review

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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

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Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 ACSS NOVA

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  Primary Arms has come out with a new Low Power Variable Optic in their SLx line, it’s the 1-6x24mm SFP Gen IV with the Illuminated ACSS Nova Fiber Wire Reticle. The difference between this new 1-6x24 LPVO, and others, is its new fiber wire reticle. The fiber wire produces an actual daylight bright center red dot. The SLx 1-6x24 Nova reticle also has a bunch of other upgraded features when compared to the SLx gen 3's. Let’s go check it out. 

  This new SLx 1-6x24 comes packed with features. Of course it has 1 power magnification so you can use it like a red dot. Or you can crank it up to 6 power to identify and engage targets at longer distances. To change the magnification, Primary Arms has upgraded the throw lever to their new dovetail style. This new throw lever can be taken out and swapped for different heights, including a fold down style. The magnification ring moves about 180 degrees between 1x and 6 x, which is nice. The SLx 1-6 is still a second focal plane optic, but now has different reticle options, including the Nova Fiber Wire reticle. To zero in the reticle, the SLx 1-6 uses capped turrets that adjust in 0.1 MIL increments. The turrets have a good audible clicks to them. There are also 3 tiny set screws to loosen and set those turrets to a known zero position. The scope weighs in at 17.9 ounces and is 10.4 inches long, which is a good balance for this style of optic.

  It’s time to talk about the SLx 1-6’s Nova fiber wire reticle. This Nova reticle is one of the reasons the Gen 4 SLx shines. Using a fiber optic wire allows the Nova reticle to have a center illuminated red dot. I used to complain when companies would say “daylight bright”, not anymore. The red dot inside the SLx 1-6 is BRIGHT. Not only can you see it in direct bright sunlight, but I'm pretty sure it can be seen while aiming it at the sun, but I wouldn’t recommend trying that. The dot is bright enough that it also doesn’t wash out when using a weapon light, a big plus in my book. Because the SLx is an etched reticle, the red dot does not starburst out for those of us that have an astigmatism, something I can’t say for normal red dots. The illuminated dot size measures 0.6 MOA at 1x and 3.6 MOA at 6x. Brightness for the center dot is adjusted on the left side of the scope. It has 11 levels of brightness with only one off position. It is not night vision compatible, the dot is just too bright at level 1 for that. Also included in the reticle are MIL hash marks. The vertical crosshair’s marks are at 1 MIL intervals. There are narrower 0.5 MIL subtension marks between the large 1 MIL ones. These 1 MIL marks decrease in width as you move down the crosshair. This is to estimate a 18” target’s width to help determine what range the target is at. Being a SFP optic, these stadia marks only are accurate at 6x. The horizontal crosshair has marks for wind or travel speed. These are 3,6, and 9 MPH as you move out away from the center dot. The Nova reticle is a great multi-purpose reticle that can range targets or be used as a red dot.

  Since the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 is now on the fourth generation of upgrades, this means the user gets upgraded glass. This upgraded glass gives the SLx fantastic clarity. To my eye, it compares to the clarity of my GLx 1-6, which is the next higher level of optics in the Primary Arms optics line. Eye relief on the SLx is stated at 4 inches, but it is very forgiving. The eye box is also pretty good for a scope in this class range. These two specs actually make it very easy to find the optic when shouldering the rifle.  

  I mounted up the SLx 1-6x24 Nova fiber wire on my purple AR15. For this particular rifle, the SLx is great. It is super clear and easy to pick up the reticle. That fiber wire makes the center dot so bright that I can actually use the scope like a red dot at 1x, in bright sunlight. The dot is so bright that I had to turn the brightness way down to get a good picture of the reticle, if that tells you anything. The turret adjustments give me good clicks, so when I turn them, I can tell when they moved. My only complaint about the SLx is the throw lever. It is too stiff for my liking. Even though it’s stiff, the throw lever’s movement is super smooth.

