Tony Simon

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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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Vosteed Aluminum Raccoon

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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

Hi-Point 995

I have a relationship with Hi Point firearms.  In 2012 I purchased a Hi Point JCP .40 caliber handgun because I was intrigued by the amount of drama I read about it on the internet. I discovered they were a solid choice for their price tag with pros and cons.

When we started the 2nd is For Everyone:Diversity Shoot I contacted Hi Point Firearms asking for catalogs, swag, tees and hats. They shipped a huge container of Hi Point branded merch and swag saying they support the 2nd Amendment rights of all Americans.

In 2017 they sent the Hi Point 995WC  9mm carbine to use during the 2A4E Diversity Shoot events. There was no agreement to do a review, they sent it to help in our mission to introduce all people to firearms and I was to return it to Hi Point after a specified time frame. At the end of that time frame they sent me a receipt. It read "Keep up the good work. PAID IN FULL"

I have become friends with the people at HP but as you can see it's been years since I've received that carbine, and this is my first written review. I will give you the pros and cons about this firearm.

Hi Point Firearms carbines come in a variety of pistol calibers, .380ACP, 30 Super Carry, 9mm, 40S&W, 45 ACP and 10mm.  They have state compliant carbines and even carbines that are Canadian compliant. Hi Point carbines also come in a variety of colors Black, OD Green, Flat Dark Earth, Woodland Camo, Desert Digital camo, Muddy Girl, a flag version in OD Green and a flag version in FDE. The 10mm version is available in Kryptek Yeti. 

Hi Point sent me the 995WC, which is a 9mm blowback operated pistol caliber carbine with a 16 inch barrel, the latest models are threaded 1/2x28. This pistol caliber carbine has an overall length of 32 inches at 6.25 pounds. The "WC" in the name stands for their woodland camo hydro dipped coating.

  The 995WC comes with adjustable peep sights, sling attachments, a sling, sight adjustment tool/disassemble tool, a chamber flag, trigger lock and one 10 round magazine (not compatible with the HP C9 pistol). It also has a spring loaded recoil pad (I almost left this out as a feature because I never noticed it, but some reviews mention it as if it's a problem. It's a non issue.) Out of the box you must install the sling swivels to attach the sling. I never installed the sling because my purpose is for range use only and slings aren't needed for that purpose.

I made the rookie mistake of not cleaning or oiling the brand new carbine (this will come to haunt me later). I took it directly to the range, loaded it with ammo and proceeded to zero the fully adjustable peephole sights. I really felt comfortable that the good sight picture the peep sights provided would make the gun easy to shoot precisely and range time proved me correct. I have to give this carbine credit, it shoots tight groups. When testing the accuracy of rifles and carbines I usually shoot seated using my range bag as a rest. That's how I fired these groups.  At 25 yards, using regular full metal jacket range ammo, I got 10 shot groups the size of a quarter. That's the result of multiple trips. I turned in 10 shot groups at 50 yards the size of a poker chip using a variety of Full Metal Jacket ammo from manufacturers like Federal, PPU, Magtech and Winchester. Wolf, Tula and Barnaul steel case ammo were not as accurate as brass case ammo, but I find that's usually the case.  They were still good groups just not as tight. I have never fired hollow point ammo because self defense and hunting aren't my reasons for requesting the carbine from Hi Point Firearms. This carbine was going to be used to introduce people to firearms for the first time. I wasn't interested in whether it could feed a variety of hollow point ammunition.

Around Christmas of 2017 I took the 995WC on a range trip and fired steel case ammunition. At this point I had taken it on multiple range trips and multiple Diversity Shoots, all without cleaning it. Then I  fired a shot and the empty case stuck in the chamber. I used a rod attempting to knock it out. The rear of the case popped off leaving the remains of the case stuck in the chamber. Nothing would dislodge the stuck case. Just dandy. I called Hi Point to use their lifetime warranty. This warranty covers the Hi Point firearm, regardless if you're the first owner or the third owner.  The warranty is for the life of the firearm. The Hi Point rep told me they were closed from Christmas till January 2nd. He said they would get it back to me after the holidays. I received the carbine back before the end of the first week of the new year with a new barrel. I became the first person to break a Hi Point carbine (years later a YouTuber named Garand Thumb would become the second person). Since then we have fired thousands of rounds through the carbine at our "2nd is For Everyone: Diversity Shoot" events at various ranges throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Let me give you the pros of this carbine:

While it is a tough gun that holds up to regular use and inattentive handling it isn't a firearm designed to go through the rigors of a military grade firearm. That isn't a pro or a con, no one claims the Hipoint carbine is a duty weapon.  The hydrodip Woodland camo finish is still like new after years of use by myself, multiple instructors, and hundreds of attendees at 2A4E Diversity Shoots. The only scratches are where I detached the front sight from the barrel. The gun runs like a champ with a little lube. I've only run a patch down the barrel to clean it and I spray it with lube. The price is low enough for most people to purchase one as a range plinker or for more serious use.

