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TIMBER CREEK ENFORCER 10/22 CHASSIS

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TIMBER CREEK

ENFORCER 10/22 CHASSIS REVIEW

  We all go down rabbit holes sometimes, especially when we start trying to modify our firearms to be a symbol of ourselves. Well I did this with my Ruger 10/22. It took me a year to almost finish the build and I am now close to 100% complete with it. I received a Timber Creek Enforcer Chassis for the 10/22 rifle, as the title entails. Right off the bat I noticed that I had gone out to left field and was in trouble. So I put the chassis on the rifle and noticed that it was a lot lighter than my original wood stock version that came on my varmint edition rifle. I started making a list of things to change that would make the chassis suited for what I thought it deserved. This is the beginning of the rabbit hole. 

  The Timber Creek chassis itself weighs around 22 ounces. Now I don't know what a wood stock weighs but it is a heck of a lot more. The rifle with the original barrel seemed a little unwieldy. It had a long barrel so the forearm for the chassis system seemed short. This is where I ordered a new barrel from Byers Barrels. This barrel was a liner type, ultralight 16.5” barrel. This made the rifle better. Well I soon realized I needed a trigger system and reached out to TandomKross. I then received a trigger pack from them. I thought the 10/22 was complete, not hardly. Well, I needed an ultra light bolt, lightweight scope mounts, extended charging handle, and a Vortex optic. Now here is the fun part, do I use a buffer tube or does it need a folder on it? So stand by and I will tell you.

  The Enforcer chassis is a skeleton style system that is straightforward to install on any of the standard 10/22 rifle systems. Just take the barrel and action out and drop it in the chassis. Use the screws that come with it and you're done. Install your favorite AR style grip, then you get to decide how to finish off the rear of it. It has buffer tube threads on the rear, so you can install a tube and your favorite stock on the rear. I opted for a screw in folding adapter that I ordered for a TC rifle years back. I installed a buffer tube and a stock I had laying around. 

  Now to the good stuff and out of the rabbit hole. The chassis is machined out of aluminum and machined very well I might add. It has M Lok slots machined at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions for your favorite accessories. The chassis up front has a lot of machined holes to decrease the weight. Where the forearm meets the main body, it is machined at an angle and has 4 lines machined in it. I assume this is for resting the rifle on a barricade, a limb, or what have you to get a stable shooting position. Down the side it is a little thicker, this is where the action drops in, yet it is angled and radiused for a smooth feel. The rear of the system has direct holes machined through it. What for? I am not sure, but it is cool looking. Then the end has the threads for the buffer tube.

  The Timber Creek Enforcer 10/22 chassis comes in numerous colors from mild to wild. I opted for just the plain black anodized color. Timber Creek also has systems for numerous other style rifles, like the Remington 700 and AR 15. The website does not have all the specs that I would usually add to the review. I can tell you this chassis turns your rifle to a top notch plinker or something that is ready for your local .22lr precision match. This chassis system is just the base for what you can do. It is a great foundation to build a 10/22 to your heart's content. The only thing lacking here is your imagination for when you get started building. Again, I am not completely done with mine because there is always something more to add to it. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to fame:

Lightweight chassis system

Turns the ordinary rifle into a different style rifle

Target Market:

People that want AR style in a non AR rifle

Those that want personality in their rifle

Competitive shooters

Those whose choose quality and value

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Quality machined aircraft grade aluminum

  • Hard anodizing or Cerakote finish

  • Easy installation

  • Weight: 1.4 pounds

  • Uses AR buffer Tube

  • M-Lok mounting slots

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Numerous different colors

What others are saying:

First Impressions

The moment you pick it up, you can feel the premium quality. Made from lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum, the Enforcer chassis doesn’t just look good—it’s built to perform. And the anodized finishes? Chef’s kiss. Whether you’re into sleek black or want to make a statement with vibrant red or blue, Timber Creek has styles for everyone.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP - $399.99

I need it now! 

Timber Creek Outdoors or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • American Made

  • Lightweight

  • Great customer service

  • Easy installation

Cons:

  • I feel it needs a longer forearm

  • Website is lacking specs

Score: 8.00 Great
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Traser P99 A Tactical Carbon

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Traser P99 A Tactical

Watch Review

  A watch review was not on my radar. Then, Traser Watch sent me a press release. So I asked if I could review one of their new Tactical watches. Traser kindly sent me the new P99 A Tactical Carbon. It has tritium dials, an automatic Swiss movement, and a carbon fiber polymer case. 

  One might ask what a watch has to do with firearms, outdoors, or anything else we review? To start with, who doesn’t need to tell time? How are you supposed to know what time to meet up for the boogaloo, when to testify on the gun control hearing at the capitol, or more importantly, when to be home from the range for dinner. Either way, having a tacticool watch that winds itself should be reason enough. But mainly, if you are into the stuff we do here, there is a good chance that you are into quality watches also. After all, it is another piece of gear that helps you in your day to day life.

  The Traser P99 looks exactly like you would expect from a tactical watch. It has an outside bezel with corresponding 5 minute marks laid out around it. So every 5, 10, 15 minutes and so on. Inside the bezel it also has these same minute marks in a smaller font size. On the watch face, it has tritium vials at every hour mark. With the 12 o’clock mark being orange in color instead of green like all the others. Of course there are white minute marks going around the dial as well. Inside those are numbers 13-24, so if you use military time, Traser has you covered for that too. In the 6 - 9 o’clock space is also a date reading. This “date” shows a bunch of the day's numbers, but has a red chevron (arrow) pointing to the today date. The hour and minute hands are painted red but also have a green tritium insert in them to see them in darkness. The second hand has a little orange tritium insert in it. Besides just tritium inserts, the P99 also uses Super LumiNova luminescence, or glow in the dark. For the luminescence glow, there is a complete circle around the watch face along with the 15, 30 , and 45 minutes marks on the bezel. Covering all that is an anti-glare sapphire crystal. The P99 watch face is nicely designed and easy to read, day or night.

  Traser’s first watch was made in 1989. This watch was made for the US Army and was the first ever tritium watch. The first watch was made possible because of a company called Trigalight. They were the first to mainstream the manufacturing process of tritium into little vials, down to 0.3mm in size. These vials can be installed into anything that you want to glow. Trigalight probably produces tritium vials for most, if not all the manufacturers in the firearm space. Trigalight and Traser are sister companies under the MB Microtec umbrella, which helps explain the P99 watch from Traser.

Luminescent glow and tritium

Tritium only

  For the P99 A, Traser uses a Swiss automatic movement. The “A” after the P99 stands for “automatic”, if you have not picked up on that yet. The automatic movement winds the watch from movement in your wrist. So unlike solar watches, you don’t need light for it to keep time. It does have a power reserve of about 2 days, but also can be manually wound using the crown. I only wear a watch during the day and take it off at night. I have not had to ever wind the watch manually. One flaw with automatic winding watches is that they have a specification for how accurately they keep time. The Traser P99’s spec is plus or minus 30 seconds a day, with the best automatic watches being plus or minus 15 seconds a day. The P99’s movement is fully mechanical, so no batteries are ever needed.

  Surrounding the automatic movement is a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. This case also has a steel container to house the automatic movement of the watch. This carbon polymer case is what gives the watch its looks. It also has flake style carbon on the watch face itself. I am pretty hard on watches and I have not even marred the P99’s case. Hooked to the case is a choice of 3 different watch straps. You can either get a fabric NATO strap in grey camo or black, with the other option being a rubber strap. I opted for the camo NATO strap and couldn’t be happier. 

  The Traser P99 A has a few other features. The mechanical movement can be seen from the back of the watch, through a large clear window. All this really does is make it look cool and I am okay with that. The P99 A also has a water resistance rating of 20 ATM which is the equivalent of 200 meters under water. Helping to make this water resistance specification is a “screw down crown”. What is a “crown”? Well, the crown is the part of the watch that winds it, or adjusts the date and time. On the P99, to adjust the date or time, you must first unscrew the crown, which is the little dial thing on the side of the watch. Then just pull it out to the correct step and adjust what is needed. Push it back in, screw the crown down, and you will be back to getting wet and telling time, in no time.

  The bezel, or the outer ring of the watch face, on the P99 rotates. It rotates with a click for every minute. Why you might ask? It is so you can spin it to match up with the minute hand. Then you will be able to tell the elapsed time. So say you wanted to train pistol draw strokes for 20 minutes. Just turn the dial to the current minute hands position, then when the minute hand gets to the 20 on the bezel number, you know you have done 20 minutes worth. It is pretty easy and useful for certain things.

  I have worn the Traser P99 A for months now. It is not a small watch by any means, but it isn’t huge either. I like the size. There are a few aspects of the P99 that I do not care for, but they are minor. One is that this particular watch gains about 2-2.5 minutes a week. It is within the Swiss movement's specifications. I just turn it back 5 minutes every two weeks. Since it gains time, you will always be early for dinner. My only other complaint is that the bezel needs a stronger spring, or whatever is used in it for the detent positions. It moves sometimes. Like I mentioned, I am pretty hard on watches because I work with my hands, so the bezel is getting bumped and moved. On a positive note, I have yet to have scratched the crystal or marred up the watch case. A true testament on how rugged this watch actually is. I shoot with the watch on also. I have destroyed other watches while doing this, both analog and digital. The P99 has withstood everything I threw at it. The tritium in the watch is super bright. I really enjoy being able to tell time in dimly lit rooms easily because of this. The Traser P99 A Tactical has been a great watch

  If you happen to be looking for a “tactical” style watch that never needs batteries, the Traser P99 A might be for you. Its auto winding Swiss movement is nice. The tritium inserts are what really make this watch shine. They are super bright and placed just about everywhere on the watch. This watch is also almost indestructible. Maybe the most important aspect is that the Traser P99 A Tactical Carbon looks great. Go check it out, along with the other Traser products at www.traser.com. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Tritium watch with automatic winding Swiss movement 

Target Market:

Anyone wanting an analog tactical watch that never needs winding

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Trigalight self-luminous technology on the dial, hands and underneath the Traser logo

  • Luminescent glass seal

  • Trigalight cross insert in bezel, Super-LumiNova (SLN) marking on bezel

  • Luminescent ring on crown

  • Movement: Swiss made automatic

  • Size: Ø 46mm

  • Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire

  • Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer double case with internal steel container

  • Screwed-down crown

  • Transparent case back

  • Carbon fiber back face

  • Date window at 7.5 o’clock

  • Strap: Textile NATO strap and rubber strap

  • Water resistance: 20 atm / 20 bar

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Non Automatic, Different bands

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

A Blog to WATCH   

Price point:

MSRP = $1165.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Traser USA is your best bet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Tritium is bright! 

  • Luminescent dial

  • Carbon fiber case construction 

  • Automatic movement 

  • Water resistance 

Cons:

  • Gains time, so time needs reset every couple of weeks 

  • Bezel doesn’t stay in one place

  • Price

Score: 8.50 Great 
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ZRODelta ZRO FKS-9

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ZRO FKS-9 Review

  When I first heard about the Zro Delta FKS-9, I was intrigued. Mainly because it is a Gen3 Glock 19 clone for $400. The name also made me laugh “Zro Fks 9”, you get the point. The FKS-9 also had “upgrades” that should make it better than a G19. Which is probably why you are here reading this. So let’s get started.

  As mentioned, the FKS-9 is essentially a G19. It is the same size and uses the same parts, or at least Glock gen 3 parts. What that means to you is that Gen 3 Glock triggers, sights, barrels, slides, and magazines will work with the FKS-9. The only part that is not Gen 3 compatible is the reversible Gen 4 magazine release button. In my experience, it will also fit in my G19 and G17 Holsters.

  The frame on the ZRO FKS-9 is where the real differences are. To start with, it has excellent texture on the pistol grip. It is not too harsh, but still gives a good grip when firing. There are no interchangeable backstraps with this one. All you get is a molded in curved style. This grip seems to fit various size hands comfortably, except maybe some smaller ones. The extended beavertail and double undercut trigger guard help the FKS-9 to fit those larger hands without much trouble or slide bite. Instead of a picatinny rail at the front, Zro Delta decided to go with the standard Glock light rail. This is fine since there are plenty of lights out there that will fit it. My favorite part of the frame is the “Control Ledges” that are above the front of the trigger guard. These ledges do two things: they give you a reference point to index your trigger finger when not shooting, and they give you a spot to rest your support hand thumb, thus helping to dampen muzzle flip. These ledges actually have a textured ledge to them. This ledge extends out from the frame about 1/16th of an inch to give you some real bite with your thumbs. The magwell is ever so slightly beveled to help with reloads. Lastly, the frame also has a 18 degree grip angle instead of the Glock's 22 degree angle. This grip angle makes it point better for most people. 