   If you are even remotely looking into getting a LPVO, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 Nova reticle needs a look. The glass clarity is great. The reticle is top notch for a “one optic” rifle. Plus that red center dot has got to be one of the brightest of any LPVO in this price range. I would encourage you to go take a look at the SLx 1-6 Nova from Primary Arms. It might be one of the best LPVO’s in its price range

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Low power variable optic with a super bright red dot

Target Market:

Those wanting a LPVO that is actually daylight bright 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Integrated Magnification Throw Lever

  • ACSS NOVA Fiber Wire Reticle

  • Battery Life: Up to 500 hours

  • Magnification: 1x – 6x

  • Second Focal Plane (SFP) 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm

  • Exit Pupil: 10.6mm – 3.8mm

  • Eye Relief: 4 in.

  • Total Windage/Elevation Adjustment: 120 MOA

  • Field Of View @100 Yards: 120 ft. – 20 ft. (Low – High)

  • Illumination: Red, 11 Illumination Settings

  • Click Value: 0.1 MIL

  • Length w/o Lens Covers: 10.4 in.

  • Weight w/ Included Battery w/o Lens Covers: 17.9 oz.

  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different Reticles

What others are saying?:

5/5 Stars at PrimaryArms.com

THE NEW STANDARD FOR BUDGET LPVO'S

Absolutely lives up to the hype, punches well above its price point. Yeah, it's going to get compared a lot to the PST Gen 2, and I can honestly say the overall glass quality and image/FOV/Reticle, and illumination are frankly better than the Vortex. Still doesn't quite match the Vortex in build quality or external controls, and the eyebox is a tad less forgiving, but this Nova scope is hands down the best LPVO on the market under $500.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense

Price point:

MSRP = $339.99

Retail = Same, but Primary Arms runs sales often

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Super brightly lit dot in center of reticle

  • Removable and changeable throw lever

  •  Lightweight 

  • Mil style reticle

Cons:

  • Second focal plane

  • Stiff throw lever

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Timber Creek Enforcer Review

Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Weaponlight

  When it comes to weapon lights, there are plenty on the market. The new Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Weaponlight is one of them. This Streamlight 2.0 falls somewhere between those cheap Amazon lights and the super expensive “pro” lights. Don’t underestimate the ProTac 2.0, it has some really nice features. As of right now, it is only available in a kit with a pressure switch.

ProTac 2.0 light output on “HI”

Vehicle “Hi Beams”

  If you are in the market for a weaponlight, there are a few things to take into consideration. The first is probably lumens. Everyone has a lumen rating for their light and it’s usually advertised highly. But remember that lumens don’t tell the whole story about lighting, there is also candela. In simple terms, lumens measure total brightness and candela measures how that brightness is applied. The Streamlight Protac 2.0 has a max brightness of 2000 lumens and a candela rating of 17,700. In the case of the ProTac 2.0 you get a bright output but a wider beam pattern. The higher the candela rating, the more focused the beam is, or how much farther the light will project. Streamlight rated the beam distance at 266 meters for the 2.0. In comparison, Streamlight’s HL-X has half the lumens of the ProTac 2.0, but a candela of 27k for a beam distance of 332 meters. A higher candela rating will also help the light push through photonic barriers, like smoke or fog, better. The ProTac 2.0’s beam is really good for buildings and rooms where there isn’t a need for target identification at 200 yds. It would make a good light for your home defense rifle or shotgun.

Target backers at 50 & 100 yds, barely visible are 200 yd backers

  The ProTac 2.0 Weaponlight has some other impressive attributes. It’s not incredibly long at 6.3 inches, or heavy at just over 9 ounces. It comes standard with a picatinny mount. If you don’t like the picatinny mount, the Protac 2.0 uses a standard “scout” mounting platform. This makes MLok mounts and the like fairly easy to come by. I installed a 45 degree MLok mount on it since I didn’t like how far off the rail the picatinny mount mounted the light. The ProTac 2.0 also comes with a pressure pad. This is only a pressure pad with no switch on it. New for Streamlight is the way the pressure switch attaches to the light. There is a dual end cap. The end cap has a switch, but also has an outlet to plug in the pressure pad. This way one can use the switch and the pressure pad. Before, you were limited to one or the other. I must say, this dual end cap setup is pretty nice. If not using the port, an attached plug can be used to keep it protected.

