Beretta is one of the oldest firearms manufacturers in the world. The firm has been making firearms for 500 years, through 15 generations. A lot of Beretta’s success comes from keeping up with the times, as well as expanding and modernizing their manufacturing capabilities.

Beretta has been a long-time producer of military, police and sporting firearms. One of their most successful handgun designs is the Model 92 semi-automatic pistol. The pistol was adopted by the U.S. Army, the Spanish Civil Guard, the National Turkish Police Force, the U.S. Air Force and a number of law enforcement organizations.

Some of the most popular handguns are those chambered for the economical .22 LR, rimfire cartridge. Today, the potential buyer has many different configurations, models and brands to choose from. Most modern small caliber handgun manufacturers produce their guns from modern materials and plastics allowing them to keep the guns light in weight and reasonably priced. With the rising popularity of sound suppressors, many manufacturers offer factory threaded barrels.

While modern .22 caliber handguns are quite popular, many like the look, feel and construction of “old school” pistols and revolvers. Often historic use or issue of such handguns adds an air of mystique to their popularity. One such pistol is the Beretta P71 .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which was reportedly used by the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency and Israeli sky marshals. The use of a small .22 caliber pistol would minimize collateral damage inside a crowded aircraft. The Israelis were trained to carry pistols with an empty chamber and quickly rack the slide prior to engaging a target. The Beretta was chosen for its compact size and flawless reliability.

After the 1968 hijacking of an EL AL airliner by Palestinian terrorists, the Israeli government decided to guard against future terror attacks by placing armed personnel (sky marshals) on board EL AL aircraft. The Israeli sky marshal program was top secret and never publicized. During an incident that took place on February 18, 1969, Israeli sky marshal Mordechai Rachamim (a member of Israel’s elite Special Forces unit Sayeret Matkal) engaged four Palestinian terrorists, armed with AK-47s and explosives, as they assaulted an EL AL airliner on the ground in Zurich, Switzerland. The Israeli sky marshal used his .22 caliber Beretta pistol to kill the leader of the terrorists, and with the help of the local police took the three remaining terrorists into custody. However, Israeli sky marshal Rachamim was also arrested. During his trial, he was forced to admit for the first time that security personnel were on board Israeli flights to combat hijackings and terrorism. Rachamim was acquitted on charges of killing the terrorist squad leader. The three surviving terrorists were sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.

In May of 1972, Rachamim participated in another operation when he and other members of Israel’s Sayeret Matkal rescued passengers and crewmembers onboard a hijacked Sabena Airline flight in Tel Aviv. During the operation, Rachamim and the other Israelis disguised themselves as airline mechanics before storming the hijacked Belgian airliner. As the signal to move was given, Rachamim once again used his .22 caliber Beretta to dispatch one of the Palestinian terrorists; this time he was not arrested.

The Beretta P71 Pistol

The Beretta Model 71 is a well-made handgun that was produced from 1958 through 1985. A commercial variation was imported into the U.S. as the Jaguar. The non-commercial Model 71 Berettas that were imported were quickly snapped up by savvy collectors who recognized what they were. However, a recent internet search found a few available on some of the popular auction and importer sites.

The Model 71 is a reliable, compact, single-action semi-automatic pistol. The frame is made of aluminum; the slide is steel with front and rear fixed sights. For feeding, the P71 uses an 8-round steel magazine; the magazine release is a large, recessed button on the lower left side of the grip. The pistol features Beretta’s characteristic open frame with the exposed barrel. There are no plastic or zinc-alloy parts in the Beretta. The only parts not made of steel are the plastic grips, magazine follower and aluminum alloy frame. The P71 weighs 17 ounces, with a barrel length of 3.5 inches. On the left-hand side of the frame, there’s a slide-stop lever and a thumb-operated safety, which blocks the sear and hammer. On the right-hand side, there is a lever marked “disassembly” which, when rotated, allows the removal of the slide and barrel assembly from the frame. The left side of the slide reads, “PIETRO BERETTA, GARDONE V.T. CAL. 22 L.R.” The right side: “P.B.–Made in Italy.” There is a series of markings on the right side of the frame that include: the location of the Beretta facility “VT” for Gardone Val Trompia; “AH” code letters for the date of manufacture; “PSF” for Polvere Senza Fumo (smokeless powder); and the provisional proof mark of the Gardone Proof House. On the left side of the frame is the serial number. Non-original markings added in dot matrix letters include, “C.A.I. Georgia VT.” (Century Arms the importer) and “MDL. 71,” the model designation.

The Faux Suppressor

The importer semi-permanently attached a faux steel suppressor to the Model 71 pistols. The non-functioning “silencer” was attached by threading the barrel and end of the steel silencer tube with 1/2-20 TPI threads, a common muzzle thread in Europe. After attaching the tube to the barrel, the tube was secured with a set-screw, which was welded over and ground flush. A portion of the front sight was ground off in order to mount the silencer. The barrel cannot be removed from the slide with the faux silencer attached. The steel silencer increases the weight to 2.05 pounds and over-all length to 12.25 inches.

The most common thread in the U.S. for attaching a .22 caliber suppressor is ½-28. Unfortunately, the importer of the P71 pistols chose to thread the barrels ½-20. No problem though, adapters from ½-20 to ½-28 are available from several sources. The adapters do add a rather unsightly extension to the barrel. As of this writing, Bowers Group LLC is the only manufacturer that makes an interchangeable ½-20 Atlas™ insert for their .22 caliber suppressors that attaches directly to the suppressor tube, eliminating the need for the long adapter.

