Category Archives: Gear

First Look: Safariland’s 5197/5198 Range Series Holster

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At SHOT 2013, I got a look at Safariland’s latest “Range Series” holsters. These are designed to compete with the myriad of open top style Kydex range holsters popular with competitive shooters, and it is by no accident that these holsters are IDPA approved. It’s relieving to see these are not cheap injection molded holsters, but rather, thermo-formed Kydex. Like most holsters in this class, a tensioning screw adjusts the level of retention. The pistol seats into the holster with a distinct click thanks to the detent in the trigger guard. The belt attachment is secured to the holster via the familiar three hole pattern compatible with Safariland’s modular belt attachments. The Range Series holsters can be purchased with a paddle or belt loop attachment. Continue reading →

REVIEW: Multitasker Series 3 M4 Multitool

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The Multitasker Series multitool is one of the most popular firearm oriented multitools on the market, and for good reason. It is the Swiss Army Knife of multitools and contains nearly everything you need to maintain most common modern weapon systems used today. Hilton and I have been using the Series 2 tool for quite a bit, and found that it is not only handy on M4s, it is a great tool for performing many maintenance tasks on Glocks, M&Ps and even 1911s. Not long ago, the Series 3 tool was released, which incorporates a few features the designer felt was missing from earlier generations.

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The Liberator – Discreet AR-15 Gun Case

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I recently swapped out my old truck for a new model.  Nothing all that exciting there except that I have had to re-fit all of my weapons and equipment in the new truck.  One thing that always drove me crazy about the old truck was the way I mounted my AR style rifle.  I had it in a roof rack over the back seat.  It was out of the way and secure, but nearly impossible to grab in an emergency.  It also stood out like a red dress at a funeral if you looked into the cab of the truck.  Because of this I opted to find a more suitable solution for what is, for me personally, required equipment in my truck.  Remember, it is not paranoid, it is prepared.

The Liberator easily fits my 16″ AR style rifle with Aimpoint red dot and Surefire X300 Ultra.

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REVIEW: Combat Optic Tool by Patriot Products

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The lightweight and extremely versatile Combat Optic Tool should have a home in everyone’s range bag.

Our good buddy, Lt. Col. of Marines (ret.) Freddie Blish, of Patriot Products AZ, recently sent us an early sample of their latest product, the Combat Optic Tool. Freddie is a hard shooter, and having worked at Aimpoint, LaRue Tactical, and Gunsite Academy, he has a firm understanding of what shooters need, and what they don’t. It is no surprise, then, that he is the brains behind this extremely handy little device. At about 3-inches long, it incorporates several extremely handy adjustment tools for anyone who uses a modern optical sight on their pistol or long gun. Regardless of what optic or mount you run, this neat little tool will work with your sighting system. It will adjust windage and elevation on all Aimpoint, EOTech, Trijicon ACOG and RMR sights and tighten the mounting nuts on LaRue Tactical, GDI and ADM mounts as well.

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Review: Blue Force Gear’s RACKminus Chest Rig

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BFG’s RACKminus loaded with Helium Whisper pouches

At SHOT Show, our friends at Blue Force Gear released the RACKminus, a super lightweight chest rig made of a high tech laminate they call ULTRAcomp that is extremely strong, durable and lightweight. A while back, Blue Force Brittney sent out a sample of the RACKminus along with some of their Ten Speed pouches, which use Helium Whisper technology. I had a chance to run it on the range for a bit and thought I’d share my thoughts.

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Wilson’s Tactical Elite: Now and Back In The Day

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With permission of WC, here’s what a Tactical Elite looks like now in its basic configuration.

Meet the Wilson Combat (WC) Tactical Elite (TE), a really nice full size 1911 with a unique flanged cone barrel.  The claim of softer recoil and faster shot-to shot-recovery (due to almost two ounces additional weight) is not a false boast.  I base this on the comments of friends who have shot my TE, and from personal experience.  There are a couple of pistols in WC’s expansive current offerings I now might like better, but that in no way diminishes this rather unusual iteration of the 1911.

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Review: Geissele G2S Trigger

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Geissele’s new G2S trigger offers the same feel and function as their popular SSA trigger at a significant savings.

