Category Archives: Review

Wilson Combat Model 620BP Ambidextrous Thumb Safety

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The design of this safety from Wilson Combat just might make having a working and reliable ambi-safety a real possibility.

I am sort of a sucker for the 1911 and whenever a new part or an attempt at a new design comes out I find myself having to try it.  It was no different when I aw that the engineers at Wilson Combat had come up with a new ambidextrous thumb safety.  I quickly ordered one and 8 long days later the box arrived.  Now, I know you’re saying to yourself  what is so different and what in the world would make this particular part worth $142.95.  Well I asked myself that same question and the answer was if it is a ambidextrous 1911 thumb safety that actually works, then I am on board. Continue reading →

Smith & Wessons M&P10 7.62mm Rifle – First Impressions

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Smith & Wesson’s M&P10 rifle features fully ambidextrous controls including magazine release, bolt catch/release, and selector lever.

At SHOT Show 2013, Smith and Wesson introduced their new line of 7.62mm / 308 caliber rifles, which feature fully ambidextrous controls, compatibility with SR-25/M110 pattern magazines, and an attractive price point. At about 7 3/4 pounds unloaded, the rifle (dubbed M&P 10) is extremely lightweight and handy. After a cursory examination at SHOT, I knew I had to get my grubby hands on one and try it for myself. Continue reading →

DARK Angel Medical Kit and Training Review

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Your DARK can come in either MIL or CIV/LE depending on if you want QuickClot and a x-ray viewable strip or not. A statement of competency and export restrictions apply for all DARK products.

As we go about our daily activities many of us find ourselves in some pretty scary situations.  Places where, should we go down and need medical help, it could be a long way off.  Even worse, what if a team-mate, student or family member went down.  Would you be prepared to help.  Many of us seek out medical training because it is the responsible thing to do and let’s face it, feeling helpless sucks! Continue reading →

TRAIN ANYWHERE WITH PANTEAO PRODUCTIONS

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Paul Howe demonstrates to low ready position on the Panteao website.

I’m a training junkie, and though I love going to the range, real life (along with bills) gets in the way. And with the rising cost of ammunition and guns, the number of formal courses I am able to attend each year has dwindled down to just a couple. I would love to train with all of the top tier instructors out there, but there simply isn’t enough time and money for me to do so.

A few years ago, our friend Fernando Coelho started Panteao Productions and set a new standard in training videos. Gone are the days of monotone instructors speaking into a VHS video camera on a tripod. Coelho employs a video production crew that makes Hollywood-grade films. Panteao takes care to make sure that the videos are not only instructional, but entertaining enough to keep your interest. Continue reading →

Black Leather Is Always In Style

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Alessi DOJ-S

 

I know that many of us have made the switch to Kydex Holsters and support gear. And while Kydex certainly has it’s place, I for one still like the look and feel of quality leather holsters and accessories. While I’ve owned quality holsters from several makers, I’ve come to the conclusion that you’d be hard pressed to surpass the quality of Alessi Holsters. The workmanship fit finish and leather quality are second to none. While I own several Alessi products, in OWB, IWB, and Ankle Holsters, this review is focused on the DOJ-S. Continue reading →

VIDEO REVIEW: “COMBATIVE PISTOLCRAFT ESSENTIALS” (PANTEAO’S MAKE READY WITH DAVE SPAULDING)

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Dave Spaulding needs no introduction.  A been there done that (for real, and for a very long time) instructor recognized by students and colleagues as one of the very best.  I expected top notch instruction and some novel technique pointers from his new video (available online via Panteao Productions subscription, the premier online training gig, or for purchase in DVD format), and got more than expected.  For me this is a strong two thumbs way up way to spend two plus hours.  You will want to rewind often or watch it twice start to finish. Continue reading →

Mid Sized Timberwolf Frames for Glock

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Deeper thumb grooves, larger mag releases, a flatter front strap and wider finger grooves are just a few of the improvements you will see on the Lone Wolf Distributors Timberwolf frames.

I carried a Glock pistol in one form or another for more than 21 years and have to say they always worked for me.  Coming from the PSD world, all I cared about was if it worked when I pressed the trigger and would the shots go where I pointed them.  After that I never gave a lot of thought to things like grip angle or texture unless they became a problem.  It wasn’t until I started using Gen 3 Glock pistols that I discovered how slippery my older guns had become.  The polymer had deteriorated with age to the point that guns simply were no longer useful.  This left me with an abundance of perfectly serviceable Glock upper assemblies and no hope lowers.  Luckily Lone Wolf Distributors  (LWD) solved this issue for us. Continue reading →

Colt CM901: The Hammer – Close In Work

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Does one “weapon” fit all?  Does one “weapon” fit most?  I am not exactly sure?  Actually I am leaning towards “no” but I am open to suggestions.  Then the Colt CM901 enters into the market and it is engineered to be able to shoot the intended 7.62 NATO chambering down to the 5.56 NATO round via the different uppers it can accommodate.  With a separately built and supplied sleeve the CM901 can accept complete upper receivers of different or the same calibers and can run them with little interruption.

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Review: Talon Tactical Cobra Belt

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MSW’s model Sam shows off the Talon Tactical Cobra Belt!

If you’re like me, you’ve bought your share of belts. Like holsters, I have a bin full of belts that I’ve bought, worn once, and will likely never wear again. Some are too flimsy, others don’t fit quite right, and others are a pain to don and/or doff. Still others fray too easily, and don’t last long. Don’t get me wrong, there are quite a few good belts out there. For example, the Brass Monkey Performance Competition Belt is the centerpiece of my range gear and holds all of it together.

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CARBINE SLINGS: BATTLE OF THE 2-POINT SLINGS

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(top) Blue Force Gear’s Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS), (bottom) Viking Tactics (VTAC) Padded Adjustable Sling

I am often asked what type of sling I prefer. That’s easy. I tell them that for the educated end-user, the Two Point Adjustable Sling is the answer. It requires a bit of training to realize its potential, but it really is a do-everything-acceptably-well sling. Larry Vickers’ article on sling selection is likely the best, well-reasoned article on sling selection I’ve seen. Once that is settled, the next question is, which sling should you choose?

The two most popular choices on the market: the Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS) by Blue Force Gear, and the Viking Tactics sling. It is no surprise that the designers of both slings come from the same top tier military special operations unit. Both are of excellent quality, but have somewhat differing characteristics that may affect your choice in slings.

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Geissele Reaction Rod – Review

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The New GEISSELE Reaction Rod quickly and easily holds any AR type rifle chambered for the 5.56 x 45 cartridge.

I spend a lot of time behind my rifles, which means I spend a fair amount of time building, cleaning and maintaining my rifles.  Anything that I can find that has the potential to help make my life easier or that saves time, I am willing to give a try.  I read about the Geissele Reaction Rod and about how the AMU’s armorers were using something like it several months ago and had been waiting for it to be released ever since.  Santa was good to me and I have been working with this new tool for the past few weeks. Continue reading →