Civivi Conspirator

  As one may know, Civivi has a bunch of affordable knife options. The Conspirator is no different and possibly better. This knife uses a button lock instead of the more common liner lock, but still uses a common flipper to open it up. It is ever so slightly larger than some other knives from Civivi, but is light enough to make a very good every day carry (EDC) blade.

  The Conspirator comes in a variety of different options. Including damascus steel or wood handles. I chose a standard option with green micarta scales and a black stonewashed blade. I seriously thought about the wood handle ones because they look very nice, but decided on something more practical for everyday use. The Green micarta handles are nice. They are textured very little, but have a great grip. These particular micarta scales have a dullish, kind of papery, finish to them. It definitely gives them a unique look. The actual handle design is very simple also. It’s slightly curved where it needs to be and is large enough to actually grip. It has a deep pocket clip that can be swapped to the other side, if needed. The clip only allows for tip up carry. I like Civivi’s pocket clips. They are stout enough that I don’t bend them when they catch on stuff.

  What led me to the Conspirator was the button lock feature. Since I have other Civivi’s with liner locks, I really was curious how the button lock would compare. I have to say, it’s fantastic. The button locking mechanism locks the blade up tight. Then I just have to push the button to fold the blade back in. With a little practice, you don’t even have to touch the blade to close it completely. Some of this is a testament to Civivi’s super smooth ball bearing pivot system. 

  Civivi designed the Conspirator as a “flipper” style knife. So on the back of the handle, there’s a little nub that sticks up. Just run your finger over the nub quickly, and the knife blade flicks out and opens. The flipper has jimping on it for a better finger grip. Not surprisingly to me, the Conspirator opens extremely smooth with the flipper. One can also open the blade, by placing a thumb in one of the grooves on the blade, as if it had a thumb stud. Then there is the opening of the blade using the button lock. One can push the button lock down, then ever so lightly, flick their wrist, to open up the blade. I usually use the flipper, but all of the ways will work for one handed manipulation.

  One of the most important, and hardest to decipher, parts of the knife is the blade steel. Civivi uses Nitro-V steel for the Conspirator’s blade. Nitro-V is a higher grade knife steel, which is probably why the Conspirator costs a little bit more than other Civivi knives. Nitro-V is hard, tough, and can get very sharp. It is a stainless steel, so corrosion shouldn’t be a problem. The Conspirator didn’t hold an edge as well as I would have liked. But to be fair, I was pretty hard on this blade. I used it to pry out some wood staples and also mark lines on fence boards. So in the three months I’ve had it, I sharpened it for the first time recently. It sharpened fairly easily. Plus it does get super sharp!

  I am really impressed with the Conspirator’s blade design. It is a typical drop point style that has a taller profile than my Civivi Brazen. The taller profile gives the blade a little more strength and at 0.12” thick, it could be useful. The blade also has about an inch of jimping. This jimping gives a really good purchase for your thumb to rest on, especially if you need to put some downward force on the knife. Also on the blade itself, up toward the top, is a groove on each side. This allows different ways to open the knife, as mentioned earlier. With the chosen Conspirator option, the blade is coated black. The black coating is pretty durable. I have some light scratches in it, but nothing major. 

  Civivi knives come with a soft case. The case is a little zip up unit that has fake sheepskin stuff inside. Also included is a knife cleaning cloth. These cleaning clothes are great for wiping the knife down, or various other uses. These little additions aren’t needed, but they are appreciated.

  If you are looking for a very good EDC knife, the Civivi Conspirator is just that. It has a durable blade, doesn’t weigh a lot, has super smooth operation, and is sized to fit nicely in one's pocket. I am very pleased with the quality and function of the Conspirator. You can check it out at Civivi’s website or on Amazon.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Button lock, flipper style pocket knife

Target Market:

Anyone that carries a folding knife

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Overall Length: 8.11" / 206.0mm

  • Width: 1.44" / 36.5mm

  • Overall Height (Including Clip): 0.74" / 18.8mm

  • Blade Length: 3.48" / 88.3mm

  • Closed Length: 4.63" / 117.7mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.12" / 3.0mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.51" / 13.0mm

  • Weight: 3.82oz / 108.3g

  • Nitro-V blade steel

  • Grind: Flat

  • Blade Finish: Black Stonewashed

  • Micarta handles

  • Stainless Steel liners

  • Stainless steel Pocket Clip: Tip-Up,L/R

  • Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Button Lock

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black handle/gray blade, Damascus, Wood handle/gray blade

What others are saying?:

4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon 

I'm a little disappointed. I expected it to be extremely smooth. The look, the feel, the sound it makes is all top notch. But the button is a problem. It is clunky. I heard it's worse with the damscus but that's what I wanted. It is such a cool design with multiple deployment options which I absolutely love. But the button lock should have been improved. I have already taken apart and oiled. Didn't really help. I'm considering filing the blade down where it get a connection but I doubt it will graze it after being hardened. This knife should have been a 10/10. (I do wish the pocket clip was recessed but that's a nitpick)

All this being said, I like the design and deployment options so much I'm not returning. ( though I considering returning for the black micarta with Grey blade)

Link to other reviews:

Nothing but Knives 

Price point:

MSRP = $94.00

Retail = $79.90 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Civivi or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Blade shape

  • Size

  • Deep pocket clip

  • Ceramic ball bearings

  • Button lock

Cons:

  • Edge retention

  • No option for partial serrations

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  JSD Supply


Grey Ghost Precision Sig P320 slide

  Grey Ghost Precision has been in the aftermarket pistol slide game for some time now. Not so long ago they introduced Sig P320 slides to their product line. I had been eyeing them since the introduction. Then Grey Ghost introduced an O.D. Green Limited Edition version. I love OD Green. So here I am, OD green slide in hand! 

  The Grey Ghost Precision Sig P320 slides come in two size versions. The Compact and the Full size, or GGP320C and GGP320. I received the GGP320 full size version 1. They are essentially the same for review purposes. I also believe the only difference between the Limited Edition OD Green and the standard versions is the color. Especially since they are all the same price. Both slides come “stripped,” Therefore you must install all the necessary parts to make it complete and functionable. 

  When looking at the GGP320, the first thing you notice is the optics cut. It is a multi optics cut that uses a shim system to mount the different optics. These shims position the optic so that it is mounted securely. The shims and screws are provided, so there isn’t a need to hunt around for the proper screws. If not using an optic, a Grey Ghost marked G10 cover plate is included also. The optics cut can be used with optics that have the RMR, Leupold Delta Point Pro, SIG Romeo 1, and SIG Romeo 1 Pro footprints. I ended up mounting a Swampfox on the GGP320 because it uses the RMR footprint. It mounted up securely and works great. 

  Now that we have moved past the optic, the GGP320 has some other noticeable features. Instead of being a completely solid slide like the stock P320, Grey Ghost put three window cuts toward the front of the slide. One is on the top and then there is one on each side of the slide. These lighten up the slide some and it also makes the barrel stand out a little bit. The top of the slide isn’t rounded like the stock Sig one is. Instead, Grey Ghost put a flat cut on top and an angle cut on each side of that. Standard iron sight dovetails are also machined in. Probably the most functional addition to the GGP320 is the aggressive slide serrations. Grey Ghost machines them into both the front and rear of the slide. These serrations are way grippier than the stock ones, but not enough to tear your hands up. Between the slide serrations they also put an inlet cut. In this inlet is “GGP” and “limited Edition” text. I like how the logo and text are not very large, I would say tasteful. 

  The Limited edition OD Green GGP320 slide, as well as the FDE option, are both cerakoted. The cerakoting puts a nice finish on the slide. However, mine does show some holster wear. I guess one could say it is the start of a battle worn finish. I am not worried about the wear since the slide is machined from 416 stainless steel and essentially won’t rust. Since I’m on machining. Grey Ghost says their slides have tighter tolerances. This leads to better performance. You can actually feel the difference. There is less noticeable side to side and up/down play in the GGP320 slide over the factory one. The GGP320 is so much better machined, that just installing it dropped the trigger pull on my pistol by ½ pound. This was with all the same parts as before, the only difference was the GGP320 slide. I was pleasantly surprised.

  Now down to why you are really here, what are my thoughts? The GGP320 slide is top notch. I have had zero problems with it. I love the OD Green. The shim system is pretty easy to mount optics on. Recoil seems about the same. It runs pretty much any ammunition from 115’s up to 147’s without any problems. The machining of the slide is nice with no noticeable machining marks. The iron sight dovetails are tight, but not too tight. Plus, if you just have a P320 fire control group, this makes for an excellent addition to your “build.”

  Grey Ghost Precision has done another excellent job with the GGP320 slide. The Limited Edition OD Green is different, but in a good way. It looks fantastic and performs just as well. If you are looking at building out a P320, or just want something that makes mounting an optic easy, this slide might be just what you are looking for. Go check out Grey Ghost Precision and all their pistol slides, you won’t be disappointed. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Sig P320 slide with optics cut and enhanced features

Target Market:

Those building a P320 or those wanting a new slide option with optics cuts

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Full length P320 slide for 4.7” barrels

  • Machined from 416 Stainless

  • Tighter tolerances

  • For 9mm only

  • Optic cut compatible with Leupold DPP, Trijicon RMR and SIG Romeo1 and Romeo1Pro

  • Shim plate and screws for optics included

  • G10 cover plate

  • Weighs 8.84 ounces

  • Aggressive slide serrations

  • Front slide window cuts

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black and Grey DLC, or FDE Cerakote

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Rainier Arms

Nice addition to P320

 Nice addition to P320.I have a P320 as a backup competition gun with a Leupold Delta Point Pro mounted with a EGW mount on the rear sight cut. Nice to have a slide with a RMR cut. It was a drop in fit, it only required a minor adjustment for the optic. Overall, the gun feels lighter, not sure if cycles any faster or reduced recoil, but it is a nice upgrade.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing spotted at the time of this review

Price point:

MSRP = $439.99

Retail = $412.79 at Primary Arms 

I need it now! Availability:

Grey Ghost Precision or Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Tighter frame fit

  • Multiple platform optic cuts

  • OD Green

  • Decreased trigger pull by ½ pound due to tighter tolerances 

  • Drop on installation

Cons:

  • Holster wear on Cerakote

Score:  9.00 Amazing

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

Dark Hour Defense MAGNESIUM DARKLITE handguard

  As one may have heard, I was building out a lightweight AR pistol and was in need of a lightweight handguard. Along comes Dark Hour Defense with their Magnesium Darklite M-Lok handguard. If you haven’t heard of Dark Hour Defense, they are a sister company of V Seven Weapon Systems. Dark Hour Defense is more of the “not as fancy” line, but still using the same technology and quality of V Seven. This makes the Dark Hour products more cost effective for the end user. 

  I decided on the Darklite handguard in the 9.2” length. I chose this length because I was using a 10.5” pencil barrel. Essentially, I didn’t want the handguard to extend over the muzzle, but also wanted it to cover the gas block. The 9.2” Darklite turned out to be just perfect. Dark Hour also has a 7.1” as well as sizes out to 18”. Outside diameter on them is 1.5”s wide and 1.97”s tall. The 1.97” height is due to the full length top rail. Inside diameter is 1.3” wide and 1.55” tall. 

  The Darklite handguard is super light! The 9.2” comes in weighing 4.23 ounces, on my scale, without any hardware. The barrel nut adds in another 1.13 ounces. Add in some mounting screws and the total weight is 5.64 ounces. I will mention that the weight listings on the Dark Hour Defense website are really close to the actual weight I measured. To get this lightweight handguard, Dark Hour uses an aluminum magnesium alloy that is 30% lighter than standard 6061 aluminum. It appears to be just as strong, if not stronger. Remember, this handguard also has a full top picatinny rail. The barrel nut is made from 7068 aluminum, which is harder and stronger than 7075 aluminum, but weighs less than steel by a good margin. All one needs to really know is that these are super light and strong.

  The Darklite handguard is pretty normal in other aspects except one. As noted before, it is running a full top picatinny rail. The M-Lok slots are at 3,6, & 9 o’clock. As of now, it is only available with M-Lok, because that’s the standard in my opinion. Instead of anodizing, Dark Hour uses a plasma deposition coating that gives a “tough ceramic-like coating with superior wear resistance compared to anodizing.” I’ll agree, this E-Cote finish, as they call it, is super tough. I haven’t even scratched it. Also, I had a QD point mounted to it and when I removed it, you couldn’t even tell it was on the handguard. It didn’t even leave a chip or indent. I kind of wish the Darklite had a QD point built in. That way I could connect a sling without adding the weight of the QD mount. The black color of this E-Cote finish matches the rifles anodizing very well and I like the durability of it.

  Installation of the Darklite handguard is pretty normal also. Install the barrel nut with the supplied wrench. YES, it includes a wrench! This is one of my favorite things. Every other manufacture, please do like Dark Hour Defense and include a barrel nut wrench with your handguards. The barrel nut may or may not need shims, mine was on the tight side without them, but still in specifications for torque. When installing the handguard tube, you may need to tap it on with a rubber mallet, or heat it up slightly. It is a nice snug fit. I just tapped it on and it worked fine. Dark Hour also includes a locator pin, so if your upper has this provision , you can use it for added rotational stability. I didn’t use the pin and have not had any problems with the handguard rotating. Lastly, install the 6 torx screws to spec, and off to the range you go.

