Blade-Tech Revolution AR-15/M4 Double Mag Tek-Lok

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BTAR2Everyone owns their firearms and related accessories for their own reasons and to me my firearms and related accessories are an addicting and expensive hobby that possess additional utility that I hope to never need to use. Im talking about defensive applications. I think spending thousands of dollars on plate carriers/chest rigs, 30 magazines, and every tactical doo-dad is not money well spent. Much rather BTARapply that to ammo to train with. Therefore I approach that very distant secondary purpose of defense with a minimalistic outlook on my gear. So instead of a big 6 magazine chest rig with crossdraw holster plastered on it I resort on a basic rig consisting of an Uncle Mikes Instructors Belt, Blackhawk CQC Holster and double mag pouches. I realized that I was neglecting training in or having the ability to carry AR magazines, this caused me to search for a means of doing so. Having experience with some of Blade-Techs other products I didn’t hesitate when I came across this product on Amazon. I enjoy the fact that this product does not take up precious horizontal real estate allowing me to have space for other things. This product is not for everyone but if it appeals to you its fantastic.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: High Quality holsters and accessories. 

Target Market: 3 Gunners or other competition shooters.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Proprietary polymer blend
  • Wont warp under extreme heat (300 degrees)
  • Does not become brittle during extreme cold
  • Adjustable retention screws for personal preference

Key Benefits:

  • The main benefit of this design is the saving of belt space by stacking the carriers out versus taking up horizontal real estate on your rig.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: So this product also comes in a single pouch but the great variety comes from the attachment variations possible through Blade-Tech’s shop. You can get anything from a 3” duty loop to MOLLE as the attachment style so these carriers can really fit into anyone loadout.

What others are saying?: From what I gather from the product page on amazon most everyone likes this product giving it a 4 or 5 star rating. Only negative comments were due to ergonomics possibly caused by other gear deficiencies. Amazon Product Page Review

Price point:

I need it now! Availability: Blade-Tech products can be found in local stores, but for the best selection online retailers such as Amazon, Brownells, or Blade-Tech’s own site are going to be your best options for finding what you want.

Our Rating:

+-Fantastic retention +-Compatible with polymer magazines +-Durable +-Fast and easy attaching and detaching from rig

--Tek-Lok system has too much wiggle room when used with certain width belts

Score: 8.5 Great85

 

 

Featured FFL:  I recommend Dynamic Combat Solutions of Wayne, NJ for my firearms needs including full FFL, gunsmithing, and customization services. Dynamic Combat Solutions

My Links:

 

Magpul- SGA 870 Stock and MOE 870 Forend Set

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After nearly a decade of gun ownership and being involved with the shooting sports the expression of “buy once cry once” is finally starting to sink in. I was contemplating the best way to make my stock 870 express a bit more tactical and in trying to save money picked up a non recoil suppressing Knoxx stock by Blackhawk. I saved almost fifty bucks over the cost of a new Magpul set but what I got in return were poor ergonomics and a sore cheek. Not to say Blackhawk doesn’t make good stuff, the fit of that stock was not for me. I now learned my lesson with the Magpul SGA Stock for 870 and the Magpul MOE forend for 870. These items are rock solid and smart. With an instinctive shooting discipline like shotgunning, ergonomics and user fit are crucial.

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With 2” of adjustment in length of pull and nearly an inch of cheek weld adjustment the applications for this stock system are many. The forend is minimalistic yet robust at the same time. It gives you plenty of purchase and has the abilities to accept MOE rails, however is not cumbersome. I have been a fan of Magpul for a very long time and the more I get into their product line the more I become a fan of their products.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Great customizable ergonomics that lend themselves to both defensive and sporting purposes.

Target Market: Who does this product serve best?

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Ambidextrous
  • User configurable
  • Improved ergonomics
  • Spacer system to adjust LOP
  • Optional risers to adjust cheek weld height for use with sights or optics.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: These stocks and forends come 3 color options of Black, Orange, or Magpul FDE. Brownells Product Page

What others are saying?: Users on Brownells are giving this all 5 star ratings for purposes from defense to hunting. Brownells Product Page

 Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: Brownells for online purchases but these can be found in chain stores such as Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops.

 Our Rating:

+-Ergonomics +-User Customization +-Multipurpose +-Compatible with optics and sights +-Durable

Score: 9.5 AmazingAmazing

 

 

Featured FFL: I recommend Dynamic Combat Solutions of Wayne, NJ for my firearms needs including full FFL, gunsmithing, and customization services. Dynamic Combat Solutions

My Links:

Alien Gear IWB Holster Review

58201418928 Written by Chad Wallace

582014181059I ordered the Alien Gear IWB holster because I liked the price.  The holster is everything I expected it to be and more.  The Alien Gear holster is an Inside The Waistband (IWB) holster of the hybrid variety.  It has a large leather back panel and a kydex shell.  This holster is tuckable and comes with metal belt hooks, an option is available for leather hoops also.  The holster arrives with a bag full of extra hardware, which can be used to vary the amount of tension on the gun.  It varies the tension by adjusting the screws that hold the shell on.  Between the shell and the leather backing are some rubber grommets to do this tension adjustment.  Ride height and cant can also be adjusted by moving the belt loops around.  I ordered the tan leather but black is also available as an option.  The holster is available for a vast selection of pistols and comes in a combat cut only, this means that the grip of the pistol is not backed by leather and therefore it rests against you skin or undershirt.   An option is also available to just purchase the outer shell, or trade your original shell, for a new one if you change firearms.  I experienced the shell swapping, because on my original order they sent my holster system for the wrong firearm.  I contacted them and they sent a new shell out the next day.  This was great, until the new shell came for the same wrong firearm.  It then took 3 weeks to finally get a hold of them to tell them about the new mix up. So 5 weeks after the initial holster arrived I received the correct shell and was able to try the holster out.  I have found the holster to be really comfortable and hides the firearm nicely.  

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Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Inexpensive quality IWB holster with the option for gun interchangeability.

Target Market: Those wanting a hybrid IWB holster for a decent price.

