The largest appeal to me concerning SpecOpShop, LLC.- They produce their top notch gear in the United States of America.  I’m sold on that fact alone to get me to TRY a product.

I’m a bit of a camouflage pattern junkie, and I really find it to be an essential element in any quality, well thought out loadout.  Especially so when considering it crucial that your presence is not discovered.  I can think of countless applications, both military and citizen in nature that would merit the most effective concealment available.

Enter LandCamo ABD (American Battle Disruption) from SSFN.  This pattern is a new generation in invisibility, hands down.  Tireless research and field testing, coupled with healthy doses of consultation and discussion culminated in the most effective family of camouflage patterns yet to become available:  LandCamo American Battle Disruption (ABD)

To understand the series of patterns, one must first examine the origins, and background of this unique evolution.

It begins with a man named Brane T. Cervek.  Mr. Cervek is the owner of the Survival School From Nature (SSFN)  , training military and citizen students in essential fieldcraft and survival skillsets.  He spends at least six months of the year afield, and has over two decades of experience in his training capacity.  One could say he’s well familiar with the outdoors, and that would be a slight understatement.

He’s developed, as a result of his connection and familiarity with nature and it’s nuances- The LandCamo line of patterns.  They are (according to his own web site)  “designed for special forces units”, and utilyze elements consisting of  “[colored]shadows, filled with micro and macro structure, which creates a virtual depth of view and gives a sense of three-dimensionality”.

For the ABD, based on Mr. Cervek’s original LandCamo families of patterns, there are additions which behave with a great deal of illusion and interference of visual perception.   The patterns create shapes and sharp edges which causes tearing in the eyes of the observer, and blur the vision when the pattern is in motion.

You read that correctly- When the pattern is in motion, it is more effective.

Now I know that you’re likely scratching your head at this point, and thinking “no way”… We’re going to SHOW you here at our Domari Nolo blog very soon.  I’m not exactly certain yet how this will all translate to video, but again- that is part of why we are here in the first place- to put the gear we put in front of you to the test before we offer it.

In the meantime, I’ve given you something to “marinate” with.

We’ll be keeping the updates on the release of the family of patterns through Domari Nolo Outfitters, via SpecOpShop, LLC., as well as being your source for all of the other huge developments that they’ll be announcing in 2013.  I am told that select manufacturers will be allowed access to the material in order to fully service the market, with emphasis on the term select- Remember that SpecOpShop, LLC.  is the industry standard, and a modicum of high quality and function in a companion product is therefore requisite.

We are your premiere dealer/distributor for all your SpecOpShop, LLC.  needs, no matter how large or small.  We’ll work with you to determine which products will best suit your specific needs.

I see lots of ABD on lots of legitimate secret squirrels in the very near future, and it will all be made by SpecOpShop, LLC.  You heard it HERE first.

That is all, Carry on.

FM

There’s quite a difficult job ahead of you if one decides to investigate the origins of this lubricant… I’ll give you the short version, and some conjecture, and let you chase your tail if you really insist.

The story I have read most places is that Froglube was invented by former SEAL Captain Larry Lasky, who developed the product based on his observed needs and experiential knowledge. (sound familiar?)  The legend goes on to say that currently SEALs are using Froglube, and are responsible for the initial field testing.  (Edit to add:  I just found a James Yeager video with Larry talking about the product, below.  While I’m not a giant fan personally of Mr. Yeager, he did deliver the goods on this item.)

There is another version that speculates that Froglube is simply a repacked and relabeled product for lubricating roller coaster tracks called “track lube”.   The story continues that Capt. Lasky was signed on for his reputation and SEAL status in order to market the product.  There is a lot of empirical evidence that some of both stories are true- again, if one chooses to chase their tail…
I could care less what the product was originally intended for- as Captain Berz titles his video, “It just works!”…

As Berz mentions, Froglube is not just useful for firearms, it is also a fantastic product to maintain knives and tools.  I am using Froglube exclusively on my TOPS Fieldcraft B.O.B. knife (that I will be reviewing, as well as hopefully bringing to our store- I’m that impressed already!) to maintain and protect the high carbon steel.  I will report on long term usage in an AR and an AK rifle as well- both test beds that are being run exclusively on Froglube.