  As usual, I’ve been trying to use the Darklite as much as possible. I really like it, but I like slim handguards, and at 1.5”s, it is just perfect. The Darkilite is a no frills, super lightweight handguard. They smoothed it all out and put angles and radiuses where they needed to be, like on the muzzle end of the handguard. The top rail portion is even pretty smooth, which is not an easy task with all those slot cuts. The price won’t kill your wallet either. At $195 for the 9.2”, it’s a great deal. Yes, longer ones cost more, but they are still a reasonable option for what you are getting. 

  The Dark Hour Defense Magnesium Darklite handguard is well worth checking out. You are definitely getting a quality lightweight handguard at a reasonable price, at least in the lightweight product category. I think Dark Hour Defense will be doing some more nice stuff in the future. Definitely keep your eye on them for cost effective lightweight products. You can check them out at https://darkhourdefense.com/

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Ultra Lightweight AR15 handguard

Target Market:

Those wanting a strong, lightweight handguard

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Aluminum Magnesium alloy

  • E-cote black finish

  • Length: 9.2"

  • Width: 1.5"

  • Height: 1.97"

  • Weight: 4.2 oz

  • ID of 1.3"(left to right) & 1.55" (top to bottom for gas block clearance)

  • 7068 Aluminum barrel nut

  • Includes barrel nut wrench

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Various lengths

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publication

Link to other reviews:

Same as above

Price point:

MSRP = $195.00

Retail = $189.15 at Optics Planet

I need it now! Availability:

Dark Hour Defense

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super light

  • Full top rail

  • All sharp edges are deburred

  • E-cote finish

  • Small Diameter

Cons:

  • No QD mounting points

Score:  9.00 Amazing

Favorite Link:  Atibal Optics

Faxon 10.5" lightweight barrel, gas block, and comp

  I was looking at building a lightweight AR pistol, using off the shelf parts, that wouldn’t break the bank. Part of what I needed was a lightweight barrel. Faxon Firearms had exactly what I was looking for with their 10.5” pencil profile barrel. As a bonus, Faxon threw in their slim profile muzzle brake. So off to assembly I went.

  When the Faxon barrel first arrived, I weighed it on my scale. There’s a few reasons for this. First, I wanted to know the actual weight. The barrel alone weighed in at 14.53 ounces, so not even a pound. The same barrel in a 16” weighs about 20 ounces. Second, this Faxon barrel comes with a gas block, but no gas tube. Because I figured I wanted a total weight, I weighed it with a gas tube and the supplied gas block. Total usable weight was 16.26 ounces, so essentially a hair over a pound. Speaking of the gas block, a really cool thing about it is the pre-drilled hole so you can pin the gas block on with the supplied pin. The gas block also has set screws on the bottom to tighten it up. Having a pinned gas block is especially nice if you are expecting any type of hard use situations.

  The Faxon pencil barrel specifications are pretty standard. This one has a pencil profile. It is made from 4150 CMV steel, has a 5.56 NATO caliber and is 1:8 twist button rifled. Faxon QPQ Nitrides the whole barrel for corrosion and wear resistance. Because it’s a pencil profile, Faxon uses a 0.625 gas block diameter. Being a 10.5” length, it uses the carbine length gas system. To quality control their barrels, Faxon magnetic particle inspects them so that good barrels get sent out to the user and bad ones don’t. Lastly, the barrel is threaded the standard ½-28 and has a recessed target crown.

  Faxon also sent me one of their Slim 3-port muzzle brakes. This particular muzzle brake has an outside diameter of 0.620”. It screws directly onto the barrel threads and comes with a crush washer. The small outside diameter of this brake makes it possible to remove the gas block without removing the muzzle brake. This can be especially nice if you have to pin and weld a muzzle device on to meet a legal length. It is 2.125”’ long, so it will bring a 13.9” barrel to the legal 16” length. I however am using this on a pistol, so no need to pin and weld. When installing the 3 port muzzle brake, be extremely careful as the metal is softer than I realized. I rounded the corners of it with an open end wrench trying to time it properly with the supplied crush washer. Make sure your wrench is on the solid portion, not over a port. That crush washer is stronger than any I have seen. Besides my error in installation, the 3 port design actually works very well. I was a little hesitant due to the smaller size, but it performs as well as other 3 port comps I have used. It actually tamed the little 10.5”’s recoil down some. Now it is loud, but all compensators like this are. The slim brake also only weighs 1.12 ounces.

  The Faxon Lightweight barrel combo serves its purpose. I put it through some use during a “range day.” This is a training style match that the local club has. The barrel and comp both performed well with zero hiccups. Now that can’t be said about the shooter. I also did some accuracy testing at 100yds. The barrel averaged about 2-3” groups with normal ammunition. As expected, as the barrel heated up a little, the groups would string some, but I included it in the group sizes, so you can tell it’s not terrible. For a 10.5” barrel, the accuracy is fine for me because I don’t expect to use this pistol past 100 yds anyhow. 

  If you are looking into a super lightweight barrel, definitely check out the Faxon line of barrels. They are one of the few that come with a pinned on style gas block. The 10.5” barrel and gas block were just the lightweight stuff I was looking for. While you are over at Faxon, don’t forget to look at the slimline comp too.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Short lightweight barrel with a pinned gas block

Target Market:

Builders wanting a super lightweight barrel/gas block combo

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Barrel:

  • 4150 CMV

  • Button Rifled 

  • 5.56 - 1:8 twist rifling

  • 10.5" Pencil profile

  • Carbine length gas system

  • QPQ Salt Bath Nitride finish

  • 1/2-28 threaded muzzle

  • .625" gas block diameter

  • Gas Block Journal Length: 1.1"

  • M4 barrel extension

  • Magnetic Particle Inspected

  • 11-degree Target Crown

  • Barrel weighs 14.53 oz

  • Weight with gas block and gas tube is 16.26 oz

  • Pin on gas block

Comp:

  • QPQ Salt Bath Nitride

  • Thread: 1/2"-28 TPI

  • Weight: 1.12 Ounces 

  • Length: 2.125 Inches

  • Outer Diameter: .620”

  • Caliber: .223/5.56

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different lengths and calibers 

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at FaxonFirearms.com

Top shelf quality. As a toolmaker I can pin a gas block but for the money it's not worth me setting up to do it. Beautiful work

Link to other reviews:

Closes I could find was for the 16” pencil barrel - HERE 

Price point:

MSRP:

Barrel - $195.00

Muzzle Brake - $59.99

Retail: Probably a little cheaper if you can find the same combo

I need it now! Availability:

Faxon Firearms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super light

  • Pinned gas block

  • Optional muzzle brake that matches barrel

  • QPQ Nitride finish

Cons:

  • Accuracy 

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Gun Guys Garage

KORE Essentials Battle Belt

  If you go to the range a lot, or need something to hold a bunch of gear around your waist, a battle belt may be what you need. The battle belt gives you a great way of holding all the gear that you need around your waist. Like a holster, magazine carriers, IFAK, etc. Kore Essentials sent me one of their new Battle Belt kits, plus a hanger for when it’s not in use. 

  The Kore Battle Belt system comes with 2 belts, an inner and an outer, both of which are adjustable. The inner belt is 1.5” wide and has soft loop velcro on the outer side. The outer belt is 1.75” wide and has the hook loop velcro on the inner side. This is so you can put the inner belt through your belt loops like normal, and then just put the outer belt over it. This hook and loop style system has been in use for years and works extremely well. Now for the adjustable part. The inner belt just velcros onto itself for tightness adjustments. However, the inner belt has a portion of hex material. This Hex section is thinner than the rest of the belt, but still strong. The hex portion is made so that when you tighten the outer belt, it can flex and make the outer adjustment possible.

  Kore Essentials outer belt is where all the real magic happens. First, it has a track system that mates with an adjustable buckle. Yes, that’s correct, an easily adjustable outer belt. There are 20 little tracks inside the belt that the buckle can grab onto. Each track is ¼” apart. So essentially you have 5” of adjustment, or 2.5” in each direction. This adjustment is what sets the Kore Essentials Battle belt apart from the rest. It is super easy to adjust while wearing it. To loosen the belt, there is a little tab on the top of the buckle that you push away from your body. Just push it and either loosen the belt, or take it off completely. To tighten the belt, just push the belt in and the buckle ratchets over the tracks. It then holds tight when you find the right adjustment. The loosening tab can take a little getting used to, it can be hard to find when the belt is cinched up. There is also a velcro keeper that keeps the extra belt tang contained.

  The outer belt is stout. As Kore Essentials says "Outer Battle Belt is Nylon Web flanked by two rows of Molles, a Super-Fiber inner lining & proprietary Reinforced Power-Core™ center". What does that mean for you? Well, it’s super strong and not flexible, just what you probably want in a battle belt. The MOLLE allows you to easily attach all the goodies like magazine carriers, first aid kits, etc. The reinforced core lets you hand lots of weight on the belt without it flexing in the wrong way. Kore says it can handle up to 20 pounds of gear. I’m running a holster, IFAK, 2 AR mags, 3 pistol mags, and a dump pouch without any problems.  

  With most battle belts, you must decide what size to purchase, not the Kore Essentials one. Because of the way Kore Essentials does this battle belt, it comes large enough to fit a 48” waist. The Kore Battle Belts are made to be cut down to your specific size using their supplied measuring tape system. Just line up the tape with the end of the belt that has the track on it. Then cut the outer belt to your pant size and the inner belt to 1” less than your pant size. I did this first using my pant size that I carry IWB with, the belt was a little long, so I cut it down 2” to my actual pant size. The belts fits me great. The belts are pretty tuff, so use something really sharp, or really sturdy scissors. I used tin snips. Then hit the ends with a lighter or heat gun to keep them from fraying. Now that the belts are cut, you can install the buckle. Put the buckle on the outer belt, where you cut it, clamp it on and then install the screws to keep it super secure. Kore also gives you a crimp on end for the inner belt. I couldn’t get it to crimp on properly, it just wouldn’t stay. So I threw the metal clip away and just wrapped some duct tape around it.

  I have been using the Kore Essentials battle belt on most of my range trips. It really is a nice piece of gear. My biggest complaint, and it’s not just from Kore, is that the MOLLE isn’t spaced properly for most stuff to fit tightly. This is a 1.75” belt problem in general, not just the Kore Essentials one. My favorite part of the Kore battle belt is that it can be adjusted on the fly.  They also sent me a closet hanger, which is pretty neat. The buckle just clicks onto it and you can hang the belt in your closet.

  The Kore Battle Belt system is really that, a system. The two belts work seamlessly together. Having the ability to adjust your battle belt on the fly is great and Kore’s ratchet system works well for this. Being able to buy it as a one size fits most, is also pretty cool. The price is reasonable for what you are getting also. If you are in the market for a battle/duty belt, give Kore Essentials a look.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable Battle/Duty belt with inner velcro belt

Target Market:

Those needing a rugged, heavy duty range belt with MOLLE

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Adjustable sizing

  • 2 belt system (inner & outer)

  • 1.75” wide outer belt

  • 1.5” wide inner belt

  • Holds up to 20 lbs

  • 24”-48” sizing

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Coyote and Ranger Green

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars @koreessentials.com

BEST BATTLE BELT I'VE EVER USED.

FRANCIS C.

As a security officer and firearms instructor I run through a lot of equipment. I 1st came across the Kore Essential belt systems about 3 years ago loved the idea of the ratchet system on the EDC belts been hooked on them ever since and that's all I've used. Then came the battle belt and I was more impressed than ever these belts are not only tough but they make your equipment float around your waist it's like you're wearing nothing at all. Although the belts are rated to carry 20 pounds you would have to carry a whole bunch of stuff to fill any kind of weight at least that's how I feel. I love these belts, good job Kore Essential, you hit another home run!!! I turned my students and other security officers on to your belt systems, they all love them, no bad reviews yet.

Link to other reviews:

The Armory Life 

Price point:

MSRP = $139.95

Retail = $139.95 at Glock Store

I need it now! Availability:

Kore Essentials 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Stiff - in a good way

  • Adjustable 

  • MOLLE compatible 

  • Inner/outer belt system

  • Holds all my gear easily 

Cons:

  • MOLLE spacing isn't quite correct

  • Buckle latch can be odd to use

  • Frays where cut (lighter took care of this) 

  • Inner belt, crimp on end clamp sucks

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Gun Guys Garage

Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 10MM

Written by: Rusty Odom

1MM MORE PLEASE

  As maybe you can tell this article is about my review of the new S&W MP 2.0 10MM. Now that's a mouth full, but with Smith & Wesson you sometimes need a secret decoder ring to find out what gun you have. If you want to know more about the S&W decoder ring, check out the Handgun Radio podcast. These guys do a fabulous job getting you through the number codes of Smith.

