Primary Arms Classic Mini & Micro red dots

  Primary Arms has come out with a couple of new reflex sights. Both of these are from their value priced “Classic” line of optics. The two new red dots are the Classic Mini and Classic Micro. Both have 3 MOA dot sizes and are on common mounting footprints, making it easy to mount on various pistol slides.

  I’m putting the Micro and Mini together since they both function the same way. These reflex sights are your common “open” style. The main difference is size, weight, and mounting footprint. But as far as function, they are very similar. To turn them on, just push the brightness up button, marked with a plus sign. For off, just hold down the brightness down button for a few seconds, the one marked with a minus sign. If you forget to turn the sights off, they will automatically turn off after 12 hours of use. If you push a button anytime in that window of time, the sight resets the 12 hours. These two red dots both have 10 brightness settings. From sunny daylight bright down to midnight dark. You really can see and use all 10 of the brightness settings, if that’s what you want. The Mini’s up/down buttons are located on the left side of the reflex sight. The Micro has the up button on the left side and the down button on the right side. This is because the Micro is quite a bit smaller than the Mini.

Classic series MICRO

Classic series MINI

  When it comes to small red dot sights, people seem to want to know about battery life. I would tend to say that this is because everyone hates changing batteries. On the Primary Arms Classic Mini and Micro, the CR2032 battery is located on the bottom of the mounting surface. So battery life is more important because the sight must be taken off to change it. I’m not keen on the bottom mount battery, but since the battery lasts approximately 40,000 hours on brightness setting 5, I’m okay with it. 

Mini 3 MOA dot

Micro 3 MOA dot

  The 3 MOA dot size is a good option for the Micro and Mini. I like the precision that a 3 MOA dot allows. Yet it isn't too small to see on a handgun. I pick up the dot pretty quick with these reflex sights. Surprisingly, the dot on the squarer window of the Micro is easier for me to pick up, even though it is smaller. Don’t get me wrong, the red dot on the Mini’s more rounded window is still easy for me to pick up, but the window size is also noticeably larger. These reflex sights use fully multi-coated lenses to help make that red dot as bright and clear as can be. You do notice a very, very slight tint to them, but it doesn’t distract from seeing your target or the dot. To sight in the dot, they both have 1 MOA adjustment screws at the back and right side of the sights. They use a small allen wrench to adjust them, but they are not click adjustable. 

  The Classic series Mini is mainly for standard size pistols. It uses a RMR footprint to mount the red dot to a slide, or possibly a picatinny riser. The width is about 1.2 inches, when measured to the outside of the buttons, so it fits nicely on most compact and full size pistols. I really like how Primary Arms designed this for the RMR footprint, as it is one of the industry standards. So finding a slide or pistol to mount the Mini on is super easy. The Mini also has a decent sized window, at 24x17mm. This window is also slightly curved at the top to give you a better view of the red dot. This larger window also makes it easier to find the dot, so to speak. Being the larger of the two red dots, the Mini still comes in with a weight of 0.97 ounces.

Mini size compared to a penny, Micro is smaller yet

  Now onto the Classic series Micro. This is the smaller version mainly for use on sub-compact and micro pistols. It measures 1 inch at the buttons, but is actually a little slimmer in real life. Primary Arms uses the RMSc industry standard footprint for the Micro. Using the RMSc footprint is by far the best choice for this red dot. The window size comes in at 21x15mm. Even though the window isn’t very large, the squarer viewing window is easier for me to pick up. I mounted it on a glockish 43 and it looks right at home. The Micro is pretty much half the weight of its larger brother, coming in at 0.56 ounces. The height profile of the Micro also allowed me to use standard height backup sights. It does cut the sight’s viewing angle off some, but they still can be seen fine. So you may not have to purchase new iron sights with the Micro, a definite plus in my book.

  Both the Primary Arms Classic Mini and Micro red dots work great. They both handled recoil fine and I didn’t break them. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a cost effective red dot for range, competition, or just “fun” use. With no way to leave them on continuously, carry use is out for me. Look into the Primary Arms RS-10 if you need something for carry or home defense, as it will always be on. For what they are, the Mini and Micro are both great budget friendly options for a reflex style red dot.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Value packed reflex red dot sight

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a feature packed, low cost reflex style red dot

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Both:

  • 3 MOA Red dot

  • Includes CR2032 battery

  • Up to 40k hour battery life on medium setting

  • 10 Brightness settings

  • Compact and lightweight design

  • Fully multicoated lens

  • 1 MOA adjustments

  • 6061-T6 aluminum housing

  • Bottom mounted battery

Mini:

  • Fits RMR footprint

  • Large 24x17mm Lens

  • Weight - 0.97 ounces

Micro:

  • Fits RMSc footprint

  • Compact 21x15mm lens

  • Optimized for micro-compact pistols

  • Weight - 0.56 ounces

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

???

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense - PA Micro and PA Mini

Price point:

MSRP = $149.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms or Amazon

Micro

Mini

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Bright dot

  • Price

  • Lifetime Warranty

  • Fits common mounting footprints

Cons:

  • Turns off after 12 hours

  • Bottom load battery

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Kaiser US

Timber Creek 30mm scope mount

  If you know anything about Timber Creek Outdoors, it’s that they make bright anodized and cerakoted AR parts. They happen to have a new 30mm cantilever scope mount. This mount is part of their “Enforcer” line of AR parts. Because of this, it comes in all of Timber Creek's colors.

  The Enforcer Cantilever Scope mount is a top quality scope mounting platform. It is made from 6061 aluminum. This gives the mount plenty of strength while still being lightweight. It weighs in at 6.56 ounces on my scale. This is quite a bit lighter than a lot of mounts in this category. Yes, it is for use with 30mm scopes, so you have plenty of options in the optics arena. There are 4 clamping screws to clamp it to your picatinny rail. These screws also act as the recoil lugs for this mount, making it extremely rigid to the mounting rail. Timber Creek also uses Torx head screws throughout, so no stripping the heads out on this mount.

  I opted for the Tungsten Grey cerakote finish on the Cantilever scope mount. As mentioned, the mount comes in Timber Creek’s assortment of colors. Some are anodized and some are cerakoted. From previous experience, I know that Timber Creek does a great job with their anodized colors. This is partly why I chose Tungsten cerakote. The cerakote on this mount is nicely done also, in fact maybe too nice. When I installed the scope, I had to sand the cerakote down inside the rings. Not all of it, just enough to smooth it down because there was some slight binding during the initial installation. The slight sanding cured it. I attribute this to the Tungsten cerakote being a slightly rough finish. Other products I’ve used with Tungsten cerakote also have this same feel to them. I suspect that smooth cerakote options, as well as the anodized ones, might not have this problem. But I really do like how the mount looks on a black AR, it adds just a hint of some color.

  Ring height on the TC Enforcer scope mount is 1.5”. Why do you care, you might ask. The 1.5” height is pretty much an industry standard. This height also gives you a proper cheek weld, on an AR rifle, with most optics. I installed a Primary Arms SLx 4-16x44 into the cantilever mount. There is plenty of room between the rail and the objective lens. I’d venture to guess that all 50mm objective lens scopes would still have plenty of clearance between the scope and the rail. Being a cantilever style mount, it also places the scope farther forward to give you proper eye relief on your favorite AR rifle.

  The Timber Creek cantilever mount won’t have any problems living on your AR rifle. But, I wouldn’t hesitate to use it on something larger. With those 4 mounting lug screws, it should handle some serious recoil. You could even mount it up on a bolt gun, if so inclined. It only comes in a standard 0 MOA base, but for most of us, that won’t make any difference. I’m pretty pleased with what Timber Creek has done with this mount. Being in the Enforcer line, means that it will match other Enforcer series parts.

  Timber Creek has done a fine job with the Enforcer Cantilever mount. It’s rugged and lightweight construction should last you eons. Having colors to match your other AR parts is a bonus too. If you are looking for a lightweight scope mount that is made in America, go check out the Cantilever mount from Timber Creek Outdoors. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight 30mm cantilever scope mount

Target Market:

Anyone who wants a lightweight scope mount, especially for AR style rifles

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Made from 6061 aluminum

  • 30mm ring size

  • Ring Height - 1.5”

  • Cantilever design

  • Weight - 6.56 ounces

  • 4 clamping screws also double as recoil lugs

  • Torx screws throughout

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different anodized and cerakoted colors

Price point:

MSRP = $224.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Timber Creek Outdoors or maybe Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Rugged

  • Color options

  • Made in USA

  • Standard 1.5” height

Cons:

  • May need some fitting or sanding

  • No 34mm option as of yet

  • Price might deter some buyers

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense

Throom Targets

  Everyone, by now, has heard of self healing targets. If not, let me introduce you to Throom Targets. I ran across Throom targets long before they contacted me to do a review. I was super interested in how these target systems would work. Every target system, Throom offers, is made of their “shoot-throo” self sealing polymer. This even includes the stands that hold some of their targets. Throom targets are a nice addition to anyone's range time.

  Throom targets went above and beyond with the samples they sent. First off, they sent a 6” round “Knockdown” series plate rack. It’s everything needed for a plate rack, minus a couple of 2x4’s. Throom also sent a set, 6 in this case, of their 6” round “Hangtuff” targets. 

  You might ask why anyone would want these style of targets? First off, the “shoot-throo” ability makes a safer target, then say, a steel plate. There isn’t any spall or splashback from the Throom targets, the bullet just passes right through. Another feature is that Throom targets “self seal”, or the bullet literally just pokes a very tiny hole in the target. This makes them last for plenty of shooting, at least 1000 hits each, and probably a lot more. Another advantage over steel plates is the weight. The Throom targets are so much lighter. A single person can carry a fully assembled plate rack around without much problem. I know, I’ve done it. 

  Let’s start with the Knockdown plate rack. As one can guess, it is your standard 6” plate rack with 6 plates. Some assembly is required, as are a couple of 2x4’s. Since this is the “plate rack kit”, it comes with the “Alpha” brackets to assemble the stand. The Alpha brackets hold the 2x4’s to make the A-frame legs and the 2x4 that holds the plates. They are the same “shoot-throo” polymer as the plates. The 2x4’s just slide in and out of these, which makes for easy setup and teardown. It also makes the plate rack easier to throw in your car. Throom includes instructions, as well as spacing for the knockdown plates. 