FNBs  (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Hybrid Design
  • Price
  • Changeable Shells and/or free shell trades
  • Forever Warranty
  • Adjustable angle
  • Adjustable ride height
  • Adjustable tension
  • Tuckable
  • Extra hardware

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:

  • Comes in tan or black leather
  • Available for a vast selection of pistols

What others are saying?:  From the AlienGear website:58201418825

  • Great product, great value!
  • Very nice product, my only negative thing its the time that I have to wait since order date until it's ready to ship
  • Great Value

Elsewhere on the web:

  • Just got my Alien Gear holster in today and it is a great holster
  • A decent piece for the price, but it is not a replacement for a higher end hybrid
  • Very nice! Super comfortable!

Link to other reviews:  TexasCHLforum,  YouTube

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability:  Aliengearholster.com but shipping times are about 4wks

Our Rating:

  • Price
  • Comfort
  • Adjustments
  • Extra hardware

  • Customer Service

  • Shipping times (about 4 weeks from order date)

Score: 7.0 Good 70

Chad’s Favorite Link: Northwest Firearms

Next Level Training SIRT Training Pistol Review

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img1 By Daniel Strait

There is only thing better than actually going to the range...training before the range :). This is the perfect tool to do just that! It is an interactive laser trainer that has the exact same feel and weight as a Glock 17 (also have a M&P version). With rising ammo prices this product gives you thousands of rounds of training in the convenience of your home!

 

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Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The primary benefit is the positive feedback that the pistol gives you and your instructor. Secondary benefit is the added security of it being a replica firearm. You no longer need to worry about mixing your live rounds into your dry fire training. Third benefit is money savings. Fourth benefit is its self-resetting trigger vs. the Laserlyte trainer (charge your slide to activate the laser).

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Target Market: Competition Shooter/Law Enforcement/Firearms Instructor

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • The biggest feature is in the name SIRT (Self Indicating Resetting Trigger) the ability of the laser activation with each trigger pull. Meaning you no longer have to rack the slide between each trigger pull.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Next Level Training SIRT Training Pistol is available in red, green, purple, and pink.

What others are saying?: “Referring back to my martial arts training decades ago, our teacher said you must throw a punch or a kick 100 times to learn it, 1000 times to understand it and 10,000 times to master it. Ten thousand rounds of ammunition is a considerable amount and I’m guessing your agency doesn’t budget more than a few hundred rounds per person per year.

With a tool like the SIRT pistol you can practically and realistically conduct one hundred, one thousand, or even ten thousand correct trigger presses over the span of a year. That’s a lot of trigger manipulation that is sure to make the live rounds you fire even more effective and cost-efficient. For more information about the SIRT trainers go to www.nextleveltraining.com” - Paul Markel, Officer.com

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: Readily available at Next Level Training. 

Our Rating:

+-Safe Gun Handling +-Positive Feedback every trigger pull +-Adjustable Trigger Weight

--Price vs. Laserlyte

Score: 8.0 Great80

Maratac AAx2 Tactical LED Flashlight Review

Maratac 2AAThe Maratac AAx2 LED Flashlight is a compact, powerful flashlight, powered by two AA batteries. The body is aluminum and is 7/8” wide. The tailcap is “Zombie” green, for no apparent reason. It activates by pressing it until it clicks. This means that there is no momentary-on. There are three brightness modes available: High – 620 lumens, Med – 110 lumens, and Low – 5 lumens. There is also a secondary set of modes when you loosen the head by ¼ turn. They are: Strobe, Fast Beacon(flash every 1 second), and Slow Strobe(flash every 3 seconds). To switch betweenMaratac 2AA Button modes, you simply “soft” tap(tap without fully depressing) the button, or quickly click it off, then back on again. There are raised fins around the activation button that shrouds the button from accidental activation. Personally, I believe it makes the button awkward to press. They get in the way, if you don’t position the light correctly in your hand. The crown of the light is crenulated, similar to a lot of other tactical lights, but it is not very pronounced, so I don’t think it would really do much damage if used defensively. Maratac 2AA Sharpie

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Compact and bright LED light

Target Market: Anyone that needs a light

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Bright
  • Compact
  • Many modes
  • AA batteries
  • Cree XP-G2 LED
  • 620 Lumens (advertised)
  • Mode Memory
  • Military Grade Anodized

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: TheMaratac AAx2 Tactical LED Flashlight is only available in black.

What others are saying?: I couldn’t actually find any reviews for this particular model light.

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this light from County Comm.

Our Rating:

+-Bright +-Multi-mode +-Mode Memory +-Reversible clip

--Awkward button --No momentary on

Score 7.575

 

Maratac AAA LED Flashlight with Diffuser Review

Maratac AAAThe Maratac AAA Led Flashlight with diffuser is a pretty minuscule little power-house of a light. With an advertised brightness, in Hi mode, of 138 lumens, this is a dazzling little pocket light. The body is all aircraft aluminum that has been anodized for protection. The reflector is orange-peel textured, to provide a smooth, even beam. The reflector is made from an aluminum alloy. The light is powered from a single AAA battery and is reverse-polarity protected. The clip is very sturdy and is reversible to either end of the light. You could carry it with the clip toward the back, which would place the head facing down, if clipped to at pocket. Or, you could place the clip toward the head, which would be useful for clipping it to the bill of a hat, and giving you a makeshift head-light. There is also a very low-profile lanyard ring, for attaching it to a key ring or cord. Maratac AAA Compare

There are three brightness modes: hi, medium, and low. To power on the light, you simply tighten the head. This turns the light to its default level of Medium(advertised 40 lumens). To cycle through the power levels, just loosen and retighten the head. When the light is turned off for over three seconds, it will revert to its default brightness.

Maratac AAA DiffuserIn the package, there are extra O-rings and a glow diffuser. The glow diffuser slips onto the end of the light and spreads the beam, like a lantern. This is very useful for lighting the inside of a tent while camping or for playing card games when the power is out. When you turn the light off, the diffuser will glow in the dark for a few hours. The glow is bright enough to navigate in pitch black and also save your night-vision, as long as you charge it while its under a cover, so you don’t temporarily blind yourself. It is made of a flexible material, which makes me worry that it will eventually stretch out and not stay snug on the head.

All-in-all, this is a great little light for carrying in a pocket. I would recommend it to anyone that wants a small, but incredibly functional, utility light.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Tiny, but amazingly bright

Target Market: Anyone that needs a small light

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Small
  • Bright
  • Twist User Interface
  • Diffuser included
  • Strong and reversible clip
  • Lanyard loop
  • AAA Battery powered
  • 3 brightness modes
  • Diffuser glows in the dark

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: These lights are available in black, stainless,  polished stainless, and copper, though I think all but the black version are a previous generation, so they may lose some brightness and features.