  So let's begin with how it was received, when I showed up to my trusty FFL I got the generic cardboard box that most all of my S&W’s come in. I was not impressed by the packaging at all. Unlike when I have picked up my Sig’s, Caniks’ and even Glock’s they have all been in a hard plastic box that will double as a range box. Inside you had your typical owner’s manual, paperwork, gun lock and of course the pistol and two 15 round magazines. There are also several different palm swell back straps to fit most anyone's hand. There was also a bag filled with numerous optic mounting plates labeled with numbers. If you’re mounting an optic you will have to use the instruction manual and know what your optic’s footprint is to find the right plate. The particular model I bought has a SKU#13388, it is the 4.6” barrel, manual thumb safety and optics ready.

  Starting with the frame and working my way up I am going to give you a brief description. On the grip, where the magazine goes in, you will notice a cutout on both sides for easy stripping of the magazine if a failure happens. There is a takedown tool tucked neatly in the handle. Just rotate it and it comes right out. This also lets you change the backstrap panels out if you need to adjust for hand size. The stippling on the grip is nice and tacky, it is different from any other firearm I have and definitely felt good. The trigger guard is not square like a lot of other pistols, it is a little blocky, but has a nice round edge for the larger hand people to get a nice high grip. It has a nice undercut at the area where the trigger guard and grip come together. This helps out with the old “Glock knuckle” I get on my Glocks. Moving up the frame you will notice a 1911 style thumb safety, I would have not initially bought this model with a thumb safety but, that is all they had with the longer barrel length I wanted. The safety is ambidextrous and easy to get to and is not in the way. If you are a 1911 shooter you will feel right at home. It is tactile and has a nice sound when engaged and disengaged. The slide release is nice and tucked in with a raised fence around it. You might think of it like most AR lowers that have their controls tucked in. The frame also has an accessory rail at the end to accommodate your chosen gadgets.

  The slide has nice cutout scallops on the rear for easy gripping. The front of the slide also has a nice cutout, if you're a press checker you should like them as well. They all should be easy to grab with gloves on. The pistol comes with nice suppressor height sights that also make co-witnessing with a dot optic nice. The only concern I have with the optic cutout is the plastic plates for mounting your optic on. I would like to think there was a lot of R&D that went into it so that the plastic doesn't give and let the optic come loose and smack you in the forehead. I mounted a green dot optic from Swampfox, it is their Justice optic, I also put their Ironside Shield on it to protect the optic. This did raise the optic up a bit so the sights are just a little below the dot. 

  The takedown lever is fairly easy to use, but I would read the instructions before attempting it. Smith & Wesson has two different ways to do this procedure. Follow all normal safety procedures, lock the slide back, rotate the lever downwards. From this point you can use the disassembly tool located in the grip to push the sear down, then you can just pull the slide off. The other option is to rotate the lever down, let the slide go forward and then pull the trigger like a lot of other striker fired autos. The slide will then just come off the end. Reassembly is the same procedure just in reverse. 

Now let's get to the specs and then what I like and dislike about it.

  • Height : 5.6”

  • Length: 7.9”

  • Weight: 29.6 oz

  • Width: 1.3”

  So as you can see the specs are not too far off than any other full size striker fired handgun on the market. The pistol feels great in the hands, it has a natural pointability, the stippling is nice and stays in the hands. The sights are awesome, nice and tall and easy to pick up. I mentioned the thumb safety already. Now let us talk about the trigger. I have read other reviews and watched youtube videos about the new 10MM. I so wanted my trigger to not be, well mush on my finger. I dried fired my pistol for a week before I sent the first round down range, I practiced trying to find the reset and take up, just like I do on all firearms. Plain and simple, the trigger stinks, it is bad, it is like squeezing a french fry with your finger on the edge of the table. It just fell apart. There was no audible reset and barely a feel for it as well. Take up was ok then it just went mush. I want to say this is the first M&P I own, so I can't compare it to others. The other ones I have fired all had replacement triggers in them. So my solution to this problem was to dry fire some more. I did it everyday for about a month, so now I know where it is going to fall apart. 

  The shootability of the pistol is great despite the trigger, I handed it off to my 14 year old daughter and she ran it like a 9mm. The look on her face when she turned around was great, she could have caught flies in her mouth. I loaded the mags with Freedom Munitions 180gr FMJ, and shot about 300 rounds. The pistol ran great, it never missed a beat. Then I loaded up some Underwood 180gr bonded jacketed hollow points…….. This is where it was different, there was a big difference in recoil, it was still very comfortable and manageable. You could tell you had a hold of a hand cannon. This is where the memories of shooting my 44 mags flashed back, except I had 15 rounds of thunder in my hands. I had so many thoughts rushing through my mind, how many hogs can I take at once, can I double tap a deer at 50 yards, the bear won't have a chance once it is treed, lord have mercy if someone breaks into my house with this beast next to the bed. Lets just say if you have ever fired a center fired magnum revolver and liked it, you are going to love this. I love it so much I think I am going to name this pistol. I will take suggestions, just find me on Instagram @6gundaddy and let me know what a good name should be. Oh back to the review, once I started shooting the trigger issue went away. It is still bad, but you forget about it. I just trained around it. I think it goes with any firearm, that if you know the manual of arms, its strengths and weaknesses, and train with it, you will be just fine. Do I think Smith & Wesson should have put a better trigger in it? YES I do! With the technology that is out there today and so many aftermarket triggers, it could be better, but it is what it is. If everything was perfect I would not be writing this article.

  To end the review, I am giving this pistol a above average review, as you can tell I do not like the trigger or packaging, but that is just my personal opinion. It is going to be my primary hunting firearm for running hogs, black bears and deer in southeast Tennessee. I have always liked the challenge of hunting with a handgun. I do it every year, I swap out between my Blackhawk .357 and my Ruger Security 6 .357. With proper ammunition and training I think this pistol will fit into that notch that a lot of guys are arguing about online, the old 45 ACP or the 9MM. I just say let's split the difference, forget about the 40 S&W and call the 10mm the new big boy on the block in auto loaders. I see why there is a cult following for this caliber, it is fun, recoil is fun but not too bad, it can play a multi role of self defense, critter control on the farm or backpack hunting. This caliber will not let you down. 

Just a few side notes, if you buy one, you do not have to hunt for holsters, The frame size is the same as the S&W MP 45. So that is a plus unlike a lot of other new firearms on the market. The safety, it can be removed and you can order a safety block plug that fills the gap of where the lever was. I did do this one to mine because safety levers on striker fired pistols are not needed in my opinion. You can order the plugs for just a few dollars from just about anywhere.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Bigger than a 9mm

Badder than the 45 ACP

Blows the 40 S&W out of the water

Cult like following

Target Market:

Dedicated reloaders

People wanting something with magnum like power in an auto loader

Hunters

EDC

Those who like recoil

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product): 

Reliable

Easy to shoot

Holsters are the same as the M&P 45

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Compact version for CCW

10 round version for communist states

A version without a external safety 

What others are saying?:

Low bore axis

Smooth round contour

Grip texture is great

Link to other reviews:

Outdoor Life

Hammer Striker

Price point:

On par for most comparable striker fired pistols from a big company

From $599 to $665

I need it now! Availability:

Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • A quality product from the UA

  • 10mm ammo is available

  • 15 round magazines

  • Great sight

  • Grips are excellent

  • Optic ready

Cons:

  • Trigger is bad

  • Packaging with mine could have been better

  • Unsure of the optic mounting plates at this time

Score: 7.00 Good


Primary Arms IFAK Kit

  Primary Arms has been releasing new products left and right. They recently came out with their own trauma medical kit and a pouch to hold it all in. Well, they may have teamed up with North American Rescue for the supplies, which is a good thing. Many of us are big proponents of having medical gear, especially trauma medical gear, me included. Let’s not forget the knowledge of how to use that med gear also.

  The main part of this med kit is the Individual First Aid Kit, or IFAK for short. It has all the goodies you will need to stop major trauma, see the FNB’s below for the contents. It is also vacuum sealed, so if you want to leave it that way, you can. Or open it up and use it as a refill for your current kit. One big advantage to this IFAK kit is that it comes with a CAT tourniquet. Another nice addition in the kit are chest seals. I actually added an inhaler and some antihistamines, because you never know when you might be allergic to something. If you don’t know how to use some of this stuff, they include a little instruction card to help you remember. The card doesn't take the place of actual training, but it can help.

  Primary Arms then adds in their First Aid Pouch. Mine is in OD Green, but they have black, red, and coyote. It also comes with a little red cross patch so that others know it’s some sort of medical kit. The pouch itself measures 7” x 6” x 4.5”. It’s a nice size for all the stuff in the IFAK, but is a little large to mount on a duty belt. However, it could work nicely on a vest or on a bag. For mounting the pouch, it uses the standard MOLLE snap straps. They are permanently affixed to the back panel of the pouch. Speaking of the back panel, it is separate from the pouch itself. The back panel is a big chunk of soft loop. The main pouch just sticks to the backing. The back then has a strap that can be wrapped around the pouch to keep it more secure. I really like this mounting, that way the pouch can be torn off and used quickly, or taken to someone who needs it. There is a handle on top to help with the aforementioned. Of course, the pouch has 2 zippers that meet at the top to make access easy. Various elastic pockets inside give you a variety of mounting options for all the medical gear in your kit. There is some MOLLE on the front, in case you need to attach something to the front of it, along with a strip of soft loop above the MOLLE. Lastly, it has a top flap that can hold the tourniquet on the outside. It’s a good idea, I just didn’t think it is sturdy enough to keep the tourniquet in place under hard use.

   Luckily, I have never had to use any of my trauma gear. Except maybe a band-aid or two. The Primary Arms IFAK is still a great way to have it ready if needed. Since they are reasonably priced, you can throw one in your vehicle, backpack, or wherever you might think you’ll need it. If you just want a decent small medical bag so you can put your own supplies in it, that’s an option also.

  I’m really glad Primary Arms started putting all this trauma medical gear in one place. You can’t go wrong with this IFAK kit, it has all the supplies you might need in this size of kit. I’d definitely check it out, especially since you can just get the refill kit if you already have some sort of med kit/pouch. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Individual First Aid Kit with tear away pouch

Target Market:

Anyone needing a first aid trauma kit

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

First Aid Pouch

  • 600D Construction

  • 7” x 6” x 4.5” 

  • MOLLE/PALS Compatible

  • Clam Shell Configuration

Kit

  • CAT Combat Application Tourniquet

  • Vacuum Sealed Bag

  • Patrolatum Gauze (3" x 18")

  • Emergency Trauma Dressing (4", Flat)

  • Blue responder gloves (Large)

  • Compressed Gauze

  • 1" Surgical Tape

  • Hyfin Compact Vented Chest Seal Dressing (Twin pack)

  • 1oz Eye wash solution

  • Safetec Burn Gel

  • Small 6.25" Trauma Shears

  • 10 flexible fabric bandages (3/4" x 3")

  • Ziploc Bag (2" x 5")

  • 2 Antibiotic Ointment

  • 8 Alcohol Prep Pads

  • Bleeding Control Instruction Card

  • Emergency Survival Blanket (52" x 84")

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Coyote, Black, or Red

What others are saying?:

As of writing, nothing on the Primary Arms website

Link to other reviews:

As of writing, I found no reviews

Price point:

MSRP = $139.99

Retail =

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Includes all essential trauma kit needs

  • Tear away pouch

  • Quick access

Cons:

  • External way of holding tourniquet 

Score:  8.50 Great

VZ Grips - AR Grip

  VZ grips has been making handgun grip panels for eons. They also make rifle grips for AR’s and SCAR rifles. The rifle grips are made from VZ’s durable G10. Being that VZ is a sponsor of the Gun & Gear Review podcast, they graciously sent one of the AR grips with their Gen 2 Stipple pattern. Besides the Stipple pattern, VZ makes AR grips with 6 other textures, all of them have various color options available.

  With all the various color combinations available from VZ, I opted for the grip in all black. I mainly chose black because it would go with whatever rifle or pistol I chose to install it on. As previously mentioned, VZ does also offer two-tone grips and they are made from the same proprietary G10. These color options and patterns can give the VZ AR grip a fantastic look.

  The Stipple gen 2 pattern I opted for is VZ’s most aggressive grip texture, at least in their AR style grips. The Stipple pattern resembles a good stippling job. But, VZ’s stippling is done on a 4-axis CNC machine that cuts out the desired pattern. The pattern wraps around the grip for 270 degrees, however the front of the grip is not patterned. The Stipple pattern is sharp. If you have soft hands, this grip pattern will probably be way too aggressive for you. I would say it is almost too aggressive for me, but only almost. It is also super grippy. Wrap your hand around this thing and it is not moving. It doesn’t matter what kind of grime, oil, blood, or sweat you get on your hands, this Stipple pattern will give you a great grip! I am super satisfied with the texture.