  As in the name, the “Knockdown” plate rack is just that, using plates that fall when hit. The bullet passes through them while still knocking them over. So no risk of ricochet or splashback. These are 6” plates made of Throom’s shoot-throo polymer. There are 6 of them on the plate rack, and the instructions have you space them at the proper width apart. With the plate, there is a need for some sort of base to hold it on to the 2x4. Throom bases are made of the same polymer as the targets. This also means that they are just as safe as the target. If you shoot the base, the bullet also just passes through it. Yes, I’ve shot the bases plenty of times without any ill effects. The bases are held on with 2 wood screws. It is possible to shoot the screws and have the target fall off. This happened the first time I used them. I just put some new screws in them and they are fine. Since these bases are for the “Knockdown: targets, they also have an adjustment screw on the front of the base. This lets you adjust how much force it takes to knock the target over. Screw it out and angle it forward for heavier rounds, or screw it in, and straighter up, for rimfires. Yes, these screws are also made of the shoot-throo polymer! The Throom plate rack is an amazing piece of range gear. Every time I shoot the plates they fall, just like they should. Throom also makes the Knockdown plates, with holes in them, so that you can install a string to reset them, without having to go downrange. I just went downrange, but the option is there. Another option is to assemble the plate rack upside down. This makes it a reaction plate, because now the plate moves when shot, but resets itself. One of my favorite things, about the plate rack, is that it is easy to move and transport. The plate rack is like shooting steel, but safer and still gives the shooter instant feedback.

  Now for the 6” “Hangtuff” targets. These are a round target with a strap for attaching them to “something”. I say “something” because they come with 2 mounting screws that you just screw through the strap to hold them in place. The strap is about 7”’s long and 1” wide, so the target hangs about 6”’s below where you mount it. Yes, these targets “hang down” from whatever they are mounted to. When you shoot these things, they move backwards, shake sideways, or just move in different ways depending on where they are hit. I mounted 5 of these on the plate rack, in between the plates. Since they hang down, they aren’t in the way of the plates. This worked out really well. Once the plates were knocked down, you could shoot the “Hangtuff” plates until you wanted to reset the plate rack. I also marked one of these with a Sharpie. The Sharpie writes great on these Throom targets and can mostly be erased with acetone. Being able to write on the targets makes them viable for training. Mark them 1-6, A-F, etc. Call out a combo someone has to shoot, you get the idea. So yes, they make a great training aid also. 

  Nothing comes without flaws, even the Throom targets. Well, Throom actually tells you the flaws on their website, so can we consider them flaws? Here's what Throom says about shooting the targets with different velocities and at different ranges:

Over 1,250 fps: shoot THROOM Targets at 75 yards or farther away; shooting closer will result in targets not reacting.

Between 750 fps and 1,250 fps: shoot THROOM Targets from 5 yards to 75 yards away.

Under 750 fps: do not use THROOM Targets with bullets traveling below 750 fps. Also, do not use THROOM Targets with pellet guns or BB guns as the pellets or BBs may bounce back.

I don’t actually consider them flaws, more of what to know. I did definitely notice that when shooting an AR, at 15 yds,, the targets literally didn’t even move when being shot with 223/556. But shoot them with handguns or 22lr’s at close ranges and they move like crazy. Or you can move the target out to 100 yds for the rifles. I also “yeeted” a Hangtuff target off the hanger by shooting it at 3 yds with 12 gauge 00 Buck. The strap broke where the screws went in, other than that, it didn’t hurt the target surface itself. I remounted it, it just hangs a little higher than the rest. I’m pretty sure no one recommends what I did. 

  Did I mention that the Throom targets are Lime Green colored? Why lime green? I have no idea, but they are easy to see, that’s for sure. I’ve even shot them with a green dot sight. Yes red shows up better, but the green was no problem either. I really like the polymer that Throom uses. It seems to be softer or more pliable than other brands I’ve used. So far, they are holding up great, even to full auto 22 LR. 

  If you are in the market for some super cool self healing targets, you need to do yourself a favor and check out what Throom Targets has to offer. I was impressed with them. The Knockdown plate rack is great. The Hangtuff series has great utility. Plus, they are all made from a self sealing polymer that performs better than I expected. In my opinion, the Throom targets are worth paying the money for.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Ricochet free self healing targets

Target Market:

Anyone wanting self healing reactionary targets

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Self Healing

  • Ricochet free

  • Splatter free

  • Reactive - either movement or knock down

  • -40F to 120F temperature use

  • Lightweight

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Lots of different styles, see Throomtargets.com

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Throom Targets

These really are amazing targets. I have had these for awhile now, and really wanted a great alternative to steel targets. I love the throom adjustable bolt that goes into the base of the target. This allows you to adjust how sensitive the target is to falling down. With the bolt adjusted almost all the way out I was able to get these to fall down with 556/223 ammo at 30-50 yards which is awesome. When flipped upside down these will react and reset with most handgun ammo and any slower rifle ammo such as 300 blackout. Will definitely be purchasing more targets.

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog 

Price point:

MSRP = $3.99 and up

As tested = 6” Hangtuff set = $169.99

    6” Knockdown plate rack = $349.99 

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Throom Targets

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Self healing / shoot through

  • Can be written on with a sharpie for training

  • 1000+ hits until needing replaced

Cons:

  • No movement at closer ranges with bullet velocities above 1250 fps

  • Price

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link: Rough Cut Holsters  

Cold War Concealment OWB Holster

THE MIGHTY TITAN

  Ladies and gentlemen, what we have here is a holster, a holster that I fell in love with as soon as I opened that package. I was contacted by Clif over at Cold War Concealment to see if I would be interested in reviewing one of his holsters. I thought why not, I am a sucker for a free holster. I am just like any gun guy out there and have a box, drawer and tote full of holsters that all were the latest and greatest at the time. But just keep reading it gets better.

  I told Clif to send me one for my Sig P 365 in an OWB configuration, he said no problem. In a couple days he contacted me and said here is your tracking number and it was on the way. I started really looking at the holsters he had on his website and he really focuses on the popular Glock, S&W, Springfield, Sig, Taurus, Ruger and smaller Walther models. This is something I found impressive. For some of these models it is hard to get a good quality holster for a, let's say, lower priced firearm. They offer holsters for IWB, OWB, semi autos and a wide array of the popular J frame revolvers. 

  The owner of the company is retired from the Airforce and is located in North Carolina. The process that is used to make the holster is a taco style, that is vacuum formed over a CNC mold that is cut for your particular firearm. It is then heated and formed together to complete the taco shape. All of the edges are nicely radius to reduce snag and pinch point. The sight channel is large to run suppressor height sights. It has a single adjustment/tension screw below the trigger guard that really makes adjustments and personal tension a snap. The belt loop that came with the holster has numerous adjustment angles and has two slots on each side to fit belts from 1.5” to 2”. I wear a 1.75” belt and it works out great. The OWB holsters are also available with the Safariland QLS fork mounting system. 

  The day I got the holster I made an IG post that I was going to go ride horses with my new holster. Well I was riding right up until the time I was bucked off, hung up in the stirrups and dragged down the gravel driveway. But hey I wasn't “KILT IN THE STREETZ". Anyway when I gathered myself up, wiped the blood from my face, found my glasses, straightened my cowboy hat back up, the gun was still retained in the holster. The holster had some wear, scratches but it was still in great shape. A few weeks later I took the holster with me on a bear/hog hunt and carried it while climbing up the side of the mountains. After coming out of the briars and laurel bushes the pistol was still retained. I also did some drills at the house on my range in the backyard, the holster sits just perfectly right in front of the hip bone. The mounting system keeps it close to the body, but not to close where my love handles get in the way. I was able to draw and reholster without any issues. 

  In closing we all have had holsters that we rave about, wear for a bit and then find another one and put that one aside and forget about it. Some we get, have so many attachments on them, you need to be an engineer just to figure it out. I am a K.I.S.S method person, keep it simple stupid. If you are in the market for a holster that is comfortable, reliable, no frills, top quality, family/veteran owned, this is the holster for you. I want to make one point, yes i got this holster for free, this did not sway my decision for writing this article. I write about how things work for me. I am placing an order for an IWB and mag holder this week. I believe in supporting small businesses that make great products, this is the American way. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

American made

Great construction

Reliable

Horse approved

Durable

Ease of care

Adjustable cant

Target Market:

Anyone needing a holster for a compact semi auto or revolver

CCW  use

Americans

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • American made

  • Adjustable cant

  • Ease of use

  • Great quality

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different patterns and colors available

IWB

OWB

Claw

No claw

Optic cut

Link to other reviews:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4ikF2FT5YU

Price point:

MSRP = $50.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Cold War Concealment

They have them available on their website.

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Simple

  • Comfortable

  • Rides great

  • Retains the firearm

  • Can get with QLS Fork

Cons:

  • Maybe a tek-lok mounting option

Score: 9.50 Amazing

Stevens M320 Security/Tactical 12ga Pump shotgun

To Be Chinese, It Has a Nice Rack

  I have been holding off on this review for several years now for numerous reasons. First this is a budget shotgun and it falls in the same category as a lot of other shotguns on the market. Second, I was afraid no one would be interested in reading it. Then third there was the big C that has been affecting everyone. But here it is and let me dive into the model I have. 

  The Stevens/Savage M320 Pump shotgun, ok what can I say, it is based on the old proven Winchester 1300 action, which uses a rotating bolt to cycle the shells. This particular one has a pistol grip and cross bolt safety, 18.5” barrel with a hooded front fiber optic sight and ghost ring rear sight. The receiver has a 1913 picatinny rail for mounting optics. 

  The model I bought came in flat dark earth stock and hard rubber butt stock, already has sling point attachments on the front cap and the rear of the stock. Right in front of the forend are access points that are on both sides of the 90 degrees apart. They are 1913 rails as well for mounting your favorite accessory to. It has a capacity of 5 rounds for 2.75” shells but has the capacity to hold 3” as well. The shotgun weighs in around 6 pounds with an over length of 38.25”. The trigger pull is a bit heavy on mine, tripping the gauge at 7 pounds. The forearm on the M320 is a little longer than most tactical or home defense shotguns, most of the ones I have encountered are around 8 to 9” long, the one on the Stevens is roughly 11” in length. Does this make a big difference? Not really, just some added weight and hey it has a nice rack.  

  So let us get to the shooting of this Chinese beauty with the big rack. I mounted a Swamp Fox Liberator Green Dot green dot on top of it just because I had one laying around and figured why not. This was a great choice when I went to the range. Remember this is a cylinder bore choke, which means it is not constricted like most hunting shotguns, nor does it have interchangeable choke tubes. This shotgun was made for close work. With that being said I found out that my local Wally world was selling ammo on the cheap and they had their Federal slugs on sale for $2.50 a box, so I bought all they had. With over 200 rounds of 3” slugs and 300 rounds of Rio 2 ¾” buckshot and more than I can count of mixed birdshot loads I was at the range. I sighted in at 50 yards on paper with the slugs and was getting great results. The best group I got was 1 ¾ inches at 50 yards, I was pretty happy with that. We did have some 12” steel set up at 100 yards and I could ring those every time with the slugs. After an hour of brutal shooting of slugs, I noticed I was closing my eyes and developing a flinch. I stopped shooting the 3” slugs. I went with something a bit lighter and did what I could to mimic patterning at about 40 yards and in with the buckshot. I was impressed at the spread that it kept at that distance. I ran out of paper targets so I spent the rest of my time shooting plastic bottles, bricks, logs and whatever else I could find on the junk section of the range. 