What others are saying?: “So, after 6 months of using this thing clipped to my left pocket every day, even through power outages at work, I can say it's pretty awesome.” - Vicarious_Lee, ZombieSquad

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this light from County Comm, but their website says that they are out of stock until July.

Our Rating:

+-Tiny +-Bright +-Reversible clip

--Twist U/I (not my preference)

Score 8.5 85

Crossbreed Ohai Modular Holster Review

Crossbreed Ohai Modular Holster If you plan on concealed carrying your firearms via external carry, that is in a messenger bag, satchel, or purse, you are probably looking at three options.  One: a "pocket" style holster thats purely meant to retain the firearm and cover the trigger. Two: a holster with "hook and loop" (velcro) style backing. Third is just carrying the firearms loose in the bag which is obviously a terrible, inexcusable idea. If I need to explain why or if you are calling me a safety nazi in your mind, you need to retake a safety course.

Without going into the obvious reasons why a firearms carried outside the body inside a bag, tote, etc need a proper holster, I will go right into my venture into getting a velcro-backed kydex holster for carry in my tactical messenger bag. The holster that comes with most bags designed for concealment are just strips of velcro and nylon, and are meant to be universally adjustable for all handgun types. The retention is really poor, and only good if your bag is perpendicular to the ground. If your bag angles in any way, chances are your firearms would become loose.  If the velcro straps are too tight around the handgun, you may not easily be able to draw it when the moment of truth comes.

That's why I chose to get a kydex holster, with a leather backing and velcro.  Of the holster shops out there, I chose to go with Crossbreed Holsters as their reputation and name are both well known in the industry. The Crossbreed Ohai Modular Holster, presumably derivative of a Japanese pronounced greeting which is my best ignorant guess. The retention of my selected gun is great right out of the box, as Crossbreed handfits each holster individually, not just grabbing one off the shelf that's been preformed in a batch process. The leather backing is only as wide as it needs to be so it will work in smaller bags, and or affix to velcro panels in other static locations.  The beauty to the Ohai is it comes with a 6" x 7" velcro square that you can stick to anywhere. Under a desk, the side of a night stand, inside a vehicle center console. You can also order an Ohai Mag Holster from Crossbreed, which I also did. Same quality, same good retention of the kydex.

My only two qualms about these holsters is the sweat guard (elongated strip that follows the slide / rear of the gun. This holster is not designed to be worn on the belt or near the skin really at all, and if anything the extra height will prevent the holster from fitting in certain shallow locations. I guess CB had to put their logo somewhere, I may or may not trim it off for a better fit in my bag.

One more thing, the adhesive on some velcro does have a strength limitation. While the velcro on the back of the  Ohai holster I have no doubt are mounted well and will not come apart from the leather, I do have experience with the "loop" panels (fuzzy side) coming apart from their adhesive backings when loaded with weight of a gun over a random amount of time. My advice would be to either not leave the holstered gun attached to the velcro panels for long periods of time, or use screws to create a more permanent mount.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Ohai is a vast improvement over the floppy, cloth or nylon holsters found in CCW bags

Target Market: Concealed Carry Bag owners, or concealment around the home or office.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Can also be mounted on various surfaces such as the underside of a desk or the console of a car.
  • Prevents shifting around inside of bags and or purses
  • Includes one piece of loop velcro for placement of your holster (Additional Velcro is available for purchase)
  • Crossbreed Warranty: If holster should EVER fail during normal use, simply return it and  will be repaired or replaced

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: None but extra velcro and magazine pouch available

What others are saying?: “This holster works great for my day pack. It form-fits my G19 and allows me to carry with one in the chamber without fear of it falling out or shifting. It even comes with enough loop velcro to create a couple mounting spots for the holster. Some places Ive thought of are underneath your nightstand, or under your cars dash or in your middle console. Basically any flat surface that is about 8 x 8 would be a possible mounting spot for this system. Very versatile!" MidwayUSA Review

Price Point:

MSRP: $47.50

I need it now! Availability: Crossbreed Holsters

Our Rating:

+ Fit and finish is great just like Crossbreed's reputation + Available with extra 8" x 8" Velcro panels for mounting in various places + Great retention of both gun and magazine

- The extra leather at the top of the holster is unnecessary for my compact pistol and may prevent proper fit in some bags. May need to be trimmed off.

Score: 8.0 Great

 

Taccom 8Up Quaload Shotgun Shell Holder Review

4f06530962d2950a2dd70c4c84beb478_xaph_ra0y By Daniel Strait

Taccom Quaload: I ordered this product directly from the Taccom website based off of the review of Jesse Tischauser on BrianEnos Forums and the AR15.com forums. I figured, if he could load 8rds in 3.5 sec then I could...right??

Initial Impressions:

Upon opening the package, I was initially very impressed. It has a very sturdy feel and does not feel like it will break easily. I ordered the product with TekLok and was surprised, and slightly annoyed, when there were no instructions on how to use it! Well that agitated feeling quickly went away upon a quick search on YouTube and finding a video of how to attach the TekLok to the 8Up Quaload.

When attaching it to my shooting belt I noticed that these are not a small loading system. If you are cramped for space on your belt, I would not look toward the 8Up Quaload to save some space...the 4 Quaload, perhaps, might be a better choice or the Carbon Arms EZ8 or FSL8  or AP L2/L4 might be better space savers.

As previously mentioned, the Taccom system feels very sturdy. The problem I seemed to have is the tightness of the clips. The website even mentions IOT (in order to) remove the shells from the caddy efficiently, you need to remove them in a specific way. While not intuitive, it is not too difficult, unless you have small hands, then you might want to try the Load 2 method.

Overall Impression:

Overall, I would buy this product again. However, keep in mind this method does take quite a bit of practice, contrary to what I had initially thought. Granted, you will probably notice improvement within the hour, but IOT load 8rds in 4 seconds, this will take many hours of practice, in my humble opinion. The price point is right on par with many of the other quad loading techniques, based off of my prior research. One 8Up Quaload will cost you $69.95 plus $10.00 for the TekLok backing (must purchase separately).

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Straight from the horse’s mouth..."Our QUALOAD holds the 2 columns of shells next to one another, you can't get any closer than having them touch. No other quad load device can do this!! This allows for you to control how the shell come out of the holder and not have to worry about rim overlay.....the rims are already overlapped in the correct position!!