  I first mounted the VZ Stipple grip on an AR pistol. I did this because I wanted to try it out on something different. This allowed me to shoot one handed with the Stipple pattern grip. The grip performed well in this application and didn’t feel overly aggressive. I then proceeded to try it on a rifle. Same thing, the grip performed well. I preferred using it on the standard rifle, as the grip angle seemed very comfortable with either the stock collapsed or extended fully. This says a lot for the 17 degree grip angle that VZ uses on this grip. The grip did feel a little odd when using it on the pistol, as a shallower grip angle would have worked a little better for me. But that’s no fault of VZ Grips.

  VZ has done a great job with the Stipple Gen 2 AR grip. I really like the super aggressive texture, some people might not, but VZ makes other textures that are more suitable for the less aggressive crowd. If you want to feel secure using your rifle in all circumstances, then definitely look into the Stipple pattern grips. VZ has definitely created a great AR grip.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

G10 AR grips

Target Market:

Those wanting indestructible, various grip texture, and various color grips for AR rifles 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 270 degrees of machined texture

  • Machined from a solid piece of G10

  • 17 degree grip angle

  • Standard Length of 4" over all

  • 3.6oz

  • Sharp Stipple pattern texture

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Lots of different color and texture options here - https://vzgrips.com/shop-all/rifles/ar15-grips/

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at VZ Grips

This grip is incredible. Very aggressive. If you have thin skin, you better throw some gloves on. This thing is the real deal. 10/10 I recommend. And will use VZ on all future builds

5/5 stars at VZ Grips

I’m very please with this grip. I ordered the red and black full-size stippled grip and it looks fantastic. As another reviewer noted the texture is VERY aggressive. There is little to no chance of it sliding around in your hand. I imagine it would be great for active competitive shooting. I ended up carefully sanding some of the sharper points down just a bit and it’s much more pleasant on bare hands. A quick wipe with my cleaning rag and you can’t even tell they’ve been sanded. I’m quite pleased and would highly recommend!

Link to other reviews:

I couldn’t find any worth while

Price point:

MSRP = $85.00

Retail = 15% off using code “GGR15”

I need it now! Availability:

VZ Grips

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Stipple pattern is super sharp and grippy

  • 17 degree grip angle

  • Color options

  • 1 piece design

  • Various grip patterns

Cons:

  • Some options can be too aggressive

  • More expensive than other grips

Score: 8.50 Great

RMT Nomad Trigger

  The trigger market is flooded with good AR triggers. To stand out, you need to think outside the box. RMT Triggers has done just that with their Nomad trigger. The Nomad has a pivoting and rotating trigger shoe. Yes, the trigger actually pivots to fit to your finger placement on the shoe.

  As mentioned, the first noticeable difference in the Nomad trigger is its moveable trigger shoe. The trigger shoe is free floating, so to speak. It will pivot and rotate up to 6 degrees off of center. This will place the trigger shoe exactly where it needs to be on your finger. If your finger is a little short or long, it rotates to give your finger pad a perfect contact point on the trigger face. Maybe you don’t have a perfect grip on the rifle, the Nomad will also pivot for better finger pad contact. 

  The Nomad uses a flat face trigger. This works very well with the pivoting system. I typically don’t prefer flat faced triggers, but the Nomad is really nice. It’s called a flat trigger, but in reality, it has an ever so slight curve to it. This very slight curve might be why I like it more than other flat faced triggers.

Notice that the trigger is pushed out toward the edge of the trigger guard, due to it’s pivoting system

  When I, and others, first felt the Nomad trigger we thought it was a little odd. This was because of the noticeably left and right movement. This completely went away when we shot the actual Nomad. When shooting a rifle with the Nomad trigger in it, you don’t even notice that the trigger pivots and rotates to fit you. The Nomad just does what it does, adjusts to you and how you shoot. The trigger is also very fast to use!

  Now that the exotic parts of the Nomad are out of the way, it is still a drop in trigger. The Nomad is your typical cartridge style AR trigger. This makes installation super easy. Just remove the old trigger, pull the grip off, slide out the safety, then drop the Nomad in. The trigger comes with a set of anti-rotation pins, which are needed for installation and are something I recommend for cartridge style triggers. So the pins being included is a bonus in my eyes.

Notice how trigger is rotated.

  Besides the free adjusting trigger shoe system, the Nomad is a good feeling trigger. As mentioned before, I like the shape of the trigger shoe. The pull has a tiny bit of pre-travel, followed by a fairly short break , with little to no over-travel. Total trigger travel is around 0.125” measured at the bottom of the trigger shoe. My only complaint with the Nomad is its gritty pull. When pulling the trigger slowly, you can feel the grittiness in it. It hasn’t gone away either, even with over a thousand trigger presses, thanks to the Mantis Blackbeard. The Nomad is still a very fast trigger to shoot. When pulling the trigger at anything other than a slow pace, the grittiness is not noticeable. Part of the reason the trigger is fast is its great reset. The other reason is its 3 lb pull weight. I can shoot the Nomad on par with my other “fast” triggers. I don’t even notice the pivoting shoe when shooting fast or slow. The Nomad I received consistently has a pull weight of 3lbs 2ozs. 

  I’ve put a bunch of time in on the RMT Nomad trigger. I’ve had other people try it out. In the end, everyone seemed to like it. I think RMT has a really good idea going with the Nomad trigger. It may seem a little expensive, but you're getting a quality trigger PLUS something that can help you pull that trigger, wherever your finger decides it wants to be placed on it. At first the RMT Nomad may seem odd, but give it a chance, and you will see what it is all about. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

AR pivoting shoe trigger

Target Market:

Those wanting a good trigger that adjusts to their finger placement

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 6 degrees rotation & pivot

  • Short Reset

  • Non-adjustable 3 lb pull weight

  • Cartridge style

  • Anti-rotation pins included

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Soon to be non-pivoting trigger

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Opticsplanet.com

Red's Review of RMT Triggers Nomad Trigger

Fascinated by the concept, but skeptical at first. Buddies tried to convince me to go with something else, cause they thought “it would exacerbate bad habits.” Now here I am having the last laugh. Shooting this trigger compared to my buddies, my groupings are significantly tighter, and now they want one! Definitely worth every penny. I still shoot well with other triggers, I just shoot even better with this one. If you are looking for the competitive advantage, this trigger gives you it!

Pros:

  • Crisp break

  • Short reset

  • really well made

  • The trigger adapts to me

  • No need for finger gymnastics or awkward gripping

  • improved my groupings

Link to other reviews:

Gun Mag Warehouse

Price point:

MSRP = $299.00

Retail = $279.99 at Optics Planet

I need it now! Availability:

RMT Triggers or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Trigger adjusts to user

  • Short 3 lb pull

  • Extremely Fast

  • Great short reset

  • Drop in - cartridge style

Cons:

  • Gritty when pulling slow

  • Price

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

Brash Tactical

  Brash Tactical has come into the gear/accessory market with a bunch of products. These products are made in the USA with mostly American sourced materials. Brash Tactical sent the Gun & Gear Podcast crew a bunch of stuff to try out. We have been using the stuff for some time now.

  The products Brash Tactical sent us were belts and slings. We will have a short section discussing the products each of us received.

Chad:

Double Duty + Kydex Leather Belt - Black: $49.99

  This belt, as the name says, is a double layer, 1.5” wide, leather belt with a kydex insert for stiffness. The belt uses 2 layers of 8 oz American steer hide that is also tanned in America. Brash Tactical then sews these two pieces over the kydex. The US made steel roller buckle is attached in place by looping the outer layer of leather through it and then riveting the leather to hold it in place. Brash Tactical uses ¾” hole spacing on the adjustment holes.

  I have been wearing this belt everyday since it arrived. It is a beast of a leather belt! The belt is around 5/16” thick. I really do like the thickness, it will hold up just about any pistol you decide to carry on it. Where the buckle attaches, there is only a single layer of leather, this makes it easier to use, as well as not making it as thick where the tail rides. The one problem I have with the belt is that the kydex seems to have either set or cracked, where it makes a sharp turn around my IWB holster. It doesn’t affect the belt any, it just looks a little odd. The belt still looks very good and is comfortable to wear. Next time, I’d probably opt for just the non kydex double duty belt, or the Hybrid like Zane and Rob received. 

Deluxe Quick-Adjust 2 Point Sling - Multicam black w/QD’s: $19.99 

  Brash Tactical’s Quick-Adjust sling is a 1” wide, mil-spec webbing, 2 point sling. It comes in a variety of colors or patterns, they sent me Multicam Black with the optional QD’s. This sling uses a quick release steel cam buckle. With the paracord handle that is attached to the cam buckle, you can easily make the sling shorter or longer. Just pull the tab away from you to lengthen the sling. Or pull the buckle up and in toward you, to make the sling shorter.

  The Quick-Adjust sling is easy to use. I found that it works better if the attachments (QD’s) are spaced farther apart on the rifle. So one up by the muzzle, and the other at the rear of the stock. This sling is a little awkward if the mounting points are close together. However, the sling does what it is supposed to do. The 1” wide webbing is a little narrow for my liking, or it needs padding. But for a US made sling for $20, you honestly can’t go wrong.

Loop-Adjust Sling - Black w/QD’s: $17.99 

  The Loop Adjust Sling is also a 1” wide, mil-spec webbed, 2 point sling. The difference is the hand loop that is used to adjust the length. Just pull/slide it up or down to shorten or lengthen the sling. It really is that simple.

  Brash Tactical Loop Sling is one of the easiest slings to adjust. I really do like this sling. Its adjustments are just so easy and intuitive. I was worried that because it was so easy to adjust, it would loosen up. That was not the case, it is very tight when in use. Yes, it also uses the 1” webbing, so it can dig into your shoulder a little bit, but that’s only after extended use. For a $18 US made sling with QD’s, how can you really go wrong.

 Rob:

Hybrid Leather and Nylon +Kydex Belt: $39.99

  When I received the belt, the buckle prong was on the wrong side of the frame.  This meant that you could not insert the belt through the punch holes.  I reached out to Chris, sent him a few photos, and he sent me a return receipt to send the belt back.  A little over two weeks later I had the replacement with the prong on the correct side,

The belt felt strong and fit well. I have been using this belt for two months and have no major complaints so far. The kydex insert supports full size pistols with ease and this is a solid belt. 

  My main issue with this is the kydex stops just before the punch holes.  My experience with similar belts is, after time, the holes will start to open (stretch) causing the belt to slide down.  My personal preference is their double duty belt, where the Kydex takes up the full length of the belt, but that is just a preference. (Editorial note: The kydex doesn’t run through the holes on the Double Duty belt, but it is two layers of leather, which can help with this)


Tony:

Loop-Adjust Sling: $17.99 

Single Point Sling: $29.99

  I received the Brash Tactical Loop Adjustable sling and their Single Point Bungee sling. The 2 point sling was installed on my Hi Point 995 carbine in a High Tower Armory MBS 95 chassis. The sling worked well with the bullpup design, the adjustment allowed the gun to be brought tight into my body when needed. It's easy to manipulate. 

  The con for the Brash Tactical 2 point slings is it lacks width. That lack of width causes the 9 pound carbine to quickly become (at first) annoying and eventually irritating on my shoulder. Taking an all day class or carrying it for a few hours would become distracting if not painful. It needs to be wider, thicker and maybe have some padding. For short range trips it won't bother most people. 

  The single point bungee sling was way too long and had no adjustment in the bag for length. I installed it on my 10/22 in the High Tower Armory 90/22 chassis that I use to introduce kids to firearms. The sling suspended the firearm below my belt buckle. Regardless of placement it hung too low to be of any practical value. If there's a method of shortening the sling it would work well. 

  For multi hour use, I wouldn't recommend either due to the negatives.


Zane:

Zane’s stuff will be added at a later date, or when he finishes it.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

American made gear

Target Market:

Those wanting American made gear at an affordable price

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Belts, slings, and gun cases

What others are saying?:

Mixed reviews on Amazon

Link to other reviews:

Amazon

Price point:

MSRP = See Brash Tactical’s website

Retail = See Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Brash Tactical or Amazon

Score: Somewhere between a 6.00 and a 7.50 - It really depended on the product

LaserMax CenterFire Laser for the Ruger LC9, LC9S, LC380, and EC9S

Written by: Rich S.


I would start by saying if you have ever been to Houston Texas in the summer, you’ll understand this more than others. Houston is a humid and oppressively hot city most of the year and a full size or even some compact carry pistols just don’t conceal well under the shorts and t-shirt required to deal with the heat. You see I am not a large fellow, so size matters (That one's for Zane). For me my sweaty summer day EDC is the Ruger ec9s micro 9mm.

I really liked this little gun; you’re not going to be knocking down prairie dogs at 50 yards, but it’ll do the job at 10-20 yards. The sights on the Ruger are milled into the slide and boast the same black color as the rest of the firearm. I can tell you that it did become apparent very quickly in a dark parking lot with a target in dark clothing that I could not pick up the front sights. As I said earlier, I like the size and have become proficient with this little guy but after this incident things needed to change.

  I sought out a few options to remedy the issue from rolling with my Sig on my hip to searching for a replacement to fill the role of “board shorts gun”. I settled on finding an option that would allow me to keep the micro 9 size and weight I like so much but allow me to easily acquire a target in an off platform firing position. What I found was the LaserMax CenterFire.

