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STYRKA S3 RED DOT

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  It is time to tell you about the Styrka S3 Red Dot sight. The S3 Red Dot is your somewhat standard tube style sight. Styrka is a relative new optics manufacturer. The offer a vast selection of shooting and hunting optics in just about any ones price range. 

  After receiving the S3 Red Dot, I first mounted it on an AR15. The S3 comes with a riser mount just for this. The riser is pretty nice looking by itself. But when mounted with the red dot, it leaves a few oddities. One is that the riser is shorter in length than the integrated rail mount on the S3 (see pictures to get a better idea). Also when looking down the sight, you notice that the riser doesn't blend in with the S3's mounting. This is all cosmetic, as the riser mount works well, and the Red Dot mounts snugly to the top of the riser. One nice thing about both the riser and the Red Dot are that they use a torx screw to tighten them to the rails so that there is nothing sticking out the side, like on some mounts with a nut or thumbscrew. Also included is a honeycomb anti glare filter that screws on the front. I can see this helping if hunting animals that might get spooked by glare off of the sight. A neoprene cover and lens cleaning cloth come standard also.

  The S3 Red Dot that I was sent has a 2.5 MOA dot. This size dot works better for more accurate shooting. Styrka also offers a 5 MOA red dot, or a 5 MOA green dot. I like the smaller dot size personally, but a larger dot is also easier to pick up for some people. The dot is adjustable for 6 different brightness levels. To turn on the S3, just push either one of the "+" or "-" buttons, and it will turn on to the last brightness setting. So, of course, to increase or decrease the brightness, just push the appropriate button. One can also hold down the button and it will cycle through the settings until the lowest or brightest setting is reached. To turn the sight off, just hold down both of the buttons for about 3 seconds. If you forget to turn the sight off, don't worry, it will automatically turn off after 1 hour. I would really like this feature, but I envision the sight turning off right before I need to use it. Either while hunting and waiting for game, or while shooting a competition that has different stages. I wouldn't think that setting the auto off at a much higher time, would drastically reduce battery life. Speaking of the battery, it uses a CR2032 and mounts on top of the red dot. The adjustment knobs are covered, and the covers double as an adjustment screw for windage and elevation, both of which are 1 MOA per click.

  Now that the somewhat technical stuff is out of the way, it's on to how it performed. After having it mounted to an AR for awhile, I took it off and mounted it on a 9mm submachine gun. I put around 500 full auto rounds on the S3. It stills adjusts fine and has no adverse problems because of it. When looking through the red dot, the glass is really clear. I say this because on some optics, the coatings tend to tint the colors, but this is not the case with the Styrka. The dot shows up crystal clear, but is a little hard to see in bright sunlight. This only seemed to get worse with the honeycomb filter on. This is strictly a brightness issue, not an optical clarity issue. Another thing to note is that the LED housing is noticeable when looking through the optic. It shows up as a flat in the lower right hand field of view. I only mention it because it was a little distracting. 

  The Styrka Red Dot would probably best be used on something in the "range toy" category due to its auto off function. It does however have some nice features. It holds zero even when getting abused with full auto and has really good clarity. It even comes with a anti-glare filter. However, I feel that it could use a few refinements. Styrka has some really nice products available, all of which have their lifetime warranty and free tune ups and cleaning once a year. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Tube style red dot

Target Market:

Anyone looking for a red dot sight

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 6 brightness adjustments

  • 2.5 MOA Dot size

  • 21mm Objective lens

  • Integrated turret adjustment caps

  • Parallax Free

  • Unlimited eye relief

  • Waterproof

  • Auto Shut Off

  • 1 MOA adjustments

  • Lifetime Warranty w/free tune ups

  • Last setting Brightness return

  • Honeycomb filter

  • Neoprene cover

  • Riser Mount

  • Weighs 5.8 ounces

  • LxWxH in inches -  3.27x1.84x2.11

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

5 MOA dot

5 MOA green dot

What others are saying?:

Michael C. 5/5 stars @ Optics Planet

Awesome Red Dot

This rivals any of its contemporaries in this price range. At 5.3 ounces, it weighs less than other similar options without losing any functionality. The 2.5 MOA version is ideal for close to long range shooting. The dot is crisp and easy for your eye to catch. The glass is ultra clear and just about not there in your sight picture. The sight comes standard with a low mount to mount to your shotgun or "regular" rifle and it also comes with a riser so you can get the correct mounting height for an AR. A lot of red dots come with one mounting height, with risers or rings necessary but this will have everything you need. When using the riser, you don't need to switch out any parts or mounts. You simply mount your sight to the picatinny top of the riser, then the riser to your rifle. The standout feature for this sight is the brightness control. They're large push buttons and are located on the side of the optic instead of a turn knob or depressed buttons. These will be ideal for winter shooting when wearing gloves and just for general ease of use. If you're looking for an affordable, easy to use, quality red dot with all the bells and whistles you'll need, this is the way to go.

Link to other reviews:

Predator Extreme

Price point:

(MSRP versus actual retail)

MSRP = $299.95

Retail = $249.00 @ Styrka

             $249.00 @ Optics Planet

I need it now! Availability:

Styrka or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros: 

  • Comes with honeycomb glare filter
  • Includes high mount
  • Neoprene cover
  • 2.5 MOA dot
  • Clear Dot
  • Clear glass
  • Lifetime warranty and tune ups

Cons:

  • Poor brightness in full sun
  • LED housing is noticeable
  • 1 hour auto off
  • High mount doesn't line up

Score: 6.0 Okay

 

Chad's Favorite Link: Veterans FOB

 

Pachmayr G10 Tactical Pistol Grips

Aftermarket grips is usually the first modification a gun owner looks at to customize their pistol. Its a great way to improve the actual grip texture from the factory, and it also sets their piece apart from others straight off the factory line. 

The Ruger Mark III benefits from a plethora of aftermarket components, but there aren't a lot of actually functional grip panels that aren't covered in zombie green or punisher skulls.

I wanted to find a grip texture similar to that of a pineapple grenade, with wide valleys and plateaus with the aesthetics of G10 and that sexy laminated look. I've seen Pachmayr's 1911 grips in Cabelas, so I was pleased to find they had offerings for the Ruger Mark III on their website.

The Grappler Grip from Pachmayr was a perfect fit for the Mark III, and the thickness added was less than the factory wooden panel. Available is a couple colors, I ordered gray and then used RIT dye to add a tint of color to the material. I used Black powdered dye, hoping to just darken the gray color to closer to a dark gray / black combo. I dunked both panels in the near boiling dye bath for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful if not to shrink the panels with too heat, and screw holes could become misaligned from the frame's posts. The grip turned a bluish hue, which was a happy accident in the end.

The G-10 material didn't take as much of the dye as I thought, compared to popular polymers in the industry. G-10 is a fiberglass based epoxy resin laminate that is extremely tough and durable material, so it makes sense that it resisted the dye solutions because it is impervious to moisture, weather and most chemicals. Thats why its so popular for handgun grips. 

Between the two textures that Pachmayr offers in their G-10 Tactical pistol grips - coarse "Grappler" or fine checkered, I greatly preferred the grappler. No extra frills, and greatly improves the grip of the frame for both gloved and ungloved hands... I like them so much I may be upgrading my other pistols soon!

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS – 8 KEY POINTS

Claim to Fame: Pachmayr G-10 Tactical grips are the toughest, most durable, and best looking grips on the market.

Target Market:  Semiauto Handgun owners looking for aftermarket grips

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Super tough, durable G-10 material
  • Impervious to moisture, weather or chemicals
  • Attractive color patterns
  • Coarse or checkered textures to suit your shooting or concealment needs
  • Available to fit 1911’s, Sig 238’s and 938’s, Ruger Mk III and 22/45’s, Beretta 92’s, and CZ 75’s.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Coarse (Grappler) or fine texture; Green/Black or Gray/Black.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING?: 

"These grips are very thin and very textured for a good grip on the gun. I would recommend them and buy again." - Amazon Customer Review

 

PRICE POINT:

I NEED IT NOW! AVAILABILITY:

Website

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Perfect fit
  • Course texture not too sharp on edges
  • Edges are tapered and rounded for comfort when gripping
  • Takes Rit Dye (but boiling/dye seems to soften outer layers of laminate, can cause shrinkage if too long)

Cons:

  • Would have been wonderful if new screws were included

SCORE: 7.0 GOOD

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design

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STYRKA S7 2.5-15X50 RIFLESCOPE

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   There is a new optics manufacturer, that should be on your watch list. It is called Styrka, pronounced Steer-Ka. Being new to the market, I had not heard of them until a few months ago. They offer riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and red-dots. They sent me a riflescope and a reddot, today we will discuss the S7 2.5-15x50 riflescope. 

Tree at about 400 yds

  When I first received the scope, I noticed all the nice little extras that came with it. Probably my favorite accessory is the scope cover that is in the box. The neoprene scope cover does a nice job protecting the optic when it isn't being used. Also included is a lens cloth, one of the nice ones that you shove back in its holder when not using it. A battery is also supplied for the illuminated reticle, it's a CR2032, so pretty standard.

  I mounted the Styrka on my Savage that is mounted in the MDT chassis reviewed earlier. This scope has really clear glass. Styrka states that the S7 has blackened edges on the lenses to reduce glare and enhance image contrast. Images come through clear with no distortion around the edges, so I guess it works as advertised. The S7 is their "top of the line" scope and has Styrka's SXL-MAX optics coating to reduce glare, add light and color transmission, and give optimum clarity. I used it in low light and some pouring down rain. The scope remained clear out to about 400 yards during this, probably farther, but I couldn't test any farther where I was at. It is also waterproof, fog proof, etc. 

  The S7 2.5-15x50 they sent has an illuminated mil-dot reticle. The illumination is the typical red offered by just about everyone. Styrka also offers this scope in an illuminated duplex reticle, and a non illuminated BDC reticle. Even in all but the brightest days, the illumination is visible. The illumination has 6 brightness settings with an off position between each setting. I really like this feature for the simple fact that it only takes one click to get you to the brightness that one usually uses. The brightness knob is located on the left side, on the end of the parallax adjustment knob, along with the battery compartment. This makes the combination stick out farther then some other scopes, just something to note. The adjustment turrets are capped. Since the S7 is a hunting style scope, this made perfect sense. However, under the caps are some fairly nice target style turrets. These use the standard 1/4 MOA click adjustments. The turrets also can be reset to zero after you have sighted the rifle in. To do this, just loosen the top of the adjustment with a coin, pull the knob up, set to zero, push knob down, and tighten the screw. The turret clicks are extremely crisp and clean, which is a nice touch. 

  One thing I noticed about the S7 is the length. It is longer than I expected for a scope in this zoom range. It is not a problem, just something to consider if mounting it on a short rifle. The scope has a second focal plain reticle, so in order to use the mil-dot, you must turn the zoom all the way to max power, in this case 15x. Don't worry, the scope is quite clear at the full setting. I was really hoping for a first focal plane, but you can't have everything. 

  I really like this range of this scope. At 2.5x, it is low enough magnification to take shots extremely close. Then at 15x, it can still take long shots. I am really glad that Styrka let me try this S7 out. It is extremely clear, easy to adjust, has a lifetime warranty, and you can send it back every year for a free tune up. Give Styrka a look if you are in the market for a nice hunting scope. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Hunting scope with Illuminated Mil-dot reticle

Target Market:

Hunters, Target shooters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • SXL-MAX Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • 30mm 6061-T6 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Tube
  • Side Focus Parallax Adjustment
  • Illuminated Reticle
  • Blackened Lens Edges
  • 100% Waterproof
  • Nitrogen Purged
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece
  • 50mm Objective Lens
  • 3.94" Eye Relief
  • Weight of 23.7 ounces
  • (LxWxH) in inches 13.69x3.09x2.37
  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Standard Illuminated Plex Reticle

Ballistic Drop Reticle (BDC)

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars @ OpticsPlanet

Above and Beyond

This scope has performed beyond my expectations. Everything seems well thought out. Love the simple reticle. Holds zero flawlessly and turrets are silky smooth. Well worth the cost of admission. Feels like some of the much more expensive European scopes.

5/5 stars @ Amazon

Outstanding Glass

When delivered, mounted on a S& W M&P 10 .308 with Burris high rings.
Using a laser boresight at 30 yards, scope was within 1/2 inch horizontally and one inch low vertically. Closest I have ever had one from the factory. Glass is clear, adjustments are precise and accurate, and above all east to work with, especially parallax adjustment.
Have fired at ranges to 200 yards, so far, with no loss of accuracy after 400 rounds.
Highly recommend it for a mid priced scope.
Will purchase another for a 5.56.

Link to other reviews:

None to be found

Price point:

MSRP = $814.95

Retail = $679.00 @ Shop Styrka

             $679.00 @ Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Styrka or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Extremely clear for the price

  • Precise turret clicks

  • Reset to zero turrets

  • Turret caps

  • Illuminated reticle

  • Off setting between each illumination setting

  • Neoprene scope cover included

  • Warranty

Cons:

  • 2nd Focal Plane Reticle

  • Parallax and brightness knob stick out pretty far

  • Poor battery life (Battery died after 1 month of being left on brightness position #4)

  • Length of entire scope is almost 14"

Score: 8.00 Great

 

Chad's Favorite Link: Veterans FOB

 

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Holosun hs503c micro red dot/circle dot

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  Holosun has been around for a while now. Some of their products are innovative in the red dot market. Lets take the HS503C for example. It starts as a red dot, adds in a circle dot option, and then adds in solar power to increase battery life. I contacted Holosun to get one in for review, and they graciously complied. 

  I was intrigued by the 503C's solar power. I will do my best to explain it. The solar panel sits on top of the optic and does not charge the battery. Don't be disappointed though, it runs the circle dot very well. In fact it will actually run the circle dot in daylight, without the battery! When talking with Holosun, they mentioned that the 403C even works better with solar power, and probably would run without a battery in pretty low light, but it is a red dot only. However, when running the 503C on the solar setting, only the circle dot works. The option of having a red dot or circle dot reticle only works on battery power, which was kind of disappointing. When using the battery power, one can switch between the dot or circle dot by holding down the "-" button. To switch between solar and battery, and vis-versa, hold down the "+" button. 