  Up top of the ZRO FKS-9 is a nice looking slide. It is made from 416 stainless steel and then  black nitride plated. The slide has no identifying marks on it. Instead, the 4 inch match grade barrel is marked with the ZRO logo. There are front and rear angled slide serrations. These are cut nicely and give it a good grip, even with gloved or wet hands. On top sits a set of 3-dot steel sights. These sights are usable, even if they are pretty plain. Inside the slide sits a one piece style recoil spring assembly that rides on a stainless rod. The rest of the parts are just normal gen 3 slide parts. All this makes the FKS-9 shoot pretty accurately.

One of the actual failures

  Now it is time for my relationship with the ZRO FKS-9. The pistol doesn’t live up to its name. Yes, I really like the grip angle, even though the pistol felt a little bit snappy to me. It also carries nicely in a holster. The texture didn’t kill my skin while carrying, a bonus I would say. Now the bad. I had a lot of stove pipe failures, like 2 in the first 50 rounds, then about 1 every 150 rounds past that for a total of 6 in the 750 rounds I shot. I even used 4 different types of magazines on separate trips out, as well as various types and brands of ammunition. The front sight also came loose at the 280 round mark. Luckily I noticed it before it went flying downrange. I then loctited it in and didn’t have any problems with it coming loose after that. The trigger pull weight also came in at 6.25 pounds after breaking it in. I know it is a Glock trigger, but I was hoping for the stated 5.5 pounds. I would have also liked the base model to come with an optic cut and a few more magazines. The FKS-9 didn’t live up to the quality that I expected from Zro Delta.

  The best thing about the Zro Delta FKS-9 is its name. And from the problems I had, maybe they don’t give any. The pistol has some good things going for it, I just think they need to refine their quality control a bit. Then the ZRO FKS-9 might be something that will compare to the pistol it copies. Either way, if you want to check out the ZRO FKS-9, you can head over to Zro Delta and take a look at it.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Decently priced G19 clone with 1911 grip angle

Target Market:

Those wanting a Glock compatible G19 size pistol for less than the price of a Glock

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Caliber: 9x19mm

  • Advanced Polymer Frame and Handle

  • Reversible Ambidextrous Magazine Release

  • Improved 18-degree Grip Angle

  • 416 Stainless Steel slide

  • 4140 Precision Match Barrel, 4”

  • 15 Round Capacity,  1 Magpul magazine included

  • Sights: White Dot Rear/Front

  • Trigger Pull: 5.5lb

  • Width: 1.25”

  • Weight: 21.5 oz

  • Enhanced Beavertail

  • Double-undercut Trigger Guard

  • Control Ledge above trigger guard

  • Glock® Gen3 compatible

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

RMR cut or Plate System

What others are saying?:

Not much found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Athlon Outdoors    

RTT: Guns & Gear on YouTube

Price point:

MSRP = $399.99

Retail = $350.00

I need it now! Availability:

ZRODelta or your local gun shop

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • The NAME

  • Grip texture

  • Uses Gen 3 Glock parts

  • Magazine well

  • Undercut Trigger Guard

  • Beavertail

Cons:

  • Trigger pull is a little stiff

  • Random stovepipe failures 

  • Base option should come with RMR cut

  • Front sight came loose

Score: 6.00 Okay
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Triclops Sights

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Triclops Sight Review

  I have a serious astigmatism and normal red dot sights are an issue for me. During one of our podcast episodes we discussed products from Triclops Sights. They manufacture, what can be best described as, an analog red dot. These are iron sights that contain fiber optics.

  The front sight is tall, like a suppressor height sight. The rear sight is a rectangle that has red fiber optics at the 12, 3 and 9 o'clock positions. 

  The sights are firearm model, caliber, and eye dominant specific. They have sights for the Beretta APX, Desert Eagle in 41 Mag, VP9, Smith & Wesson M&P line, CZ75 and many more. The pulldown menu is on their website. 

  I have a Glock 19. I'm right handed and right eye dominant. I received my sights in November 2023 and had them installed immediately. My friend Nick had a sight pusher. He got these sights installed quickly for me. All that was left for me to do was install the fiber optics by sliding them into place, cutting them to size, and burning the tip to keep them in place. It was quick and easy.

  The Triclops sights work due to your eye naturally centering the green front sight between the red rear fiber optic posts. I'll take a quote from Triclops Sights website, “Geometric centering is your eye's natural ability to find the exact center of a shape. This concept incorporated in the Triclops Sight allows you to aim and acquire your target faster than traditional notch and blade sights.” This new sight picture may take effort for some to run. It is simple if you don't overthink the sight picture. It is the same principle as centering your AR15 front sight post in the center of your rear sight aperture. 

  According to the company website, the Triclops sights help you fire with both eyes open. They help you shoot more accurately, faster, and assist in increasing your situational awareness when you're shooting.

  I planned on using these sights during different types of shooting and in various conditions. I used them at indoor matches, action shooting matches, Police Combat Competition, and training classes around the country. I fired the Triclops sights under the pressure of timed competition. I feel they were faster when shooting and transitioning from target to target than regular bladed sights. Close targets got smoked quickly!  The second I saw the green front sight anywhere on the target, I squeezed the trigger. When I moved back to the 25-yard line, it was easy to stay in the center of a B27 target or IDPA targets.

  I took the Dynamic Rifle 2 class with ROC Training at the South Jersey Shooting Club on a sunny October day. While running drills, we would transition to our handgun when our carbines ran empty. These sights really popped outside. Shooting and moving, firing weak hand, and from cover I was hitting the targets effortlessly.  During one training iteration at 50 yards, these sights easily equaled, or beat, other students that had more expensive pistols equipped with red dots. Sucseffully hitting a full size IDPA steel target five times in a row.

  My reviews generally are long term reviews. I've been using Triclops Sights for 15 months. They have been used and abused in training class, competitions, and practice. They are carried as my everyday carry in the Fattac Standard Holster. It also works in the JX Tactical Fat Guy Holsters and the Hailey Strategic G-Code Incog RMR tuckable holster. These holsters all have been designed for a red dot mounted Glock 19.

  I read concerns that the Triclops sight looked large. I saw comments that it looked as large as some red dots. I had the Vortex Defender CCW Micro Dot on hand. It has the Shield RMSc footprint. At 1.6 inches long theDefender CCW is considered a small red dot. It looks huge next to the Triclops Sight.

 The Triclops Sights have held up to my use, which is to put it mildly, rough. I have not broken the fiber optics. There is a small bit of surface rust on the side of the sight that lays against me while I carry. 

  Triclops Sights are what the website says and more. I believe these sights are in a category between traditional sights and red dots. Especially if you have astigmatism like mine. Which nearly every red dot looks like a rorschach test.

  These sights allow me to see faster, and shoot accurately faster, than regular bladed sights. My scores and times in competition reflect these facts. They cost less than all but the lowest priced red dots. They don't require batteries. They are tough. These sights have been used to rack the slide during one hand manipulation drills. There's been no damage or loss of zero. I recommend these Triclops sights to anyone that has astigmatism or just wants to try an “analog red dot” sight. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

This product is great for people with bad astigmatism. It's also a good alternative to suppressor height sights. It's a step between traditional sights and a red dot optic. 

Target Market:

It is faster than iron sights with much less of a learning curve than red dots. It has a smaller footprint than every red dot on the market with fast sight acquisition. Triclops Sights are less expensive than every quality red dot on the market. 

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product 

  • Triclops Sights are for people who have problems seeing traditional sights 

  • They are an analog red dot for people that have issues with astigmatism 

  • They help shooters shoot accurately faster due to a larger sight picture and faster sight alignment 

  • Constructed from 4140 steel. 

  • Red and green fiber optic rods are included

  • Available for a bunch of different handguns

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Much like Henry Ford's Model T, You can have it in any color. As long as that color is black. 

What others are saying?:

"I want to thank Sean at TriclopsSights.com for hooking me up with this sight system to test and evaluate. Pretty much an analog CCO and NVD capable. First 15 rounds with the sight were at 7 meters doing first round draw drills. First two were flyers b/c I wasn't using the sight correctly. I was skeptical at first but now all I can say is wow. Put the threat in the TV screen and squeeze.” - Colton Baitch

I took my small little sub compact to the range with my new Triclops sights. Started close around 7yds to get a feel for the sight. It happened quickly, around 5 shots before I was in a small ring. This was amazing as it is but what really surprised me was being able to shoot quite a long distance somewhere around 25 yards with my small little carry gun and be extremely accurate. I was also happy with how quickly I could now shoot my carry gun. I plan on trying these sights on one of my larger full size competition guns and can’t wait to see the results. So more to report later- Hope Lewellen

Link to other reviews:

Triclops Sights Review: New Sights for Old Glock

Price point:

MSRP = $119.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Triclops Sights

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • High-quality iron sights 

  • The sights are faster to acquire than traditional sights at close range 

  • The sights are faster and easier to shoot at long range than traditional notch and blade sights 

  • They are tough. I haven't been able to break them

  • They have no batteries

  • They double as suppressor height sights 

  • Fiber optics are inexpensive and easy to replace 

  • They are easier and faster to learn and acquire a sight picture to those untrained in the use of a red dot 

  • They are easier to conceal and are less likely to snag clothing because they have a smaller footprint than every red dot on the market 

Cons:

  • It looks unusual. Instructors and friends all have, initially, look at this with suspicion. 

  • It has a slight learning curve. It took a few range trips to understand how to get the most out of the product 

  • If you don't have one of the firearms models listed on their website you'll have to call the company to inquire if the sight will work on your firearm 

Score: 9.25 - Amazing

I think it's a sighting system between traditional sights and red dot optics.
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Walker Defense Dark Matter BCG

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Walker Defense Dark Matter

High-Polish DLC BCG Review

  The heart of an AR15 is the Bolt Carrier Group or BCG. A quality BCG can make your rifle perform like a champion. A mil-spec BCG might work, but will not perform as well, especially if you are trying to get the best performance out of it. Walker Defense Research has released their Dark Matter Bolt Carrier Group. This highly polished, fitted, and DLC coated BCG is of the utmost quality.

  When looking for a Bolt Carrier Group, either to replace one or for a new build, there are things to consider. Do you want cheap, or are you looking for top quality that will last forever? The Walker Defense Dark Matter BCG is in the top quality group. To start with, it is a M16 style full auto carrier. So if you are fortunate to have a full auto M16, M4, etc, it will work with that. More important is the fact that the M16 carrier has the full mass, which allows it to run more smoothly, at least in my opinion. This Dark Matter carrier is also made from 8620 tool steel for a lifetime of use. 

  The Dark Matter BCG has a bunch of hi-end specifications. Some of these I will describe more in depth later. This BCG is for standard calibers and for use in direct impingement guns. These include 5.56/.223/300 blk, etc. It weighs 11-⅝ ounces and is made to true mil-spec dimensions. On the front end it has a C158 bolt that is magnetic particle inspected and high pressure tested. The 4130 gas key is properly staked using Optimized Carrier Key Screws (OCKS). These screws are deeply knurled to allow the staking to dig in, making them almost impossible to come loose. Lastly, the Dark matter BCG is DLC coated.

  Walker Defense is all about small batch quality. Here is what they have to say about the Dark Matter BCG: “We’ve always leaned into our advantage as a company specializing in small-batch production, but we’re taking it further. Those extra touches of quality add up and give us the ability to do things that larger companies just can’t. A few quick tangible examples of this:

Each carrier is matched by hand to each bolt and cam pin to prevent tolerance stacking and to ensure ideal, consistent fitment as the bolt cams back and forth.

We also pair each bolt with its firing pin to confirm adequate protrusion for reliable primer ignition.

Using OCKS screws for ultra-aggressive staking of the gas key, so it won’t loosen at high round counts”

Those are just a few things Walker Defense does to give you the best BCG around.

  DLC, or Diamond-Like Carbon coatings have been around for a while, but the Dark Matter BCG takes it to a new level. DLC coatings by themselves are extremely hard, corrosion and wear-resistant, and very slick, which gives them low coefficients of friction and superior dry lubricity. Walker Defense takes this up a notch by aggressively polishing the bare metal, before it is coated. As with most machined parts, a BCG is only as good as its base metal. This polishing is a very labor intensive process which makes the Dark Matter BCG super slick and mirror-like shiny. Then after a high quality dark black DLC coating is applied, they polish the DLC coated BCG again. This makes the BCG even more slick (and also hard to take pictures of because of the mirror finish it produces). By polishing the BCG before and after coating, you get an extremely smooth surface that carbon has a hard time sticking to. Cleanup on the Dark matter BCG is super easy. One can literally just wipe it off with a rag. Carbon just doesn’t stick to this BCG.

  I am using the Dark Matter BCG in a 300 blackout AR pistol. This pistol ran suppressed for around 60% of the review. Why does this matter? Because the pistol gets a lot dirtier. The upper on this pistol is nothing special, just your off the shelf AR upper receiver. Before installing the Dark Matter BCG, I was running a Mil-Spec BCG. After I installed the Dark Matter BCG I could tell a smoothness difference. Not just in how the gun cycles under use, but also when hand cycling the action. The AR pistol is just way more pleasant to shoot now. Another thing I noticed was that the brass ejection was more consistent than with the mil-spec BCG. I attribute this to the action cycling smoother. After around 800 rounds, I can’t even really notice any wear on the Dark Matter BCG, a testament to that fantastic polished DLC coating. 

