Smith & Wesson Collapsible Baton

If you are looking for a collapsible baton for yourself or possibly a friend or loved one, there's a bit of sticker shock if you walk into a LE shop or tactical supply store. Some models are close to $100 at their lowest length, and you would be looking at closer to $180-200 for a reasonable length baton of quality.

Smith & Wesson produces a few different length collapsible batons in their "Professional Quality Tools" product line. The longest baton available is 26 inches, coming in right at a $49.99 pricetag. There are 21 and 16 inch versions as well, with lower prices respectively.

This last Christmas I picked up a Smith & Wesson Collapsible Baton in the 21 inch length. I had originally intended to gift it to a relative who frequently jogs in less than safe neighborhoods, however when I discovered they live in a county that outlaws concealable bats, batons, clubs, etc I decided to keep the baton for myself. Who would have thought a county would outlaw less than lethal self defense tools, yet allow permitted concealed carry of a pistol?

The Smith & Wesson baton is made of heat treated 4130 Stainless Alloy Steel tubing. The handle features a rubberized grip with a basket-weave pattern with raised treads. The endcap of the baton is flat, with the iconic S&W logo. The baton also comes packaged with a nylon sheath that interfaces with MOLLE strap systems, as well as a standard belt.

When deploying the baton to its fully extent, you really have to do so with authority. If you flick your wrist with lesser force, the tube sections of the baton will not have the lockup and friction required to stay extended with use. Thats no bueno, and the more expensive batons I've tried seem less prone to deploying without enough force needed to lockup solid. The tensile strength of the baton seems hard enough to be efficient in a self defense scenario. I haven't struck much with it, so my judgement of its durability comes from how hard I have to strike the tip on the ground to collapse the baton.

In order to collapse the batons sections, you really have to strike a hard surface with the baton very much perpendicular to the ground. If you stab downward at an angle, you rise either scuffing the surface (your wife's hardwood floors) or chipping the tip of the baton. Even on concrete garage floors, I've had to give it a really hard rap a few times to get it to collapse. However that is how good quality collapsible batons are supposed to work: easy and fast to deploy, slower to disengage when the threat is over.

While I wouldn't carry this baton for law enforcement or security, I would feel confident having this in a bugout bag or glovebox where it's within reach if needed. Then again, I'll keep my Glock 19 closer.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Easier to use and less conspicuous than a bulky night stick, Smith & Wesson Heat Treated Collapsible batons provide an easy-to-use threat deterrent with the flick of a wrist

Target Market:  Civilians (where legal) and LEO/Security, anyone concerned with self defense.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer Handle Grip
• Tensile Strength 6638.78 lbf
• Bending Strength: 4055.84 lbf
• 4130 Seamless Alloy Steel Tubing
• HRC46-47 Hardness

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black Only, available in 16, 21 or 26 inch length

What others are saying?:

"Vulgar display of awesome. Advantages: Ease of use, Durability, Performs well, Value for money, Quality. These are very well made, grip is perfect, weight is hefty, action is solid. These are not for your halloween costume, unless you plan on being attacked. I guarantee this will deter just about any attack, or put said attacker in touch with reality. First thing I did was flick it all the way out, very satisfying, very. " BassPro Shops Customer Review

"Okay for the price, the baton fits way too tight in the sheath for any kind of quick draw. After about 2 months of service the seam on the belt loop of the sheath busted off on the job so I had to carry the baton in a pocket. Not much later while closing the baton (like usual striking perpendicular to the ground) the tip busted right off. For all intents and purposes it is still servicable but if I could do it all over again I would have spent the extra money for a quality built reliable piece of gear from ASP. "  LA Police Gear Customer Review

Price point:

• Retail = $39.99 @ 16" and $44.99 @ 21" at BassPro Shops

I need it now! Availability:  BassPro Shops,  MidwayUSA, Cabelas, and most local gun shops or outdoor stores.

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Weight and diameter are less than other LEO grade batons
• Grip texture is very tacky even when whet
• Included sheath features MOLLE strap
• When extended properly, its very solid

Cons:

• Aggressive rubber texture on handle adds friction to retention making unsheathing difficult
• No lanyard
• Doesn't stay extended if not deployed hard enough

Score: 7.0 Good

Featured FFL:

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

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast

Hunter of Design

Apex Tactical Duty/Carry Kit & AEK Trigger

Not unlike other popular polymer striker fire pistols, the S&W M&P has factory internals that are meant to be a common denominator for all gun owners. While it's perfectly satisfactory for most gunsumers, Apex Tactical manufactures Action Enhancement Kits, or AEKs, to suit your competitive, duty, or carry needs. The Apex Tactical Duty/Carry Kit & AEK Trigger are two products I was recommended to add to my S&W M&Pc pistol to give the already decent performance and accuracy a bit of a "polish."