  So how did it shoot? Just like a shotgun should, it went bang, it destroyed anything that was in front of it. It ate any shells I put in it. But, here it is, there had to be one. I didn’t tell you this in the initial description, but it has a pistol grip. I absolutely hate pistol grip shotguns now. My wrist felt like I had punched a brick wall over and over. The direct impact into the web of the hand was terrible. The pistol grip made it so I could not get to the slide release switch easily. If you had gloves on it would be a no go. Now the gun for what it is ran fine. It is smooth, the trigger is a little heavy. The forearm is too long if you want to put shell cards on the side. It will cover part of the receiver up. You might be able to use a 4 shell card, but not one of the larger ones. The forearm is a little weird in design, it is not what I am used to but I am not going to call it a negative, just different. It seems to be big on the front and then flows down to an undercut of some sort towards the rear. This might be by design for smaller shooters.

  Overall this is a good shotgun for home defense, maybe a slug gun for deer hunting or varmint control. Throw it in the toolbox of your truck, under the seat, strap it to the rack of your 4 wheeler or to the back of your side by side. I feel for the money $199 when I bought mine, you can't go wrong. I have used mine on several bear and hog hunts, dropped it in the water while getting into my canoe, it does ride on the back of my saddle from time to time while riding horses. If I skin it up, scratch it, take the paint off of it, I won't cry like I would if it was a Beretta shotgun. 

  Is this shotgun for you? Well what is your budget? What is your intended use? Do you use shotguns a lot? I am not a big shotgun hunter, I break one out a few times a year when I go on specialized hunts, so I really do not own expensive shotguns. I own guns that run. I am not saying this is better than my 870, 835, 1100, 500, 590, 37 or what have you. I own a bunch of shotguns, they are tools to me, this M320 is a tool, it is a cheaper tool that has been cloned from a really good tool and has had a few modifications made to it. Would I stake my life on it? YES, I have and I will continue to. Every time I go into the woods to hunt big hogs or black bears and I have this shotgun, I trust it with my life. This is just my thought so take it how you want. I have well over 1000 rounds of high brass shells to cheap birdshot and haven’t had a malfunction yet. Now it is smooth but when I rack it I run it like I am trying to drive the forearm off of it. Just because something is made in another country and its budget means it is junk, you have to do your research and see for yourself. Don’t go off of one man’s opinion and think it is gospel. I am here just to tell you how my shotgun worked. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Target Market:

  • Anyone looking for a budget home defense shotgun

  • Value consumer

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Good ergonomics

  • Good price

  • Well balanced

  • Reliable

  • Barrel Length 18.5 (in)

  • Barrel Material Chrome Alloy Steel

  • Magazine Capacity 5

  • Ambidextrous

  • Length of Pull (in)13.75 

  • Overall Length  39.1(in)

  • Receiver Finish Matte

  • Receiver Material Light Alloy

  • Stock Material Synthetic

  • Stock Type Pistol Grip

  • Weight 7.2 (lb)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

  • Field grade models for hunting

  • Models without pistol grip

  • Different finishes

  • Available in 20 ga

What others are saying?:

A shotgun that can do it all at a price that nearly everyone can afford, the Stevens 320 pump-action was designed for versatility and affordability

The reliable Stevens 320 pump security 12 ga. shotgun has everything an LEO needs to hit the streets—and it comes at an affordable price.

Link to other reviews:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81oxsoEf3yg

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/stevens-320-pump-field-grade-shotgun/

Price point:

MSRP = $311.00

I need it now! Availability:

Check your local gun shop or online

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great price

  • Well made

  • No sharp edges

  • Good fit and finish

Cons:

  • Trigger pull is heavy

  • Lack of aftermarket parts

  • Forearm is too long

  • Pistol grip

  • Slide release

Score:  7.00 Good

,

Primary Arms GLx 1-6x24 FFP ACSS Raptor

,

  When I opened the box with the Primary Arms GLx 1-6x24, I was super excited. The GLx 1-6x24 is one of Primary Arms’ mid-tier optics. So it falls, price and feature wise, in between their SLx and PLx lines. This particular GLX 1-6x24 has an ACSS-Raptor reticle and is a first focal plane (FFP) optic. This low power variable optic (LPVO) is packed with features.

  Since the reticle is such an important part of your optic, let's start with the ACSS Raptor M6 reticle. The Raptor M6 Advanced Combined Sighting System, or ACSS, is a range estimating and bullet drop compensating reticle. Being that it is a FFP optic, the ranging and estimation properties stay the same throughout the magnification range. This is a big plus as one doesn’t have to recalculate anything at different magnification ranges. The Raptor M6 reticle is calibrated for these cartridges: 5.56 NATO, 5.45x39, .308 Win, 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC. Give or take a few differences in actual ballistics. I mounted it on a 5.56 AR with a 16” barrel and the drop estimations seemed to work well, at least for the ranges I could test. 

1x - targets at 50, 100, & 200 yds. Full reticle illumination

6x - 200 yd targets. Full reticle illumination

  A description of the Raptor M6 reticle is probably in order. The Raptor is a horseshoe style reticle. So there's a larger circle around a chevron aiming point (think triangle). The circle is missing the bottom portion, hence the “horseshoe” name. Then the Raptor has a vertical line, with short horizontal lines on it, to compensate for bullet drops at various ranges. There’s also some dots for wind holds, if needed. On the right and left side of the chevron are MIL ranging lines. These are to quickly assess the range of a 5’ 10” target. The middle chevron aiming point is where precision comes into play. Use the top point of the chevron for accurate aiming. Or just put the chevron over something for quicker shots. The bottom triangle point will be your 200 yard holdover, and then the bottom of the chevron will be your 300 yard holdover. All of this is in Primary Arms’ manuals, I’m just trying to give you a quick summary. Now, if you turn the GLx 1-6 down to its true 1x, the reticle gets pretty small. Don’t fret, this is actually very useful. Now you can use it for super quick shots up close. Very similar to a circle dot reticle in a red dot. Even with both eyes open. Oh, did I mention the chevron is illuminated? It is, but it and the horseshoe are the only parts that are illuminated, the rest of the reticle stays black. 

  Primary Arms also stuck their “Autolive” on/off into the GLx 1-6. The autolive turns the reticle off after 3 minutes of no physical movement, then quickly turns it back on when a tiny bit of movement happens. I love the autolive function and in the case of the GLx, it gives around 600 hrs of battery life. They say it is a daylight bright reticle, but in direct sunlight, the red illumination is pretty non existent. Any time besides direct sun, the reticle’s illumination is easy to see and brightly lit up. It has 10 brightness levels, with and off between each one. I like that there's an “off” between each “on.”

  Now that the long winded reticle explanation is done, we can focus on the glass in the GLx 1-6. Primary Arms uses low-dispersion glass that is multi coated. Why do you care? Because it makes everything look super clear and bright. Yes, the glass is really that clear. The magnification ranges are true to the numbers, so 1x is really no magnification, and 6x is really 6 times normal. I really appreciate the true 1x for running close targets at the range. The 6x makes it pretty easy to hit targets at various ranges also. The field of view is pretty decent, specs are below if you're interested. The eye relief is pretty forgiving at 1x, it’s around 3 to 3.5 inches, but you don’t need to be perfect with it. At 6x that’s a different story, you really need to be in the scopes sweet spot. The clarity of the glass really does rival some of the higher end 1-6’s

  If you are not using the GLx’s Raptor reticle for bullet drop compensation, it has some pretty nice turrets to use instead. The GLx 1-6 comes from the factory with capped turrets. But hold on, there’s something more in the box. Also included is a single exposed turret. Yes, you can replace the elevation turret with a non-capped one. I suppose you could put it on the windage turret also, but why.  Now you can dial in the adjustments as necessary without having to take the cap off. I get that if you are running around in the woods, or doing secret squirrel stuff, you might want the advantage of having capped turrets. But for me, I instantly installed the tactical, non-capped turret. Adjustments are the same either way and adjust in increments of 0.1 MIL’s. These adjustments also use a steel on steel mechanism. This means you’ll have consistent adjustments and repeatability for a lifetime. The GLx 1-6 does have some physically large turrets. This makes it much easier to adjust with gloves, or just in general. The clicks are fairly decent and audible. They feel a tad bit mushy to me, but that’s probably due to the sealing that keeps water and dust out. In all, the turrets adjust well. These turrets can also be loosened up and set to zero. Not a zero stop, but at least you’ll have a zero point to adjust from. 

  There are a few other notable aspects of the Primary Arms GLx 1-6. One is the throw lever. The throw lever makes it easier and quicker to adjust the magnification ring. The ring adjustment operates smoothly, but having the throw lever is really nice. It sticks up about ½” above the ring. So it isn’t really in the way, but is still large enough to matter. Primary Arms also made the lever removable and changeable. It is screwed onto a tiny dovetail. Just unscrew it and slide it off to change it to a larger one, a folding one, or just to leave it off. This next aspect is its weight. It weighs in at 21 ounces. This is a few more ounces than some others in this mid-tier. When I say a few more, it’s like 3 ounces difference, so not much. But on the plus size of the weight, the GLx 1-6 is built like a tank. It is solid. I wouldn’t hesitate to use this LPVO harshly.

