BRD's limited edition 2016 HALLOWEEN tee is now available!
Here is the link to the tee: THE VIOLENCE T-SHIRT
- Rob / BLK RFL DIV
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
HALLOWEEN '16 Special Edition Tee
Here is the link to the tee: THE VIOLENCE T-SHIRT
- Rob / BLK RFL DIV
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Plugging holes with tampons, good or bad?
I recently posted a pic on the BRD media channels of our corpsman's chestrig while on patrol along the US/MEX border this past weekend. In his rig he had two Tampax tampons, always food for quality jokes, but as someone stated, "Yeah everyone laughs, till it's sticking out your shoulder" - Nathan_I.
But is it effective in preventing blood loss and should it be a part of one's kit/IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) or is it a myth that should be quashed?
I reached out to Jon Wayne Taylor and asked his input on the subject. Following is what he emailed me and definitely jump over to TTAG to read the two articles he wrote regarding the subject:
"Tampons are ok for blood loss, but they have some pretty significant limitations.
They are not very big and their shape is inflexible. They just don't have a whole lot of surface area to them and they can't be made to fit the wound. I know we all think about "plugging the hole" for wound care, but it's important to remember that it's not a hole, it's a (likely irregular) channel. And the size and shape of most tampons just doesn't allow you much flexibility to put pressure on the entire bleeding surface. And pressure is what it's all about.
Again, they are better than table napkins and a torn shirt, but there are much better options available.
The gold standard for the treatment of penetrating trauma, in my experience treating hundreds of penetrating traumas, is Quick Clot Combat Gauze.
I think everyone should have at least one roll. It is, however, expensive.
The next best thing is cheap and easy to find. Simple Kerlix Gauze works great as long as you remember that pressure is what it's all about. It is pretty bulky though. The NAR Compressed Gauze works just as well, and is much easier to pack.
Be aware, even if you do buy the Quick Clot Combat Gauze, you will most likely need to follow it with simple gauze, like Kerlix or the NAR gauze.
I wrote a couple of articles about treating traumatic injuries for thetruthaboutguns.com They include where to buy the products I recommend. They are posted here:
1) http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/07/jon-wayne-taylor/combat-medic-the-work-really-starts-once-youre-shot/
2) http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/07/jon-wayne-taylor/combat-medic-what-to-do-if-someone-else-is-shot/ "
Therefore, if tampons are the only thing available in a critical situation, then use them, however, considering there are many alternatives that are far superior and that are readily available, your IFAK should include the aforementioned products and not tampons.
In the second article listed above, JWT had some excellent parting advice:
"Good medical gear really helps, but most kits have more things than you will need or know how to use. If you are on the range with other people, or you can throw a bag in your home or vehicle, I would recommend at least the following to treat others:
At least 4 tourniquets
At least 4 sets of Quick Clot Gauze, and at least 6 rolls of Kerlix.
At least 4 chest seals.
At least 3 Sam Splints
And buy more medical tape than you ever thought you would need and a flashlight that you don’t have to hold down a button to keep on. That’s the minimum. Put it in any easy-to-get to bag. I prefer everything in clear zip lock bags and put it all in one big compartment.
As I wrote before, for those of you who want to get into more medical training and would like a good guidebook, the Ranger Medic Handbook is the best single guide I’ve ever seen.
For more in-depth reading, I would recommend the US Army’s Emergency War Surgery, now published completely online as well as my constant field companion, Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine Manual."
But is it effective in preventing blood loss and should it be a part of one's kit/IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) or is it a myth that should be quashed?
I reached out to Jon Wayne Taylor and asked his input on the subject. Following is what he emailed me and definitely jump over to TTAG to read the two articles he wrote regarding the subject:
"Tampons are ok for blood loss, but they have some pretty significant limitations.
They are not very big and their shape is inflexible. They just don't have a whole lot of surface area to them and they can't be made to fit the wound. I know we all think about "plugging the hole" for wound care, but it's important to remember that it's not a hole, it's a (likely irregular) channel. And the size and shape of most tampons just doesn't allow you much flexibility to put pressure on the entire bleeding surface. And pressure is what it's all about.
Again, they are better than table napkins and a torn shirt, but there are much better options available.
The gold standard for the treatment of penetrating trauma, in my experience treating hundreds of penetrating traumas, is Quick Clot Combat Gauze.
I think everyone should have at least one roll. It is, however, expensive.
The next best thing is cheap and easy to find. Simple Kerlix Gauze works great as long as you remember that pressure is what it's all about. It is pretty bulky though. The NAR Compressed Gauze works just as well, and is much easier to pack.
Be aware, even if you do buy the Quick Clot Combat Gauze, you will most likely need to follow it with simple gauze, like Kerlix or the NAR gauze.