  The Walker Defense Dark Matter BCG is slick, pun intended. This BCG is of the utmost quality. It has all the standard features you would want in a high quality BCG: MPI and HPT tested, DLC coated, quality base metals, and true mil-spec dimensions. That does not even count the “extras” Walker Defense puts into these. One would be hard pressed to find a better, or smoother BCG. The price on these is very reasonable for what you get, definitely a high value to price ratio. If you are looking for the slickest, highest quality BCG around, definitely go look at the Dark Matter High Polished BCG from Walker Defense. These are literally super slick.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Super slick, high quality bolt carrier group that is easy to clean

Target Market:

Those wanting a superior BCG

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Coating: Highly-Polished DLC

  • Compatibility: M16/ M4 / AR-15 Using Direct Gas Impingement (not for use in piston guns)

  • Calibers: 5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Remington / .300 AAC Blackout

  • Profile: Full Auto Style Carrier w/ Properly Staked Gas Key

  • Bolt: C158

  • Carrier: 8620 Tool Steel

  • Total Weight: 11 5/8 OZ.

  • True Mil-Spec dimensions

  • 4130 steel gas key

  • Staked with OCKS Screws

  • 4140 steel extractor and cam pin

  • Hard chrome ground 8740 steel firing pin

  • Magnetic particle inspected

  • High Pressure Tested (HPT)

  • Made in the USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Nickel Boron, Titanium, & Flat Dark Earth DLC

What others are saying?:

Couldn’t find anything as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

VSO Gun Channel on YouTube   

Price point:

MSRP = $269.99

Retail = $229.49 with discount code “Insider15”

I need it now! Availability:

Walker Defense or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super Slick mirror finish

  • Easy to clean

  • Deep black DLC coating

  • Properly staked OKCS screws

  • Polished before and after coating

  • M16 profile

Cons:

  • May not always be in stock

Score: 9.00 Amazing
,

Tactical Kinetics 300 blackout Barrel

,

Tactical Kinetics 300 blackout

Barrel Review

  Have you ever had something so long that you end up going down a deep hole of what you want to do with it? Well I did with this barrel. I had it on the shelf, looked at it, and wanted to do so many things with it that it soon became a thorn in my side. Now this thorn is me, not the barrel. The Tactical Kinetics 300 blackout barrel is fantastic. It is well machined and looks better than some of the big name rifle makers barrels. Tactical Kinetics sent me this barrel for review almost a year ago. No excuses but life happened and that's why it has taken so long to do this review.

  I mounted the barrel in a no name, unbranded, upper and put it on a PSA lower that has a Sylvan folding adapter. Fitment of the Tactical Kinetics barrel was plain and simple: great machining, the coating in the barrel looked good, and the threads for the barrel nut were properly machined. I ended up taking it apart three times, changing out gas tubes, gas block, and finally going with an adjustable gas block from Velocity Precision. 

  After completing the first build, it ate everything I fed into it when I was firing for reliability. Except for the subsonic 220 grain ammo I had for testing. I knew this was either a gas issue or a buffer weight issue. So back to the drawing board. Build two was now completed and the Tactical Kinetics barrelled upper was placed on a SBR lower. In a bout of frustration, it still would not run my subsonic ammo. So for the third and final time, I reassembled all the same parts. The rifle worked with all my ammo now. What a relief. Then I realized everything I had done, when I put all the parts together, was my fault. We won't go into that now.

  At the range, I took the little 8.5” barrel out and sighted it in at 25 yards. It fired all different weights of ammo. The barrel grouped best with 204 grain subsonics with a suppressor attached to it. I only had a red dot on top and was shooting from a rolled up jacket. Then I went to dumping magazine after magazine through it to see what it would do when it was hot. Well there was not a lot of shift in impact, maybe 1” and that was probably me. The accuracy was far better than a Bear Creek upper that I have with the same length barrel. Groups off the rolled up jacket were about 2.5 inches. For me and my intended use of this rifle, I thought it was great. 

  This is my first barrel review and it has been hard to do. What I can say about the Tactical Kinetics barrel is that the machining is quality, the rifling was good, and it grouped well. I know comparing it to a BCA upper is not fair, but that is all I had. 

  Would I recommend this company to buy from? Damn skippy I do. I already have a wish list going for a few 6.5 Grendel barrels they offer. Tactical Kinetics is one of the company’s you want to do business with. Quality parts, great customer service, and patience for not sending headhunters out for the review. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

The Tactical Kinetics 300 Blackout Barrel is recognized for its accuracy, reliability, and is compatible with various 300 Blackout rifle builds.

Target Market:

This barrel is ideal for shooters looking to upgrade or build a 300 Blackout AR platform. It’s particularly well-suited for home defense, tactical shooting, and hunting enthusiasts who value subsonic and supersonic versatility.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Material: Made from 4150 CMV steel

  • Medium profile

  • 0.750 Gas journal

  • Twist Rate: 1:8 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing both supersonic and subsonic loads.

  • Length: 85” also available in 5”, 7.5”, 10.5”, and 16” length

  • Gas System: Pistol-length gas system

  • Finish: Nitride coated

  • Threading: 5/8x24

  • Chambering: 300 Blackout

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different barrel length and twist rates are available

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing worthwhile found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $110.00

Retail = Depends on barrel length

I need it now! Availability:

Tactical Kinetics

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Reliable cycling with subsonic loads.

  • Durable nitride finish.

  • Accurate 1:8 twist rate.

  • Good price point for quality.

Cons:

  • Limited to one finish option.

  • May require fine-tuning with certain subsonic ammo and gas blocks.





Score: 8.50  Great

Primary Arms GLx 1x MicroPrism


Primary Arms GLx 1x microprism review

  Prism optics have come a long way in the last 10 years. Primary Arms has been one of the leaders in prism designs. Their Microprisms were one of the first, if not the first, to be able to be used with magnifiers and back up iron sights. Primary Arms recently came out with their newest Microprism in their GLx line. This is the GLx 1x MicroPrism with the ACSS Cyclops reticle. The GLx microprism improves on the Primary Arms SLx line of microprisms, which were a fantastic product by themselves. 

  I have become a huge fan of 1x prism optics, the new GLx 1x microprism just enhances my fandom. The GLx 1x microprism has fantastic glass clarity and a decent size objective lens. It doesn’t weigh much. Primary Arms includes a bunch of different mounting options. They use readily available batteries that now load from the top. It also now uses push button controls as well as continuing to use their “Autolive” to turn the reticle on and off.

  Part of what makes the GLx 1x microprism nice, is the glass clarity. Looking through it, it is super clear. As is the reticle, at least after you adjust the diopter to your eye. I am not sure if the clarity is better because of the larger objective lens, or better glass. Both of which are better than Primary Arms’ SLx line of microprisms. Either way you get a super clear optic. Since this GLx is a prism, you will have eye relief. Primary Arms states an eye relief of 4.4 inches. But do not be fooled by this. These new microprisms can be used from about 1 inch out to a foot or more. I noticed that the new GLx seems to even have more eye relief than the SLx line, and it was amazing. Another thing people worry about with prism sights over red dots, is the viewing angle. For me, the reticle could still be seen at almost any angle, as long as you could see through the prism, you can make out a full reticle picture. When Primary Arms sent me the GLx prism, they also sent a “kill flash”, or anti-reflection device, with it. It just screws over the objective lens. It helps to block glare, both from looking through it, or looking at it. The kill flash is a nice little add-on if you like these things, or need them. 

  Primary Arms gave the GLx 1x microprism their ACSS Cyclops gen II reticle. The ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) Cyclops is a horseshoe style etched reticle with a chevron, think triangle, in the middle. The round horseshoe part gives extremely fast target acquisition, especially for close up targets. It is also about the size of a 00 buck pattern at 25 yds. The chevron then takes over for precise aiming. You can also use the chevron like you would a red dot, if up close. The top point of the chevron is where you would zero your rifle. This point is also where you get pretty precise aiming by just putting the point on the target. The zero depends on what barrel length and caliber you are using (see picture). With a 16” 5.56 barrel, it would be 100 yds. The inner point of the chevron is now a bullet drop compensator. So with the same 16” barrel, this would be for 300 yds. Then the bottom part of the chevron would be 400 yds. The BDC is just a close estimation, since it also depends on ammunition type and the height at which the GLx is mounted. There is also range estimation built into the GLx microprism. It uses a 5’10” tall or 18” wide object for range estimation. When sighting in, the GLx uses 0.5 MOA clicks for both the windage and elevation adjustments. The clicks are very positive. The adjusting dial is recessed into the GLx’s housing so that the adjustments won’t be hit and knocked out of zero. It also makes for a smoother look. The 0.5 MOA adjustments are a great improvement over the SLx line that has 1 MOA adjustments. 

  Going along with the ACSS Cyclops reticle, the GLx also uses Primary Arms’ “Autolive”. The Autolive function turns the reticle off when not in use and then back on when the optic gets moved. It takes a miniscule amount of movement to turn it on. Of course it brings the reticle back on to the last brightness setting the optic was at. The Autolive gives the illumination part of the reticle about 10,000 hours of battery life, on a useful medium brightness setting. Because this is a prism optic, the reticle is also etched onto the glass. So even if your battery does die, you can still use the optic. 

  Part of why I like these new microprisms so much is that they can be used with a magnifier. Prism optics of the past used to not work with magnifiers. So now, if you were to want more magnification, you can just put a 3x or 5x magnifier behind the prism. Also, if you are old school, the GLx 1x prism will work with backup iron sights. Just another reason to like these new microprisms.

  The GLx 1x is called a microprism because it is not very large, imagine that. It is about the size of your typical rifle red dot. In fact, it is only 2.6 inches long and 1.8 inches wide at its widest point. It is fairly lightweight at 9.1 ounces, which is only 1.5 ounces more than its little brother the SLx. In the box with the GLx are different riser mounts. You can configure them for 8 different mounting height options, something you do not get with other prism sights on the market. If one of those 8 heights does not suit your needs, the GLx uses a standard mini-ACOG mounting profile. 

  Reticle brightness is controlled by up/down buttons on the left side. The GLx 1x microprism has 13 available brightness settings. The lowest 3 are night vision compatible with everything else going up to daylight bright in sunlight. The daylight bright is not as bright as Primary Arms’ NOVA reticle, or your typical red dot, but it is still bright enough to use. When you push the up button continually, and the brightness reaches max brightness, the reticle will flash. A pretty nice addition to easily see if you are maxed out on brightness. I do not have night vision, so I do not know if it does it at the minimum brightness level. One CR2032 battery is used for the illumination and is housed on top of the microprism. If you do not want to use the Autolive function, you can hold both buttons down to turn the optic completely off. Just push either up or down to bring it back online.

  I installed the GLx 1x microprism on a 300 blackout build. I am using both subsonic and supersonic rounds in this thing, so a 1x prism is the perfect sight option for me on this AR pistol. The GLx performed fantastic. I was able to ring steel at 200 yards with both subsonic and supersonic rounds. I just had to hold at the bottom of the horseshoe for the subs. The clear glass made seeing the targets easy. Since the GLx has an etched reticle, it plays nice with my astigmatism. I even ran some bill drills up close by just putting the horseshoe on the target, kind of like a circle-dot red dot. I am faster with just a red dot, but the microprism is not far behind in the speed category. 

  Going into this review, I already knew I liked 1x prism sights. The Primary Arms GLx 1x Microprism did not disappoint. The ACSS reticle gives the GLx something over just a dot and doughnut reticle. Eye relief is phenomenal. It has good light transmission. Let us not forget the Autolive function. Plus, all those mounting height options. The Primary Arms GLx 1x Microprism is definitely something you will want to check out.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality, streamlined 1x microprism optic

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a prism optic or those that have trouble with red dots

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Battery Life: 10,001 - 25,000 Hours, 15,000 at setting “5”

  • Battery: CR2032

  • Click Value: 1/2 MOA

  • Exit Pupil Diameter: 18.8mm

  • Eye Relief: 4.4 in

  • Field View at 100yds: 74.8 ft.

  • Illuminated reticle

  • Length: 2.6 in.

  • Magnification: 1X

  • Mount Compatibility: Primary Arms MicroPrism, Trijicon Mini-ACOG

  • 8 mounting height options included

  • Night Vision Compatible: Yes

  • Objective Diameter: 20.5mm

  • ACSS CYCLOPS Red Reticle

  • Total Windage and Elevation Adjustment: 50 MOA

  • Weight: 9.1 oz.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

GLx with Green Cyclops reticle

What others are saying?:

4 out of 5 stars from Stephen at Primaryarms.com

As expected

I expected these to top their predecessors. I didn't expect them to be a great deal better. They are much better! The larger diameter, the lack of illumination knob, and the clear glass make these a home run and more than adequate red dot replacer. Same reticle as the previous version which is great. I have a red and green model and found the illumination to be good. Crisp reticle and clear glass. Thanks PA.

