark Law building on BYU campus.
Room 206 is in the Southwest corner of the building.
The top of the interior map is East and the left is North. Enter the East facing doors just
West of the circular drive for passenger loading and unloading. Go to the
West end of the foyer turn left and follow the West wall South to room 206.

http://www.law2.byu.edu/images/building-maps/Floor-2-Law-Update2.gif

A parking permit is not required on Saturday. Don’t park in the usual restricted
spots like handicap without a permit, the Dean’s spot, delivery…. etc.

An interactive map of campus is here: http://map.byu.edu/
It is building #16 on the map; the J. Reuben Clark building (JRCB).
Another map is here: http://map.byu.edu/campusmap.pdf It is building
#16 in this map also.
GPS N 40 14.977′ W 111 38.718′

https://www.google.com/maps/place/J.+Reuben+Clark+Law+School/@40.249561,-111.645303,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x874d90b9b5243097:0x1be554f898be4823

Time: 8:00 am. To make this work you need to be on time. We have a lot of material to go
through. Lunch is 1 pm to 2 pm. Self-study and exams 2:30 pm to 5 pm. We need to be out
of the building by 6 pm. If you arrive at 7:30 am it will give you plenty of time to find the
room, refresh yourself (fancy talk for go to the bathroom) and get settled in your seat.

During the morning instruction there will not be enough time to take questions and get through all of the material. If you have questions write them on the class handout
(pick one up in the back of the classroom on your way in) and we will have a question
and answer session at the end of the instruction. Usually the answers to your questions
will be answered in the presentation. Before breaking for lunch we will discuss briefly
purchasing equipment you will need to get started in Ham radio.

Please read as much of the following free document as you can before the class. If there is
something you don’t understand skip over it. Please don’t be discouraged if you get confused.
There is nomenclature and concepts you may not be familiar with. By the end of the class you will know enough to pass the exam.

http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2014-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v1.0.pdf

The guide is free in .pdf format but if you want to put it on your Kindle or Nook it is $7.99
and you can get it here:

http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/

If you want REALLY concise here is a list of every question and the correct answer that will
be on the exam.

http://www.qualitymatrix.com/hamclass/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-2018_Tech_Pool_Q+A_only.pdf

The exam is taken from a pool of 426 questions to make a 35 question exam. A specific
number of questions is used from each sub-element in the pool to make an exam.
Details are in the next link below.

Please register here and start studying. This is the website we will use for self-study in the afternoon:

https://hamstudy.org/

Hamstudy is free but Richard KD7BBC is very appreciative of donations to keep the website going. After you use it you will realize how good it is and how much time he has devoted.

Have even more time? Watch the videos here on Youtube:

http://dcasler.com/ham-radio/training/

He mentions the ARRL study manual. You will NOT need it to take the class and pass the exam.

If you need to cancel please let me know ASAP. It will not be fair to end up with empty seats!!

What you need to bring: Pen, An internet capable device, preferably a laptop but a smartphone or tablet will work. The device needs to have wi-fi for the internet connection
on the public open wi-fi that is available. I have several loaner laptops available. Let me
know if you need one. The internet will be used for studying in the afternoon and will not be
needed in the morning for the classroom instruction portion of the class.

Registering for the exam is not required to attend but we would really really like you to beforehand. You will have to register to take the exam.

Register for the exam session here:

https://hamstudy.org/sessions

Be sure you are registering for the exam in Provo, Utah on the 19rd of September 2015.

Occasionally someone has difficulty with this process. You will do fine if
read the instructions very carefully and don’t skip any steps.

During the registration for the exam session you will obtain a Federal Registration Number
(FRN). The FRN is issued to you by the FCC so they can keep track of all your
dealings with them. The FRN is used lieu of your Social Secuity Number. After you have
entered your information on the FCC website for your FRN the next page is confusing.
Your FRN is at the top of the page. Highlight the FRN and copy and paste it or write it
down to enter into the registration page on hamstudy.org. Be sure to print out your (Personal Identification Number) PIN for the exam session and
FRN once you have completed everything on hamstudy.org….. If for some reason you do
not take the exam the day of the class you will need your FRN to take an exam later.
Finding out your FRN if you don’t have a license is difficult so don’t lose your FRN. You will
also need to provide the FCC with a password which you will use later to use the Universal
Licensing System (ULS) so you can change your address if you move or renew your
license. DO NOT LOSE YOUR PASSWORD!! you will need it later for access to the FCC
website to print out your license, renew your license or change your address.

You are right I repeated that….. don’t lose your password for the FCC ULS……

You need to bring two forms of ID. One with a picture like a driver’s license.
14.00 cash or check to pay for the exam.

ID requirements for test sessions are rather liberal. One of the IDs needs to be with a picture.
It is often difficult to find ID for children. If a child does not have ID with a picture we
will accept the picture ID of the accompanying adult plus another issued to the child.

The following are good for ID with preference given to something with
your picture on it issued by a government entity that also has your current address:

Social Security card
Birth Certificate
Passport
“Green” card
Driver’s license
State ID card
Concealed Weapons permit
Medicaid card
Military ID
Library card if it is not a card your name has been written on but the name is
embossed on the card by machine.
Student ID
School Faculty ID

If you can’t find anything else a canceled letter addressed to the test candidate will work for
ID but only as a last resort. If you have any questions about what is appropriate for ID
please e-mail me before the day of the class and exam.

As part of security in the building please stay on the main floor and don’t go wandering
around the library or building. Students have been asked to report anyone just wandering
around and we don’t want a visit from the guys with badges and guns!!
Please be patient trying to learn this stuff. Several years ago a woman and her mother
were in the class and the woman kept laughing when I said something. Finally at the break I
asked her why she kept laughing. “I don’t understand any of this. You might as well be
speaking Greek.” I told her to just keep listening and then in the study period she would get
a better idea of how much she really understood. She only studied a couple of hours that
after noon and went in and passed the exam just fine.