I wrote a couple of articles about treating traumatic injuries for thetruthaboutguns.com They include where to buy the products I recommend. They are posted here:
1) http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/07/jon-wayne-taylor/combat-medic-the-work-really-starts-once-youre-shot/
2) http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2015/07/jon-wayne-taylor/combat-medic-what-to-do-if-someone-else-is-shot/ "
Therefore, if tampons are the only thing available in a critical situation, then use them, however, considering there are many alternatives that are far superior and that are readily available, your IFAK should include the aforementioned products and not tampons.
In the second article listed above, JWT had some excellent parting advice:
"Good medical gear really helps, but most kits have more things than you will need or know how to use. If you are on the range with other people, or you can throw a bag in your home or vehicle, I would recommend at least the following to treat others:
At least 4 tourniquets
At least 4 sets of Quick Clot Gauze, and at least 6 rolls of Kerlix.
At least 4 chest seals.
At least 3 Sam Splints
And buy more medical tape than you ever thought you would need and a flashlight that you don’t have to hold down a button to keep on. That’s the minimum. Put it in any easy-to-get to bag. I prefer everything in clear zip lock bags and put it all in one big compartment.
As I wrote before, for those of you who want to get into more medical training and would like a good guidebook, the Ranger Medic Handbook is the best single guide I’ve ever seen.
For more in-depth reading, I would recommend the US Army’s Emergency War Surgery, now published completely online as well as my constant field companion, Tintinalli’s Emergency Medicine Manual."
Jon Wayne Taylor is a veteran, Army medic, and a proud Texas son.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
New Patches
New SYLM patches along with the BRD Crossed up femur and K-BAR skull patch just dropped!
The patches are 2.5"x2.5" with velcro backing. They are designed for the "Select Your Patch" caps (LINK), to be used on your kit, or for your ever growing patch collection.
- Rob / BLK RFL DIV
The patches are 2.5"x2.5" with velcro backing. They are designed for the "Select Your Patch" caps (LINK), to be used on your kit, or for your ever growing patch collection.
[Click to enlarge image]
The yellow and black SYLM patch can be purchased HERE
The black and white BRD Skull patch can be purchased HERE
- Rob / BLK RFL DIV
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
The IZHMASH 300 BLK AR15
I've had this project on my mind for a very long time, but finally decided it needed to become a reality instead of just being a jotted down note on the long, long "to-do" list. The first thing I did was acquire as much of the imagery needed, whether by taking photos of the receiver on my SGL31 or by searching the web. Ultimately, all images needed to be converted to vector format (AI / EPS), easily accomplished once I had compiled the right images. One of my initial struggles was finding a decent icon for "safe", because as we all know, finger is safety in Mother Russia. I settled on a generic "0" as most Russian firearms do not have a safety icon. Later I found out via responses on TFB (thefirearmblog.com) that "ПР" or "П" derived from Передохранитель would have been more appropriate and that the AK-12 & the AEK-971 both use ПР for "safe" on the selector markings.
After completing the design work and sizing, off to the laser engraver the 80% went along with the digital file. $130 and two days later, bam, the IZHMASH paperweight was born. Not a lower or firearm yet though.
Immediately after getting the 80% back I hatched my evil plan to make this an AR pistol chambered in .300 AAC Blackout / 300 BLK / 7.62×35mm which merges the 7.62×39mm Soviet cartridge with the AR15 platform. Additionally, this is basically one of the only remaining ways to get an AR15 pistol in CA now; to make it yourself. Due to CA's idiotic laws, it must also be built from the ground up as a single shot, whether by a manufacturer or by an individual.
More parts arrived: a BCM blemish upper, a SilencerCo ASR FH, an ALG QMS FCG, a Tango Down grip, a Magpul trigger guard, a Spikes pistol length gas tube, and a low end adjustable gas block, which I eventually sent back as I did not like the location of the set screw.
As mentioned previously, I returned the original adjustable gas block I had ordered and exchanged it for the Seekins adjustable gas block (.750 DIA). Besides the superior machining of the Seekins, the set screw is located on the front or muzzle facing side of the gas block, making it far more accessible for constricting or releasing more gas. Many other options require the removal of the handguard, not desirable from my point of view, so be aware of the location of the set screw and the regulator screw when making your decision.
After 5 minutes with the Dremel and some cleanup work with a file, it was GTG.
With that completed, I was ready to paint. I was feeling an OD green with a black combo after riding in a Sherman tank a few weeks earlier, so it was time to degrease the parts.
Final notes. Test firing was uneventful, a good thing. I started with the regulator screw closed in most of the way, fired one shot, it failed to extract, bolt didn't have enough force to lock back or even clear the mag. Next step, open up the regulator a little more, fired the next round, spent case extracted at 4 o'clock and the bolt locked back. Done.
FYI the serial number below the arsenal mark on the magwell has been Photoshopped out of all these photos. A serial number is not necessary, in fact no markings are necessary on a firearm built by a law abiding American, as "Federal law does not require a homemade gun to have identifying marks (such as a serial number), as long as it remains in the possession of the original maker. The ATF suggests that all homemade firearms be marked with a serial number (or distinguishing marks) as a safeguard in the event the firearm is lost or stolen, but requires it if the gun is otherwise lawfully transferred in the future." - criminaldefenselawyer.com
It is your right to build firearms, so get started building! But... also know the laws, especially in a place like Californiastan. Ask questions or google search your questions, better to ask a "dumb" question than be arrested for some asinine BS. Happy building, folks.