  If you are in the market for a top quality LPVO, but don’t want to pay top-tier pricing, the Primary Arms GLx 1-6x24 might be everything you need. The glass is super clear, it has a very useful FFP reticle, is pretty much indestructible, can range objects on the fly, and turns on and off automatically. What more could you want? I’d definitely look into one of these if you intend on running your stuff hard. You can check the GLX 1-6x24 ACSS Raptor M6 out at Primary Arms, as well as all the other products they have over there.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Mid-tier low power variable optic (LPVO) with first focal plane reticle (FFP)

Target Market:

Those wanting a quality mid grade LPVO

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 1-6x Magnification

  • 24mm objective

  • 3.3" - 3.5" of eye relief

  • FOV: 104 ft at 1x, 18 ft at 6x

  • 30mm main tube

  • High strength one-piece 6061-T6 aluminum body

  • 10.25" long

  • Weighs 21.3 Oz

  • Premium grade glass

  • Steel-on-Steel precision adjustments

  • Tactile and audible 1/10 MIL click value

  • Turrets are user configurable between Tactical or Capped

  • Movable and replaceable magnification ring fin

  • Partial reticle illumination - Inner part only

  • First Focal Plane ACSS Raptor M6 Reticle

  • Autolive motion activated illumination

  • 10 total brightness settings, 2 of which are night vision compatible 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Griffin M6 reticle   

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Primary Arms

EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED

Using this for an old m1a, as a red dot and magnifier don't really work for that platform. The glass is very clear and good eye relief, I zeroed and used out to 400 yards. Impact at 200 and 300 worked well on the bdc reticle, but I had to hold about 450 to hit the 400. I have access to longer range but haven't had chance to try it out yet. I let my friend shoot it and he was very impressed by the glass. Great scope for the price, it is bright on 11 but not like an aimpoint when shooting in the sunlight

Link to other reviews:

Thin Line Defense on YouTube it’s the Griffin reticle, but close enough 

Price point:

MSRP = $599.99

Retail = Same, but Primary Arms runs sales all the time

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super clear glass

  • Ranging reticle

  • Large capped turrets

  • Optional Elevation turret that replaces capped one

  • Autolive motion activation

  • Removable Throw lever

Cons:

  • Reticle is not daylight bright

  • Heavy-ish

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

Modern Spartan Systems

  Maintaining your firearm is a key point to keeping them shooting properly. Modern Spartan Systems is in the market to help you with all those needs. If it’s cleaning, oiling, greasing, or anything else you might need to maintain that firearm, they have you covered. I received one of their “Starter Kit Plus”, some Blade Oil, and even an engine additive. I’ll try to inform you about the products and how they worked for me.

  Modern Spartan systems uses a Nano Shield technology to make their products. This Nano Shield allows molecular particles to penetrate and fill in microscopic gaps in metal. It does this through heat activation. Some parts, like barrels, will do this under their own heat. Other parts might need to be heated in an oven to obtain this. But mainly, just put it on and use it as normal. It effectively smooths out all the rough spots that one can only see under a microscope. 

  Another thing that makes the Modern Spartan System products stand out is their “green” labeling. Essentially their products are marked “green” or “earth friendly”. They use the definition of green from the EPA. The EPA standard says that they must be either biodegradable or inert. Modern Spartan Systems does, almost jokingly, say “Although we are not recommending that you ingest our products or use them as salad dressing, our formulas are generally quite safe to work with.” So if you are worried about harsh chemicals, these might be what you need. These products work just as good, better in my opinion, then those caustic ones you are used to.

  The Starter Kit Plus is exactly that, a kit that includes all the cleaning and lubrication you need. It comes with the Modern Spartan Systems Accuracy Oil, Carbon Destroyer, Accuracy Grease, Copper/Lead Destroyer, and Crystal Clear.

The Carbon Destroyer and Copper/Lead destroyer are your cleaning products. Use the Copper/Lead Destroyer for cleaning barrels, slides, bolts, etc, as you would any other bore cleaner. It works well on both copper and lead. The best part is that there aren’t any harsh smells. If you have ever tried to get out copper with an old school solvent, you know what I mean. My absolute favorite product in the kit is the Carbon Destroyer. It works like nothing else I have ever used, including other carbon removers. Just soak your carboned up part for a bit and then wipe the carbon off. If it doesn’t all come off, just repeat. Or scrape the carbon off much easier because it has been loosened up from the Carbon Destroyer.

The Accuracy Oil and Grease are where the Nano Shield tech really shows. For our purposes, the grease is just thicker Accuracy oil for parts that need grease. So anything about the oil, also applies to the grease. Now the Accuracy Oil is fantastic! It is called “accuracy oil” because of the Nano Shield technology. By smoothing out the imperfections in your barrel, it makes it more accurate. As a byproduct, the barrel is also easier to clean. The amount of gained accuracy has a lot of variables, but it does have some validity. I just can’t say if it helped my rifle, since I am not as good of a shooter as I once was. The other huge advantage to the Accuracy oil is that it reduced friction by 90%. I can actually feel the difference when cycling my firearms. Since it also bonds to the metal, it protects the surface. I also noticed that it doesn’t become sticky like other oils I’ve used. It stays slick even after sitting for a while. 

The Crystal Clear is Modern Spartan’s glass cleaner. It works on plastics also, so you can use it to clean your safety glasses. It is designed to be used on scopes, binoculars, and glasses. In order to get the most accuracy out of a firearm, you need to have the scopes glass clean. Just spritz some of the Crystal Clear on and wipe it off with a cleaning cloth. Since I wear prescription glasses, I used this on them also. My lenses came out super clean. The small bottle is great to keep in your range or hunting bag. 

  Modern Spartan Systems also sent a bottle of their “Blade” oil. This is their knife oil and protectant. Very similar to the Accuracy oil, it also reduces friction by 90%. The “Blade” oil also creates a slick surface to help sharp things glide through whatever they are cutting. It also bonds with the metal to create that same Nano Shield. On a knife, this helps the blade to effectively be sharper by smoothing out those microscopic imperfections. You can use it on anything that cuts, from scissors to axes, and it will protect them from rusting. I’ve been using the “Blade” oil on all the knives around here. It definitely makes them open easier. I'm terrible at keeping my knives at their sharpest, so if the blade oil makes them cut better, I don’t know, but at least I know they are protected from the elements.

  I also was sent the “TVT” engine oil additive. You add this to your engine oil, and using the same molecular bonding as the other oils, it reduces friction. I have no way of actually testing this. Modern Spartan says it will increase fuel mileage by 5-10%. I saw about a 3% gain in mileage. Not a ton, but with overpriced fuel these days, 3% can be a good amount. 

  The Modern Spartan Systems Starter Kit Plus is great. It has 2 ounce bottles of everything you need to clean and maintain your firearms. The stuff really works, all of it, even the Blade oil. If I were to choose one product to buy, it would be the Accuracy Oil, followed by the Carbon Destroyer. Mainly because the oil does so much, and I use it more often. Do yourself a favor and go check out the products over at Modern Spartan Systems. They have stuff for fishing, automotive, knives, and of course firearms.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Advanced, green, cleaning and lubrication products

Target Market:

Anyone wanting great gun cleaning and oiling products - knives, fishing, and automotive too

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

All products listed below are “Green” and Made in USA

Accuracy Oil  

  • 90% reduction in friction

  • Low stick surface so dirt doesn’t stick to it

  • Adheres to metal surfaces

Accuracy Grease 

  • The thicker version of the Accuracy oil

Carbon Destroyer 

  • Water based penetrating solvent

  • Micro-emulsion technology

Copper/Lead Destroyer 

  • Barrel metal safe - won’t damage metal parts

  • Low to no odor

Crystal Clear 

  • Optical cleaner for scopes, bino’s, glasses, etc

  • Safe for anything from plastic to glass

Blade Oil 

  • Knife Oil

  • Reduced friction by 90%

  • Protects and enhances knife blade performance

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Tons, check them out at Modern Spartan Systems

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars at Modern Spartan Systems  

Amazing products!

I've tried the Carbon Destroyer and accuracy oil so far and they are a clear step up from every other gun cleaning and lube products out there. I am very particular with my choice of gun maintenance products and only use the best available. Spartan systems are the new King of the hill, by a measurable margin. My go to range gun has over 20K rounds through it already and now it feels better than brand new.

Link to other reviews:

Pew Pew Tactical 

Price point:

MSRP = Starter Kit Plus - $59.95 

              Blade Oil - $14.50  

Retail = Same Try “GGR15” code for 15% off

I need it now! Availability:

Modern Spartan Systems

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Slick

  • Reduced friction by 90%

  • Bonds to metal

  • Can get a kit to try out

  • Carbon remover works fantastic

  • Improves accuracy

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Hard to find locally

Score for all products: 8.50 Great 

Favorite Link:  JSD Supply

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Primary Arms SLx RS-10 red dot

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  When I first learned about the new Primary Arms SLx RS-10 mini reflex sight, I was very interested. Then I received one, and was even more excited. This little, open reflex, pistol mounted red dot is everything they said it would be. Including a great price of $199.99.

Autolive in action

  The SLx RS-10 is packed with features. It runs a 3 MOA red dot that is easily picked up. It has 11 brightness settings. Of which include night vision compatibility and daylight bright. I couldn’t try out the night vision setting, but the daylight bright setting is really bright, even in direct sunlight. You should have zero problems seeing the dot in any light. The RS-10 also has easy to use controls on the left side. These buttons are only raised slightly above the RS-10’s surface. Of course they control brightness as well as actual on/off. I say “actual” because the RS-10 features Primary Arms’ “Autolive”. The Autolive is an automatic on/off function that works fantastic. Just barely move the sight and the dot turns on. After about 3 minutes of zero sight movement, the sight turns off. Any teeny movement will keep the RS-10 on. Back to the “actual” on/off. To turn the sight off, as if you are going to store it for a long time, just hold the up and down buttons simultaneously for a few seconds and the sight will permanently turn off. Then to turn it back on, and into the Autolive feature, just hold either the up or down button a few seconds until the dot turns on. Primary Arms specs the battery life at 40,000 hours with a CR2032 battery. So if you change the battery out once a year, you should be good to go and never have the dreaded dead dot. If you couldn’t tell, I really like the Autolive feature.

  Primary Arms also stuck some other features into the RS-10. For strength, they manufacture the housing out of 7075 aluminum. This is the same grade aluminum that quality AR receivers are made from, so it should be good to go. I really like the shape they chose for the housing and window. The rounded, almost square shape seems to draw my eye to the dot. I seem to find the dot much faster than other pistol mounted red dots. Primary Arms says the window size is 23mm and even if it is a smaller window than some brands, see the above comments. I mentioned battery life earlier, but the RS-10 does have a side loading battery tray. That means you can change the battery without having to remove the sight from your desired mounting platform, keeping your zero intact. Coming in at just over an ounce, the RS-10 shouldn’t weigh you down either.

  Anymore, the mounting method for a reflex sight is very important. Mainly because one needs to know if it will fit on their handgun. The SLx RS-10 uses the fairly common Docter/Noblex footprint to directly mount to stuff. Primary Arms also includes a picatinny rail mount and a Glock MOS plate. That way if you aren’t mounting it directly to a pistol, you have some options. For instance, it would make a great 45 degree offset red dot for a rifle. I ended up mounting it on a Strike Industries Liteslide for a G19, as it has a multi optic mounting platform. The SLX RS-10 mounted in perfectly. Primary Arms decided to go with the Docter mounting footprint so they could use that CR2032 battery and have it side mounted. Since the battery is physically larger than other options, you end up getting more battery life out of it. For the small size of the RS-10, a different mounting footprint just wouldn’t work. 