You’ve been texting with your friends and not paying attention to your surroundings. You suddenly hear commotion close by and detect rapid movement coming at you. You’re being attacked! You’re startled—but what now? You need to get off the X. Your very survival depends on it!

What exactly is situational awareness, and what is the “X?” We’ll begin with situational awareness.

In cognitive psychology, “situational awareness” refers to the dynamic mental model of one’s constantly evolving situation. It is one’s constant awareness and understanding (your picture) of the surrounding environment and other situation-specific factors from which the ability to successfully enable rapid and appropriate decisions and effective actions is based. Situational awareness means maintaining continuous awareness of your surrounding environment—and to consciously and accurately recognize a potential threat(s) and take the action(s) necessary to avoid or mitigate a potentially negative outcome.

A person with good situational awareness is often said to have a “good feel” or a “good picture” of his surroundings and the situation he is exposed to at any given time. Therefore, good situational awareness encompasses the acquisition, interpretation, comprehension and utilization of (often dynamic) available information in order to anticipate future developments, make intelligent decisions and control risk. More simply, it means knowing what is going on around you so you can figure out what to do and not do if things begin to go bad.

Situational awareness is the tool used to stay off the X, or get off the X should you find yourself on it. So—what is the X? The X is the spot where the attacker aims to strike or is striking. Remember the Road Runner cartoons? Wile E. Coyote always stands on the X. That is the spot where he always gets clobbered. The same is true in real-life. The X is the spot you must avoid or move away from immediately.

This brings us to the OODA decision process originated (circa 1960s) by Col. John Boyd, USAF (Ret), a fighter pilot and military strategist. This dynamic process consists of four overlapping and interacting progressions: Observe, Orient, Decide and Act. While OODA has direct application in military strategy and operations, the first responder community and business, its importance to self-defense and getting off the X is paramount to survival.

Humans are wired from birth (although most don’t realize it) to employ a decision-making cycle; we observe-orient-decide-act to one extent or another. Some of us consciously hone this process, while many never gain a realization that they have it available to them. Regardless, anyone who can observe, comprehend their observations and rapidly react to unfolding events more quickly than an opponent, can “get inside” their opponent’s decision cycle—and in most scenarios, gain the advantage.

The prime objective is to survive by avoiding (the X) or defeating an attack. Therefore, your decision for a particular course of action is based on raw observations of the evolving situation coupled with analytical comprehension of the problem you’re addressing. This requires constant situational awareness.

According to Boyd, “the winning strategy is to get inside your opponent’s OODA loop, not just by making your own decisions quicker but also by having better situational awareness than [your] opponent, and even changing the situation in ways that [your] opponent cannot monitor or even comprehend. Losing one’s own situational awareness, in contrast, equates to being out of the loop.”

Boyd further distilled his thinking with his following explanation: “The OODA key is to obscure your intentions and make them unpredictable to your opponent while you simultaneously clarify his intentions. That is, operate at a faster tempo to generate rapidly changing conditions that inhibit your opponent from adapting or reacting to those changes that suppress or destroy his awareness. Thus, a hodgepodge of confusion and disorder occur to cause him to over- or under-react to conditions or activities that appear to be uncertain, ambiguous or incomprehensible.”

Can a person train to develop situational awareness? The answer is YES. All you need to do is pay attention to your surrounding environment. That begins at home and follows you every time you leave your home, while you’re out and about shopping, dining, running errands, on your way to work, while at work, at the gym—where ever you are. You consciously perceive your surrounding environment, comprehend its meaning and project your potential status within that picture with the aim of avoiding the X. If caught on the X in an attack, take immediate action to get off the X and rapidly move away from it. Always remember, fear is a reaction; getting off the X is a decision.

About now you’re probably asking how does one move off the X? To begin, the direction you choose to move factors into your survival. You need to quickly determine the direction(s) from which the threat is coming at you. At this moment, the key is to move laterally away from the threat axis if it’s possible to do so.

More simply, when the attack is heading toward you, you need to get out of the way. Even as little as one step, left or right, means the attacker must now adjust to you. Moving off the X, away from the spot where the attacker is striking, will increase your chance of survival. Practice this lateral movement at home in mental scenarios. Incorporate it into a daily training regimen both in thought and in deed. Practice your lateral movement to the point it becomes second nature. At that point you will react appropriately.

If you carry a concealed weapon or you keep a gun on your bed stand, practice drawing your (unloaded) weapon, pointing in the direction of the threat, while stepping laterally. If you can’t step laterally and get out of the way, step rearward as quickly as you can, opening the distance between you and the attacker, until you have room to move laterally away from the threat axis. In other words, pick a direction and get off the X. Find some cover and get behind it. You now have a fighting position and an instant advantage.

Several states have castle laws requiring that you attempt to vacate the threat area from an armed intruder (even inside your own home) before defending yourself with lethal force. Moving off the X will provide a justification if questioned by police. While tucked in bed and surprised, moving off the X may be difficult to accomplish, but not impossible with some practice.

Dry-fire practice with your unloaded firearm in your home. Begin by identifying all potential threat entry points and cover locations around the house. Cover points need to consider the fact that bullets easily penetrate furniture, drywall and hollow doors. Cover locations need to be reinforced points that bullets won’t readily penetrate. Work backward identifying these points to the location where you intend to make your stand using lethal force. Practice by taping paper pie plates along your path of retreat to represent your target(s) and dryfire on them as you move. Practice this drill under all lighting conditions and all times of the day and night when you might have to execute such movement for real. You can’t practice this drill too many times. Practice until it becomes muscle memory (second nature).

If you have the luxury of being able to practice getting off the X on an indoor or outdoor (better) range where you can draw and shoot while moving laterally away from the target, practice this evolution going left and right of the target. Practice your draw and your engagement shots while executing your lateral move. Practice this technique until you can reliably hit your target(s) at various distances. Practice the technique engaging several targets on two or more separate threat axis and distances from you. Practicing from a static position without drawing and moving, which is what most ranges demand, accomplishes little with regard to your readiness. Previously described dry-fire rehearsals in your home will accomplish more.

When you’re out and about in public, constantly identify potential threat scenarios and cover points like columns, corner walls, curbs or parked vehicles that you can crouch behind or fight from. Visualize your lateral movement to these locations and leap-frog away from them to another cover location nearby, and another, and so on to avoid the X. If you can walk through this scenario to practice your potential path to cover, do so.

Finally, for you to have the utmost situational awareness you must be constantly alert. How many times do we get to work and don’t remember the drive there or anything about the subway ride? This zombie-like state of mind is known as being in the “white.”

You go through your daily routine more or less numb to your surroundings for the first hour (or more) of the day. As you slowly wake up, your perception of the things surrounding you increases. This state of mind is known as being in the “yellow.” You’re alert enough to react but not hyper-sensitive to sounds, colors, movement, etc., and you’re not analyzing your surroundings for threat identification and counter-threat escape or evasion. When you’re in the “red” you’re most alert, and you’re ready to react appropriately.

We all subconsciously transition through these white, yellow and red states of awareness on a daily basis. The problem is that many of us never leave “yellow” unless “red” is scared into us. There is a way to train yourself to make the transitions consciously. The military and law enforcement use a conscious method that moves them to their highest state of awareness. They practice ramping up from “white” to “yellow” before leaving their home. This is achieved by consciously becoming fully awake.

Mental drills, like watching the morning news or listening to news radio and analyzing what you’re seeing and hearing work to move you from white to yellow to red. When dressing, pay attention to the colors and furnishings in your surrounding area, repeat them mentally or aloud. When driving, identify what you’re seeing mentally or aloud. Make a conscious attempt to analyze and understand what you’re looking at. This exercise will quickly move you to a higher state of readiness. The objective is to be able to immediately move to “red” and take the action necessary to avoid the X, or move immediately off it, should a threat arise. Again, just like the dry fire drills and lateral practice movement, being in the right frame of mind is equally important to practice.

There are other things you can do to lower your potential to be surprised or caught on the X. For example, when you board an elevator, always stand in one of the front door-facing corners. A gang tactic used today is to “rush” onto an elevator as the door opens. If you’re right handed, stand in the front left corner facing toward the door. If the elevator is rushed, those storming aboard will likely pass by you. Secondly, you now have your strong side angled toward an assault directed your way. You can fend it off and push yourself through the open doors, out of the elevator (off the X), or you can draw, if need be, and hip-shoot a weapon wielding attacker in close quarter defense.

Additionally, while you’re waiting for an elevator, stand to one side of the doors, preferably the side where you have an open exit from the area where you’re standing. The bad guys sometimes charge off an elevator at those waiting as the doors open. Stay close to the wall and face toward your planned exit direction.

There is much written and available on the above subjects. Some of it is complete trash, some of it is gospel. Hopefully, what you have just read will point you in the right direction and give you a basis to learn more. Remember, fear is a reaction, getting off the X is a decision. Situational awareness is an imperative.

ATLAS GUNWORKS
Nemesis Double-Stack .40 Caliber Pistol

Atlas Gunworks has announced the ultimate competition pistol designed for USPSA Limited Division shooters. The Nemesis double-stack .40 caliber pistol provides shooters with a distinct advantage over those using traditional guns.

The Nemesis’ unique feature is a fixed front sight block. This block delivers the benefits of a shorter lightened slide, less reciprocating mass, improved balance point, additional weight at the end of the barrel and a front sight that doesn’t move with the slide.

The Nemesis shares the features of other Atlas guns including a tri-top and lightened slide, PT EVO grip, X-Line Vario trigger, KKM 5” bull barrel, flared ejection port and competition magwells. A super-hard DLC coating is standard. atlasgunworks.com

SMITH & WESSON
M&P380 Shield EZ Pistol

The new M&P380 Shield EZ pistol is built for personal and home protection and is the latest addition to the M&P M2.0 family. The pistol features an 8+1 round capacity and a 3.675-inch barrel. The M&P380 Shield EZ is chambered in .380 AUTO and is designed to be easy to use, featuring an easy-to-rack slide, easy-to-load magazine and easy-to-clean design. The M&P380 Shield EZ pistol ships with two 8-round magazines that include a load assist button for quick, easy loading, as well as a Picatinny-style equipment rail to accommodate accessories. The pistol also features an optimal M&P pistol 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim, white-dot front and adjustable white-dot rear sights and a light, crisp trigger. smith-wesson.com

SAFARILAND
Model 17 and 17T IWB Concealment Holsters

The Model 17 and 17T inside-the-waistband (IWB) concealment holsters. Ultra-thin and flexible, these holsters are lightweight for comfort, yet very durable for everyday wear. The hard shell SafariLaminate thermo-formed construction ensures sturdiness, and they are designed to maintain their shape indefinitely.