Link to other reviews:

Beyond Seclusion on YouTube     

Price point:

MSRP = $299.99

Retail = Same, but check Primary Arms sale prices

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Essentially unlimited eye relief

  • 0.5 MOA adjustments

  • ACSS reticle

  • Autolive function

  • Battery Life

  • Etched reticle 

Cons:

  • Slightly heavier than the SLx line

  • Sometimes hard to make out BDC because chevron is small

Score: 8.50 Great

,

Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 ACSS NOVA

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Primary Arms

SLx 1-10x28 ACSS NOVA Review

  A few years ago, Primary Arms started making their NOVA fiber dot reticle. This bridged the gap between the Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) and the red dot. Primary Arms has recently put the NOVA reticle into their SLx 1-10x28 optic. This is huge for those wanting more magnification over the SLx 1-6x24 NOVA. 

  The Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 NOVA is packed with features. For starters, they increased the tube to 34mm from 30mm’s in the 1-6. This allows more light to get into the optic and back to your eye. This larger tube lets you see better at lower light levels as well as at the full 10x magnification. They also throw in flip up lens caps to keep the glass clean when not in use.

  Next on the feature list is the capped turrets. The turrets are a vital part in setting up your optic. Or at least getting it sighted in. I am not super thrilled with the turrets that Primary Arms uses on this LPVO. The clicks are fine and can be felt easily. My gripe is that they remind me of something that was used on scopes 20 years ago. They are small plastic knobs with a flat piece of metal that rotates to set your zero position. Then there is a tiny recess, in the threads, to line up your “zero” with. I was just hoping for something more like the SLx 1-6x24 NOVA. The caps that cover the turrets are nice. They have good texture to unscrew them. The windage knob cap also has storage for an extra 2032 battery. Yes, it comes with an extra battery already in the cap. On the left side of the LPVO is the brightness knob. It has 11 brightness settings from low light to burn your eyeballs out bright. However, it is not night vision compatible. The SLx 1-10 does not have Primary Arms’ Autolive. However, I did install their Autolive battery cap and it works like a charm.

  Eye relief for the SLx 1-10 LPVO is pretty good. Primary Arms states 3.2 - 3.5 inches, which seems about right. I did notice that the eyebox is pretty forgiving. I did not need to be exactly in the stated window to see through the optic clearly. The SLx also has a fast focus diopter so you can adjust the reticle to be crystal clear. Also, on this end of the optic is the magnification throw lever. Of course it goes from a true 1x all the way to 10x. The magnification adjustment is very smooth and rotates right at 180 degrees from 1x - 10x. Primary Arms also uses their removable throw lever. This one is about ¾ inch long. You can get different height ones from Primary Arms, as well as a fold down lever. 

  Now it is reticle time. The SLx 1-10x28 uses Primary Arms ACSS NOVA fiber wire reticle. This gives you a daylight bright red dot in the center of the reticle’s crosshairs. Basically a red LED travels through a fiber optic cable to the reticle, thus illuminating the reticle dot much brighter than a normal illuminated reticle. The center dot is roughly 0.6 MOA. Some people say the dot is too small to use it like a red dot. I am not one of those people, I love the Nova red dot. The rest of the ACSS NOVA reticle is a Mil based Second Focal Plane optic. So the reticle stays the same size throughout the magnification range. This also makes the Mil subtensions only accurate at the highest power, or 10x in this case. For elevation, there are 4 mil stadia lines below the center red dot. They are spaced 1 Mil apart, with ½ mil dots between them. These Mil stadia are wider at the top and progressively get narrower as you go down the reticle. This is so you can use them to range distance on an 18 inch wide target. On the horizontal stadia, there are 2 dots. These 2 dots represent approximately 3 mile per hour wind holds each. The crosshair taper can be used as a 3rd wind hold. The reticle is very useful for all kinds of things. I am a huge fan of the ACSS NOVA Mil reticle.

  When I first received the SLx 1-10x28, I had not received the rifle I was hoping to put it on. Since I had a “Range Day” competition coming up, I mounted it to my Primary Weapons piston AR15. Primary Arms had also sent their GLx 34 mm cantilever mount to use with the 1-10. It is a great mount by itself and puts the optic at just the right height for an AR. During the competition, I was able to use it like a red dot at 3-7 yard targets. Then I moved it up to about 3x to shoot some index cards at 50 yards. The optic performed great for that particular competition. And no, I didn’t win anything. The SLx 1-10 Nova now sits on a Global Ordnance Monolith, which was the rifle I was waiting to install it on. The 1-10 fits the rifle well and doesn’t add too much weight to it. After all, the SLx 1-10x28 Nova only weighs 19 ounces. I have also done a bunch of drills with the SLx on this rifle. The SLx worked great on it also. When I was shooting for groups, I had the SLx’s magnification turned up to 10x. On 10x the targets were easy to make out. The only problem I ran across was that at 10x, the scope is not as clear as at 1x. There was not a bunch of difference, but enough that I could notice. Even though it was noticeable to me, I could still make out 22 caliber holes at 100 yards easily enough. 

  I am a huge fan of the ACSS NOVA reticle in the SLx 1-10x28. Not only can you use this LPVO as a normal optic, it also can double as a red dot. You can even range targets with the Mil reticle. Pair it with the Primary Arms Autolive battery cap and you have an optic that is ready to go when you are. So if you are looking for that LPVO that has a little bit more magnification,  but still can be used fast and up close, give the Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 ACSS NOVA a look.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality , inexpensive 1-10x optic with good features

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a quality LPVO at a fair price

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Battery Type: CR2032 3V Lithium Coin

  • Click Value: 1/2 MOA

  • Exit Pupil Diameter: Low: 9mm / High: 2.8mm

  • Field View 100: Low: 110 ft / High: 10 ft

  • Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane

  • Illuminated MRAD NOVA fiber reticle, red color

  • Eye Relief: 3.2” - 3.5”

  • Length: 10.5 in.

  • Magnification: 1X - 10X

  • 34mm tube

  • Objective Diameter: 28mm

  • Total Elevation and Windage Adjustment: 40 MOA

  • Low Profile Capped Turrets

  • Warranty: Lifetime

  • Weight: 19.1 oz.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

ACSS Raptor and ACSS Griffin reticles

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars at PrimaryArms.com

Coyote Hunting 25-200 Yards

by Coyote Cam - 

  So, as we all know... the SLx 1-6x24 Nova has been the standard for the red dot bright LPVO with the Gen4. When I saw that they now make the exact same Nova illumination in the 1-10x28, it was time to pull the trigger on a 1-10x LPVO, but with any 1-10x I was a bit hesitant at first... but let me tell you, I am amazed at how clear this is out to 200 yards on 10x.

  Now... understand that this is for my dedicated Coyote setup out to 200 yards max, but also I have a heavy brush/timber area that I need to dial it back on and this 1x is running amazing.

  The red dot illumination helps when the reticle fades in the sun/tree line, which is why I wanted the Nova, but I needed more than 6x for target identification in dim light.

  If you are wanting something for the same reasons as I did, do not hesitate, the glass is actually super clear.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense

Price point:

MSRP = $449.99

Retail = Same, but Primary Arms runs sales that take it below $400

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms or your local dealer

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Red Dot NOVA reticle

  • Mil lines for ranging

  • Lightweight for size

  • Battery storage in windage knob cover

  • Capped turrets

  • Decent throw lever

Cons:

  • Old school turrets with no real zero setting

  • Little fuzzy around the edges at 10x

Score: 8.00 Great

Ryker Sling 2.0

Ryker 2.0 Sling Review

  I had heard about the Ryker Grip and their gen 1 sling. So when I realized they had their Ryker gen 2 sling out, I went and watched their video on it. It impressed me enough to contact them. The Ryker gen 2 sling is a nice rifle retention system. 

  To start off with, the Ryker Sling 2.0 does the work of a basic 2 point sling. It has some differences that make it stand out. First off, it has a mil-spec flat elastic system sewn into it, like a bungee but way better. Don't worry, the elastic system is strong enough to hold the rifle tight. Definitely not like those single point bungees that everyone dislikes. Just set the Ryker sling up as you would your normal quick adjust sling. Some people like the QD's to be by the receiver, others like them out farther. I'm in the father out clan. Either way, the Ryker sling will work. To make things easier, it also comes with those QD's. All you need is a place to plug them in, so to speak. 

  If you caught it, the Ryker Sling 2.0 is a quick adjust 2 point sling. It has a loop that allows you to grab it and loosen or tighten it up quickly. This loop works well and lets me adjust the sling easily and quickly. It did take me a bit of time to get the length set just right, so that the quick adjust worked like I wanted it to. That is because of the flat elastic system inside the sling. I wanted some pressure pulling the gun back toward me when the sling was at full extension. With this sling length adjustment, it still allows me to tighten the rifle up to my chest and keep it from moving. Just in case I need to do something else, like pick up brass, load magazines, take notes, or just do not want the gun flopping around. 

  I put the Ryker sling through some drills to get a good feel for it. One thing I liked about the sling was that I could hold the rifle into my shoulder by just a little side pressure on the forearm. The flat elastic in the 2.0 held the rest. This set up works great for my shooting style. It makes for a very stable shooting platform, at least while standing. If you need a little more pressure, you can just move your elbow down into the sling to make it a little tighter yet. 

  Since I mentioned the flat elastic system, let me explain a little bit more on it. Ryker uses a 1” webbing as the main sling portion. Then they sew on the elastic portion. The flat elastic system consists of multiple layers of that mil-spec flat elastic, so you get the perfect sling tension. Over the top of the elastic, they sew on some material to make a sleeve. This allows the flat elastic to ride inside the sleeve, making it a little more comfortable when sitting around your neck. 

  Ryker also sent me one of their Ryker-Grips to try out with the 2.0 sling. The Ryker-Grip is an ergonomic grip that goes on the weak hand side of the rifle. It allows for better manipulation when driving the firearm from target to target. It also allows you to more easily pull the rifle into your shoulder pocket. Pair this with the 2.0 sling and you have an even more secure system than the sling itself. Everyone says the Ryker-Grip is a little weird at first, and I agree. But once you get used to it, it really does help with transitions. 

  I enjoyed my experience using the Ryker Sling 2.0. It does everything a quick adjust 2 point sling should do. Plus, it has the benefit of pulling the rifle into your shoulder. It also holds that rifle tight against your chest for administrative duties. If you are looking for a sling that does just a little bit more, check out the Ryker Sling 2.0.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

2 point sling with a unique retention system

Target Market:

Anyone who needs a sling for their tactical rifle

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Flat Elastic retention

  • Steel hardware

  • Quick adjust loop

  • QD’s included

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black, Black-Multi-Cam, and Traditional Multi-Cam

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Mitchell Defense   

Chris P. 

These slings are first rate. The positive retention and extra give, make this sling optimal for all uses.

Link to other reviews:

Ghost Tactical on YouTube 

Price point:

MSRP = $99.95

Retail = $99.95

I need it now! Availability:

Ryker USA or Mitchell Defense

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Elastic retention system

  • Made and sourced in the USA

  • Steel hardware

  • Comes with QD swivels

Cons:

  • A little pricier than some other slings

Score: 8.50 Great

,

True Blue Suppressor Cleaner & Syrup

,

True Blue Cleaner Concentrate

and Suppressor Syrup Review

  I recently received some, new to me, True Blue Gun Lube products. Those products are True Blue’s Gun Cleaner Concentrate and Suppressor Syrup. I previously reviewed their Gun Oil and it performed great, so I was excited to see how this stuff performed.

  Both of these products are purposely built for suppressor cleaning. The Cleaner Concentrate and the Suppressor Syrup can also be used on regular firearms for cleaning and preventative maintenance.

  Let us start with the Cleaner Concentrate. As advertised, this is a water soluble cleaner and degreaser for firearms and suppressors. This is not one of those harsh chemical cleaners. Therefore it takes time to break down carbon fouling. True Blue says to soak the heavy carbonated parts for 2-3 hours to start, and increase soaking time if needed to break up the carbon fouling. 

  I used the Cleaner Concentrate on 2 different suppressors. One was sealed, and the other has removable parts. For the sealed suppressor, plug one end and fill it up with Cleaner Concentrate. True Blue states you can use it undiluted or diluted in a 5:1 ratio for best results. Since I was cleaning two suppressors, I diluted it to 5:1. I let both suppressors sit for around 3 hours. The carbon did not want to come off of the baffles on the one with removable parts. So I let both soak for another 12 hours. After sitting, the carbon gummed up and came off pretty easy with a wire brush. But it did not get all the carbon. So I proceeded to pour the mixture in my ultrasonic cleaner. I dumped all the parts in and turned it on for 30 minutes with heat. That took the rest of the carbon off of the baffles. My suggestion would be to use the Cleaner Concentrate in an ultrasonic cleaner for best results. However, I think soaking it for a full 24 hours would have done the same thing. For the sealed suppressor, I then just blew air through it to dry it out. From what I could see, it looked cleaner.