  The SLx RS-10 is a great little red dot. This doesn’t come without a few tiny gripes. If you hold the RS-10 on target, and start shaking it a tiny bit, in a circle, the dot will galaxy out. So it literally looks kind of like a little galaxy inside the window. Does it bother anything? Nope, when shooting the pistol I didn’t even notice it. Even on moving and circling targets. Most people probably wouldn’t even notice it. I also would have liked to see it on a RMR footprint, but Primary Arms didn’t do this because of those “battery” reasons. I can understand this. Now, on a good note. Even for me, with my astigmatism, the dot is fairly clear. So those with normal eyes will see a nice crisp dot. 

  I am going to say this, the Primary Arms SLx RS-10 is currently my go to red dot pistol sight. This red dot impressed me more than I expected. I can find the dot easily. I haven’t destroyed it yet. Even if I did, it has a lifetime warranty. The size doesn’t get in the way. I’d say it is somewhere between one of the super small mini reflex versions and a Holosun 507. The RS-10 is always ready to go because of the “Autolive” feature. The click adjustments for windage and elevation make it easy to make adjustments, unlike other mini reflex sights that have no clicks. I ran this thing fairly hard and have had zero problems. 

  If you are looking for a mini reflex red dot, the SLx RS-10 from Primary Arms might be it. It is priced under $200. At that price, it’s a great deal for this feature packed red dot. With the Autolive function, you won’t have to worry about if the dot is on or off, because it will always be on. I don’t think you can go wrong selecting the Primary Arms SLx RS-10 mini reflex sight. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality Mini Reflex red dot sight for a great value

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a decent priced pistol mounted red dot

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 7075 aluminum body

  • Side-loading CR2032 battery compartment

  • Convenient push-button controls

  • 11 Brightness settings

  • Daylight bright and night vision compatible brightness levels

  • 3 MOA dot

  • Picatinny Rail Mount and Low Profile Adaptor Plate for Glock® MOS Slides Included

  • Autolive motion activation

  • 40,000 hour battery life

  • Weighs just 1.07 Oz

  • 23mm window

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Docter/Noblex footprint

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars on Amazon 

Another great option from PA

Mounted on my Canik Rival with no issues. Great product for the price. Will highly consider getting another in the future.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense  

Price point:

MSRP = $199.99

Retail = $199.99 but Primary Arms is constantly running sales

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Autolive motion activation

  • Price

  • Dot is easily picked up

  • Side loading battery

  • Actual “click” windage and elevation adjustments 

Cons:

  • Doctor / Noblex footprint

  • Galaxies when circling a target fast

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

Walker Defense Titanium BCG

  Titanium bolt carrier groups (BCG) are one of the mysteries of the AR world. A few companies manufacture them, but what are they really for? I’ll try to answer that with the Walker Defense Research Titanium BCG.

  If you are looking at a Titanium (Ti) BCG, like the Walker Defense one, it is probably because of weight. Meaning you are trying to get the lightest possible parts around. The Walker Ti BCG weighs 7.8 ounces complete. A standard BCG weighs 11.8 ounces on my scale. That’s an off the shelf weight saving of 4 ounces. I know, that doesn’t seem like a lot, but when every ounce counts, that's a bunch. An important note is that the bolt is not titanium, it is 9130 steel with a Nickel Boron coating. The bolt is also magnetic partical inspected (MPI). A Ti bolt just doesn’t have the correct metallurgy to work, but for the carrier, it’s great. The Ti carrier, without the bolt, only weighs 5.7 ounces. 

  The Walker Defense Ti BCG is of the standard M16 profile. This is done so that it will work in almost every scenario, except piston guns. It is for direct impingement AR’s only. The M16 profile also gives the BCG strength and reliability. Cutting away material can weaken a BCG or make it not function correctly. Walker makes the BCG out of 6AL-4V grade 5 titanium. This even goes above my material knowledge, but I bet that they know what they are doing, especially since this titanium seems to be the standard for Ti BCG’s. An Ionbond Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) is then put on the carrier. This DLC coating gives the BCG a longer lifespan and makes it super smooth. Of course you need excellent machining to have a smooth coating, and the Walker Defense BCG definitely is machined super smooth. 

  Another reason for choosing a titanium BCG is for reduced recoil. The Ti BCG reduces recoil because there is less moving mass. This does come at a price. One also needs an adjustable gas block. This is a must for any lightweight BCG, not just the Walker Ti one. Then you have to tune the adjustable gas block. Good ones come with instructions on how to do this. Some might say that you can “tune” the Ti BCG by using heavier buffers and stuff. But a heavier buffer just adds more weight and more recoil. Isn’t one reason you would choose a Ti bcg is for weight? I can attest to the lower recoil of the Ti BCG. I have a Superlative arms adjustable gas block, tuned to eject the brass at about 3:30. According to the Mantis x, it reduced muzzle rise by over 50% and recoil width by over 80%. You can see in the short video that even with an A2 flash hider, there is hardly any recoil or muzzle climb. I could definitely feel the difference. 

  I was a little hesitant to try the Walker titanium BCG out. I just didn’t understand why I needed it. After using it thoroughly for some time, I can say it definitely makes the AR shoot so much smoother. All the claims are correct. Reduced muzzle rise. Reduced felt recoil. Faster follow up shots, due to those previously mentioned reductions. Yes, the BCG price can make you gasp a little. But in the end, it’s not much more expensive, if any, than other low mass BCG’s. Even some enhanced BCG’s are in the $250 range. The Walker Ti BCG also has forward assist notches, something a lot of the other lightweight carriers don’t have. For me, I just can’t get over how smooth the recoil impulse is with the Walker Ti BCG.

  Probably the last reason to choose Walker’s Ti BCG is durability. Titanium tends to be more resistant to heat and pressure. What do direct impingement guns have? Hot gasses being directly blown into the carrier. So anything that is more resistant to heat is a good thing. Walker also correctly stakes the gas key on, so it won’t be moving around causing problems. Just lube your Ti BCG as normal, and you should get a long life span from it. 

  The Walker Defense Titanium BCG does everything a BCG should do and more. The “more” is why I really like it. It’s lightweight, reduces recoil, is durable, and has a standard M16 profile. Hopefully you have a better understanding of why you would want the Walker Ti BCG. So if you want that “lightweight everything”, or just a super quality bolt carrier, head over to the Walker Defense Research website and give them a look. Everything I have from Walker is top notch and is always made in the USA.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Lightweight M16 FA Bolt Carrier Group

Target Market:

Lightweight builds, competition shooters, or anyone wanting a high quality BCG

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Compatibility: M16/ M4 / AR-15 Direct Gas Impingement (not for use in piston guns)

  • Calibers: 5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Remington / .300 AAC Blackout

  • Profile: Full Auto Style Carrier w/ Properly Staked Gas Key

  • Carrier Material: 6AL-4V (Grade 5) Titanium

  • Bolt Material: 9310 Steel

  • Carrier Coating: Ionbond DLC (Diamond Like Carbon)

  • Bolt Coating: Nickel Boron

  • Firing Pin: Steel w/ Chrome Finish

  • Made in the USA

  • Weight: Carrier-only (titanium): 5.7 oz, Total (Carrier, Bolt, firing pin, etc.): 7.8 oz

  • Adjustable gas block is highly recommended 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Carrier only

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Walker Defense   

Surprisingly Good

When I decided to upgrade my mil-spec bolt carrier group ("BCG"), I did a lot of research. I found a review of the Walker Defense Research BCG on Pew Pew Tactical. I was impressed by the statistics . I there and when I went to the site, found the NERO, a three-d printed muzzle device. I was impressed by the willingness to explore new technologies. I bought both a NERO and this BCG. I have a JP captured spring and a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block. With the mil-spec BCG, I could only tune the rifle to 1.5 turns into bleed (22 clicks on the detentes). It was a good result. The Walker DR BCG allowed me to bleed off another 1.5 turns (28 clicks). Because of that, I have extremely little barrel movement and keep my targets well (understand that the NERO is not on this rifle so there is no effect--this is strictly the BCG. With less mass, there is less slam. Whenever I take it to the range, others notice the smoothness and my targets. I have offhanded 120 rounds at a session and it is only my wallet that caused me to hang it up in a session. Two other things to mention: 1) my clockworks stay noticeably cleaner because I am able to bleed off so much dirty gas; and 2) the coating quality goes all the way out to the edges. This second issue needs a bit more explanation. On the mil-spec BCG the edges wore nearly immediately. The quality of the finish is so good that the edges remain crisp at 1,250 rounds. I have no reservations about recommending this BCG. I would suggest that you take full advantage by getting an adjustable gas block as well. The two together really make the gun a sweet shooter. My sons have various ARs but they always find an excuse for shooting mine.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $359.99

Retail = $306.00 with “INSIDER15” discount code

I need it now! Availability:

Walker Defense Research 

Use “INSIDER15” FOR 15% OFF

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super lightweight

  • DLC coating on carrier

  • Nickel Boron coating on bolt

  • M16 Full Auto carrier specs

  • Super smooth operation

  • Less felt recoil

  • 100% Made in USA

Cons:

  • Price

  • Needs adjustable gas block

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link: JSD Supply  

Surefire X300 Turbo

By: Shan Hemphill

  Surefire is known for supplying quality, robust lights that are made in the USA, and supplies heavily to law enforcement agencies. Surefire products have a lifetime warranty, and there are many comments on the Internet about how Surefire has quickly resolved problems. Surefire is also known to be slow to release new lights, so their Turbo versions of the X300 and Scout have been heavily anticipated since their announcements at Shot Show 2022.

  I obtained 4 samples of the X300 Turbo, allowing me to gather data from multiple lights, then compare versus some of the best in the industry.

Specs:

Lumens: 650

Candela: 66,000

Runtime: 1.5 hours

Batteries 2x CR123A

Switches: Ambidextrous push (momentary) / toggle (constant)

Water Protection: IPX7

In the box:

  Inside the packaging is the light itself, 2 Surefire-branded 123A lithium batteries, instructions, and rail keys depending upon whether you’ve purchased the “A” or “B” version. The “A” version utilizes a spring rail key attachment system, and as a result, the box includes an extra spring rail and a tool to remove. The “B” version includes an extra rail key. Both also include a battery door pin to help keep the door from opening unexpectedly. 

  Fitup of either version is easy, but be aware that this is a large pistol light. It fits on the majority of pistols that utilize a full size rail, but it sticks out beyond the muzzle on most full size pistols. It even sticks out beyond the end of my compensated Glock G19x.