I have had nothing but good experience with Froglube.  My first experience was a year ago almost, at a gun show locally, where a vendor was demonstrating this amazing product.  The biggest benefit I saw at that time was the water resistance of the product, the safety that it’s all-natural, non-toxic formula provides, and the ease of application.  I have to tell you- not having to run a gun “wet” is actually counter-intuitive to me, but again- it just works!  I have had no issues thus far, and can now clean my firearms bare handed with confidence.  I am a father, and my children are exposed to firearms regularly… This product is completely safe- and takes the riskiest component out of the equation when it comes to children of responsible parents who happen to own firearms.  That is a huge bonus in my world.  My wife is a big fan of the minty aroma- which is actually a pleasant one compared to the typical solvents and lubricants used in conjunction with such tools.

Now you have the basics, and a few opinions on this outstanding lubricant: Froglube.  I’m certain it will merit mention again and again in our reviews, and I encourage you to try it yourself!  Check out our store for the available Froglube items and start noticing the difference first hand.

Material Safety Data Sheet(s) for Froglube:

Liquid:  http://www.froglube.com/docs/Frog%20Lube%20Liquid%20MSDS%203-25-10.pdf

Paste:  http://www.froglube.com/docs/Frog%20Lube%20Paste%20MSDS%203-26-10.pdf

A Product Comparison sheet vs. some common lubricants:    http://www.froglube.com/docs/Product%20ComparisonFinal.pdf

We’ve formed relationships with manufacturers, training professionals, you tube channels, bloggers, and fans.  We’ve closed our first full week of sales of our t-shirt (which I am proudly wearing currently, and will be posting photos of later here and on social networks- they’re really cool looking!), but more importantly prepared our store portion to more fully serve your outdoor survival and adventure needs- in a way that makes more sense than haphazardly buying needed items piecemeal and experimentally.

I’m happy to report that we’ve secured a solid means of producing “morale tabs” and patches to add to our signature line.  We’ve also got Domari Nolo thematic graphic art t-shirts in the works, as well as a lot of really cool apparel and widgets.  Look for updates in the coming weeks- this stuff is slated to be available for your winter gift giving season.

We have also been securing gear to test and evaluate for potential offering in our store.  Remember- at DNDC, if we haven’t tested and proven it to be the best in the line- you won’t see it in our store.  That is a promise.  We’re admittedly going to be a little more sluggish than the “big guys” with lots of startup capital or finance, but we’re not going to compromise one bit on the quality of product we offer here.  If you need it- and we don’t carry it- we’ll get it for you, or point you in the right direction.  I’d rather have a friend and client that trusts my advice than a one time customer any day.

If you’ve been following, you’ve seen some pretty cool hints this past week on some of this stuff we’ll be looking at carrying in our store.  I’m actually preparing to get out into the wilds of PA this afternoon and tomorrow morning to put this gear to hard use and document it for you… I’ll be taking plenty of pictures and video to accompany some impression and opinion.  Just showing gear on a page is good enough for some, but not Domari Nolo.  We’re committed to showing you what works, how, and why.

This week we’ve enlisted some highly experienced and knowledgeable consultants to add to our staff, and you’ll soon be seeing commentary and valuable information from them on the practical and functional solutions you will see from us.  We’re going to be putting our gear through it’s paces through hunting, training, and other fall outdoor activity not just in our Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but in the mountains of the Rockies, the Deserts of our American west and southwest, and far flung and exotic locations where we will be equipping hunters of a different prey…  In every case bringing back our experiences to influence and inspire design within the industry.

We’ll be discussing what some consider a “touchy” topic this week- Why I feel that citizen ownership of ballistic body armor is a good idea, especially for urban and suburbanites.  I will be including this topic and my thoughts and experience on it in conjunction with a review on a recently acquired piece of available kit: The Mayflower Research and Consulting llc. APC, and the surprising alternative that I sourced the plate backers and inserts from.

The “ubiquitous carbine” series will be continued, along with additionally a running topic discussion concerning what we consider to be the two “major” platforms in the venue, the AR-15 and the Kalashnikov.  We’ve assembled a crowd of contributors with a vast array of knowledge on the two, and we will be bringing you some cost effective and functional solutions for issues concerning both.