Dirty suppressor internals. Previously coated in Suppressor Syrup

  Now that we have the suppressors clean, it is time to use the Suppressor Syrup. The Suppressor Syrup is a thick, kind of sticky oil. Imagine that, they call it syrup for a reason. The Suppressor Syrup is meant to prevent carbon from sticking to metal parts. That means you can use it on adjustable gas blocks, choke tubes, muzzle brakes, suppressor threads, suppressor adapters, or anything else that might get carboned up. The one drawback to the Suppressor Syrup is that it has to be reapplied. When? Basically any time you do maintenance. So it really is not a big deal.

  The Suppressor Syrup worked well for me. After cleaning the suppressors, I followed the directions for application. On the sealed suppressor, I put 10 drops into the connection end of the can. One went on the threads since it is a screw on suppressor. Then I shot a couple rounds through it and looked for the end to be wet. It was, so I knew that enough had been applied. On the suppressor that can be taken apart, I put a thin layer on each baffle and reassembled it. Then off to the range I went. 

Same internals after 30 minute ultrasonic cleaner bath using Cleaner Concentrate. Wiped with rag

  Since I am not the sharpest tool, I didn't get any pictures of how dirty the baffles really were before I started this process. I proceeded to disassemble the suppressor again to take some pictures. It was not as dirty as before, but it also didn't have as many rounds through it. Or was it because of the Suppressor Syrup? Either way, I threw the baffles in the sonic cleaner for 30 minutes and then wiped them off. You can see a difference in the pictures. I do think the Suppressor Syrup made a difference in how easily the carbon came off. 

  The True Blue Cleaner and Syrup are a good option to help keep those suppressors clean. Especially if you want something safe. The Concentrate Cleaner also works on just about every aspect of a firearm. As for the Suppressor Syrup, it makes cleaning easier by helping to prevent carbon from sticking. Go check out True Blue Gun products and see if they have something that might help you. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Easy to use suppressor cleaner and preventative 

Target Market:

Anyone who hates to clean suppressors

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Cleaner:

  • Breaks down and removes carbon build up

  • Water Soluble

  • Safe on metals, plastics, neoprene, coatings used for firearms, suppressors, and knives

  • Ammonia free

  • Cleaner and Degreaser

Syrup:

  • Reduces carbon bonding

  • Eliminates Carbon Locking

  • Works on: 

    • Suppressor Internals

    • Compensators/Muzzle devices

    • Suppressor Barrel Mount

    • Modular Suppressor Threads

    • Shotgun Choke Tube

    • Threads

    • Adjustable gas blocks

    • Flashlight Lens

    • Any high carbon area

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Syrup:

Karl S. - Palmetto State Armory, from Truebluegunlube.com  

What we found in our testing was that applying the Suppressor Syrup to the screw of an adjustable gas block allowed us to keep the adjustment screw usable over the life of our testing. Without the Suppressor Syrup this screw tends to become carbon locked within about 300 rounds and we are sometimes not able to free it.

Cleaner:

Luke H. - Integrity Elite Firearms, from Truebluegunlube.com   

We soaked a suppressor in the Cleaner Concentrate for several hours and successfully salvaged this one that was heavily saturated with carbon to the point where it resembled a barrel extension. This stuff works wonders.

Link to other reviews:

Kids Safe Foundation 

Syrup review   

Cleaner review 

Price point:

MSRP:

Syrup = $18.99 - $26.99    

Cleaner = $24.99 - $99.99   

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

My Life @ Speed or your local gun shop

Our Rating:

Pros:

Cleaner:

  • Water Soluble

  • Safe for just about anything

Syrup:

  • Reduces Carbon build up

  • Makes Cleaning easier

  • Easy application

Cons:

Cleaner:

  • Not very aggressive at getting carbon off

  • Have to let sit for a bit

Syrup:

  • Must reapply periodically

Score: 

6.50 - Okay for the cleaner

8.00 - Great for the syrup

Favorite Link:  True Blue Gun Oil Review
,

Sharps Bros Livewire

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Sharps Bros Livewire AR-15 lower receiver review

Written by: Buddy Murphy

  This is a review of the Sharps Bros Livewire AR-15 lower receiver. Yes, these are the same guys that make lowers with skulls, warrior helmets, or other goofy things on their magazine wells. But when they get serious, they make a quality, functional piece of kit.

  One of the first things you'll notice is the heavily flared mag well, which not only looks great but also makes reloads faster and more intuitive. The ambidextrous bolt release is another welcome feature, providing ease of use for both right and left-handed shooters. This particular design for a right side bolt release has the perfect amount of force needed to release the bolt. Some other receivers take too much effort to release the bolt, forcing you to move your hand off of the fire controls, like the PWS Alpha.

  The right side bolt release is especially useful for me (right-handed shooter) when shooting CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) courses of fire. The first and last stages are single load stages. Meaning, you have an empty magazine in your rifle (or a specialty mag), you drop a round into the ejection port, close the bolt, and fire your one round. You repeat that 10 or 20 times depending on the stage. This forces you to break position between each shot. By having the bolt release on the right side, I can hold my rifle against my shoulder with my left hand, and get another round, drop it in the rifle, grip the rifle with my right hand, and close the bolt, minimizing my movement between shots.

  The transition between the integrated, oversized trigger guard and the magazine well is stepped, giving it a distinct and clean look. The threaded bolt catch pin and rear takedown pin recess also add to its overall precision and durability.

  As of July 2021, Livewire has undergone a significant upgrade, it is now made from a forging. The process begins with a 7075 aluminum billet, which is heated to 800 degrees and then forged into a near-final shape using a custom tool in an impressive 4100-ton press.

  Post-forging, the receiver undergoes final machining on CNC machines. This reduces material costs and machine time without compromising quality. The result is a receiver that feels incredibly robust and well-finished, with every detail meticulously crafted. The anodized black finish, done to MIL-A-8625 standards, ensures durability and a sleek professional look.

  Putting the lower parts in the receiver was a standard affair except for the left side bolt catch. Instead of a roll pin holding the bolt catch to the receiver, it has a small hex-head screw. This makes it much easier to attach the bolt catch than tapping in a roll pin. Also, before you attach the bolt catch, you must insert the included transfer bar. The transfer bar allows the bolt release, on the right side, to push the bottom of the bolt catch toggle (causing the top to move in towards the receiver as if you pushed it), releasing the bolt.

  In summary, the Sharps Bros Livewire AR15 receiver delivers on every front; strength, precision, and aesthetics. It’s a top-tier choice for anyone looking to build or upgrade their AR15 with a receiver that truly sets itself apart from the rest. While it maintains the classic AR15 aesthetic, it brings its own unique flair and functionality to the table: like the oversized integral trigger guard, beveled magazine flare, and ambidextrous bolt release. It is fully compatible with mil-spec parts and magazines. Weighing around 8.7 ounces, it strikes a perfect balance between weight and durability.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

AR-15 lower receiver with right side bolt release.

Target Market:

Lefties, Competition shooters, those that want ambi-everything

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Large integrated trigger guard

  • Right side bolt release

  • Flared mag well

  • Forged lower

  • Mil-spec

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Only black anodized finish

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars from Dave K. at Brownells

Absolutely the best value for the $$$

I am very impressed with this lower receiver. Everything fit perfectly. Best value for the money! All of my future builds I will use this receiver.

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog

Price point:

MSRP = $136.79

Retail = $124.99 at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Forged Receiver

  • Flared Magwell

  • Right side bolt release

  • Integrated trigger guard

  • Oversized trigger Guard

  • Mil-spec dimensions

Cons:

  • None

Score: 8.00 Great

Nightstick LGL-160-T

Nightstick LGL-160-T

Weapon Light Review

  Weapon lights are something that can be very useful on a long gun. They can light up a room, possibly disorient an intruder, or identify a target. Sometimes a more specialized weapon light is needed, that is where the Nightstick LGL-160-T comes in. The LGL-160-T is a version of Nightstick’s LGL-160 but uses a more focused beam. This allows the user to see farther into the night.

  Nightstick calls the LGL-160-T the “Turbo Long Gun Light”. The “Turbo” translates to a high candela output. They spec the 160-T at 100,000 candela and 800 lumens. Lumens translate into total light output, while Candela translates into focus. So the higher the candela, the more the light beam will be focused. A lower candela would produce a wide beam. This weapon light definitely has a very focused beam width. One advantage of the very focused beam is that you can identify targets out to much longer distances. Nightstick specifies the beam distance out to 632 meters. My experience is that most lights have about half of the usable range of their advertised specifications. This seems to be about right for the LGL-160-T, as I could make out landscape features at around 400 yds.

  One of the best features of the Nightstick weapon lights are that they come with everything needed to get them up and running. This is not just true for the LGL-160-T, but also other lights in the Nightstick line. Besides the light, the kit comes with a pressure switch, cable management, a normal and 45 degree picatinny mount, and batteries. 

  I do like the fact that the LGL-160-T comes with all that stuff. However, it does not use the standard “scout mount” hole spacing on the light itself. This means that if you want to mount it directly to an M-Lok or Keymod slot, you will need to get a separate mount from Nightstick. These mounts are inexpensive at around $20, so it shouldn’t be a big deal. They did supply me with their 45 degree M-Lok mount, which is what I used to mount the light. The 45 degree mount holds the light well and I really like where it places the light on the handguard. 

  There are two different ways to operate the LGL-160-T. One is by the standard push button tail switch. Just push it lightly to momentarily turn the light on. Or click it to turn the light on or off. This is how I use the light. However, the second way to use the light is with the supplied pressure switch tail cap. This pressure switch has both a pressure pad for momentary on/off and a push button clicky switch for on/off. The pressure switch and clicky work well. To aid with the pressure switch, Nightstick also includes their picatinny wire management clamp. I have used these clamps in the past and do like them. They definitely clean up how the cable runs along the handguard.

  Now, what everyone wants to know, how well does the LGL-160-T work? Let us just say it is bright! Do not let the 800 lumen rating scare you away. Look at the Candela. It is definitely bright and laser like. It also does an okay job of lighting up a room, if you can reflect the light off of something like a white ceiling or light colored floor. Where it really shines is illuminating targets out at farther distances.

  The Nightstick LGL-160-T is also dual fuel. So instead of the supplied CR213’s, you can use a rechargeable 18650. I really like the use of 18650’s. I tend to keep the CR123’s on hand for when rechargeable batteries are not an option, or I do not have a place to recharge batteries. This light will also run for 2 hours with the CR123’s, which is a pretty decent run time for a light of this type. 

  I mounted the LGL-160-T on a 12.5” AR style pistol. The light actually extends out over the muzzle brake. So every time I fire the AR it blasts the light head. The Nightstick has survived at least 500 or so 556 rounds to the face, or so one could say. I did not mount it that far forward just to abuse the light, I actually like the position of it. Being a pistol AR, it also does not have as much rail space as a full rifle length handguard. I was able to hit targets at 200 yds, at night, just using the light to illuminate those targets. This was with a red dot 1x optic, so no magnification. Yes, it is bright enough that a lot of light gets reflected back from the muzzle blast, but that is a problem with most lights. I was really pleased with the Nightstick weapon light’s performance.

  If you are looking for a weapon light to illuminate targets farther out than normal, the Nightstick LGL-160-T might work for you. It can be had for around $150 street price, which is a decent deal when you figure in all the extras you get. The LGL-160-T also took a pretty good blasting from the muzzle brake, so it should keep up with any abuse you might put it through. Take a look into the Nightstick LGL-160-T “turbo” long gun light. It might not be a close up light, but it can reach out and say “Hello.”

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Long throw, high candela weapon mounted light

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a long throw weapon light

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Lumens: 800

  • High Beam Distance (m): 632

  • Candela: 100,000

  • Drop Rating: 2 m

  • Water Rating: IP-67 Dustproof/Waterproof

  • Runtime: 2 hours

  • Switch Function: Tail Cap Switch, 6" Remote Pressure Switch - Momentary and Constant-On

  • Case Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum, Black Anodized

  • Power Source: 2 x CR123

  • Diameter: Bezel - 1.4 in, Body - 0.9 in

  • Length: 5.3 in

  • Weight: 6.3 oz

  • Package Contents: Weapon light with standard Picatinny mount w/thumb screw and tail cap switch, Remote pressure switch (6” cable), 45º offset Picatinny mount w/thumb screw, pressure switch rail mount, wire management clamp, (2) CR123 batteries, 2.5mm Allen wrench, Alcohol prep pad, Adhesive-backed Velcro mounting strip, Instruction manual

  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Standard output

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/blog/new-nightstick-lgl-160-turbo-ar-15-light-full-review/

Price point:

MSRP = $210

Retail = $132.95 at BH Photo

I need it now! Availability:

Optics Planet or BH Photo

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Easy to identify targets at mid-range distances 

  • Good brightness

  • Pressure switch and cable management included

  • Dual fuel

  • Durable 

  • 2 hour runtime on CR123’s

Cons:

  • Doesn’t use the standard “scout” mount footprint 

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Nightstick LGL-170 Review   

, ,

Vosteed Parallel

, ,

Vosteed Parallel Review

  Vosteed has a brand new knife out and it’s called the Parallel. It’s designed to be a very thin and lightweight pocket knife. And let me tell you, they succeeded! So if you are looking for a tough, lightweight and thin knife. The Vosteed Parallel could be the knife for you.

