PMCI June 2020 | Page 32

pmcimagazine.com ELEVATED SILENCE EOSXL .22 ELEVATED SILENCE EOSXL .22 In the tactical world, operators are used to hearing common calibers mentioned such as 5.56, 7.62, .338 Lapua and even .50 BMG but what about .22 LR? Yes, you read that correctly, .22 LR. Is there a time and place in the modern realm of tactical operations? In my humble opinion, from both personal experience and in-depth research working with one of the top suppressor manufacturers in the country, the answer is YES! More specifically, yes, if the right tool is used for the right job. As a former Deputy Sheriff / SWAT sniper I have seen the .22 caliber platform come a long way from the early days of saving ammunition when walking through new drills and cheap training for the precision marksmen / sniper units. For the most part, .22 rifles and pistols have been low cost alternatives to issued AR platforms and duty handguns restricted for range use. The department heads and “bean counters” welcomed the saving but always seemed to shun the concept of the .22 as part of specialized tools in the field. These frugal minded bureaucrats have the mindset of using one or two tools for the widest possible solution, even if that means these items excel 100% in some application and only partially perform in others. Performance is performance in their mind, be damned those in harms way that need more reliable tools. Personally, I have always looked at firearms like some people do golf clubs. Special tools for special applications are essential in doing the most professional and efficient jobs possible. When life and death are involved, this should NOT be something that comes down to a monetary decision. Thankfully, large agencies 32