My personal focus after finishing the first “question” of the series will be to introduce you all properly to “Marion”… My wife’s first rifle, my second love, the inspiration for my nom de plume, and quite possibly the simplest and most reliable contingency weapon solution for everyman.  We’re also going to be presenting in parallel with Snake Hound Machine LLC in New Hampshire their “M4UCK” build… Which as you will see over time is a precision, high-end version of my simple Marion.  I spoke to Owen, the mad scientist behind SHM last night, and boy are y’all in for a treat with that puppy…

We’ve also been hinting at some of the product lines that we will be offering through Domari Nolo- We’ve announced that we have become a Froglube dealer as well.  We also have a huge announcement this week concerning our gear manufacturers- who they are, and why we chose them (and they chose us!).  You’re going to start seeing a lot more in our store than just our limited edition “Specialization” t shirt very soon in addition to the reviews and opinions on all of it in our blog.

We’ve made arrangements to have a table at the gun show on 8-9 December in Harrisburg, PA.  We hope we see plenty of you there- wearing your Domari Nolo shirts!  We’re going to have items that I guarantee that no other vendor at the show will have, and you’re not going to want to miss it!  We’re also going to try our best to get up to the Live Free or Die state the weekend after turkey day for a little get together called “Thankstaking” with a bunch of great characters.

It’s all inbound to you… So stay tuned!  If you need me, I’ll be herding cats.  MAKE it a great day!

FM

That’s all great- but the premise behind Domari Nolo is a mindset.  To practice a lifestyle of self ownership and reliance requires support equipment.  Specifically to the modern carbine, a means to convey spare magazines as well as cleaning and maintenance essentials in the case of the truly ready individual.  One of the more popular choices has taken on the moniker of “chest rig”, as the magazines are carried in a harness across the chest.  The design has taken on many forms over the years, and many different makes and models exist, of which a few examples appear below, but by and large they remain somewhat consistent in their appearance…

This isn’t technically a chest rig, but probably the granddaddy of them all- the Garand belt, dated 1923. This held the famous clip for the Garand rifle. It should be made not of that this is one of the few rigs that is designed for clips.

The WWII era bandoleer was worn slung over the shoulder, and can be fought with effectively… As history has demonstrated.

The SKS rig was designed to carry stripper clips and grenades. It remains a functional and popular rig to this day.

A continuation or variation of the theme is the AK specific version of the SKS rig… Designed to carry the Kalashnikov’s uniquely shaped magazines, but useful for the STANAG equivalents as well.

Note the similarity between the excellent Rhodesian chest rig and the combloc Type 56 AK rig…

A Rhodesian Selous Scout wearing the excellent “R34″ chest rig… A design from which most modern rigs are essentially based on, in my opinion.

One of the most common mass produced modern variants on the Rhodesian chest rig. I have operated this pattern personally for several years.

With the advent of the modular design, or MOLLE, the modern chest rig has undergone a renaissance of sorts… One can find platforms that are nothing but rows and rows of MOLLE webbing to configure to the end user’s specific requirements… A company from Florida called UW Gear (That stands for something, we’ll hint at it for you later.) has come up with a practical, value driven solution for the citizen rifleman: The Minuteman Chest Rig.

The modern, well designed Minuteman Mk II By UW Gear. This is what a chest rig is meant to be, and built like a tank to last.

I’ve spoken to one of the partners at UW Gear, John Ammons.  He’s of the same opinion we are here at Domari Nolo- that in a contingency requiring the most serious of tools, and gear- there can’t be the notion that resupply will be readily available such as it is now.  Gear should be built to last, and it should be just plain functional- especially if it’s to withstand Unconventional Warfare.  If it’s heavy, bulky or uncomfortable- or all three- the average citizen rifleman will go without.  That is something that will benefit nobody honorable.

Enter the Minuteman.  The original design, the Mk. I, carried three magazines in simple, covered pouches.  There is no velcro at all on the rig, unlike many other mass produced models.  Velcro, although convenient, is subject to deterioration over time and exposure.  That is a liability, and to that end, a pull tab design similar to what parachute riggers use is designed to retain magazines.

On either side, rows of molle for your modular pouches.  I usually put my blowout kit on one side, and my field maint. pack on the other.  My dump pouch goes on my belt, but could easily be looped on the waist of the minuteman as well.  Based on my experience- the “H” harness of the rig is the best for easy on and off, and can be used with body armor as well more readily without pinching the neck as with a cross back harness.

Here is a video of John explaining the Minuteman rig…

There are a lot of big things in the works at UW Gear, and Domari Nolo is very interested in keeping tabs on the exciting projects going on there.  We’ll keep you all posted on new developments as they occur, and we’ll be testing and evaluating some UW Gear ourselves, and in the meantime- check out the UW Gear forum link on our page for updates as well.

