Every BAD needs a PDW. WTF is a PDW? Personal Defense Weapon - a compact semi-auto or auto firearm similar to a submachine gun, but firing a rifle round. This results in better range, accuracy, and will defeat body armour and in some cases barriers (if using barrier-blind rounds). A submachine gun, uses pistol rounds, which do not have these capabilities. A PDW should be compact enough that it can be manoeuvred around inside a vehicle and within tight quarters like your home. There's a lot of bad guys out there, even near my home, there's been accounts of home invasions. How to be better prepared than to have a PDW. This one I acquired through channels, but similar-styled ones can be had at your specialized firearms supplier (suppliers who service the good guys who then shoot the bad guys). A PDW can range from sub $1000 cdn to $3500 cdn. Luckily for me, well... this PDW is built by NEA, a Canadian manufacturer and supplier of weapons etc to international and domestic LE/MIL and civ markets.

One thing to consider are the optics. Yes they are an expensive piece of kit, but it also aligns your defensive tool up against the bad guy. When it comes to life or death, you want to have the best piece of kit you can get. I'm using an Aimpoint T1, because it's proven to work. All the time. Red dot on upper torso, pull trigger, game over.

NEA lists some of the tech specs from its website...
The NEA-15 Personal Defence Weapon (PDW) is built on our NEA-15 Billet Receiver Set featuring flared magwell and enlarged integrated trigger guard. The NEA-15 PDW includes our 7.5" Polygonal rifled barrel surrounded by a 7" Slab Side free float quad rail and 6-position carbine stock.

Detailed Specs
Overall Length Collapsed : 21.5" (546mm)
Overall Length extended : 27.5" (699mm) Billet Receiver
M4 Feed Ramps
Type III Hard Anodized
Laser engraved T-markings
Impregnated with Dry-Film Lubricant

Flared Magwell
Enlarged integrated trigger guard
Milspec Standard parts kit
Milspec Standard charging handle A2 Grip
6-Position Carbine Stock (commercial)

Bolt Carrier Group
M16 Full Auto BCG (High Pressure Tested (HPT), Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI))
Properly staked gas key

Fore End
7" Length Slab Side Free Float Quad Rail
6061 T6 Aluminum, Type III hard anodized
Laser Engraved T-markings (upper rail)
Carbine length gas system
Low Profile gas block
A2 Flash Suppressor

7.5" Length with M4 Feed Ramps 4140 CMV, High Pressure Tested (HPT), Magnetic Particle Inspected (MPI)
1:7" Twist, Button Cut Polygonal rifling
Extension, Gas Port, Bore & Exterior treated with our proprietary ARC+ processing
Warranty - Lifetime

I'm sure all those tech specs are impressive, but for me, as long as it shoots, and shoots consistently where I want the rounds to go, I am happy. There is no range report, because I just received it. So look out for that.
Posted by Bad Ass Dad at 11:13 AM 1 comment: Links to this post BAK Gear: Trunki - Pack, Pull, & Ride Suitcase BAF travels. Alot. As soon as BAK was old enough to begin carrying "one man, one kit", offloading some of the responsibility of carrying BAK's items upon herself. We explored a few options, including a mini conventional suitcase with 4-wheel rollers, backpacks, conventional carry-ons, soft luggage bags; however, BAM was immediately attracted to the Trunki. It sells for around 49.99 on-line through Melissa & Doug, or can be found in most toy shops. The marketing text for Trunki states it as:
"The greatest travel innovation since the wheelie bag! Trunki allows children to scoot along on their luggage through the airport or train station. This lightweight, sturdy, carry-on sized suitcase serves as luggage, riding toy, and transport for kids on the go! At home, Trunki may be used as a convenient kid-friendly storage bin too! Features include a tow strap, carry handles, secure catches, integrated wheels and stabilizers to prevent toppling over. Holds up to 75 lbs. Dimensions: 18.25" x 8.63" x 12". Weight: 1.7kgs." The Trunki is available in several different themes and colours. My BAK's favourite colour is purple, naturally she chose that one. The Trunki is a great piece of kit for our toddler, because it teaches her the responsibility of packing what she thinks she needs/wants for a trip. We purposed the Trunki to be her 'activities trunk'. You can see her princess luggage in the background. That is where BAM keeps the mission-critical essentials, but items to keep BAK interested and occupied during downtimes, or items she may want to utilize during our trips, she packs into her Trunki. The Trunki is constructed of a hard PVC shell, probably to about the same hardness as a Thule cargo box. The hinges are sturdy. The wheels seem to be constructed of the same material, and are inset into the trunk to provide a low footprint. I really like the idea of the Trunki, because it is one of those pieces of kit that is multi-purpose. This is the perfect waiting chair for BAK while waiting for seat upgrades at the airport. I could also use the tow-strap and tow BAK along. One neat thing you can do with a Trunki is get these sticker packages, and create faces - ala Thomas Engine style. The lockable latches operate on an up-down motion. To lock, you use the key that is attached to the tow strap. The locking flanges are made entirely of plastic, meaning that it could very easily be ripped off. So no high-end electronics go in there.