This product is made specifically to fit the contours of the Ruger micro line of pistols and once installed looks like a factory accessory! Its red laser has simple adjustments, is easy to install and has an ergonomic on/off button on each side. 

I have been using this little laser for over 18 months and have about 5,500 rounds through the gun with it attached. The Lasermax has held zero even with the beating it has taken as an everyday carry on a sometimes-sweaty dude. It’s made of a tough nylon material with an ambidextrous on/off button and fully adjustable windage and elevation. The centerfire laser weighs in at 1oz and a 4-hour battery life and a 5-year warranty. You can buy direct from Lasermax for an MSRP or $129 or pick one up on Amazon for around $90.00 - $100.00. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Laser for Ruger line of pistols

Target Market:

Anyone with a Ruger LC9, LC9S, LC380, and EC9S looking to add a laser for dryfire practice or everyday carry

 FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Compact design

  • Ambidextrous on/off button

  • Fully adjustable windage and elevation

  • Rugged design 

  • Weight: 1oz

  • Dimensions:3.5”x1.5”x.75”

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None 

What others are saying?:

4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon

Link to other reviews:

LaserMax CenterFire Laser (Red) CF-LC9 Review

Price point:

MSRP = $129.99

Retail = $100 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

LaserMax or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  •  Fits like a factory installed accessory

  •  Ergonomic design

  •  Ambidextrous 

  •  Price

Cons:

  •  Niche product

  •  Battery accessibility 

Score: 7.5 Good - for what it is 

 Favorite Link:  (Ruger LCP and LC9 with LaserMax Centerfire Laser  (Love the infomercial voice!) 

Point Blank Firearms Simulator

  Firearms simulators are a great way to train at home without needing to purchase ammunition, especially when availability is scarce and prices are high.  The primary drawback is they are either very expensive or super cheap.  Last year Point Blank Simulator (PBS) offered me the chance to review their new simulator and I accepted.

  To run their software I needed to purchase a computer which can run their software, the requirements are on their website (Click for link).  The simulator is very graphics intensive and will not look good on my old PC.  Once I got the software installed it was easy to see why you need a gaming PC.  Some of the courses, particularly the outdoor ones, have graphics intensive backgrounds and lower end computers might not get the job done.  

  While it is possible to use PBS on a LED TV, they do not recommend this as their design can absorb the laser light and interfere with shot recording. While most projectors will work fine, PBS has specifications for a projector which will properly display the images.  These requirements, while stringent, are designed to provide the best picture and accuracy for the simulator.

  I contacted PBS and they recommended the HP Pavilion 15.6" Gaming Laptop for $850 and the Optoma GT1080HDR projector for $650.  Since I already had a Laser training pistol and the LASR barrel insert I was able to use them and save some money.

  They sent a high speed camera as standard web cameras are not fast enough to pick up the laser hits.  Setup involves installing the camera configuration software and PBS program.  Once installed you have to configure the camera so it can find the laser hits. They have videos on this which are fairly easy to follow, but can be tricky for some users.  The camera was shipped with a desktop tripod, which I did not care for, so I used my tactical tripod (you can see the review here) which worked great.  

  I had a few issues setting up the camera so I reached out to their customer service for assistance. PBS is based out of the UK so they use internet based communications with US customers (Whats App, Instagram, email etc.).  I found them to be very responsive, professional and give their customer service an excellent rating.  To remote into my desktop, they use Splashtop.  This allows them to troubleshoot issues, set up the software, camera and get me running. They also set up the triple foot pedals, but more on that later.

  When setting up the camera the room has to be free of external lights in order for the iris to work properly.  The location I originally set up the camera was too bright but once it was moved inside, with the blinds closed the lights off it functioned properly. If you want to use this outdoors it will need to be in the evening. 

  With the camera calibration completed, open the simulator and pick a course of fire or drill.  You can navigate most of the screens with the laser pistol or mouse.  The basic package includes several static ranges and shoot houses, both of which have stationary and moving targets.  Depending on the scenario they can track your split times, overall time and score.  Also included in the basic package is a game called “Rise of the Machines” which reminds me of a 3D version of Space Invaders.  One of the most useful features is the shot tracking, where you can review the stage and see the hit locations and path to the target.  

  The basic package is currently $35 per month with a one-time setup fee of $100.  There are three additional packages you can purchase for $12 per month which have additional scenarios designed for specific disciplines (Civilian, CTE and IPSC).  Some drills have reloads, transition from pistol to rifle, clearing malfunctions and outdoor stages.  

  To start and move within the stages you can use your laser or foot pedals (purchased separately).  To start with the laser shoot the green Ready box and then the arrows in the bottom corners of the screen which appear to indicate movement right or left.  Alternatively, you can use the foot pedals to start and move within the stages (center starts, left and right to move accordingly).  I have found the pedals a convenient way to move within the stages. In addition, using the center pedal allows you to to easily start from a holstered position.

  I originally ordered the basic package but ran into issues trying to add an additional module.  PBS was contacted and they were able to assist me with adding the additional package.  In addition, when I first set up my account, I was hit with a currency exchange and foreign transaction fees from my credit card. I was charged $48 for the service + $.50 in transaction fees. I reached out to PBS and they worked with me to resolve the issue and said that the  currency conversion issues have been resolved (another example of great customer service)..  

  Most other home based ranges use static targets or you have to define the target. PBS allows for several different static, dynamic and moving ranges. In addition the modules have various drills which involve transitioning between targets, rifle to pistol, weapons clearing, and several other scenarios. 

  Another optional feature is to use the Xbox Kinect v2 for body tracking.  You can connect the Kinect to your PC and PBS will use it to track your movements and translate them to movement on the range.  This can be movement within the stage, use of cover, quick peeks etc.  It looks interesting (click for video) but you have to purchase the equipment separately, and to date, I have not tried it.  

  Issues encountered using the software were discussed with PBS and they are working on:

  • Making the camera configuration easier

  • Revising their website to make it easier to update your account.

Note - correcting these items will result in a change to this review.

Setup Costs:

Setup Fee $ 100 (one-time cost)

Camera $ 235 (required)*

Projector $ 650

Computer $ 850

Foot Pedal $   40

Laser Pistol $    0 (already had one)

TOTAL $1875

  Their camera is required only if you don’t already have Smokeless Range or SimRange by LaserShot as PBS can run using their cameras.

  Is this worth the cost?  The most recent price for 9MM target ammo is $0.35 per round, $1875 will purchase 5,357 rounds of ammo.  While this is a lot of range time, PBS also saves mileage, travel time and overbearing range masters while allowing you to practice in the comfort of your home.  The costs above assume you are only using the computer and projector for the range.  In my case, the computer is my new PC and the projector doubles as a television.  

  Here is a current breakdown of the prices for the PBS range:

Basic Range:

  • $35 per month

  • $100 one time setup

    Base standard range

    Static Targets

    Dynamic Targets

    Plinking Courses of fire

    Baseline courses

    Shot detection software

    1 user account included

Civilian Drills ADD-ON:

  • $12 Per Month

    No setup fee

    Firearms drills

    Add-on for "Personal User - Basic range"

CTE Drills ADD-ON:

  • $12 Per Month

    No setup fee

    Critical Task Evaluation Drills

    11 pass / fail exam drills

    PAR times set to NATO Special Forces levels

    Add-on for "Personal User - Basic range"

IPSC Comp ADD-ON:

  • $12 Per Month

    No setup fee

    Competition courses of fire

    IPSC Scoring

    IPSC force factor

    Add-on for "Personal User - Basic range"

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Reasonably priced firearms simulator you can use at home.

Target Market:

Anyone who wants to practice with their firearms at their house.  

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Home based firearms training simulator.

  • Has several different scenarios with static and dynamic target sets.

  • Has several different moving stages that simulate  shoot houses, IPSC and drills.

  • They are continuously working on additional scenarios.

  • Saves money on ammo and travel time.

  • Powerful 3D graphics engine (UE4)

  • Body tracking (Kinect v2 needed) for peeking corners, or reload in cover, negotiating barriers etc.  

  • Accurate After Action Report with splits, score, and color based hit review.

  • Fast and accurate shot detection, for non recoil and recoil, Red and IR lasers.

  • Can integrate into Smokeless Range or SimRange as an addon and can use their camera, saving money.

  • Any caliber data or gun type can be inputted into the sim, and the ballistics are calculated, including realistic bullet holes in paper.

  • Ricochets are also part of the realistic 1:1 ballistics.  

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

The baseline software and three additional modules 

What others are saying?:

See reviews. 

Link to other reviews:

English Shooting Review

Reviews posted to Trustpilot

Price point:

MSRP = $35/month +$100 setup fee.  $12/month for additional modules.

Retail = Only available from PBS website.

I need it now! Availability:

Point Blank Simulator

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Customer service is excellent. 

  • Can train in the privacy of your home. 

  • Has several different scenarios with static and dynamic target sets.

  • Has several different moving stages that simulate  shoot houses, IPSC and drills.

  • Saves money on ammo and travel time.

Cons:

  • Expensive to set up

  • The Camera can be tricky to calibrate.

  • Adding modules is not very easy on their web site.

  • Not available for Mac iOS platform.

  • Camera tripod is not good.

Score: 8.00 Pending correcting the items listed above.

Acebeam E70

  When looking for an everyday carry flashlight, the choices can be overwhelming. There are so many good options out there. Acebeam happens to make a few of those options. One of those options is the Acebeam E70. This particular version is made from aluminum and the real model number is E70-al. The E70-al is what I like to call the “base model’, as more expensive versions are available.

  The Acebeam E70 is around the same size as most tactical flashlights. It is however slightly larger in diameter. It comes in at 5.05” long, 1.06” wide, with a 1.18” diameter head. Or 128.3mm x 27mm x 30mm. Part of the reason for the larger diameter is that the E70 runs a larger 21700 rechargeable battery instead of the more common 18650. Another reason for the size is the cooling spirals. These are grooves cut into the outside of the housing. Acebeam then has a solid blue sleeve inside the outer case. Besides the cooling aspect, it makes for a very good looking flashlight.

  Functionality of the E70 is a little different then a person might be used to. To turn on the E70, you double tap the tail switch. This turns the flashlight on to the last programmed setting. Either low, medium 1, medium 2, or high. To set the programming, turn the light on, then hold the button down. The E70 will cycle through the four modes, just release the button when the desired mode is met. The E70 also has a moonlight mode and a turbo mode. To access the moonlight mode, just hold the tail button down while the E70 is off. To access the turbo mode, the E70 must already be on, in any of the four modes, then double tap the button again and enjoy the brightest output from the E70. Once in turbo mode, you can double tap the button again to take you back to the normal setting you were previously on. When the light is on, you can also triple tap the switch to access the strobe function. In any of the modes, just hit the button once to turn the E70 off. The learning curve to use the E70 is very quick, or at least it was for me.

  When looking for an EDC or Tactical light, one usually looks at candela and lumens. All of these ratings are down below in the FNB’s, as well as run time. I wanted to go over a few of the ratings. For instance, if you want maximum lumens and candela, you must access the Turbo function of the Acebeam E70. Since the Turbo function has a max of 4600 lumens, the thing is stupid bright close up. However, since the Turbo mode, and all the other modes, have a somewhat lower candela, the throw is not as far as most tactical lights. The Turbo mode is listed as 14,400 candela. Because of the lower candela rating, the light pattern coming out of the E70 is very wide. This works well for lighting up a decent sized room, but identifying something out at 100 yds can be difficult. I knew that this was a wide beam flashlight when I asked for it, so I’m not faulting it for the wide beam. Acebeam sells this as an EDC light, not a tactical light. As an EDC light, it works very well.

E70 Turbo mode - notice wide flood pattern

Vehicle High beams - notice more throw

  There’s a few other notable mentions on the E70. For one, the pocket clip is screwed on with two tiny screws! No more having the pocket clip pull off of the flashlight body. The screws did loosen up on me fairly soon into using the light, but a little blue loctite and they haven’t loosed up since. Since the E70 is an EDC light, the tail switch is recessed a little into the end. This allows you to set the flashlight on its end. So if you need to go hands free, and still need some light, just stand it on end and set it somewhere. Having a recessed button, also helps prevent the light from turning on as easily in your pocket. The E70’s bezel is also serrated to use as an impact weapon. It comes with a wrist lanyard too, if you’re into those things, I’m not.

  Using the E70 is pretty self explanatory. At least once you get the button presses down. I really was pleased with how well the E70 worked for me. I would have liked a little more throw, but the light works great and is super bright in the Turbo mode. The pocket clip is also mounted up high, so I was actually able to use it. It’s definitely a deep carry clip. I like that it’s pretty much water proof, so if I drop it in a lake, it won’t die. I chose the 6500k color temperature option, as it is essentially the brightest, but Acebeam does offer it in other color temperatures. 

