This week’s mailbag addresses some interesting questions…
Read on to find out why you shouldn’t always open your door to the police, the reason the FBI qualification test has changed, my top recommendation for night vision goggles and more
And remember to send your most pressing safety and survival questions to SPYfeedback@LFB.org to be answered in a future edition of the Weekly Drop.
Here we go!
What about cops knocking on doors with no warrant or due cause — not just once, but periodically? What can you do?
— Sambulo K.
If you didn’t commit a crime or call the police to respond to your home, then they shouldn’t have any reason to knock on your door.
Furthermore, you don’t have to open the door to them if you don’t want to. You can just talk to them through the door like you would a delivery person or any other stranger who comes to your door.
If you feel like the police are harassing you, I recommend recording all of your interactions with them on your phone. Then you can meet with the supervisors at the police department to voice your concerns.
I’ve heard you mention the FBI’s firearms qualification test before. I found several variations on the internet and on YouTube, but they all seem different from one another. Do you have an authoritative source for the stages of this test? I couldn’t find it on the FBI’s website either… I’d love to try to pass it!
— Mike S.
After reviewing roughly 200 shootings involving FBI agents, the Bureau learned that 75% of incidents involved suspects within three yards of agents when shots were fired. Since most shootings occur at such a short distance, the FBI changed their qualification test a few years ago to make it more representative of the type of shootings agents are typically involved in.
The specific FBI qualification test I recommend is only 60 rounds and encompasses five different stages that include varying distances and timing. For a complete explanation of this qualification test, do an internet search along the lines of “FBI qualification, 60 rounds, five stages.” You’ll find several different sites that explain each stage in detail.
This test is a great way to practice your shooting skills — especially since most shootings occur at a distance of three yards or less.
I am looking for quality night vision goggles. Do you sell any or is there a type you can recommend?
— Charles Z.
The thing about night vision goggles is that they are very expensive — a quality pair will cost at least $2,000. Plus, most of the ones available on the civilian market are nothing like the ones worn by the U.S. military. That being said, there’s no doubt night vision goggles provide a tactical advantage.
One model I recommend is the Armasight PVS7-3 Alpha Gen 3. These sell for a little under $4,000 on Amazon, but they are high-quality goggles. The PVS7-3 are rugged, compact and built with the highest-grade optics.
For hands-free use, these can be worn on a flip-up head mount or optional universal helmet mount. Both of which have a built-in mechanism that will automatically turn the unit off when it is flipped up.
What replacement/backup batteries do you recommend for the Seal Torch 2000 and other smaller tactical flashlights I ordered from Laissez Faire, and where would be the best place to get them? I have been gratefully impressed with the products I have already ordered from you and look forward to seeing what else you may have to offer in future…
— Kathie B.
Here are the number and type of batteries you need for each device:
- SEAL Torch 2000s — Three AAA batteries OR one 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Pocket Torch — One regular AA battery OR one 14500 lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
Now, before you stock up on just any battery, I recommend buying Panasonic eneloop batteries, which can be purchased on Amazon. These rechargeable alkaline batteries can be recharged up to 2,100 times — so they’ll last you a lifetime. .
In addition, they maintain up to 70% of their charge after 10 years when not in use. They also include battery detection technology, meaning the charging unit automatically shuts off when charging is complete.
I use these batteries in most of my electronic devices and find them incredibly dependable.
Now for a tip from one of my readers. Take it away, Ben.
Regarding tactical pen refills: I use either a Parker Pen refill or a Fisher Space Pen refill. The Fisher refill is pressurized so you can write upside down, underwater and, yes, in low orbit.
— Ben W.
The tactical pen is designed to be compatible with different brands of refills and these are all great options. As you mentioned, the Fisher Space Pen refill is probably the most dependable choice — especially for interstellar travel.
This is just added proof that you truly can take the tactical pen anywhere. That’s why it’s my go-to self-defense weapon. Everyone in my family carries one as well. Click here now to get one for yourself for 80% off.
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