Readers of this site know by now that most of the contributors here are big fans of the Geissele High-Speed Triggers. A few weeks back, MSW writer Joe wrote a review of the Super Dynamic 3-Gun Trigger. And earlier this week, Scott Ballard reviewed the Super Tricon Trigger. The major downside to the Geissele trigger systems is that once you have one in your rifle, you want one in every one of your M4 rifles.  Continue reading →

Magpul Releases Their New MOE Fixed Carbine Stock

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Magpul just announced today their new fixed carbine stock is shipping to dealers and distributors. The MOE Fixed Carbine Stock is a non-collapsing stock that will fit most A5 length buffer tubes (a.k.a. receiver extensions.)  Installation is non-armorer level and does not require the removal of the castle nut. The stock weighs 8.9 ounces and has a 12.375-inch length of pull, and will be available in mil-spec and commercial receiver extension models. Initially available in black, with other standard colors to follow.

SOURCE: http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG480

Review: MagPul iPhone 5 Field Case

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MagPul’s iPhone Field Case offers a good compromise between functionality, protection, and a low profile. Here it is shown above in Foliage Green.

The smart phone has become as much of an important part of everyone’s “everyday carry” as car keys, flashlight, folding knife, and handgun. While MagPul has established itself as a household name in the tactical market, MagPul’s iPhone cases have even become a favorite of mainstream iPhone users that have no knowledge of MagPul’s “tactical” products. This is simply because it’s a great case.

One of my complaints about most of the “hard use” iPhone cases on the market is that they make the otherwise sleek iPhone into a bulky, heavy mess. Protective plastic screen covers detract from the attractive, high resolution display the iPhone is known for. For those who need extreme protection against dust and immersion in liquid, look to the LifeProof Case. For those who want good protection against everyday bumps, bruises and drops, the MagPul’s iPhone 5 Field Case is a great choice. Continue reading →

First Look: Safariland’s New 7TS ALS Holster Line

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At SHOT Show, we caught a glimpse of the new line of Safariland ALS holsters. When we stopped by to speak to Bill Rogers, he showed us the new effort. Basically, it uses modern manufacturing techniques to fix some of the complaints that the ALS system has had from the end user. The current line of 6xxx holsters, when used in a concealment role, have met the complaints that they are too bulky for detective assignments. The new 7xxx holsters fix that without compromising the durability and dependability of the ALS system. The 7xxx line is going to be available in all the model lines apparently All you have to do is just substitute a 7 in front of your favorite 6 model holster for selection of the holster that is right for you. (IE- our current issued duty holster is a 6360 ALS with the hood, and the new slimmer, lighter version will be a 7360). When we spoke to Bill Rogers in January, he stated that the price point was going to be lower than the current line of ALS. How much? That is the million dollar question at this point.

Pic of the Day- The Tactically Practical

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The Glock 34/35 series of pistols are ideal for just about any role an end user may require.  They work well out of the box, with only a few minor changes needed to make them a little better.  Shown is one of my G34’s with one of the early Apex FRE prototypes, and a most excellent set of 10-8 tritium sights.  A man (or lady) can about rule the world with that setup.  It is no wonder why this series of pistols have became favorites of police officers and competitors alike.

Review: Grayman Knives Satu Folding Knife

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The Grayman Satu Folder shown above is not a small knife. It is shown here alongside an Emerson CQC-10 for comparison.

If you’re anything like me, you have a fetish for sharp pointy objects. Around Christmas time last year, I received a Grayman Satu Folder to evaluate alongside the various knives I have used for everyday carry. For those not familiar with Grayman Knives, they are handmade in the USA using premium materials. The blade is ground from Crucible Materials Corporation’s excellent CPM S30V, a corrosion resistant steel known for its toughness and edge holding. This model features dual solid titanium scales, as well as a titanium pocket clip.

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SKD “PIG” Plate Carrier- A Review

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We currently issue the PPI Operator vest at work.  We’ve been looking at and testing various vests, and plate carrier rigs for our next vest replacement which comes up in 2014.

In comes the “PIG” (Patrol Incident gear) plate carrier from SKD Tactical. (http://www.skdtac.com/PIG-Plate-Carrier-p/pig.502.htm).  One of my coworkers purchased this plate carrier, set it up and we started testing it.  The first thing I noticed about it was the reasonable price.  The carrier ran about $340 shipped.  SKD’s website boasts that their product’s ship in one business day or it ships free.

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Heavy Training With A Weapon Mounted Light

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Cleaning handguns after heavy training can be tedious. Cleaning a weapon mounted light can be even worse.  The above pistol had nearly 3,000 rounds through it in a foolish stunt to see if we could make it break.  The gun got so hot at times that I had to rack the slide on my holster during reloads because I could not touch it with Oakley gloves on.  I do not advocate abusing a modern service weapon in the way we did above at any time.  But, sometimes during product development it is necessary. Continue reading →