How to get started
Here in the B.B.C & T.A.R.D.S it's our commitment to elevate the Ohio training and shooting community by giving good advice, sharing local businesses that give top notch value for great knowledge, and making sure folks know where to get the best suited gear for their needs. We may give each other grief and rib you a little. But what good bunch of friends doesn't?
We're glad to have you here. Now GET OUT THERE AND TRAIN!
WHAT SETUP SHOULD I CHOOSE?
What gear/equipment you use is generally dictated by the event or range you will be on. There are multiple ways to outfit yourself. Choose what best fits your situation.
IS MORE EXPENSIVE MORE BETTER?
A common misconception is that spending more = being better. Definitely not the case. There's a "trusted" list below for a reason.
WHAT WE TRUST
DMR/SPR/Recce/GPR: A large or standard frame rifle with a low to medium power optic. Very capable in 2-600m engagements. Often pairs well with things like tripods, range finders. Think a 16" suppressed 5.56 or .308
SBR/CQBR: A short, often carbine length rifle/pistol/AR-p (think UNDER 14.5") usually performs amazing in areas under 400m CQB type stuff.
Battle Belt: Belt rigs come in a million varieties, pick a decent one (Ferro, Shaw Concepts, Blue Alpha) put some mags, your holster, and maybe a dump pouch on it.
Plate Carriers/ Chest Rigs: These are for packing out the stuff on your torso. Both are useful and recommended. Crye, Helikon Tex, Onward Research, Trex Arms, Spiritus, Shaw Concepts. If you run a carrier. We Highly advise NIJ certified plates like HESCO, Hi-Com, even RMA has some affordable options.
Optics: Run a good optic. We know they're costly. But good glass makes a world of difference.
Mid-Long Range: Nightforce NX6, NX8, ATACR. Leupold Mk4, Mk5, Mk6, and Mk8 series, Steiner, Vortex Viper/Razor series
Pistol/Holographic/Red dot: Eotech, Aimpoint, Holosun, Sig Sauer, Steiner, Lead and Steel
Lights are Vitally Important. Consider it a requirement.
Rifle: Surefire, Mod light, Cloud Defensive
Pistol: Surefire, Streamlight
-no, that one Chinese brand isn't here. We do not condone using low yield explosives for target identification. Ever.
Slings: A good 2 point is all you need. Tons of great people out there. Tang Slangs, Ferro Concepts, Onward Research, Trex Arms, exc
Holsters: Depends on the use, Safariland for Duty/Retention is the gold standard. We have had great luck with ANR designs also.
Universal: Things we think everyone should bring to events/range days/classes.
MEDICAL KITS/TQs. everyone, and we mean EVERYONE should have a med kit and know at least a little of how to use it.
Recce/DMR Rifle
Christian's NSW Recce setup in use at a DMR Course.
Using a ferro concepts sling, surefire light, and Harris bipod
So you have a full setup ready to roll. Now what?
Here are a couple of trusted instruction sources where you can get some incredible knowledge for BANGER value