After completing the design work and sizing, off to the laser engraver the 80% went along with the digital file. $130 and two days later, bam, the IZHMASH paperweight was born. Not a lower or firearm yet though.
[Click on images to enlarge]
With the 80% engraved and the limitless options of AR15 Lego components floating around in my head, I hunkered down and began my quest for parts. As Ghandi said, "Let the destruction of my daughter's college savings fund begin!" First up, finding a good barrel, which wasn't too difficult with all the great options now available. I was fortunate enough to scoop up a 10" barrel from Ballistic Advantage (BAMF), a fine specimen made from 4150 chrome moly vanadium with a QPQ corrosion resistant finish, more commonly known as melonite.
However, at this point I also decided to get the 80% anodized. If I had completed the 80% and then attempted to get it anodized, I would have had to find an anodizer with an FFL, not an easy quest. And, no, most anodizes who wish to stay in business will not do it while you wait. My understanding is the ATF has been shutting down places that had this policy, at least in San Diego County.
With the anodized 80% back in my hands, it was time to mill this sucka out and turn this inanimate object into a real life, fire breathing, ghost gunning, 30 rnds in half a second, FIREARM! And after a few hours of work, that's exactly what it became.
A test fit on the barrel with the Seekins gas block revealed that part of the Geissele 9.5" MK4 rail would need to be removed in order to access the regulator screw with ease.
After 5 minutes with the Dremel and some cleanup work with a file, it was GTG.
With that completed, I was ready to paint. I was feeling an OD green with a black combo after riding in a Sherman tank a few weeks earlier, so it was time to degrease the parts.
Aervoe rattle can is my go-to paint. Once parts are dry and degreased, I hit them with a light coat. They then cure for 48hrs, hit them again, then allow to cure for another 48hrs. Here is a write up on Aervoe from a previous blog post: blkrfldiv.blogspot.com/2015/03/aervoe-rattle-can-paintjobs
With all the parts dry, everything starts to come together.
FYI the serial number below the arsenal mark on the magwell has been Photoshopped out of all these photos. A serial number is not necessary, in fact no markings are necessary on a firearm built by a law abiding American, as "Federal law does not require a homemade gun to have identifying marks (such as a serial number), as long as it remains in the possession of the original maker. The ATF suggests that all homemade firearms be marked with a serial number (or distinguishing marks) as a safeguard in the event the firearm is lost or stolen, but requires it if the gun is otherwise lawfully transferred in the future." - criminaldefenselawyer.com
It is your right to build firearms, so get started building! But... also know the laws, especially in a place like Californiastan. Ask questions or google search your questions, better to ask a "dumb" question than be arrested for some asinine BS. Happy building, folks.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
VAE VICTIS / DGS X BRD
NEW TEES now available at the BLK RFL DIV online store.
BRD has teamed up with the Texas based, AK builders & US Military veterans, the DEAD GOOSE SOCIETY www.deadgoosesociety.com to create the VAE VICTIS t-shirt and hoodie. The design represents the DGS 'King of Death' and the BRD 'Grim Reaper', both with implements of war in hand, two sides of the same scale.
"VAE VICTIS" : Origin, Latin/Roman : Raiding Celtic tribes under the leadership of Brennus ravaged Rome and occupied the city for three months. They demanded a ransom to leave the Roman capital. Brennus demanded his weight in gold. When the Romans complained that the scales were innaccurate, Brennus threw his sword onto the scales to be weighed also. He then announce "VAE VICTUS" - (Woe to the Vanquished) The Romans were forced to bring more gold to counterbalance the weight sword.
The black t-shirt can be purchased either from the BRD store www.blkrfldiv.com or the DGS online store www.deadgoosesociety.com, who also sell AK parts and fine, custom built AKs. The hoodie and additional colorways, heather grey & military green, are only available via the BRD website.
[Click on images to enlarge]
Also have a couple of new ones following after these. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
The DESTROYER Watch Cap / Made in the USA
BLK RFL DIV is proud to introduce the DESTROYER Watch Cap, available in 5 colors: Black, Burgundy, Light Grey, Raw Sienna (pictured), & Military Green (pictured).
Friday, February 26, 2016
Restocked!
Restocked! This week: SYLM in black & mil green (short & long sleeve), FROM ABOVE in heather grey & white, M4 BUILD in charcoal and, finally, the AK BUILD t-shirt in charcoal.
Next week SPRAY & PRAY, DEFENDERS (in black only), and B-CLIP (in cardinal & black) will be restocked. Look out for that notification if you are on the email list.
Currently working on some new designs too, some exciting stuff in the works, wish it was out already! Stay tuned. Thank you all for your support.
Currently working on some new designs too, some exciting stuff in the works, wish it was out already! Stay tuned. Thank you all for your support.
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