ATAC A1

I was in the market for not just an EDC (every day carry) flashlight, but something that would also come in handy during a night time home invasion.  You see, I'm not into weapon mounted lights on my home defense handgun.  I know there are a lot of great arguments out there to have one on your gun, but I don't want to point the muzzle of my weapon at something/someone that I don't intend to shoot.  With a weapon mounted light, that is a scenario that does happen.

After reading a lot of reviews and doing some homework of my own, I decided to purchase the 5.11 Tactical ATAC A1 flashlight.  5.11 took the time to design this light with feedback from law enforcement officers and tactical operators to bring to the market a product of reliability, durability and utility.  The ATAC A1 uses a smart Cree LED bulb to throw 103 lumens on high/strobe up to 50 minutes or 28 hours on low (11 lumens) from 1 AA battery.  The tail cap switch of the flashlight allows you to move from high, low or strobe with no auditory sound.  In addition, the ATAC A1 also allows you to do a momentary on for a quick blast of light.

Last but not least, I truly am a fan of the pocket clip attached to this flashlight.  I know that sounds weird, but I hate when I'm trying to pull my pocket knife out and the clip gets stuck on my pants.  The pocket clip on this flashlight is smooth and has not yet gotten caught on any of my pants. "Happy Happy Happy"

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: An all purpose built tactical flashlight.

Target Market: Police, security personnel and the every day people.

FNB's:  (Features and Benefits of this product)

• Regulated circuit and CREE LED
• Waterproof
• Machined aerospace-grade aluminum
• Multi-function tail cap switch with momentary-on (high/ultra low/strobe)
• Anti-roll ring
• 103 lumens for high and strobe, 11 lumens for low
• 1 AA battery (included)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black is the only color choice that 5.11 offers this light in.

What others are saying?:

• 5.11 Tactical
• Amazon

Price point:

• MSRP = $54.99
• Retail = $51.00
• Currently on-sale from 5.11 Tactical = $21.99

I need it now! Availability: Readily available online at stores like Optics Planet, Amazon and or 5.11 Tactical.

Our Rating: + Multi-function tail cap switch + Machined aerospace-grade aluminum + Break-away lanyard included + Pocket clip does not get caught on pants making it easy to access + Waterproof

Score: 9.0

Jared prefers Simon Peter Sport Company for all his FFL needs.

5.11 Tactical Battery Case

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that eventually, all of the batteries in our equipment are going to run themselves out of juice.  With that being said, it would be prudent for all of us to keep some spare batteries on hand and easily accessible.  However, the last you want to do is dig around in your gear bag in search of those spare batteries that you placed in there.  5.11 Tactical came up a pretty sweet design to keep your AA or CR123 batteries safe and secure.  This polymer case holds up to 4 batteries and is moisture and impact resistant.  The case attaches easily to your gear bag, vest, etc. using the MOLLE/SlickStick System.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  A case that ensures that you’ll always have extra batteries on hand for your duty light, optics, radio and or electronics.

Target Market:  Tactical operators, night-time patrol officers and first responders.

FNBs: (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Silent, no-rattle design
• Moisture and impact resistant
• Holds up to 4 AA or CR123 batteries
• MOLLE/SlickStick compatible

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  5.11 offers this in black only.

What others are saying?:  "This is pretty much bomb proof."

• Amazon
• 5.11 Tactical

Price point:

• MSRP = $16.99
• Retail = $14.99

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available on the Optics Planet , Amazon and the 5.11 Tactical websites.

Our Rating:

+ Rattle free + Thumb dial allows quick access with or without gloves on + Moisture resistant +Impact resistant

- Only 1 color option. - Only accepts AA or CR123 batteries

Score: 8.5 

Jared prefers Simon Peter Sport Company for all his FFL needs.

5.11 Tactical Bail Out Bag

By Lance from Calamity Arms

I have had this for a few months and absolutely LOVE it! It's great for gun drills, speed reloads, I use one for a emergency trauma kit, and also have for my bug out bag.  It holds 7- 30 round AR15 mags, gloves, flashlight, water filter, cleaning kit (and rods) dope book, fixed blade knife, multi tool, extra handgun mags, and theres still room for my Glock!

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Great for SHTF scenarios, med kits,range bag, alternative to chest rig

Target Market:  Police, Military, Preppers/ Patriots, First responders, Everyday Shooters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Webbed shoulder pad for wolf clip style slings
• Quick detach clip for shoulder strap
• Great breathable mesh on back side and excellent padding
• Velcro belt clip for securing to your body, to reduce shifting while running
• Easy to open zippers with loop extensions
• Front and back pouches for quick access (handcuffs or flashlight)
• 3 double mag pouches, with elastic band and high quality velcro flap
• Webbed interior for additional pouches

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

What others are saying?:

• several men use it as a “manly diaper bag”
• “great for the truck”
• “awesome range bag”

Price point:

• MSRP: $69.99
• Average price point: $59.00
• Cheapest price:   $48.45
• Feautured:  $57.50  Calamity Arms

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available online  at 5.11 Tactical. Also on Amazon.com

Our Rating:

+ Very comfortable + Holds a perfect light combat load + Easy to open pouches, (even with gloves) + Made from extremely high quality cordura and velcro - Flops a little when running with all 6 mags fully loaded

Score: 8.5

5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack

 Whether it's carrying extra gear out to the range, hiking, a bug-out bag or just a general carry-all backpack, the 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 is a winner all around.  I have owned this bag for over a year now and have found a variety of different uses for it.  Originally I purchased this bag with the intent to use it as my keep in the truck bug-out bag.  5.11 gave this bag the name "Rush 24" because it 

was designed to hold enough gear for 24 hours.  However I found myself using this bag so much on a day to day basis, that I purchased a second bag.  If you are looking to carry less or more gear, 5.11 Tactical offers this bag in a Rush 12 and 72.

Here is what I love about this bag.  First is its durability.  After a year and a half of use, the bag looks and still performs as if it was brand new.  Second, the molle/slickstick system is great for customizing additional pouches to this bag to fit your needs.  Third, the internal and external pockets are set up in a way that all your gear stays organized, doesn't move around and you can access it all very easily.  Last, the hydration pocket.  To be honest, I didn't  think that I would ever use this feature.  Then I discovered that if you are going to be hiking or just traveling around with this pack on your back all day, the hydration pocket is great for keeping you refreshed.  Instead of having water bottles shoved in the main pack and taking up room, you can simply have the bladder bag delivery tube at-the-ready.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  A backpack designed to provide superior storage capacity and organization without slowing you down.

Target Market:  Any one who physically carries around gear and wishes to keep it all organized and safe.

FNBs: (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Durable 1050D nylon
• Water repellent coating
• 2070 cubic inch capacity
• Adjustable height sternum strap
• 2 external compression straps
• Twin drainage grommets
• Self-repairing YKK zippers
• Hydration pocket

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  5.11 offers this in black, dark earth, sandstone, OD and multicam.

What others are saying?:  "Best pack so far."

• Amazon

Price point:

• MSRP = $129.99
• Retail = $114.01

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available on the 5.11 Tactical or Amazon websites.

Our Rating:

+ MOLLE/SlickStick System with additional attachment points + Top pockets with non-scratching fleece liner + 1 interior stuff-pocket with a draw cord + Dual density closed-cell foam shoulder straps + Glove-friendly pull tabs

- Twin grommet drain holes could allow sand/water/bugs/etc into the bag if its put down

Score: 9.0

Jared prefers Simon Peter Sport Company for all his FFL needs.