Charging port slid open

  The Streamlight ProTac 2.0 is rechargeable. There is no option to use off the shelf batteries if needed. The battery used is also proprietary. Extra batteries run around $30. There are, however, some different ways to charge the battery. On the body of the light, there is a sliding cover over the battery's charging port. Just slide it down from the lights head and plug in your charging cord. The cover slides over an o-ring to protect it from water and dirt. The cover never opened up by itself, so that's a plus. The other way is to take the battery out and plug the charging cord into it directly. This new battery gives the ProTac 2.0 a 2.5 hour runtime on high or 11 hours on low.

  Streamlight is known for their ability to program the lights function. The ProTac 2.0 is no different. It still uses their “Ten-Tap” programming. Press the button 10 times fast, holding it down on the 10th “tap”. Once the light goes out, release the button. Now you are in the next mode. Do this until the mode you want is selected. The ProTac 2.0 has 3 programming options. They are: High/Strobe, High only, and Low/High. I have it set to high only, but choose what works best for you. Low output is 250 lumens. Strobe and high are 2000 lumens.

  I really enjoyed how the ProTac 2.0 functioned. The pressure pad, along with the included mounting hardware, worked great. Since the pad doesn’t have an on/off switch, I use my thumb on the tailcap switch. That way if I need it to be always on, I just push the button. Having that ability, with the new dual tailcap, is really nice. The light output is bright enough to light up my entire living room or bedroom. I can’t identify targets very well at over 100yds, but they can still be seen just fine. I just can’t see if they have a weapon or not. I immediately changed out the picatinny mount because it put the light too far away from the rail, so it was awkward to reach the tailcap button. Having the standard “scout” mounting platform made that an easy fix.

  The Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Weaponlight kit is a good all around light. Especially if you don’t mind proprietary batteries. If it’s your first weaponlight, then those batteries won’t matter as much. The light is programmable and bright. The new tailcap makes the light more useful too. At a price of around $170, the Protac 2.0 is something to look at. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

2000 Lumen weapon mounted light kit

Target Market:

Those needing or wanting a weapon mounted light

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Uses one (1) Streamlight SL-B50® protected Li-Ion USB-rechargeable battery pack (included)

  • Features TEN-TAP® programming - Choice of three user selectable programs:

  • 1) high/strobe  2) high only  3) low/high

  • High: 2,000 lumens; 266 m beam; runs 2.5 hours

  • Low: 250 lumens; 93 m beam; runs 11 hours

  • Strobe for signaling or disorienting: runs 4.5 hours

  • IP67-rated; dust-tight and waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes (IPX4-rated when remote switch is plugged in)

  • 2-meter impact resistance tested

  • 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with Type II MIL-Spec anodized finish

  • Mounts directly to guns with MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rails

  • Includes remote pressure switch

  • 6.30 in (16.0 cm)

  • 9.06 oz (257 g) with one (1) SL-B50® battery pack

  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Handheld version

Price point:

MSRP =  $245.00

Retail = $169.99 at Primary Arms

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Hi Lumens for lots of light spill

  • Dual connection battery cap

  • On weapon charging

  • Decent pressure switch

Cons:

  • Proprietary battery

  • Low Candela 

  • Only comes with 1 battery

  • Picatinny mount

Score: 7.00 Good

Favorite Link:  Atibal Optics

ISOtunes Sport - Defy & Advance

  ISOtunes has come on the market with hearing protection designed for the shooter under the ISOtunes Sport brand. ISOtunes has made industrial hearing protection for some time, but just recently introduced the Sport brand. There are currently two models to choose from, the Defy, and the Advance. They are both very similar in use. The Defy is your standard Over Ear (muff) style, while the Advance is an In-Ear style. 

