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Featured Material
• B&T APC9 PRO Pistol Outfitted for Night Operations • Collector Design Werks’ Custom Berettas • Glock 19 Customized for CCW • Examining a Plate Carrier Setup • Vehicle Firearms Storage Guide
Included
UN12 MRE Bag Patch
UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
ARQ-15 SBR Transport of Dangerous Goods Ammunition, such as for rifles, handguns, shotguns, starter’s pistols and power tools that contain explosive material are dangerous goods listed under Class 1.4S. The information presented here is for the following UN numbers only:
Feature Firearm
Fully Equipped & Suppressed
ISSUE
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B&TAPC9 FEATURE
C
ount ourselves lucky; we are living in the middle
caught his attention the first time he saw it. “You know that
of a firearm customization boom. With so many
meme with Fry from ‘Futurama’ saying, Shut up and take
aftermarket parts and talented craftsmen at our disposal,
my money?” he asks. “Yep, that was me when I saw this
it seems as if we can create anything that we can imagine.
bad boy.”
But as much as we enjoy a fully customized gun, there are
The Swiss-produced Brügger & Thomet (B&T) APC9
times that simple bolt-on upgrades are all you need to get
PRO Pistol means business and is closely related to
your piece situated just right.
the U.S. Army’s B&T APC9K submachine gun. The
This is the case for Ward Limann, a marketing executive
semiauto compact PDW is chambered in 9mm. Its
by weekday and tactical training addict by weekend.
aluminum upper receiver features a 6.9-inch,
Limann started off training with AR-15 carbines as his
tri-lug-tipped barrel, and a full-length
go-to weapons but has since switched over to shorter,
Picatinny rail runs from nose to
9mm PDWs. “I enjoy the softer shooting characteristics of
tail across the top. The
9mm,” he says of the switch. “Its lower cost is a plus, too.
pistol runs
I still use my 5.56mm and 7.62mm carbines, but I also like
on a
to keep my options open and love training with my 9mm PDW-style pistols.”
A couple of years ago Limann discovered his current predilection to low- and no-light shooting. Taking a deep dive into the Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) website, Limann went all-in and decked himself out with a TNVC Gen 3 PVS-14 night vision monocular, OpsCore helmet, and countless other night-vision-related accessories. He acknowledges it’s a heavy investment, but one he says is well worth it. “You haven’t experienced shooting until you’ve shot lights-out with only moonlight or infrared to guide you,” he declares. Piling on to his treasure trove of gear, Limann recently picked up a B&T APC9 PRO pistol. Like the rest of us, it immediately
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01 Primary targeting is facilitated by an Aimpoint ACRO P-1 red dot on a QD 22mm mount.
02 Secondary targeting is facilitated by a compact set of Griffin Armament M2 backup sights.
“The owner discovered a predilection to low- and no-light shooting; based on his training experience, plans were laid early on to deck this APC9 out for nightvision-assisted shooting.”
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B&TAPC9 FEATURE
01
“The APC9’s strengths are its short length, light weight, and maneuverability. It was perfect as a home-defense weapon.”
NV-enabled operation is made possible using a Steiner OTAL Class 1 IR laser and a SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro, which can toggle between IR and white light illumination.
01
Limann was quick to order and install an SB Tactical SBT pistol brace. The brace features an integral side-folding mechanism that locks solidly in place. Folding the brace to reduce the length of the gun is quickly done by pressing a button and manually moving it to the right side. Limann chose to go with an adjustable grip from XTech Tactical for a more comfortable grip angle. The Adjustable Tactical Grip (ATG) design allows it to be installed in the user’s choice of 17-, 25-, or 33-degree grip angles. Because of the short overall length of this firearm, he chose the steepest option of 17, which is more comfortable for his wrist. Due to the front end’s short length, Limann also installed a Knight’s Armament Handstop on the end of the bottom includes ambidextrous controls
rail. This acts as a hand stop but also incorporates a QD
including the magazine release.
socket for sling attachment. Limann’s pistol came with
After getting familiar with the pistol
Picatinny rail segments that covered the built-in m-lok
over the course of a few trips to his local
rail slots. He left the detachable rails in place since all
shooting range, Limann decided that
the accessories he chose happened to utilize Picatinny
mechanically the gun had nothing he
attachment points.
commit to. With limited rail space, he knew he had to make sure everything he wanted would fit. “I’ve always been
good. He did, however, think that a pistol
a fan of SureFire lights,” he says. “I’ve carried them ever
brace was a must for stable shooting. He also
since acquiring my first pocket flashlight, a SureFire 6P.
and features a dual auto-folding, non-
up sights as well as the pistol grip for one with
reciprocating charging handle. A stick-type,
a steeper grip angle.
