Review

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SightMark UltraShot Pro Spec NV QD Reflex Sight Review

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Sightmark By Warner Peredes

The SightMark Pro Spec NV QD is a entry level reflex sight with the makings to be a viable option on your AR or other modern sporting rifle. This is a well-built reflex sight with the AR red coated lens surrounded by aluminum construction similar to much more expensive EOTechs. The glass itself is dual layered and durable with torture testing SightMark2 videos posted on YouTube from the company itself! This model comes with a quick detach mount, NV compatible (3 settings), 4 pattern reticles, and 3 brightness settings. The reticles are extremely clear and visible during daytime operations and better at night. I have used this sight in Belgium and it held up with no problem. On a side note, during a trek through thorn bushes the QD mount lever snagged on some vines and ripped the optic off my rifle. This is not the optics fault, but a reason to keep in mind why some mounts are better fixed and not QD. Came with manual, cloth, wrench, and battery.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: If you are not deploying or using this as your only survival rifle optic, this is an affordable choice to have on multiple AR uppers or other rifles. The company states clearly that this is tested to withstand calibers up to .50 caliber! The Pro Spec runs around $120.00 with sales taking it down to almost $80.00 at certain times of the year.

Target Market: This is an awesome range time or even good enough to take to a rifle class. The best way to test its performance is taking it out and testing it. The company does not advocate using it in wet conditions! Its water-resistant, not water-proof.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Magnification: x1
  • Objective: 30x24mm
  • View: 36meters@100 yards
  • Eye Relief: unlimited
  • Coating: AR red
  • Reticle: 4 patterns
  • MOA:1"
  • Battery:CR1632 (20hrs on high)
  • Battery Settings: 1-3, NV1-NV2
  • Temp:-10-50(c)
  • Weight:7.7 oz

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The SightMark UltraShot Pro Spec NV QD Reflex Sight is only available in black.

What others are saying?: “Have owned 2 of these for over a year. Both have held up wonderfully. I found out the hard way that they are waterproof and VERY shock resistant. I've dropped mine and it held zero like a champ.

This is not meant to compete with the EOtech or Aimpoint units; however, it does. The only downside is the low battery life (only 2-2.5 hours of actual operation time on high power). I usually take a couple of extra batteries with me anytime I go on a trip.

If you plan on using a zoom behind this unit, you'll want to get one that mounts low or get a riser for the sight (they don't line up very well).

Best $100 I ever spent!” - Amazon Customer Review

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: This reflex sight is available from multiple retailers, including Amazon, Optics Planet, and directly from SightMark.

Our Rating:

+ Cheap + Well-built + NV compatible + Bright

- QD mount needed tweaking to stay super tight on 1913 rails (electrical tape)

 Score: 8.585

CRKT M16-14SF Folding Knife Review

CRKT M16-14SF By Dustin Bornman

The CRKT M16-14SF, has become a staple in my collection of knifes. I rarely leave home without this in my pocket. I love the balance, the blade and the tactical capacity of this knife. The pocket clip can be moved to one of 4 locations depending on the users desired carry position. In the position that I prefer the clip to be in, the blade is up and facing rearward in the right front pocket. If you pull the knife straight up and slightly forward, the blade stays closed. But if pulled upward and slightly rearward, the blade automatically opens and is ready for use. This is by far, the best option from a tactical standpoint for me.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: This is just an overall well built knife that carries well and holds an edge at an above average level.

Target Market: I think this is a great knife for anyone wishing to carry daily.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Tanto point
  • Serrated blade
  • It also has a double blade lock that basically makes the knife a fixed blade.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The CRKT M16-14SF folding knife is available in black and tan.

What others are saying?: “I purchased this knife as an EDC to add to my collection. It's extremely well made, easy to hold and open. Closing the blade is somewhat difficult which maybe a concern to some. The blade is very sharp with a thick back bone very strong. The LAWKS locking system makes this folder almost a fixed blade. The flipper is quite fast almost as fast as my assisted folders! I love this knife.” - Knife Center Customer Reviewer John D.