  Both the Defy and Advance are packed with features. One of those is that they both have the “Tactical sound” control. The Tactical sound control is a separate volume control for outside sound. ISOtunes Sport claims an increase in exterior sound up to 8x their normal volume. If you turn it up, it amplifies everything, including background noise. This can be a plus when listening to range commands, your friends, or while hunting. You can also turn it all the way down, which essentially cuts all exterior volume. Don’t worry, the Tactical sound control still reduces loud noises to a safe level, so as to not damage your hearing. When you power on the ISOtunes Sport’s the Tactical sound turns on to about half volume. One of my only complaints is that I wish they would remember the last volume setting when turned off. The high impact noise response time is listed at less than 2 milliseconds, so hearing damage is greatly, if not completely, reduced by the initial gun shot sound.

  Since we are talking about sound, both the Defy and Advance have bluetooth connectivity. As with most bluetooth, just pair it to your device and away you go. They do both have noise cancelling mic’s, so if you are on a phone call at the range, whoever you are talking with can hear you clearly. My daughter called me at the range one day while I had the Advance on. She said that she could hear me fine even with the occasional gun shots. So that part seems to work okay. With the bluetooth, you can also use the Advance or Defy to listen to your favorite podcast or music. However, the ISOtunes Sport line will cap the output volume to 85 db’s using their “SafeMax” technology. This is because 85 db’s is the safe volume limit for all day long exposure. If you are in an extremely loud environment, it can sometimes still be hard to hear whatever is playing through the bluetooth. The bluetooth controls are separate from the Tactical Sound controls, making it easier to know which volume you are adjusting. 

  Even though the Defy and Advance have similar features, there are some differences besides the obvious. The Advance in-ear is listed as a 26db NRR (noise reduction rating), but the Defy only comes in with a 25db NRR rating. Definitely not enough for me to tell the difference. Connection to a device, via bluetooth, varies by an hour with the lead going to the Defy at 11 hours and the Advance at 10 hours. When not connected to bluetooth, the times can jump up a couple of hours. The Defy has the option of using 3 AAA batteries instead of the supplied rechargeable. This increases the use time to 22 hours. It also gives the Defy an option if the rechargeable battery dies when using them in the field. The Advance, being an in-ear, does not have this luxury. Both have auto off functions also. The Advance’s is 2 hrs of non use, while the Defy is 4 hrs. Both are resistant to dust and water. Since the Defy and Advance are different styles, there is definitely going to be a weight difference. The Defy (over ear) comes in at 15.5 ounces, while the Advance (in-ear) comes in at 23.25 grams, or just under an ounce. The Defy and Advance come with a usb charging cord. While the Advance also comes with 4 sizes of eartips and one set of triple flange style to use when you’re not worried about sound suppression. The Advance also comes with a zippered carrying case. 

   After using the ISOtunes Sport’s for a while, I’ve concluded that both are really good at what they do. The Tactical Sound works great and lets me hear range commands and friends clearly. It also does a decent job of not amplifying wind. Not perfect, but better than some hearing protection I’ve used, at least as far as wind noise is concerned.  I simply love the Advance, as they give me lightweight in-ear protection. The Advance allows me to use rifles and shotguns without causing any problems with a cheek weld. Plus they are not hot like over the ear ones can be. I also use the bluetooth, on the Advance, daily while at work. They are fantastic for this. If you work in a loud industrial environment, they are even better. The Advance is my newest favorite hearing protection. The Defy, however, is not far behind the Advance. It has its own advantages. They are very comfortable for over the ear hearing protection. They have the option of running AAA batteries. The top strap has a slot for heat management, or more importantly, so the button on your hat doesn’t push against your head. The cushions are also very soft and comfortable. The Defy will also open up extremely wide, so if you have an extremely large brain capsule, these might work well for you. I like the Defy if I’m just shooting pistols, or when it’s cooler outside. 