We allow a generous amount of room under the shells so that you can wrap your fingers around the shells before you lift them out of the holder. Also, we have the farthest distance between our clips so that HUGE hands will have no problem getting at the shells out of our loader."

Target Market: This product was specifically created for the Competition Shooter ie. 3 gun competitors. I have seen those on a few “End of the world as we know it” forums though for what it’s worth.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Ability to load 4 shells vs 2 shells
  • Availability of sizes (Quaload, 8Up, and 16Up).

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Taccom 8Up Quaload Shotgun Shell Holder is only available in black.

What others are saying?: “Been working with these this week, allows you to grab a handful with less fumbling, you can raise or lower the shells, the clips hold the rounds in a lot better than the one with metal clips, 5 star, looks like it’s made of delrin, should outlast most anything!” - dustbuster, The Shooter's Source Review

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this shell holder from a few retailers, including Midway USA, The Shooter's Source, and directly from Taccom.

Our Rating:

+-Tough Construction +-Shells positioned well

--Size --To much tension

Score: 7.5    75

Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Hearing Protection Review

41bcSICIjBL By Daniel Strait

These headphones are well worth the money! It allows me to hear people talking, but also blocking out the sounds louder than 82 decibels (aka gun shots). While my experience is rather limited with other products I will have no qualms with buying or recommending this product again. My only complaint is the ear muffs getting in the way when firing my AR; however, I have had this issue with other such ear muffs.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Amplifies ambient sound to safe 82 dB – response technology revert to passive hearing protector when noise reaches 82 dB. Directionally placed stereo microphones amplify and enhance sound  for more natural hearing. AUX input allows connection to external MP3 players or other audio devices for additional listening off the field.

Target Market: Anyone working around loud noises

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Auxiliary jack (allows you to plug your mp3 player etc...)
  • Foldable feature
  • Lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long
  • Price!!

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Hearing Protection is available in Hunter Green.

What others are saying?: “I was so impressed by the value of these phones, I made a video. feel free to Check my references, I am a 15 year veteran of Live sound and own a recording studio in Maui. I am a Life member of the NRA and a member of the Valley Isle Sport shooters. Shooting is my hobby, sound is my life.” - Amazon Reviewer

I entrust my main professional asset to these head phones.

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase the ear muffs from many retailers, including Amazon, Midway USA, and directly from Howard Leight

Our Rating: + Cost

Score: 7.575

 

Bacon Grease Gun Lube by The Shooting Chef Review

BACONGREAE As a competitor shooter, making sure that gun shoots every time I pull the trigger is super important. Proper lubrication will keep rust away and will allow the gun to cycle easily even when your loads are not consistent.  ).  One guy mentioned his new gun smells like Bacon, another mentioned his dog went crazy over his range bag. I was thinking to myself, are they really using bacon fat? Or maybe grease left over from frying bacon for breakfast?

BACONGREAE - Copy

After getting to know the guys I asked about it and learned that Bacon Grease is a gun lube made of a blend of synthetic and natural ingredients created by one of the top shooters in the area, Ken Cobb (USPSA Master in Open & limited, IDPA Master in 3 divisions).  This lube is not just for competition shooters, it’s also for your AR15 and your home defense Desert Eagle (what? Do you have anything smaller on your nightstand?!)  The manufacturer promises that “a thin coat of this clear grease will repel moisture and prevent rust”.  In my experience at the last state match, my Glock 34 went through 300 rounds 2 days in a row without a single hiccup while others had malfunctions all around me (yes, even Glock shooters).  Oh, in case you didn’t figure it out by now, IT SMELLS LIKE BACON!!!!  I thought it’s better than the usual motor oil fragrance…

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: “The best lube you will ever use on your firearms”

 Target Market: Firearms owners

 FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 15ml in a syringe tube
  • Pressure Resistance
  • Blend of synthetic and natural ingredients
  • Anti-shear properties, which make it ideal for rails and lugs
  • Repel moisture
  • Prevent rust
  • SMELLS LIKE BACON!

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Only comes in Bacon scent.

What others are saying?: This product had been a well-protected secret used among some of the top USPSA/IDPA shooters and they swear by it.

Price Point: 

I need it now! Availability: Readily available on-line at stores like Big D Armory.

Our Rating:

+_Works very well to provide smooth repeatable action. +_Prevents Rust +_Priced Reasonably +_Did we mention IT SMELLS LIKE BACON!

-_Not everyone likes the smell of Bacon (Who are these people?!) -_Drives the dog crazy

Score: 9.0 Amazing90

Laser Ammo - LaserPET Electronic Target

Laser Ammo - LaserPET Electronic Target This is a great way to practice at home without shooting up your house. It’s pretty simple to use and comes with instructions(who uses them?) Shooting it with the Laser Ammo Sure Strike provides instant feedback if you hit it. It has three modes, all which can be used to improve your overall shooting. Using the hit counter mode you can work on your trigger control and it keeps track of your hits. The shot timer mode is for working on your quick draw/first shot from the holster. Lastly is the magazine change mode in which, you guessed it, you practice fast mag changes. One thing I found this extremely useful for is teaching new shooters proper technique in a safe environment. I’m sure you’re as at home on the range as I am but a new shooter may be more comfortable learning to “shoot” in the safety and comfort of their own house, away from other shooters. Most of all you don’t have to worry about be shot by an overly excited person waving the gun around because “They hit the target!!!” even though I still yell if I get swept by the muzzle. The only issue I had with the timer is that I tossed it on my bed with the tripod attached and folded underneath and it broke it open like a clam shell. It was a nightmare and a half to get it back together with how the buttons fit in it. After I got it back together I threw some super glue on it and it’s been good ever since. Granted, if I had removed the tripod I probably never would have taken it apart. Hopefully you guys will learn from my mistake. laser pet Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points Claim to Fame: Improves drawing, target acquisition, and trigger squeeze.

Target Market: Home defenders, police, military

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 1.8x1.8" laser sensor
  • Bright numeric LED display
  • Buzzer
  • Changeable target cards to modify target area size and shape.
  • Tripod and wall mounts
  • AAA Battery operated
  • Operational Mode: Hit counter - this setting will count the shooter's consecutive hits
  • Operational Mode: Shot timer / Fast draw - this timer will show the accurate time from buzzer to hit
  • Operational Mode: Magazine change - this mode will time the shooter as if they were changing a magazine and subsequently count how many times the shooter can hit the target within 5 seconds
  • Built in timer
  • Input for external sensor

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: It’s only available in one form, regular.