The Handle 

  The Parallel features a non textured titanium handle complete with a lanyard loop. For this knife you can get in 3 different styles. I received the gray handled knife and I was completely blown away by how thin the knife is! Coming in at a thin measurement of 0.28”, I couldn’t even tell it was in my pocket sometimes. There were even a couple of moments when I actually thought I lost it, because I couldn’t feel it in my pocket. And that’s also due to the knife being so lightweight coming in at 2.29oz. When I first opened it, I was a little worried about it not having a textured grip handle. It wasn’t a problem for me at all. I can get a great grip on the knife without it trying to slide around in my hand. Having no gripping also helps make it slide in and out of your pocket very smoothly. But thanks to the very strong pocket clip, that can be swapped to either side of the knife, it stays clipped in your pocket really well. It is probably one of the strongest clips I’ve had on a knife. 

The Blade

  Now here is where it gets really awesome! The Vosteed Parallel has one of my personal favorite blade styles on it, a 2.90” reverse tanto blade. For me personally, I love that style of blade and I feel that it is one of the best for piercing and cutting. On the back side of the blade it has some really great rough jimping. This helps keep control when I’m cutting something up like boxes or plastic straps. I have had knives before with smoother jimping and it definitely takes away some of that control you get. The blade steel is 154CM and because Vosteed designed the knife to be thin, the blade is only 0.08” thick! I was worried about the blade breaking due to it being so thin, but it has proven to be way tougher than I thought. Plus it has stayed sharp for a while now. When the time comes to sharpen it, 154CM sharpens very easily. This blade steel is also highly corrosion resistant so you don’t have to worry about it getting ruined by harsh chemicals.

Opening 

  The Parallel comes equipped with only two styles for opening, that is a thumb stud and pulling back the crossbar lock and flipping it open. I personally like having more ways to open a knife like front and back flippers. Or being able to flip it open using a button lock. And this is one of my complaints with this knife. As you open the blade, the spring loaded lock parts move so that the crossbar lock can engage when the blade is fully open. This causes the blade to not want to smoothly open when you take your thumb off the stud while opening. It can kind of push the blade back towards your fingers. So you have to sort of guide the blade open with your thumb on the thumb stud. Or give it a flick when you start to open it. 

The Lock

  Something that is handy about this knife is you can adjust the stiffness of the crossbar lock and that also makes the blade opening a little bit easier. However, It does not fully fix that stiffness. It definitely helps though. You can do this by essentially taking apart the knife, which is not complicated, and moving both springs (one on each side) to 1 of 3 different pin holes. This can definitely help with making it lighter or stiffer to open. It just depends on how you like your knife to open. When I first opened the knife, the lock was very stiff to pull back when the blade was open. So I did that spring adjustment and that made it a lot easier to open and unlock. This is my first pocket knife with a crossbar lock on it, and I have really come to like it. The lock tabs have great gripping on them, so you can pull them back easily to fold the knife closed. 

Summary

  I have come across so many different pocket knives over time, but I have never come across one so thin and lightweight! I sometimes forget I have it because of how well it fits in my pocket. It has been through quite a bit of cutting and slicing. I work in an industrial environment, and this knife has been doing a fantastic job cutting just about anything I need it to. I do wish that it had more ways to open and not such a stiff lock. But that being said, it is still a great knife! This is my second knife from Vosteed, and both the knives have such great quality and designs. If you are looking for a knife that fits perfectly in your pocket and doesn’t have much weight to it, I highly recommend the Vosteed Parallel. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Super thin and lightweight folder

Target Market:

Those wanting a super thin pocket knife

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Blade Length: 2.90" | 73.85 mm

  • Overall Length: 7.04" | 178.90 mm

  • Blade Width: 0.96" | 24.50 mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.079" | 2.00 mm

  • Blade Material: 154CM

  • Blade Grind: Flat

  • Blade Style: Reverse Tanto

  • Blade Finish: Satin

  • Hardness: HRC 60±2

  • Handle Length: 4.13" | 105.00 mm

  • Handle Width: 0.92" | 23.40 mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.279" | 7.10 mm

  • Handle Material: Titanium

  • Color: Gray

  • Weight: 2.29 oz | 65.00 g

  • Opener: Thumb Stud

  • Lock Type: Crossbar Lock

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Pocket Clip: Reversible | Stainless Steel

  • Carry Position: Tip-up

  • Knife Type: Manual Folding

  • Backspacer Material: Aluminum

  • Backspacer Color: Green

  • Thumbstud Material: Aluminum

  • Thumbstud Color: Green

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

There are 3 different styles that you can go with:

Black titanium handle with a black SW blade.

Grey titanium handle with satin finish blade.

Black titanium handle with Satin finish blade.

What others are saying?:

Both from Vosteed’s website

“Only one major flaw, otherwise a very nice knife

Deployment is unpredictable for a crossbar lock. There is a place between the closed and open positions where the blade swings free. The lightweight blade often bounces back towards the handle as blade approaches the open/locked position. I can’t be sure blade is locked open without looking at it”


Great knife for the money

Super thin
Feels good in the hand no real hot spots
Super sharp out of the box
Great knife and super nice to carry with how thin it is, feels sturdy for its size. My only complaint is the springs are super stiff and you have to really send it to open and on my office hands it can be a bit uncomfortable to hold the cross bar back to have the blade drop closed. I opened it up, it has adjustable spring tension, three positions and it was in the weakest position. Definitely needs break in but will enjoy flicking it until it does

Link to other reviews 

Melissa Backwoods on YouTube

Price point:

MSRP = $129.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Vosteed or Blade HQ

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Love how thin and lightweight the knife is! It fits in my pocket so great. 

  • It cuts so dang smoothly and has held a sharp edge for a while now.

Cons:

  • I do wish it had more ways to open it than just a thumb stud or using the crossbar lock to flip it open. 

  • I don’t really like how stiff the lock is and that I had to take it apart to adjust that stiffness.

  • Because of the stiff lock, it makes the blade opening not too smooth. You kind of have to guide it out with your thumb otherwise it pushes the blade back towards your fingers.

Score: 6.50 Okay
,

FOXTROT MIKE RANCH RIFLE

,

foxtrot mike

ranch rifle review

  I had great pleasure in getting one of the Ranch Rifles from Foxtrot Mike after SHOT Show this year. When I saw one, I was intrigued with how it looked, how it functioned, and the machining that went into it. I liked the fact that it was 50 state legal, was set up like a familiar 870 shotgun, had a forward charging handle, and still took standard capacity AR mags. 

  The 16" barrel version of the Ranch Rifle provides a balanced platform for out to medium-range engagements. The rifle features a **bufferless design**, which is one of the hallmark innovations of FM Products. This eliminates the need for a traditional buffer tube so that other stock options can be had. Hence the addition of the **Hogue 870 stock**. Which is a nice touch, offering superior comfort and control.  For shooters who are familiar with their old 870 shotgun feel, this rifle will fit like an old glove. Especially during extended range sessions. The stock provides excellent support and helps with recoil management.

  The charging handle, which is housed in the handguard on the FM Ranch rifle, can be changed from the left side to the right side. This is so you can choose which side you want to charge the rifle from. The handguard is also Mlok compatible so you can add your favorite accessories to it. They also offer a slap mod. This makes the charging similar to an HK. I did not have this option on my rifle, but it is another feature you can get to add to yours. 

  The 4-Port Muzzle Device is designed to reduce both muzzle rise and recoil, making quicker follow-up shots and better overall control of the rifle. This is especially helpful in rapid-fire scenarios where muzzle control is essential. The device works well in combination with the rifle’s bufferless system. The 16" barrel ensures that the rifle can perform effectively at varying ranges, from short to longer ranges. The rifle is chambered in 556 Nato. The use of Standard AR mags a plus.

  Shooting the Ranch rifle was a complete joy, once I figured out the manual of arms. Things are in a few different spots than your traditional AR rifle. I had a problem trying to reach the mag release to do fast reloads. But this is a ranch rifle and not a tactical rifle. Not saying that you can't use it as such. I had topped it off with an Atibal green dot and ran close to 2K rounds through the rifle, both at the range and at a class. When I first started shooting the rifle, I had a few malfunctions. These were just in the first few mags. Once I got it nice and hot, the rifle was ready to roll and it has been going ever since. Accuracy of the rifle is better than I can shoot, at 25 yards it will cut little cluster groups with a dot sight. Out to 50 and 100 yards it was still on target. It is accurate enough with the dot to hunt or do varmint control. I did not put a magnified optic on it. I am sure that if I would have, it would have been more accurate. I was shooting from a standing position most of the time.

  This is a rifle that I would suggest to someone who wants quality at a good price. Or someone who just might not want a black rifle for whatever reason. If you live in one of those states where you can not have certain AR style rifles, the Foxtrot Mike Ranch Rifle might be just what you need. I plan on taking it on some of my hunting trips this year. It also stays close by in the house. It swings like that old 870 shotgun but with that AR rifle fire power. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to fame:

Bufferless operating system

50 State legal

Some AR accessories will interchange

Direct Impingement operating system

4-PORT muzzle brake

Target Market:

  • Hunters that want AR performance in a non AR rifle

  • Communist state people

  • Those whose choose quality and value

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • CALIBER: .223 WYLDE

  • LOWER RECEIVER:  MACHINED FROM AIRCRAFT GRADE ALUMINUM HARD MIL-SPEC TYPE III ANODIZING

  • STOCK: Magpul SGA 870 Shotgun stock

  • TRIGGER: Mil-Spec ranch rifle

  • SAFETY SELECTOR: Reversible Push Button Steel Barrel Safety

  • BARREL LENGTH: 16" 

  • BARREL TWIST: 1:8

  • BARREL MATERIAL: 41V50 PREMIUM MATCH GRADE 41v50 BARREL, VACUUM STRESS RELIEVED, MELONITE COATED WITH A BURNISHED CHAMBER 

  • MUZZLE DEVICE: 4-PORT BRAKE

  • GAS SYSTEM: INTERMEDIATE-LENGTH

  • UPPER RECEIVER: BILLET AIRCRAFT ALUMINUM TYPE III HARD BLACK ANODIZING 

  • HANDGUARD: 15" M-LOK COMPATIBLE HANDGUARD, TYPE III HARD BLACK ANNODIZING

  • CHARGING HANDLE: 4-POSITION FRONT CHARGE, NON-RECIPROCATING 

  • BOLT: PROPRIETARY BOLT MACHINED FROM PRE-HARD 4342, MACHINED THEN POST VACUUM HEAT TREATED TO INCREASE HARDNESS, THEN COATED IN MELONITE

  • FIRING PIN AND EXTRACTOR MADE OUT OF S7 TOOL STEEL

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

  • Wood furniture

  • Hiperfire trigger

  • Hunter crown barrel

  • Synthetic stock

Link to other reviews:

Gun Mag Warehouse   

American Rifleman   

Price point:

MSRP = $949 to $1449 depending on options

I need it now! 

FoxTrot Mike

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • American Made

  • Reliable

  • Great customer service

  • Takes AR mags

  • Bufferless

Cons:

  • Kind of a weird trigger to get use to

  • Different manual of arms

  • Mag release is hard to reach

Score: 8.00 Great
,

Young Manufacturing Chrome BCG

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Young Manufacturing

Lightweight Chrome BCG Review

Written by: Buddy Murphy

  This is a review of the Semi-Auto/Full Auto M16 Complete Bolt Carrier Group (BCG), manufactured by Young Manufacturing Inc. This bolt carrier group is manufactured using MIL-SPEC quality steel and milled on their in-house CNC machines, ensuring precision and reliability in every component. The particular carrier in this review is their SLC (Super Lightweight Carrier), which they no longer have on their site, but can still be found for sale on 3rd party sites. All attributes from this carrier extend to their M-16 BCGs - except weight.

  Each bolt carrier undergoes a meticulous process of getting heat-treated, hard-chromed, and the bolt throat is then chrome-lined for enhanced durability and performance. They remove all sharp edges and rough finishes. Ensuring smooth operation and preventing any unnecessary wear and tear on your firearm.

  What does hard-chrome do for you? Well, it adds durability to the BGC and it makes the surface very hard so carbon has more of a problem sticking to it. Here are some before and after pictures. With half of a dry paper towel and about 10 minutes, this BGC went from this…

…to this.

  That carbon has been building up since Forgotten Weapon’s “Moons Out Goons Out” in March of 2024. It has done several other competitions and practices since – all suppressed in a direct impingement rifle. I have run Nitrided BCGs and they will get sticky (and NiB to a lesser extent) after getting a sufficient amount of carbon, this BCG did not get sticky. I have become a Piston AR snob because of direct impingement BCGs becoming inoperable without constant care, when shooting suppressed. But with this BCG, I am starting to question my own snobbery.

