Some Do’s and Dont’s With the New Texas Open Carry Law

Posted on January 6, 2016 by The ITS Crew

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As of January 1st, Texans with a valid Concealed Handgun License may now openly carry their handguns. While it will always be your choice on which method to carry, it’s a great step forward in the furthering of our 2nd Amendment rights.

There are, however, some things to be aware of with the new law. Today we’ll be discussing the basics and some do’s and dont’s related to open carry in Texas.

Concealed Carry

Mean Gene Leather Belts

Let’s first examine the current law for carrying a handgun in Texas, before the recent open carry addition. In 1995, Texas passed its first Concealed Carry bill allowing residents to apply for a Concealed Handgun License. Unlike some states, Texas required applicants to take a class and pass a shooting test to obtain a CHL.

Once issued, the CHL was required to be renewed every five years, which included taking an additional class. (The requirement of the class for renewal has since been removed.) With a CHL, the holder could now carry in public and into private establishments as long as the gun was concealed. Businesses that didn’t want concealed carry on their premises had to display a sign known as Section 30.06, which gives specific language in both English and Spanish about a License Holder behind barred from entering their establishment with a concealed handgun.

Signs that don’t have the specific language, or aren’t placed in a conspicuous location don’t hold the weight of law. However, if someone from a private establishment asks a CHL Holder to leave the premises, they must comply or be faced with possible trespassing charges.

An additional restriction on concealed handguns prohibits carrying into an establishment that derives more than 51% of its revenue from the sale of alcohol. Signs in these establishments will display this text along with a large 51% image.

Open Carry

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Texas House Bill 910 was first introduced in January of 2015 and was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 13, 2015. This bill changes the nomenclature to a License to Carry rather than a Concealed Handgun License. It allows license holders to carry a handgun unconcealed in a belt or shoulder holster and doesn’t require additional fees, training or paperwork to those with existing Concealed Handgun Licenses.

Holsters

By the text of the law, the holster used for open carry must be a shoulder or belt holster; specifics are not given and don’t include things like retention or attachment method. It’s likely that any holster that attaches to a belt or the shoulder would fit the criteria, so holsters like drop legs should be allowed as long as they attach to the belt in some manner.

Restrictions

No updates have been made to the restriction on prohibited places for carrying a handgun with the passing of open carry. High School, College and Professional sporting events, courtrooms, polling places and secured areas of airports are still off limits, just like they were before with a concealed license.

Section 30.07

As with Concealed Carry, establishments wishing to ban open carry on their premises must display a specific sign, the newly created 30.07 sign. Both the 30.06 and 30.07 must be displayed together in a conspicuous place in order for an establishment to legally bar those with a license from carrying inside.

Our Take

Many opponents to the new legislation feared blood in the streets when House Bill 910 went into effect on the 1st, but their fears seem unwarranted as many Police Departments report having no issues or calls related to open carry.

Though it’s definitely a great step forward in Texas Resident’s Second Amendment rights, we do caution those who choose to carry openly to use a holster with some sort of retention and/or get some weapon retention training. With a holster without retention, it could be easier for someone to take your firearm from you. Many who take a weapon retention class for the first time are surprised at just how easy it can be.

Personally, we feel like open carry draws a large amount of unwanted attention from those around you. We believe in exercising our rights and that rights which aren’t exercised can be lost, but we also advocate being discreet when out and about; it’s a little difficult to do that while open carrying.

What are your thoughts on the recent changes to the law in Texas? Will you be open carrying your handgun? Let us know in the comments below!

Posted in Firearms | Tagged , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Knot of the Week Video: Easily Tie a Lanyard with the Knute Hitch

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Bryan Black

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Today’s Knot of the Week is one of my favorites and is a simple and expedient way to tie a lanyard to pretty much anything with a lanyard hole. It’s also great for hanging up banners, which you can thank me later for suggesting.

Knute Hitch » Hitches

(Strength: 4/Security: 4/Stability: 5/Difficulty: 2) See below for what these ratings mean.

The Knute Hitch can also be utilized for tying onto things with grommets as well, just like the banner I mentioned. Flags are another area this hitch shines in.

It’s suggested that the lanyard hole be twice the diameter of the cord used. As you’ll see in the video, as long as you can squeeze the bight through, then you’re good to go. While you can use a standard overhand knot to tie the stopper knot needed to make the Knute Hitch work, I prefer the Figure-8.

Ratings

Strength/Security/Stability/Difficulty

Each knot will be assigned a rating from 1-5 (1 representing the lowest score) based on the following four properties:

Strength – All knots will weaken the strength of  a rope, however, there are knots that are stronger than others. The scale here will reflect how strong the rope remains with the specified knot.

Security – The security scale refers to how well the knot will stay tied, and resist coming loose under a normal load.