  The HS503C comes with everything you need. When you first open the box, you notice that the red dot is already attached to a riser mount. This gives you a lower 1/3 co-witness with an AR rifle's iron sights. You can remove the riser and put on the supplied low mount if you are mounting it to something that doesn't need the extra height. Also in the box are tools to mount and adjust the sight, a screwdriver to remove and install the battery, a cleaning cloth, and a set of rubber caps. I mounted this one on an AR. One of the big downfalls of this sight are the teeny screws that hold the battery in, make sure you use the proper phillips head screwdriver so as to not strip them out. The HS503C has an industry standard T1 mounting size, so any aftermarket Aimpoint T1 mounts should work, but I would try it beforehand, just in case.

Circle Dot Reticle

Battery Tray partially open

  Now on to some specs. The HS503C has a 2moa dot or a 65moa circle with a central 2moa dot. The adjustments are 1/2 moa with the caps serving as the adjustment screwdriver. Also inside the cap are the markings for up/down and left/right. On the right side is the battery tray, it is held in by 2 screws. Also on the right side is the brightness and on/off buttons. To turn the sight on, push the "+" button, to turn it off, hold down both buttons. In the battery only mode, you can adjust brightness by pushing the "+" or "-" buttons. In solar mode the dot will auto adjust for brightness. There are 9 daylight brightness settings and 2 night vision ones. Holosun states 50,000 hours of runtime with the dot at the 6 setting and 20,000 with the circle dot, so on par with other brands. 

  I have been using the HS503C for some time now. The sight is very clear. The 2moa dot allows for precise engagements. Having the 65moa circle dot is a nice option, and it really shines when shooting up close. But my favorite part is probably the self adjusting solar setting. Even in direct bright sun light, the circle dot was easily visible on the solar setting, the same in low light. I haven't treated the Holosun very nice either, it has been thrown in the back of a pickup a few times, dropped on the ground, and it has held zero. 

  People sometimes ask if I would recommend certain products. The Holosun is on that list. It has done everything I could ask it to do. If your looking for a good mid priced red dot, check them out. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Solar and battery powered Micro red dot or circle dot

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a quality combination red dot or circle dot reticle 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 2 MOA dot or 65 MOA Circle Dot

  • 20,000 hr battery life with Circle Dot

  • 50,000 hr battery life with 2 MOA dot

  • 9 Daylight and 2 Night Vision brightness settings

  • Waterproof to 1 meter

  • Weighs 4.4 ounces with tall mount

  • 2.6" Tall x 2.5" Long x 1.4 "Wide with tall mount

  • 0.5 MOA adjustments

  • Uses 1 CR2032 battery

  • Operating Temp: 14F to 122F

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Red dot only (HS403C) 

Protected adjustment knobs (HS503CU)

What others are saying?:

4/5 stars on Amazon

PRICE is awesome for what you get

Let's start with the positives, PRICE is awesome for what you get!!! The glass is really clear and the dot / circle dot are just about perfect. Easy to sight in and it works just as advertised. Best buy for the money hands down. Now there are a couple of fustrating things about it. The battery tray screws trust me these things are tiny and a Philips head to boot put down a white towel when the come loose and hit the ground they disappear. Ask me how I know. A torx bit or hex head would make installation much better. The dot adjustment buttons are smallish and are much easier to use using your trigger hand if you are right handed. This doesn't sound too bad until you try it. I also feel that I'd you like to shoot wearing gloves the size of the pads are just too small. Now that being said I still am extremely happy with this purchase and would and will buy it again.

5/5 Stars on OpticsPlanet

Great little optic

HS503C... Buy it you wont regret it! After looking around and doing research for an optic for my new lightweight AR build I decided to go with the holosun and man I'm glad I did. The HS503C has a Crisp circle reticle and dot amazingly cleaner than the EO tech. I love the option of being able to switch between the 65 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot and the single red dot. It's easy to zero and function, the solar option is a great feature but the battery life is even better. Bang for buck you can't beat it!

Link to other reviews:

The Truth About Guns

Price point:

MSRP = $282.34 @ Holosun

Retail = $239.99 @ Brownells

             $239.00 @ Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Holosun, Brownells, or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • 65 MOA circle dot

  • 2 MOA dot

  • Lightweight

  • Everything needed comes in the box

  • Good Daylight visibility, even when on Solar power

  • Solar and Battery powered

  • Turret caps double as adjusters for windage and elevation

Cons:

  • Battery Tray screws

  • Operating Temperature seems low

  • 65 MOA circle dot only in solar mode

 

Score:  7.5 Good

 

Chads Favorite Link of the Day: AR-15 Podcast

 

 

StealthGear USA AIWB Holster

I'm not a huge fan of appendix carry, but I love the comfort of StealthGearUSA holsters... so I wanted to give the AIWB a try.

It's time for another inside the waistband holster review, and fortunately for me the quality of the holsters I get to try just keep getting better and better.  This time around I get to take a look at some premium holsters made by StealthGearUSA. SG makes holsters using unique materials that elevate the comfort and longevity of the product far above the conventional holsters of the past. Let's be honest, buying a IWB holster is absolutely brutal.

The AIWB holster came with two belt clips for the option of securing the gun angle.

With every Tom, Dick and Harry cranking out holsters,  all claiming to be "the best," it can be really hard to shop for the right one. You have to decide for yourself, if you are looking for a quick solution that will get you by in a pinch, or a quality rig that's more advanced and comfortable than the rest... which will help you WANT to carry that sidearm everyday.

The AIWB holster boasts the same Ventcore backing as the IWB holsters from StealthGearUSA and it is still one of the most comfortable hoslter backings I have used.

What makes StealthGearUSA holsters stand above the crowd is the use of a breathable, laser-cut ventilation mesh in combination with an integrated moisture shield and padding cells. They call this patented tech VentCore, and it adds up to a more comfortable carry with reduced sweating and irritation after a full day packing heat. The platform's ventilation allows my skin to breathe, keeping it dry and pretty comfortable. This design, and really the whole company, was born out of frustrations from inferior quality IWB holsters. After field testing a bunch of competitor's holsters that each claimed to be the king of comfort, the owner of SG wanted to create a holster more comfortable than a Kydex shell riveted to a piece of leather.

The AIWB is very flat and minimal, theres not unnecessary areas to complicate appendix carry 

All our AIWB holsters now ship with the second clip kit installed on the holster. All VentCore items are handmade to each specific order, we will not sacrifice quality for quantity. Due to high demand, all VentCore items are shipping within 25 days of the order being placed. In the StealthGearUSA™ Appendix Carry IWB Holster we’ve focused on a new level of comfort for smaller handguns and when absolute minimal weight, minimal bulk and minimal printing is required.

The way the posts are located, there's not al ot of support keeping the backing against the trigger guard on the AIWB.

The only thing that troubled me was how easy is it to pry the backing away from the trigger guard and frame, exposing the trigger and posing a risk to the carrier. While its not likely to happen in the real world, especially if you conceal well and draw your firearm before an assailant is in tickling distance, it still bothered me that it was easy to uncover the trigger while the guns still fully seated in its kydex shell.

The Appendix IWB polymer belt clip is mounted above the sight channel, at the edge of the holster. This allows the holster to be rotated slightly up and away from the leg when sitting for long periods of time, or when squatting. With the clip mounted to the side of the main Kydex® body, there is no extra bulk and the print of the holster is significantly minimized. The VentCore® breathable platform in the AIWB holster is custom designed for each individual handgun.

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS – 8 KEY POINTS

Claim to Fame: When seconds count, your holster will perform.

Target Market:  Concealed Carriers specifically interested in appendix carry

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Ventcore breathable mesh backing
  • Rhinomesh front layer
  • Black Oxide hardware
  • Polymer 2 position clips (Comes with two clips, even though the website shows only one)
  • Width: 4 inches
  • Height: 7.25 Inches
  • Weight: 3.60 oz
  • Custom designed fit for each handgun model
  • 30+ components

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, Flat Dark Earth, OD Green

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING?: 

"Got my AIWB holster from SGUSA yesterday afternoon so I haven't really put it through the ringer, but I wanted to post my initial thoughts after spending a day and a half with it. I carry pretty much right at 1:00, Im 6'0" and about 190. I wear a tucked polo or fishing shirt with an undershirt and jeans or shorts. Got the holster 21 days after ordering. Initial thoughts Immediately after putting it on I could tell the mesh backing would be awesome and super comfy. Once I put it in my belt and put my gun in I noticed the second clip over the trigger had to go, it blocked me from being able to grab the grip a lot, so much so that I didn't think I would be able to draw at all. Maybe using an Ulticlip or something would fix that but with the poly clips they provide it was really in the way.

Once that was off I got it back on my belt and decided I needed to adjust the ride height. Their clips have two holes so I set it to the absolute highest ride height possible and it was perfect for me. It prints a little more like this but it is still practically invisible on me. I can easily get a full grip and it is out of the way when sitting. Once I got that adjusted I went on with my day. I ran a few errands in my truck and pretty much forgot it was there. No problems getting in and out of the truck, very comfortable while sitting. I can tell this thing really lets some air move. My old holster would be warm after 45 minutes or so and it would cause me to sweat and get sweat on my gun, didn't happen with this one. At the end of the day when I unholstered there wasn't any sweat at all on my gun, a first for me.

Today I put it on first thing and wore it most of the day. It just kept getting better. I laid on the hardwood floor on my stomach to play with my kids and it wasn't uncomfortable at all. I really like it having a single clip up front that will shift as I sit and stand and walk. There is a spot on my groin that needs to get used to having something right there but that is to be expected and isn't painful at all. Again no sweat after wearing it all day.

I'll put it through the ringer over the next few weeks and post a month in review. Right now I say if you are on the fence and carry AIWB (can't we just call it AC?) then I say 100% get it. It is worth the money. TLDR summary: have worn for 36 hours and it's amazing. You know that feeling when you dig something out of your eye or something and everything is suddenly right with the world and its sweet sweet relief? That is this holster from the second you put it on. 10/10" - Reddit User Review

PRICE POINT:

  • MSRP: $94 standard, $119-$134 for the AIWB+ holster w/ integrated mag pouch

I NEED IT NOW! AVAILABILITY:

Website

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Combines lightweight breathability with strength and retention
  • Cant adjustable
  • Website makes selecting gun make, model, light/laser accessory and left/right hand super fast and easily.

Cons:

  • Because design omits an anchor point under the trigger guard, the backing and shell can flex apart revealing an uncovered trigger and an accidental discharge possibility (foreign object gets wedged, or if a struggle results in opponent reaching for gun in holster)
  • Mesh fabric on backing can fray from aggressive use during training. This is a carry holster, not necessarily a training holster.
  • Current lead times are 25 days due to demand, materials / production time

SCORE: 6.0 OKAY

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design

Alex & Ryan Design Kydex Light Bearing Holster

I first heard of Alex and Ryan Design from my friend who bought a cuff holster from them. I looked into them a little bit and sent a few emails back and forth. After getting their advice(they answer their own email) I ordered the holster featured here and a double mag holster for IWB. I very promptly received an email from Alex saying that he thought it’d be more comfortable if I had 2 single mag holsters.

IMG_0508.JPG

I went with his recommendation as he’s the expert. When I received the product I was a little shocked that it came in a plastic shipping bag as opposed to a box but my fears were immediately set aside as I inspected the holsters for damage. They’re definitely strong and durable to travel through the postal system unscathed. I grabbed my Glock 19 with Inforce APL and quickly, yet safely, inserted it into the holster, and then the whole contraption into my pants. I decided that it needed more retention so I removed it and tightened it with a coin, like many other smart designs allow. After some trial and error I got it to a retention level that I felt comfortable with.

The inside of the holster is smooth and allows for quick retrieval of your weapon while the outside has the familiar feel of kydex, rough yet soft. Wearing this has been a breeze and comfort has never been an issue. I've since wore it to two weddings, one of which I was a groomsmen, and no one had a clue. I recently tripped while running and the holster held up, kept my firearms secure, and only suffered some light scratches. A nice thing about its design is that I’ve successfully carried this setup as appendix, on the hip, behind the hip, and small of back positions. The clip on it is very sturdy yet still flexible to enough to bend far beyond any belt they can accommodate. I’m unsure of a way to make it any better without the addition of adjustable cant.

Claim to Fame: Comfortable and quality holster

Target Market: Concealed carriers

FNBs:

  • Custom made to your setup
  • Many firearms choices
  • Adjustable retention
  • 10 degree cant optional(non light bearing)
  • Options for different lights
  • Suppressor sights chanel optional
  • Optional lifetime warranty on all parts and hardware
  • 3 different sweat guard heights

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

There are too many for me to list so here’s a couple cool ones: Multicam, Tiffany Blue, 9 Kryptek designs, classic black, and many more.

What others are saying?

You can find reviews on their site for this holster

Price point:

$48.99 and up depending on options chosen. $65.99 as designed in this review.

I need it now! Availability:

It’s a custom made product so it takes 2-3 weeks to produce depending on their other orders. There is an option for rush orders and they’ll ship in 3-5 business days.

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Tough design, .080 thickness
  • 100% American made using American made hardware and equipment
  • Full combat grip
  • Easy reholstering (kydex retains weapon shape)

Cons:

  • Preset 0° cant on light bearing, 0° or 10° degree cant on non light bearing
  • Neutral: At the time, it wasn’t offered at Appendix with RCS claw. It is now offered as such.

Score 8.5

 

Bushnell TrophyCam HD Aggressor

Try to charge an art major extra for a camo dipped product? Think again!

Try to charge an art major extra for a camo dipped product? Think again!

Hunting season is upon us, and I'd like to review a piece of gear I used heavily last year that directly led to a successful harvest. I'm talking about trailcams, short for Trail Cameras but also known as Game Cams. First off, I'd like to say I am amazed at the technological leap these cameras have made in the last ten years.  Not only the resolution, but the features they manage to cram into these cameras is incredible. Most of them are better quality than my actual camera, let alone a high end camera phone. The Bushnell TrophyCam HD Aggressor is no exception, and I've got the pictures to prove it!

The trail camera market is really competitive, with dozens of brands popping up in the last 5 years. I ended up picked up the Bushnell TrophyCam HD Aggressor, only after trying a Stealth Cam G series and breaking the plastic latch on the door the first day. I wasn't completely satisfied with the image quality either, so I promptly returned it and opted to give the Bushnell a try. The Aggressor caught some good shots of my buck, as well as plenty of does and fawns, and even a few coyotes

Why use a trail camera?