The two models are offered to accommodate a variety of attire: The Model 17 has a spring steel belt clip to securely anchor to belts and trousers, while the Model 17T features a cant-adjustable J-Hook attachment that makes it tuckable, further minimizing visibility. Both are constructed of hard-shell SafariLaminate material which allows the holster to stay open for easy re-holstering. Further, the deep contouring in the trigger guard provides a detent that helps retain the handgun, for a secure holster fit. Both models fit up to a 1.75-inch width belt. safariland.com

MEPROLIGHT
MEPRO MicroRDS (Red Dot Sight)

The MEPRO MicroRDS–the latest addition to the MEPRO RDS family–is designed for pistols, rifles and shotguns and is a compact, rugged and energy-efficient sight with a clearly defined red dot for all light conditions and a large display window. Providing thousands of operating hours while utilizing a single CR2032 battery, the micro sight ensures rapid target acquisition with both eyes open and offers various easily switchable reticle brightness intensities. For pistols, it serves as the main aiming sight, offering fast target acquisition at close distances. It fits a variety of weapons thanks to its patented quick-release mounting (MEPRO MicroRDS adaptor). The adaptor allows the use of an optical red dot sight alongside a backup tritium night sight. meprolight.com

A*B ARMS
MOD*X Side Folder Mechanism for the KRISS Vector

Made in the U.S.A., the MOD*X Side Folder Mechanism is an affordable, lightweight adapter compatible with the KRISS Vector. The MOD*X Side Folder Mechanism allows KRISS Vector owners to add their own AR-style pistol braces or butt stocks to be used in a side-folding configuration. Assembly takes less than 10 minutes and does not require any special tools. The SFM is manufactured with 6061 aluminum and hard coat anodized to Mil-Spec Type III specifications. abarms.com

SAFARILAND
Model 557 Concealment Holster

The Model 557 Open-Top Belt Slide Concealment holster is made specifically to accommodate light-bearing handguns. This holster boasts a two-in-one design, as it securely fits the firearm with or without the light attached—an excellent holster option for those that frequently carry light-bearing handguns. safariland.com

FLIR
ThermoSight Pro Series Thermal Imaging Sights

Available in three configurations, the new FLIR ThermoSight Pro Series thermal imaging weapon sights pack greater levels of performance and functionality into a compact and lightweight housing. Each FLIR ThermoSight Pro offers 320×256 thermal resolution, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB-C connectivity and user-controlled imaging palettes and image enhancement filters. Onboard recording allows for the internal storage of up to 2 hours of video or 1,000 JPEG images. All FLIR ThermoSight Pro models also feature a digital compass and inclinometer. The FLIR ThermoSight Pro Series offers improved object detection and classification in the field and clean thermal imagery in any light–from low contrast daylight to total darkness–or through smoke, haze and light fog. flir.com

TRIJICON
4-16×50 AccuPoint Riflescope

Trijicon’s new 4-16x50mm AccuPoint riflescope gives tactical marksmen, long-range hunters and precision rifle shooters the ability to accurately extend their range in any light without the need for batteries.

Packed with features for the serious shooter, the new 4-16x AccuPoint is built around an advanced fiber-optic and tritium-illuminated reticle that speeds target acquisition and extends available shooting time. This battery-free, dual-illumination system automatically adjusts the aiming-point brightness to existing lighting conditions. Shooters can also control the brightness of the reticle with Trijicon’s unique manual brightness override feature.

The Trijicon AccuPoint provides outstanding optical clarity and brightness with multi-coated broadband anti-reflective glass. The rugged, aircraft-quality, hard-anodized aluminum body offers all-weather protection, and the 30mm tube is compatible with a range of mounting options. A 50mm objective lens provides optimal height above bore and affords generous eye relief for use with heavy recoiling rifles.

The easy-to-use capped turret controls offer precise windage and elevation adjustment. Graduated in .25 MOA or 0.1 mils, the 80 MOA adjustment range provides users click-after-click accuracy and tracking without the need for tools. The 4-16x AccuPoint is equipped with a side parallax control that quickly adjusts focus to engage targets at any range and is available in six of the most popular AccuPoint reticles, including the classic duplex crosshair (green), MOA-dot crosshair (green), MIL-dot crosshair (green) and triangle post (red, green, or amber). Each is in the 2nd focal plane, offering pinpoint accuracy at any magnification. trijicon.com

STREAMLIGHT
Dualie Waypoint

Streamlight Inc. introduced the Dualie Waypoint, a high performance spot and area light that allows for individual or simultaneous use of a forward-facing spot beam for distance and a bottom-facing flood light. Offering high-, medium- and low-intensity modes, the new light uses the latest in LED technology and 4 “C” alkaline batteries (not included) to deliver both extreme brightness and long run times. On high, the front light delivers 750 lumens, 72,000 candela and a 535-meter beam distance; the bottom-facing light offers 450 lumens, 240 candela and 31 meters of beam distance. With the front and bottom lights combined, the Dualie Waypoint provides 750 lumens.