Stability – Stability refers to how easily the knot will come untied under an abnormal load (i.e. the knot being pulled in a direction it was not intended to) A lower score here represents instability.

Difficulty – The lower the number, the easier a knot is to tie.

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Enjoy our Annual Video Outtakes and Have a Very Merry Christmas

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Bryan Black

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As we shoot videos throughout the year, the outtakes pile up and this year was no different. A running tradition for six straight years now, these video outtakes never fail to disappoint. But before you start taking in the hilarity (which might be NSFW by the way,) allow me to say thank you for all your support. We’ve always been extremely fortunate to have loyal and dedicated supporters who value what we bring to the community.

It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the information we share on a daily basis impacts everyone the way it does. Through your communication and feedback, we’ve been able to bring you more in-depth information, products that matter and skill-sets you can use. Thanks for an incredible 2015, we have a lot to be thankful for and it’s all thanks to you!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Bryan Black, Editor-in-Chief and Founder

If the embedded YouTube video isn’t working for you, click here.

Holiday Stand-Down

ITS will be closed starting Thursday, December 24th thru January 4th, 2016. Our online store will remain open, but orders won’t resume shipping until Tuesday, January 5th. We’ll be spending time with our families and friends during the stand-down and hope that you will be too. Additionally, we won’t be available via email or telephone for support during this time, but look forward to getting back to you when we return.

Here’s to an amazing 2016 and all the great things we have planned!

Last Chance to Get Your Grump Morale Patch!

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This year’s ITS Christmas patch is as cuddly as a cactus and as charming as an eel. There’s only a few left, so grab one it’s for real!

Click here to pick up the ITS Grump Morale Patch

Posted in ITS Information | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ridiculous Dialogue Illustrated No. 11

Posted on December 22, 2015 by The ITS Crew

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This 11th Issue of Ridiculous Dialogue Illustrated comes from Episode 35 and a story from our guest on that episode, Jason Crist, AKA the Keeper of the WiFi’s. Owning a communications company, Jason will occasionally receive calls from people looking for help getting set up with equipment and in this case, a friend’s mother was looking to get online with “The Wifi’s.”

Ridiculous Dialogue Illustrated is a selection of some of the best moments from our Podcast, Ridiculous Dialogue. It’s a way to bring some of the inside jokes and adventures to life that we all share here at ITS. This is a monthly comic strip that we’re sure our devoted podcast listeners will relate to and love.

For more on this month’s strip, you can listen or download Episode 35 below, or subscribe on iTunes.

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In Memory of Our Fallen: The Thin Red Line

Posted on December 21, 2015 by The ITS Crew

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Firefighters around the country share a united bond. They are the first responders to devastating fires and other life threatening emergencies. It’s a dangerous, exhausting job that places demands on them most of us could never imagine.

Today, we’re introducing some items in the ITS Store to honor our nation’s Firefighters and support the Thin Red Line.

ITS Thin Red Line Morale Set

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The Thin Red Line is a symbol worn to signify a Firefighter has fallen in the line of duty. It represents their unwavering courage and bravery in forming a Thin Red Line to stand between citizens and raging, unrelenting disasters.

We’ve created the ITS Thin Red Line Morale Set to honor those Firefighters that have fallen in the line of duty and to show support for our nation’s Firefighters.

Click here to pick up your ITS Thin Red Line Morale Set.

ITS Memorial Bracelet (Firefighter Red)

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In addition to the Thin Red Line Morale Set, we’ve partnered with HeroBracelets to offer special edition of our anodized aluminum ITS Memorial Bracelets in Firefighter Red. $2 from the sale of each of these Firefighter Red bracelets will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Click here to order your ITS Memorial Bracelet in Firefighter Red.

Posted in ITS Information | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Got a Case of the Mondays? Then This Morale Patch Is for You!

Posted on December 21, 2015 by The ITS Crew

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Did you know that the number one cause of productivity loss in an office setting is Mondays? Mondays have been linked to the following conditions: Droopy Eyes, Fuzzy Brain, Aggressive Yawning and incorrect TPS Report cover sheets.

If you believe that you, or someone you may know has a Case of the Mondays, act now and pick up the ITS Case of Mondays Morale Patch. While this morale patch is not guaranteed to cure a case of the Mondays, it’s sure to bring a little levity to the dreaded day.

Click here to pick up your ITS Case of Mondays PVC Morale Patch!

Posted in ITS Information | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Double Dripping – Ridiculous Dialogue Episode 42

Posted on December 18, 2015 by The ITS Crew

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Episode 42 – Double Dripping

On this episode, Bryan, Kelly, Rob, Amanda and Matt participate in Bryan’s Chip Chomp Challenge in order to find the quietest chomper. Kelly also reveals her shameful coffee drinking secret and the group discusses the upcoming Batman/Superman movie. Does Batfleck really have a full-length back tattoo?