PROGRAMMING YOUR RADIO

I’ve used a few different software solutions, including the software from the radio’s manufacturer.

Recently I’ve tried the open source chirp along with the correct USB driver.

I like that I can import/export CSV files. Use the same desktop management software between different/supported radios.

Before installing chirp, make sure your radio is supported. Because chirp is open source, it has a lot of cross vendor support.

I was able to configure my radio to communicate with FRS/GMRS radios by reading this article

http://kv5r.com/ham-radio/gmrs-frs-frequencies-and-ctcss/

ch1 462.5625 tone mode (tsql), tonesql 67, power low
UPDATE: Chirp can import all FRS/GMRS frequencies.

Using your work’s “motion sensor” under your desk to turn OFF your radio when you are not at your desk!

These are the items I purchased to auto-turn-off my radio when not at my desk (the static bothers my co-workers that are staff’d 24×7).

I had to order three of these until I found one that worked!

http://www.amazon.com/Retevis-Battery-Eliminator-Adapter-Two-Way/dp/B00L8LSNNG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

Make sure you get at least the 1 amp

http://www.amazon.com/Cellet-Universal-Cigarette-Lighter-Converter/dp/B000TA4WNW?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

SUMMARY:

This article will help you prepare for an upcoming handgun class. Here I’ll be talking about the pros/cons of different gear and a good cost/benefit ratio for your investment.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE gun, training or gear?

• The most expensive gun is the one you do NOT have and it costs you your life and/or the life of a loved one.
• The most expensive training is the training you did NOT have.  It is expensive because you FAILED to protect yourself, or you did not understand the moral, legal, ethical “likely outcomes” of your actions (and you continue to pay the price the rest of your life).
• The most expensive gear is the gear you do not have, when you need it to save your life or the life of a loved one!

CHECKLIST and LINKS

REQUIRED

• EYEs (eye protection, clear & dark recommended, must meet safety specifications –something like this:  (Wiley X Guard Sunglasses, Smoke Grey Clear, Matte Black . If you are on a budget, Lowe’s Home Improvement has some good sunglasses that are safety rated for $20. 
• Ears (ear protection, Howard Leights are what I recommend. Being able to hear range commands is a safety issue & you can use these for home-defense with a tactical advantage of hearing better than a dog). Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff
• AMMO (most schools require FMJ NEW ammunition).
• hydration/water – about 1 gallon per day in extreme heat or dry climate.
• QUALITY external holster. I recommend Blade Tech OWB Holster for Springfield XDM 9/40 Shield with Tek-Lok Attachment (Black). Make sure you get YOUR pistol’s model. The link is for an xdm 9/40 4.5″
• Magazine pouch. You’ll want two mag pouches. I recommend BLACKHAWK! Single Stack Mag Case Matte Finish for 9 mm, 10mm, .40 Cal, and .45 Cal, Black
• 3-4 magazines.
• Snacks/lunch. Remember wet wipes, you do NOT want lead remnants going into your mouth and body!
• Most schools require a “concealment garment”, this can be a surplus bdu “shirt/jacket” with the arms cut out for a “vest” or if you can afford it,  I recommend 5.11 #80008 Poly/Cotton TacLite Pro Vest (TDU Khaki, X-Large). It has the right amount of stiffness for swiping the vest out of the way and driving down to the pistol.
• HAT. I recommend BOONIE HAT–Tan/Khaki
• azoom dummy rounds. There are cheapo dummy rounds, do NOT buy the cheapo ones. I recommend you buy the: A-Zoom 9Mm Luger Precision Snap Caps (5 Pack)

RECOMMENDED CHECKLIST

• layered clothing–expect wild fluctuations in weather and be prepared for rain, wind, hot/cold depending on season.  After I froze a few times in snow/wind, I got the proper gear. What is the most expensive weather gear? The one you do NOT have, and you get sick or you fail to train properly. I recommend a gore-tex shell for your jacket, water proof pants, boots, gloves and hat.
• Sunblock for neck and lips/face.  A long sleeve shirt is priceless in the sun, but NOT cotton and it should be loose.
• chapstick – I think this should be REQUIRED!
• Camera to document your adventure and show-off to your friends/family 🙂
• Gatorade packets or bottles
• Gloves. Depending on your weapon system, you may or may not need gloves. On your first class, your hands will need to tough’n up. So, for your first class or two, WEAR GLOVES. I recommend Mechanix Wear M-Pact Covert Work / Duty Gloves MPT-55 – LARGE Size I’d get the size so they are a bit tight, but not uncomfortable. You can check these out at Walmart too.
• Tools/cleaning kit.
• BACKUP gun/system. What if the unexpected happens? Having a spare is a good idea IMO.
• FIRST AID KIT – major trauma bandages…not just bandaids!
• Knee pads, depending on school and instructor
• Tactical Pants. My fav are the Blackhawk. Blackhawk Men’s Ultra Light Tactical Pant (Khaki, 38×36) These are cooler than shorts in the hot sun!!! Get that SUN off your skin!
• Multi-tool. I can’t tell you how many times my multi-tool has saved me! This is my fav: SOG Specialty Knives & Tools B66-N Power Assist Knife, Black Oxide
• Depending on the school, you may want a folding chair.
• GUN BELT, like a 5.11 TDU 5.11 TDU 1.75-Inch Belt, Black, Large. Make sure your pants will work with the wider belt. The wider belt aids in stabilizing the holster. The 5.11 TDU is OK, but even better is the Uncle Mike’s Tactical Two-Layer Nylon Reinforced Instructor’s Belt.