An old hunter once told me "If you want a big buck, you've got to put time in the field. You won't make that payday if you don't punch the time clock." While there are those guys who are in the right place at the right time, and end up bagging a monster within a hundred yards of where they parked their truck, that just isn't me. Not because of pride or self-righteousness... but because I'm just not that lucky. To me, hunting is a lot like fishing: you really have to be in the right place at the right time to catch something with quality and maturity. However there are quite a few tools and techniques to improve your odds and help you position yourself in the right moment with the right equipment to seal the deal. There's nothing dirty about it, the cameras can't shoot and dress the game themselves... the user still has to put the effort in.

The advantages game cameras offer are huge. Obviously getting to see what animals are in the area is the main benefit, but the data you get from the camera really helps you get quickly dialed into that location. Not only can you see the number of bucks in the area and the points/size of the animal, but you get a timestamp every time they trip the camera. You should start to see a pattern of when that particular animal is moving down that trail, what direction they're coming from, and what direction are they going.  If you strap the camera to one tree and only checking the footage weekly, your results will be extremely limited unless you found the honeyhole on the first try. I moved the camera around every 4-5 days until I started to catch antlers on screen, often times using it to be in two places at once, while I sat on a trail in a treestand while the camera kept an eye on another possible route.

What I've found is that deer can be just as unpredictable as they can be predictable. Meaning there are times when a buck's routine shifts, and unless you are out every minute of the day to witness and document that behavior, stumbling across a bruiser on opening day is really a stroke of pure luck. All bucks go into the rut during certain known times of the year, but sometimes blacktails can also switch to a nocturnal mode in which their movement patterns shift until after legal shooting hours ended, and you'll never see them again til after the seasons over.

My 2015 Hunt

The little wooded oasis I hunt isn't huge, but most years it becomes a highway for lots of blacktail bucks in the area to cross around. Most aren't legal, some just barely legal and very few are 3-4 years old and stand out from the rest. After being clearcut and allowed to regrow just a few years ago, it has become ideal habitat for browsing, with no pressure from predators or other hunters. The issue is that the bucks don't show up until about mid-month, leaving a short window until the season ends a couple weeks later. With the wrong combination of weather and lunar cycle, the bucks often come out later and later until they're only active at night. I know this, because I would stake out a few well used game trails until after dusk with no activity, only to return and see prints, scrapes, and droppings the next morning.

This is the buck I ended up harvesting. He was pretty predictable in his activity, and tasted delicious.

This is the buck I ended up harvesting. He was pretty predictable in his activity, and tasted delicious.

Using the Aggressor, I was able figure out which trail was more frequently used by a deer, and I knew when the bucks had started to arrive in the area and about what hour of the day. I was currently working at a Cabela's about 40 minutes away from the hunting spot at the time, and the buck on my radar was consistently making his rounds around 6:00PM. I would get off at 5:30PM, and by the time I'd get to the spot he was already there and gone. The day before the season ended, I got off at 5, raced home and was able to get setup where he walked right to me. Game over!

The Aggressor

The Bushnell TrophyCam Aggressor performed best at night, when the contrast of the dark background and the IR flash reflecting off the animals makes for crisp shapes. It does come in Low-Glow and No-Glow models. The difference is pretty nominal, some animals may see the low glow and shy away from the camera, and bugs like moths will see the glow and tend to be drawn toward it, triggering the camera. I didn't want to skimp on brightness of flash so I went with the Low-Glow model. 

During the day I found the brightness and contrast to be okay, but not as great as I would have liked. I did have to tweak the settings to get a good balance of night time flash without blowing out the animals in white, as well as adjusting the sensitivity so a branch moving in the wind didn't set off a bunch of shots and waste battery and memory. Being in Washington State, it got rained on consistently, and was exposed to freezing temperatures every night and warm sun during the day. They say in my state: "If you don't like the weather, just wait an hour." Fortunately this Trailcam is robust enough to survive those conditions.

Several reviews on the Aggressor complain about the picture quality during pre-dawn and pre-dusk where images appear dark during day to night transition under certain lighting conditions (cloud cover). Bushnell has a firmware update to fix the issue and improve performance at all levels during this critical time for trail cams to perform. Please encourage users to follow the link below to find out if they require this update. Click here to download firmware update.

Here is what the high NV flash setting looks like. I had to experiment a couple nights to find the optimum setting that didn't blow out the contrast.

The conditions the camera sucked at was fog or mist. Even in the hours before dawn, the flash just bounces off the moisture in the air and makes everything blown out. I had set the NV flash level down to medium/normal, and left it there the rest of the season. The menu is easy enough to use on the Aggressor's backlit LED screen. You can also choose between photos only, video only, or "Hybrid Capture" mode where a it snaps a full res photo quickly followed by a video.

I didn't use the Field Scan 2X mode much, because the trails I set the camera on were pretty close quarters. Field Scan mode is a mode where you preset 2 time slots during the day for the camera to capture time lapse images as well as trigger-activated images, presumably at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. 

The advertised fast trigger speed is as promised. The camera can freeze birds in mid flight. The sensitivity and interval between shots can be adjusted to avoid repeated shots of grass and branches swaying in the wind, which I did end up doing after the first night of footage filling up a 2GB card. The delay settings are pretty useful, letting you stall the camera between 1-60 seconds between each shot, and then 1 min intervals above that. At its fastest setting it can snap 2-3 pictures in under 5 seconds. Most cameras under $200 don't have that customizability in shutter delay.

Overall, I have been pleased with the Aggressor having only forked over $150 after using some discount codes at Bass Pro Shops. While it lacks the convenience of a picture viewer and wireless capabilities, it was an excellent choice for a first camera and I look forward to putting in out in the field again this year.

 

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS - 8 KEY POINTS

CLAIM TO FAME:

The Trophy Cam HD Aggressor's are exactly what hunters have been waiting for.

TARGET MARKET:

All Hunters

FNBS (FEATURES & BENEFITS OF THIS PRODUCT):

  • 14 Megapixel Resolution

  • Video Resolution:1920x1080p

  • Video Length:Up to 60s w/ audio

  • Anti-Reflection shield

  • SD Card Capacity: 32 GB

  • Field Scan 2X

  • Freeze Frame anti-blur setting for the NV shutter

  • Hybrid Capture Mode

  • IR Sensor: Low/Med/High/Auto

  • Low Glow LEDs for invisible infrared flash

  • B&W Text LCD Display

  • Date/Time/Temp/Moon Stamp

  • GPS Geotagging

  • Powered by AA batteries (4-8)

  • Battery Life:Up to 1 Year

  • Solar Compatible

  • Includes adjustable web belt

  •  1/4-20 threaded socket for installation on mounts or tripods.

WHAT OTHER AESTHETIC OPTIONS OR FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE?

Solid Dark Green, or Camo Dipped for extra $$$

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING?:

"I am sorry that another reviewer had a bad camera/experience. My 14MP Aggressor has worked very well. I have had mine running for about a week. I have it in my back yard, centered on a set of bird feeders. I want to check out the night visitors. So far during the day it has taken excellent color pictures and videos (with sound) and excellent black and white pictures and videos at night (with sound- you can hear the tree frogs chirping). At night it picked up a small rabbit that came into the field of view (FOV) at 25 feet, and two different raccoons at the same range. It also picked up my wife at night at about 40 feet as she entered the FOV. I have uploaded 4 pics, 2 day (note how small the targets were that triggered it) and 2 night. Since it is hot out, I have it on High sensitivity and Medium shutter speed. I like the embedded moon phase, temp, date and time. It also embeds lat/long, but that is not printed on the picture. Once I understood the set-up instructions, it was easy to get going and is now very easy to change the “parameters.” I like it so much that I have ordered a second one to monitor the entrance to the back of house that has its motion-sensor light go off occasionally. I appreciate that the camera can be set to take pictures in the day or night or both. I have it installed in a camlockbox mounted to a tree using a camlockbox heavy duty universal swivel bracket secured with a Master Lock Python. The combination works well for me. Some of my pictures were a little blurry after a hard rainstorm. They were OK after another rain. I have since installed a camlockbox rain hat which has good reviews." B. Hart, Amazon User

LINK TO OTHER REVIEWS:

chasingame.com review

PRICE POINT:

(MSRP versus actual retail)

MSRP = $179.99 solid color, $199.99 for RealTree Xtra camo

Retail = $149.01 Amazon

I NEED IT NOW! AVAILABILITY:

Amazon, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Latch is rigid and large
  • External power compatible
  • Gasket seals out moisture
  • Crispness and brightness of Night photos are fantastic
  • Shutter speed is as fast as Bushnell claims
  • Sensitivity and Delay settings to maximize efficiency

Cons:

  • Batteries are exposed when retrieving the SD card / changing settings
  • The wide angle screen mode cuts off about 40% of the vertical picture of a full screen, and the full screen picture mode has all of the horizontal info of the "wide screen picture." So what's the point?
  • 80ft sensor range is more like 30 ft at night.
  • Pre-dawn and pre-dusk times suffer from confused flash (get the firmware update)
  • Lock and cable loops are plastic and thin
  • Would be great to select variable flash brightness for daytime vs night

SCORE: 6.5 OKAY

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design

,

Osborn TacticalTuck IWB holster

,

  So a few months ago I was looking for an IWB holster for a SCCY pistol. I was specifically looking for a hybrid style and ran across Osborn Holsters out of Texas. They pretty much only offer hybrid style holsters. Some of them even have a mag carrier built in with the holster. I chose the standard style without the extra mag carrier. Osborn sent it to me for review and it arrived quite quickly. 

   I have been wearing the TacticalTuck since it arrived about 2 1/2 months ago. The holster is dyed a redish brown color. Osborn holsters informed me that dyed holsters resist sweat better, but I notice now they offer a moisture barrier for an extra few bucks. It can also be had in natural or black leather. 

  The TacticalTuck has been one of the most comfortable holsters I have worn. It uses a very flexible leather backing with a kydex outer shell.  This has its pros and cons. On the positive, it is super comfortable. On the negative, it is hard to reholster because it pushes in toward the kydex, somewhat collapsing the pocket that the firearm goes in. As long as you pay attention and reholster slowly, it works out fine. The outer shell is molded for your firearm. And they have lots of models to choose from. Osborn does a nice job on the shell. My firearm fits good, there are no sharp corners and the molding around the gun is done nicely. The shell is also adjustable for tension with 4 screws that press on rubber washers. All the hardware screws use a smooth, chicago style, backing nut. 

   Osborn supplies their holsters with metal belt clips. These clips are some of the sturdiest clips I have used. The TacticalTuck has 2 belt clips to give a sturdy attachment of the holster. The clips have bumps on them that help them stay on around the belt. I had zero problems with the loops coming off. In fact, they clip on so well that it actually takes some effort to get them off of the belt. I like these clips, but every metal clipped holster I have used, causes my shirts to wear out. Especially around the rearward clip, when sitting in chairs alot, the clip rubs through the shirt.  

  Being that this is a hybrid style holster, it offers plenty of adjustments. Each belt loop has 4 adjusting holes. So by moving them up or down individually one can adjust ride height and/or cant of the holster. Each one of the holes has been riveted, so adjustment is easy and the holes should not wear out. Osborn also cuts the backing leather for the individual firearm. This is a nice touch, as other companies sometimes just use 3 or 4 different backings. 

  Osborn makes a nice holster. It has some good features and a few so-so ones. But if your in the market for a very comfortable hybrid holster. Give Osborn Holsters a look. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Hybrid style IWB holster

Target Market:

Concealed carriers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Hybrid style (leather back, kydex shell) 
  • Firearm Model availability
  • Adjustable retention
  • Steel belt clips
  • Tuckable 
  • Adjustable ride height
  • Adjustable cant
  • Made In U.S.A.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Natural or Black

With mag carrier combo

What others are saying?:

 Good Holster

Mike @ Osbornholsters.com 4/5 stars

Overall it is a good holster. I like the adjustability of ride hight and the quality is great. My only complaint so far is the retention. I have tightened the screws as far as they will possibly go and the leather seams to relax the more I wear it loosing the retention. I have bottomed out the screws and not sure where to go from here.

 

Great Options for Rail-Mounted Lights

Z @ Osbornholsters.com 4/5 stars

Pros: * Overall solid build quality and features.* If you have a weapon-mounted light (and you should), there are more options available on this holster than with most other vendors.Cons: * Had to cut off some leather to allow my middle finger to get under the trigger guard on the draw. * Then had to trim a bit of kydex to allow my middle finger to index under the trigger guard on the draw without scraping it on kydex every time.

Getting a consistent and proper grip is paramount. The strong hand should ride high and tight into the backstrap/beavertail, and the middle finger should ride high and tight into the trigger guard. Google "maximizing the combat handgun grip" for more info. Just trim the leather and kydex a bit to allow this the moment you grip the pistol and you have a product that can't really improve much further.

Link to other reviews:

Four Guys Guns

Concealed Nation

Price point:

MSRP = $49.99

I need it now! Availability:

Osborn Holsters

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • Adjustable retention
  • Adjustable cant
  • Adjustable ride height
  • Quality molding
  • Tuckable

Cons:

  • Collapsible holster mouth 
  • Metal clips

Score: 7.5 Good

 

Chad's Favorite Link: The 22 Connection

 

AAC Blastout

A lot of shooters have trouble understanding what the point of a blast diffuser is... in an industry where anything that can be bolted to a gun is brought to market, its common to be skeptical of something new.  Most will say "if you want to reduce the muzzle blast, why wouldn't I just remove my muzzle brake, or just use a suppressor?" Don't have a suppressor? Then why have a 51t mount muzzle device at all?

Well my scenario is that while I'm waiting for a suppressor approval from the BATFE, I already installed a 51 tooth muzzle brake from AAC on my bullpup rifle in preparation for the compatible can. AAC offers a few different muzzle devices that are 51t compliant, but I chose the BlackOut Muzzle Brake for the reduction in muzzle rise.

I installed the 51t BlackOut Brake on my IWI Tavor in anticipation for a M4-2000 5.56 suppressor.