“This knife is amazing. It fits snuggly in my pocket, but is burly enough to chop tree branches for kindling. The dual flips act as a hilt, giving it the feel and balance of a full-tang blade. The handle is light aluminum with a durable coating, but the steel maintains its edge better than any knife I’ve owned, so the tip is always ready for fine cutting. The serrated base of the blade comes in handy for skinning game or cutting rope, and is easy to sharpen with the right tool.” - T.S. Wallace, The Adventures of Man

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: This knife is available from many retailers, including Knife Center, Amazon, and directly from CRKT.

Our Rating:

+ Tactical opening + Size + Balance

- Handle is slightly slick

Score: 9.0 Amazing90

Three Circles Knives, Satori Tanto Review

Three Circles Knives, Satori Tanto If you have spent anytime outdoors, it becomes apparent very quickly that a quality knife is a must have tool.  Whether you're just out for a small ganter in the woods or on an epic two week hunt in the backcountry, a solid dependable knife is a must have!!

There are so many uses for a knife in outdoor environments, it’s ridiculous.  They can be used for hunting, skinning a fresh kill, a cooking utensil, cutting up your prized tri tip, pry bar, screw driver, cutting wood for a fire, the list could go on and on.  Let’s face it, your backcountry knife cannot fail.

Enter the Satori Tanto Knife from Three Circles Knives.  The ninja of ancient Japan used “Sanmitsu”, which means three circles, to help prepare themselves for a challenge they may face.  The Three Circles stands for action, thought and word.  “Satori” means enlightenment in Japanese which Travis, the founder of Three Circles Knives, found fitting for their first knife.  The “Tanto” blade has been around forever in weaponry history.  Tanto is a blade pattern often associated with tactical knives due to its exceptional stabbing ability from a reinforced tip design.  The Tanto blade was introduced into the United States in the 1980’s.

Due to the Tanto pattern and it’s strength in design, this knife, which was crafted from a solid piece of 440C stainless steel, is absolutely indestructible compared to a typical folding knife.  Everyone knows you can’t go out into the backcountry without a fixed blade knife.  This knife is so reliable that I carry it with me everywhere.  I just keep it in my vehicle and when I know a pocket knife isn’t up to the task, I grab my Three Circles Tanto Knife.

I do have a few complaints about the knife.  The price is high.  Now, do I think this knife is worth the cost?  Absolutely!!  I believe in the buy once cry once theory.  I guess you could consider this my crying.  I was also disappointed with sharpness of the blade out of the box.  Now don’t get me wrong, most manufacturers have a tendency to send dull blades out of the factory.  This knife felt extra dull.  Would that keep me from purchasing this knife?  No.  A quick little sharpening session got me comfortable in handling this battle blade.

Do yourself a favor and check out Three Circles Knives.  They have some “Factory Seconds”, or blemished knives on sale right now that will get a Satori Tanto in your hands at a fairly decent price point.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  A fixed blade 440C stainless steel survival/camping/every day carry knife.

Target Market:  This knife is geared towards a man’s man.  If you find you find yourself outdoors, hunting, hiking, camping and doing manly things, this knife is for you.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)Three Circles Knives 2

  • 12 inch overall length
  • 6.5 inch Tanto blade
  • 3/16″ thick 440C Steel
  • Kydex sheath
  • Multiple carry options: Paracord or MOLLE clip
  • Paracord color options for handles or maybe you prefer camel bone
  • Several finishes to choose from: Cerakote -Black, Flat Dark Earth, Satin

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:

What others are saying?:

  • From AverageHunter.com   - “These knives are built for abuse and the will take whatever coconut or washed up car tire you throw at it.  The pictures don’t show you just how tough these knives are.”