What others are saying?: “...improved my trigger control and accuracy 150%”- amazon.com “Works with LASERLYTE Trainer Pistol Universal.” - midwayusa.com

Price point:  MSRP = $119.95 laser-ammo.com Retail = $112.75 amazon.com

I need it now! Availability: Check your local gun shop or anywhere that has gun stuff. Or if you live by me, I’ll let you borrow it.

Our Rating: + 3 operational modes. + Multiple target inserts. + Standard tripod mount and wall mount. + Collapsible tripod. - Broke when I tossed it on my bed. - Hard to put back together if opened.

Score: 8.585

 

Hornady Lock-N-Load O.A.L. Gauge & Bullet Comparator Kit Review

Hornady LNL OAL Gauge & Bullet Comparator One of the most addicting aspects of reloading ammunition is the specialized tools that are so readily available today that improve the process and help squeeze every bit of accuracy out of your firearms. Two products that I recently invested in are the Hornady Lock-N-Load OAL Gauge & Bullet Comparator Kit (you'll also need to pickup a modified case - usually will be displayed right next to these products on the shelf. These three tools used together help determine how a specific bullet best fits into your chamber by its Ogive (pronounced o-jive). The Ogive of the bullet is the plane that lies between the straight wall and the rounding taper. Each bullet differs in greatly in base to tip dimensions, between each manufacturers unique "style," the bullet type, and the grain/size. In fact it's common for variations of up to .025" to exist from one bullet to the next. However the Ogive is what engages with the barrel's rifling lands, and gives the reloader a more consistent standard of measurement.

Basing your seated bullets off the O.A.L. (Overall Length, from case head to bullet tip) is standard stuff, and while it will help keep you within SAAMI specs and inline with factory ammo, you could be missing out greatly in terms of accuracy and performance. Measuring off the Ogive will give you a more customized relationship between your desired bullet and your specific rifle's chamber. The best metaphor I can think of is imagine if you could customize the tread on your car's tires so specifically to your vehicle and the road surface so that it gave you an extra 3-5 miles per gallon. While seating depth won't effect velocity, a bullet seated to a precise length relative to YOUR rifle's barrel will noticeably improve performance.

*Note: you will also need to keep in mind your magazine length limitations.  If the O.A.L. of your cartridge after fine tuning using this process is greater than the wall of the box magazine or bottom metal, then you will have to single load each round into the rifle.

The O.A.L length gauge and modified case let you set up a bullet in a case with maximum overall length between your closed boltface and the barrel's lands. You may be asking, how the heck do I measure the length to the Ogive instead of the bullet tip?  Well, thats where the Bullet Comparator comes in.  It is an adapter that easily attaches to the blade of your caliper. It comes with interchangeable inserts for bullet diameters including .224" (5.56mm), .243" (6mm), .257", .277", .284" (7mm), .308" (7.62&8mm). When installed on a rezeroed caliper, it lets you measure a cartridge from casehead to bullet Ogive. That's the shorthand version. For those who aren't passed out on their keyboards or off surfing YouTube, I'll explain the whole process a bit more thoroughly. If you grasp the concept, you can skip to my review key points.

Hornady LNL OAL Gauge & Bullet Comparator

First you take your modified case and thread it onto the O.A.L gauge, then lightly push your desired bullet into the case to the point where it's seated deeper than normally. For example, I'll thread on a .308 win modified case and then insert a Sierra 168gr MatchKing bullet. Just don't push it too far were it falls into the case or else you'll have to push it out or fish it out. Next, remove the bolt from your rifle (or use the curved gauge if your rifle's bolt does not come off)  insert the O.A.L. gauge through the action (slowly) and into the chamber. You don't want to jam it with too much force that you unknowingly alter the modified case. When its gently snug, you then push the plastic inner rod of the gauge forward, which will push the bullet forward in the case and if you're sensitive enough you will feel the bullet engage the lands of your barrel's rifling. You can then tighten the thumb knob and lock that inner rod, and pull the gauge out of the action.  Again, if you use too much pressure you may lodge the bullet in the lands and will not come out with the gauge, and you'l have to start over.

So now you have your gauge with the modified case and bullet still in position, and then get out your caliper with the comparator and proper insert installed. You will have to rezero the caliper closed on the comparator first. With both tools in each hand, insert the bullet tip into the comparator, and adjust the caliper to measure off the case head as usual. Now instead of a reading for overall cartridge length from casehead to tip, you will have the exact distance between casehead and your bullets Ogive (exactly 0.00" using my .308 win and the SMK 168gr) Now's were the fine tuning comes it. That dimension tells me when my bolt in closed, the shallowest I can seat that specific bullet where it will be into the lands of the rifling. You will want to back off of this some, between 0.015" and 0.02" typically to start but every rifle/bullet combo will have a sweet spot. It's up to you to determine whether your rifle's barrel prefers that specific bullet closer or farther from the lands.

While this may seem like splitting hairs to some, the accuracy difference can be up to 0.5-1 MOA.  At longer ranges, using the Hornady Lock-N-Load OAL Gauge & Bullet Comparator Kit can be the difference between a fantastic group in one singular hole, or just a decent 1 MOA group. Based on my results, I find I will almost never buy a box of factory ammunition, as long as I have the brass and components I am able to make cheaper and more accurate rounds.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Measuring cartridge lengths across bullet tips is not a reliable or repeatable method for measuring your reloaded rounds. The O.A.L Gauge and Bullet Comparator solve that problem by measuring rounds from a reliable surface on the bullet, the ogive, to provide consistent, precise measurements of your rounds and improved accuracy.

Target Market: Reloaders both Novice and Experienced

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The O.A.L Gauge comes in either straight or curved orientation to best work with your rifle's action.

What others are saying?: “I decided to order this comparator when I purchased my Remington 700 SPS Tactical (.308). When I bought this rifle, I wanted to take my reloading a step further and dive into the world of precision hand loads. Up to this point, I was reloading rounds mostly for target practice and a few for hunting every year. So the reloading gear I own was sufficient enough to get the job done, but not for higher quality hand loads. But as I began realizing how challenging precision hand loading can be, I knew that I would have to reach out and get some reloading equipment that could help me get the job done.