The APC9 PRO’s polymer lower receiver is
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reciprocating charging handle and the ambi controls, and he felt the trigger feel was
wanted to change out the factory polymer flip-
comes standard.
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considered what light and laser combination he would
reliable closed-bolt blowback system
translucent polymer 30-round magazine
After getting the APC9’s controls dialed in, Limann
of basic operation. He liked the non-
Limann further thought about how else he would accessorize it. He considered its
They’ve never failed me.” He decided on a SureFire Mini Scout Light Pro Infrared, which is powered by a single 123A lithium battery and produces 250 lumens of white light or 100 mW of infrared illumination. Its space-saving, low-profile mount allows
strengths, which he says are its short length, light
the light to swivel into position relative to the rail so that
improved over earlier APC9 models through the
weight, and maneuverability. It was perfect as a home
it can be tucked low and tight along the top rail. Limann
introduction of a side-positioned bolt hold-open/
defense weapon. After more consideration, he made plans
chose to place it so that it sits on the ARC9’s left side, just
release and replaceable AR-15-compatible pistol grip.
to deck it out for night-vision-assisted shooting in both
forward of the side-charging handle. The weaponlight’s
The PRO model also includes m-lok compatible slots
home defense and training roles, and he based his parts
included SureFire Z68 protected tailcap ensures accidental
for flexible accessory mounting options. The APC9 also
choices on his training experiences.
discharges don’t happen. When gripping the bottom of the
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thought required improvement in terms
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FEATURE
T
here are those of us who opt for basic, no-nonsense protection
and those of us who consider extensive pistol customization as a part of the “basic” defensive package. Count Mr. Fischbach, the owner of the featured pistol, as one of the latter. For him, simply carrying a factorystock pistol is not an option There’s no arguing that even in its stock form the Glock 19 has a legendary reputation for being a reliable and effective CCW pistol. Yet the allure of a custom G19 is understandably hard to ignore. In terms of function and form, the pistol, when customized, can definitely be improved upon. Looking to improve his self-defense carry pistol, Fischbach entrusted his Gen 3 Glock 19 to the hands of Jay Canter, a gun photographer by trade and a custom gun builder by passion. Canter took us through the modifications performed to Fischbach’s carry pistol. He informed us that the goal of this build was to improve several elements including quicker target acquisition, improved controls, and increased grip traction. Making it look a bit sexier was also a consideration. Starting at the top, the factory slide was replaced with an Alpha Shooting Sports Alpha Marksman V4 slide. This aftermarket slide adds lightening window cuts, additional serrations, and a provision for a red dot optic. In this case, a cut for the Vortex Viper was chosen. The Viper features a 6 MOA red dot and is co-witnessed and mounted between a set of a Trijicon suppressor-height night iron sights. The sight combination is much improved over the plastic sights of the factory slide. The slide was completed with a beautifully dimpled Shadow Systems Match Barrel. The drop-in barrel is DLC-coated for durability and precision-machined to fit tight in critical lockup areas for improved accuracy. The slide uses springs from KE Arms and a slide cover plate from Strike Industries. The rest of the internals, including the recoil spring assembly, are OEM Glock G19 parts from GlockStore.
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“The allure of a custom Glock is understandably hard to ignore. In terms of function and form, the pistol, when customized, can definitely be improved upon. The goal here was quicker target acquisition, improved controls, and increased grip traction.”
01 Upgrades to the pistol’s top end include an Apha Marksman V4 slide and dimpled Shadow Systems match barrel.
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FEATURE
The slide isn’t the only part that has seen a dramatic transformation. The G19’s lower portion has been completely overhauled
parts were replaced with fresh OEM Glock components sourced from GlockStore. The magwell is slightly enlarged but kept
to meet Fischbach’s requirements as well.
svelte enough for carry considerations
Starting with the stock Gen 3 frame, the
thanks to a carry magwell made by KE Arms.