  The Acebeam E70 is a decent EDC light. It’s not a tactical light, but still has some tactical applications. After all, it’s not being mounted on a rifle, or is it made to be. The E70 will do what most people want from an EDC light. It would make a great addition to someones camping gear, or as a present for someone who needs a bright flashlight, but isn’t tacticool. Go check out the Acebeam E70. Acebeam makes a bunch of other lights that might interest you if the E70 doesn’t

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

High output EDC flashlight

Target Market:

Those who carry and use a flashlight often

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Moonlight: 1 lumen;  11 days

  • Low: 50 lumens; 50 hours 

  • Mid1: 180 lumens; 625cd; 50 meters; 12 hours 45 minutes

  • Mid2: 650 lumens; 1,600cd; 80 meters; 4 hours 

  • High: 1,300 lumens; 3,600cd; 120 meters; 1 hour 45 minutes

  • Turbo: 4,600 lumens; 14,400cd; 240 meters; 1 hours 30 minutes

  • Strobe: 1,650 lumens; 2 hours 30 minutes

  • IP68 rated (2m waterproof)

  • 1m impact resistance

  • Screwed on pocket clip

  • Flat tail switch

  • 21700 battery

  • 128.3mm (Length) x 30mm (Head Diameter) x 27mm (Tube Diameter)

  • 102g(3.59oz.) w/o battery

  • Double click on

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

5000k and CR195 @ 4500k color temperatures

What others are saying?:

Nothing found that was worthwhile  

Link to other reviews:

Zeroair

Price point:

MSRP = $99.80 as tested, $79.90 without a battery

Retail = $94.99 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Acebeam or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • High Lumens

  • Bright

  • Good runtime

  • Flat switch

  • Screwed on pocket clip

Cons:

  • Low candela so really wide pattern

  • Very little throw

  • Uses a “not as standard” battery

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Gun Guys Garage

Virtual-Shot

  When it comes to firearms training in today's world, you almost need some sort of dryfire practice system. Virtual Shot is just that, a dryfire training app for your phone. It includes a phone mount and an ocular lens to use as a scope within the app. Virtual Shot does even more when paired with a trigger reset system like the Mantis Blackbeard or airsoft style rifles.

  When purchasing Virtual Shot, you are buying the rifle mount and a code for the app. They just released a pistol mount version, if that’s your thing. The Virtual Shot mount has two pieces. The phone mount and the “ocular” lens. The mount has a picatinny base which allows it to mount on any rail, etc. Part of this mount is the adjustable holder for your phone. It uses a little thumb stud to slide a rail up and down. Just put your phone in it horizontally and slide the thing down until it is tight, then snug the thumbscrew up. My phone fits snugly with the mount all the way expanded. The phone is right at 3” wide. I also have to take the case off of my phone to get it to fit. However, Virtual Shot’s pistol mount is supposed to accept wider phones. The ocular lens then slides in, up against your phone, to make it possible to see your phone close up. It literally makes it like looking through a scope. 

  The Virtual Shot App:

First thing when the app opens, there is a safety screen. The screen makes you check boxes for safety. If you don’t check the boxes, the app doesn’t open.

Then the main screen appears. The main screen lets you choose what you would like to do. Ranges, Skill Development, Mini Games, Armoury, and Range Builder (only available in the Pro version). There is also a settings button in the corner. The “settings”  button is where you get to choose between yards/meters, trigger reset type, shot detection rate, and most important - if you want a scope, red dot, or pistol. My favorite to use is the red dot option.

Ranges: This is where you go to practice “range” style shooting. In this menu there are three options: Open Range, Gallery Levels, and Mechanical Ranges. The Open Range is just that. You can practice on various different targets and distances. This is a great place to start with the app. The Gallery Levels include IPSC, Speed Steel, Accuracy challenges, and many more pre-built shooting style stages. The Mechanical Ranges has options like the US Army rifle marksmanship qualification and Shoot/No Shoot stages.

Skill Development: This is where you can watch instructional videos and then put what you learned to a test in the “Training Levels”.

Mini Games: My absolute favorite part of the app. As the name states, they are games. The “Junkyard” has various targets set up for you to hit in 1 minute. It then gives you a score. It also keeps track of high scores from other users of the app. This lets you try and beat them. It has “Hunting Levels” which are pretty self explanatory. Then there’s “Zombie Survival” and “Zombie Levels”. You shoot zombies and progress as you finish levels. The zombie survival keeps track of how long you can stay alive. Then there’s the “Blackhawk Down” game. In this game, you shoot characters that are shooting at you, once you get enough damage, you die and your score is your time survived. It’s set up like the streets in the Blackhawk Down movie - kind of.

The Armoury: This is where you go to change your scope reticle, if you are using a scope. As of right now, there are 5 scope reticle options. You can also change ballistics from this tab. Virtual shot has pre-set calibers, but you can also change them with your own ballistic data. 

Range Builder: This is on the Pro version only. Here you can make your own stages using steel or paper targets. This could be really useful if you want to design a USPSA or Steel Challenge stage, and then shoot it to see how it works out. It only saves the current setup, so you can’t make multiple ones and save them for use later.

  The Virtual Shot system is very comprehensive. In it you can change from an auto reset trigger to a manual reset trigger, for use on firearms that don’t automatically reset the trigger, like a bolt action. The time can be set from 3 seconds to 10 seconds in four increments. The reason for this is because the app registers the hammer fall sound to distinguish firing. Cycling the bolt would then register as another shot. I tried this out for a while. It does give enough time to cycle the bolt manually. The auto trigger setting is what I used most of the time. It works very well with the Mantis Blackbeard system. A problem I ran into with the Virtual Shot system, was the 0.5 second reset when in the auto mode. I would get on target faster then the app would register. So when doing the “Bill Drill” in the app, it would take me 3 seconds longer than in real life. The app does a pretty good job of tracking the movement of the firearm. But every once in a while the app would glitch and throw the rifle off target. But since it’s not “real life” it only affected my ego. 

  Having the ability to change reticles in the Virtual Shot app is very useful. When the scope is selected, the 5 different reticles let you choose from a hunting style duplex to a mil-dot style reticle and a few in between. I liked the mil-dot reticle since it actually gives some sort of range estimation and bullet drop. Another feature of using the scope is the ability to zoom in from 1x to 30x. One can select the power in increments from 1x-3x-5x-10x-15x-20x-30x. When using the Red Dot reticle setting, the dot size can be changed from small to large, with 4 or 5 sizes in between. Also in the red dot portion is a circle-dot, crosshair-dot, crosshair-circle-dot, along with an AR front post. All of these options have the ability to change sizes too. When messing around with the Virtual Shot, I mounted it behind an actual red-dot. Then I adjusted the dot, in the app, to be in the center of the real red-dot. This gave me a sense of realistic training, as I was looking through the real red dot’s tube and using the Virtual Shot system, just as I would normally on the range.

  One of my most loved and hated parts of the Virtual Shot is it’s realistic ballistic data. It calculates wind and drop of the various calibers. So when shooting farther away, one must figure in bullet drops. It has some preloaded ballistic data to choose from. But these can also be changed. The Virtual Shot will allow you to change Sight Height, Muzzle velocity, Ballistic coefficient, Bullet weight, and bullet diameter. So if you know all these, you can tune the factors in Virtual Shot to your ballistic data, therefore making it even more like shooting your firearm. Since it mounts on your firearm, all the other training aspects like trigger pull, fit, weight, etc. are already built in. 

  The Virtual Shot system has a lot of good things going for it. It brings another feasible way to dry fire train. With it’s adjustable dot sizes and different scope reticles, you get a lot of options. For practice, it is an all around useful tool that uses your personal firearm. Plus the games just make it even more fun to train. If you're looking into a dry fire training application, take a look into the Virtual Shot system.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Extensive training app and system

Target Market:

Those wanting a virtual training system

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Phone mount and ocular lens

  • Affective bullet drop and wind drift

  • Customizable ranges

  • 100+ shooting levels

  • Mini games

  • Practice ranges

  • Shooting analytics

  • Video Shooting courses

  • Works with Mantis Blackbeard

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Pistol mount

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at VirtualShot

I have had some time to play around with the Virtual-Shot and absolutely love it.  I know I am just scratching the surface but so far it is very impressive.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $97.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

VIrtual Shot

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Various training options

  • Mini games

  • Uses your firearm

  • Preset stages and qualification courses

Cons:

  • Slow shot reset (0.5 seconds)

  • Smallish phone adapter

  • Tracking sometimes jumps

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Mantis Blackbeard Review

Expo Arms / Forward Controls extended Keymo single chamber brake

  Expo Arms, in collaboration with Forward Controls, introduced an extended muzzle brake for use with certain Dead Air silencers. This brake uses the “Keymo” mounting option and is for use on .223/5.56 suppressors, but it will also work on any .223/5.56 AR style rifle as just a normal muzzle brake.

  The extended Keymo muzzle brake has 1 port or chamber. Don’t let the 1 port fool you, as the muzzle brake works very well at reducing recoil. Because it’s for use with .223/5.56, it is threaded for the standard ½-28 found on those rifles. Expo/FC’s gave the brake a .30 caliber bore to reduce some noise. They also gave the ports a flat profile. The flat profile directs gasses straight to the side, so that people behind, and to the side of the shooter get less noise and concussion. Being that it is a muzzle brake, it is still fairly loud. 

Top view

  Having the Keymo mounting surface makes it useful for those with certain Dead Air suppressors. The Keymo system mounts the suppressor on a quick on/off taper system. The taper helps repeat a consistent bore to suppressor mount, along with making a tight seal. An advantage to using this type of muzzle brake, with a suppressor, is that the muzzle brake will reduce the forces against the blast baffle inside the suppressor. I however, do not have a Keymo suppressor, so I didn’t get to try this part out.

Bottom view

  Even if you don’t have a suppressor, the Keymo muzzle brake is useful for other reasons. Since this is an “extended” muzzle brake, it is long enough to take a 13.9” barrel and make it 16”. Of course for legal reasons, the muzzle brake must be pinned and welded, unless it is going on a pistol or SBR. Expo/FC already machined in a hole for the pin, if one chooses this route. 

  I have been using the single chamber brake on a 16” AR. Yes, it adds a little bit of length, but it didn’t seem to bother me any. I was really surprised at how well the single port did it’s job. The brake made the rifle shoot flat. I can shoot the AR quite fast with this Keymo muzzle brake. If they made this brake without the Keymo mounting, I would consider using it on a 13.9” barrel that needed a pinned and welded brake. 

  The Expo Arms Keymo brake is only available at Primary Arms. Not that this is a problem, as Primary Arms has a lot of quality gear. The Expo Arms/FCD Keymo brake is top notch, even if you don’t have the Dead Air suppressor to use it with. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Extended length muzzle brake for use with the Dead Air Keymo mounting system

Target Market:

Those wanting a Keymo brake that when pinned will make a 13.9” barrel extend to a legal 16”

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 2.7" Overall length

  • Single chamber design

  • Pin and weld to 13.9" barrels to meet 16" requirements

  • 1/2x28 threaded for 5.56/.223

  • .30 cal bore to reduce blast

  • Dead Air Keymo mount

  • 4140 steel

  • Properly heat treated

  • Salt bath nitride finish

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

none

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Primary Arms

QUALITY PIECE OF KIT

Just received this Expo Arms / FCD muzzle device and installed it today. First I would like to note that when torqued to spec on my barrel, no shims we’re needed as the device properly indexed off the bat! Second, the quality of materials and finish seem to be on par with Dead Air’s own devices. Third I’d like to state that the overall length of this device makes it cross-compatible with both Dead Air’s KeyMo and KeyMicro mounting systems! Will be putting a lot of rounds through this device in the future to see how it will hold up.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $110.00

Retail = $89.99

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Extremely effective

  • Extended to make a legal 16” from a 13.9” barrel, when pinned and welded

  • Keymo mounting

Cons:

  • Loud

  • Price

Score:  8.50 Great

Favorite Link: Walker Defense Research

Tasmanian Tiger Multipurpose sling

  If you have a rifle, most likely you need some sort of a sling for that rifle. This leads us to the Tasmanian Tiger Multipurpose sling. The TT sling comes with a bunch of different ways to attach it, thus the Multipurpose name.

  When you first get the TT Multipurpose sling, you essentially say “wow” after seeing all the adapters. The TT sling uses quick fasteners, or small buckle clips, to attach different mounting hardware. The TT sling comes with 3 different sets of these little pigtail adapters. One set has HK style clips, another has loops, and the last set is just webbing with two triglides each. The last set allows you to attach sling swivels or mount it directly on a rifle. The nice thing about these pigtails, is that the clips still give you quick on/off capability. The loop option gives you the ability to mount the sling in a non conventional way, including on a DSLR camera, hence the “Multipurpose” name.