We decided on this piece of kit mainly because nothing else we looked at fit what we wanted it to do. Something that teaches her the responsibility of packing her own kit. The ability for her to use it as a sitting stool, and when we travel through LAX or ORA or one of those other airports that require you to go from terminal to terminal, I can tow her. It's also at the right height for her to tow. It also is at the right weight distribution for her to tow as well.

I would recommend this suitcase for any BAK who travels alot, and where those travels might involve lineups, or transfers, with downtime.

Posted by Bad Ass Dad at 2:03 PM 1 comment: Links to this post Sunday, April 1, 2012

BAF: New Kid BAD has been busy at home prepping for the impending arrival of BAK(2). She was born a few days. So there's going to be a metric tonne of gear for me to review very soon.
[null, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/581238_10150803961010546_682805545_12015027_90131155_n.jpg", "src": "http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/581238_10150803961010546_682805545_12015027_90131155_n.jpg", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 240}, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/295004_10150953465220546_392424354_n.jpg", "src": "http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/295004_10150953465220546_392424354_n.jpg", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 240}, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/197151_10151282878070546_1670692877_n.jpg", "src": "http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/197151_10151282878070546_1670692877_n.jpg", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 240}, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546616_10150953468060546_710637308_n.jpg", "src": "http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/546616_10150953468060546_710637308_n.jpg", "rendered_width": 320, "rendered_height": 240}, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1CzLMDWivs/UC0oungGECI/AAAAAAAAAgs/YYpRRerZvc4/s320/480882_10150816951990546_956998382_n.jpg", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1CzLMDWivs/UC0oungGECI/AAAAAAAAAgs/YYpRRerZvc4/s320/480882_10150816951990546_956998382_n.jpg", "rendered_width": 213, "rendered_height": 320}, null, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjnA4DA8DEQ/T4HoyjyCQTI/AAAAAAAAAXw/7P1_Ntol7p0/s200/DSC_0044.JPG", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjnA4DA8DEQ/T4HoyjyCQTI/AAAAAAAAAXw/7P1_Ntol7p0/s200/DSC_0044.JPG", "formatted_filename": "DSC", "rendered_width": 200, "rendered_height": 133}, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://www.cooltoysfortots.ca/assets/images/94be5f6d0246ab43840a5899d5b84fcc.jpg", "src": "http://www.cooltoysfortots.ca/assets/images/94be5f6d0246ab43840a5899d5b84fcc.jpg", "formatted_filename": "be f d ab a d b fcc", "rendered_width": 175, "rendered_height": 200}, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEnjfr0EF9E/T4HonaL-U-I/AAAAAAAAAXo/Q6E3FdDywQM/s200/DSC_0028.JPG", "src": "http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEnjfr0EF9E/T4HonaL-U-I/AAAAAAAAAXo/Q6E3FdDywQM/s200/DSC_0028.JPG", "formatted_filename": "DSC", "rendered_width": 133, "rendered_height": 200}, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrtUSeAJpgM/T4HpHuuH7-I/AAAAAAAAAYA/N-5McI6dg0c/s200/DSC_0046.JPG", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrtUSeAJpgM/T4HpHuuH7-I/AAAAAAAAAYA/N-5McI6dg0c/s200/DSC_0046.JPG", "formatted_filename": "DSC", "rendered_width": 200, "rendered_height": 133}, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9f3NAPUBoxk/T4Ho8Did_nI/AAAAAAAAAX4/N-1tfKDlh0o/s200/DSC_0045.JPG", "src": "http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9f3NAPUBoxk/T4Ho8Did_nI/AAAAAAAAAX4/N-1tfKDlh0o/s200/DSC_0045.JPG", "formatted_filename": "DSC", "rendered_width": 200, "rendered_height": 133}, null, null, {"document_url": "http://www.badassdadgearreview.com/2012/04/", "unformatted_src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4982utJlqY/T3jqKTp72kI/AAAAAAAAAWk/agjtE5TQyHg/s320/562505_10151430378370291_882220290_23364064_384016563_n.jpg", "src": "http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4982utJlqY/T3jqKTp72kI/AAAAAAAAAWk/agjtE5TQyHg/s320/562505_10151430378370291_882220290_23364064_384016563_n.jpg", "rendered_width": 240, "rendered_height": 320}, null, null, null, null]