  The X300 Turbo is exactly the same size as the X300 Ultra. That’s important because there are a million holsters for the X300U;  you should be able to find concealment holsters for IWB or OWB, and if you’re on duty using a X300U already, you can keep your existing retention holster.

  Even though the package is long, I have been comfortably carrying the pictured package AIWB. Yes, that means I appendix carry one of the longest pistol and light packages on the market. I do so in the Werkz M6 holster, but I carry in the deep position with a little negative cant dialed in. I find this quite comfortable and easy to carry day in and day out. While it’s not G43x small, it’s workable.

  The light takes two CR123A batteries. While many people now prefer rechargeables for their lower cost and higher output capability, I do appreciate prime batteries for their long-lasting power output, and that I can easily swap batteries while training. 

  I tested all 4 of the X300T samples for lumen output in my integrating sphere, capturing both the absolute maximum, and calculating the ANSI / PLATO FL-1 lumens (which average readings from 30 to 120 seconds). Here are my results.

I also captured candela using similar measurements.

  All the lights performed well, but I did observe some variance between them. This is typical of lights; the electronic components (especially the LEDs) can vary from light to light giving different readings. 

  It is interesting how the light seems to get stronger for about the first 15 seconds, then it levels out and drops off.

The competition

  Given the high candela output of this light, probably the best light to compare to is the Modlite PL350 using either the OKW or the PLHv2 head. The PL350 is similarly priced, and the OKW head is rated at similar candela output at a rated 69,000cd. Here are my measurements:

  As we can see here, the new X300 Turbo has significantly more candela than the Ultra, and has competitive output compared to the PL350 with the OKW head. This is impressive output from CR123A batteries.

  I measured candela at angle, which provides a graphical view of the width of light intensity. If wider angles have higher candela output, then the light has more flood. If a light has a peak, then drops off near zero, then it has all throw and almost no flood.

    In this case, you can see that the PL350 with the PLHv2 head has a fair amount of output up to 5 degrees. In comparison, the X300U is much flatter, showing in graphical terms how it provides much more flood than the other lights.

  I also gathered lumen data, which allows me to measure instant max lumens, and calculate ANSI / PLATO FL-1 lumens, and runtime.

In this chart, we see that the highest lumen is from the Ultra, which is no surprise given that light’s focus on output and flood. There are two Turbo samples here because sample 1 seemed to have an issue with runtime that I didn’t see in the other 3, so I included sample 2 as an example of how the majority of the units tested out. It’s good to see that the Turbo can run 1:15 still outputting almost 400 lumens. 

Practical Testing

I stood downrange and had each of the lights shone into my eyes. Excepting the Ultra, all of these lights were painful to look at and I had a hard time determining distance or position of the person holding the lights. From the camera angle, you can see that all of these lights provide a degree of flood, and each light has a slightly different color tint.

Summary

Here is a summary of the data shown here:

Based upon the data gathered here, I personally am upgrading from my Streamlight TLR-1HL to the Surefire X300T. In particular, sample 3 impressed me not only with output but also with a slightly warmer color temperature out of the group. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Candela is competitive with the best pistol lights, backed by the Surefire reputation and fits in existing X300 holsters.

Target Market:

Military, law enforcement, and citizens who want some of the highest throw possible in a pistol light.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Feature: 66,000 advertised candela

    • Benefit: Provides high throw capability – can illuminate further out than most pistol lights

    • Benefit: Defeats photonic barriers such as auto glass, headlights, and dark corners better

    • Benefit: Helps control subjects better by blinding themselves

  • Feature: Same form factor as the X300U

    • Benefit: Fits in all your existing X300 holsters

  • Feature: Retains X300 existing momentary and constant switches

    • Benefit: Operator can select between momentary activation and constant activation

  • Feature: Surefire build and reputation

    • Benefit: High quality made in the USA product with an excellent warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Comes in “A” and “B” flavors. The A version uses a sprung lever & key to lock in to the rail. The “B” version uses a key but has a screw to clamp to the rail. My personal preference is the “B” as I can clamp it down and eliminate rate. However, many people also have good success with the A version by using the correct key, or by putting some electrical tape on the top to reduce or eliminate the rattle.

Comes in black and tan.

What others are saying?:

T-Rex Arms:

Surefire was able to change the throw of this light without changing the external dimensions or size of the light itself, so you’ll be able to use with the holsters out there. They were able to squeeze this power out of CR123A batteries.

Big Tex Ordnance: 

“Still the standard, I regretted trading up to the 1000lm from the 500, this has the right spot and a nice flood, fits my existing setup and I might be losing it but the switches feel a lot easier to manipulate than the ones on the 1000.”

“Great light; amazing throw, intense hotspot, but still has a decent amount of flood. This is nearly as good outdoors as my Cloud Defensive Rein while being much smaller and still being the same size as my X300U. I don’t think you need to run out and replace all your old X300s and TLR-1s, but if you’ve got a handgun that needs a light, this should be a no-brainer.”

Link to other reviews:

https://youtu.be/Ra2j0mo_5zU

https://www.lowlightdefense.com/surefire-x300-turbo-the-king-reclaims-the-throne/ 

https://www.reddit.com/r/tacticalgear/comments/wjrnue/x300_turbo_is/ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ne1U85IEBA 

Price point:

MSRP = $379   

Primary arms = $322   

Big Tex Ordnance = $322

I need it now! Availability:

Seems out of stock everywhere. I think Primary Arms might be a good source.

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Some of the highest candela in this segment. 30 seconds in, my 4 lights averaged 61k. Some people think candela is only for rifles, but it is also useful for defeating photonic barriers such as when shining a light through a car windshield and against the car’s headlights. Candela also helps blind a subject, making it difficult or impossible for them to see you.

  • Still has decent flood, similar to the Modlite OKW. Not as wide as the Ultra, but testing shows it sufficient for most indoor operations. Output is good, and for indoors it is possible to shine the light up (umbrella lighting) or down against the bottom of the wall (baseboard) to help diffuse the light.

  • Consistent output: our testing shows 96% output consistency from run to run. Some lights are much lower, down around 85%. 

  • Generous runtime of 1.5 hours

  • Utilizes existing X300 holsters, and literally everyone makes holsters for pistols with the X300.

  • Switches provide both momentary and constant activation, and do so intuitively.

  • Utilizes common CR123A batteries.

Cons:

  • This is an expensive light at just over $330 street price.

  • Switches are adequate and provide both momentary and constant activation, but they can feel stiff or sticky, and the momentary activation pokes my thumb  under recoil. 

  • Some people will see the high candela and lack of flood as a reason not to run the light. My experience is that high candela lights do restrict some of the peripheral view, but I know how disorienting a high candela light can be when it’s aimed directly at my face. I can overcome most of the concerns about “blinding myself” or “it’s too focused” through training.

  • It’s still a large light, one of the largest on the market. 

Score:

This is now my EDC light on my Glock 19x. 

I rate it at 8.50 - Great. 

Favorite Link: Geek out on all the data HERE

Victory Operational Works Crusader Holster

  Victory Operational Works is a veteran owned company making a unique holster system. The Crusader is a 2 piece multi-use holster which is not your typical pancake style. Victory Operational Works also has one called the Crusader Max which has a built in mag carrier. I chose the standard Crusader in Kryptek Neptune, but Victory also sent me one of their Conspirator individual magazine carriers to try out. It is also in Kryptek Neptune. Both of which exude quality.

  The Crusader comes complete with everything you need. When I say everything, it really means everything. When you pull the Crusader out of its nicely sealed packaging, a bag of accessories comes out with it. In this little bag is all the extra hardware you need to change the Crusader from an inside the waistband (IWB) holster, to an outside the waistband (OWB) holster. This includes screws, rubber grommets, Torx style allen wrench, etc. The OWB mounting isn’t just some flimsy belt loops, Victory Operational Works gives you an official Blade-Tech Tek Lok to use for OWB carry. The Tek Lok is a proven secure mounting method that has built in belt width adjustments. For IWB use, the Crusader holster comes, out of the package, with an installed Discreet Carry Concepts 1.5” monoblock. The DCC clip also has a laser engraved “V” on it which is a really nice quality touch that I haven’t seen before. In my opinion, the DCC clips are the best IWB clips around. So check a box for Victory doing stuff correctly. 

  With all those mounting options, Victory goes one step farther with the Crusader. The Crusader has a bunch of different mounting hole options. Essentially, all these holes give the user plenty of different options for carrying the holster by being able to mount the belt clip or Tek Lok. Most notably are the different holes for ride height and cant. With the IWB and DCC option, you have 2 different ride height adjustments, as well as a cant option. There are 2 different ride height adjustments in the OWB configuration. Besides the supplied mounting options, Victory puts in a bunch of different holes for OWB carry. This allows you to install your own type of OWB attachments. Most notably are the Safariland mounting hole pattern. I ended up mounting a QLS fork from Safariland so I can quickly just add or remove the Crusader from my battle belt. All of the mounting holes are riveted so they will last a lifetime. Another check for the quality box. 

  When it comes to the Crusader itself, it is unique. I say this because the holster is constructed of 2 separate pieces. A front piece and a back piece. They are molded to each individual firearm, to make a complete holster, by custom made inhouse jigs. Then they are mounted together with 4 screws and rubber bushings. These 4 mounting points also make it possible for the end user to adjust the tension on the holster. You can make the gun fit super loose, or super tight. Adjust the 2 down by the trigger guard for that “snap in” feel, but keep the other 2 screws looser, and the pistol seems to glide out of the holster with ease. Or tighten them all up equally for more of that normal holster feel. The way Victory makes these 2 sides allows for tall sight and slide ride optics. The Crusader is an open bottom style holster. The open bottom allows lint and stuff to not build up in the holster. It also allows for the use of threaded barrels and compensators to stick out the end of the holster, if you are using such products. One thing I noticed about the Crusader, is that it angles the butt end of the pistol in toward your body. I really liked this as it helps to hide the grip a little better. 

  Victory Operational Works also sent their Conspirator magazine pouch. The Conspirator is a molded, universal, single mag carrier for double stack magazines . It also comes with all the hardware that the Crusader comes with, plus some options for a different style of DCC clip. The mag holder is the same excellent quality of the Crusader. It also has multiple holes for mounting it however one would like, angled either direction, straight, lower, higher, etc. One of the features, of the Conspirator, is the insert piece that lets you adjust the magazine's retention. Not by just clamping the screws tighter, but an adjustable drag plate inside the magazine pouch. I really like the Conspirator mag pouch. It may seem expensive at $49.99, but when you figure in all the mounting hardware, it’s a decent value.