Run times for the light range from 3-55 hours when the two beams are combined to 3.5- 125 and 5.75-170 hours for the front and bottom lights, respectively. streamlight.com

?eská zbrojovka Shows Off Their Latest & Greatest in Las Vegas

CZ in the U.S.

2018 is a year of anniversaries at CZ-USA; 20 years ago ?eská zbrojovka a.s. Uherský Brod (CZUB) established a foothold in Kansas City, setting up CZ-USA to handle importation and everything else that’s involved in getting CZs to U.S. shores. In the beginning they were selling very European guns to a very American audience; outside of a few niche groups, they were relatively unknown. As CZ-USA grew, the company filled their ranks with employees who shoot and hunt as a way of life, and over the years the company has been able to evolve their line to better meet the tastes and shooting styles of U.S. consumers. The combination of Czech craftsmanship and American firearms culture has resulted in products CZ-USA is proud of. CZ products are imported exclusively by CZ-USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the parent company, ?eská zbrojovka a.s. Uherský Brod of the Czech Republic. In 1997, CZUB recognized the need to control its own destiny in a market as big as the U.S. Initially based in Oakhurst, California, the CZ-USA headquarters and warehouse facility was moved to Kansas City in January 1998. All distribution, warranty work and repair work is located in the Kansas City location, as is their well-stocked parts department.

CZ-USA at SHOT Show 2018, Las Vegas, Jan. 23–26

It was so crowded by eager persons who wanted to know about ?eská zbrojovka’s guns at CZ-USA’s booth, that this author hardly could get an opportunity to talk to an employee of CZ-USA. Back at SHOT Show 2017, CZ-USA presented their new striker-fired pistol CZ P-10 C. At SHOT Show 2018, CZ had added two new variants to the P-10 C line of polymer framed pistols. Joining the Urban Grey series of pistols, one new variant wears a mix of flat dark earth and light gray colors. It also has suppressor-ready barrel threaded 1/2×28, and an extended base pad that boost capacity to 17+1. The other variant is the CZ P-10 FDE White Nitride 9mm pistol. The white nitride used on this slide offers the same hardy surface protection as the standard black nitride. Now available with an OD green frame and a set of metal night sights, the new CZ P-09 full-size and compact variants carry all the features that make P-09/P-07 pistols desirable. For those wanting a braced pistol package out of the box, CZ-USA has added the SB Tactical folding arm brace to the Scorpion pistol. This pistol is ideal for those who already own a 9mm suppressor because most 9mm cans fit on the inside.

CZ S2 TI REFLEX

With increasing use of Scorpions by Law Enforcement, ?eská zbrojovka made a suppressed variant to meet the demands of some of the special units the company works with. Not only that, a suppressor was needed that could maximize the available real estate of the Scorpion package while keeping the overall length as short as possible. The resulting gun is the Scorpion EVO III S2 Micro in a pistol form. That’s something one cannot find in the market place, and it required ?eská zbrojovka to make it themselves. Teaming up with the airflow specialists at Aerocharger, they were able to achieve the suppression of large calibers but in a much more compact package. Comparing it directly to a standard Scorpion with one of the most popular micro 9mm cans on the market, the combination of the Scorpion Micro and the S2 Reflex are nearly 3 inches shorter, while further dampening by almost 10 dB. A fully welded titanium can, the S2 Ti Reflex is designed to fit under an HB Industries handguard. Allowing it to have a 2-inch reflex blast chamber and giving it the volume of much larger cans while only protruding from the muzzle 5.83 inches (14.8cm). This full titanium can weighs in at just 9.6 ounces (0.27kg) and spits out 147-grain defensive loads less than 130 dB. Also showcased were the Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine and the CZ Bren 2.

CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine

The Scorpion Carbine is a whole new gun. Building on the submachine gun platform that first hit the U.S. civilian market in pistol form in 2016, the Carbine has a 16.5-inch barrel fitted with either a compensating muzzle brake or a faux suppressor built specifically for CZ-USA by SilencerCo. Fit with the factory’s adjustable stock, the carbine features a number of U.S.-made parts to make it fully 922(r) compliant. One of the nicest features of the weapon is the carbine-length forend, which is covered in M-LOK attachment points to keep the profile slim while still being big enough to swallow most pistol-caliber suppressors if one decides to convert it to an SBR for use with a suppressor.

CZ Bren 2

The Bren 2 was built to a specific set of predetermined requirements, over a period of two years of input and data from use in the worldwide war on terror, and CZ put it all together in a smaller and lighter Bren platform. A shorter gas system allows for barrel lengths down to 8 inches, while giving settings for normal use or in adverse conditions. Compared to the CZ 805 Bren A1, the aluminum receiver is shorter and thinner, shaving weight from the rifle. Modular and built to fit between chambering and barrel, the Bren 2 is available in three barrel lengths in .223/5.56X45mm and one in 7.62x39mm. Gone is the reciprocating charging handle; in its place is one that remains forward while the action cycles but can be used to charge the rifle via a ratcheting mechanism that allows it to be used as a forward assist if needed. All controls are ambidextrous, including a bolt release located inside the trigger guard. For those who are familiar with the M16/AR-15 platform, a paddle-style bolt catch/release is located on the left side of the weapon. The Bren 2 is select-fire, currently only available for military/LE special order.

