January 12th 2019 in Callahan, Fl
Flat Track Motorcycle race presented by Stay The Course and CTR. Pro, Hooligan, Vintage, Amateur and Youth classes. Free camping at the track. Podium ceremonies after each race where you can thank your sponsors. Friday night practice. Saturday morning marketing seminar. Cool awards. Randy Texter Memorial Dash for Cash for Pro Class. Stay The Course will have a huge merchandise display on site. Kids foot race. Tons of fun and entertainment. Post-race party. Tons of social media and online live coverage. We have Sunday saved for a rain date.
Randy Texter Memorial Dash for Cash
Currently at: $1000
Sponsors: Roof Systems Dallas, TX
Tentative Schedule:
Current Sponsors: CTR, Stay The Course, Holeshot Powersports, Roof Systems, Law Tigers, Evans Coolant, Roswell Bicycles, Tucker Powersports, Thom Duma Fine Jewelers, Motion Pro, Inc., Matrix Concepts, Kicker Personal Audio, ODI Grips, Arai Helmet Americas, Works Connection, Grip Clean
]]>Its no surprise that we at Stay the Course love Jeeps, hell our company vehicle is a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. This year we decided to become a sponsor and participate in one of the largest Jeep events in the country.
Jeep Beach is an annual event of Jeep enthusiasts celebrating a passion for off-road vehicles. The event is held in Daytona Beach and is five days of family friendly fun for Jeep owners.
Some of the activities will include:
The Mid Florida Jeep Club is proud to present the 13th Anniversary of Jeep Beach. The event has become the largest JEEP ONLY five day event in the Southeast USA. This year’s event is shaping up to be the best year yet. We are expecting thousands of attendees, so make your plans now to attend and enjoy the many festivities, great friends and wonderful Florida weather!
April 22, and 23rd will be the main event that takes place inside the Daytona International Speedway. Make sure to swing by our booth. We are going to be in the yellow section, booth 143 and 144. We will have our new blender bottles, and hats available, and even some limited edition gear that we haven't sold before should make an appearance. As always, there are still free stickers with each purchase!
]]>When it comes to federal holidays celebrated in the United States, people are often confused between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The confusion isn’t all that difficult to understand since they both have to do with the military, and the way the holidays are portrayed by stores hosting 'Huge Sales!' make them seem almost identical. While both holidays celebrate the military, they celebrate very different aspects of it. Understanding the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day will help you understand why you shouldn’t celebrate the holidays the same.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May each year (this year it will be celebrated on May 25), and it’s a holiday for honoring and remembering those who have served and died for their country. It’s particularly for military service personnel who died as the result of battle or died from wounds sustained from battle. Memorial Day is to celebrate the men and women who gave their lives for our country.
Since Memorial Day honors the US military dead, it’s common for those celebrating the holiday to visit and bring flowers to memorials and cemeteries which honor those who have died in military service. One common way people volunteer for Memorial Day observances is to place an American flag on each grave at military and national cemeteries.
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 each year, although it sometimes is celebrated on the following Monday if it happens to land on a Sunday. For 2015, Veterans Day is celebrated on Wednesday, November 11.
Veterans Day doesn’t honor the military dead, but honors all who are alive those who have honorably served in the military. It doesn’t matter if the person serves during war or during peaceful times. If they have been part of the military at any time, then they are celebrated on Veterans Day.
Why do you need to know the difference?
The problem is that the two holidays have, for many, become a time to thank the military. Much of this can be attributed to companies advertising where military discounts are often given to active members on Memorial Day.
For those in the military who understand the difference, this can create some awkward situations on Memorial Day. Those who don’t understand the different meanings of the two holidays often go up to military personnel and thank them for their service on a day that’s meant to honor the military dead. To be thanked, although well-meaning, when the day is to remember those who gave their lives and not those who are still alive makes for an uncomfortable situation.
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So when first researching this build, I found that there were several ways I could go. I could of bought a complete gun for several thousand dollars. I could of bought the already built upper and lower assemblies, but I would of still paid more than I wanted, and not had everything I wanted included in the build.
So I decided to piece it together. Keep in mind, this isn't a typical AR15 build, where all the parts are generally the same, and will fit together with some ease. With a .308 AR build you can go the AR-10, LR-308 or the SR-25 route. Some similar parts, some different, but I found there were more parts availability for the AR-10/LR-308 than the SR-25, so thats the way I went.
Lower
I went with the Aero Precision M5 receiver set. I chose it mainly because it looked good with the matching upper, it is billet, and is priced very well.
With all the positives with the Aero receiver set, there is one huge negative. Parts compatibility.
With most .308 lowers, a lot of regular AR15 parts will fit, however there are some parts that are .308 specific, and with the Aero lower, there are parts that are Aero specific. So I am documenting MY build, and MY experience to maybe help someone with assembling one of these.
AR15 Parts that will work-
Trigger
Trigger pins
Grip, and associated hardware
Buffer Tube
Safety Assembly
Detents and springs
.308 Parts-
Buffer
Buffer Spring
Mag catch
Parts that are Aero Precision M5 Specific-
Takedown, and Pivot pins
Bolt catch
I made the mistake of ordering a 308 AR10 upgrade kit from Palmetto State Armory, nothing in there worked for the Aero lower, so it was a waste of 30 dollars.
So in short, if you are using the M5 lower receiver, use the parts from Aero Precision right off the bat, it will save you in the long run.
Here is a parts list for my 308 Lower.
Lower - Aero Precision M5
Trigger - Geissele SD-E
Stock - Magpul UBR stock
Grip - Magpul MOE+
Pins - Aero M5 pins
Bolt catch - Aero M5
Safety - Battle Arms
Mag catch - Aero M5 with Seekins button
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I am a survivalist. However, not in the sense you typically think when you hear that phrase. I am not one of the guys you see on “Doomsday Preppers.” Sure, I enjoy going into the woods, and testing bushcraft skills, and whatnot, but that’s not what I’m referring to when I say I’m a survivalist.
This past week we all saw the video of the police officer shooting a man as he’s running away. This is terrible, I know. However, this article isn't about police brutality, their use of force or whether it is justified or not. It is simply about survival.
First off, I enjoy living. I enjoy knowing that I will be alive when I wake up, barring an ‘act of god.’ What I mean by this is; I am not going to do anything that will warrant my life being taken from me. I don’t drive like an asshole on a motorcycle, I don’t abuse narcotics, and I don’t fight with police officers.
You’re probably thinking “Whoa… wait a minute, the police officer in the video shot him as he was running away and he falsified reports.” Sure, I know that. If this is in fact the case, then the police officer should be charged. HOWEVER, if you don’t want to be killed/shot/tazed/beat up, then do not put yourself in a situation that in which a police officer could misinterpret your intentions. Sound insensitive to this situation? It’s not. I am not justifying this officer’s actions. I wasn't there, and I've never had police training. I do not know what happened during the struggle, nor do I know all the facts of this case. However, if a police officer is trying to arrest me, detain me, or question me, I know to shut the fuck up. Maybe the cop is in the wrong, but I can deal with that afterwards. Maybe someone who fits my description robbed someone, who cares, I’m innocent, if your first though is “I should run…” you’re a fucking idiot, and you should expect to be smashed into the pavement. Do not run, do not argue, just shut the fuck up. Might sound like my freedom is being infringed, or I’m letting the man do whatever they want to me… so fucking be it, you’ll be alive to fight the case in court. I promise you, you have a 100 percent better chance at living when dealing with a police officer if; you don’t run, don’t grab his gun, and don’t argue. Survival… it seems like every day you hear about an officer involved shooting, so, why put yourself at risk? Once again, this isn't saying that the cop had the right to fire on him; these are just some thoughts from a random dude who enjoys living his life.
On Veterans day, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said that the holiday aimed at honoring our heroes, has been turning into a weekend sale. I agreed with his statement, and while I have no issue with capitalism, our priorities as a country are remarkably skewed. Memorial and Veterans day have turned from honoring our fallen, and praising those who signed the dotted line, to the weekend where you can get 199 dollar flat screens, and half priced washers and dryers. Howard Schultz aims to change the way our veterans are welcomed back home, and help them get back into the work force.
Back in March, Schultz/Starbucks donated 30 million dollars to go towards Veterans with TBI, and PTS, this is after he pledged to hire 10,000 Veterans, and Military spouses.
During an interview with Scott Pelley, Schultz said something that stuck with me.
..That's correct. The truth of the matter is, and I say this with respect, more often than not, the government does a very -- a much better job of sending people to war than they do bringing them home. These young men and women who are coming home from multiple deployments are not coming home to a parade. They're not coming home to a celebration. They're coming home to an American public that really doesn't understand, and never embraced, what these people have done.
I have known that Starbucks gives back to Vets for a while now, we have had coffee care packages sent to us, and even received gift cards at the USO while traveling. But when I walked into my local store this past weekend, and saw the things they were doing, it blew me away. They had coffee for sale where all the proceeds went to Veterans charities, a donation drop box, even a veteran themed gift card which if you purchased, Starbucks will donate $5 to Onward Veterans, an initiative to support and empower veterans as they transition to civilian life, and as the lady said, it was selling like crazy. It is nice to see a mega huge company is trying to give back, and not solely interested in profits.
If you are interested in the programs Starbucks offers, check out the Veterans Page on the Starbucks website.
So before you 3pers, or 2A douchebags chime in about the recent debacle with the open carry group, ask yourself which company has given more to veterans, or are as committed to hiring our heroes?
For the dudes who says Starbucks coffee sucks, its better than the steaming pile of shit that Dunkin Donuts sells.
If you want to submit your ideas, email us. info@staythecourseind.com
Being the type of person I am, I sketch a lot. Whether it be a new tee shirt design, or doodling while talking a phone call, some sort of writing implement is usually always in my hands. I usually like writing with a pencil because I can edit, erase, and change things up fairly quickly. That being said the only type of pencil you can carry in your pocket is a mechanical pencil, which is fine for the most part, but sometimes I want a regular number two lead pencil. However you can't carry one of those in your pocket.
When Jon showed me the prototype for the bullet pencil I was immediately intrigued. It's small enough to fit in pocket, and extremely lightweight at half an ounce. The bullet pencil serves a dual role. In addition to being a regular number two pencil it also acts as a quasi kubaton. A kubaton is a self-defense device designed to be held like an ice pick, or with a forward grip, and is excellent to target fleshy, sensitive parts such as knuckles, forearms, the bridge of the nose, solar plexus, spine, temple, ribs, groin, neck and eyes. With the top cap of the bullet pencil being a nice point, it should perform fine being buried into an attackers collarbone.
Operation of the bullet pencil is simple, unscrew the cap, flip it around, and screw it back in, then you're off and writing. You can also use any pencil you want. I am partial to Faber-Castell HB pencils, so I went ahead and threw one in there.
Metal shop CT is in old world machine shop. Growing up watching his Grandfather operate and run his own machine shop he was intrigued with the whole process. After opening his own shop, Jon became tired of many products being produced overseas, so he took his training, and experience and set out to build the best products he can, all the old fashioned way, with hard work, and attention to detail.
The Bullet Pencil is currently on its last week of its KickerStarter campaign, while they are already fully funded, they are trying to reach their stretch goal, so check it out and back it. You can even purchase the new pen option they are currently offering.
The Bullet Pencil has found it home in my EDC for the past 2 weeks now, and I don't plan on changing it out anytime soon.
Check out Metal Shop online
2014 Navy Hornet Ball is the most definitely the best naval aviation video of the year. The Hornet Ball is an annual event consisting of all the West coast Naval Hornet and Super Hornet squadrons. Each year the event features a video, produced by “Wingnut”, a Hornet pilot himself, compiled from all the squadrons’ last year of flying in both combat and training missions: catapult launches, trap landings, aerobatics, dogfighting, live firing of air-to-air missiles, LGBs (Laser Guided Bombs), cluster bombs, low level flying in the desert, and much more. Being stationed on an aircraft carrier for 4 years, and seeing these birds in action was truly unforgettable experience. Hornet pilots are also bad influences, excellent drinkers, and will try to have sex with anything they can. Watch it now and comment below!
This blog post is going to sound insensitive, please don’t take it that way. This is just the rambling of a normal man who is questioning the world. I am in no way trained as a Sociologist, Doctor, or any type of educated scholar. Just take it for what it is, words.
The are all types of bags in the tactical/prepper market today. Bug Out Bags, Get Home Bags, Shit Hits the Fan Bags, while most carry the necessities for survival, people forgo the creature comforts they are accustom to when building a wearable bag. Truck bags are a different type of beast altogether. Your vehicle carries the bag, so weight saving isn't high on the list, yet useful items are. When I make a truck bag, I want it to contain stuff I need now, not the stuff I need if I am living in the woods for a month or two.
So where to start? First off, identity your needs, and wants.
Needs:
-Water
-Fire/Signal
-Shelter
-First Aid
Your needs are the basically the bare essentials you want in any bag you carry. It's stuff that is important to have, could get your ass out of a jam, and save your life.
Wants:
Man, I can go on and on in this section. It all depends what you want to haul around. It is 100 percent subjective to YOUR needs. Fuel, tools, tent, guns, floodlights, the possibilities are endless, however for the sake of this article, the wants will be constrained to the limits of the size of the bag. Great thing is, you can add and subratact gear and tools to fit your requirements.
The bag itself (pictured above) is from LA Police Gear, it's their Tactical Bail Out Gear Bag, and it sells for around 19 dollars, however they run sales often, and can scoop it up for as low as 15 dollars.
I haven't used this bag before, so I cannot confirm on how well it will hold up, but the bag is a best seller (over 130,000 sold), so I doubt there were alot of problems.
-It is made from 600 Denier Nylon
-Has a hidden full size gun pocket.
-Has a slot to fit iPads, tablets, and small laptops.
-The bag is sectioned off down the center, and is covered in a loop type fabric, so you can attach your holders that are velcro based.
-The bag measures approximately 16" x 11" x 6.5" externally (15" x 10.5" x 6" internally.)
-Includes a padded and removable shoulder strap.
-Numerous pockets, to stuff all type of shit in there.
-High quality zippers with paracord pulls (which I will probably replace)
Part 2 of the article will include all the gear that I have stuff into the bag. Be warned, this fits MY needs, not yours. So choose your gear carefully.
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A one minute and fifty second trailer was released yesterday for the upcoming movie "American Sniper." American Sniper details the life of Chris Kyle, US Navy Seal, who is the most lethal sniper in American military history. Kyle was so infamous during the Iraq war, that the insurgents dubbed him Shaitan Ar-Ramadi, (Devil of Ramadi) and had an 80,000 dollar bounty on his head. As you may, or may not know, Chris Kyle was killed in the United States by a troubled Marine, who is now awaiting trial for his death. Bradley Cooper who plays Kyle, has vowed to tell this story for him, and all the veterans who have sacrificed for our country. American Sniper is being directed by Clint Eastwood, who already has some great films in his quiver as a director (Grand Torino, Heartbreak Ridge.) The film is slotted for a limited Christmas Day release, opening wider on Jan. 16. I will say this, make sure you read the book before you watch the movie.
Company Spotlight: REI
Pistol vs. SBR
There seems to be a lot of confusion about the difference between what is considered a pistol, as opposed to a SBR (short barreled rifle) when it comes to AR patterned firearms. Understandably so, since the dividing line between the two continually gets blurred by innovative accessory items like the Sig Arm Brace and the Thordsen Customs buffer tube cover kit. But let’s go back to basics and we’ll cover these types of accessories at a later time…
Very simply stated, in regards to AR patterned firearms, any rifle that has a barrel UNDER 16-inches in length overall, combined with a buttstock is considered a SBR and requires the appropriate paperwork along with the $200 tax stamp from the BATFE in accordance with the NFA (National Firearms Act).
Consider the same firearm however, built without the stock, and instead utilizing a pistol buffer tube instead of a rifle buffer tube and it becomes a pistol. Completely legal with no BATFE paperwork or tax stamp required. The difference between pistol and rifle buffer tubes you ask? Simple, on a pistol buffer tube there is nowhere for a stock to mount. That’s it. Hell, the Thordsen buffer tube kit uses a keyed stock exactly like a rifle stock except that it does not have holes in it for a stock to lock into.
This is why the AR Pistol has grown in popularity, you can still get all the benefits of a SBR, just without a buttstock, or the BATFE hassle, or the extra two-hundred bucks. Seriously, who the hell doesn’t like the idea of a 7.5” barrel AR that you can build yourself, without a bunch of government bureaucracy getting in the way?
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When I woke up this morning, something felt different. It was different when I shuffled to the coffee maker, let my dogs out, and turned on the laptop. It is growth, this brand is growing, and in turn I am growing with it. Last night we hit 20,000 followers on our instagram page. Which is insane. But I finally feel we have found our niche, our place within ourselves. When I thought of the concept for Stay the Course last year, I envisioned something different than what we are today. I had difficulties establishing what we were. Were we an apparel company? A blog? A review site? etc. There wasn't really a clear answer then. We are not just an apparel company, we are a brand, a brand that yes, sells apparel, but we are so much more than that. We are the extra push you need to get your ass in gear, we are the dudes that tell you to keep fucking going, we are your motivation, the brand that tells you to experience, and enjoy your life. So many awesome things are on the horizon. Our clothing production has been moved in house, which means faster restocks, and more frequent clothing drops. The blog will be much more frequent, and will include tips and tricks, how-to's, new products, reviews, fitness etc. We are also establishing a special projects division which will be much more than just tee shirts. So to each, and everyone of our supporters, I wish to say thank you from that bottom of my heart. The support and encouragement you guys give us on a daily basis is staggering. You all fucking rule.
Steven LaBarre
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I’m sure most of you know what situational awareness is, and how it is relevant in your day to day lives. Most of you are concealed carry permit holders, fathers, mothers, protectors. People depend on you to keep them safe. People with a decent grasp of situational awareness also take into account the atmospherics in their current location without even knowing it.
Atmospherics, or environmental recon, is the rhythm, the energy of people, vehicles, noises, cameras, music. It encompasses all of your senses. What are you picking up? What are you feeling? Is there tension in the air? A confrontation? A loud muffler? Someone paying too much attention to your children?
When I enter a space I immediately start taking in atmospherics, and start assessing the situation, even if there isn’t a particular threat I’m looking for. It is just second nature to me. I, for one, do not want to take my family into a compromising situation, or one that has the potential to turn dangerous.
I was in my local coffee shop a few weeks ago and as soon as I walked through the door I felt something. It was just a touch quieter than it normally is and there was electricity in the air. Something was off, and my body, gut, and mind was firing all sorts of signals to find out what the abnormality was. Turns out it was a couple tucked away in the corner having a mute, semi violent (i.e. grabbing arms) argument/confrontation. Other customers were aware of this incident, as were the employees, yet not one mother fucker wanted to open their mouth about it (Bystander Effect, which I will have an article about soon). I didn’t say anything either, but I did assert myself into the situation unknowingly to them. There was a rack of coffee mugs and various gifts in front of their table, so I took several minutes to peruse everything on the rack. They eventually got up and left. They walked to their vehicle and I took a mental picture of the douche bags license plate to pass along, if need be.
It doesn’t take a lot of time, just look around, process your thoughts, feelings, and senses. Identify the exits, potential threats, and always listen to your gut. With the complete awareness of your situation, you will be better able to make rapid decisions (fight or flight), and you will be in a better position to protect yourself and your family.
Steven LaBarre
Stay the Course
]]>Things to expect on this blog:
Please stick around, and get to know us. We will not disappoint.
Stay The Course
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