The effectiveness of the BlackOut Brake has the side effect of concussive forces jetting out from the sides, both causing increased decibels to bystanders, ands spraying carbon, copper and other particulates on my support arm and the nearby area. Those factors multiply when shooting in a confined space like a hallway or a vehicle.

The BlastOut is angled like a stealth aircraft, which looks good aesthetically but also helps with leverage during installing and removing.

Thats why I was excited when AAC announced their BlastOut device. While the suppressor sits in "NFA jail" it allowed my to try the 51t ratchet system for myself, and get to benefit from the forward projection of muzzle blast and saving the ears of those who shoot next to me at the range. Installation is a breeze, just insert over the 51t device and start tightening until the ratcheting sound stops and the BlastOut bottoms out.

The 51t (or 90t) ratchet system is easy to use.

Just insert and twist a few rotations til it stops.

For those prohibited from owning a suppressor, the BlastOut gives some of the same advantages. First off, the BlastOut throws alot of the report downrange and away from the shooter's ears. It won't make the rifle hearing safe without ear pro, but it takes a little of the bark out. To the friendlies standing on either side of you, it's definitely a measurable improvement. And for those with AR/AK pistols or SBRs, the BlastOut helps tame the increased blast from the shorter barrel and unburned powder.

The BlastOut also gives you an idea of how much clearance is going to be needed before you get to take possession of your suppressor, incase you want a flashlight or other accessory near the muzzle.

Secondly, it doesn't affect the performance of the muzzle device it's installed on. If you're running a flash suppressor, the signature from the muzzle flash will still be minimal. If you're running a muzzle brake, the upward recoil will still be reduced. A lot of folks speculate that since it redirects forces forward, that the rearward recoil will be increased. It's not necessarily false, but in my testing the rearward forces felt and appeared to be identical with and without the BlastOut installed on an AAC BrakeOut muzzle device.

Third and final, it looks pretty damn tactical.

For the price point, I can see why some gun owners would rather spend $150 on something else worth while for their rifle (ammo, training, optics, etc.). But for those who are waiting on their AAC suppressor to be approved, or just enjoy using AAC's muzzle devices, the BlastOut is a great addition to the range bag.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  The BlastOut encloses the gas exhaust ports of the muzzle device and shields the shooter and nearby personnel from the concussive effects of lateral and rearward escaping muzzle gasses.

Target Market: AR-15, AK-47 and other rifle owners

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 51T Ratchet or 90T Taper Mount
  • Weighs only 6 oz.
  • 2.5" length
  • 1.50" body outside diameter, 1.57" at the latch
  • Nitride Finish

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black Only

What others are saying?: Couldn't find any 3rd party reviews yet

Heres a Brownells Spotlight video

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: AAC website, MidwayUSA, Brownells, Roughneck Firearms (cheapest)

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Works on all existing AAC 51-tooth mounts regardless of caliber and device type (flash hider, compensator, or brake) or 90-tooth mounts if you get the 90T Blastout
  • Ratchet attachment can be heard and felt
  • Design incorporates flats and finger grooves to assist in grip for securing/removing
  • Directs gasses, lead and other debris forward
  • Something to attach to your gun while you are waiting for your NFA stamp, or while you swapped the can onto another firearm.

Cons:

  • Expensive (although still cheaper than a Surefire Warden)
  • Lead exposure increases greatly as debris starts to build up inside the tube

Score: 8.5 Great

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

Leatherman Skeletool

I'm a big fan of pocket knives as EDC or Every Day Carry gear, especially when they have additional features that expand the utility of the tool. Multitools are great, but often they are chunky because of all the different tools incorporated within the handle. Try carrying something like that in your pants pocket all day and you'll quickly get tired of the uncomfortable bulge and extra weight. I usually keep them on the desk drawer or toss them in the toolbox and neglect them until I can't find the right screwdriver or other tool I need, and I've become desperate.

The Leatherman Skeletool is a unique multitool that really fits into the EDC role well. Folded, the Skeletool has a carabiner style clip that makes it easy to hitch a ride on your belt loop or keychain / lanyard. Its a very skeletized design, which makes the overall weight fairly light. It has a hinged plier design like other popular Leatherman multitools, but minimalist approach to the onboard tools keeps the profile slimmer and more pants or jacket pocket friendly.

Before opening the Skeletool up, its worth mentioning the exterior tools that are available while its in the closed mode. First, the carabiner clip doubles as a very handy bottle opener. The stainless finish will also make rinsing off beer easier if you have a party-foul that could lead to sticky hands later.

The second feature is the blade that is very easy to deploy one handed via a thumbhole. The blade is 2.5" long with a unique sway design and a drop-point that is suitable for puncturing jobs, and a nice edge that arrived pretty sharp out of the box. With a hardness of 420HC I've found the blade to hold it's edge well over time, although I sharpen all my blades every few months anyway. I've been careful with the tip as to not torque it horizontally during odd jobs, and after 7 years of moderate use it's still nice and pointy.

When you spread the Skeletool's handles apart, the plier jaws are exposed as well as the bit driver on the non-carabiner clip arm. The opposite arm has integral storage of a second double-headed bit for the driver.

The plier jaws are approximately 2" long and have about half an inch of a flat nose with serrated surfaces, a squared off nose and deep teeth along with a wire cutter. The plier head itself feels a bit thicker than other multitools I've owned, and the hinges are well designed and feel reinforced. Usually the breaking point of a multitool is the hinge point when the operator squeezes with too much force, resulting in the tool separating itself in two halves. This has not happened to me and my Skeletool, because I know when the job at hand requires a more appropriate set of pliers. These are not meant to loosen the lugs on your flat tire! Use the tool between your ears before using a pocket tool on a heavy duty job.

While the Skeletool looks awkward to grip in the plier mode, its actually pretty usable. Leaving a bit in the driver may cause you to stab the heel of your hand if you've got large mits, so keep that in mind. The knife blade stays stowed and protected in this mode, but its handy to be able to use the bit driver in this mode if whatever task your are doing requires gripping or prying/screwing.

The bit driver mode isn't the most ergonomic screwdriver in the world, but it does get the job done. When inserted, the bit is locked into the drive via a detent so it won't fall out from gravity or get stuck in valley of the screw head. When you want to swap bits, there is a serrated thumb lever that releases the detent. For how small the parts are I'm actually surprised how well thought out Leatherman put into this design. The included bits are proprietary to Leatherman and won't fit in your other drivers. However they are double sided, being the same type just one larger and one smaller. I find the integrated storage slot for the unused bit to be very cool and convenient, and more importantly secure. In all the years I've beat this thing around, I've never had the stored bit come loose or fall out unintentionally from its friction fit little compartment.

Overall the Skeletool is extremely portable, but it lacks additional tools beyond the basics. Some may find the features underwhelming if you find yourself needing hex/star wrenches, scissors, files, or other tools. While there are other compatible bit heads available from Leatherman, I've never personally seen the need for them. I do own other multitools, for jobs like maintenance on a compound bow or a modern sporting firearm. You could of course just order the extra bits and swap out the secondary for a bit you find more useful in your day to day life. The purpose of the Skeletool is to cover the essentials and be more convenient to keep with you on a regular basis, and I think it really succeeds at that role.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  The Leatherman Skeletool is an ultra lightweight, bare-bones multitool equipped with all the tools you need.

Target Market: Everybody

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Weighs only 5 oz.
  • 2" Pliers and wire cutters
  • Bit driver with four bits
  • Drop-point knife
  • Carabiner/bottle opener
  • Removable pocket clip for easy carry
  • Stainless steel 420HC drop-point blade
  • Length 4"

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Stainless, Tan, Green, Blue anodizing as well as serrated or non-seratted blade. Other models are now available with glass breakers, seatbelt cutters, and carbon fiber handles.

What others are saying?: "One really slick bit of engineering is that as you close the tool, the bit fits neatly inside the frame around the carabiner. Speaking of the carabiner, I rarely find myself using it. Clipping it to a belt loop makes for an awkward carry since the tool is too short to ‘tuck’ into a pocket that way and it sort of pokes out a bit for me. I prefer using the spring clip in a back pocket… until I noticed that the protruding head was catching on things like my car seat. This is not really a design flaw, but it bothers me enough that I stopped carrying it for now (I will re-evaluate when I get the case, which I still have not ordered.)

My ‘wish list’ for the Skeletool is pretty short. I wish it had a detent that held the tool so you could use the bit at right angles for more power, and I wish it could carry bits and the extender more easily without the case, perhaps some sort of ‘snap-on bandoleer’-like device. I also wish there was a version with scissors – I use the scissors on my Juice S2 quite a bit – although I would not want to give up the light weight and small size of the Skeletool for them.

Overall, this is a solidly-built smaller multitool that feels great in your hand or pocket. It has not quite replaced my Juice S2- but it well might if/when I order the extension bit, bit kit, and case." -The Gadgeteer Review

Price point:

  • Retail: $69.85

I need it now! Availability: Leatherman Dealers, Direct from Leatherman

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Knife can be deployed without opening entire tool
  • Self storage of the extra bit
  • Bit driver locks in bit head with detent, easy thumb lever to release
  • Curved handle fits palm of hand contour
  • Slim enough to fit in pockets, rangebags, glove boxes or clipped elsewhere
  • Handles never contact each other when pliers jaws are full closed/squeezed, preventing excess force and leverage that could cause damage

Cons:

  • Tools are minimal, more bits sold seperately
  • One of the main screws of hinge came loose over time, had to use locktite and retighten with another tool (star head)
  • Leaving a bit in the driver while using the pliers could injure your hand via stabbing or puncture, if the user's hands are large.

Score: 8.5 Great

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

,

ODIN Works ATLAS 5 Compensator

,

   Odin Works has been making quality AR parts for many years. The new ATLAS compensator is no different. Odin works was kind enough to send me the ATLAS 5 for review, they also sent me an O2 light handguard that I reviewed earlier. 

  I was curious about the ATLAS after we had talked about it on episode 136 of the Gun & Gear Review Podcast. After receiving the ATLAS 5, I immediately took it apart into it's 3 sections. Basically you have an inner compensator, that would probably work by itself, an outer shell, and a nut to hold it all together. The inner comp is made from 416 stainless steel and the outer comp shell is made from titanium. 

  Now onto installation of the ATLAS. Assuming that you have already taken off your old muzzle device. All you need to do is screw on the inner muzzle body on and tighten it with a 7/8" wrench. No crush washers or shims needed. Then slide the outer shell over the body with the index mark pointed up. Now tighten the nut on, also with a 7/8" wrench. Then there are 3 set screws, on the end of the nut, that you tighten down with the supplied wrench. These help keep everything locked in place. After you have adjusted the brake like you want, I would put some threadlocker on them. To time the brake, loosen the set screws and the nut, then turn the outer shell slightly toward the recoil impulse, and tighten it down again. So if the muzzle jumps slight up and right, turn the shell right. One can also drill the top hole in the Atlas shell out larger if timing it doesn't do enough for you. But go slow, you don't want to go too far.  I didn't like how I had to use a 7/8" wrench. The standard is a 3/4" and it would have been nice to be able to use a standard AR tool for the adjustments. 

  How does it work? Well, it works pretty good. It is not the best that I have used, but it is far from the worst. It does reduce muzzle rise, and can be drilled out for your particular load. It reduces the felt recoil down alot. It seemed to work better on my 16" then my 11.5". But it still worked okay on the shorty. It resides on the shorty for now. The reason, because once it it timed for a particular rifle, it doesn't need anything else. So I can just unscrew it, screw the suppressor on, and vise-versa. 

  The ATLAS 5 comp is really a trade off. On one side, it is easily adjusted, but on the other side, it doesn't work quite as well as some other comps. But with all that said, it is really nice for someone that removes their comp alot and still wants something that actually works as a comp. Go check out Odin Works, even if your not in the market for a comp, they probably have something you want. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable rifle compensator that does not use crush washers or shims for timing

Target Market:

AR-15 users who want a compensator that can be adjusted (timed) easily

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 3-piece design

  • Stainless steel and Titanium sleeve

  • 1/2-28 Threads

  • 2.56" long

  • 1" Diameter

  • Weighs 4.1 ounces

  • Available in 7.62 also

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Atlas 7 (7.62/.30 Cal)

What others are saying?:

Chris @ OdinWorks: 5/5 stars

Easy install works awesome

Easy peasy install took about 2 minutes on my Del-Ton AR15. At the range was truly awesome. Was back on target so fast due to so much less recoil I was shocked. I was slightly high right, made an adjustment to the break not my scope and boom dead on sub MOA at 100 yards, I had not done that before with this rifle. 

 

Eric @ JoeBobOutfitters: 4/5 stars

Excellent Tunable Flash Hider

The Odin Atlas was incredibly easy to install and doesn't require a crush washer which is a big plus. As long as it is tight, it doesn't really matter what configuration the holes line up like.
Tightening down the cap with the three screws secures it perfectly and the outer sheath around the main body really does help tune your rifle from left and right movements. 
It does a great just of reducing flash as well. Overall, I find this flash hider/compensator to be outstanding.

Link to other reviews:

Sootch00 @ Full30

Price point:

(MSRP versus actual retail)

MSRP = $99 @ Odin Works

Retail = $94.05 @ Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

Odin Works or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Easily Adjustable

  • No Crush Washer or Shims needed

  • Good at keeping muzzle on target

  • Reduces Recoil

Cons:

  • Doesn't use standard 3/4" wrench 

  • Loud (but it is a compensator) 

  • Didn't come with instructions. Must go to Odin works faq

Score: 7.5 Good

 

 

Chad's Favorite Link: Veterans Forward Operating Base (VFOB)

 

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Amend2 AR-15 Magazine

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   Amend2 is a new company that has entered into the AR-15 magazine market. Having another option in the AR magazine market is always a good thing. Amend2 offers mainly standard capacity magazines of 30 rounds in 5.56/.223, but also lists a 20 round option. I was sent the 30 round black ones for review. 