The Duty/Carry AEK kit is compatible with S&W M&P Full Size, Compact, Long Slide and Pro Models, with or without thumb safeties and magazine disconnects. It is not compatible with the M&P Shield or .45ACP M&P pistols.

The kit includes an APEX fully machined sear, APEX M&P Ultimate Striker Block Kit (Ultimate Striker Block, USB Spring, Talon Tactical Tool) and Duty Carry Spring Set (Sear Spring,  Trigger Return Spring, aluminum slave pin). All those modiciation parts work in conjunction to shorten over-travel of the trigger and create a smoother pull, all while keeping the pistol at a safe 5-5.5 lb trigger pull weight for Duty/Carry applications. I know many of you have heard/read already the saying, "You don't want to have to explain to a prosecutor in court why you modified your defensive weapon with a lightened trigger" but there's a reason why all LEO and military keep their sidearm triggers in the 5lb range, and for a non-competition pistol you plan on using for personal defense its a good idea to follow step.

The AEK Trigger Kit is compatible with all S&W M&P Pistols including the 45 ACP models. It directly replaces the factory hinged trigger with a solid body machined aluminum trigger (a lower price polymer trigger is also available) that has a center mounted pivoting safety.  The flat target style trigger purposefully forces the shooter's finger on the center line of the trigger and encourages trigger manipulation directly to the rear, which leads to better accuracy.  The reduced pre-travel and over-travel is approximately a 20% difference from the S&W factory trigger.

I found that installing the Duty/Carry Kit was fairly straight forward when watching the Apex Tactical instructional Youtube video (Part 1 and Part 2). The only hangup I had was connecting the AEK trigger to the trigger bar. Despite being preset from Apex, it refused to budge for me. In fact, I broke a cheap punch on it after wailing repeatedly with far too much force than what should have been necessary. I had to use a bench vice to start the pin even more, which was then too far for the trigger bar to be attached. A quick visit to the gunsmith took care of it, and he was in agreement that the pin in question was unusually stubborn.

After installation of both the AEK Trigger Kit and the Duty/Carry kit, I found that the trigger pull was indeed very smooth and the distance for both pre-travel and over-travel were much shorter than before. The reset however disappeared almost completely, and will take some getting used to at the range as it feels like a competition trigger. I was able to bump the trigger and get unintended double taps, but installing the Reset Assist Mechanism (RAM Kit) next should reproduce a proper reset and an overall safer carry pistol.

I would recommend these kits to any M&P owner who is wanting a better trigger pull and tighter groups. It does take some getting used to, and if you have never disassembled a striker fired pistol beyond whats needed for cleaning I would recommend either taking it to a gunsmith or studying up on the Youtube videos repeatedly before taking it on yourself.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The AEK Trigger is an enhanced trigger for the Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols, reducing  trigger pre-travel and over travel.

The Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit delivers a smooth, consistent 5½ lb. trigger pull with less over-travel and shorter reset for an improved performance of your pistol while maintaining its safety features for daily carry.

Target Market: Law Enforcement, competition shooters, and individuals who own a S&W M&P

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Center Mounted Pivoting Safety bar
• Reduced trigger pre-travel & over-travel by approximately 20%
• Flat, smooth face trigger encourages trigger manipulation directly in line with the bore axis
• Trigger Return Spring
• Limited pre-travel, limited over-travel, and improved safety features out of the AEK Trigger
• Retain the factory sear spring to get a slightly lighter 5 lb. pull.
• Installation Slave Pin
• Both kits engineered for a drop-in fit, though gunsmith installation is recommended.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: N/A

What others are saying?: "As a 1911 shooter, moving to any plastic gun is a challenge to shoot well. I am spoiled on 1911 triggers. This kit comes close to what I am used to on a 1911. A bit more take up, but otherwise smooth, light and crisp release and reset. My groups improved greatly and rival those of my 1911. A bit pricey to pay 150.00 for a trigger on a 400.00 gun. But if this is your carry gun, worth it." -Lawrence Plasek, Apex Tactical Website Review

Price point:

AEK Trigger: MSRP = $76.99 Retail = Same price on Brownells

Duty/Carry Action Enhancement Kit: MSRP = $92.95 Retail = Same price on Brownells

I need it now! Availability Available on Brownells or direct thru Apex Tactical

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Creates a very smooth, consistent trigger pull that feels lighter than standard 5-5.5lbs
• Online videos available to assist with each process
• Shorter over-travel and shortened trigger reset.
• The kit itself is engineered to be drop-in and should not require further gunsmithing (however, armorer or gunsmith installation is recommended).