Matt also debuts a new, shorter Shi**y Movie with Matt and finally, we hear the gripping story behind the Uncle Ray’s Potato Chips used during the Chip Chomp Challenge.

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Ridiculous Dialogue was created to share the banter that takes place at Imminent Threat Solutions on a daily basis. It’s us; candid, unedited and talking about everything from what movies we’re watching to the general geekiness that keeps us laughing here at ITS HQ.

While we generally keep the vibe in our articles PG rated, be warned, it may not be safe to blast over your speakers at work. We hope you enjoy the insight into ITS and who we are behind the scenes as a company; pull up a chair and tune in to Radio ITS.

Posted in Podcast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Gear Tasting 19: Covert Button Up and Using Productivity Tools to Get Things Done

Posted on December 17, 2015 by The ITS Crew

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On this episode, Bryan discusses the new Propper Covert Button-Up shirt and its hidden features. He also answers some Questions over Coffee, including how he uses GTD (Getting Things Done) and Omnifocus to be more productive.

In addition, he provides a walkthrough of how he works and what tools he uses to help him accomplish his daily tasks.

Resources

Propper Covert Button Up – http://bit.ly/1JeXXfZ
ITS Organizational Ninja Article – http://itstac.tc/17Yb348
Getting Things Done System – http://gettingthingsdone.com/
Omnifocus – http://bit.ly/1C9r6Zd
Strikethru – http://striketh.ru/
Sugru – https://sugru.com/

In each episode of Gear Tasting, Imminent Threat Solutions Editor-in-Chief Bryan Black answers your gear-related questions and shares his insight into what we’re currently evaluating at ITS HQ.

For more on the gear we review, check out our GEARCOM category here on ITS.

To have your gear related question answered on an upcoming episode, tweet us using the poundtag #GearTasting on Twitter.

Posted in Gear Tasting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Titan Strategic Security Blanket Review: This Ain’t Your Granny’s Quilt

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Bryan Black

Titan Security Blankets

Wait a minute. A “tactical” quilt? I suppose you could call it that, but I really like Titan Strategic’s name for it. The Security Blanket. It’s everything you’d expect from a US made quilt, without the embarrassing pattern only your wife would love. Besides, who doesn’t want their favorite camouflage pattern on an extremely warm blanket?

I’ve been a fan of quilts ever since my wife Kelly made a few of her own. They’re warmer than a typical blanket that lacks insulation and perfect for your next campout, storing in a vehicle, curling up around the fire with a good book, or even eye guzzling Netflix on the couch this winter. I won’t judge your binge, #showhole.

Titan Strategic Group Security Blanket

I was approached a few months ago by one of our ITS Life Members and the owner of Titan Strategic Group, Brian Sneed, to see if I’d like to review the Security Blanket. Of course I was all over it and may have even watched a few Netflix shows with it. You know, for research.

Titan Security Blankets

Over the past few months, I really have put it through its paces, using it for everything from camping, to a replacement for my covers at night. I typically carry a rolled up wool blanket in my vehicle for emergencies, but I’m making the switch to a Security Blanket. Yes, it may be an expensive emergency blanket, but I’ll also have it there for camping as well.

The name Security Blanket may bring up visuals of Linus from Peanuts clutching his blue blanket, but the only thing similar here is that they’re available in the Navy’s blue NWU (Navy Working Uniform) Type 1 pattern, along with MultiCam and NWU Type 2 (Desert Digital) patterns. What’s resonated with me about the Security Blanket is a bit of nostalgia. These take me back to my youth and a Woodland Camouflage sleeping bag I’d use as a comforter on my bed. I have vivid memories of wanting to join the military back then, when I’d lie in bed and listen to the latest news on Operation Desert Storm.

Titan Security Blankets

Details

As mentioned, the Security Blanket is currently available in three different military-themed patterns, as well as three different sizes, 48″ x 76″, 60″ x 72″ and 60″ x 85″. I opted for 60″ x 72″ on the NWU Type II blanket I had made and feel that it’s a perfect size for me to cover up with, being 5′ 10″ tall.

Here’s Titan Strategic’s sizing guidelines:

  • 48″ x 76″  (sized specifically for submarine or surface ship racks)
  • 60″ x 72″  (standard lap blanket size)
  • 60″ x 85″  (standard twin bed or oversize lap blanket)

Titan Security Blankets

Not only do you have options for camouflage patterns and size, but there’s also two different kinds of quilting stitches available. A topo map pattern or dog tag pattern. I opted for the topo map pattern, but you’ll also see a Navy themed pattern in the photos here of the NWU Type 1 blanket. I was lent a few extra blankets to include in this review to show the options available.

