The first part of this feature is Rangemaster’s “Drill of the Month” – a piece that has become a part of our feature rotation. It is part of that company’s monthlynewsletter. You can seek training; the Rangemaster instructors travel. Check their website.
Throughout 2025 we will be running a Drill of the Month in each edition of the newsletter. The goal is help motivate folks to get to the range and actually shoot their defensive weapons, and to have some fun in the process. Each month we’ll post a drill or a short course of fire. You are encouraged to go to the range, shoot the drill, and then post your thoughts and a photo of your target on the Rangemaster Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/rangemaster/ .
Rangemaster Bullseye Course
Fired on NRA B-8, B8-C, or FBI-IP1, scored as printed, except outside 7 ring counts zero
All strings begin at the Ready, gun pointed at ground below target frame, trigger finger in register (high on the pistol, away from the trigger guard.)
25 yards 5 rounds 1 minute
15 yards 5 rounds 15 seconds
10 yards 5 rounds 10 seconds
7 yards 10 rounds 15 seconds
Start with 5 rounds in the gun. Fire 5, reload, fire 5, all in 15 secs
5 yards 5 rounds 5 seconds
30 rounds total 300 points possible 270 + to pass.
This course will help you work on trigger control, visual patience, and varying cadence due to the target’s size/distance.
- - Tom Givens, Chief Firearms Instructor, Rangemaster Firearms Training Services
When I saw the release on the latest of the Simply Rugged Holster product line – the DEFCON 4 -- I had to reach out. It’s similar to the Cuda (non-reinforced holster mouth) and DEFCON 3 (another pancake style with reinforcement of the holster mouth.) The Simply Rugged Holsters DEFCON 4 features a thin double laminated (front and back) holster that is compatible with many pistol mounted optics.
I questioned the “double laminate construction.” Rob Leahy was quick to respond – “it makes a more durable holster that is sweat resistant and maintains its shape.”
I’d had no trouble with previous Simply Rugged holsters, but time moves on.
The DEFCON 4 is also provided with the IWB straps; whether you use them all of the time, the option is nice.
The sample is a nicely appointed concealment rig reminiscent of the three-slot “pancake” style holsters. Rob gives appropriate credit to the apparent originator of the concept, Roy Baker “the Pancake Maker” of Magnolia AR.
The DEFCON 4, a two-slot pancake, can work with PMOs, as noted. If you’re stuck in the mid-20th Century, as I am, it works fine with iron-sighted heaters as well.
This open top rig rides high for concealment. It features the “FBI tilt” for enhanced concealment. The straps are attached to the holster, the holster placed in the waistband and the belt is run through the IWB straps instead of the now-covered belt slots of the holster. The bottom is left open for debris to fall out.
And leather covers the pistol for protection, with a sweat guard to keep the pistol (and optic) from the body.
If you add the Simply Rugged “Chesty Puller” straps, you have a chest rig to wear when engaged in fly fishing and other pursuits where keeping the pistol high is an advantage.
— Rich Grassi