A Quick Blurb on the CDI Factor

The best marketing tool that tactical manufacturer's have on their side is the CDI Factor (Chicks Dig It.) This isn't so much because women are actually turned on by your new PVS-14 mount or your cool new FastMag holster, but it the way that it makes a lot guys feel when they strap on new gear. You probably have a guy on your team who's ego seems to expand with his gear. If you would, allow me to break down this phenomenon.

CDI is the mojo that drives most guys to go out and get the flashiest gear they can find because it will make them look "cool." It's amazing what a new IR strobe can do for some guy's self confidence, and if that same IR strobe is seen being worn in the next Hollywood blockbuster it's a done deal.

One year the higher ups got a case of CDI and got my team Benchmade Infidel knives. Don't get me wrong, it is a very nice knife, but for our purpose it just became an expensive letter opener because it has no use in the field. I know that they felt it would be a cool tool that would fit in a specialized team, but what we needed was practicality and not "cool."

Another item that I see being used for the CDI Factor is drop down holsters. These are a great tool when they are used correctly, but look around and see how many guys drop it a little too low. Really, do you have to draw from your knee? Drop downs were designed to be used if your gear set up does not allow for a conventional hip holster. When you drop it down too low, yea it looks more bad ass and you get CDI points, but it inevitably slows down you draw time. I'll take a CDI point reduction for functionality.

Next time you go gear shopping because you have that itch, be sure to take a moment and reflect on your possible purchase. Ask yourself, "Is this item going to make my work life easier, or will it just be used for CDI." If it does both, then great! If not, and it is only serving your CDI fascination, you might want to hold off and let the buzz die down before you go throwing money away.

You're Using Your Foregrip Wrong! Here's Why...

Nothing triggers my pet peeve nerve more than seeing someone on the firing line who looks like their are trying to strangle their foregrip. It is an all too common mistake that significantly reduces the effectiveness that having a foregrip can produce. I know many AR shooters who have foregrips on their weapon system and they utilize it in this manner. Before you start running a foregrip or before you continue teaching yourself bad habits, allow me to correct you...

The Correct Method:


First of all, the foregrip should be placed on the bottom of your weapon system (yes, sadly I have seen them mounted on the side) and they should be located as far forward to the tip of the barrel as possible. Now, instead of gripping it, use it as support for your lower three fingers on your support hand. If you have a swivel mount for your sling, you can create a nice nook for your thumb and forefinger if you have it placed just above the foregrip. You will notice that your hands are now in the same configuration as if you were shooting a pistol, just farther apart.





   

WRONG!





CORRECT



       

        CORRECT
           (reverse angle)

Why This is Correct:

If you grip the foregrip with the whole fist, you are doing little to improve your accuracy or stability. The fist grip creates a bend in your elbow that will be a focal point for the recoil and it will take longer for follow up shots. If the foregrip is located closer to the magazine well, the recoil will be hardly be reduced at all as there is much of the rifle that is uncontrolled. Although it may look cool having the foregrip farther back, the energy generated from your shot will cause your point of aim to be thrown off. Having your support hand in the position I have described will allow you to quickly attain your sight acquisition and manage the recoil as there is little left of the weapon that you do not have control of.

Now that you are fortified with the knowledge of the correct posture for utilizing the foregrip, you can correct your buddies and see for yourself how they will instantly improve on the firing line. Have fun training and shoot straight!