Cons:

• The kit itself is engineered to be drop-in and should not require further gunsmithing, however AEK trigger pin was unusually stubborn and needed persuasion from my smith.
• Trigger reset is not tangible and barely audible, Reset Assist Mechanism is probably needed to finish off the kit for my carry purposes.

Score: 8.0

Featured FFL:

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

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast link

Graphic Design and Web Design services www.hunterofdesign.com

Apex Tactical Armorers Block & Tooling Plate Review

For a Do-It-Yourself Gunsmith or an actually professional, the Apex Tactical Armorers Block & Tooling Plate comes in handy for supporting Smith & Wesson M&P or Glock pistols for disassembly and modification. While not entirely necessary for taking down a pistol for cleaning or certain modifications, its a great support when a hammer and punch is called for. I also found the reversibility of the block to also be hand for reassembly, or even just stippling the frame one side at a time.

I would recommend both the Armorers Block and Tooling Plate to anyone taking an armorer's course, or interested in adding some new internal parts to their Glock or M&P pistol.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Apex Polymer Armorer's Block and Tooling Plate provide a raised surface for you to work on your M&P and Glock Pistols.

Target Market: Law Enforcement, competition shooters, and individuals who own a S&W M&P

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Supports S&W or Glock pistols for armory work and detail disassembly
• Pre-positioned bosses, slots and holes remove pressure from critical function surfaces while pins are driven in and out
• Thumb Safety and Magazine disconnect drop into holes and slots to prevent damage no matter what position they are in
• High Density Polymer construction prevents marring of the frame while driving pins in and out
• Retaining slots on each side of the block hold the striker
• One side of the block is for the 45 striker, and the other is for the 9/40/357 striker.
• Moveable bosses are easily adjustable to position frames quickly and easily
• Raised walls on each side of the block position the trigger bar within the trigger to easy trigger swappin
• Made in The USA
• Instruction videos are available here.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: N/A

What others are saying?: "Whomever dreamed this up is a genius. It is great when you need to remove pins, and it is even better when you want to replace a striker spring, which had always been a particular pain in the neck for me because it required either a third hand or some field expedient for one. This block is even better than a third hand. " -Lawrence Plasek, Apex Tactical Website Review

Price point:

MSRP = Polymer Block $29.95, Armorers Tray and Pin Punch $24.95

Retail = Same price on Brownells

I need it now! Availability Available on Brownells or direct thru Apex Tactical

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Bosses are finger tightened and no tools necessary to adjust
• Magnet "donut" in core of tray helps capture rogue pins or springs
• Works for most Polymer pistols including M&Ps and Glocks

Cons:

• Wish the Armorer's Block and Tray/Punch were a set
• Roll pin punch not suited for all pin punching tasks, a taper or flat tip punch would also be helpful with some Apex parts

Score: 8.5

Featured FFL:

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

Ryan's Links:

Gun & Gear Review Podcast link

Graphic Design and Web Design services www.hunterofdesign.com

Smith and Wesson M&P 15 MOE Midlength Review

By Bradley Johnson

The black rifle. Most non-shooters recoil at the sight, or very mention of it. In fact, reading reviews of local shooting ranges has lead me to believe that many people think they are out right illegal. Of course (and fortunately for me) that is not the case.

I was born and raised in California. This puts me at a disadvantage among the shooting community. However, I was determined to throw my hat into the ring.

If black rifles are illegal, then someone forgot to tell RifleGear; my local shop; they carry everything the modern sportsman could want. I entered with the intent to purchase an entry level rifle. I've shot in the past, but this would be my first "black rifle". Apparently, I was not alone in my endeavor, because the line was literally out the door!

After handling several rifles (Spikes, Daniel Defense, etc), I left with an M&P 15 MOE Midlength... well, if only it were that easy. 10 days later...

After a strip down, inspection, and cleaning I was sure that my day at the range would be a good one. My first impression of the rifle was sheer elation! It was accurate straight out of the box, and it felt great in my hands. Everything functioned perfectly, and the Magpul add-ons were light, and handled well (surprise, surprise). I thought it was odd that the magazine was a 30/10 (30 round mag modified to only accept 10 rounds), instead of a 10 round mag, but I guess Smith & Wesson leaves the "California Compliant" part up to the dealer. The "Art of the Carbine" DVDs included with the rifle were really informative. Not only do they cover tactics, but also breakdown, cleaning, malfunctions, etc.