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available at ThreeCircleKnives.com

Our Rating:

+ Super beefy knife!! Feels unbreakable + The fit and finish on the sheath is amazing + The blade is cut on both sides of the knife + Did I say it was strong?  Durability is not something to worry about with this knife

- Blade was pretty dual out of the box - $$ Cost will be a turn off for many - Sheath rides high on the waist with mounting options

 Score: 8.0 Great80

 

Greg Bakken Links:

Greg@firearmsradio.tv

Tactical Paradise

Duluth Trading Company's Fire Hose Work Pants Review

   

Duluth Trading Fire Hose Pants

Have you ever been on the hunt for the most perfect pants?  I mean some REAL pants!  Not just some jeans that you can find down at the local walmart, but some pants that can stand up to the test of time.  I don’t want pants that I have to worry about when I have a bigger job at hand.  I need pants like my dog.  No matter how much I ignore him, get him wet, dirty, hike through countless trails with branches running across his fur, he’s always right there by my side.  That is the kind of pants I need.

I could go on with more rugged dog metaphors, but the reality of my rant is that I have found some pants that meet my expectations.  Enter Duluth Trading Company’s Fire Hose Work Pants.  Backed by Duluth’s 100% No Bull Guarantee, you can give these pants a try without any risk.

I had the opportunity to wear these pants in everything from snow, desert, shooting, and to church on Sunday.  These pants are that versatil.  They are crafted of a nice fire hose cotton blend that feels soft against the skin and flexible in all the right places.  These pants are some what heavy which made them perfect in the snow.  They are also water resistant, so when the snowball fight ensued, I knew I was going to stay dry.  I’ve worn these pants shooting in the high desert of Nevada.  Nevada desert is not a place you would want to be without some quality pants.  I scraped and blazed through the sagebrush hunting for varmints and these pants didn't make a peep.  Every time I caught a branch, I’d just keep on trucking.  The pants weren’t even phased.  Upon inspection back at camp, I couldn’t see one mark in the fire hose fabric presenting a tear or puncture.  My shins could rest easy that they wouldn’t be scraped up from the brush.  These pants are great for the range as well.  They are durable and flexible.  I could transition easily with these pants from standing to kneeling to prone without any hesitations of getting uncomfortable.  I highly recommend these pants for inclement weather range days.

If you’re faced with real man jobs, makes sure you have the right tools for the job.  Checkout Duluth Trading Company’s Fire Hose Work Pants.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Pants tougher the an angry beaver that will outlast all other pants.

Target Market:  These pants are for the hard working individual who relies on quality pants that won’t let you down.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

  • Deep 13 inch front pocketsDuluth Trading Fire Hose Pants 2
  • Tuckable cargo flap for easy access to cargo
  • Crotch gusset to keep the family jewels in the family
  • Heavy duty, soft water resistant fire hose canvas
  • Triple stitched seams
  • Reinforced waistline
  • No Bull 100% guarantee

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:

What others are saying?:  “I wear these pants every day, and when i use to wear out jeans these pants keep on trucking, can't ask for more. I like them so much i never want to take them off.”

Fire Hose Work Pants Reviews

Price Point:

  • MSRP = $64.50
  • Retail = $64.50

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available at DuluthTrading.com

Our Rating:

+ Super durable and heavy duty + Several large pockets for carrying everything + Small hidden pockets to help keep you organized + Crotch gusset gives you the space you need + Triple stitched adds strength to seams + Great range pants for kneeling as well as running through the brush + Water resistant, water runs off the fabric + No bull 100% guarantee + Comfortable, fabric is soft and not stiff

- Heavy pants - Not super breathable - Tight in the hip and thighs

 

Score: 8.0 Great80

 

Greg’s links

Greg@firearmsradio.tv

Tactical Paradise

Wiley X Sabre Advanced Shooting Glasses Review

Eye protection is something that most people take for granted. I wear prescription glasses and have for years just wore them when shooting. Last year I decided it was time to get some proper shooting glasses to give me adequate protection. In the past nothing had ever happened to make me think about it. However a while ago I was shooting my Thompson Contender with some older rounds, I had the back of a case blowout and it peppered my face a bit. So I started looking for shooting glasses that allowed me to have a prescription and without breaking the bank. I came across Wiley X, high quality, reasonable cost and versatile. They offer many styles and lens colors. I took a liking to the Wiley X Sabre Advanced Shooting glasses line. It has a nice wrap-around design with interchangeable lenses. The lens choices are clear, grey, light rust, yellow and vermilion. I chose the three lens pack with light grey, rust and vermilion plus I bought a set of clear. This way I have two frames to put my favorite lenses in and swap the prescription inserts. The inserts are $20 plus the cost of the lenses from you local eye doctor.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key PointsMM-WileyX 2

Claim to Fame: Used by the military, high quality lenses and reasonably priced.