  Besides all the adapters, the TT Multipurpose sling is just that, a sling. It uses 1” nylon webbing for the straps, but also has a 2” wide padded area. The padding is not too thick, and actually helps disperse weight. The TT sling is also a quick adjust style. It uses the pull tab style, as I like to call it. You just pull the webbing to make the sling smaller. Then to make it longer, you pull the little tab. Tasmanian Tiger puts a little loop of paracord on this tab to make it easier. I actually clipped one of the supplied HK clips on it and used it like a handle, it worked out pretty well. The pull tab clamp is the only part of the actual sling that is made of steel, unless you count the HK clips. The tri-glides are all plastic, as are the clips for attaching the different pigtails. Even though all the other hardware is plastic, I didn’t have any problems with it. In fact, the clips to hold the pigtails on are super strong and clip in tight.

  I ran the Tasmanian Tiger Multipurpose sling at a shooting event, besides just using it at the range. This event wasn’t like 3 gun or anything, it was essentially a bunch of pistol and rifle drills. So you needed a sling for transitioning to a pistol, and some other stuff. The sling performed well, but I did run into its shortcomings. The pigtail makes it so you can’t adjust the sling, as tight or loose as you can with a standard style sling, or one without all the pigtail clips. Also, because of extra space taken up from the clip on features, the padding doesn’t sit squarely on your neck. More like half on, half off. Even with that, the padding is still comfortable. It seems like the padding would be more in tune with carrying a rifle over your shoulder. 

  The Tasmanian Tiger Multipurpose sling is just that, multiuse. As with most multipurpose stuff, you are dealing with trade offs. Tasmanian Tiger did an okay job getting all the features they wanted into it, without hurting other ones too much. For someone wanting a sling they can quickly switch between rifles, this might be the one. Tasmanian Tiger makes some great gear, the sling, on the other hand, is just like the name implies - Multipurpose.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Multi-use sling

Target Market:

Those wanting a sling with various mounting options

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Padded strap with a variety of carrying and attachment options

  • Quick fasteners allow you to attach weapons, hooks, etc.

  • Rifle Strap Set

  • 2 elastic loop attachments work with cameras, binoculars, etc.

  • Various carrying and fixation options

  • Soft tubular webbing

  • WEIGHT - 6.5oz

  • DIMENSIONS - 59” x 2in

  • Quick adjustable

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of writing this

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of writing this

Price point:

MSRP = $49.95

Retail = $44.95

I need it now! Availability:

Tasmanian Tiger’s online dealers

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Multi use

  • Various attachment types

  • Padded

  • Quick adjustable

Cons:

  • Padding is more centered, so not where needed for a rifle sling

  • Assorted attachments take up adjustment space

Score: 6.00 Okay

Predator Armor and Accessories

  Predator Armor is a new company breaking into the armor category. They don’t just have plates, but plate carriers and other useful accessories. We had them on Episode 396 of the podcast to talk about their kevlar coated steel body armor plates and such. Predator Armor sent me 2 plates, a carrier, a dump pouch, and a utility pouch. 

  The first thing that comes to mind when looking at Predator Armor’s name is armor. Their armor plates are made of steel. Don’t drop off just yet, Predator has some cool stuff for their steel plates. First off, you can get their steel plates in NIJ level 3, or level 3+. Either straight or curved. Plus, one can have an optional Kevlar wrapping around the plates. This Kevlar wrapping helps prevent spalling, which is a common drawback to steel plate armor. The kevlar adds a little less than a ¼” to the plate's thickness, while adding very little weight. The normal plate is just a little over ¼” thick. I measured it at 0.270”, but the sprayed-on coating (not the Kevlar) probably adds a tiny bit extra to give that measurement. I received a level 3+ curved plate and a level 3 Kevlar wrapped curved plate, both have the shooters cut and are 10x12. Being that the plates are curved, they are very comfortable to wear. I would definitely opt for the extra $15 each to get a curved plate. Another noteworthy option Predator gives you, is the ability to add a “testing target” to your order, for an extra $15. This testing target is cut from the same steel as your plates. This gives you something to do your own testing on, if you feel the need. If you would rather not get the testing target, the plates are rated and tested to NIJ standards. They are not NIJ certified, as of this review.

  Steel plate armor has some pros and cons. Predator Armor knows this, and isn’t trying to sell you anything different. They understand that it is heavy and not something you would want to wear all day, every day. The steel armor is more for someone wanting the protection that it provides, for the off chance they might need it. A pro to steel armor, is that it does not have an expiration date. Lightweight armor plates usually have a 5-10 year shelf life. Another pro of steel armor is cost. Steel plates are far more economical. When I say steel armor is heavy, each plate weighs 7.5lbs, so that's 15lbs you're wearing over your shoulders. Being able to handle multiple hits is also a big plus to steel armor. Predator Armor’s Kevlar wrapped plates also are a plus for the reason mentioned earlier.

  If you have some plates, you need something to wear that holds them. Enter the Minuteman plate carrier. The Minuteman carrier is pretty much like most plate carriers. The plates slip inside the front and back. They are then held in place by a full length hook and loop flap. This flap goes inside the carrier, around the plate, so there is no hooking it on the outside where it could get peeled off and have the plate come out. These flaps hold the plate super securely, the plates are not falling out. There is plenty of MOLLE on the front and back to attach stuff. The top 2 MOLLE rows are also hook & loop with more sewn on in between them. There are 6 total MOLLE rows on each of the front and back. On the back of the plate carrier is also a drag handle, just in case, or for carrying the Minuteman around when you aren’t wearing it. The carrier is mesh lined and padded to help keep you cooler and comfortable. Quick release buckles are used on the waist straps and on one of the shoulder straps. The other shoulder strap has a hook & loop adjustment and no buckle. Padded shoulder strap covers are also included. They are pretty well padded and definitely help when wearing the carrier and plates for long periods of time. Predator Armor sometimes has plate and plate carrier packages available. So you can get everything you need while saving a little bit of dough.

Dump pouch

  Along with plate carrier packages, Predator Armor offers some other accessories. One of these is a Dump Pouch. If you haven’t heard, a dump pouch is super useful to throw half full magazines into while training, or anything else you can think of. Their dump pouch can be rolled up when not in use. If you then need the dump pouch, just pull on the little tab, and it will unroll to it’s useful size. Predator Armor says you can fit 9 AR magazines in it, yes it’s big enough, but that 8 & 9th one are a tight fit. To attach the dump pouch, they put both a belt slot and MOLLE. The dump pouch also has a bungee cord and lock so you can cinch it closed, if needed. This dump pouch is fantastic. I mount it toward the back of my belt. It’s then there for me to throw used magazines in. It’s made from 1000D cordura, so it holds up to just about anything. Another Item Predator Armor makes is a Utility Pouch. It is also made from 1000d cordura and is 6.5" x 3" x 5". It also has a belt slot and MOLLE for mounting it, with additional MOLLE on the front. I found the pouch to be very useful, mainly for dumping ammo out of magazines. But either way, it’s a useful little pouch that is very well made.

Utility pouch

Rolled up dump pouch

  I have been using all of the Predator Armor stuff. I don’t mind having steel plates, after all, I am not wearing them everyday. The padded straps on the Minuteman plate carrier eased the weight burden when I wore the plates around. I really like the carrier, it is all around pretty comfortable, so much that I would use it with lightweight plates.. I use the utility pouch way more than I expected to, I’m always throwing something in it before I come home from the range. Then there’s the dump pouch. I love how large it is. The size makes it easy to find without looking. Plus, it holds so much stuff. 

  Predator Armor has hit the market hard with a bunch of good stuff. They know what they are doing and what lane they are in. The products they make are top notch and all of them are made in the USA. If your in the market for some steel body armor, or some tactical nylon gear, go check out Predator Armor, they don’t just make steel plate armor.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Inexpensive Steel Armor packages with spall protection

Target Market:

Those wanting armor and accessories for that occasional use

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Plates

    • NIJ level 3 or 3+

    • 10” x 12” shooter cut

    • Flat or Curved (optional)

    • Stab and Slash Resistant

    • Kevlar lined to protect against spall and frag (optional)

    • Durable and water resistant coating on plate

    • Maintenance Free

    • Thickness .25”

    • Designed to be used as a front or back plate

  • Minuteman Carrier

    • 500D Cordura material

    • Mesh lined for comfort and ventilation

    • Removable, padded mesh shoulder pads

    • Hook-and-loop webbing on front and back

    • Drag handle

    • Adjustable shoulder straps and waist

    • Quick release buckles on shoulders and waist

    • Designed for 10"X12" plates

  • Dump Pouch

    • 1000D Cordura construction

    • Minimal space required (3"x3"x2")

    • Large enough for 9 AR mags

    • MOLLE and belt compatible

  • Utility Pouch

    • 1000D Cordura Construction

    • 6.5" x 3" x 5"

    • Pocket Sleeve for item separation

    • MOLLE and Belt compatible

  • All items 100% made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Plenty, just go check out Predator Armor

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars @Predator Armor

Plates seem to be exactly as advertised and the carrier is excellent for the price. Very happy with my purchase.

Link to other reviews:

Turncoat Tactical YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8czwIi6Cdfg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voqn_QtTaiY

Price point:

MSRP = $65.00 for a single level III plate

Armor packages from $290.00

Pouches = $40.00 ea

I need it now! Availability:

Predator Armor

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Price

  • Available level III+

  • Anti-spall Kevlar wrapped option

  • Testing target

  • Plate Carrier is well made and comfortable

  • Large Dump pouch is great

  • No expiration date

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Heavy

  • Not NIJ certified

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Atibal Optics

Bushmaster DM2S Trigger

  I'm not usually a 2 stage AR trigger guy. So when Bushmaster asked me to review one of their new DM2S triggers, I was a little hesitant. But, since I really like trying different triggers out, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. When it showed up, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it. The DM2S is a good 2 stage AR trigger.

  If you haven’t heard, Bushmaster recently came under new ownership. What does that mean for you, the consumer? Most likely they will be introducing new products, like the DM2S, suppressors, and new updated rifles. All made in America.

  The DM2S is a little different then most aftermarket triggers you might be used to. It is not a cartridge style. Instead it resembles a Mil-spec trigger. So when you install it, it installs in two pieces, just like that old GI trigger. But, it is definitely not your old GI trigger. However, the trigger shoe is a spot on match for a GI trigger. So the trigger shoe curve will be recognizable to all. In fact, when you look at the exterior of a rifle with the DM2S trigger in it, you can’t even tell that it has a match grade trigger installed. 

  I guess an explanation of what a “2 stage” trigger is, is in order. A 2 stage trigger has 2 distinct actions. When you first pull the trigger, a lighter weight pull is felt. This lighter pull can feel like take-up, but in fact, it is part of the design. Once you pull through the first stage, you come to a stop, or wall. This is the second stage. The second stage is a heavier pull weight that is added onto the first stage's pull weight. Then you add a little more pressure, and the trigger breaks, thus firing the firearm. 2 stage triggers are sometimes used by those wanting to “stage” the trigger to get that little extra accuracy. By pulling through the first stage, a shooter can then make slight accuracy adjustments before breaking the shot. Or if the shooter decides not to take the shot, they can simply just release pressure to reset the trigger back to its original starting point. The DM2S that is here, measured around 1.5 lb pull for the first stage and 4 lbs for the second stage. So the DM2S’ second stage adds 2.5 lbs to the first stages 1.5 lbs, thus giving the total pull weight 4 lbs. Bushmaster publishes lubricated and unlubricated pull weights, listed in the FNB’s down below. The 4 lb weight, I measured, was with a lubricated trigger. It was only slightly higher before I lubricated it, maybe 0.25 lbs heavier. The DM2S’ second stage pull is crisp and clean. I was pretty impressed with the trigger break. It also has an excellent reset.

  As mentioned, I’m more of a single stage trigger guy. However, the DM2S isn’t something to turn away. I was pleasantly surprised at how fast I could shoot this trigger. I ran some rifle Bill drills with it and they were about 0.30 seconds slower. That’s 6 shots on target at 7 yards, in 1.7 seconds with the DM2S. Not quite as fast as a super light single stage, but still fast. I can also see where the 2 stage has advantages when shooting from a bench, or prone, or for accuracy. Staging the trigger and then pulling through the 2nd stage can really help staying on target. With the trigger only having a pull weight of 4 lbs, it doesn’t lend itself to moving you off target like a heavy trigger pull weight can.

  The DM2S is a non-adjustable trigger. There is nothing to set for pull weight, over travel, or anything else. That being said, the DM2S has a little bit of over-travel, but not much, maybe 0.050”. Since it is a 2 stage trigger, pre-travel is included in the first stage. I did measure it at around 0.150”. The trigger break measured a little under 0.100”, so I’d say about .080”. Therefore, the total trigger movement, to get the trigger to fire, is around 0.230”, or just under ¼ inch. Reset on the trigger seemed to be around 0.100” since you don’t need to reset the trigger all the way through the first stage, only to the beginning of the second stage.