  If you’re looking into some new hearing protection, I wouldn’t hesitate to check out the ISOtunes Sport line. Both have great useful features. My favorite would be the Advance, but the Defy are really good also. Anytime you can get decent hearing protection, with decent rechargeable battery life, I’m all for it. Go check out the Defy and Advance at ISOtune Sport, you’ll probably like what you see. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Hearing protection with bluetooth

Target Market:

Shooters, Hunters, or anyone needing hearing protection

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Tactical sound control

  • 25 to 26 db noise reduction

  • 23.25 grams for the Advance

  • 15.5 ounces for the Defy

  • Rechargeable for 10-11 hrs of Bluetooth connection

  • Noise Isolation Mic

  • Bluetooth audio output limited to 85db

  • 2 hour auto off (Advance) 

  • 4 hour auto off (Defy) 

  • Dust, water, and sweat resistant

  • Micro USB charging port

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

In Ear (Advance) and Over ear style (Defy)

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars on Amazon

Does the job

These rock! I am a firearms instructor for my local LE Agency. These guys seem a little awkward at first as fas as getting them to fit correctly. But once I found the earplugs that fit the best... they do exactly what they were intended to do.

I completely charged them as the directions stated and the next day I set out to the range and spent 5 hours wearing them. I had no issues with short battery life as some would expect. It connects with my iphone and plays music at a safe level while still being able to hear voices.

As soon as we started shooting, they did their job. I did have some issues with the ear foam not fitting well.

My only complaint is that I wish there was a size between the smallest ear foam and the medium ear foam. The medium was just a bit big, but it would be impossible the have a foam to fit EVERY SINGLE EAR.

That being said, I would still purchase 100% and have already recommended it to my LEO buddies.

Link to other reviews:

Wide Open Spaces

Price point:

MSRP = $129.99 for either option

Retail = $129.99 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

ISOtunes or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Bluetooth

  • Tactical Sound Control with separate controls

  • Rechargeable

  • Long battery life

  • Both are comfortable

  • AAA option with the Defy

  • 4 different earpieces for the Advance

Cons:

  • Doesn’t remember volume level of the “Tactical Sound”

  • 85db sound limit (sometimes I like to hear it loud)

Score: 8.50 Great

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Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

Pro Ears Stealth Elite

  In the world of hearing protection, everyone is looking for the newest and greatest earbud style protection. This brings us to the Pro Ears Stealth Elite in ear hearing protection. The stealth elites are essentially electronic hearing protection, in a small compact, earbud size package.

  When I first heard about the Stealth Elite’s, I was very curious. If I could get the benefits of electronic sound cancellation, in an ear bud, what more could I ask for? Part of what made these so attractive, was the price. At an msrp of $159.99, they are less expensive than other brands in this market. Plus they have the added option of using a rechargeable bluetooth lanyard.

  The specifications on the Stealth Elite’s is quite extensive. They have a very good noise reduction rating of 28 db’s. Are IPX6 rated, so you can drop them in water or use them in the rain. The pair weighs 28 grams. A neck lanyard, that clips to the ear buds, is included for when you don’t have the bluetooth one connected. Plus they are supplied with a variety of compressible foam or silicone ear tips. All of which can be stored in a nice little carrying case.

  Besides the specifications mentioned before, the Stealth Elite’s has electronic noise cancellation. There are 3 modes in which each earbud can be set. These are Isolation, Awareness, and Amplification. On each earbud is a tiny switch to change between these settings. A “0” setting for off, or “isolation”. A “I” setting for “Awareness”. And a “II” setting for “Amplification”. The off, or isolation setting, makes these earbuds work as a regular earplug. The awareness setting allows the wearer to hear their surroundings. Essentially letting you hear normally, at a normal volume. Then there is the amplification setting. This, as the name implies, amplifies what you hear at 5 times normal volume. Both the latter two modes will cut any loud sounds, down to hearing safe levels. In my experience, they work very well at cutting out unsafe noise levels.