FM

Not sure, exactly where I heard that one, but it’s a universal truth in my experience.  This is a little way to be thrifty, kill down time on laundry day, and help ensure smooth operation next time you start a fire.  It really does feel like cheating, although it’s just hedging your bets.

Lots of guys I know chew tobacco- I personally chew Copenhagen (yes, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, I would like free product thank you very much!).  Most folks know what a snuff tin looks like, but just in case:

Those that know me have seen this… A portion of the shelving in my “man cave”/armorer’s room. I save damn near everything that might be useful someday.

As one can pretty easily observe, these containers are made of plastic, with a tin lid.  They’re watertight enough, generally, to retain the moisture in the tobacco until it’s consumed, and certainly enough for our purposes.   Any container that is essentially water tight will work as well- I know folks used old film containers as well, when there was such a thing still.

I figured that I usually have room, or make room, for a few of these cans in my kit no matter where, or why I’m heading afield.  It’s just a comfort item that I am accustomed to, and really enjoy.  I also consider tobacco to be a valuable commodity, for what I should think are obvious reasons.  Suffice to say, I’m already packing one or two, what’s another?  It’s compact, light, and just plain works- plus I don’t have to pay for a special piece of kit.  Works for me, anyway.

Everybody has dryer lint, right?  I know we do- especially in the winter months when it’s not so easy to line-dry your laundry outdoors.  Instead of forgetting to empty your dryer and burning out your dryer, or worse- starting a fire in the wrong spot (your dryer), why not put that fiber to good use as a form of tinder/accelerant for fire starting?

All it takes, essentially, is the lint, some vaseline or petroleum jelly of some sort .  I used the medical grade because it was on hand, and free.  Petroleum jelly or something similar is most likely in your IFAK, or med kit too, so no worries if you don’t want to prep this ahead of time.  I just squeeze a little on bottom, smear it around with the lint, and squeeze a little on top before closing the lid.  That simple.  I usually date and mark with an “F” for “fire” with a sharpie.

White Petrolatum Jelly, squeezed into the bottom of an empty Copenhagen can, about to have itself smeared about using the lint.

Stuff that lint in, and for good measure, put a little more of the flamable stuff on top.

If you don’t have a Sharpie and lots of Ziplocs, you need them.

I just mark them to maintain inventory, and FIFO (First In, First Out).

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves, and the reader to try it independently.  If you’re still worried, the ever present ziplock bag is always an option on top of the waterproof container.

I think you’ll find this is an easy way to get a fire going, even with a simple magnesium block, or flintsteel, and especially even in wet weather.  Use it under your tinder and kindling to really get things going.

Just a little trick for your rucks, BOB’s, or survival kit.  Hope it works for you!

FM

This is another common sense approach delivered by Nathan Murr, presented by our friend CapBerz…

For the record, I have my wife’s rifle set up almost exactly the same as Murr’s, the biggest difference being in sights and optics (an ongoing difference in personal preference that will be discussed here certainly in the future).

Before you laugh, rest assured that this rifle in the video, set up like my “wifle” (that’s what we call her- heh heh) is HIS lady’s carbine.  She’s quite the shooter too, I’ve seen it myself.  Well blessed is the man with a straight shooting woman to back him.

Thank you again for the video Berz.    Murr- keep telling it like it is.

Carry on, FM out.

Being aware of your surroundings, and staying at a commensurate readiness level is something that has been addressed by many greater writers and instructors than me.  I think Colonel Cooper’s “color code” of awareness springs immediately to mind.  Cooper’s color code of awareness  (I’m pretty much locked on orange at all times, but I’m a father- more than a few little girls running around my ankles these days.  Which is why I own firearms, among other reasons… I digress.)

If a high value has not already been placed on situational awareness by the reader, allow me to assure you that information is key to survival, and for more effective navigation of life in general.  Without an effective and accurate information source, one is literally acting solely on instinct.  While that may seem to have romantic appeal, it is hardly a prudent or sound decision to make in my opinion.  Get informed, stay informed.

The concepts of “global economy”, and “global money”, like it or not, is a reality.  That means, essentially, that my wallet may depend on something that happens literally across the globe.  I like to see things coming in advance if possible, so that I may prepare accordingly.