Target Market: Shooter and all those who like to do activities outdoors.

FNB's (features and benefits of this product):

  • Exceeds VO Ballistic Impact test MIL-PRF-31013
  • Patented adjustable Saber Temples can be customized for length or replaced with tactical strap
  • 3.0 mm selenite polycarbonate interchangeable lenses for distortion free clarity
  • Ultra foam brow bar prevents debris and sweat from entering field-of-view

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Interchangeable colored lenses.  WileyX

What others are saying?:

  • Amazon Reviews
  • Tactical Gear Reviews
  • WileyX Customer Reviews : I went to Afghanistan, was in a convoy and got ambushed. The insurgents shot an RPG into the back of our Hummvee which caused shrapnel to hit me in the head. Due to me wearing the PT1's none of the pieces hit my eyes. I'm recovering now from my wounds, but I just wanted to say thank you for those glasses. If I hadn't been wearing them I might have lost an eye. 1SG David

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available on-line at places like Optics Planet and Amazon.

Our Rating:

+ Look Cool + Interchangeable lenses + Prescription inserts

- Lenses kinda hard to change - Inserts sit a little close to eye.

Score: 8.0 Great80

 

Blackhawk SERPA CQC w/Matte Finish for a 1911 Review

 

About two years ago I decided that I wanted to start to open carry. It was a multi purpose decision, since I am unable to carry at work I needed a holster that was easy to get on after work and I did not feel like having to get all tucked in in the car beside adding a few pounds made it a little uncomfortable to carry IWB. I also decided I wanted some retention if i was going to open carry. The Serpa seemed to fit the bill. It come with both a belt loop and paddle attachment, I use the paddle. With the clips they provide, the paddle can be a bit of a challenge to remove witch is a good thing except when its time to remove. After a few days you learn just how to twist to get it to slip off. It offers a cant adjustment for forward, neutral or rear. Now I carry a 1911 officer and the holster is not made for that specific model. Basically the frame, trigger housing and such is the same on al 1911’s so the officer slipped right in  and locked in place. The holster was just about an inch too long for the barrel so I took the handy saw and cut the end off to make it flush. This is a nice well made holster tbut I would like the pistol to fit a little tighter, when the weapon it locked into place it will rock forward and back a bit. Not terrible but gives it the ability to rub on the finish. As far as retention goes I like it. There have been some stories of people having accidental discharges while drawing from this holster. Personally I think they need more training in finger control since the design allows you to lay your index finger along the slide as it should be as you draw. Overall I have been satisfied.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Holds your pistol at your waist with retention

Target Market: Conceal carry, range and anyone needing a solid holster with retention.

FNBs: (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Passive retention detent adjustment screw and SERPA® Auto Lock™ release • Reinforces full master grip and superior draw technique • Immediate retention and audible click upon re-holster for security • Speed-cut design allows rapid draw, target acquisition, and re-holster while keeping eyes on target • Includes belt loop and paddle platform • Increase your holster’s versatility with the SERPA® Quick Disconnect System Kit (sold separately)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, Coyote Tan, Foliage Green and Olive Drab.  Sportster model comes in Gunmetal grey only and the Carbon Fiber model in black only.

What others are saying?:  "An excellent EDC holster.  The only reason i give this holster 4 stars is because blackhawk doesent make a model to fit pistols equipped with the streamlight or surefire lights which is just dumb , otherwise these are excellent holsters and very simple to draw from yet very secure during high activity levels."  LA Police Gear

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available online at stores like LA Police Gear.

Our Rating: + Comfortable + Secure + Easy to operate

- Pistol fit is a little loose allows rubbing

Score: 8.0 Great80

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