My wife felt the same way, and since I'm not much to look at, I've included a video of her firing it at the range.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Reliability. I've put one thousand rounds through this rifle without a single hiccup. Smith & Wesson definitely delivered a product worthy of their legacy. The MOE furniture only adds to the overall experience.

Target Market: This is a solid rifle. Magpul is a leader in firearms accessories, and for good reason. Everything about this rifle feels right!

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Magpul!
• Magpul adjustable stock, pistol grip, hand guard, folding m-bus backup sight, and vertical grip. The magwell is also flared for easy insertion of mags, and the Magpul logo is stamped on the lower receiver.
• M4 A2 front post sight
• "The Art of the Carbine" DVD set. The DVDs cover tactics/range practice routines, cleaning, breakdown, malfunctions, etc. In other words, everything that the Smith & Wesson manual fails to mention.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Smith and Wesson M&P 15 MOE Midlength is available in black and flat dark earth.

What others are saying?: “Testing of the M&P-15 MOE Mid began with rapid-fire drills using a randomly loaded assortment of .223 Rem. ammunition—ranging from lightweight, varmint-type offerings to those appropriate for high-power competition at Camp Perry—and not once did the rifle experience a malfunction. Although this illustrated the rifle’s ability to digest a wide range of ammunition types, it doesn’t reveal its accuracy potential. As such, we mounted a Nikon 3-12x40 mm M-223 riflescope in the company’s two-piece P-series rings, then shot five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yards with three ammunition types. The rifle clearly preferred PMC’s Precision 75-grain BTHP load, averaging 1.43 inches for 25 shots, and the single best group measuring slightly more than an inch. More economical loads produced respectable groups, too.

With the M&P-15 MOE Mid, S&W offers shooters an AR that, right out of the box, is well-suited to handling a range of tasks, from protection and competition to hunting. As such, it would make an excellent choice for those desiring an AR-style rifle, be it their first or simply an upgrade.” - American Rifleman

Price Point:

• MSRP = $1259.00
• Retail = $990.86

I need it now! Availability: This rifle is available from many retailers, including Bud's Gun Shop and Cheaper than Dirt.

Our Rating: + Magpul furniture + Iron sights + 1 in 8 twist

Score: 8.5 Great

Gut Level Gear - Holster Review

I had decided to take a low light handgun class this year and wanted to train with both weapon mounted and handheld flashlights. This put me on the search for a holster for my M&P 9 and a tlr-1s Streamlight. Luckily for me, the Gut Level Gear Holster came on line. After looking over the product line, I decided to order one up from Steve Griffin the owner.  A little background on Steve. Steve served in the Army for 11 years, a police officer for 20 years and has shot in various forms of competition for over 30 years. That's quite a resume for making a holster that truly works. The years of serving the public as a police officer probably aids in his ability to listen and evaluate your needs for your holster.

On to my holster. I decided on a Guardian Kydex outside the waistband holster. This holster is offered with or without light and with a few different mounting options. You can choose from tek-loc, Safariland ELS or belt slide. I chose the belt slide which seems to work the best for me. Fit and finish were great, granted its not hand tooled leather but nice none the less. Its a clamshell design with two tension screws on trigger guard side. There is no distortion in the bend and all edges are clean and smooth. Belt slide mounting hardware is well away from the gun so no worries of contact. Retention is on the flashlight, mine was perfect no adjustment needed. I carried the empty holster to work for almost two weeks, and gun and holster for 3 weekends. Overall impressions were great. It was well balanced, tucked close to the body and rock solid. Draws were quick and re-holstering was easy. His experience shows through in quality and practicality. The M&P with the light is not my daily carry, but could be thrown into rotation anytime with this holster. I'm definitely ready for my classes now.

Firearms Inside Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: High quality, durability and custom construction.

Target Market: Concealed carriers, sportsmen, competition shooters and armed professionals.

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

• Thick Kydex
• Solid platform
• Quick delivery

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, but most other colors are available by order.

What other are saying: As mentioned above, this company is brand new.  No others reviews out there yet.

Price Point:

• $60 (with light)
• $50 (without)

I need it now ! Availability:  Contact Gut Level Gear at info@gutlevelgear.com, Facebook, or (502) 548-1729.

Our Rating:

+ Nice heavy gauge Kydex + Excellent fit/finish + Great service + Many styles of holsters

- Has the most popular gun molds now, but may need to order mold for some guns

Score: 9.5  

The quality of work and customer care are top notch. I've since gone back for 2 more, 1 of which was a custom holster for my 2.5" Crimson Trace S&W 642. Highly recommend, its where I spend my money now for Kydex holsters.