  I was pretty excited to try these mags out. And since I was going to a big shoot, the timing was perfect. When the mags first arrived, I immediately checked them to see if they would drop free. All of the ones they sent me, hit the floor when the mag release was pressed. This was even in a rifle that will hang up on some other magazines. Of course,  the Amend2 mags also locked back the slide, as expected. One thing I noticed is that the magazines seemed heavier than both my mil-spec and P-mags, but they actually weigh really close to the P-mags. Don't get discouraged by this, because they are made from a tough polymer. I did toss one across the road and it had only very minor scratches. Then I drove over it, both loaded with empty cases and unloaded completely. I really just wanted to see if it would crack, but it didn't. The baseplate on the mag is slightly larger than some and has a checkerboard texture on the bottom. This is a good thing if you drop your mags a lot on hard surfaces. It also helps when retrieving them from a pouch. As with essentially all good magazines, they have anti-tilt followers and stainless steel springs. 

  You probably really want to know how they function? Okay. Two of the magazines were run in full auto AR's, all day. I don't have an actual round count, but it was over 1000 rounds per magazine, probably more like 2000 each. One magazine ran flawless with no problems at all. The other one had 1 failure to feed. I would say these magazines are good to go for anything that you would want to use them in. I have also been using these magazines when I need to use an AR mag, with no problems. I have also ran them suppressed, in an SBR. 

 Currently,  Amend2 offers the magazines with some options. They come in black, OD green, and tan. The anti-tilt follower and base pad insert are red. According to their website, other magazine colors are also available: Zombie green, Ghost white, Dark earth, and Desert tan. But it is a little confusing, I don't know if they mean magazine body color, or magazine follower color. While surfing Amend2's Instagram, I noticed that they can also do custom nameplates for dealers, or maybe anyone if you purchase enough of them. It appears that "Amend2" on the mag body is replaced with "your company logo/name". 

  I have been quite impressed with these magazines. Amend2 has done a good job with the durability and function. The price is on par with other 30 round magazines. So, if you are looking for some more magazines, and aren't we all, give the Amend2 mags a try. 

   

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

AR-15 30 round polymer magazine

Target Market:

AR-15 owners who can own 30 round magazines 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product): 

  • Polymer construction

  • Anti-tilt follower

  • Stainless Steel spring

  • Textured body and floorplate

  • 30 round capacity

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

OD Green, Tan, and maybe more

What others are saying?:

Jay @ Brownells: 4/5 stars

GOOD MAGS, GREAT PRICE

I bought a 10 pack of these as the price is awesome. I was about to buy 10 aluminum mags from another site, and just so happened to check brownells for comparison. I stumbled across these and decided to give them a try after watching some youtube reviews. At first, these did not fit in my AR, but my rifle has a very large broached mag well. After debating whether to send them back for a refund and lose out on some money, I decided to trim some of the material on one mag that was contacting my AR and then they slid right in and out like they should have. It took about 5 seconds a side with a dremel and a sanding wheel per side and it solved the issue. These do not fit 100% of the AR's out there, so keep that in mind. That is the only reason i docked a star. Another issue arose that they would not stay seated in my AR, compared to PMAG's and Mission First Tactical mags. Frustrating to say the least, so what did I do? I bought another complete lower (HAHA!) to compare. As it turns out, the mag release/catch spring was completely shot, so after replacing that spring, they remained in the rifle. I test fitted in the new AR lower and they were tight fitting unlike in the other AR where there was some wiggle room and slid right out. Great construction, the grip and texture of these mags is unique and aids in handling.

Tim L. @ Brownells: 4/5 stars

DECENT NO FRILLS POLYMER AR-15 MAGAZINE

For the price, it's a good magazine. Feels solid right out of the package, however, I tried in both of my AR's and the magazines would not drop free from the gun. Other than that, they claim to feature no-tool disassembly, however, depressing the "2" on the bottom far enough to disassemble the magazine surely requires pressing down with something other than fingers (aka a tool). But a 5.56 bullet tip will do the trick. I'll keep them in the range bag for plinking, but I will stick with the tried and true PMags and HexMags for training, competition, and personal defense.

Link to other reviews:

Ghostginthree on YouTube

Price point:

MSRP = $14.95

Retail = $14.99 @ Pershingarmory.com

I need it now! Availability:

Pershing Armory, Amend2, and Brownells 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Durable

  • Stainless Steel spring

  • Anti-tilt follower

  • Made in U.S.A.

  • Custom Name Plates

Cons:

  • Rough looking

Score: 8.0 Great

 

Chad's Favorite link: Axelson Tactical

 

 

 

 

Crimson Trace Laserguard

Lasers! Many shop-keeps, keyboard commandos and opinionated range goers will tell you that lasers are lazy and stupid. The common argument is that folks with lasers on their sidearms don't bother learning how to aim using iron sights, and the skills of how to shoot and reacquire those sights with enough proficiency for a real-life, adrenaline-pumping self defense scenario. Batteries do die, and electronics can go bad, so I'm not disagreeing with those talking heads. However, after giving a laser device a try for a few months, I've picked up on some strengths and benefits to carrying a protective firearm equipped with a laser.

Obviously a laser acts like a pointer, and can greatly increase the speed of "point shooting" which is firing a handgun without using its sights. Though certainly not pinpoint accurate or consistent when speed is the focus, point shooting uses the shooter's arm and body geometry to aim the muzzle in the desired direction. It doesn't take much practice to put rounds on a torso sized target at extremely short distances... its almost as easy as pointing the remote at the television. For shooters with less than perfect eyes that can't focus on iron sights, or difficulty during low light / night, as laser on your piece can be your ace in the hole.

Having a laser can add unique feedback when dryfiring indoors, as it telegraphs every millimeter of movement in the muzzle.

Not only that, but it literally encompasses the gun safety commandment: Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy. For new shooters, a laser can be a useful training aid that teaches muzzle control. A laser can also show a shooter's stability, as it telegraphs every twitch, shake, or fault in the user's arms and body as it dances around on the target. This movement is more exaggerated at further distances, as a jiggle of around a quarter inch circle at 10 feet will expand when aiming at 20, 30, 40 feet and so on. It's great for giving the shooter instant feedback as to their stance's stability, but a sniper it does not make.

I've also heard people (mostly salesman) say lasers can be a threat deterrent. I can't speak to that personally, but I have asked acquaintances in law enforcement and private security who run lasers on their sidearms and they claim it reinforces the immediate danger the suspect is in, when guns are drawn and verbal commands are given. Lucky for me, my review doesn't have to prove or disprove any of those theories. Let's take a look at product geared for smaller pocket pistols, the Laserguard from Crimson Trace.

CT sources their pocket holsters from Tuff Products. If you carry in the pocket, this really saves you time hunting down the right size holster for your gun + laser combo.

There's very few laser companies with as many product variations as Crimson Trace. Whatever handgun or long gun you own, chances are theres a CT product that can work for it. The Laserguard is a unique design that adapts to smaller, pocket sized and sub-compact pistols that lack any provision for attaching lights or lasers via an accessory rail built into the frame. With the rise in popularity with smaller handguns like the Glock 42/43, S&W Shield/Bodyguard, Ruger LCP/LC9, Taurus Curve, Kel-Tec PF9 and others, there was lack in support for accessories. Crimson Trace designed a housing that snaps around the trigger guard and snugs up against the underside of the muzzle. I picked one up for my Sig P938, as it doesn't have a rail and the ambidextrous 1911-esque thumb safeties would inhibit a laser equipped grip panel anyway. I did get the Laserguard with the holster bundled since my preferred method of carry is inside the pocket, so its nice CT provides the right size pocket holster to fit my gun with the LG-492 installed.

I still like the DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster over the Tuff products one CT chose to use, but it still gets the job done.

CT did a good job making the Laserguard easy to install yourself. It comes with the two allen wrenches needed for the housing screws and the windage/elevation screws, as well as your first battery. After installing the battery in the right half of the Laserguard, you simply snap it onto the handgun's triggerguard, then align the left half, press together, and tighten the tiny screws to complete the housing. The Laserguard puts the laser diode directly under the muzzle, with an activation pad right where your middle finger contacts the frame during a proper grip.

The button location makes it pretty idiot-proof and doesn't add any awkwardness to the drawing of the firearm. Just grip normally and the squeezing pressure of your finger will press the activation pad. There is no toggle or programmable modes, so to keep the laser on you will need to maintain the grip pressure. The downside to the LG-492 model designated for my SIG P938 is that there is no master on/off switch, so if I want to shoot without the laser activated, I need to slightly bend my middle finger as to not press the button (or remove the Laserguard entirely). My biggest complaint is I really wish CT made the master switch a consistent feature across all the Laserguard models.

The two main housing screws are tiny, so be sure not to lose them. The laser seems to return to zero when you take the Laserguard off and back on, as long as you tighten them the same as you had when you zeroed in the first place.

Zeroing the laser is pretty easy to do in just a couple minutes. Often I would do this in store when I worked behind a gun counter as it really is simple. Just hold the gun with one hand and aim at a particular point on the wall (in a safe direction, with an empty and safe firearm please). With the other hand, insert the small allen key and turn the windage or elevation screws until the dot moves to where your sights are aiming. Turning the screws counter clockwise will move the dot left or up, and turning clockwise will move the dot right or down. Keep in mind if your handgun's sights require a 6 o'clock hold for accurate point of impact, as you'll want to knowingly move the laser dot higher to where that bullet will hit.

The button area is overmolded with rubber for comfort and wear resistance.

The distance at which you zero your laser is entirely up to you. Supposedly CT zeroes all their products from the factory at 50 feet. The common misconception is that most self defense shootings occur at 21 feet, or 7 yards. That figure has been debunked, and the real average for self defense shootings is a distance closer to 7-10 FEET. Whatever you choose to believe, you should zero the laser for that realistic distance. I zeroed my Laserguard at 20 feet, because at that zeroed distance if I were to aim at a closer object at 10 feet my laser dot is only one inch low. When I back up to 90 feet or 30 yards, the laser dot is about 5-6 inches above where I set my sights. When aiming for tighter groups at different ranges, its good to know how the geometry of the upward angled laser diode when zeroed affects the dot compared to your point of aim.

The Laserguard will shorten your grip area, so hopefully you have a finger rest on an extended magazine, or you're comfortable shooting with a two fingered grip.

My only other major complaint about the Laserguard, is it decreases the real estate for my fingers to grip the frame. On a small pistol like the P938 or others in it's class, you may find there's just enough room for all three of your fingers on the grip as is without any accessories, or you require an extension on the magazine basepad to accomodate your pinky finger.  The addition of the Laserguard and the way it snaps around the trigger guard will add thickness and thus decrease the room for your fingers on the frame. This of course differs for all pistols as the space on the frame is different across the board, but its something to consider if the platform you shoot doesn't have an option for extended magazine bases or finger rests.

After shooting with the laser installed, its almost a certainty that the lens surface will get fouled by the carbon and other crud that comes out of a barrel after firing enough rounds, causing the beam to spread and degrade in sharpness and shape. CT includes cleaning swabs with their lasers, and if you simply use window cleaner or isopropyl alcohol to lightly clean the lens with one swab and dry it with the other, you should be good to go. If you carry inside the waistband or inside the pocket, I would say you should still add this to your maintenance of the firearm as a whole because dust, lint, and other tiny particles will still get on that lens with use.

Don't forget to take advantage of the free batteries for life promo. With a 4 hour battery life for red lasers, CT figures you will need a replacement every year with normal use.

Overall, I'm still on the fence on whether I'll keep the Laserguard on my little Sig. I don't have a disability or other physical reason to depend on the laser for aiming assistance, and I find I am much more accurate without it, just using the iron sights. But I do recognize in a situation where I cannot use a proper shooting stance, or even both hands, I can see the laser being a detriment to a fast and reasonably accurate response to a threat. Just like the gun it's mounted to, its better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it at all.

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS – 8 KEY POINTS

Claim to Fame: Laserguard® is the best-in-class laser sighting system for compact and subcompact polymer-framed pistols. Laserguard mounts securely to the trigger guard, enhancing your ability to engage threats quickly and accurately with a small-framed concealed carry handgun.

Target Market:  Handgun owners, Concealed Carriers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Polymer housing with Rubber Overmold activation pad
  • Instinctive pressure activation location with middle finger
  • Battery Type: One 1/3N Lithium or Two 357 Silver Oxide Batteries
  • No gunsmith needed, easy to install
  • Battery Life: Red- Four Hours, Green- 2 hours
  • Factory Sighted at 50'
  • User Adjustable for Windage and Elevation
  • Warranty    Three Year Full Warranty
  • Wrench Size    0.05
  • Dot Size    Approx. 0.50" at 50'
  • Master ON/OFF switch on select models

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Red or Green laser diode

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING?: 

"It's a good laser sight, nice and bright. I mounted this on a Glock 26 firing 124 Gr. 9mm +P Winchester PDX1. I find that the light weight of the subcompact pistol combined with the nasty recoil of those 9mm +P rounds start my laser dot creeping off zero after about 50 shots (but very slow drift). This is acceptable in a self-defense situation IMO, but be aware that you may have to re-zero this little guy from time to time (which is very simple to do.) It will increase the size of the pistol beyond what will fit in most holsters." - Amazon Customer Review

PRICE POINT:

  • MSRP: $229-329 (red or green laser, with or without holster)

I NEED IT NOW! AVAILABILITY:

Website

Brownells

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Easy to install and zero in minutes
  • Activation pad in natural position
  • Some models have bundles available with pocket holsters
  • Returns to zero when removed and reinstalled IF you tighten screws exactly the same amount (still verify zero each time to be sure)

Cons:

  • Won't fit guns with Hogue grips that wrap around the front strap

  • Holster requires custom kydex shells

  • Reduces grip area for fingers

  • Zero shifts slightly after multiple shots (about the 250 round mark for me)

  • Master on/off switch not available on the LG-492 model

SCORE: 6.5 Okay

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design

SteathGearUSA IWB Mini Holster

The holster industry is uber saturated with hybrid holsters. New materials are needed to make a new hybrid-hybrid platform.

It's time for another inside the waistband holster review, and fortunately for me the quality of the holsters I get to try just keep getting better and better.  This time around I get to take a look at some premium holsters made by StealthGearUSA. SG makes holsters using unique materials that elevate the comfort and longevity of the product far above the conventional holsters of the past. Let's be honest, buying a IWB holster is absolutely brutal. With every Tom, Dick and Harry cranking out holsters,  all claiming to be "the best," it can be really hard to shop for the right one. You have to decide for yourself, if you are looking for a quick solution that will get you by in a pinch, or a quality rig that's more advanced and comfortable than the rest... which will help you WANT to carry that sidearm everyday.