  Now, let me draw your attention to the innovative HMB Bolt by HM Defense, that is included in this carrier group. The HMB Bolt represents a significant advancement in bolt design by eliminating the traditional pass-through cam pin hole. Replacing it with a cam pin socket and radiused cam pin. This patented design addresses the inherent weak point in Mil-Spec bolts. It increases the amount of metal—and thus strength—at the cam pin location. The result? No more broken bolts, at least at the cam pin.

  Moreover, the HMB Bolt reduces contact between the cam pin and firing pin, allowing for smoother operation of the firing pin, bolt lugs, and aft gas rings. The cam pin socket also retains lubrication, ensuring extended operational performance.

  You may have noticed in the photos that the gas key is not staked, that is intentional. Here is a link as to why they don’t stake their gas keys from the Young Manufacturing President: Read it here. The long and short of it is if you do it well enough, they don’t need staking. The gas key is supported by a recoil lug, a feature designed to enhance overall reliability and function.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Very durable, easy to clean BCG, that still runs smooth even when filthy.

Target Market:

Suppressor host rifles, people who don’t clean their rifles, heavy use operators

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Mil-Spec

  • Hard-chromed

  • Advanced design bolt

  • Full-auto rated

  • Operates smooth when dirty

  • Easy, in-field cleaning

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

M16 BCGs are also available in Black Nitride, with or without the HMB bolt

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $299.95 for M16 

Retail = Same 

I need it now! Availability:

Young Manufacturing or KE Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Hard-chromed, including the bolt throat

  • Advanced bolt design

  • Recoil lug supported gas key

  • No sharp edges

Cons:

  • Price

  • Some people will require staking the gas key

Score: 9.00 Amazing

,

Gnat Warfare Tactical Pig

,

Gnat Warfare

Airsoft RC Pig target Review

  If you want a fun training aid, that you may be able to do in your backyard, you need one of the Tactical Pig targets from Gnat Warfare. These are a radio controlled (RC) target that is intended to be used with airsoft guns for moving target practice. The “Pig” is a foam target that attaches to a 4 wheel drive RC car chassis. You will need a friend to drive while you shoot, but it is worth the enjoyment. We named our Tactical Pig Kyle, Gnat Warfare respectfully calls them “Kevin Bacon”, I will explain later.

  The Gnat Warfare Tactical Pig comes ready to go. All you need to do is charge the RC battery and install the supplied AA batteries into the controller. The Pig comes with a supplied charger to charge the RC battery. It charges relatively quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to start racing around the neighborhood. The instructions are awesome on how to hook everything up and pair the controller. These instructions have tons of pictures, so you hardly even need to be able to read. This process is so easy to get you up and going, that even a ten year old could do it.

  As for the size of the Pig, it is pretty standard for a 1/10th scale RC truck. The car part is approximately 13 inches wide and 18 inches long. The tires are 5 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide. This lends it to use in just about any terrain including backyards and shooting ranges. With the pig target, the total height is about 20 inches. When I first took the RC Pig out for a test spin, I was worried about it tipping over under sharp turns. Well, it did not. All it did was lift the front inside tire. 

  Kevin Bacon, as it is called, is essentially a small Javelina. This Javelina target measures about 22 inches long by 12 inches tall. It is made from 1 inch thick closed cell foam. This allows the airsoft pellets to stick into the target. If you are really close, they may go through, so as always, know your backstop. Especially since this is a moving target. Hitting the RC car part does not seem to affect it. The pellets just bounce off. The target just pushes into a “U” shaped piece on the RC’s frame. This makes changing it super easy. It also allows one to make their own targets and push them into the mount.

  Being this is an airsoft target, you will need an airsoft rifle or pistol to use it. I purchased a CO2 blowback one off of Amazon for $50 and it works well with the Tactical Pig. If you are looking for something to replicate the firearm you already use, I would look at what Umarex has to offer. Either way, this is not super expensive to get into, unless you want it to be.

  We call our Tactical Pig “Kyle”. Why? We had a neighbor once that was a motorcycle officer. He was on the short stature side, kind of like a javelina. So we thought the name was appropriate, lol. 

  Now that you know Kyle, we can talk about how he helps with training. Even though he is a small target, he does move, and move fast. These aspects help you train by shooting at moving targets. But not just moving in one direction like a lot of the moving targets we are used to. The advantage with Kyle is that he is unpredictable. You do not know what direction he will be moving, only the driver does. This makes him a vital training aid for real life scenarios, even if it is airsoft. If your airsoft pistol happens to be the same as your carry pistol, you can even do draw and fire practice. The training possibilities with the Gnat Warfare Tactical Pig are endless. 

  Everyone that shot, or drove, the Gnat Warfare Tactical Pig just loved it. It is so much fun to shoot at. Plus it gives you a fantastic training aid. If you have kids, they will love it also. Do yourself a favor and go check out “Kevin Bacon”, “Kyle”, or whatever else you want to call the Tactical RC Pig.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Radio Controlled airsoft target

Target Market:

Anyone who likes to have fun and shoot moving targets

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Everything is included except the airsoft gun

    • RC frame

    • RC Battery and charger

    • Pig target

    • Controller

    • AA batteries for controller

  • Replaceable targets

  • Aggressive off-road tires

  • 4x4 RC suspension

  • Hobby-grade 7.2v NiMh battery included

  • 2.4Ghz radio extended-range control

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars at Gnatwarfare.com

Chris H.

I have had this pig target for almost 5 years. It has proven to be extremely well built and insanely fun to shoot. Our kids love airsoft and the large wheels, independent 4 wheel suspension and powerful motor lets us drive anywhere on our property, and it’s fast! The battery seems to last forever. I actually still have the original batteries in the controller. The foam pig Silhouette target has been hit 10s of thousands of times and is barely scratched. The BBs make a satisfying loud thud with each hit, which can be heard at long distance.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $299.00 

Retail = Same - Currently on sale for $99.99

I need it now! Availability:

Gnat Warfare or Umarex

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • FUN

  • Great training aid

  • Well made

  • 4 wheel drive

  • Large tires to go anywhere

  • Everything is included

Cons:

  • MSRP is a bit high

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Umarex Origin Review   

ShootingSight RPS Trigger

ShootingSight RPS AR15 Trigger Review

Written by: Buddy Murphy

  This is a review of the ShootingSight RPS Trigger upgrade kit. This kit features a 2-stage trigger and hammer configuration, compatible with the AR-15 and other platforms that utilize similar pivot pin spacing. This trigger is considered a National Match trigger and should be compared to others like the Geissele’s National Match.

  Should this hammer be black? No. That is carbon from heavy use suppressed in a direct impingement rifle. Does the trigger feel gritty? No, it is still very smooth.

  The sear surfaces have been meticulously lapped to achieve ultimate smoothness and feature a Nickel Boron (NiB) coating.  This makes the trigger highly resistant to wear and offers a low coefficient of friction, resulting in a smooth and consistent pull. Like most AR triggers, this is not adjustable.

  Let me take you back to High School physics class. Static friction is greater than kinetic friction because static friction acts when the body is at rest. Whereas in kinetic friction, an object is in motion. You can feel this in the trigger. Once the trigger starts moving towards the second stage wall, it feels less heavy than when you start moving the trigger. The reset is very positive and is just beyond the second stage wall, but not fully out to the first stages at-rest position.

  One of the standout aspects of these trigger/hammer sets is that they are CNC machined from alloy Rolled Plate Steel. Thus entirely avoiding the use of cast parts. The finer grain structure of this steel provides significantly greater tensile strength (about 10 to 20% stronger), better impact resistance, and less fatigue compared to cast steel. This allows for the sear edges to be precisely honed, resulting in an exceptionally crisp break that maintains its sharpness over heavy use.

  This trigger installs like any mil-spec trigger, nothing proprietary (look at you cartridge triggers). Which makes it compatible with any lower that accepts mil-spec triggers.

  Additionally, the RPS Trigger kit includes an extra powerful Wolff hammer spring, which delivers maximum ignition energy and an impressively fast lock-time of just 4 milliseconds. The second stage trigger creep has been virtually eliminated, ensuring a clean and crisp break with no felt travel in the second stage.

  I use this rifle for CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) practice every weekend (unless I’m trying out a different rifle), so this trigger gets a lot of use. I can tell when I am using a different trigger, it just isn’t as smooth, and my scores can tell too.

  The trigger pull weight is set at 4.5 (2.5/2.0) pounds, which meets the NRA/CMP minimum requirements for the Service Rifle class. Overall, the RPS Trigger upgrade kit is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance the performance and reliability of their rifle.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

A durable, smooth, and crisp National Match trigger.

Target Market:

People who want to hit what they are aiming at. Seriously though, this is a great replacement trigger for any AR user and it conforms with minimum trigger weight for CMP or NRA competitions.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Match trigger

  • 2 stage trigger

  • 4.5lb total pull

  • 2.5lb first stage

  • 2.0lb second stage

  • Standard mil-spec dimensions and install

  • Curved trigger

  • Heavy hammer strike force

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

These triggers come in either raw metal or several colors (Tan,Blue,Red,Green,Pink,Black).

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $215.00

Retail = Same

They do have sales from time to time, but otherwise the price is the price. They also have Military/LE discounts

I need it now! Availability:

 ShootingSight.com

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Smooth trigger, tactile reset

  • Strong steel

  • Standard install

Cons:

  • Price (but is comparable with other National Match triggers)

Score:  Great 8.50 if not 9.00

AR Build: A young woman's perspective

A young woman’s perspective on building an AR15

  So I pitched the idea of building an AR to my daughter and writing something about it. She thought it would be fun. I am not sure if she was humoring me or not. But either way, here we are with an awesome AR15, that she built herself. A special thank you goes out to all the great companies that helped sponsor this build, you can read about their parts later in the story. 

From Zoe:

 Putting together my AR was much more interactive than I expected it to be. In a way it was simple, yet complex. Many little pieces combine together like a delicate puzzle, but also a straightforward process to get to the final outcome. There were many different steps to complete to bring it all together. One of the most tedious was putting all the pins into place! Those slippery little rascals!

  When putting the AR together, all of the parts fit perfectly. Between all the different parts, and parts kits, almost everything needed was there, even little tools for some of the steps! Everything was beginner friendly (although having my father assisting me helped a ton). I enjoyed the experience and the reward was incredibly worth the time put into it. Building the AR also helped me feel closer to my dad and the big parts of his life. As a young woman, knowing that there are places that put these part kits together brought me a sense of safety. I am able to build something to provide protection for myself. Plus I got to learn the intimate process of building it, in turn making me a safer firearms owner and a safer young woman.

  Shooting it was a lovely experience. The parts used were all relatively light in mass and resulted in a very lightweight gun. Having to hold it for long periods was undemanding. Shooting it was like a well polished machine. There was very little recoil when firing the rifle. It also functioned flawlessly and did not jam. One thing that I did struggle with was pulling back the charging handle. Which can be a common issue as a woman, since our upper body strength is usually lower than are male counterparts. Charging the firearm is easier than other guns I have shot because of the larger size charging handle. All of the parts worked as expected and I was very satisfied with the experience as a whole. 

  I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. It provided me with important skills, and knowledge of firearms, that I did not have before building this AR. To any young woman who feels she needs confidence and a sense of security, I would highly recommend learning the safety and process of building a firearm. There are things out there to make life a little safer, and I believe this is one of those. 

Stay safe out there ladies.

Sponsored parts used in Zoe's AR build:

This AR15 is built for .223/5.56, so everything listed below is for that particle caliber rifle.

  When it comes to AR parts, there are many. We were fortunate to have some great sponsors who supplied top notch parts for this build. A lot of these are colorful, literally, but they are all high quality parts. 

  First up is the backbone of any AR build, the lower receiver. Our friends over at Foxtrot Mike Products sent one of their stripped lowers. These are billet receivers with a slightly enlarged trigger guard and a semi built-in magazine well. The Magazine well is 3D machined to give it a super smooth transition when loading magazines into the rifle. The Foxtrot Mike lower has a bunch of small added features that make it a little nicer than your run of the mill lower receiver. One of those is the ability to run a ball detent on the safety. That little detail makes a safety selector work so much smoother. 

  Since that lower receiver needs parts to make it function, ArmaSpec sent a stainless Lower Parts Kit (LPK) and their Stealth Recoil Spring. ArmaSpec’s LPK is one of my favorites. It comes with an ambi safety selector that does 45 and 90 degree throws. We did not use the ambi selector in this build, but I did install it elsewhere. All the springs and detents in the LPK are well made and I have no doubt that they will give the rifle years of use. The Stealth Recoil spring, that ArmaSpec manufactures, is a wonderful piece of equipment. Its complete unit replaces the conventional AR buffer and spring. It is called “Stealth” because it reduces the “twang” noise sometimes heard in normal AR’s. The Stealth Recoil system smooths out the cycling of the firearm and also reduces recoil, which was noticeable by how soft this AR shoots.