01
trigger has been replaced by a unit made by
In it sits a factory Glock magazine enhanced
ZEV Technologies. The ZEV Pro Flat Face
by a KE Arms magazine basepad. This
The custom Alpha Marksman V4 slide includes lightening window cuts along with the enhanced serrations and the optic cut.
trigger includes a replacement trigger bar
extended basepad adds two more rounds to
designed to reduce travel and provide a crisp
the stock 15-round capacity.
trigger pull while keeping the factory Glock
01
safety provisions intact.
It’s an unfortunate fact that unexpected encounters can happen at any place and at
The controls have also been upgraded
any time. To this end, Fischbach decided to
to further increase the frame’s utility. Most
add a weaponlight to his pistol. After looking
noticeable is a Ghost Inc. G3 extended
around for one that fit flush with the Glock
magazine release, which is extended to a
19’s muzzle end, he finally decided on a
more useful dimension and features beveled
Inforce APLc.
edges that help eliminate potential snags.
The “c” in APLc stands for “compact,”
The extended slide lock by Boogeyman
and it really shows when the light is slung
Customs is made of titanium and finished in
underneath the front end of a G19. The light
an eye-catching blue. Most of the internal
truly sits flush and provides 200 lumens of
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01
02
03
04
An Alpha Shooting Sports Alpha V4 slide includes an optic cut enabling the installation of a Vortex Viper red dot.
A ZEV Technologies Pro Flat Face trigger imparts reduced travel for crisper actuation while keeping safety provisions intact.
2A Tactical laser stippling on the grip serves the dual purpose of improving grip traction and looking damn sexy.
Trijicon suppressorheight night sights were installed to cowitness the Vortex optic and improve on the factory plastic analog sights.
“The unique stippling job and subdued gray camo Cerakote lend an upscale yet subtle touch to this G19’s overall custom look.” UN12mag.com
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FEATURE
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release (which was included with the receiver set). The
Riddler color scheme of purple-accented green, with just
upper was fitted with a 7-inch Ballistic Advantage barrel,
the right touch of darkened, Gothic-inspired grittiness—
which in turn was fitted with a Yankee Hill Machine slanted
and his co-conspirators at Quentin Defense used a local
muzzle brake whose 45-degree angle nests within and
Cerakote applicator, Koted Arms in Mesa, Arizona, to
nicely complements the angles imparted by the C-shaped
handle the application
cutout at the Tiger Rock m-lok handguard’s business end. In fact, the aesthetics of the build, such as the angles
All in all, The Riddler AR pistol embodies all that can be interesting about a custom themed build. Colors, shapes,
present on the handguard and muzzle brake, became an
fit, and function all work together to make this weapon
important part of matching up the various components. “In
into something that’s more than just the proverbial “sum
creating this piece I searched for specific parts I thought
of its parts.” It’s an idea, an object, and at some level, an
would fit the overall look,” Pierre says. “Colors and shapes
obsession.
played a big role in the process.” The trigger, for example, was selected in part because
And lest you think this is just some gun that was put together with a SHOT Show display in mind, Pierre tells
of the purple color option offered by Velocity Precision
us he has put more than a few rounds downrange since
Engineering. The MPC drop-in unit offered a hue suitable
it all came together. In addition, the process of putting it
for what Pierre wanted, along with a unique offset curved
together was more than just arriving at the destination. It
shoe that called to mind a question-mark shape. The
was about the journey itself.
trigger interfaces with a New Frontier Armory BCG for
“It was a fun build as a collectible or conversational
9mm, which is in turn harnessed by a Radian Raptor
piece, and it was even better working with [Quentin
charging handle.
Defense] and everyone else who played a part in bringing
The rear of the gun was completed with an SB Tactical
The Riddler to life, for the enjoyment of myself and the 2A
PDW pistol stabilizing brace, ensuring the AR’s pistol
community,” he says.
classification and adding the needed stability for accurate
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shooting. The SB Tactical brace package encompasses the buffer tube, end plate, and castle nut. The assembly also includes the recoil spring and a pistol buffer optimized
PCC AR Pistol Grip
A Quentin Defense billet Fat Bastard pistol grip was customized with cut-through question marks.
for the 9mm PCC configuration. Targeting is accomplished using a Vortex Spitfire AR. This optic is designed to give shooters the best of both worlds, using a glass-etched DRT (Dual Ring Tactical) reticle than can be used with the red/green illumination or without it, like a traditional riflescope. For shooting days, The Riddler is fed from a KCI 50-round drum (unfortunately not pictured here) The finishing touch, of course, was the finish itself. Pierre supplied the desired overall direction—the classic
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Brace An SB Tactical SBPDW pistol stabilizing brace shores up the rear end and enables The Riddler’s pistol classification.
