Overview
In each and every issue of S.W.A.T., we strive to bring a wide range of coverage. However, if forced to describe the June issue in one word, it would be WEAPONS. Rifles, carbines, AKs, revolvers, even a sword – we’ve got ‘em in June. But don’t worry, there’s tactics and training coverage too, plus all your favorite columns and departments. The June issue is on sale now!

Columns
The Briefing Room
Disquieting Events
by Denny Hansen

Street Smarts
Bank Job
by Brent T. Wheat

Against All Odds
Hard-Use Tools for Bug-Out Bags
by Jeff Randall

Frontline Debriefs
Physical Strength vs. Technical Ability
by Scott Reitz

Enemy at the Gate
Joys of Rural Free States
by Stewart Rhodes

Training & Tactics
Double Up
by Louis Awerbuck

Departments
Mail Room:
Letters from our Readers
Staff

Lawful Carry:
WRB Bellyband Holster
Flint Hansen

Long Guns:
SIG 556 Short SF
Leroy Thompson

Offbeat:
Action Target’s PT Turn Swing Target
Denny Hansen

The Cutting Edge:
Benchmade AFO II Automatic
Leroy Thompson

Gear Locker:
New Products and Accessories
Staff

 
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Features
BUDGET PATROL RIFLES
Guns of Del-Ton

There is both a need and a market for weapons that are built by trained armorers to a customer’s requirements—as well as for parts and materials that can be assembled by the end users themselves. Del-Ton, a small North Carolina business that specializes in AR-15 style rifles and high-quality component parts, is making a name for itself among consumers searching for quality weapons and components at a reasonable price.
by Scott Oldham

THE EIGHTH DEADLY SIN
Magazine Monopod Prone Evaluated

Over the last couple of years, I have been exposed to the magazine monopod prone (MMP) position in several carbine classes, and immediately gravitated toward it. In each case it was presented as acceptable for the 50 yard and less format of the classes. I saw no difference in group sizes or points of impact from a hasty prone, and became curious as to just how good the MMP really is. I set out to collect some hard data on it at longer distances.
by Ethan Johns

FAMILY AFFAIR
Charter Arms Revolvers

On the last day of the SHOT Show this year, I was making a final pass of the floor with my wife, Chris. Stopping at the Charter Arms booth, she began examining their wide array of revolvers, including a “Southpaw” version with the cylinder latch on the right side of the frame. The revolvers were displayed in an equally wide array of colors: blue, stainless steel, black/stainless two-tone, red, lavender, pink and gold/black. Ten points if you can guess how this story ends.
by Denny Hansen

GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Rifle Buyers Beware

When a new rifle comes to hand, people have different expectations for different reasons. How much actual knowledge and/or experience they have has a lot to do with these expectations, as does intended use. Many people looking for a new smoke pole have an idea of what they want, what it should cost and what it should do. Unfortunately a large percentage of people get their information from what they read, which was often written by those who need to sell it, or they get it from a friend who more than likely isn’t very gun-savvy.
by Ashley Emerson

POLISH TANTAL AK-74
Not Just Another Pretty AK

Century International Arms has developed into the first place I look when searching for weapon designs originating outside of the U.S. The Century International Arms Tantal Sporter’s service rifle predecessor was designated the wz 88 Tantal. The Poles started development of the rifle in the late 1970s. Often considered one of the more unique AK variants, the Poles tweaked the standard Soviet AK-74 in several ways.
by Todd Burgreen

ON THE BLEEDING EDGE
Tactical Combat Casualty Care For Civilian Medics

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is a concept developed for highly trained military medics in combat. These medics operate in a completely different arena than their civilian counterparts, working within an expanded scope of practice that is only allowed when operating in a specific environment, such as a combat zone. TCCC was established because trauma care protocols for civilians did not address the needs of medics working in combat situations.
by Raffaele Di Giorgio

CLIFFHANGER!
Colt LE6940 Advanced Law Enforcement Carbine

Colt long ago prioritized its efforts to supporting the military. To that end it has sold millions of M16, M16A1, M16A2 rifles, M4 and M4A1 Carbines as well as other weapons over the past half century. The civilian and law enforcement markets were not necessarily ignored, but many external influences meant fewer Colt guns for those markets. But Colt wants to re-enter those markets, and has done so with the LE6940, also known as the Advanced Law Enforcement Carbine. Their effort is directed to the law enforcement community, and the 6940 is an attempt to field an out-of-the-box, ready-to-go carbine.
by Patrick A. Rogers

GOIN’ TO THE DOGS
Why Laughter and SWAT Call Ups Don’t Mix

In police work, it’s common knowledge that losing focus on the task at hand can have dire consequences. Maybe it’s the umpteenth time the same alarm has gone off, or just another speeder to cite, or calls that only require writing a mundane report. But can laughter cause you to lose your edge and focus? I recently learned that the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
by Jimmie Davenport Jr.

STEEL SURPRISE
RazorSword

Reminiscent. of the Spartan "Xiphos" short sword in its purpose, the RazorSword provides a unique and unexpected response to evil. Constructed of 1075 or 1095 high-carbon spring steel, the RazorSword is available in five different blade lengths from 24 to 33 inches. The blade's thickness varies from 0.32 to .042 inches, with an increase in thickness as the blade lengthens. It is totally concealable and completely accessible from a 1.5-inch leather belt, the BeltSword System.
by Bob Pilgrim