  If you want a barrel and need it to look fancy, Faxon Firearms has you covered. Since Zoe wanted something “pretty”, we went looking. Faxon has a match grade 16” Gunner series barrel that happens to come in “Chameleon” PVD. This color option fades from pink to purple, to blue, and then to gold. A perfect option for someone wanting color. It also looks amazing under the Robin Egg blue color scheme. Faxon also sent a gas tube and a 0.625” gas block to round out the package. This barrel is not only super accurate, but it is fairly lightweight too.

  When you are building an AR of this quality, you do not want to skimp on the Bolt Carrier Group (BCG). After all, this is what makes the firearm function. Walker Defense sent us one of their Nickel Boron BCG’s. Nickel Boron provides enhanced reliability, easier cleaning, and better lubricity. Walker’s BCG is super slick, literally, and has all the top tier options someone would want. It uses a properly hardened 9310 bolt, has properly staked OCKS screws, is magnetic particle inspected, uses a hard chrome firing pin, and has a M16 carrier profile. Walker Defense’s products are also 100% made in the USA with US components. 

  To finish out the build, and add a whole lot of color, Timber Creek sent an Enforcer build kit. These are fairly lightweight kits which work well when you are worried about the final weight of the rifle. Zoe opted for the Robin Egg Blue cerakote color version. The Enforcer kit comes with a ton of parts for your build. In this case, the Robin Egg Blue parts we used were the 15” handguard, pistol grip, charging handle, safety selector, buffer tube, end plate, port door, extended mag release, forward assist, and takedown pins. We also used the supplied muzzle brake, but it only comes in basic black. Timber Creek's Enforcer kit also comes with a 0.750 gas block, which we didn't use due to using a 0.625 barrel. We also did not use the trigger guard since we used a billet lower that has the trigger guard built in. 

  I want to mention two things about the Enforcer kit. First up is the Ultra Light M-Lok handguard. These handguards, by themselves, are stupid lightweight. They also have holes for QD swivels. Making it easier to add a sling. There are also plenty of M-Lok slots along the whole rail for adding whatever you want. The second thing I want to mention is the oversized charging handle. This handle is significantly larger than most. Zoe mentioned it made charging the rifle easier due to its size. I had never thought of this, but because you can get a good grip on it, it works better for those that have a smaller stature. 

  As we all know, you need a way of aiming a rifle. Since this AR is not being used for distance shooting, She opted for a red dot. Why? Because it is lighter than a 1x prism sight. Primary Arms Optics sent us one of their MD-25's with the 2 MOA dot. The Primary Arms MD-25 is a great red dot. It has a large window size and is pretty lightweight. Battery life is really good thanks to it having Primary Arms’ Autolive function. The Autolive turns the dot off after a few minutes of non use, and then turns it back on when it gets moved. The MD-25 is a great option for a defensive rifle. 

  Now you may have noticed that we are missing a few parts. We supplied the stripped upper receiver, stock, and trigger. Most stripped uppers are very similar and fairly cheap, so I just purchased one. When it comes to stocks, there are a lot of personal preferences. We just opted for a Hogue AR stock. They lock up tight, have a good feel, and are inexpensive. If you noticed, the LPK was not one that included a trigger. I had a TriggerTech Duty Trigger laying around. It is the 3.5lb version. This trigger is a really good option for someone that doesn't shoot a lot. Yes, it feels really good, but with the 3.5lb pull weight, it works well for beginners and seasoned pros alike. 

  Now my daughter has her own AR15. The experience of helping her build her own rifle will not be forgotten anytime soon. She has a life saving tool that will give her a lifetime of protection and enjoyment. 

,

Vosteed Aluminum Raccoon

,

Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum review 

Years ago the only answers I wanted from knife reviews were “Is it sharp? Does it cut? Did it stay sharp? How much does it cost?”. The Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum folder is sharp, cuts well, stays sharp and is a great deal at $72 especially when you see how well it's built and works.

I was sent the Vosteed Aluminum Raccoon to review. This is the latest version of their Raccoon knife line. Chad did a review on the micarta version of the Raccoon last year. The difference between the two versions is the “Aluminum” has a Nitro-V blade steel and the CNC cut aluminum scales. 

The Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum uses a crossbar lock that you pull back to release the blade when it is closed. The blade can then be flipped open or dropped open. It also has a double thumb stud that is well designed. I like using the crossbar lock to release the blade. I don't know why, but I use that method most to deploy the blade.

The handles are CNC cut black aluminum arranged in a diamond pattern. The edges of the handles are rounded so they won't snag clothing or dig into your hand. The aluminum, diamond cut handles aren't aggressive like stippling on pistol grips, but my hands never slipped regardless of what I was cutting. The 3.25 inch drop point blade deploys smoothly due to the ceramic ball bearings.

   As you see from the included photos, I use my knives for food preparation. This knife chopped vegetables, deboned chicken thighs, sliced blocks of cheese, and easily cut large cardboard boxes into trash bag sized segments. Plus it still has a serviceable edge.

   One of the reasons I like being on the Firearms Insider Gun and Gear Review Podcast is because we actually use these products and tell the truth. This knife was used nearly every day for months. I would occasionally use a couple other knives that I am reviewing long term, but this was the main knife. It could use a good sharpening to bring back the razor sharp factory edge. However, I just peeled an apple with no issue. This Nitro-V blade steel holds an edge, I'm impressed.

   The knife shows some wear on the aluminum handles. Mainly because it has been smashed against my EDC light, the Streamlight Wedge. If you want a pristine knife, I am not the person to review it. You want a knife that is a good all around knife, that opens smoothly, and has a better than average blade steel for a good price, the Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum folder may be for you. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

An attractive, feature filled utility knife with good blade steel for a really good price.

Target Market:

Anyone wanting an attractive utility knife made with good steel that's very sharp under $75.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Blade Length: 3.25" | 82.55 mm

  • Overall Length: 7.60" | 193.12 mm

  • Blade Width: 1.07" | 27.27 mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.118" | 3.00 mm

  • Blade Material: Nitro-V

  • Blade Grind: Flat

  • Blade Style: Drop Point

  • Blade Finish: Black Coated

  • Hardness: HRC 60±2

  • Handle Length: 4.36" | 110.75 mm

  • Handle Width: 1.10" | 27.95 mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.49" | 12.40 mm

  • Handle Material: Aluminum

  • Weight: 3.66 oz | 103.8 g

  • Opener: Thumb Stud

  • Lock Type: Crossbar Lock

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Pocket Clip: Reversible | Stainless Steel

  • Carry Position: Tip-up

  • Knife Type: Manual Folding

  • Backspacer Material: Aluminum

  • Backspacer Color: Black

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Orange, Blue, Purple 

What others are saying?:

Nick the Knife

5.0 out of 5 stars

The Racoon continues to deliver

The Vosteed Raccoon is hands down one of my most carried knives and I have hundreds to choose from. The handle is simple, but genius. It offers a comfortable grip that will work well for almost any hand size. The drop point blade is robust enough to go to work with and has good slicing geometry. Nitro-V steel is tough, and while not having the highest edge retention, is easy to sharpen.

This version comes in with Aluminum handle scales. Generally Aluminum is not my favorite choice and I have no idea why it has become thought of as premium. People seem to have forgotten all the $10 Aluminum S&W knives of 20 years ago... Anyhow this Aluminum is nicely anodized and the green/brown color spoke to me. The finish is smooth, making this a Raccoon that will likely see lighter duty than my G-10 or Micarta variants.

The action is what I expect from Vosteed. They put out smooth operators, and this is no exception. The button lock lets the blade drop effortlessly into the closed position. Thumb studs are spot on for deployment. You can also engage the button and give a little wrist action to deploy. If you like to fidget, it does that. I prefer the crossbar lock version as it is inherently stronger than a button lock, but as I mentioned, I liked the looks of this model and it only had a button lock in this color. C'est la vie.

Overall, you really cannot go wrong with a Vosteed Raccoon for EDC. It is definitely one of my top 5 for 2023.

Link to other reviews:

Iridium 242 YouTube Review  

Price point:

MSRP = $72.00 

Retail = $72.00 at Blade HQ

I need it now! Availability:

Vosteed or Blade HQ

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Very sharp

  • smooth opening

  • very good blade steel

  • affordable 

  • Blade Finish holds up well

Cons: 

  • The aluminum shows dings and scratches easily 

  • The jimping on the spine of the  is next to useless

Score: 7.50 Good
,

Sencut ArcBlast

,

Sencut ArcBlast Review

  With the prices of so many things going up, the amount of money in your wallet goes down. But if you are looking for a good quality knife that won’t take a massive hit on your wallet, then the Sencut ArcBlast would be a fantastic knife for you. Let’s check out all of the things that this great knife features and how it’s a great bang for your buck.

The Handle:

  The ArcBlast features an aluminum handle with a smooth finish. I normally like to have gripping on the handle. So when I took the knife out of the package and noticed that the handle was smooth, my first thought was “oh I’m not going to like this”. But I actually really like it. I feel like I can get a solid grip on it. One that doesn’t allow the knife to slip in my hand. The handle also has a great shape that fits really comfortably in my hand. Because of the smooth aluminum handle, the knife slides out of the pocket very easily. But not easy enough to fall out, due to the great pocket clip that comes on it. It will stay where you want it!

Opening:

  I’ve used a lot of different pocket knives over the years. Normally thumb studs aren’t my favorite style for opening, but I know it’s good to have different options for opening the knife. But on this knife in particular, I like how quickly the thumb stud deploys the blade. I find myself using the thumb studs more than the flipper. Although the flipper gives it a real quick opening and works fantastically. One thing that definitely helps with this quick opening is that it uses bearings at the pivot point. This gives it a quick and smooth opening.

The Blade:

  The Sencut ArcBlast features a 2.98” drop point blade made from 9Cr18MoV. This is a great steel for this price, and it’s widely used in lots of other knife brands knives. I have been using this blade for a few months now and working in an industrial environment. I use it a lot to cut open boxes, plastic wraps, and various other items. So far… I haven’t needed to sharpen it, but 9Cr18MoV does sharpen very easily. Another reason why 9Cr18MoV is an awesome steel, is that it is corrosion resistant. This is a great material for harsh environments where liquids and other corrosive materials may be present. So you will not have to worry about wrecking your knife.

The Lock:

  I have come across quite a few different button locks on different knife brands, but this is definitely one of the best in my opinion. The ArcBlast uses a standard button lock. This lock is used a lot in the Sencut, Civivi and WE Knives line of knives. They really have designed a fantastic lock, which is probably the reason they use it so much. The lock is great because it is easy to unlock, but not easy enough that it will unlock when you don’t want it to. This is due to the button being flush with the handle. So when you grip the handle, you don’t run the risk of accidentally pushing the button and unlocking it. 

  I have had a couple of Civivi knives, but I haven’t had a Sencut knife before. I definitely like this knife for many reasons. It’s a very sturdy knife with a smooth and comfortable grip. It also has a great 9Cr18MoV blade that has stayed sharp through lots of use. If you are wanting a great quality pocket knife that will not cost an arm and a leg, you should definitely check out the Sencut ArcBlast.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Smaller inexpensive quality folding knife

Target Market:

Anyone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on an everyday carry pocket knife

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Overall Length: 7.07" / 179.5mm

  • Width: 1.3" / 33.1mm

  • Overall Height (Include Clip): 0.66" / 16.8mm

  • Blade Length: 2.98" / 75.7mm

  • Closed Length: 4.09" / 103.8mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.1" / 2.6mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.46" / 11.6mm

  • Weight: 2.96oz / 83.9g

  • Blade Material: 9Cr18MoV

  • Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC

  • Blade Grind: Hollow

  • Blade Finish: Black

  • Blade Type: Drop Point

  • Handle Material: Aluminum

  • Handle Color/Finish: Black

  • Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, L/R

  • Clip Material: Stainless Steel

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Manual
Opener:
Thumb Stud
and flipper

  • Locking Mechanism: Button Lock

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

There are 4 different color options for this knife, but the materials are all the same. For the black blade you can get a black or red handle. And for the satin finish, you can get a black and blue handle.

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars from Benjamin B. at Sencut.com

A Really Good Knife

I love the simplicity of the button lock. Also I think that the knife looks great and works like it should. Seems like it is very well made and I carry it all the time. I recently purchased another one to use at work. I plan on using my all black one at work because I work in a dirty environment, and the one with the red handle I will use as my e.d.c. when I am not at work.

Link to other reviews:

Stassa23 Knife Therapy  

Price point:

MSRP = $55.00

Retail = $46.75 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Sencut or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • It’s a fantastic knife for the price

  • Comes with tons of goodies and a case

  • It’s a very well made knife that holds an edge for quite some time. 

Cons:

  • I did accidentally bend the pocket clip when I sat down in a chair, but I was able to bend it back into place very easily.

  • A good amount of the anodizing around the top of the knife (opposite end from the clip) came off within 2-3 months. But that doesn’t affect the functionality of the knife at all.

Score: 8.50 Great