Today, James From TFB TV Bought A Gun Range! - And - The F.O. Global Sitrep For 5-31-23

 In this episode of TFBTV, @JamesReeves gives you a grand tour of the worst financial decision he's ever made: To buy a gun range in New Orleans!!

 

 

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And Now For the  5-31-23 Global Sitrep From Forward Observer 

Good morning, and welcome to the Global Situation Report for Wednesday, 31 May 2023. 

1. FIRST UP: NATO countries split on Ukraine attacks in Moscow

• NATO countries disagree on whether Ukraine should be allowed to continue attacking targets in Moscow, including attacks intended to kill Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the decision to use Western weapons to strike targets inside Russia was ultimately a Ukrainian decision. German and British officials have backed Ukrainian attacks inside Russia, while the United States and France say that Western-provided weapons should not be used in the attacks.
• In response, Russia’s Dmitri Medvedev declared British officials in Ukraine were now “legitimate military targets”.

Why It Matters: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s intention is almost certainly to draw NATO into the conflict by escalating its war with Russia. This is reportedly the primary reason why the U.S. has not yet provided ATACMS ballistic missiles, which can reach well into Russian territory.

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2. STRATEGY: Lavrov pushes BRICS currency in Africa

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is picking up diplomatic victories on his latest trip to Africa.
• Kenyan President William Ruto announced efforts to deepen trade ties with Russia. And officials in Mozambique welcomed closer trade ties in return for Russian military exports.

Why It Matters: Lavrov’s promises of foreign investment and food and fertilizer exports to African countries are part of a larger strategy to deepen trade ties and push African countries off the dollar and into a BRICS common currency.

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3. NO ARREST: South Africa grants diplomatic immunity for Putin

• South Africa’s government announced diplomatic immunity for all world leaders at the annual BRICS conference in August. Officials said this was a common practice for international meetings under South African law.
• According to officials, Russian President Vladimir Putin won’t be arrested despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. So far, none of the BRICS leaders have confirmed they will attend in person.

Why It Matters: South Africa is trying to balance its international obligations with its close diplomatic ties to Russia. Invoking diplomatic immunity is a way to legitimize the decision not to arrest Putin, as South Africa deferred the arrest of Sudanese leader Omar Al Bashir, also wanted by the ICC, during a 2015 visit.

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4. DARK DAYS: Xi warns China of “major tests” ahead

• Chinese President Xi Jinping warned members of the Chinese Communist Party to improve national security ahead of the “complex and challenging” scenarios of the future.
• “We must be prepared for worst-case and extreme scenarios, and be ready to withstand the major test of high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms,” the CPC said in a press release.

Why It Matters: Xi has repeatedly made similar comments intended to improve military readiness and economic control of the country. Accompanying Chinese media reports focused on the espionage threat from the United States and Western countries, which have ramped up ahead of an eventual South China Sea conflict. 

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5. POKER FACE: CIA Director says U.S. “has better hand” than rivals

• CIA Director William Burns said the U.S. is approaching another rare transformational moment in world history, but that “the United States still has a better hand to play than any of our rivals”.
• Burns added that U.S. global dominance “isn’t guaranteed,” and that “middle powers are hedging their bets” on the United States. Burns made the remarks in April, but the transcript was published yesterday.

Why It Matters: The “better hand” outlook is generally accepted by the D.C. establishment, and is probably true. In just about every geostrategic area, the problems facing the United States are the least bad of everyone else’s worse problems.

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THAT’S A WRAP: That does it for today’s edition. Thank you for reading. If you know folks who would also like to receive this email, would you please forward it to them? We appreciate you spreading the word. – M.S.

And Here's James From TFB TV With Part 2 Of The Benelli M4 500 Round Burn Down - And - The Forward Observer Global Sitrep For 5-30-23

 And we're back with the final part of the Benelli M4 500 Round Torture Test. Let's hope the non factory aftermarket accessories hold up better this time than they did in Part 1. If you remember from Part 1, while the Shotgun's operating mechanism functioned properly, several of the accessories did not. 

And away we go!

 

 

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And Now For the  5-30-23 Global Sitrep From Forward Observer 

 

Good morning, and welcome to the Global Situation Report for Tuesday, 30 May 2023. 

1. MEDDLING: Mexico’s Ebrard to campaign against Republicans

• Mexico’s Secretary of State Marcelo Ebrard scheduled another trip to the United States next month to campaign against U.S. immigration laws and the presidential campaign of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
• Ebrard met with the Latino community in Florida earlier this month, days before Mexican President Andres Manual Lopez Obrador urged Latinos not to vote for DeSantis in the 2024 Republican primary.
• Ebrard denied that he was attempting to influence U.S. elections, but added, “If you allow the first domino to fall, then the 24 states governed by Republicans will follow and then it [immigration laws] will be the subject of the campaign.”