Hollywood Loves Miniguns

It is no secret that the bulk of Hollywood actors and actresses are not fond of the 2nd Amendment. Many celebrities have been in a number of anti-NRA and anti-2nd Amendment commercials. Yet, not a single year goes by without Hollywood producing a large number of films where both good guys and bad guys battle it out with, you guessed it, guns. Whether they admit it or not, Hollywood could not survive without action movies where guns are used.

From “Terminator 2” to “Predator” to “The Matrix,” the M134 Minigun is one of Hollywood’s favorite firearms, as well as that of most movie goers. In a few movies, we see men walking around with a special mount, carrying a Minigun on it, which is impossible in real life. The Minigun is too heavy, and the recoil would send the shooter backward and torque the gun sideways. That is not even taking into account the weight from the backpack case that holds the ammo and the ammo itself and the need for a battery to power the gun. Most of the time when the Minigun is fired like this, it is with blanks, which have very little recoil, and the rate of fire is slowed down so the gun can shoot longer.

Designed by General Electric in 1960, the Minigun first saw action in the Vietnam War and has served in the armed forces ever since. When these guns first saw service, they were usually mounted on helicopters. Today, they have been put on Humvees in the War on Terror and other conflicts around the world. There are a number of variants of Miniguns, but the one seen the most is the M134.

The Minigun is the descendent of the Gatling gun. The concept is the same, where the barrels spin around and shoot the cartridges through each barrel at a set position. The difference is that the Gatling gun is crank-operated, where you turn the hand crank on the side to turn the barrels. With the Minigun, the barrels are turned thanks to an electric motor. It fired 7.62x51mm NATO at a rate of 2,000 or 4000 rounds per minute, while today’s version is around 3,000 rpm. In short, you could shoot 100 rounds in less than 10 seconds.

In “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” a Minigun is seen on the S.H.I.E.L.D. transports that are being used to evacuate citizens from a war zone. In the movie “Expendables 3” Hale Caesar, played by Terry Crews, carries an M134 Minigun into a fight between the Expendables team and the main villain. Later, a helicopter flown by Harrison Ford’s character has a Minigun mounted underneath. In reality, this is actually a 1919A4 with a Minigun movie shell. Six barrels hide the real one and with the flash hider system it looks like it is firing normally. An electric motor spins the six fake barrels and a special trigger linkage fires the real barrel.

I have already talked about “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Expendables” in previous articles, so I will recommend another movie that uses a Minigun: “Predator.” A movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers and Jesse Ventura, it is the story of a Special Forces unit sent to Latin America to take out a group of revolutionaries. However, they soon find themselves being hunted by an unknown creature. I enjoyed this movie, even if it drags at times. The cast is good, especially Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jesse Ventura is the one using the Minigun, though Bill Duke does use it once. The predator itself is now a legendary movie monster and is also famous for its battles with the Xenomorph in the “Aliens vs. Predator” film franchise.

Foreign Trade Zones–An Invaluable Tool for International Trade

In 1934, Congress passed the Foreign-Trade Zones Act (19 U.S.C. §§81a-81u) (as amended, the “FTZ Act”) to stimulate economic growth and development in the United States. The underlying logic was that American competitiveness in the global marketplace would be promoted if U.S. companies are encouraged to maintain and expand operations in the United States. The foreign trade zone (FTZ), by providing tariff and tax relief, was seen as an invaluable tool to remove certain disincentives associated with manufacturing in the United States. For example, a U.S. manufacturer is at a distinct disadvantage to foreign competitors when it has to pay higher rates on imported parts, materials or components to be used in the manufacturing process. By assessing duty on products made in a zone rather than on the individual parts, materials or components, the FTZ helps correct the imbalance.

Arguably, FTZs are still underutilized despite the many advantages. Perhaps this is due to a perception that the application process and review time effectively puts FTZs out of reach for most businesses. To address this, in 2009, the Obama Administration introduced critical changes to the FTZ program to broaden access to U.S. businesses through a new alternative site designation and management framework, known as the Alternative Site Framework (ASF).

This article will explore the FTZ program and regulatory oversight, FTZ uses and the important changes implemented pursuant to ASF that should continue to improve U.S. business access to FTZs because of more user-friendly regulations and a more streamlined administration of zone applications. In light of the recent tariffs the Trump Administration imposed on steel and aluminum imports into the United States, FTZs may indeed be the focus of a renewed interest.

I. The FTZ Program and Regulatory Oversight

An FTZ is a specifically defined secure area within the United States, typically located within 60 miles of ports of entry, that is treated as if it is outside U.S. borders for customs entry purposes. There are significant advantages to using an FTZ, namely the ability to enter items in duty-free status until withdrawn for consumption in the United States. Goods may be stored indefinitely, and exports from FTZs are free of duty. The following activities are generally permitted in zones: storage, disassembly, repackaging, assembly, sorting, cleaning, grading and mixed with other foreign or domestic merchandise. With formal approval from Customs, goods may also be exhibited, manipulated, manufactured or destroyed.