More than a few websites and groups on social media sources claim to bring information of legitimate value to their consumers- and although a few succeed, most fail outright or resort to sensationalizing in order to gain or retain relevance.

The goal of G2 isn’t to be the “end all, be all” of world news- it’s to be a general guide to which stories and trends merit closer observation or inspection.  Readers are encouraged to participate in evolving stories and situations, and contributing writers are common and anticipated.

We’ll be watching closely- and participating as well.  I will be co-hosting a radio show, allegedly, with Joseph Nizzarri, chief instructer and HBAMFIC of Line of Fire LLC in Las Vegas, NV.   Joe has a down to earth approach to shooting, and is another practical thought process kind of guy.  Needless to say, we have a lot of great conversations that don’t make it to radio.  We’ll be sharing a lot of Joe with you in the future, so you only get a little taste for now.

You will notice a link on our main page to G2, it will take you directly there.  As I’ve stated before, we deal with mitigation, with solutions.  We don’t ignore facts or circumstances, we implement our awareness of them to effect a positive outcome.  G2 is our starting point here at DNDC.

Check out G2: Global intelligence.  It has only just begun…

The Recon Lightweight Tactical Weapon, or RLTW, is a Kalashnikov platform tool built for real world use, function, and durability. Snake Hound Machine, of New Hampshire, has a winner with this rifle.

Yesterday I had occasion to speak to Owen Martin, the founder of Snake Hound Machine LLC in New Hampshire.  In addition to being a solid individual with a LOT in common with me, he’s also an artist with the Kalashnikov who is putting together some exceptionally solid rifles.  Owen believes that today’s citizen rifleman deserves the best available value in their shooting tool, and his US MADE product reflects it.  The industry has taken notice, and DNDC is proud to be in contact, and hopefully in collaboration on an upcoming project with Snake Hound Machine.

Owen is quite busy building, and innovating new ways to improve functionality of the Kalashnikov platform.  Stay tuned here for updates on some of the secret squirrel stuff Owen is currently working on with another big name in the niche.  It’s all very hush hush, but if we’re vocal enough, and show some love to Snake Hound Machine… I’ll bet Owen loosens lips just a bit- When it’s the right time.

MAKE it a great day y’all!

FM

Here is the writeup on the Recon Lightweight Tactical Weapon: RLTW ]]> http://domari-nolo.com/what-does-rltw-stand-for/feed/ 0 http://domari-nolo.com/a-simple-brief-on-a-solid-platform/ http://domari-nolo.com/a-simple-brief-on-a-solid-platform/#comments Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:22:22 +0000 Francis Marion http://domari-nolo.com/?p=346 As promised, we’re including additional material in support of our “ubiquitous carbine” series… Granted, there is a definitive “lean” towards the Kalashnikov platform here at DNDC- we’re making that very clear up front- based on our philosophy of the citizen rifleman as part of the well rounded individual.  We’re going to be introducing a distinct “twist” though that is a game changer in thinking.

We’re also taking the opportunity to introduce a new contributor, Captain Berz, to the Domari Nolo family.  Berz is a Pennsylvania resident, avid outdoorsman, shooter, and political commentator.  Although we deal primarily in mitigation here, not causes- but solutions- we agree with many of the philosophies that Berz endorses.  Check out his youtube page at: http://www.youtube.com/user/CaptainBerz/videos?view=0

Appearing in this video is Nathan Murr,  a well versed and experienced Marine.  I have dealt with Murr in a conversational and more “consumer” capacity several times in the past, and have had the pleasure to train with him at Stay Ready Inc. a few times now as well.  You may also recognize Murr as the shot caller in our “Balance, speed, and accuracy means never having to say you’re sorry…” training video.  Watch it, I think you’ll recognize the Gyrine logic shine through.

With any luck, we’ll be able to convince Mr. Murr to continue to provide us with solid and sound logic, experience, and insight to help us assist in your adaptation of your own readiness mindset.

We’ll be adding more content from Captain Berz here soon, and a more suitable introduction… In the meantime, enjoy the knowledge.

NOT “m4gery”… A Colt M4.

I absolutely cringe when I hear or read that question, or a variation of it, every time it rears its head-which it does, quite often…  Let us examine that question in depth, the way we do at DNDC.

The first element that of that question is: “I’m ready to buy a carbine…” 

My retort is two follow up questions:  First, how do you know you’re ready?   Also, what is a carbine?  Perhaps I’d best work on my manner if I ever hope to succeed in this venue… I have been described at times as “abrasive”.  I’ll do my level headed best to avoid chapping anybody’s backside or bucking convention too much with my approach here… Stand by to kick knowledge.