Why It Matters: Ebrard’s last meeting in Florida focused on “how to defend our sisters and brothers throughout the United States, and especially in Florida” from what he characterized as racist and anti-immigrant laws. Ebrard is one of the top contenders to replace AMLO on the Morena Party ticket in June elections next year. 

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2. BRICS BANK: China to deepen cooperation with New Development Bank

• Chinese officials said they were ready to deepen cooperation with the New Development Bank ahead of its annual conference in Shanghai today and tomorrow.
• The New Development Bank was previously referred to as the BRICS Bank.

Why It Matters: New Development Bank is an effort by BRICS countries to build a competitor against U.S.-dominated global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. China sees New Development Bank as a beachhead against U.S. global financial control.

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3. WORLD TOUR: SECDEF on four-nation tour

• U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is scheduled for a four-nation trip to meet with defense leaders from allied countries.
• Austin is scheduled to meet with his counterpart in Japan, take part in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, meet with Indian defense officials in New Delhi, then wind up his trip to commemorate D-Day in France and meet with French and U.K. defense officials.

Why It Matters: While most eyes are on U.S.-Japanese defense cooperation against China, don’t sleep on India. The United States and India announced a strategic defense cooperation pact earlier this year. Both countries committed to joint military technology development and munitions production. This is an important meeting as the U.S. tries to shift the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

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4. LEFTIST UNION: Lula promises South American reintegration

• Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva welcomed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to Brasilia over the weekend ahead of efforts to restart the Union of South American Nations.
• Lula heralded “the return of South American integration” and lent political legitimacy to the Maduro regime. 

Why It Matters: Lula da Silva campaigned on regional integration to establish a common currency for the South American Common Market (Mercosur) and/or a BRICS common currency to move South America off the global dollar system.

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5. BLOC PARTY: China backs Serbia against NATO

• Chinese officials expressed their support for Serbia following an armed confrontation between Serbian forces and NATO-troops in Kosovo (KFOR). Some 30 NATO KFOR troops were injured on Monday as Serbians attempted to take over municipal offices in the Kosovo breakaway region.
• The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged NATO officials to “respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Serbia. Neither China nor Russia recognizes Kosovo. 

Why It Matters: Serbia remains in the middle of the East-West divide as officials warned this month that the country was the target of a Western-backed color revolution. Both sides could use a renewed conflict to draw resources and attention away from Ukraine as the Serbia-Kosovo conflict becomes a new front in Cold War 2.0.

James From TFB TV Presents The Benelli M4 500 Round Torture Test - And - The 5-26-23 Global Sitrep From Forward Observer

 Between Chris at Lucky Gunner and James at TFB, this blog shall never want for Firearms reviews. So let's get to it!

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And Now For the  5-26-23 Global Sitrep From Forward Observer 

 

Good morning, and welcome to the Global Situation Report for Friday, 26 May 2023. 

ADMIN NOTE: We will not produce a Global SITREP on Monday, 29 May 2023 in observance of Memorial Day and the lives of Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will be back on Tuesday. – M.S.

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1. FIRST UP: Russia says Africa needs help against color revolutions

• Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Petrushev said African countries approached him seeking aid against foreign-backed color revolutions during a recent security summit.
• Another Russian official warned on Wednesday that Russia would not tolerate color revolutions in Central Asian states.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping last week called on Central Asian countries to “stand firm against external attempts to… instigate color revolutions.” Xi offered Chinese security assistance in response.

Why It Matters: Long-time readers will notice a trend: the Russians and Chinese are preoccupied with warning against U.S. color revolutions. Repeated warnings may be intended to bolster foreign demand for their security assistance, however, the United States and the West are almost certainly trying to foment popular revolutions in Eastern-aligned counties.

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2. NO BUENO: Cuban economic, food crisis worsening

• Cuban officials announced on Thursday that the country lacked the foreign funds to purchase food, fuel, fertilizer, and equipment imports due to the weak economy.
• “If we can’t produce it, we won’t have it,” Cuba’s Economic Minister told the congress.

Why It Matters: Earlier this year, Russia provided an emergency ration of 25,000 tons of wheat to Cuba due to food shortages. Worsening conditions may spur the Biden administration to reduce Cuban sanctions on humanitarian grounds.

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3. NO PHONE: Chinese refuse open lines with U.S.

• U.S. defense officials have noted the Chinese military has not responded to repeated requests to maintain open lines of communication regarding operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The Chinese have also not responded to requests made by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet his counterpart, Chinese PLA General Li Shangfu.

Why It Matters: Chinese PLA General Li Shangfu is currently under U.S. sanctions, specifically directed by Congress under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017… which is a good reminder of the law of unintended consequences.