The Hi Point 995WC also has some cons:

The factory 10 round magazines are the most dependable magazines as far as I've read and watched from other reviews. I have had no issues with the multiple magazines that I've been using for years. I must stress these aren't military grade magazines that can be dropped on the concrete continually. When used in outdoor training I've dropped them on the ground without issue but I've never tossed them on the floor at an indoor range. ProMag extended 15 round magazines are garbage. I purchased three, before NJ mag capacity laws restricted us to 10 round magazines, all three went into the trash can at the range on their first day. The failures to feed were continuous. Their failure rate escalated from comical to frustrating to violent. I enjoyed stomping them on the concrete. Promags are a no go for me. The RedBall Sports magazines hold 20 rounds, but I can't legally own them in New Jersey. Other reviews on the RedBall mags are mixed. The trigger is mushy like the trigger on their pistol line. There's not a distinctive, crisp wall or reset. Get used to the trigger and you will be rewarded with hit targets & tight groups. As I stated, the fixed sights it comes with are great. Adding a red dot optic with the fixed sights in place creates a crowded sight picture. I found it easier to remove the fixed sights and just use a red dot. The picatinny rails are plastic but I've never had an issue with losing zero with the red dot or having my flashlight come loose. The sling isn't a "Tactical" sling, it is designed to sling over your shoulder for a stroll in the woods. I didn't install their sling because this gun is meant to be shot by shooters at an indoor range, the sling would get in the way. Another con is the charging handle and chambering a round. When you open the box the gun arrives in, the charging handle is taped inside. It's not attached to the gun. It's a threaded hex bolt and a knurled handle that spins around the bolt. You must install it into a threaded hole in the slide. LOCTITE it in place or it will work itself loose. Pull the charging handle to the rear with some vigor to chamber a round. This is a blowback operated carbine. To load the round into the chamber the slide must compress the springs moving the bolt far enough rearward to pick up the first round in the magazine. I got comfortable with this operating system within two range trips. The last and biggest con for me is how many steps are involved in the disassembly to clean the gun thoroughly. They include the Takedown tool in the box. I've lost it…twice. A screwdriver or punch can be used in its place. Even the instructions say you don't need to disassemble it to clean it for 1500- 2000 rounds. I've had thousands of rounds go through mine without a detailed disassembly and cleaning. The disassemble isn't complicated, it's just more steps than military style firearms that are designed for regular field maintenance. Lastly, adding aftermarket parts seems like a recipe for future issues. The only aftermarket product I recommend is the High Tower Armory MBS 95 chassis that turns the 995 into a bullpup carbine. A separate review will be forthcoming on it in the future.

Overall the Hi Point 995 is a solid 9mm blowback carbine for the price you pay. Hi Point carbines are inexpensive Pistol Caliber Carbines that work best with their 10 round factory magazines and cost less than any other PCC on the market. Hi Point Firearms aren't military grade firearms but will take normal rough handling. It's an inexpensive carbine that will be monotonously dependable and accurate with minimal care, occasional cleaning and lubrication. PCCs that work dependably from other manufacturers cost multiple times the price of a Hi Point. I definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a fun range toy, a dependable low priced defensive tool or internet troll bait (this is my favorite).

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Hi Point pistol caliber carbines are inexpensive firearms that offer a lot of dependable bang for the buck in a plethora of pistol calibers. 

Target Market:

This is a fun range gun, self defense firearm and hunting carbine if your state allows using pistol caliber cartridges to take game. It's also a good "truck gun", "cabin gun" that can be left locked up for use as an emergency or backup carbine because it doesn't need a lot of maintenance and the price is less than the most inexpensive AR15 complete upper. Available in 380, 30 Super Carry, 9mm, 40S&W, 45 ACP and 10mm.

YouTubers, regardless of subscriber count, have been using Hi Point Firearms as a method to get lots of  views/followers and create controversy on their channels and social media pages since firearms content came to social media. 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Threaded barrel standard (on newest models, except Canadian models)

  • Thumb magazine release

  • All-weather, polymer skeletonized stock

  • Raised soft rubber cheek-piece

  • FREE trigger lock, sling and swivels

  • 100% American-made parts and assembly

  • Internal recoil buffer in stock

  • 10-round magazine

  • Flat black receiver shroud

  • Manual thumb safety

  • Fully adjustable sights (rear peep & post front)

  • Picatinny rails

  • Last round bolt hold open 

  • All Hi Point Firearms come with a lifetime warranty that covers the lifetime of the gun. It doesn't matter if you're the first owner or fourth owner.

  • Magazines are inexpensive. 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

The finishes are numerous Black, FDE, OD Green, Muddy Girl, Woodland Camo, Desert Digital Camo and Kryptek Yeti in 10mm

Link to other reviews:

Honest Outlaw Hi Point YouTube review

Garand Thumb Hi Point 995 review

Classic Firearms Manufacturers Review 

Price point:

MSRP = $399 for the 995WC 

Retail = $320 at Palmetto State Armory

I need it now! Availability:

Hi Point Firearms

Palmetto State Armory

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Inexpensive 

  • Tough carbine that stands up to rough use

  • Multiple calibers available 

  • Accurate 

  • Dependable, inexpensive factory magazines 

  • Everything is included in the box to immediately use the gun. Other accessories aren't necessary to run the gun. 

  • A warranty that last the lifetime of the gun

  • Works with full metal jacket range ammo from various manufacturers in multiple weights (115 grain, 124 grain and 148 grain).

Cons:

  • It's built from inexpensive materials so it's not military grade. 

  • The disassembly is more complicated than many military firearms than some users are accustomed to. 

  • Factory 10 round magazines are the most dependable. Extended 20 round RedBall Sports magazines have a checkered reputation and Promags are not recommended. 

  • The picatinny rails are plastic.

Score: 7.50 Good

8.50 for a firearm in this price range

Favorite Link:  Nutnfancy "Hi Point 995 TS: Ugly is as Ugly Does"