  Because of the electronics needed to make the Stealth Elite’s work, they run on batteries. They designed the earbuds to use a #10 hearing aid battery. The batteries will last about 80 hrs each. There is one battery in each one of the earbuds. The batteries are relatively inexpensive and can be found at just about any local store. 60 of them cost between $15-20 on Amazon. So for $20 you can run the set of earbuds for 2400 hours, that’s 100 days straight. The batteries are easily changed, through a little built in door, in each earbud. 

  Also included is the aforementioned bluetooth lanyard. The bluetooth lanyard is rechargeable and gives around 9 hours of use. As with most bluetooth stuff, it has up/down and a larger button in the middle. The middle button is also the power button, answer call, etc. The lanyard uses a tiny little connector that just plugs into the bottom of the earbuds. It is a pass through connection. This means that it powers the earbuds for sound, so one can actually use this feature when the battery is dead or missing. I mainly use the bluetooth, when using the earbuds for other things, like mowing the yard. It works good enough for me. One interesting thing about using the bluetooth is: it has a built in sound limiter, so you can not turn the volume up past 110 db’s and damage your hearing.

  Since you are probably wondering how they perform, let's get into it. I have used the Stealth Elite’s on the range a lot. They do a great job of letting me hear my surroundings, while cutting out gunshots. Battery life is good, as explained earlier. When the batteries start to get low, I get a crackling sound. I have learned that when it gets to that point, I just change the battery. Even though they supposedly have a “wind shield”, they still pick up wind noise and amplify it. When using either of the “on” settings, sound is really good and I am able to hear conversations at a noisy shooting range. The Stealth Elite’s stick out of one's ears more than some earplugs and I was worried about this when shooting rifles and shotguns. Well, after using them with both, there is nothing to worry about. I never had any problems with them hitting the stocks of various rifles and shotguns. In fact, I prefer them over muffs because they don’t get pushed out of the way. Because they are “in ear” hearing protection, they also keep your head and ears from getting hot like “over ear” hearing protection does. With the compressible foam ear tips, they are very comfortable to wear all day. I have worn them continually for 8+ hours on the range without causing me discomfort. Of course, results may vary on your comfort.

  So if you are looking into getting some electronic hearing protection, do check out Pro Ears and their Stealth Elite’s. I’m pretty happy with their performance. The price seems good. Battery life is good. The noise reduction is top notch. Plus, they are a USA based business.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

In ear, electronic noise reduction hearing protection

Target Market:

Those who dislike ear muffs, or those wanting in ear hearing protection

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 28db

  • IPX6 rated -Water Resistant & Sweat-proof.

  • Amplification Mode: Let’s you hear faint sounds from a distance while protecting your ears from extremely loud sounds (5x amplification).

  • Awareness Mode: Allows ambient sounds to pass through even while you are listening to music or talking on the phone so you remain situationally aware.

  • Isolation Mode: Enjoy complete peace and quiet when you want to focus or recharge.

  • Wind Shield

  • In ear, earbud style

  • Rechargeable BlueTooth lanyard

  • 80 hour battery life for earbuds

  • Uses #10 batteries (60 pieces are around $20)

  • Foam and Silicone tips included

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Richard M. on Amazon 5/5 stars

Nice hearing protections and excellent hearing enhancement

I bought these for hunting in the blind. The hearing enhancement feature is unbelievable. I can pick up the slightest of sound. It did take a little time to set it up to select the right ear buds and clips for my ears. I was surprised with all the options it came with to make sure the fit is comfortable and secure. I also like the fact it comes with a line that attaches to each ear piece so I can't lose one.