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4. KILL LIST: Ukraine intelligence says Putin is top target

• Vladimir Putin is the top high value target for Ukrainian intelligence and special operations, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence chief.
• Other targets include Wagner chief Prigozhin, Defense Minister Shoigu, Chief of General Staff Gerasimov, and General Surovikin.
• Kiev denied responsibility for the early May drone attack against Putin at the Kremlin, although U.S. officials now pin the operation on Ukraine.

Why It Matters: While a hit on Putin would be an incredible symbolic victory, Ukraine is likely not prepared for the Russian retaliation. The announcement of a kill list will have great propaganda value for both sides of the conflict.

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5. KALASHNIDRONE: Kalashnikov opens up drone division

• Kalashnikov, makers of the AK-47, announced the formation of a new division to produce drones. Officials said the company will 10x their drone production.
• The line of drones will be for tactical use, including reconnaissance and munitions-carrying.

Why It Matters: Kalashnikov is under U.S. sanctions, so don’t expect to see their drones over here any time soon (hopefully). The new expansion represents a new reality of the battlefield: drones are ever-present and lethal.

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DON’T MISS: Retired Marine Lt. Col. and former CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer Max Morton releases his next Indications & Warning today. It’s available to Early Warning subscribers.

THAT’S A WRAP: This does it for today’s edition. If you want us to keep going, let us know in the comments or via email. And sign up below to receive this report in your inbox each day, Monday through Friday.

Mossberg Goes 'Retro' With 2 Old School Pump Actions - and - The Global Sitrep From Forward Observer

Retro is apparently in with several firearms companies bring out Old School versions of some of the products. Mossberg has come out with what they call their "Retrograde Series" of Shotguns harkening back to the days of Walnut stocks, and Blued Steel.

But enough of my intro, click the link and check them out!

 

 https://www.breachbangclear.com/retrograde-mossberg-500-and-590-retro/

 

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And Now For the  5-25-23 Global Sitrep From Forward Observer 

Good morning, and welcome to the Global Situation Report for Thursday, 25 May 2023. 

THE WHAT: The Global SITREP is a free daily email briefing about geopolitics and defense from Forward Observer. 

THE WHY: We want to share five important global developments shaping Cold War 2.0.

BOTTOM LINE: We’re sending out this email Monday through Friday on a trial basis through the end of the month, so be sure to let us know if you want it continued. Thank you! – M.S.

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1. FIRST UP: Israeli officials to visit White House next week

• Senior Israeli security officials are expected to visit the White House next week, according to Axios. The Israelis want to discuss a peace deal with Saudi Arabia, in addition to the Iranian nuclear program. [READ MORE]

Why It Matters: The visit follows several warnings from Israeli military and intelligence officials about the potential for conflict with Hezbollah and Iran. Worst case scenario: it’s a diplomatic courtesy to the U.S. before Israeli strikes draw the region into a war.

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2. AFRICOM: China may use African bases in U.S. war

• U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander General Michael Langley said that China in a time of war may use its military bases in Africa to launch attacks against the United States, its interests, or allies.
• China has a military base in Djibouti, and is in the process of building a spaceport there. China is expected to build People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) bases and spaceports elsewhere on the continent.

Why It Matters: A large Chinese naval base on Africa’s west coast would unlock the Atlantic Ocean and could enable the PLAN to contest the U.S. presence in the region.

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3. SABOTAGE: Belarus deploys special anti-sabotage units

• The Belarusian Interior Minister announced the formation of a special task force to disrupt foreign sabotage and reconnaissance elements in the border region with Ukraine.
• Related: Polish Defense Minister Waldemar Skrzypczak on Wednesday mentioned a potential Belarusian uprising, saying, “Let’s prepare for an uprising in Belarus, because it is coming.”

Why It Matters: A domestic crisis in Belarus, such as an uprising against Lukashenko, would create a dilemma for Russia as they’re forced to divert attention and resources to providing security for their neighbor and ally.

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4. LANCERS: U.S. bombers back in Europe

• Texas-based B-1B Lancer strategic bombers deployed to an air base in the United Kingdom yesterday on a scheduled rotation.
• Russia objected to the arrival of the bombers by announcing they’ve moved Iskander nuclear missiles to Belarus. Russian officials also said they were re-equipping Su-25 aircraft to be nuclear-capable.

Why It Matters: The U.S. and NATO maintain a strategic bomber task force in Europe, so this is unlikely to be in response to a specific development. These bombers, however, could be used as a long-range missile platform in combat with Russia.

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5. FULL-SCALE: U.S., South Korea holds largest-ever drill

• U.S. and South Korea kicked off a five-day live-fire military exercise to simulate a full-scale invasion by North Korea. It is the largest live-fire drill to date.