Due to the fact that I had no experience with the tools needed for this type of work, I simply called into Sinclair International and spoke with one of their many highly experienced reloading techs. He couldn't have been more helpful in explaining about important tools, explaining how and why they worked. As you may have guessed, he suggested this comparator as an essential tool for the entire process." Brownells Review Price Point:

Bullet Comparator

O.A.L. Gauge

I need it now! Availability: Brownell's

Our Rating:

  • Comparator is offered in different price points per how many different inserts/calibers you need, the basic 6 insert kit covers the common calibers
  • The OAL Gauge is easy to operate and the thumb knobs are well crafted

  • Each modified case needed is expensive!

Score: 8.5 Great

 

Springfield Armory XD 40

XD 40 main

By Lance Chaar

As an instructor I always find myself trying many different guns and many different grips on pistols.  However as soon as I got a stock XD in my hand, I felt like this is the proper fit for me. The 4” barrel makes it easy to handle and manipulate the gun in any situation that combined with the force and power of a .40 Caliber round,  makes it a great gun for me.  As of today I have about 100+ rounds through the gun and it still functions like its new.  I have shot every thing through this gun from hallow points to range ammo and it just works no matter what the situation is.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Ergonomic comfort, ease of operation, features and performance.

Target Market: From target range goers to tactical users.   xd40

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  •  The double safety on the gun
  •  Ease of disassembly for maintenance
  •  Shorter shot to shot recovery time
  •  High capacity magazines 12+1
  •  Loaded chamber indicator

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Springfield Armory XD 40 is available in Black, bi-tone, FDE, and OD Green.

What others are saying?:  

  • “Shooting the XD 40 was really a ton of fun. I really liked the way it pointed, so I had no trouble greeting targets. This gun is very accurate for a duty pistol and the excellent trigger really helps.”  
  • “The Ultra Safety Assurance Trigger System guards against accidental discharge from dropping or bumping by locking the XD's trigger in place until direct, rearward pressure is applied. The Service model combines the standard XD grip frame with a shorter 4" barrel for comfortable carrying.” Gander Mountain 
  • “The gun will shoot as well as you can hold it. I shot about 100 rounds of various named rounds, to include mixing rounds into the magazine. She never thought about having a problem. Ate everything and kept asking for more.” Gun and Game

Price Point:xd40-1

I need it now! Availability:  Not always so readily available. But you can find them at gun stores like Cabela's.  

Our Rating:

+_Safety +_Accuracy

-_Weight -_Availability

Score: 8.0 Great80

EOD Robotics Breacher Bar Review

EOD Handle The EOD Robotics Breacher bar is a pretty simple tool. It’s basically a flat piece of steel with a chisel-type tip and a “blade”, and it’s got a few holes in the handle end. The “blades” are not sharpened, but are more of a starter edge. I believe this is because the Breacher Bar is intended to be more of a prying tool than a knife. It is a very thick piece of hardened steel, so it can withstand some serious prying. The front corner is beveled, making it look like a tanto-style blade. This is for prying under smaller things, like nails, staples, and paint can lids. Their website also claims that it is great for opening crates and punching through steel drums. There are four holes in the handle. Two are close to the butt, in line with the center of the blade. The other two are closer to the blade. One of these is centered, and the other is closer to the edge. The three along the centerline are there for use with cordage, to make handles. The other is a little more mysterious. I don’t remember where I saw this tip, but someone suggested that it be used to turn the tool into a handle, for pulling things. You can run a piece of cord through it, and use it to pull, for example, a large log. If you do use this as a t-handle for pulling, I would recommend wrapping the blade end with a protective cloth, especially if you choose to sharpen it, but that is recommended against (see note at end). They also state that the holes are there to aid you in lashing it to a branch or bar to provide more leverage.

EOD

Right after I got this, I had some repairs to do to a fence. The previous owner of our new home had done some weird modifications that messed with the integrity of the fence. I had to tear the old boards off, while salvaging the existing posts. The Breacher Bar made short work of those boards and nails. When I was done, I stabbed it into the dirt, to keep from losing it, while I finished repairing the fence. I had forgotten it there overnight. The next morning, I remembered it was there. It had rusted a little, but not really too much to worry about. This is to be expected from high carbon steel, though.

Here is a demo video from County Comm:

And a video on how to make the handle:

Here is their super-not-sarcastic-at-all CYA statement:

Here's What Our Over-Protective Legal Department Has To Say: EOD Edge Although the EOD Breacher Tool was developed and designed to enter the real world of urban combat, and with a little work with a file, belt sander, grinder, stone or a rock to it could be sharpened and converted to a Deadly stabbing or slashing instrument we can't recommend it. Likewise, the flat on the handle end should not be used as a skull or rib crusher or for performing other blunt trauma. Sorry these are not returnable. Be safe, and don't play with matches or run with scissors.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Incredibly tough pry bar.

Target Market: “EOD Robotics developed this compact breaching tool with input from Bomb Techs, SWAT Operators and Patrol Officers.”

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 1045 High Carbon Steel
  • Heat treated to over 45 Rockwell Hardness
  • Pry bar or lever
  • Incredibly tough
  • Can be pounded on
  • Holes for handle making and other tasks

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  It is only available in the raw-steel gray, but would be easy enough to paint.

What others are saying?: “They're good for hammering, improvised chiseling, prying, breaking stuff :), etc. They make great gifts too!” - JS_280, EDC Forums

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase the Breacher Bar from County Comm, or directly from EOD Robotics, although I believe they are the same company. When you go to “Contact” on EOD’s website, the email address is for County Comm. I would recommend going to County Comm for it, because they have tons of other cool items that you’ll probably want to pick up.

Our Rating:

+_Sturdy and hard +_Holes are provided for many functions +_No instructions needed! +_Multiple prying surfaces +_Made in the U.S.A.

-_No handle included

Score: 8.0 Great80

Springfield Armory XD Subcompact 9mm Pistol Review

photo By Matthew McMullen

This is one of the best shooting handguns that I have ever owned or shot. Right out of the box, it shot perfectly. It is easy to clean and fires every time flawlessly. It is also perfect for concealed carry. Comes with short magazine 13+1, long Magazine 16+1, holster, speedloader, and magazine holster.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Fires every time!!!

Target Market: Everyone wanting to conceal carry.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Shortest concealed-carry polymer pistol
  • The only pistol with a light rail in its class
  • Comes with two magazines
  • 3" steel Melonite barrel
  • Shown with grip-extension magazine

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Springfield Armory XD Subcompact 9mm Pistol is available in black and Bi-Tone(black with stainless slide).