Link to other reviews:

Globosurfer

Pro Ears

Price point:

MSRP = $159.99

Retail = $145.99 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Pro Ears or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Sound reduction 

  • Rechargeable Bluetooth lanyard

  • Assortment of different ear pieces

  • Comfort

  • 3 different sound/hearing protection choices

Cons:

  • Wind noise

  • Crackling static when battery is low

  • Not as quiet as regular over-ear muffs

Score: 7.00 Good

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Favorite Link:  Gun & Gear Cult   

Boyds At-One Shotgun stock


 As mentioned in the previous Boyds At-One review, Boyds has been making laminate wood stocks for a long time. So you most likely have heard of them. They have since come out with the At-One for pump action shotguns. So they asked me if I would like to review it, and here we are.

 Boyds gunstocks history goes back to 1981. But they have definitely kept up with the times. The stocks are inletted with CNC machines. Only US grown hardwoods are used for the laminate process. Boyds’ stocks are also hand sanded so that the smoothness is just right. I’m told the factory is even temperature controlled to maintain consistency. All of this, and finished off in a special hard finish that seals the stock, including the inlet portion, to protect it from the weather and make it last for years

 As of right now, they only make the shotgun At-One for two models. Those models are the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500. I chose the Mossberg 500 version in “Sky,” which is a blue/grey/black laminate. Now, when the marketing rep and I ordered this, we did not look at everything, so the forearm was the wrong one. I now know that there are two different action slide lengths for the forearms. I have the shorter one. So when ordering, please read the fine print at the bottom. This was by no way Boyds’ fault, it was mine. But as the saying goes “the more you know.”

 On to installation. The stock and forearm go on pretty easy. Take the buttplate of your old stock and unscrew the bolt holding it on. It should come right off. Then you need to install the included metal adaptor to your receiver. The stock comes with all the hardware needed and really good instructions. Pretty easy so far. Now you have to install the stock to the adaptor with more supplied hardware. First you have to remove the bottom cap off of the stock so that you can have access to the screw hole. Then you can install the stock itself. This is where I ran into a little bit of a problem. The hole and supplied screw are at an odd angle, so getting a long enough allen wrench in the hole is key. My universal nut driver, with allen head bits, was just too large in diameter to fit down in the recessed hole. Because of this, I took out a tiny chunk of wood where the bottom cap meets the stock. I should have just ordered a long allen allen wrench, which fits fine. Once that’s done, screw the bottom cap back on and the stock is good to go. The forearm went on easy. Just loosen the odd nut (I’m sure it has a name) that holds on the forearm. A special tool works best, but I just used a big chisel as a huge screwdriver (not recommended). I did remove the forearm from the shotgun first. Then I just lightly tapped the new Bantam forend on, installed the odd nut, and reinstalled the forend and rails onto the shotgun. It was really fairly easy.

 Now that the At-One is installed, it’s time for my experiences with it. As with the other At-One I reviewed, it is very comfortable to shoot. All of those adjustments really give the shotgun shooter an edge. Finally a stock that can be adjusted for the individual user. My Mossberg 500 has never really fit me correctly, until now. Since the comb on the At-One is adjustable, I was able to raise it up a little more than the fixed factory stock. This improved my shooting some. The length of pull on the Mossberg was fine, but with the At-One, I could fine tune it just a little more. However, I wasn’t real keen on the sharpness of the pistol grip. I liked it on the rifle, but prefer a more rounded one on the shotgun. If you want a larger pistol grip, they make the target one, which adds more meat to the grip and also changes the angle slightly. Another advantage to the length of pull, is how short the Boyds stock can go. One can shorten it up to 12.5” and out to 14.25”. If you want to make a more maneuverable shotgun, say for moving through a house, you can adjust the stock all the way in. It also works good for shorter armed shooters. The buttons to adjust the buttpad and comb have a very stout spring in them making them hard to push. This is done on purpose to keep any accidental adjustments from happening. Now I will say that the buttpad on the At-One is nice, but on a shotgun, a softer one would be nicer. It is the same buttpad as on the At-One rifle stocks. Now If you are really into adjustments, Boyds does offer a vertical adjustable buttpad system.  