Pursuant to the FTZ Act, there are two agencies that have jurisdiction in the FTZ program: the Foreign Trade Zones Board (FTZ Board) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The FTZ Board, through its regulations in Title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 400, governs the establishment, modification, management and administration of zones. CBP is charged with supervising the zones, which includes controlling how merchandise is moved into and out of a zone and ensuring the zone procedures are in compliance with the FTZ Act and its implementing regulations. CBP’s regulations are in Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 146.

There are two types of FTZs: general-purpose zones and subzones. A general-purpose zone is an industrial park or port complex operated as a public utility. A subzone is a special-purpose FTZ established as part of a zone project for a limited purpose for a business or operation that cannot be accommodated within the general-purpose zone.

To establish a zone, written application is submitted to the FTZ Board, which is comprised of the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Treasury.

By approving an application to establish a zone, the FTZ Board grants authority to the applicant to establish, operate and maintain the zone. The grantee may apply to the FTZ Board for authority to establish a subzone or to expand or modify the zone project. The grantee may also enter into a contract with a private entity to operate the zone (the “Operator”), subject to approval from the port director. Some examples of FTZ grantees are: the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (FTZ No. 89, Clark County, Nevada); The Pease Development Authority, Division of Ports and Harbors (FTZ No. 81, Portsmouth, New Hampshire); Cleveland Cuyahoga County Port Authority (FTZ No. 40, Cleveland, Ohio); and South Carolina State Ports Authority (FTZ Nos. 21 and 38, Dorchester County and Spartanburg County, respectively, South Carolina).

Getting a zone up and running is not complete at this stage. In order to begin operations, the zone must be activated through CBP. The zone grantee or third-party operator must submit a written application to the port director within which the site is located, or which is closest to the Board-approved zone. The area to be activated may be all or any portion of the zone. The application consists of a detailed description of the site, operations to be performed within the zone, the type of merchandise to be admitted and fingerprints of the grantee or operator or its officers and managers, if requested by the port director. The application must also include written consent of the zone grantee, blueprints of the area to be activated and a procedures manual describing the control and recordkeeping system to be used in the zone. The procedures manual must be certified by the zone grantee or operator to meet the applicable regulatory requirements. Once CBP approves the application, the zone grantee or third-party operator must execute an Operator’s Bond. If the port director accepts the bond, operations may commence in the zone.

Another important definition is “User,” which is a corporation, partnership or person who uses a zone under agreement with the grantee or Operator. It is usually the User who applies to CBP for approval to admit, process or remove merchandise from the zone. In subzones, the Operator and User are usually the same entity.

There are approximately 250 general-purpose zones and 500 subzones in operation across the United States. Each of the 50 states and Puerto Rico has at least one general purpose zone. More than 3,000 companies take advantage of the FTZ program. A current list of FTZs organized by state is available at https://enforcement.trade.gov/ftzpage/letters/ftzlist-map.html. The list includes the address and phone number of each grantee.

II. What Can Be Done in An FTZ?

A variety of activities are authorized for FTZs, including assembly, exhibition, cleaning, manipulation, manufacturing, mixing, processing, relabeling, repackaging, salvaging, sampling, storing, testing, displaying and destruction. The purpose of allowing such activities to occur in an FTZ is to encourage business operations in the United States that would otherwise have been conducted abroad for customs-related reasons, such as payment of duty or excise tax. Additionally, items may be exported from an FTZ free of duty and excise tax.

The FTZ Board may prohibit or restrict activity in a zone to protect the public interest, health or safety. In addition, many products subject to an internal revenue tax may not be manufactured in an FTZ. For example, firearms and ammunition subject to the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET) may not be manufactured in an FTZ. It is important to note that retail trade is also prohibited in zones.

III. FTZs and Customs Bonded Warehouses

An FTZ is different from a Customs Bonded Warehouse (CBW) in a variety of ways. A CBW is a building or other secured area in which imported dutiable merchandise may be stored, manipulated or undergo manufacturing operations without payment of duty, but only up to 5 years from the date of importation. Like an FTZ, duty is not collected until the merchandise is withdrawn for consumption. However, a CBW must be bonded, which is no less than $25,000 on each building or area covered by the bond. The port director determines the bond amount based on the purpose for the bond. Authority for establishing a CBW is in Title 19, United States Code (U.S.C.), section 1555, and the regulations outlining the requirements for the operation of CBWs are found at 19 CFR 19. CBP provides additional information on establishing CBWs on its website at: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/371/~/establishing-a-customs-bonded-warehouse.

The table provides a quick comparison of an FTZ and a CBW.

IV. The Alternative Site Framework

Establishing an FTZ is often seen as a slow, complicated and cumbersome bureaucratic process, taking anywhere from six months to a year or more and only if the FTZ Board deems the zone or subzone to serve the public interest. For a general-purpose zone, an application must be supported by special act of the state legislature and evidence the corporation is chartered for purposes of establishing a zone. The FTZ Act requires that the FTZ Board grant an application if it determines “the proposed plans and location are suitable for the accomplishment of the purpose of a foreign trade zone … and that the facilities and appurtenances which it proposed to provide are sufficient …” (19 U.S.C. §81g).