  Every convertible holster has some trade offs. For me, the Crusader makes an excellent OWB holster. I like everything about it in that configuration. Where I think the trade off is, is in the IWB configuration. Because of the 2 piece design, there is a little more material to try and hide. This caused the holster and pistol to print more for me at the 2:30-3 o’clock position. Appendix carry was a little better, but not much. I really appreciated the designed in angles, or curves, that Victory puts into the holster. These angles make it a very comfortable holster to wear for IWB carry. Even if it does print more for me. Those angles also make it more comfortable for OWB carry. The Crusader also is made so that the pistol's magazine release button is not covered by the holster. This allows you to change a magazine without unholstering the pistol. But for me, it means that the holster itself won’t drop the magazine. Which has happened to me before. So nice job Victory.

  If you are looking for that one do-all holster, the Crusader from Victory Operational Works just might be it. The quality and craftsmanship are top notch, even down to using torx head screws that are used throughout the holster. It has great adjustability and comes with everything you need to convert it between IWB and OWB carry. Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty, you should go take a look at Victory Operational Works and the Crusader holster.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality Universal kydex holster

Target Market:

Anyone needing a do-all holster

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Blade-Tech Tek-Lok included for OWB carry, offering two different carry options, vertical and FWD cant

  • Discreet Carry Concepts 1.5” Monoblock Clip, with “V” laser engraved including mounting hardware for IWB carry, offering three different carry options, two ride height options with .5” difference and FWD cant

  • All mounting hardware is stainless steel for strength and to prevent rusting

  • Four adjustable retention points, two on the trigger guard side and two on the slide side, creating a sandwich type retention that applies equal pressure around the holster that maintains a perfect fit regardless of how tight or loose the retention is set

  • Three point angle adjustment in OWB configuration utilizing the Tek Lok and rubber bushings

  • Final fit on each holster performed with actual handgun, never plastic guns

  • Open access to magazine release so magazine can be removed while handgun remains safely holstered 

  • Positive pressure created by rubber bushing on all hard points, eliminating the need for thread lock

  • T-15 tool included with each holster

  • Highly polished edge treatment

  • OWB hole pattern is universal and compatible with G-Code RTI, Safariland QLS and Blade-Tech to name a few

  • Muzzle end is open

  • Rear sight catch to rack slide single handed

  • Every hole drilled is finished with an eyelet for added strength at each hard point

  • Optic compatible cut front plate and relief channel created on back plate 

  • No questions asked LifeTime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Tons

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at victoryoperationalworks.com

Very well made

I’ve purchased many holsters in my life. This is the most versatile holster I have found to date. It’s a great draw holster also. Very pleased.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $129.99

     Mag Carrier = $49.99

Retail = $99.99 + depending on options

I need it now! Availability:

Victory Operational Works

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Quality and craftsmanship

  • Standard design works with red dots

  • Open style (works with comps, etc.)

  • Everything included for IWB or OWB mounting

  • 2 piece design

  • Comfortable angled/curved design

Cons:

  • Larger than other IWB holsters

  • Prints more when using for IWB

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  JSD Supply

AR Gold trigger

  Some time ago I was asked if I had ever used an AR Gold trigger. My answer was “no”, but I had heard they are pretty good. That led me to ask American Trigger Corporation if they would send one out for a full review. As one can guess, here I am with a full review of the Adjustable, curved, AR Gold trigger.

  When the AR Gold trigger showed up, I eagerly installed it into a lower receiver. The AR Gold comes in a nicely packaged box with some stickers and such. The packaging itself makes the trigger look like a finely tuned race car, which it kind of is. Since the AR Gold is a cartridge style AR-15 trigger, installation is very straightforward. 

  As mentioned, I opted for the adjustable version. Yes, a non-adjustable one is also available, its pull weight is set at 3.5 lbs. The adjustable one is also set at the factory to 3.5 lbs. I set mine a little lighter, down to 2.5 lbs. To adjust the AR Gold trigger, there are 2 set screws at the back of the trigger housing. Use the top screw. Clockwise will increase the sear tension, thus increasing the break weight of the trigger. Of course, turning the screw counter-clockwise will decrease the sear tension, lightening the trigger break. From ATC Gold’s website - “As you reduce the amount of spring tension on the sear, you WILL reach a point that the gun will not cock reliably when live firing – though it may still cock dry firing. On most AR’s this will occur somewhere between 3 and 2 lbs.” So go slowly with your adjustments. From my understanding, there is really no need to even go near the bottom screw on the trigger housing. I had no problems adjusting the AR gold trigger down to a measured 2.5 lbs, everything still safely checked out as normal. Individual results for the trigger adjustments may vary. ATC also designed this trigger from the ground up. It is not just a modified GI trigger in a drop-in cage. Which is really noticeable if you compare them side by side. 

  The trigger pull on the AR Gold is really good, but it may not be what you are used to. It is more like a really good 1911 pistol trigger pull. ATC has a good explanation on their website, but essentially it says “AR Gold is a single-stage with a slight bit of very light (8 oz.) of take up.” After the take up, you then hit the “wall,” this is where the actual pull weight is. Apply pressure and the trigger breaks super crisply. This is by far one of the crispest trigger pulls I have felt. When I measured it, at the bottom of the trigger shoe, the break only moved the trigger around 0.050”. So up higher on the trigger, the pull length is actually shorter. After the break, there is some slight over travel. Not a bunch, most people might not even notice it. Then there is the reset. The reset is short, essentially the same as the break of the trigger. But, the reset is not very positive. It didn’t seem to matter if the trigger was set to the factory 3.5 lbs, or the 2.5 lbs I set it at. I would have liked to see a more positive reset, but I could still shoot this trigger very fast. All kinds of “super fast” professional shooters use this trigger, so it’s not like the reset is slow.

  I chose the AR Gold with a curved trigger shoe. Why? Because I like the consistency that a curved trigger gives me. ATC also offers a flat style trigger shoe. I think the flat style looks better, but I’m about functionality. The AR Gold trigger shoe is pretty narrow. It doesn’t affect anything, it’s just notable compared to a GI trigger. The curve of the trigger feels very much like the curve of a GI trigger, at least to me. The trigger, as a whole, feels like an expensive watch. It functions superbly, but also looks elegant. 

  The AR Gold trigger could be used on just about any style of AR rifle. It is fast, has a great break, and is adjustable. So if you are just into backyard plinking, or full blown competition, the AR Gold might be something to look into. I’m probably going to stick it in a AR varmint rifle build, but what you do with one is really up to you. American Trigger Corporation did a great job making a 1911 style trigger for your AR. If you are into finely tuned race cars, or triggers that are similar, then you need to check out the AR Gold trigger.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Adjustable AR trigger with a super short break

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a top of the line AR trigger

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 3.5 lbs. (Adjustable Weight)

  • Drop Safe

  • Drop-In trigger module 

  • Includes .154” trigger pins

  • Short Reset

  • Short, Crisp break

  • Adjustable weight engagement and over-travel

  • Designed for AR-15 & AR-10 Platform (.223, 5.56, .308, 7.62, .300 BLK, 6.5 Grendal)

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Flat faced trigger

What others are saying?:

4 out of 5 stars at Brownells

EXCELLENT

Pricey yes, but a great trigger. A clean sheet design. Not a reworked set of standard parts but a whole new way of thinking. Pulls very light and crisp. Yet punches deep pits into the primers. Can't comment on long term results until much more "testing" is done. But so far, perfect reliability and function. Just wish they were a bit cheaper. Then they would be a 5 star rating!

Link to other reviews:

Western Shooter  

Price point:

MSRP = $279.00

Retail = $279.00 at Rainier Arms  

I need it now! Availability:

American Trigger Co. or Rainier Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super crisp Break - glass rod type

  • Adjustable

  • Thin trigger profile

  • Cartridge style drop-in installation

Cons:

  • Slower reset

  • Slight over-travel

  • Price

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Gun Guys Garage

Tyrant Designs I.T.T.S. Glock Trigger

  Tyrant Designs has come out with their own style Glock trigger system. They call it the I.T.T.S. trigger. ITTS stands for “Improved Tyrant Trigger System”. These triggers can be had for Gen 3-5 and 43,43x, and 48. The one I received was for a gen 3 Glock.

  Tyrant Designs has their own unique style for designs. Most of their products have, what I would call, an arrow shape and/or deep angled cuts. The ITTS is no different. The trigger has a nice line to it. The rear of the trigger is also cut in, giving it a similar look to the other Tyrant designs.

  When ordering one of the ITTS triggers, you have many options. First off, the trigger can be had in six different colors. I chose black. Part of the reason I chose black is the option of a gold trigger safety, which I chose also. The gold on the trigger safety, and the screws holding it in, are actually 24k gold plated. So they really stand out against the black anodized trigger. Tyrant doesn’t just use pins to hold the trigger shoe and safety on. They use threaded pins. A really nice touch that also makes it so much easier to change out the trigger. 

  The ITTS is not a complete trigger assembly. It is mainly a trigger shoe. For Gen 3 and 4 there is an option for a trigger bar. I opted for the trigger bar, but only used it for a short time because I then changed the trigger to a different pistol. The ITTS is a hybrid trigger shoe. What this means is it lands somewhere in the middle between a normal curved trigger and a flat faced trigger. In Tyrant’s case, the top half of the trigger is essentially flat. Then the bottom part has a curve to it. The curve lets me get a consistent finger placement on the trigger. Because of the hybrid design, Tyrant is able to make a longer trigger face, which can help those with larger fingers. The trigger safety extends out a little farther than a factory trigger and it is noticeably sharper. I can definitely feel it until I start to pull the trigger. Then it just kind of melts into the trigger.

  So what is I.T.T.S.? Essentially it is a quicker resetting trigger. Tyrant adds in a 30% stronger trigger spring and possibly does some other magic. This gives the trigger a fast reset without changing the pull weight of the trigger. Mine stayed at 5.5 lbs, both before and after installing the trigger. Yes, you will definitely notice a quicker reset with the ITTS. The faster reset can make for a good EDC trigger. 

  As I mentioned earlier, I did install the trigger in two different guns. The first was a Polymer 80. In this pistol I used the trigger bar provided. It worked well in that pistol, but the finger reach was a little too far for me. The Tyrant ITTS trigger has a longer reach than the standard Glock trigger does. So I wouldn’t always press the trigger safety down. I proceeded to take the trigger off and install it in a Lone Wolf frame. These frames have a much smaller grip and therefore have a shorter trigger reach. It now lives in the Lone Wolf. Once I did that, I didn’t have any more problems with the trigger reach. So if you have larger hands, this might be a great trigger for you. The Lone Wolf is where I primarily used the trigger. I can’t really say that the quick reset made me shoot faster, but I did notice the quicker and very positive reset. The hybrid shoe felt good to me also.