What others are saying?: "With simple lubrication and occasional cleaning, the XD will faultlessly fire tens of thousands of rounds, even in the harshest conditions." - Robert Farago, The Truth About Guns

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can get this pistol from a few retailers, including Bud's Gun Shop.

Our Rating:

+_Very Consistent +_Accurate

Score: 9.0 Amazing90

Havalon Piranta Knife Review

Havalon Piranta When it comes to skinning a deer, or any game for that matter... everyone seems to have their preferred way of doing things. There's many a man who stubbornly swear by the blade they carry on the hunt, and there's some futility to convincing them to try something different. Back in the pioneer days, men did most of their gutting and dressing with the blade of a hatchet, and smaller specialized tools for skinning the hide. Fast forward to nowadays, there's a plethora of choices from folding knives, fixed blade knives, gut hooks, and ungodly oversized daggers that really only belong under the glass counter at a medieval convention.

What myself and those I typically hunt deer and elk with carry is the Havalon Piranta knife. It's a small folding knife that uses replaceable blades. The blade's themselves are pre-sharpened and extremely, ridiculously sharp! Imagine using a scalpel. Now many hunters may scoff at such a minuscule blade, but I have seen it put to expert use. I've witnessed entire elk and deer gutted, dressed, skinned, and boned out using only a Piranta. I've even seen it used to sever limbs and the joint, and remove heads. The flexibility of the blade is its shining quality, as you can get closer to the bone and make cleaner cuts without repeated strokes like a standard buck knife.

There is a learning curve to using this knife well and not replacing the blade every 10 minutes. Its a very thin blade (at least my older ones are, Havalon has switched to a thicker blade to enhance longevity) and if bent or manipulated in any kind of prying motion the blade will snap. And of course with any other knife, if you cut through the hair you will drastically dull the blade. That being said, its a spectacular knife and used correctly will speed up the process of dressing an animal while doing it neatly. When we get an animal, we are pretty obsessive about how clean the meat stays... no hair, no dirt, and no sloppy cuts on those future steaks. You NEED to have a steady hand, as the Piranta is not forgiving and any poke or knick while you are rooting around the chest cavity by sense of touch alone will be a painful lesson. Based on my experience with the Havalon Piranta, the best way to dress an animal with the skills of a surgeon is with this knife.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Reduces the need to carry extra skinning knives, gut hook blades or whetstones. When the blade gets dull, just pop it off and replace it with a new one. You'll never lose your edge with Havalon.

Target Market:  Hunters & Outdoorsman

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 12 additional stainless steel #60A blades, 2-3/4"
  • Rugged ABS blaze orange handle
  • Ambidextrous thumb studs
  • Open back for easy cleaning
  • Frame-lock construction
  • Removable holster clip
  • Overall length 6-3/4"
  • Weighs only 3 ounces
  • Includes nylon holster
  • Fits #60A and #60XT blades

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Green, Lime Green, Blaze Orange, Brick Red, Zytel Black, Camo, and Engraved / Scrimshaw Models

What others are saying?: “I have owned it for more than 5 years and have used it on Brown bears, Dall sheep, Roosevelt Elk, Sitka Blacktail Deer, Caribou, Reindeer, Moose, Mountain Goat, Musk Ox, and fur bearers all in Alaska and a whole slew of different skulls to European mount. Each whole animal generally takes one occasionally two blades based on task. I have used 150+ blades and is my go-to hunting knife. The down side is it cannot be used in a pry type motion, the blades are too weak.If you know this then you generally don't have a problem. I have also had it close on me because the lock is wearing out. The other problem is the blades are so sharp there is no margin for error! I have sliced off several knuckle tips on my left hand cutting too fast with my right hand. I also poke my self several times every animal trying to reach into tight spaces or holding back meat/hides. There still is no better product out there period. As a previous biology student i always used to carry scalpel blades with me, this is just the evolution of a better product all around." - Review by Slammerdude on Havalon Website

Price Point: MSRP: $59.99 Retail: $33.74

I need it now! Availability: Havalon or Amazon or most online knife dealers

Our Rating: +_Comes with replacement blades and holster/sheath +_Blades are extremely sharp right out of each individual wrapper

-_No locking bar to prevent accidental opening (you don't want this little guy opening up in your ruck sack!) -_The plastic frame on my Piranta has already cracked where the pocket clip is, clearly a weakpoint

Score: 8.5 Great

 

Blue Ridge Overland Gear Molle Seat-Back Panel Review

molle 1

The Blue Ridge Overland Gear Molle Seat-Back Panel is a clever and yet simple design to customize how you carry gear in your vehicle.  The panel design takes into account the full advantage of how Molle webbing allows you to carry the gear you want in the way you want it.  Made in the USA, this panel is constructed of mil-spec webbing, 500D Cordura and has a plastic core for rigidity.  Blue Ridge Overland offers this panel in a variety of sizes to match your vehicles seat-back.  The only problem that you are going to have with his product, there are soo many great Molle pouches and accessories to choose from.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: An easy and customizable way to organize gear in your vehicle.molle 2

Target Market: The organized and prepared.

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

  • 12" x 22" panel
  • Velcro strip at top
  • Mil Spec MOLLE webbing
  • 500D cordura
  • Plastic core for rigidity
  • Tons of MOLLE accessories from a variety of outfitters
  • Made in the USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Available in black and coyote brown.  Also, the panel is offered in larger sizes. Blue Ridge Overland Gear

What others are saying?:  FI could only find reviews that were posted to the Blue Ridge Overland Gear site, but all reviews were 5 out of 5 stars.

Price point:

  • MSRP = $37.99
  • Retail = unavailable

I need it now! Availability: Readily available on-line at Blue Ridge Overland Gear.

Our Rating:

+ Mil spec MOLLE webbing + Customizable + Tons of accessories to attach + 500D Cordura + Made in the USA + Great customer service

Score: 9.0 Amazing

90

Jared prefers Simon Peter Sport Company for all his FFL needs.