  The DM2S trigger, from Bushmaster, actually surprised me. For a 2 stage, dedicated marksman style trigger,  it is pretty good. The pull weight is good, it has a crisp 2nd stage, and a forceful reset. If you are the type who likes 2 stage AR triggers, you might give the DM2S a try.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Dedicated Marksman 2 stage AR trigger

Target Market:

AR15 users wanting a good 2 stage trigger

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 2 stage AR15 trigger

  • 4.12 - 4.56 lbs. unlubricated pull weight

  • 3.12 - 3.71 lbs. lubricated pull weight

  • Standard Mil-Spec Curved Trigger Bow

  • Mil Spec Pin Size - 0.154”

  • Mil-Spec lower compatibility 

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

The Truth About Guns 

Price point:

MSRP = $129.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Bushmaster Firearms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Installs like any mil-spec AR trigger

  • 4 lb total average pull weight

  • 2 - stage

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Only available in standard mil-spec curved shoe

  • Not a drop in style

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Midwest Firearm Solutions

Blackout Defense Zero Trigger

  When people that have been shooting for a while ask me for the best upgrade, I usually tell them a good trigger. For newer shooters, it’s dry fire practice, but that’s a different story. Since I’m on the trigger subject, Blackout Defense has come out with their Zero trigger for the AR15 and AR10 platforms. Blackout Defense sent me a curved shoe trigger with a 3lb pull. This is one of the best single stage triggers I’ve had the pleasure of using.

  When you first see the Zero trigger, you don’t really notice anything different about it. The differences are on the inside, and become quickly apparent, more on that later. First off, it’s a cartridge style “drop in” trigger assembly. This makes installation easy. I’d recommend the anti-walk pins, as I would with any cartridge style trigger. They just give that little bit of added security, even if it’s just in my mind. As mentioned, I opted for the curved trigger. The curve is not near as much as a stock GI trigger. I would call it a short radius, but it’s appears to be a pretty standard profile for aftermarket triggers. I really like the curved profile, it works really well for me. If you don’t like curved triggers, they make it in a flat profile too. For me, the curve gives a consistent finger placement, so the felt pull is always the same.

  Now for the Zero trigger internals. What makes the Zero trigger so unique is its ability to completely remove pre-travel and over-travel. So much so, that the total trigger movement can be set to 0.078”. Part of this is accomplished by a curved or cupped trigger tail. This “cup” allows the tail to cradle the safety drum. To fully adjust, or get rid of, the pre and over travel. Hardened set screws are installed on the bottom of the trigger housing, both at the front and the rear. From Blackout Defense’s website - “The bottom of the Zero™ trigger housing features threaded holes that straddle both the front and rear of the trigger tail.  Hardened set screws are provided and can be installed through these threaded holes to finely tune the trigger location and push it into contact with the safety.” The trigger tail riding on the safety drum is what eliminates the pre-travel and is adjustable through the rear set screw. The over-travel is then adjusted with the front set screw. Once set, red loctite is recommended to keep them from moving. My only complaint about this process is that it is tedious work. Mainly because you have to pull the trigger out, turn the set screw a tiny amount, then reinstall the trigger and try it again. Be patient, it could take a while. The Zero trigger is so well made, that these tedious adjustments aren’t really needed for a great trigger pull. I just needed to see how it was done, as it is an option. The trigger will fit in any mil-spec lower, but if you don’t want to take the trigger in and out to adjust it, Blackout Defense’s lower receiver has 2 small holes in it, so that you don’t have to take the trigger out for this adjustment. The Zero trigger also has two different finish options for the internal components. Either Black Nitrided, or NP3. Both finishes help with lubricity and corrosion resistance. After factory setting the trigger pull weight, Blackout Defense then arc welds these set screws to make sure that they never come out of the factory adjustment. Note: these are different from the set screws used to adjust the pre and over travel, these are the ones the factory uses to adjust the pull weight (see inside the trigger housing picture). As you can see, those two screws aren’t ever moving.

  Two different trigger pull weights are available from the factory. Either a 4.5lb pull or a 3lb pull weight. I opted for the 3lb pull weight. When I measured it, it is consistently under the 3lb mark. Anywhere from 2-¾ lbs up to just shy of 3 lbs. Follow that up with the super short pull and the super crisp break, it feels like less. The reset on the Zero trigger is also great. Super crisp and tactile. The reset impressed me for a 3lb pull weight trigger.

  The Zero trigger has me sold. It is one of the best single stage AR triggers out there, at least in my opinion. It works spectacularly when shooting fast. I can consistently shoot a rifle bill drill (6 shots, A zone hits, 7yds) 0.25-0.30 seconds faster then when I use the same upper with different triggers. It works really well for precision shooting also. Having that short crisp pull allows me to not disturb the rifle when pulling the trigger slowly. Does it help my groups? Who knows, but I do know it’s easier for me to not move the rifle.

  While running the Zero trigger, I put a lot of time into dry fire. Well, maybe not dry fire, but the Mantis Blackbeard. This gave me the thousands of trigger pulls I needed to really fall in love with Zero trigger. The trigger never had a single hiccup, either dry fire or live fire. The super fast reset and crisp break made it a dream to use with the Blackbeard system. 

  When it comes to aftermarket triggers, the Zero trigger is a gold mine. This trigger does everything I want in a good AR trigger. Yes, the light, short pull may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for a super fast trigger, it might just be for you. Having the ability to have ZERO take up and overtravel really makes the Zero trigger shine. If you are looking for a great trigger for your AR, I would definitely give Blackout Defense a call. They are super helpful if you need any questions answered about the Zero trigger, or any of their other products.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

AR15 trigger with zero take up and overtravel

Target Market:

Those wanting a great, fast trigger for their AR style firearms

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Single stage drop in trigger for AR-15

  • Short reset design

  • Fits any MIL-SPEC AR-15 lower receiver

  • Trigger and Disconnector: A2 Tool Steel

  • Black Nitrided trigger 

  • Black Nitride disconnector

  • Hammer: S7 Tool Steel

  • Black Nitrided hammer

  • Balck anodized aluminum housing

  • Hardened set screws to adjust pre and over travel

  • 0.154” pin diameter

  • Curved trigger tail

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

4.5 lb, NP3 finish, Straight bow, AR10’s

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars - Charles @BlackoutDefense

SPOOKY PERFECT TRIGGER

I shot National Match Competition on the USMC Shooting Team at Quantico “back in the day”. We fired highly-tuned M-14’s built by amazing craftsman.

Everyone was obsessed with trigger performance.

This is the trigger we were always chasing, only better.

First, there really is no takeup. Apply 4.5lbs with absolutely zero creep. The trigger breaks clean, moves about .05″ and stops.

Release the trigger and it resets: click. Press again. Zero creep, breaks at 4.5lbs, and stops dead. All. Day. Long. Absolutely consistent. It’s uncanny.

After the Marines, I worked my entire career with High Tech CNC manufacturers. So, I know what it takes to make something great: engineering, equipment, people, and quality control. It takes them all.

Hats off to Customer Service too: fast, friendly, efficient, responsive and effective. Thanks.

Does this sound like a paid endorsement? It isn’t. I paid full retail for the NP3 All with Trigger Pins direct from the Blackout Defense webstore.

I am just an ex-Jarhead who knows that you (often, hopefully) get what you pay for. In this case, I got more than I thought was even possible. Nice upside surprise.

To my fellow trigger-obsessed perfectionist, you won’t be disappointed.

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog

Price point:

MSRP = $204.99

Retail = $199.00 at Optics Planet 

I need it now! Availability:

Blackout Defense

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • 3lb pull weight

  • Zero take-up and overtravel

  • Super short pull length

  • Great reset

  • Drop-in style

  • Crisp, Clean break

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Set Screw adjustment

Score: 9.00 Amazing

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 ACSS 22lr

  Primary Arms may have come out with the perfect 22lr scope. It’s their SLx 1-6x24 with a second focal plane ACSS 22lr reticle. Since there are so many 10/22’s and AR22’s around, the 1-6 seemed like a great all around optic for these platforms. 

  The SLx 1-6 has a lot of features packed into a $290 scope. First up is the 1-6x power. The 1x lets you use the scope like it was a red dot or pism, more like a circle dot style because of the ACSS reticle. Is it a true 1x like a red dot? Not really, It’s pretty darn close. Anything closer than 10 yards is ever so slightly magnified. Not enough to cause any weird problems, just a little noticeable at close ranges. The 1x didn’t cause any problems for me shooting with both eyes open. The 6x will let you see targets farther away. The 6x is fine for certain targets and gives a good magnification, especially if you aren’t looking for precision shooting. In typical 1-6x fashion, the SLx uses a 30mm tube and a 24mm objective lens. It also uses ½ MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation. The clicks are nice and audible with decent detents stopping them.

  Where the SLx 1-6 really shines, is the ACSS 22lr reticle. This reticle is a horse shoe style with a center aiming dot. At 6x, the reticle has a 1 MOA dot and the outer part of the horseshoe is 8.6 MOA. The reticle also has ranging and a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC). The BDC is calculated to work at 6x, since the SLx is a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle. The reticle therefore stays the same size throughout the magnification range. Just zero your 22lr at 25 or 50 yards using the center dot. Then the BDC has marks at 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200yds. It also has 5 MPH wind, or moving target, holds at the respective ranges. These holds are just an estimation and really depend on the ammunition used. I found they were a little off, even with some pretty fast 22lr ammunition. Just try them out first, so you know about where they shoot with your ammo. One can also “true” the scope to the ammo you use, which I haven’t done yet, but will be. Primary Arms can help you with this if you can’t figure it out, they have great tech support. The reticle and BDC can also be illuminated red. There is a brightness knob on the left side of the scope. This knob also houses the CR2032 battery. There are eleven brightness settings, including ones that can be seen in bright sunny daylight. The clicks on the brightness knob are pretty good, you can definitely feel each brightness setting as you turn to them. Off to the right of the reticle, is a ranging bar, which is also calibrated to the 6x magnification setting. It, however, does not illuminate, but It does let you range objects like cans, bottles, clay pigeons, and even small varmints. 

  I’ve found a few things I really like about the SLx 1-6, and a couple I don’t care for. The optic is really clear and bright, especially for the price. But, it also has very unforgiving eye relief. Yes the eye relief at 1x isn’t bad, but at 6x, it really gets limiting. At 6x, it can get fuzzy around the edge if you are not in the perfect eye relief spot. I like the size of the power adjustment knob. It even has a little bump to help aid in turning. But, the knob is pretty stiff, which makes it hard to use. I would like to see a larger bump, or maybe a removable lever that goes on the adjustment knob, to make turning it easier and quicker. The SLx 1-6 also weighs in at a little over a pound, which isn’t bad, but since it’s a dedicated 22lr scope, I’d like it a little lighter. One of the coolest features, in this Primary Arms optic line, is the extra battery storage in the windage adjustment cap. It even comes with an extra 2032 already in the cap!

  For a plinking or fast hunting scope, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x 22lr is great. Yes, it has a few slight downfalls, but nothing that can’t be overlooked for the price. I really liked the clarity and the ACSS 22lr reticle. The center dot and horse shoe make using the SLx 1-6 extremely fast. Also, the BDC reticle can be useful for quick target changes. The Primary Arms SLX 1-6 is a decent scope that fits my criteria for a fast 22lr optic. Go check out the SLx line of optics at Primary Arms, they are good little optic for the price.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1-6 optic with .22lr ACSS reticle

Target Market:

Those wanting a low power variable optic, with BDC drops, for a 22lr

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Second focal plane ACSS reticle designed for .22LR

  • Red illumination with 11 brightness settings

  • BDC accurate at 6x magnification

  • 1-6x total magnification

  • Uses one CR2032 battery

  • Single piece 6063 aluminum construction

  • Hardcoat anodized matte black finish

  • Fully multi coated lenses

  • 1/2 MOA adjustments

  • Extra battery holder in windage cap

  • Eye Relief: Low: 3.50 in / High: 3.30

  • Field View - Low: 110.00 ft / High: 19.30 ft

  • Objective Diameter: 24mm

  • Tube Diameter: 30mm

  • Weight: 16.9 Oz

  • Comes with Flip-up lens covers

  • Lifetime warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars @PrimaryArms 

MY NEW FAVORITE 22LR SCOPE

This is by far the best 22LR Scope I've put on my S&W M&P 15-22 and I've played around with some very nice Optics on my rifle including night vision. Primary Arms makes the only scope that I know of with this much Ballistic Data for a 22LR Rifle and once you have it sighted in all the hold over dots are right on the money. It really makes shooting different size targets out to 200 yards so easy. The glass in this scope is so crystal clear and it's something you normally only find in optics at a much higher price point. The # 10 - 11 power settings are very bright and it's easy to see that red reticle in the heaviest of sunlight but you really don't even need it as everything is etched in the glass when the power is off and it's just as easy to see. To put it simply, if you're like me and bought a .22lr Rifle just to have fun with and you don't have the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen III - Illuminated ACSS-22LR then you're really missing out.

Link to other reviews:

As of writing, nothing was found on the Gen III

Price point:

MSRP = $289.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Full illuminated reticle

  • Daylight bright

  • Clear, especially for $290

  • Hold over marks

  • Extra battery holder in elevation cap

Cons:

  • Battery Life, yes I left it on and it doesn’t have “AutoLive”

  • Second Focal Plane

  • Eye relief is a little limiting

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense

SEARCH