What makes StealthGearUSA holsters stand above the crowd is the use of a breathable, laser-cut ventilation mesh in combination with an integrated moisture shield and padding cells. They call this patented tech VentCore, and it adds up to a more comfortable carry with reduced sweating and irritation after a full day packing heat. The platform's ventilation allows my skin to breathe, keeping it dry and pretty comfortable. This design, and really the whole company, was born out of frustrations from inferior quality IWB holsters. After field testing a bunch of competitor's holsters that each claimed to be the king of comfort, the owner of SG wanted to create a holster more comfortable than a Kydex shell riveted to a piece of leather.

The Ventcore backing reminds me of the mesh basketball shorts of my youth. It certainly is breathable and soft against bare skin.

The IWB Mini holster is one of SG's popular models. It's basically a narrower width variation of their standard IWB model formerly known as the ONYX. The shorter profile will be welcome among users who find full width IWB designs too bulky and awkward when worn in the 3-6 o'clock position. Using completely synthetic materials instead of moisture-trapping leather, the Mini is ventilated and padded for comfort. It's also noticeably lighter and durable than other holsters on the market that I've tried. 

On the inward facing side, the backing is padded with a custom cut layer of foam thats designed to optimize comfort with each individual gun model. On the inside, the foam padding is specifically selected as to not be moisture-absorbing. On the outward facing side, SG used a hard nylon mesh called Rhinomesh that provides structure and rigidity to the otherwise soft and flexible padding and Ventcore layers. The combination adds up to a backing consistent with other materials in thickness and pliability.

Trigger Guard Coverage: check!
Finger clearance: check!

Muzzle Coverage: check!

The kydex shell of the Mini is custom designed for each individual handgun. The grip clearance is excellent and both the trigger guard and muzzle are covered completely, which I consider must-have features. Obviously full coverage of the trigger guard is a common sense feature for safety, but I also prefer a covered muzzle to prevent the front sight from getting worn / wearing a hole into my clothes, as well as keep lint and debris from accumulating in the barrel, and guarding the muzzle itself from contacting a hard object and sliding up in the holster.

The belt clips have a nice edge that's easy to feel and pry on when attaching to your belt one handed and without looking.

The clips on the IWB Mini are injection molded polymer, and have two screw holes for cant / depth adjustment. Available in either a straight or angled design (to help push the holster tighter into the body) they work with belts between 1.5" - 1.75" wide, and as thick as triple-layer nylon webbing. The upward hook of the clip engages bottom of the belt for maximum retention. Between the shell and the backing, rubber spacers help with adjustment of retention. The clips and shell both use rust resistant black oxide stainless steel fasteners with phillips heads. SG specifically chose not to use rivets, out of concern for premature wear and failure, as well as lack of adjustability.

StealthGearUSA seals their holsters in a pouch that feels like its food grade. They do this to keep the holster fresh from the factory all the way to your door!

The Rhinomesh layer on the outward facing layer is textured and porous. In fact, I can see daylight looking through the backing, and can feel air pass through the materials from either side. The flip side to the material's structural benefit is its texture. The texture of the Rhinomesh adds friction when you slip your gun into the shell, which is why they recommend something I've never heard of before until now.

No thank you, I'll stick to lubing my firearms where it matters, and not treat them like sports cars.

Included with the holster is a promotional card for a product called Quick Draw, which is a dedicated holster lubricant. Yes, you read that right. StealthGear claims the lube will extend to life of the holster by decreasing drag for a faster draw, protect the finish of the firearm from micro-abrasions, and "helps the FEEL of the gun in the holster." Come on guys, that last one puts the BS meter in the red zone. The fun doesn't stop there, because it's recommended that you reapply Quick Draw every 50-100 draws, or every 30 days. Personally, I don't care for the idea of adding another level of maintenance to my holster platform, just because the material the manufacturer chose is a little rough. But if you are the kind of gun owner that worries about keeping a prestine finish and avoids holster wear at all cost, you might want to give the lube a try.

In doing some digging around on the interwebs, I found a review of the Mini's predecessor the Onyx on The Truth About Guns. In a quote from SG at the time: "The hard nylon RhinoMesh facing used where the weapon contacts the platform... has a twist in the warp yarn for extreme strength and abrasion resistance, but still allows maximum breath-ability. We have tested the durability of this facing mesh by holstering and un-holstering a gun in a test holster the equivalent of once per day for 30 years with NO visible wear." I did the math, thats approximately 10,957 times. I doubt I will draw my carry weapon more than 1,000 times in my training time at home, so I choose to not worry about the micro-abrasion issue and forgo the lubrication.

The IWB Mini passed the concealment test with me. At 4:30 - 5 o'clock, which is my preferred position, the Mini kept the grip close to my hip and I did not notice any extra bulk imprinting my pants or shirt. A cover garment ontop of a proper fitting shirt isn't mandatory with this holster. After a few weeks of carrying, I could definitely feel the benefits of the breathable materials as I did not develop a sweaty spot on the skin like I do with other leather or neoprene holster backings.

Sometimes belt loops on your favorite pair of pants often interfere with IWB holster clips when trying to position in the optimum carry position. The Mini's shorter clip to clip length helps resolve that.

At $114, is this holster the reigning champion of "most comfortable holster in the world?" I can't say. Honestly, I think thats a foolish question to ask, and companies who let their marketing department squabble over such claims instead of actually innovating in the R&D department are just as fool hearted. So I say to kudos to SG for trying new materials in the pursuit of a better holster. What I can conclude, is if you as the consumer have tried other holsters in the past and was not pleased with the backing being making your skin hot, sweaty, sticky and uncomfortable... or the weight and bulk of leathers products, than the StealthGearUSA's solution maybe exactly what you are looking for in a IWB holster. 

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS – 8 KEY POINTS

Claim to Fame: When seconds count, your holster will perform.

Target Market:  Concealed Carriers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Ventcore breathable mesh backing
  • Rhinomesh front layer
  • Black Oxide hardware
  • Polymer 2 position clips
  • Width: 8 inches
  • Height: 8 Inches
  • Weight: 5.35 oz.
  • Custom designed fit for each handgun model
  • 30+ components

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, Flat Dark Earth, OD Green

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING?: 

"I'm a corporate manager in the Southeast. I had purchased the IWB Standard for my Walther PPS M2 after hearing great things from fellow pistol owners. It was just as comfortable as they said, but my pants' belt loops didn't sit right with the holster clips. The helpful folks @ SG recommended a swap-out for an IWB Mini. They sent me the Mini along with a prepaid mailer to send back the Standard. I've been wearing the IWB Mini for nearly a week now & am absolutely satisfied with its comfort/quality and the top-tier customer service of the company behind it. StealthGear, you'll be where I look first for my next holster!" - Customer Review

 

PRICE POINT:

  • MSRP: $114

I NEED IT NOW! AVAILABILITY:

Website

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Combines lightweight breathability with strength and retention
  • Cant adjustable
  • Mini helps fit smaller folks, or those with pants where belt loops interfere with holster position
  • Website makes selecting gun make, model, light/laser accessory and left/right hand super fast and easily.

Cons:

  • Mesh fabric on backing can fray from aggressive use during training. This is a carry holster, not necessarily a training holster.
  • Current lead times are 25 days due to demand

SCORE: 8.0 GREAT

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design

Camelbak Mil Tac M.U.L.E.

Before summer comes to an end, I wanted to review the hydration pack I've been using on my excursions outdoors. CamelBak has been a heavyweight in the hydration gear sector, and is well known in the hiking, camping, hunting, and tactical industries. They've come along away in their history, with founder Michael Eidson using an IV bag filled with water slung in a tube sock to rehydrate in an extremely demanding bike race in Texas. 

I picked up the CamelBak Mil Tac M.U.L.E.  because it looked just the right size for biking, hiking, day hunting, and big events (NRA Show, SHOT SHOW, etc). CamelBak describes this hydration pack as ideal for shorter adventures, with enough liquid capacity and features to get the job done. Not only is it pretty tactical with its laser-cut MOLLE webbing and loop panels for morale patches (shameless plug for Patriot Patch Co. patches here) but it utilizes the awesome Antidote bladder system with a 3 liter/100oz capacity and QD connections. 

Starting with the pack itself, its made of 500D Ripstop Cordura fabric, which is a good balance between lightweight and durability. The shoulder harness features 7mm EVA foam and a 420D high-density nylon backside, and what Camelbak calls "the Air Director" back panel that uses a 3mm closed-cell PE foam that's designed to: you guessed it, increase air ventilation. The front of the pack has upper and lower zippered compartments, with the lower pouch outfitted with organizational pockets for your pleasure. The main large compartment houses the Antidote bladder, with three port positions for routing the drinking tube upward behind the wearer's neck, or under either left or right arm.

The Antidote reservoir has a 100oz / 3 liter capacity, and is embossed with increments to help monitor consumption, or just measure out supplemental tablets. The nicest feature I enjoyed was the wide-mouth opening with a plastic handle. Conventional bladders are really awkward to fill without spilling everywhere, but the collar and handle make it easy to fill up with only one hand. The Antidote's lid seals with a quarter turn of the tethered cap. The whole reservoir is suspended inside the M.U.L.E via a nylon loop you simply hook into with the plastic collar. Camelbak's "Big Bite Valve" makes it easy to take a sip on the go, and the insulated PureFlow tube keeps water from heating up or freezing depending on the environment. 

The Antidote's more notable feature is the Quick Link HydroLock and disconnect. This makes it easy to control the flow of the liquid or shut it off entirely. The quick disconnect function lets you swap out valves, as well as clean/maintain the reservoir easier, and even attach an inline filter that works while you sip, instead of filtering or boiling water first and then filling the reservoir.

The majority of the time I've used the M.U.L.E was mountain biking in the warm summer months of June-August. I found the shoulder straps aren't the most comfortable... even though they are wide, they are quite stiff and I had to purposely stress the padded foam to break it in alittle bit more for comfort. I ran the drinking tube up thru the top port and down the right shoulder strap, threading it through the straps and D ring and up thru the female M buckle strap so the valve is always pointing up towards my face. This makes it easy for one-handed use, and keeps the valve up and away from snagging on vegetation or getting caught in the bike.

Overall I love this hydration back, and the only things keeping it from a perfect score are the rigid, subpar shoulder straps and the steep price point compared to other offbrand hydration packs. It's safe to say though, that if I'm going out on a hike or logging miles on the bike, the M.U.L.E's got my back.

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS – 8 KEY POINTS

Claim to Fame: The CamelBak Mil Tac M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack is ideal for shorter adventures, with the capacity and features to keep you hydrated and comfortable as you get the job done.

Target Market:  Hikers, Campers, Hunters, Bicyclists

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 500D Rip-Stop Cordura Fabric front panel, gusset and shoulder harness (front side)
  • 420D High Density nylon on shoulder harness (back side)
  • 7mm EVA foam padding in shoulder harness
  • 3mm closed cell PE foam padding on back panel and inside hydration compartment
  • Hydration Capacity: 100 oz / 3L
  • Mil Spec Antidote 100oz / 3 liter Hydration Bladder
  • Total Capacity: 8L (488 cu in) + 3L Reservoir
  • Total Weight: 1.9 lbs / .88 kg (pack only)
  • Dimensions: 17.5 in x 8.5 in x 7.9 in (44 cm x 22 cm x 20 cm)
  • Low Profile composite laser cut MOLLE webbing
  • Backed by CamelBak Got your Bak Lifetime guarantee

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, Coyote, Multicam

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING?: 

"This pack is amazing. Small enough on the outside to not get in the way yet surprisingly big on the inside. The laser cut molles are superb and extremely low profile. The reservoir works perfectly and is a breeze to operate. Three things would make it absolutely perfect. 1- Top D-ring attachment points are a must! It's small enough to work perfectly attached to a plate carrier. 2- The shoulder straps would benefit immensely from a little extra padding, especially with the reservoir and pack fully loaded. Don't let the small size fool you. 3- The bottom of the pack needs to be of thicker fabric or have some sort of extra protection. It looks like it might have a hard time being put on the ground on rough terrain. I have yet to see how it performs though. Highly recommended and the Multicam version looks great!" - Customer Review

"Great little pack for adventuring and day trips. Pros:

  • Detachable hip straps. I am so happy about this as I rarely used them on my old pack and just cut them off. These are velcro and you can take them off when not in use. Huge plus for me. 
  • Lots of different storage options in the lower, larger compartment. Zippered mesh pocket, smaller pockets for pens, etc. and event a spot for a 30rnd magazine. I thought that was cool. 
  • Bladder, tube and bite piece are top notch and its really nice to have a cover so the mouthpiece doesn't get dirty/you don't have to worry about it
  • Excess shoulder strap can be rolled up and velcroed just under the shoulder pads so it doesn't fly around.

Cons:

  • My older Camelbak had a little C clip of sorts that you could put the excess hose in to that held it to the shoulder strap. It was nice so the hose didn't flop around, but this pack does not have it.
  • No padding in the straps. They are sturdy and well made, but will need some heavy use before they are truly comfortable
  • The "molle" styled webbing on the outside is not the right width to accommodate the molle accessories that I have tried. A bit of a bummer.

Ultimately a well made pack that I look forward to using for years." Amazon Review

PRICE POINT:

  • MSRP: $166.50
  • Retail: $114.93 @ Amazon

I NEED IT NOW! AVAILABILITY:

Website or Amazon

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Thick width shoulder straps prevent neck chaffing
  • Insulated drinking tube
  • 3 options for running drinking tube out of bag
  • low-profile laser-cut MOLLE webbing for adding more pouches

Cons:

  • Padding in shoulder straps is rigid and uncomfortable
  • Velcro mangement of excess straps would have been a nice feature

SCORE: 8.5 GREAT

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design

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Stratus Support System

While I was making my way through the sea of vendors at the 2016 NRA Show in Louisville, I came across a unique product that made me stop and take notice. While not the sexiest or most tactical wear at the event, it was something I instantly knew I needed in my kit.