The FTZ Board considers several factors in determining whether to grant authority for a zone. For example: the need for zone services at the proposed location, existing and projected international trade-related activities, employment, adequacy of operational and financial plans and extent of state and local support. The FTZ Act requires preference be given to public corporation applicants, such as state or municipal instrumentalities. Corporations are able to submit applications but must be qualified to apply for a zone grant of authority under the laws of the state in which the zone is to be located. If an application is not the first for an FTZ at the CBP port of entry, then the applicant must demonstrate why the existing zone(s) “will not adequately serve the convenience of commerce” (i.e., is unable to meet the applicant’s FTZ-related needs).

The FTZ Board takes an average of 10 months to process a site application.

In 2009, the FTZ Board adopted a proposal for an Alternative Site Framework (ASF), which revolutionized the FTZ program and made it more accessible to U.S. businesses by implementing a more streamlined site application process. An ASF can have a broader service area than a traditional zone, with one or more jurisdictions (most often counties) in which FTZs may be established. The ASF allows for a limited number of “magnet sites” (typically six) intended to serve or attract multiple operators or users under the ASF. Companies still apply to the FTZ Board for a “minor boundary modification,” but it is a simplified process, and applications may be approved within 30 days.

The implementation of the ASF brought renewed vigor to the FTZ program. Zones that have reorganized under the ASF have seen increased interest in international trade, especially among smaller companies. Through the ASF, companies can enter into the FTZ program without having to jump over complicated and lengthy regulatory hurdles.

It is important to note the ASF is optional, and a grantee must apply to the FTZ Board to establish a new zone under the ASF or to reorganize its existing FTZ under the ASF. Unless and until a grantee reorganizes its existing FTZ, the zone will continue to operate under the traditional framework. A list of FTZs organized under the ASF is available at: https://enforcement.trade.gov/ftzpage/letters/asflist.html.

V. Conclusion

There is no question FTZs can offer valuable benefits to help offset some of the challenges inherent with importation of firearms, ammunition and other similar defense articles. The deferral of Customs duties, unlimited storage time and the ability to undertake certain operations inside the FTZ are only some of the advantages an FTZ user may enjoy. In light of the recent tariffs President Trump imposed on steel and aluminum, the importance of FTZs should not be overlooked. And as more zone grantees apply to reorganize their zones under the ASF, more companies assuredly will get involved with the FTZ program. FTZs are indeed an invaluable tool for international trade.

The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as legal advice or as legal opinion. You should not rely or act on any information contained in this article without first seeking the advice of an attorney. Receipt of this article does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Johanna Reeves is the founding partner of the Washington, D.C., law firm Reeves & Dola, LLP (www.reevesdola.com). For 15 years she has dedicated her law practice to advising and representing U.S. companies on compliance matters arising under the federal firearms laws and U.S. export controls. Since 2011, Johanna also has served as Executive Director for the F.A.I.R. (FireArms Import/Export Roundtable) Trade Group (http://fairtradegroup.org). In 2016, Johanna was appointed by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs to serve on the 2016-18 Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG). Johanna can be reached at 202-683-4200, or at jreeves@reevesdola.com

Predictable Reaction in Florida

This NFATCA Report is being written as the nation is embroiled in an emotional shouting match over “doing something” about guns. Florida has enacted Draconian measures in an attempt to salve the broken hearts of mourning families and those who are calling for change. To be sure, the new Florida law is very poorly written, and the NRA immediately filed a suit on Constitutional grounds. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) tried to casually slide a note under the door by issuing a press release on a Saturday morning. DOJ intends to issue a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that would outlaw so-called bump stocks. At this point, nobody really knows what that NPRM will actually say or if it will pass legal scrutiny. Other states are in the middle of doing the legislative equivalent of boiling some spaghetti and flinging it against the wall to see if it sticks.

Sadly, this process is inevitable and predictable. What is also factual is that the shouting matches that are created are nothing more than a waste of energy. Social media exacerbates this waste by providing an amplified sound reinforcement chamber. Those of us who have been through this before know that the echo chambers of this “debate” will not change a single opinion on either side. It really doesn’t matter if facts are presented. The other side does not listen or comprehend. That goes for both sides of the spectrum. Unfortunately, that leaves the law-abiding community exposed to what will ultimately be ineffective legislation and regulation that serves no purpose other than to stop the vocal few who are demanding that something be done.

The process is political. Politics is inefficient and often futile. But politics is how this is addressed. You must support those who will champion your ideals. You must vote for those who will do the same. You must vote against those who will not and you must support, with your wallet, those who can get as close to your goals as possible. There is absolutely zero chance that nothing will be done. And so, you must choose the best fit. And you must devote your energy to its most effective use. Railing against the gun-control activists on Facebook will not change a single mind. Sure, you will receive a bushel of “attaboys” from your friends who feel the same way. You’ll collect a bunch of likes, as well. Some of your more liberal friends may “snooze” you or even “unfriend” you. But you will not change their minds. Spend your coins, be it cash or energy, wisely.

There is only one coin that has value in the never-ending debate on gun control: votes. Tell your representatives that you will vote and that your vote will decide their ongoing future. Cast your ballot in every single vote that you are eligible to participate in. Every one. If those elected officials wind up doing something that betrays their promise, vote ‘em out. But do this knowing that 100% perfection will never be achieved. Because new legislation and regulation will always be around the corner. And we must make sure that it has the least impact on our inalienable rights. The NFATCA has maintained this philosophy and approach for 15 years. Our efforts have opened up more NFA opportunities for more people, more often. We are thankful for your decision to spend your coins with us.