SIRT Drills: Maintenance Drill #2

Earlier this week, my good friend Hilton Yam posted on the 10-8 Performance Blog a simple maintenance set of drills that can be done with the SIRT pistol from Next Level Training. It's an excellent way to get 40 quality trigger presses in from every (normal) way one might hold the pistol. Hilton's post reminded me of a warmup I used to do to start off every range session. 

The set is very simple:

10 reps: From the holster, draw and fire one round, strong hand supported (freestyle)

10 reps: From the holster, draw and fire one round, strong hand only

10 reps: From the ready position of your choice, fire one round, support hand supported (freestyle, support side)

10 reps: From the ready position of your choice, fire one round, support hand only

Difficulty is set by the user. I normally do this on our 10-8 Dry Fire Target which allows you to set the difficulty by simply choosing a target that is scaled for a longer distance. So depending on the day, you can either focus on extreme speed or developing trigger mechanics on the 25 yard target.

This is also a great drill set to do live fire on the range.

Like Hilton's Maintenance Drill, this set takes very little time to complete, but reinforces and develops trigger control, sight acquisition, and presentations from all conventional methods of holding the pistol. We all know we should develop our support hand skills, but it is hard work and not much fun to do since most people's support hand feels retarded compared to their strong hand. This drill set requires very little time commitment but incrementally develops our support hand skills.

Add this drill set to your training regimen and watch your skills grow!

Guide to Thread Locking Compounds

Over the years, one of the things I have found that I cannot do without is a good thread locking compound. Whether it is a 1911, Glock, or M4, I find that there is always something that can and will work itself loose on a weapon system.

Here are the compounds I keep on hand both in the shop and inside my range bag, and what I use them for.

Loctite 242 (Blue)

This is what I end up using most. It is best for applications where you want screws to stay put, but may need to loosen them for periodic maintenance. I use Loctite 242 on all sorts of screws that need to stay in place, but not permanently. These include screws for 1911 grips, M4 rail mounts, light mounts, optic mounts, sling mounts, etc., I also use this for sight screws for the rear sight on pistols. Remember that a properly fitted sight should fit snugly and the screw should not be the primary source of tension in the dovetail. 

Some optic or light mounts are secured via a thumb screw, and I always hit these with a bit of 242 as well. If this doesn't secure it, you may have to try 271 to hold them in place.

Loctite 638

I started using Loctite 638 Retaining Compound at the suggestion of my good friend Hilton Yam, who had discovered it was far more robust than Loctite 271 (Red) or Black MAX for permanent application. I recommend using this compound for permanent or semi-permanent installations of parts, such as final installs of 1911 front sights or plunger tubes. Some rifle manufacturers use it for permanent installations of gas blocks on M4 type rifles. Since using this compound on plunger tubes, I have yet to have one come loose (with proper staking, of course.)

Loctite 271 (Red)

There are still some good uses for 271, where you want something more robust than 242 yet less permanent than 638. Examples of this might be 1911 grip screw bushings (you don't want those coming out every time you unscrew your grip screws) or some stubborn roll pins that just keep wanting to wander out.

While appropriate thread locking compound is good insurance, I still hit all critical screws with a paint pen to make witness marks. This will make it easy to tell if any screws begin to back out.

Do you have any handy uses for Loctite that you'd like to share? Hit me up and let me know!

Tim Lau

10-8 Consulting, LLC

Aimpoint CCO Training at Telluric Group

I just returned home from an Aimpoint media event and training course hosted at the Telluric Group training facility in Brunswick, GA. Now this was a bit of preaching to the choir on Aimpoint's part, as I have been an end user and believer in the Aimpoint red dot sight for over a decade. I will be covering the specifics regarding the training in an upcoming article and sidebar for Soldier of Fortune Magazine, but some notable news:

Telluric Group is now the official training provider for Aimpoint. They have developed a specific curriculum for professional end users that covers operation and maintenance of the Aimpoint red dot sighting system. The folks at Telluric Group come from a varied background consisting of military special operations and law enforcement tactical teams. Their staff and facility are excellent and well suited for the type of training they provide.

The Aimpoint PRO coupled with LaRue Tactical's M68 CCO Mount: a match made in heaven.

As many customers and dealers are already aware, the extremely popular Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) is now available for commercial sales. This affordable optic comes complete with the robust Rail Grabber mount, yet has all the features requested by professional end users: 2 MOA dot, night vision compatibility, extended battery life (30,000 hours or approx 3 years continuous use), and Aimpoint's legendary durability and reliability.

Special thanks to Daniel Defense for providing the guns for the training. We also had a special visit from the fine folks at Blue Force Gear, who provided pouches and slings for the event. The instructors at Telluric Group were experienced, knowledgeable, and consummate professionals. I look forward to returning for more training with them, specifically for their Night Vision Operator's Course.


If you get a chance, visit the above linked sites and let us know what you think!


Tim Lau
10-8 Consulting, LLC