Why It Matters: North Korea is preparing to launch its first military spy satellite to provide reconnaissance and targeting information in a potential Korean conflict. North Korea justified the need for a spy satellite due to continued U.S.-South Korean military exercises.

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DON’T MISS: Retired Marine Lt. Col. and former CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer Max Morton releases his next Indications & Warning report this Friday. It’s available to Early Warning subscribers.

THAT’S A WRAP: This does it for today’s edition. If you want us to keep going, let us know in the comments or via email. And sign up below to receive this report in your inbox each day, Monday through Friday.

"I'm Shocked, Shocked I Tell You"........

 ....To find that this has happened........Again! 😱 

 

 Anyone interested in a government job position in Russia? I hear they're hiring........

 https://www.yahoo.com/news/russian-deputy-minister-dies-suddenly-131412559.html?guccounter=1

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today We Get To Check Out Some Very Rarely Seen Footage of Carl Cestari

 This footage is all over 20 years old. The demonstrations are all Classic Carl, and No Bullshit. The Master at work.

 (Courtesy of The Sporman Group LLC)

 

Tourist In Yellowstone National Park Learns The Hard Way How Not To Use Pepper (OC) Spray

 

Doesn't matter what kind of a threat you carry it for, whatever self defense tool  you carry, make sure you go to a class or two and learn how it works so that you don't wind up like this guy!! 😞

 https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/yellowstone-tourists-learn-the-hard-way-that-bear-spray-doesn-t-always-work-on-bison/ar-AA1bcKto

 A group of people visiting Yellowstone National Park learned a painful lesson in wildlife safety when they got on the wrong side of a huge, angry bison. In a video shared on Instagram, the animal charges a family and catches one person's clothing in its horns, tossing them to the ground.

A passer-by attempts to use bear spray, which the National Park Service (NPS) says can be effective in deterring bison, but he was standing downwind of the animal, so the spray was blown away on the breeze.

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today Chris Baker Discusses Point Shooting vs Aimed Fire

 Oh boy, the old debate. I don't necessarily agree with all his opinions, but unlike so many gurus telling us never to use Point Shooting, and others telling us not to waste your time with Aimed Fire, he calmly makes his points for both. 

The method he shows (through most of the video) looks like the Appplegate method done with two hands instead of one.  However there is one sequence showing the One-Handed 1/2 (or 3/4) Hip shooting stance. 

In any event, as I've mentioned before, I try to keep the Blog relevant to people  who haven't spent years or more on various aspects of self defense. This is why the material I put up is sometimes not quite what you regulars expect. Believe it or not, the number of page-views I get is not reflective of the number of you guys that have been around here for years now. 

So give the video a look, and I hope you don't think it's too bad. 

Oh, and on another note, allow me to apologize for the mention, between the 7:20 and 7:30 marks, of two  'unmentionable persons'  whose names shall not be uttered.

 

Saturday Humor At Blackthorn - The Value Of Persistence

 

Welcome To Wheelgun Wednesday With Blackthorn

You guys all know I'm a big fan of Revolvers and other assorted Old School firearms. So I've decided to inflict my fascination with wheelguns on the rest of you. Today, for the first edition of Wheelgun Wednesdays we discuss some of the pros and cons of owning a revolver, and whether or not they are obsolete courtesy of our buddy Chris Baker at Lucky Gunner.

 Note: This video is geared more towards non-dedicated shooters, as opposed to the bulk of the people who follow this blog.  We all know that if you're going to buy a firearm for personal/home Defense, you need to get a degree of training, go for regular practice, and maintain the firearm. End of Disclaimer!

 

 

 

Sunday With Blackthorn - Today We Discuss The Typical Range Of The Average Citizen Involved Gunfight

 Sights, no sights, Point Shooting, aimed fire, 15 yards or 3 feet, Weaver or Isosceles????

Well, today Chris Baker will lay out some stats based on information gathered from resources that are available today that were not available say 20 years ago. At that time the only stats available were from Law Enforcement sources that only covered LEO involved shooting incidents that aren't always reflective of the average citizen involved incidents.

So get a cup of coffee, a can of soda, a glass of juice, sit back, get comfortable and prepare to be informed and enlightened gentlemen.

 

 

Old US Military Tech Downs New Russian Hypersonic Missile

Ukrainians Used a Late 80's technology US Patriot Missile to down Russia's new Hypersonic Missile over Kyiv.

Guess that new Russian Missile wasn't quite as Hypersonic as they thought.

  https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-patriot-kinzhal-6b59af8e60853b4d6d16dd8d607768be

Wednesday Morning Humor With Blackthorn

How what Branch Of Military Service people choose is determined.

 

Monday Morning Humor With Blackthorn