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PCC AR Pistol
FEATURE
The Riddler AR-15 PCC Pistol
Specifications Caliber: 9mm
Receivers: Quentin Defense ARQ-9 7075 billet
Barrel: Ballistic Advantage 7-in.
Laser Engraving: 2A Tactical LLC
Coating: Cerakote by Koted Arms
Featured Accessories Trigger: Velocity Triggers 9mm MPC Optic: Vortex Spitfire AR
Handguard: Tiger Rock Inc. 7-in. m-lok Slim Muzzle Brake: Yankee Hill Machine “Slant”
Pistol Brace: SB Tactical SBPDW
Parts & Accessories: New Frontier Armory 9mm BCG; Radian Raptor charging handle; CMMG takedown pins, bolt catch; TacFire ambi safety selector; Quentin Defense “Fat Bastard” pistol grip
About the Builder Battle Arms Development UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
Social: Facebook @BattleArms, IG @battlearms URL: battlearmsdevelopment.com
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Customization: Knives
03 A home anodizing kit was used to give the titanium a bit of custom color.
01
04 The wire clip adds needed utility and a bit of a different look from standard flat clips.
The corrosionresistant LC200N blade is 3.32 inches (84mm) long and a slim 3mm thick.
02 The Spydiechef’s pronounced bowed edge helps it emulate the ergonomics of a world-class chef’s knife.
06 05
The Spydiechef sports Spyderco’s signature hole for easy one-handed blade deployment.
A Dremel rotary tool and various sanding and brush attachments were used to add texture to the scales.
was getting smaller and thinner from
altering the overall lines of the design.
years of sharpening and honing.
After imparting a non-slip patina to the
For Father’s Day this year she bought
Spydiechef 130
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scales, he decided to go ahead and give
Specs PERSONALIZED SPYDERCO SPYDIECHEF
him a replacement, this Spyderco
them some color, too. He applied a burnt-
Spydiechef. The design concept, as the
bronze finish to the scales using a home
name states, is a folding knife suited for
titanium anodizing kit. The end result
chef and EDC duties. Equipped with
is textured scales that not only provide
Occupation: Textiles
a corrosion-proof LC200N blade and
additional grip, but a finish that gives the
titanium scales, it was also perfect for use
knife a “custom” look he intends to enjoy
Special Thanks: My wonderful wife Jill and my fishing buddies, Will, Joe, Greg, and Andy
as a fisherman’s EDC blade.
for years to come.
One issue that Brown had while testing
Overall it’s a simple yet clean
Owner: Dean Brown
Spyderco
out his new knife was that the flat titanium
aesthetic—which, incidentally, probably
Model: Spydiechef
scales became slippery when his hands
won’t stay that way for long. Brown told
Model Number: C211TI
were wet. Wanting texture like the FRN
us that he has a tuna fishing expedition
MSRP: $335
handle on his Pacific, he searched for
coming up soon and that his personalized
ways to improve the titanium scales.
Spyderco Spydiechef will be along for the
URL: spyderco.com
Using a Dremel rotary tool fitted with
ride—where we’re sure that it’ll end up
sanding drums and steel brushes, he
covered in fish bits.
was able to create added texture without
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Designer: Marcin Slysz
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DEPT.
Competition & Training
Shoot This Drill Compass Drill—a foundation exercise Text by TATIANA WHITLOCK Illustrations by CHARLES “CHIP” LASKY
T
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he Compass Drill is designed to be a “balancing act” exercise
This drill requires a newer shooter to mentally shift gears between tasks
intended to even out how your body
to ensure correct grip structure,
and brain interface with the pistol in
trigger finger discipline, and muzzle
both the right and left hand. This is an
awareness are established before he
exercise I introduce to newer shooters
or she presents on target and begins
as soon as they grasp the essentials
to shoot. For more experienced
of safely handling and functioning
shooters who tend to lean heavily
the gun. By working ambidextrous
on two-handed, dominant-side-only
drills like this early on in the training
practice, the Compass Drill provides a
experience, new shooters tend to
number of detail-oriented explorations
avoid the learned fearful bias against
of ambidextrous work with their
one-hand and support-hand shooting.
pistols.
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