Titan Security Blankets

Just when you thought the options were over, surprise, there’s more! You also can opt to have loop velcro sewn on to add a name tape or other morale patch flair you may want, as well as a border around the loop velcro squares. The standard velcro option includes six 3.5″ x 3.5″ loop squares and the bordered version has five loop squares.

Titan Security Blankets

Titan Security Blankets

Construction

Did I mention that the fabric used in the Security Blanket is Cordura NYCO Ripstop? This guarantees that you won’t have to worry about rough handling of your blanket. It’s durable and made extremely well with double stitched edge binding for additional strength. Speaking of stitching, something really neat on the MultiCam blanket is the use of varigated thread, which changes colors in the pattern. We’ve tried to grab a photo of it below.

Titan Security Blankets

Inside, Titan Strategic uses Hobbs Batting (80% Cotton / 20% Polyester) for insulation and the backside of the blanket is genuine Polartec Fleece for added warmth. All fabrics are sourced in the US, including the Velcro USA MultiCam loop.

When you first get your Security Blanket, you’ll see the recommended washing instructions that will smooth out some of the rough texture of the NYCO Cordura and make it even softer. The Polartec Fleece is super soft out of the bag, but a first washing on any quilt is always recommended. I didn’t know that tidbit until I was married, but I digress.

Wrap Up

Titan Security Blankets

Each Security Blanket is custom built-to-order specifically for you, which means you can work with Titan Strategic on a custom size, stitching pattern, or even having your name, rank or insignia embroidered on. Titan is currently quoting a two week shipping time from the time you place your order, with the holidays, it’s probably best to double check on that.

Titan Security Blankets

One last thing I’d like to mention comes from Kelly, she let me know that the pricing that Titan is charging is very competitive with US handmade and machine made quilts. These aren’t mass produced and are individually machine sewn and quilted by Titan Strategic right here in the US.

The price may seem high when you look what’s on the shelf at big box stores, but those quilts are typically mass produced overseas. In my opinion, the Security Blankets are worth the price for their American made materials and construction. It’s a keepsake that you can pass down to your kids and I plan on my Security Blanket lasting a lifetime.

Posted in Apparel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 103 Comments

Knot of the Week Video: Learn How to Ascend a Rope Easily With the Prusik Knot

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Bryan Black

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Today in our Knot of the Week HD I’ll be going over one of my favorite knots, the Prusik Knot. I refer to the fixed loop that’s created by first tying a Double Fisherman’s Knot as a Prusik Loop and I primarily use it as a backup during rappelling.

By wrapping the aforementioned loop around a larger diameter line, you create a versatile friction hitch that works by gripping the rope and providing friction to support a climbers weight. The Prusik is also referred to as an autoblock, which means that the “knot” can slide freely during a controlled descent, but will bind in the event of a fall; stopping your descent.

The Prusik’s use as an autoblock certainly isn’t the only one, it can also be paired with a second Prusik Loop to ascend a rope as well. The Prusik is used extensively in caving, climbing, rappelling and even rescue operations.

Prusik Knot » Hitches

(Strength: 4/Security: 4/Stability: 4/Difficulty: 4) See below for what these ratings mean.

With a Prusik Knot, it’s important not to use too small of a diameter rope when compared to the main line you’re attaching it to. It can slip if your cordage is too small of a diameter and you never want to use paracord when using the Prusik Knot as an autoblock. The number of wraps around the main line will determine how tight the grip on the rope will be when loaded and more than three wraps is considered excessive.

A pull from either direction on the Prusik Loop will cause it to bind, locking the knot. Another great use for the Prusik is ascending a rope, which can be done with two Prusiks. When Prusiking, one Prusik Loop is attached to a climbing harness and another longer Prusik Loop is attached below that you place a foot into. The technique is to stand up in the foot loop, sliding the harness Prusik up the rope and then sitting down in it. Now just slide the foot Prusik up the rope and repeat.

Depending on the type, some traditional mechanical ascenders can damage a rope and using Prusiks can be a great way avoid that damage and always have a lightweight means of ascending the rope with you. Unlike mechanical ascenders that only grip when downward force is applied, the Prusik can be loaded from either direction to grip.

Ratings

Strength/Security/Stability/Difficulty

Each knot will be assigned a rating from 1-5 (1 representing the lowest score) based on the following four properties:

Strength – All knots will weaken the strength of  a rope, however, there are knots that are stronger than others. The scale here will reflect how strong the rope remains with the specified knot.

Security – The security scale refers to how well the knot will stay tied, and resist coming loose under a normal load.

Stability – Stability refers to how easily the knot will come untied under an abnormal load (i.e. the knot being pulled in a direction it was not intended to) A lower score here represents instability.

Difficulty – The lower the number, the easier a knot is to tie.

Posted in Hitches | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments