Editorial A Suitable Independence Day Message David Reeder July 4, 2013 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. I have been accused (probably righteously) of suffering what my Marine friends call a slight case of motardation. I accept this, and try not to get too worked up over things that (maybe) in the grand scheme aren't a huge issue. Those efforts are largely unsuccessful. It bothers me that some no doubt well-meaning real estate lady puts little American flags in every yard in my neighborhood each year on the morning of Independence Day. I don't blame her for wanting to get her business card out there (there is one hooked to every little flagpole) but I know that most of those little flags will still be out there next week, and a bunch of them will be on the ground. This is of course a sad commentary on the people who don't take care of the flags correctly, which just adds to my frustration. It aggravates me that I receive e-mails and press releases from companies, ostensibly in the “tactical/military” industry, that wish me a “Happy 4th of July” along with a discount code. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the discount code, but is it so hard to say Happy Independence Day instead? We celebrate this date for a very serious reason. If you are a company whose intended market is comprised largely of patriotic, serving Americans (military, first responders, etc.) I think it would behoove you to get it right. You don't say, “Happy 11th of November!”, or “Merry 25th of December!”, and you damn sure don't say “Happy Final Monday of May!” I mention industry examples, but this tendency if representative of much of the general population as well. I'm posting this message from Tom Davin, CEO of 5.11 Tactical, for two reasons. One, he gets it right and his well-crafted message soothes my motarded indignation. Second, I know he means it. With some companies, particularly the big ones, it would be easy to dismiss this as hyperbolic grandstanding. This is not. I know the man, not well, but enough to know he means it, as do the guys working with him (the ones I'm friends with, anyway). It's worth reading. This isn't an advertorial. I'm not espousing any 5.11 products. I'm not promoting them over their competition and I'm certainly not passing judgment on all their competition — there are many good, patriotic companies out there. This is about a particular man, his timely message and his sincerity. Consider what he says here and keep it in the back of your mind while you celebrate Independence Day today. Maybe we could all use a little motardation. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