As a hunter, I've become all too aware how heavy a standard rifle or shotgun gets during an all-day hunt. The average scoped deer rifle weights between 5-7 pounds... or if you're like me, you built a heavy hitting accurate rifle with nice glass that ended up north of 13 pounds. Shotguns are just as guilty, especially magnum sized receivers that were built to survive the duckpocolypse. Hauling around a heavy long gun for more than a few hours will start to fatigue even the strongest of hunters, and that fatigue just may ruin an offhand shot and a ruined hunt.

This patch double stitched to the cuff is what interlocks with the belt unit. It seems sturdy enough for long outings.

The sling is a hunter's best friend in the field, because is not only puts the weight on your shoulder, but frees up for hands for glassing the hills with binoculars, reading the GPS, rehydrating, etc. The bad thing about slings, is that burden of weight on your shoulder will still cause fatigue at some point, prompting the hunter to swap shoulders or carry the gun by hand again, until the cycle of fatigue starts again. As someone who actively hunts several species a year (on foot, rarely in a stand or blind) I've often contemplated the issue, thinking to myself "Man, I need to buy a lighter gun!" 

The cuff isn't quite wide enough to work on a Bell & Carlson type fiberglass stock.

That's exactly why the Stratus Support System caught my eye. It is a pretty simple two piece rig with a soft neoprene cuff that wraps around your long gun's stock, and a hard plastic support that you slide your belt through. The cuff has a sewn on raised plastic disc that acts like a joint when inserted into the slot in the belt unit. The result is an anchor point on your hip that shares the payload when the firearm is slung over your shoulder.

When attached to the belt, the Stratus can pivot freely 360 degrees.

Most hunters will immediately wonder if it slows down your reaction time when that big nasty buck walks out in front of you, and you only have a few precious seconds to shoulder your rifle and drill the vitals before it disappears into the wilderness again. Believe me, it was my first question too. The belt unit has a retention clip with a ridge to help secure the cuff's disc, but is easy to overcome with a short simple upward motion... which you would perform anyway to lift the sling off your shoulder stealthily as to not spook your quarry. To me the optimal technique for releasing the joint is if you unsling the rifle from your shoulder, let it pivot forward while still clipped to your hip, lower the muzzle some and then lift up. This is easy to do with one hand, so you could use your rangefinder or binos with your support hand.

The cuff fit perfectly on one of my other heavy rifles, the Mosin Nagant 91/30.

Wing shooters, I haven't forgotten about you! You remember that awkward walk to and from the truck, boat, and blind while you are trying to carry your decoys, ammo, chairs, and your shotgun, as quick as possible because that sun is rising fast and the ducks are coming in hot? Or the hours you spend marching through the wheat fields with your dog, anxiously waiting for that pheasant to take flight? No matter the terrain, I've found the Stratus Support comes in handy when you are juggling your gun and gear around, while trying to maintain stamina and stay alert.

The rubber interior prevents the cuff from slipping around on the stock

Depending on how tall you are and if your standing in water or tall vegetation, you could even lower your firearm muzzle down along your leg while you blow on your calls, or give instruction to your dog trying to retrieve that stubborn duck. If you are really ambitious, you could use the Stratus to carry a secondary gun on your other shoulder/hip, while your are using your primary weapon. If you've ever hunted with a muzzleloader, having two smoke-poles ready to go is worth more than having only one and a pocket full of bullets!

In a way the Stratus Support is like a holster for your rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader, but designed for practicality and quick access so you don't miss any golden opportunities. I really like how it can work on almost any gun in my collection, and gives some of my heavier rifles a chance to come out of the truck and accompany me on the stalk.

NOTE: Yes, I did ask SSS about more compatibility with other platforms. They are working an a tactical rig for AR-15s, and are experimenting with archery productss. Stay tuned! 

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS – 8 KEY POINTS

Claim to Fame: Stratus Support Systems solves the age old problem of field fatigue incurred through carry of bare or slinged rifles and shotguns.

Target Market:  Hunters (Shotgun, Rifle, or Muzzleloaders), Long Range Shooters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Easy to use
  • Reduces fatigue by distributing an adjustable amount of weight off of the shoulders and back to the waist
  • Allows quick access / use of firearm
  • Does bot interfere with shooting
  • Non-damaging neoprene cuff fits most firearm stocks
  • Inside cuff is non-slip
  • Belt support unit goes on/off easy and fits wide belts
  • Ambidextrous
  • Designed by hunters

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Flat Black only

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING?: 

"Everybody needs a little support now and then. Stratus support systems has put together a system for your favorite fixed stock rifles that make hunting and target practice less painful. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain. This system redistributes most of the weight from your neck, shoulders, and back to your belt." ilikegunz.com review

PRICE POINT:

  • MSRP: $24.95

I NEED IT NOW! AVAILABILITY:

Website

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Secondary anchor point makes a huge difference when hunting all day
  • Disabled hunters can benefit from the redistributed weight
  • Portion of sales will be contributed to Wounded Warriors
  • Inside of cuff has non-slip texture so it stays put on your stock
  • Belt unit was wide loops for any belt width

Cons:

  • Cuff's wings are almost not big enough for modern stocks with large cheek combs
  • Disc joint is plastic, and while sturdy so far in testing I would be more confident in a metallic solution.
  • Since the cuff takes up approximately 4" of your stock and may interfere with ammunition carrying products, it would have been a nice addition if this had some ammo loops, or a velcro system to swap between shotshells or rifle catridges

SCORE: 7.0 Good

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design

5.11 Tactical RUSH 72 Backpack

A real quality tactical backpack is more than just MOLLE loops and velcro panels

I finally broke down and bought a new tactical backpack this year, and I think I might have over done it - if thats possible. The 5.11 RUSH backpacks come in 3 different sizes, and are based on the hypothetical duration of your activity, be it recreational or uber tactical operational. So in hours, they start with the smaller RUSH12, then the slightly bigger RUSH24, and the largest RUSH72.  I was more interested in using the pack as luggage, to hold enough clothes, amenities and gear for any 3 day event. I hate checking bags or overpacking multiple bags, so the idea of fitting everything I need and nothing I don't into one backpack really appealed to me.

The shoulder straps spread the load well, and are padded with a breathable layer for all day comfort in the hot sun or freezing cold.

So far I've used the RUSH72 on 3 big trips this year, two of which were across the country and required both air travel and a long road trip in a cramped vehicle with none other than Mr. FRN president Jacob Challand himself.  I've also taken it camping a few times, mostly just southeast of Mt. Rainier, WA. It's a decent pack for sure, but its not without it's downsides. Really it depends on the user and what they are looking to do with it.

The padding and support structure designed in the back of the Rush 72 is well designed.

On the outside, the RUSH72 is beefy and seems strong enough to take a beating. The material is 1000D nylon, and is supposed to be water repellent. Take note, 'repellent' does not equal waterproof, and if your caught in a summer squall you will get soaked and need to air everything out. Most high end rucksacks incorporate a cover to lash over your bag so the rain just beads off onto the ground, so a small plastic sheet or tarp may come in hand if you live somewhere wet, like I do in the Pacific Northwest. 5.11 did incorporate 'rain-flies' that overlap the zippers of the main, admin, and side pockets which do keep rain from dripping in, as long as the back and yourself stay upright.

The MOLLE loops on the shoulder pads allow for customization of pouches that can be accessed on the go while strapped into the RUSH. I used this radio pouch to hold my cell phone.

The front accessory pocket, admin panel, side pockets and hip panels have MOLLE webbing for the addition of as many magazine, admin, or medic pouches you desire, as well as two velcro spots for adding your favorite Patriot Patch Co. morale patches. The zippers are high quality throughout, I understand they're made by YKK which are high end end Japanese zipper companies. There are stall narrow pockets on each side, as well as a fleece-lined sunglass pocket right at the top, near a grab handle incase you need to drag the bag around or carry it one handed. There is also a hydration pocket thats well concealed under the yoke of the straps.

At the top there is a fleece lined pouch designated for sunglasses... I don't have Oakleys but it's a perfect spot for my reading glasses.

The shoulder straps and back support can be the saving grace or damning sin of a backpack, especially one that can yield so much gear. Fortunately 5.11 is well aware of this, since they incorporate a decent lumbar support on the back panel, and an improved yoke with wider and thicker shoulder straps. The hip panels are padded as well, and the sternum strap and waist belt are easy to adjust and buckle.  Lastly, the dual compression straps to help tame the added bulk when the interior is full... and trust me, there's alot of room to fill!

The RUSH has a well-stitched robust carry handle that helps with throwing the bag in a trunk or in overhead compartments when flying.

On the inside, the RUSH72 definitely has ample space for a lot of gear, which almost leaves the MOLLE webbing on the outside unnecessary (but its as tactical, so MOLLE is absolutely mandatory.) The main compartment has three zippered mesh pouches of varying sizes, one zippered nylon pouch, and one open pouch in the very bottom with a drawstring closure. I mostly roll up my shirts and pants and stack them vertically in the bottom pouch, putting sundries like socks and boxers in the mesh pouches, and valuables like chargers, watches, etc in the nylon pouch since it zips shut and almost disappears in the bottom. After packing 3 days worth of clothes, there's still enough room for a medium jacket inside.

The backing is supported by a rigid plate. Its a great place to stow flat documents or maps.

The admin organizer compartment is a non-removal panel that forms a large open pouch between the main bag, which is well-suited for stuffing a rain jacket or sweatcoat into when the weather changes. The bottom corners of this void are closed with mesh netting, which in my experience is the first thing to fail after hard use. I wouldn't stow anything sharp there, stick to fabric and other soft items. The compression straps on either side help the synch it tight and keep the main compartment's contents from bulging the bag too much. 

Inside the admin compartment's rear panel are several pockets, starting with a zippered mesh pouch, then a zippered nylon pouch, open pouch, then some pencil loops and expanding pockets. The forward panel has two deep pouches that would fit a 30rd mag each, with another mesh pencil pouch just above. I usually keep electronic devices, cords, and writing utensils in here, as well as a map or a magazine for down time. The left and right side compartments of the RUSH72 are identical, both have two smaller pockets and ample room for a narrow plastic water bottle or other similarly sized item.

The RUSH 72 is a heavy pack when empty, but solidly built to withstand serious payloads. You can't expect to carry 80+ lbs of gear in a cheap lightweight pack... quality construction and materials = added weight.

5.11 really likes to hype this bag up as "the best bug out backpack in the world, perfect for recreational excursions or tactical deployments." While I haven't taken it up to the hills for a run-and-gun, stuffed to the gills with ammo and mags, I don't see myself ever using it that way. If its really time to bug out, running around with this bag loaded first aid, munitions and food will really slow you down. Plus it just screams "HEY, IV'E GOT LOADS OF GOODIES, COME SHOOT ME AND STEAL IT." It is supposedly designed by special operations combat veteran, Kyle Lamb and aggressively field tested by his company Viking Tactics (VTAC) but for me, I'm going to continue using it to ferry traveling and camping gear and keep the high speed low drag stuff for more inconspicuous bags.

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS – 8 KEY POINTS

Claim to Fame: The RUSH72™ is engineered to be a full featured 72 hour bag that provides ample space for gear and accessories while remaining rugged and reliable enough for extended excursions or tactical deployments. 

Target Market:  Hikers, Campers, Travelers, Hunters, OPERATORS OPERATING IN OPERATIONS

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Built from high strength, water-repellant 1000D nylon

  • Dual-zippered front and main compartments with molded grip pulls

  • Multiple integrated organization pockets

  • Admin organization pocket to store maps, pens, and documents

  • Fleece-lined sunglass pocket

  • Internal hydration compartment with hangers and toggles

  • Cinching waist strap and dual compression straps

  • Adjustable dual density closed-cell foam shoulder straps

  • Padded Back and hip pads

  • 23” H x 13.5” L x 8.5” D main compartment

  • 15.5” x 11.5” x 2” front pocket

  • 16.5” x 6” x 1.75” left and right side pockets

  • 21” x 13.5” hydration pocket

  • 3342 cubic inch / 55 liter total capacity

  • Contour yoke system with grab and go handle

  • Rugged, self-healing YKK® zipper hardware

  • Integrated drainage grommet

  • Nametag and square patch holders

  • MOLLE webbing all over

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, "Double Tap," Flat Dark Earth, Multicam, Sandstone, Storm (Gray), TAC OD (Green)

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING?: 

"So I have waited to put a review up so I could test it throughly. Overall it's a good bag tons of storage and organization pockets, you can easily load this bag down. The shoulder and hip straps work well, the hip straps ride a little to high on my frame I'm 6'2, but the bag distributed the weight nicely. I have used this bag for a year and a half carrying roughly 30-50 pounds of gear at any given time witch is heavy for this type of bag. But it hasn't shown any sort of problems doing so. I only have a few complaints some are nit picky but I'm trying to leave the most honest review. The weight of this bag is too heavy for this type of bag it's held up great but at the cost of how heavy this bag is. The pockets on the side of the bag work great but intrude on the man cargo area of the bag this mean you have to organize this bag carefully if you want to utilize all of the storage areas of the bag. The smaller outer pockets on the front of the bag where you can store your mags is great but the straps that create the pocket between the two work but create such a big gap when weight is added I had stopped trying to use that space all together (I consistently had stuff fall out of the bag), I think it's due to the height of the mesh on the sides is too small if they had increased mesh by an inch or two i think it would make this area a lot more useful. It's not bad for putting a single flat folding item into it but that's about it. Next the glasses pocket up top is great if you don't run a hydration system in the bag as the hose runs into that pocket and pushes into anything inside the pocket deal breaker no but it can be an issue. The one thing I wished this bag has would be tent straps on the bottomed of the bag and maybe a integrated pack cover. Overall 7.5 out of ten i can over look the weight if everything worked perfectly but you have to be very careful how you pack this up if you don't you will loose valuable space and if that's not a problem you could buy a smaller bag." - Customer Review, Kyle

PRICE POINT:

  • Retail: $169.99
  • $249.99 multicam

I NEED IT NOW! AVAILABILITY:

Website or Amazon

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Thick shoulder straps and wide yolk make long durations of carry comfortable
  • Every pocket has organization / pouches
  • MOLLE webbing on straps, hip panels, side pouches, accessory and admin pouches
  • Fits in overhead compartment on commercial aircraft

Cons:

  • Even empty the Rush72 is HEAVY!
  • No full length rain cover, rain flys only repel water

SCORE: 8.0 GREAT

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design

,

ODIN Works O2 Lite KeyMod Handrail

,

  Back in Episode 136 of the Podcast, we discussed the Odin Works O2 Lite handrail. I was intrigued by it, so I contacted Odin Works to get one in for review. They responded quickly and sent me a 12.5" KeyMod O2 Lite rail. Odin Works makes a vast assortment of AR related products for you to choose from.

