The running man… Carbine fighting
Most handguns blow holes in targets, a good .223 Carbine with a fragmenting bullet is going to tear up a BG. I strongly suggest putting a white light on any carbine just incase you need it to identify a target. Many of the people we see on the training courses always think that handguns are for home defense and never really thought too much about keeping a Carbine available. You may have some problems finding a safe to lock up your rifle, but there are things you can do to keep it away from children and still have quick access. One of the most common things we still see with new operators is dropped gear. Guys show up with holsters for sidearms that don’t retain the firearms, and spare pistol mags end up sitting somewhere in midrange after a quick running scenario. The first time I wore a pair of Style 201 pants, I loaded up 6-30rd AR mags and ran around the neighborhood. I wanted to see if the lightweight material secured the mags in place. I was blown away at how well they were secured and I didn’t feel lop sided if I ran. The Style 201 pants are now available in Digital camo and coming later this fall they will be available in the new Direct Action A-Tacs pattern.
I’ve discussed this topic several times before, but I’ve seen more examples of gear that failed and operators that had a teachable moment. Its no surprise that Rogue Elite sponsors a few firearms instructors and training groups. We are supplying our Instructors with Eotac Style 202, Style 203 and Style 201 tactical pants. Since we’re well into the warm weather season, most of our Instructors and Operators are working with the Style 201 Operator grade pants. I have to admit that I am more inclined to attend Carbine courses over Pistol courses. I guess you should consider the Rogue Elite Team to think a Carbine is a better thing to fight with than a handgun. To quote Clint Smith, “A handgun is to be used so you can fight your way back to your rifle”. If you take a serious look at the survival rate of handgun victims vs rifle uses, there is considerable evidence to suggest that you may want to seriously consider upgrading your home defense weapon to a shotgun or a carbine. Bad guys showing up on PCP or pumped up on crack aren’t going to be concerned 9mm bullets unless you get a really good shot.
The Eotac Style 202 pants are basically an improved pocket design over the Woolrich Elite 4429 pants. The Eotac 203 are similiar to Woolrich Elite 4441 and the Eotac 201 are similiar to the Woolrich Elite 4447 styles. Each may look the same at first look, but try stuffing the pockets with various items and you’ll quickly notice the design differences. The ID pocket on the Eotac pants have a pull tab that make it easy to open the pocket and I have absolutely zero problems using my gear with this design. The side cargo pockets are bellowed and although not as wide as BDU pants, you will be able to use these for mag dumps much easier.
Eotac pants have an elastic waistband that give some versatility to users especially for those carrying a firearm IWB. The pants sizes from Elite Operator Tactical are consistant with regular clothing sizes. The shirts and vests are all gun generously to give a little more room. Eotac lightweight pants have a gussetted crotch that give them superior durability. The Style 204 Concealed carry pants have side zipper pockets that can hold a small firearm, wallet, keys or something like a Kimber Guardian Angel. The most tactical of the are the Style 201 Lightweight Operator pants that are based on the Army Combat Uniform Pants. These pants can hold up to 6 30rd M16 or AR 15 magazines as well as other gear. The new Style 702 Womens pants is a big step forward for Eotac and we’re waiting to hear from our Female Operators on what they think about them. These pants should be available in March of 2010.
Eotac pants have been on the market for almost a year now. One of the most popular tactical pants is the Style 201 Operator pants. These pants are hands down one of the most practical tactical pants you can find on the market. You may even find that these pants are so well designed and comfortable you almost won’t need to wear a tactical vest since the pocket designs will allow you to hold up to six 30rd AR/M16 magazines in the pockets. These pants are made of 100% cotton rip stop and have a gusseted grotch for extra strength. It may be funny to read about someone talking about how the crotch on a pair of tactical pants are re-enforced, but if you’re in hot climates, you’ll need lightweight clothing and durability is always an issue for the lightweight stuff.