We’ll stay focused on that first element, and clarify those questions I had for the person asking in this first installment.  Of course we’ll demonstrate the folly of the second part of this question in a separate writing, I’m sure it will get interesting.

I think to answer the first part of the statement- the readiness issue, the second must first be addressed.  What is a carbine?

We’re going to attempt to keep this answer as exhaustive as possible with a mind for brevity.  Feel free to follow the links, or watch the videos I have attached or embedded for further detail.  The reader will be encouraged in most cases to do their own research into further specializations of interest.

A “Carbine”, depending on who you ask, is generally assumed to be a short, lighter version of a long rifle.  The reason behind the very existence of such a thing is due to the cavalry- the horse mounted type, not modern armor- although later they factor into the equation as well…

With the weight savings and shortened barrel though, came a penalty of less accuracy and muzzle velocity.  The shorter barrel provided less of a sight plane, and the shorter barrel ever so slightly affects the internal ballistics of the round in most cases.  With today’s powders it is much less of an issue than it was when horse riding cavalries were fielding carbines.

Many famous rifle platforms have a carbine version, or variants.  Most notable, the German Mauser K98k, the M-1 Garand/M-2 Carbine, the M16 and it’s M4 variants…  The list goes on, but these are pretty much household names still for the folks reading this narrative.  Hopefully with that in mind, the definition of what a carbine is should be clear.  It is a rifle, but a shorter, lighter model of a standard, with accepted tradeoffs in accuracy and power.

The K98k mauser carbine, seen at the bottom of the photo, is a good example of a successful evolution of an existing rifle.

The smaller caliber of the M2 carbine vs. The M1 Garand makes it a stretch to include in this narrative as a development from an existing platform, but arguments concerning the action will be made. It’s a great carbine, regardless.

By no means is this a complete representation of the family of Stoner design rifles, merely a graphic depicting the difference between a “rifle” and a “carbine”. The original M-16 at top, the smaller M4 variant is evident.

That said, some rifles were designed as carbines from the outset.  One of the most famous, and prolific platforms, the Kalashnikov, is one such rifle.  It was designed from it’s conception as a peasant’s rifle, to become one of the first “modular” rifles with it’s many configurations of furniture, as well as it’s often fantastic array of available optics.  I won’t wax poetic for too long on the Kalashnikov… Suffice to say we’ll be talking plenty about that work of art enough on this site.

An abbreviated pictorial history of the Kalashnikov rifle.

Back to the initial query- one of “readiness”… If one doesn’t know what a carbine is, it could be easily suggested that one should first look at their intent for the carbine in question.

I personally feel that firearms are tools.  I feel that that for each purpose, there is an appropriate tool.  A shorter range, small bore cartridge will not work for taking down a bear any more than a big bore center fire will be effective for rabbit- at least not for the purposes of taking meat.  There is waste on so many levels at the latter, and lack of preparation at the former.

Unless you are hunting armor clad elephants, or kevlar skinned, voracious hawks… This is probably not a wise choice in tools.
Don’t be this guy, in other words. Keep reading.

With that mindset in mind- and it is a critical piece of the Domari Nolo philosophy- that these tools must be chosen properly, and with great consideration, I propose the following aides in consideration:

What is my current, realistic level of familiarity with these tools and their maintenance?

What is my level of readiness in terms of auxiliary tools and supplies?

What type of usage do I intend to subject this tool to?

What do I expect the tool to do in terms of performance?

Am I willing and able to attain and retain proficiency in the proper and safe usage of this tool?

What importance does this tool play in my overall outlook and mindset?

Perhaps what seems the most significant to many folks:  What am I willing to invest in this tool?

Now, I know that this addition of questions is likely to get me accused of playing dirty pool…  I didn’t answer any questions aside from loosely defining the meaning of “carbine”.  I urge the reader to continue, and stay the course on this process.  The comment line is always going to be open here, and contributors are warmly welcomed.  Criticism and addition are likewise part of the complete process of

These questions are crucial though, in my opinion.  I’ll be getting to each question individually as this series progresses- in order to foster a better environment for creative contribution.  The second installment of this series, before the questions aforementioned, will be focusing on the second part of the question in the title.  “Which M4 should I get?”

FM