  The first thing I noticed about the O2 Lite handrail is how lightweight it really is. When I took it out of the box, it was really noticeable. It weighs in at 8.1 ounces complete with the barrel nut system. Odin did a really nice job of reducing the weight by putting in tons of scallop cuts on the forend. These cuts are kind of hex shaped, with some of them being elongated. I would guess the name "O2" comes from the cut outs looking like an Oxygen molecular drawing. And, of course, it free floats the barrel. If one were to hit the edge of one of these cutouts, you might be able to bend it down. It wouldn't bend far enough to cause any functionality problems, just cosmetic ones.

  Now I'll get on to some of the technical specs. The O2 rail is made from 6005-T6 aluminum that is then anodized black. Since they sent me the 12.5" rail, that is how long it is. It has an outside diameter of 1.8" wide and 2.16" high. The reason for it being taller is because it has a small rail section built into the top of the handrail, but only at the front and back. So I would call it a hybrid rail. The top, between the 2 rail sections, does not have any way to mount a rail section between the front and back rails. The inside diameter comes in at 1.6", so plenty of room. Along with the O2 having KeyMod slots along the 3,6, and 9 O'clock positions (MLok is an option also), there are QD attachment points, at the front and rear, at 3 and 9 O'clock. A 5 slot KeyMod picatinny rail also comes with the forend. It is not mounted, so one can use it as necessary. Of course, any Keymod accessory should work also.

  Mounting the handguard is really pretty easy. If you know anything about removing AR barrels, you shouldn't have any problems. Basically, remove the old barrel nut, gas tube, and gas block. Then, screw on Odin's forend adapter. align gas tube hole, insert gas tube alignment pin (supplied), put Vibra-Tite (reusable threadlocker) on barrel nut threads, screw on barrel nut, and tighten to 40-50 ft-lbs with a 1-1/4" crowfoot wrench. Odin Works sells a crowfoot wrench, I would recommend getting one with your order. Reinstall the gas tube and gas block. Slide on O2 Lite handrail, tighten on with 6 screws and supplied allen wrench. You now can go put some rounds down range.

  Immediately after installing the O2 Lite forend, I could tell a weight difference. I think this is probably my new favorite handguard. It is comfortable to hold on to. The looks are fantastic. It is really light. And it comes in various lengths. Odin Works did a fine job creating this piece of engineering! If you are looking for anything AR related, go visit Odin Works, I doubt you will be disappointed.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight KeyMod FreeFloat handguard for AR 15 rifles

Target Market:

Those wanting a very light handguard

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Free Floats barrel

  • 12.5" long

  • Anodized aluminum

  • 8.1 ounces complete

  • 1.6" Inside Diameter

  • 1.8" Wide

  • 2.16" High

  • Built in QD attachment points

  • KeyMod attachment points at 3,6, & 9 O'Clock positions

  • Short built in rails at front and rear

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

9.5", 15.5", and available in MLok also.

What others are saying?:

Ken on Odinworks.com: 5/5 stars

These are a GREAT product. I use to use the Carbon Fiber ones I could get but after getting this one I am going to use them on all by rifles from now on. They feel great and the COOL fact is good also. All that aside they function well and are very lite which make them perfect for a carry rifle especially for hog hunting or any hunting for that matter. Great product you all have.  Thanks and thanks for your fast shipping too.

Anonymous on Odinworks.com: 5/5 stars

This rail is incredible. The rail itself is simply too light to believe. The thin cardboard packaging weighs more than the rail itself. Installation was a snap and everything went together perfectly.

Link to other reviews:

None found on the Googles

Price point:

MSRP = $200

Retail = $199.99 @ BMC-Tactical

I need it now! Availability:

Odin Works

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super Light

  • Easy Installation

  • QD points

  • Good Looking

  • Top Rail Sections

  • Free Float

  • Includes Allen Wrench

  • Includes gas tube alignment pin

  • Made in U.S.A.

Cons:

  • Only Available in Black

  • Easily damaged cut outs (If hit just right)

  • No mention of needing a semi special wrench for the barrel nut (My AR armorers tool didn't work)

Score: 8.50 Great

 

Chad's Favorite Link: Veterans FOB

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Lucid L7 1-6x24 Rifle Scope

,

   Now that the review of the Lucid L5 4-16x44 is done. It is time to move on to the L7 1-6x24. The L7 is Lucid's quick adjustable, True 1x to 6x power optic. Lucid was kind enough to send me the L7 when they sent me the L5. 

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  Lucid's new L7 optic comes with some pretty nice features. First up, it has a one piece 30mm tube that allows plenty of light through the 24mm objective lens. Second up, the variable power adjusts from a true 1x to a usable 6x. The L7 also comes supplied with an optional throw lever to adjust zoom. If you opt for the throw lever, just install it with the supplied allen wrench. The L7 uses Lucid's P7 reticle set on the second focal plane. At 1x, one can use the scope as a pseudo red dot. Except the L7 has an illuminated blue inner reticle, yes Blue. I found the blue to be an excellent choice. I was able to pick the reticle up on all different color backgrounds. When it's not illuminated, you will see the full MOA etched reticle, so even if you happen to have a blue target, it will still be noticeable. The marks on the reticle are spaced at 8 moa apart. If using on a 5.56/.223, they really don't allow for bullet drop. But if using something big and slow, like the 300blk subsonic, they work quite well.  The throw between 1x and 6x is about 180 degrees. The MOA reticle is calibrated to the 6x magnification setting. 

Reticle Illumination

208gr .300Blk. 50 yd zero at 6x

Standard 5.56 55gr. 50yd zero at 6x

  Now, my favorite thing about Lucid scopes is the adjustment knobs. To adjust the reticle up/down or left/right, one must first pull up on the adjustment knob. Then turn it, and push it back down. This locks the turret from moving. The turrets have a very nice tactile click to them. On the L7, each click is 0.5 or 1/2 MOA. To set the turrets to zero, just loosen the screw with the supplied allen wrench, pull up even farther, turn to zero, push back down, and tighten the screw. Next to the turrets, on the left side, is the brightness knob. It also holds the CR2032 battery. There are 11 brightness adjustments. I would have liked the reticle to be brighter,  because in daylight it is hard to see the illumination.  

  I mounted the Lucid L7 1-6x on a 16" AR. Which is really what the L7 was primarily designed for. The first thing I noticed was how clear the optic was. I have seen 1-4x optics in the same price range that aren't this clear! The scope also comes with flip covers. A nice touch, but the covers are pretty flimsy. 

  Lucid has done a reasonably good job with the L7 1-6x24. It is very clear, has Lucid's excellent knobs, has blue illumination, and is a true 1x. They only thing I would change, is the MOA hash marks. Maybe make them 2 or 4 MOA apart to better work with the 5.56/.223 cartridge. Give Lucid Optics a look, they may have something worth sighting through. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quick adjust 1-6 power optic with blue center illumination 

Target Market:

3-gunners, hunters, Law enforcement, or anyone wanting a quick adjustable low power optic. 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • True 1-6 power
  • 30mm tube
  • 10.75" long
  • 20.4 ounces
  • Waterproof  
  • Fogproof
  • Shockproof up to .458 SOCOM 
  • Multi coated optics
  • Illuminated P7 etched reticle
  • 1/2 moa adjustments
  • Lockable turrets  
  • 60 moa adjustment range (Each side of center)
  • Comes with Flip caps
  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None available 

What others are saying?:

Kurt at Optics Planet. 5/5 stars

Outstanding Optic

I wanted a 1-6x optic that wouldn't break the bank but also wouldn't be something that I knew was "cheap". A friend suggested the L7 and even after reviewing the website I still had some questions. A quick call to Lucid...and a chat with the president of the company, answered them. When the optic arrived, I was glad to see that it felt solid and rugged and wasn't something that would fall apart if it got a few dings and scratches. The glass is clear and the reticle is crisp. A word about the reticle...I like how the various steps on the "ladder" are a fixed distance so not only does it operate as a BDC, it also will function as an ersatz range finder.

Link to other reviews:

Major Pandemic

Price point:

MSRP = $449 at Lucid

Retail = $389 at Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Lucid, Amazon, or Optics planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Blue Illuminated Reticle
  • Clear Glass
  • Good Light Transmission
  • Turret Locks
  • Reset to Zero Turrets
  • Target Turrets
  • Tactile adjustment clicks
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Included Throw Lever

Cons:

  • 8 MOA elevation marks

  • Illumination could be brighter

  • Flimsy Flip Caps

Score: 8.0 Great

Chad's Favorite Link: U.S. Tactical Supply

 

Alien Gear Cloak Dock

Finally, an easy and smart way to mount a holster under the dashboard of your vehicle!

The product development folks at Alien Gear Holsters have another interesting product that interacts with the Cloak Mod OWB Holster (previous reviewed here). The Cloak Dock is a holster mount that allows you to attach your handgun holstered in the Cloak Mod OWB to whatever surface you desire. The biggest advantage I see with the Cloak Dock is you could conceal it at home or your workplace (if permitted) and have a car holster for the commute in between.

Thats right, you can mount your holster to the wall, under the desk, beside the nightstand, to the vehicle console, inside the safe door, or even in the shower! This lets you leave the gun in the Cloak Mod holster when its not being carried for convenient concealed access, yet detach and take the holster and gun with your on the go. AG generously saves you a trip to the hardware store by including an bunch of different screws and even a drill bit so you can mount the Dock onto a plastic, wood, drywall or sheet metal.

The template makes it super easy to mount the dock wherever you want, and the screws, anchors and drill bit included mean no trips to the hardware store.

Once you've picked where you want to mount the dock, use the template guide to drill the 4 pilot holes using the supplied 1/8" drill bit. AG recommends using a 1/2" bit for drywall installation (not included) due to the drywall anchors. If you are mounting into sheet metal, You can skip drilling pilot holes since the sheet metal screws are self-driving. Once you've mounted the two mounting brackets correctly, you have to decide whether you want the gun handle facing in or out, which is dictated by whether the alien head shaped paddle or the holster shell itself is facing outward.

Made your choice? Then you mount the docking bar between the two brackets with the correct label facing out (paddle side OR shell side) and the point of the triangular shape pointing down. Don't worry, the paddle will only snap over the docking bar one way, so its hard to screw it up. It's whether you have the bar reversed or not between the brackets that makes the difference. Depth adjustment is another design consideration that was implemented into the Cloak Dock, allowing you to tuck your gun closer up against the mounting surface, or protrude out farther for better access. Oh, and if you are wondering if your holster's cant will affect how it docks, don't worry... the dock has enough room for both forward and reverse cant, with one small limitation - at it's shallowest depth setting with the docking bar shell side out, the dock won't release a canted holster.

The docking bar's depth can be adjusted for less or more space between the gun and the wall.

Using the docking system is simple enough, just slide the paddle attachment of the Cloak Mod holster onto the center docking bar until the belt ledge of the paddle snaps over the bar. It should be as easy as a single fluid motion, with the added mass of the gun in the holster. The lockup is okay... not completely rock solid though. When its time to head out and you need to take the holster with you, just pull up from behind the paddle and pull the holster off the mount. It is possible to torque the gun's grip causing the the paddle to bend outward and freeing the locking ledge from the docking bar without having the manipulate the paddle yourself, but you would never do this unintentionally when drawing the gun from the holster. The draw is easy and clean, no different then if you had the holster on your belt.

In my small Toyota pickup, the best place to mount the dock is right under the steering wheel between my legs. Its out of sight incase I have to leave the Cloak Mod and my gun in the vehicle.

This is a great addition for gun owners wanting a solution for concealing inside of their vehicle, whether mounted under the steering column, alongside or even inside the center console. You could also purchase additional docks to place in the office or at home, even inside your gun safe's door for easy storage keeping the gun and holster together. When its time to head out and you need to take the holster with you, just pull up from behind the paddle and pull the holster off the mount.

FIREARMS INSIDER REVIEWS – 8 KEY POINTS

Claim to Fame: Attach your Cloak Mod OWB Holster to a variety of surfaces with the all-new Cloak Dock Holster Mount.

Target Market:  Cloak Mod OWB owners wanting to "dock" their firearm in a vehicle, office, etc.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Interfaces with Cloak Mod Holster
  • Constructed of glass filled nylon
  • Mounts to plastic, wood, drywall or sheet metal
  • Docking Bar configurable for left or right hand orientation
  • Accommodates both forward and reverse cant of Cloak Mod Holster
  • Comes with template for drilling holes
  • 30-Day Test Drive and Forever Warranty. 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black only

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING?: 

"I been wanting something like this for a while and I am glad alien gear came out with this. I had recently purchased the OWB holster but I never really used it since I conceal carry, and for only 15 bucks I was able to convert it into a bedside holster. Now I can quickly grab my gun in an emergency which is only 20 inches form me now mounted on the side of a book shelf. Alien gear is amazing, I order it only 3 days ago and it arrived already. They keep coming up with awesome products and continue to sell them at ridiculously low prices" - Website Review

"This is a need to own product. (must own cloak mod 3.0 holster) I just received the cloak dock in the mail, I was extremely excited to get it installed but Where?? Well being In Arizona and having a ccw permit, I decided to set it up in my 2014 Nissan Frontier. With very little room to the center consle it wasn't difficult to install,. I still have enough leg room and it's at the ready. With it's versatility you can mount to plastic, wood or thin metal. Also you can switch the sides if you want the paddle or shell facing out, Highly recommend this product" - Website Review

PRICE POINT:

I NEED IT NOW! AVAILABILITY:

Alien Gear Holsters

OUR RATING:

Pros:

  • Adaptable in either padded in/out configuration for left/right handed.
  • Easy to remove holster to switch to carry
  • Includes 1/8 drill bit, nice!

Cons:

  • If your holster paddle is setup for a cant, it won't release when shell side out if the dock is set to the its shallowest depth
  • The locking interface could be more secure

SCORE: 7.0 GOOD

 

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast
Hunter of Design

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