 Boyds makes some really nice products. The At-One for shotguns is another one. It is available in a standard walnut also, in case you don’t like the laminate look. I personally like the laminate’s. The adjustability gives these stocks an edge in the field or on the range. Now, if they only made them for semi-auto shotguns. Take a look at Boyds gunstocks, they make a nice product.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable laminate wood shotgun stock

Target Market:

Those wanting adjustability and/or different looks from their shotgun

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Laminate Hardwood

  • Adjustable Butt pad

  • Adjustable Cheek rest (Comb)

  • Interchangeable Grip

  • 12.5" to 14.25" Length of pull

  • .75” of comb adjustment

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Too many to list, go check them out HERE

Vertical adjustable buttpad

What others are saying?:

Couldn’t find anything on the shotgun stocks, only rifle stocks

Link to other reviews:

Could only find “new release” articles

Price point:

MSRP: Stock = $175.00

           Forend = $67.00

Retail = Same as above

I need it now! Availability:

Boyds Gunstocks

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Adjustable comb

  • Adjustable length of pull

  • Optional pistol grip

  • Stable Laminate

  • Great installation instructions

  • All US made

Cons:

  • Tough to get stock screw tightened

  • Buttpad could be softer

Score: 8.00 Great

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Guntec 9mm Micro-Comp

 The Guntec USA crew has introduced a new little micro-comp for 9mm rifles. I personally like mini compensators on PCC style rifles. As I mentioned in the 9mm bolt review, Guntec sent this out for review at the same time as the bolt.

 One of the reasons I went with the micro-comp is the small size. It is 2 ⅝” long and has an outside diameter of 0.95”. On a rifle length 9mm carbine, almost all of the powder, or all of it, is burned up before the bullet leaves the barrel. This makes a large compensator not as efficient. Plus I like the mini look.

 Even though it is called a comp, it is actually more. I would call it a hybrid brake/compensator. The compensator portion of the micro-comp comes from the 3 holes the face upward. This vents gas up to push the barrel down. The next part is the brake, which is meant to reduce recoil. A huge single rectangular cut, from side to side, facilitates the brake function. One disadvantage to the micro-comp, as in almost all hybrid comps, is the increase in muzzle blast sound.

 I could definitely tell a big difference in this micro-comp over the 9mm A1 flash hider. Muzzle control from target to target is way faster. Felt recoil seems about the same, at least on my shoulder. I have a red dot on my PCC. Finding the target after recoil is also faster. Sometimes the dot stays on target, depending on the target size and distance. So the compensator portion works well.

 The Micro-comp is threaded ½-36. The thread pitch is part of the reason I chose the micro-comp. My 16” barrel is threaded ½-36, not ½-28 used on many of today’s barrels. Most of Guntec’s 9mm muzzle accessories are threaded the ½-36, but they do have some in ½-28 also..

 Do I like this micro-comp? Yes. Do I think there might be a more efficient one on the market? Yes, but Guntec does a good job in their micro-comp. It works well for what it is and at $39.95, the price is good also. Go take a look at Guntec USA and all of their AR accessories. I have been pleased with most of their products.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Micro compensator for 9mm carbines

Target Market:

Those wanting a smaller effective compensator/muzzle brake for a 9mm carbine

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Multi Port Compensator

  • Micro Design, Very Compact

  • 3 Top Porting Holes To Reduce Muzzle Climb

  • Side Slot Cut Reduces Pressure During Rapid Fire

  • All Steel Construction

  • 1/2 x 36 Thread Pitch

  • 2 ⅝” long

  • 0.94” Diameter

  • Comes with crush washer

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Too new at this time

Link to other reviews:

Too new at this time

Price point:

MSRP = $39.95

Retail = same

I need it now! Availability:

Guntec USA

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Small size

  • Effective

  • Price

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Loud

  • Not available in ½-28 for 9mm

Score: 7.50 Good

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