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DTOM Concealed Carry Fanny Pack Review

IMG_8234 By Gene Carangal

I bought this fanny pack because I wanted a carry option for my Glock 26, keys, wallet and cell phone while exercising. There are 4 zippered compartments. The largest one holds the weapon and has a fast breakaway zipper for easy access. There are 2  elastic bands on each side to hold the pistol in place. It is big enough to hold my Glock 19. The second compartment can fit a large wallet, keys and other items. The third one can hold a large smartphone. My Samsung Galaxy S4 in an Otterbox case fit perfectly. Compartment 4 is meant for a charging cable but I use it for a small wallet.

I wish there was a magazine holder in one of the compartments. They advertise that it has room for spare mag, but it will have to share the same space with your wallet and keys. I have used it jogging several times without any problems. The gun stays intact no matter what. As long as I keep the belt tight, the pack feels secure and I can move freely. Wearing it while doing weight training takes getting used to. Ab exercises are impossible to do.

I like that it is all black and it doesn't call attention to itself. I like to wear black shorts to make it even more discreet.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: A slim fit fanny pack that fits close to the body yet allows you to carry a medium size gun without anyone realizing that this is a concealed weapon fanny pack.

Target Market: Joggers, hikers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Slim Fit
  • Works for Right or Left Handed shooters
  • Works well for small to medium sized guns
  • Fits up to 42" waist

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The DTOM Concealed Carry Fanny Pack is available in black only.

What others are saying?: "I bought this holster pack for a good option for running and still being able to carry. It works well for almost all my guns except the ruger LCP which the product description advertises. If the LCP is just in the holster and you are walking, its fine. But if you add running to the mix, where the fanny pack is moving a lot up and down, the LCP will slip out fairly quickly and just be moving around freely on the inside. The only way to remedy this is to use both straps, the one for right hand and the one for left hand together to hold the firearm in place, this ruins the ability to draw the firearm with any quick speed though.

Once again this works just as intended for larger guns..." - Amazon Reviewer

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this fanny pack from Amazon and directly from DTOM Conceal and Carry.

Our Rating:

+ Looks like a regular fanny pack + Fits a medium size pistol + Plenty of room for wallet, keys and cell phone

- No magazine pouch

Score: 8.080

N82 Tactical Professional Glock Holster Review

ProGlockmpactSubCompRtHnd By David Braaten

N82 Tactical is a holster manufacturer out of North Carolina and I have only ever seen positive reviews lauding the company's owners and holsters. Their "Engineered for Comfort" tagline pretty much summarizes their corporate philosophy when it comes to manufacturing holsters. Not shy of self promotion, the N82 website boasts that "The N82 Tactical Professional holster is the ultimate IWB (inside-the-waistband) holster. It has all the comfort of our Original design, but comes with the following additional features: Adjustable Cant, Tuckable, Excellent Positive Retention." While I agree with the 'Tuckable' part, I have had issues with the comfort, adjustable cant, and positive retention.

First, I do not find the holster to be very comfortable. The holster is extremely thick and rigid. If using it in the appendix position, you can forget about bending over. It is very large and awkward.

Second, if you don't like your cant constantly adjusting, this holster is not for you. Only 1 screw holds the clip to the polycarbonate shell. This screw loosens quite easily  causing the holster to shift. If you attempt to lock-tite the screw, you void your warranty.

Finally, the holster does not offer positive retention as advertised. In one of the promotional advertisements for this holster, a man was shown lying down on a couch taking a nap. This is a terrible idea in this holster especially if you have kids around. Several times when I laid down with the holster replicating their claims, the gun fell out of the holster. Due to the design, it only has positive retention when you are standing.

Due to the thickness of the holster back and hard polycarbonate shell, it will require quite a bit of room in the pants to hide this holster. If you are a stay at home mom or dad and practice home-carry, this is an ok option. I have found that I have to constantly readjust the cant due to the clip loosening. Furthermore, it requires frequent adjustment to my underwear as the holster literally pushes by briefs down.

Provided that you don't attempt to bend over or flex at the waist, this holster might work. Or, if your doctor requires that you be immobilized in an upright position, this might also be an option. Until, that is, your underwear starts sagging.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: "Engineered for Comfort" – N82 Tactical

Target Market: Concealed Carriers

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Adjustable cant
  • Tuckable

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: This holster is available in black only.

What others are saying?: “This holster is so comfortable that I could take a nap with it on.” Said no one ever. Until now.

I do not recommend this. You can easily have a negligent discharge.” - nsz85, The Arms Review

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase the N82 Tactical Professional Glock holster from Voodoo Tactical, Tactical CW Gear, and directly from N82 Tactical.

Our Rating:

+ It's black and goes with everything.

- Non-retentive - Huge - Heavy

Score: 5.0 Mediocre50

Hogue Handall for Ruger LCP Review

  hogue 1

The Hogue Handall grip is a slip on style grip that enhances grip on the Ruger LCP.  Installation is pretty straight forward and it comes with some instructions, so I will not get into installation.  I found this grip to be very ergonomic.  It fills my hand far better than the tiny stock grip.  Recoil also seems to be tamed a bit.  The LCP is still pretty snappy, but seems to come back on target quicker.  The grip does seem to make the little pistol a bit wider by about  3/8".  This could be a problem for someone that like the slimness of the LCP.  I carry mine in a pocket holster.  When in my front pocket the width does not seem to matter.  When I put it in a smaller rear pocket, it "feels" wider, but no one seems to notice any difference.  Since the grip is tacky like most Hogue products, it could stick in the pocket making for a more difficult draw.  Overall I am glad that I have this on my little LCP.hogue 2

 Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Non-slip grip that enhances the feel of the LCP.

Target Market:  Those who find the grip on the Ruger LCP too small or too slick.

FNBs  (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Hugs the contours of your gun
  • Non-slip surface
  • Reduced Recoil

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:hogue 3

  • Available in Black or Pink
  • Available for Ruger LCP with the Crimson Trace laser

What others are saying?: 

  • "All I can say that if you own an LCP, this should be the first upgrade on your list,"  "Great grip! Easy to install, fits snug and looks good,"  "This is a nice grip for the gun if you dont plan on carrying in your pocket." on  with 4.8/5 stars on Amazon
  • "Works well, very well,"  "Significantly improves handling and reduces felt recoil,"  "So much easier to shoot." on Midway with 4.8/5 stars

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability:  The Hogue Handall for Ruger LCP is readily available at Amazon and Midway

Our Rating:

+  Ergonomics +  Non-slip texture +  Reduces Recoil

-  Makes the grip much wider -  Sticks more inside pocket

Score:  6.5 OKAY65

 

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