  Tyrant Designs ITTS trigger system is a little different than I was used to. Usually triggers try to reduce the pull weight, but not the Tyrant ITTS. It keeps it the same but increases the reset. That quick reset is actually pretty nice. The trigger face also has a nice shape to it. Go check out the Tyrant Designs ITTS trigger and see if it’s right for you.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Different trigger style for Glock pistols

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a better resetting trigger

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Aggressive trigger reset

  • Screw pins for easy installation 

  • Hybrid trigger face

  • Available for Gen 3-5 and 43 series

  • Stainless trigger safety and pins

  • Screw-in trigger pins

  • Optional trigger bar

  • Longer trigger reach

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different shoe and trigger safety colors

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at tyrantcnc.com

Pretty good!

Initially I was a little worried as the trigger safety felt very sharp and very stiff. After about the 5th pull I really like feel and the look. I would recommend this to anyone.

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog

Price point:

MSRP = $74.95 or $84.95 w/trigger bar

Retail = $70.99 at Gun Mag Warehouse  

I need it now! Availability:

Tyrant Designs or Gun Mag Warehouse

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Fantastic reset

  • Crisp break

  • Hybrid flat/curved trigger shoe

  • Threaded pins

Cons:

  • Doesn’t reduce pull weight

  • Sharper trigger safety

Score: 7.00 Good

Favorite Link:  JSD Supply

Tyrant Designs SIG P320 Trigger

  Tyrant Designs sent me out one of their SIG P320 triggers. This trigger is nothing like Tyrant’s other trigger designs. It is a flat faced design with a finger hook at the bottom. The P320 trigger has a colored insert in the trigger itself. This insert also has the typical Tyrant design on the rear of the trigger.

  The Tyrant Designs P320 trigger comes in a few options. Or should I say color options. The trigger itself can be had in Black or Gold anodizing. Then there is the option for the trigger insert. The insert comes in 5 different color options: Black, Gold, Blue, Red, or Grey. A neat thing about the insert is that it puts a line of color down the center of the trigger face, if you choose a different color then the trigger itself. I chose a Black trigger with a Grey insert. It adds just a touch of color to the look. This insert also covers most of the back side of the trigger. On the back side, it has Tyrant’s typical arrow shaped cuts. It looks really good. 

  As mentioned, the P320 trigger is a flat faced design. So the main part of the trigger’s face is flat. Then Tyrant puts a hook at the bottom of the trigger. I really like the trigger design. The flat face gives an even pull and the hook keeps my finger from moving downward. I noticed that the trigger breaks about perpendicular to the frame. This gives a nice even, repeatable break. One of my favorite things about this trigger is the texture. It’s not really a texture, but you can definitely feel that the face is not smooth. I relate it to how a bead blasted texture feels. It gives grip, without adding a machined in texture.

  Tyrant designed the P320 trigger to have a reduction in overall travel. In fact, it’s a 10% reduction in overall pull length. Yes, you can feel that it is slightly shorter than the stock trigger pull. However, it still has a lot of over-travel. I wish they would have installed an over-travel stop, but they didn’t. Pre-travel may be a little shorter than the factory SIG, but I can’t really say because I forgot to measure it before installing the Tyrant Designs trigger. 

  One might ask, how is the trigger pull? It is pretty good. There is some slight pre-travel, as aforementioned. Then you hit a wall and the trigger breaks cleanly, followed by a bunch of over-travel. The break itself is really short! Reset is really good also. There is no changing of the factory P320 springs, so I expected the reset to be good. Now, Tyrant doesn’t say their trigger will do this, but in my SIG, it dropped the trigger pull weight by approximately 0.5 lbs. So I am now sitting at 4.75 lbs. This trigger made the P320 easier to shoot for me. 

  I really like what Tyrant Designs did in their SIG P320 trigger. It has a really good “feel” to it. Plus it has Tyrant's typical look to it. Go check out the P320 trigger from Tyrant Designs. After all, it’s a decent trigger design.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Different trigger style for SIG P320

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a better trigger

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 10% reduction in trigger travel

  • Flat face with bottom curve

  • Works with OEM internals

  • Color insert with Tyrant design style on rear of insert

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Made in USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different shoe and insert colors

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Tyrantcnc.com

Great trigger.

The trigger feels super solid when shooting, easy to install, and the design is flawless. Really hoping for some more awesome stuff for the 320 from Tyrant !

Link to other reviews:

Not much out there as of this review

Price point:

MSRP = $79.95

Retail = $71.95 at Rainier Arms 

I need it now! Availability:

Tyrant Designs or Rainier Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Crisp Break

  • Roughish texture on face

  • Reduced total trigger travel

  • Dropped trigger pull by ½ lb

Cons:

  • No over-travel or pre-travel adjustments

  • Lots of over-travel

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  JSD Supply

,

Athlon Midas HMR HD 2.5-15x50

,

  A lot of variables can go into selecting a mid-range optic. Price, clarity, features, and so on. Athlon optics has a ton of options available to fit what best suits you. I decided on the Athlon Midas HMR HD 2.5-15x50 AHMR with the  illuminated reticle, for what I needed. The Midas HMR brought everything I was looking for together in one fantastic package.

  One thing you notice, when pulling the scope out of the box, is its quality. It has a feel to it that makes you happy. It is the typical smooth, matte black anodizing we are all accustomed to. It has some weight to it, but it really only weighs 26 ounces. Which is a tiny bit lighter than some of Athlon’s other mid-range optics. It is also 13.8 inches long, so average length for this type of optic. You also end up noticing that the Midas HMR runs capped turrets. Probably so you don’t bump your zero off in the field. 

  For a scope in the $500-550 retail range, the Midas HMR 2.5-15x50 has a ton of features. The magnification range is 2.5x to 15x, as you can figure out from the model. This magnification range is perfect for closer in shooting, but still gives you the ability to see at distances. The 30mm tube and 50mm objective lens give you plenty of light to see what you're aiming at. The low dispersion HD glass and lens coatings also help you see through the scope better. The Midas is a second focal plane reticle, so it stays the same size throughout the magnification range. For hunting, this works out well for me. The reticle is illuminated, but more on the reticle later. Athlon also put a side parallax adjustment knob on the Midas. The great thing about this parallax adjustment is that it adjusts down to 10 yds. Since I mounted the Midas HMR on a PCP air rifle, this was a needed adjustment. Lastly, the Midas has a fast focus eyepiece to get that reticle crystal clear.

  The Midas HMR HD has 2 reticle options available. A BDC option and an AHMR option. I’m not big into BDC reticles, so I chose the AHMR reticle. The AHMR reticle (see inset pic) is an MOA reticle with marks every 2 MOA, both for windage and elevation. No Christmas trees or anything like that, just simple crosshairs with little hash marks. The inner reticle can be illuminated red by turning the side knob to one of 6 brightness settings. The brightness knob also has off positions between the settings, a nice touch so you don’t have to cycle through them all to turn it off or on. The illuminated part of the reticle measures 10 MOA. Everything outside of the 10 MOA is not illuminated. The whole marked reticle has measurements to 30 MOA. Might I mention, all these MOA values are measured at 15x. One would have to calculate them for the lower magnification ranges. I just use an app on my phone that does it for me. I am a huge fan of the AHMR reticle. Athlon made a great reticle for hunting and precision shooting, all in one. It is not too busy to distract you from whatever game you are hunting. Also, the center aiming “plus” and 2 MOA marks provide an excellent choice for precision shooting. 

  As mentioned, I mounted the Midas HMR on a pre-charged pneumatic air rifle. So I didn't do any work past 100 yds with it, of course I did look at targets past 100. The clarity on this scope is amazing. I could easily spot the pellet trace, when looking through the optic, at the same time I was shooting. Especially at 50 and 100yds, there’s a lot of drop on a pellet slug at 100yds. The reticle is super clear also, even at full magnification. The magnification adjustment ring is super smooth. It has some resistance, it's not very stiff, but it stays in place. There’s also a little raised bump on the adjustment ring to help turn it easier, not that it’s needed on the Midas. Under the capped turrets are the ¼ MOA adjustment knobs. The clicks on these are pretty outstanding. No mush to them at all. After you get your zero, you can set the turrets to read zero. Just use a coin to loosen the center, pull the cap off, set it back on at “zero”, then tighten the screw down. I would have liked to have seen a Zero stop on this optic, but that’s not an option. Eye relief on the Midas is stated as 3.9”. It’s pretty forgiving, even at 15x.

  I was pleasantly surprised at how well I like the Midas HMR. I can’t get over how clear the optic is. The reticle is so simple to use and didn’t get in the way for me at all. I think this would be an awesome scope to put on an AR style rifle. In fact, I have thought about moving this one over to a varmint rifle style AR. The click adjustments make it easy to adjust for bullet drops, if needed. Those 2 MOA marks work so well for hold-overs that I really didn’t need to use the turrets. When I adjusted the turrets, the scope always returned to zero without any deviation. The Midas performed better than I expected.

  So if you are looking for a second focal plane mid-range optic, the Athlon Midas HMR 2.5-15x50 might be the ticket. It is even its own product line in the Athlon catalog. The Midas did everything I was hoping for and more. It is super clear, is priced right, and has a fantastic reticle. Athlon Optics has a ton of different optics options, so go take a look and be sure to check out the Midas HMR when you’re there.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Extremely clear second focal plane optic with illuminated reticle

Target Market:

Hunters, competition shooters, or anyone just wanting a good mid-range distance optic

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Fully coated, low dispersion HD glass

  • XPL protective coating

  • 2.5-15 magnification

  • 30mm tube

  • 50mm objective lens

  • 3.9” eye relief

  • Field of View: 41.8 ft - 6.8 ft

  • Side parallax adjustment to 10yds

  • 0.25 MOA click adjustment value

  • Capped turrets - adjustable for zero

  • Length - 13.8”

  • Weight - 26 ounces

  • Second focal plane Illuminated AHMR reticle

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

600A reticle 

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Athlon Optics

I have used a wide variety of optics on various rifles, from high-end tier 1 optics to cheap rimfire scopes. I wanted a SFP optic for a long-ish range hunting rifle. This scope is, IMO, perfect for this application.

The eyebox is very forgiving at max mag, the glass resolves very well and shows good contrast, and the color rendering is neutral. There's a bit of barrel distortion at the low end of the mag range, but it's reasonable for the zoom range and it's pretty much unnoticeable after 8x or so. All the controls move easily and smoothly. This scope really shines in low light at lower mag where the 50mm objective gives you a very large exit pupil that really maximizes the available light. The AHMR reticle is, IMO, the perfect width for this application being thin enough not to obscure the aiming point and bold enough to see against all but the darkest of backgrounds (and then there's the illumination for those conditions). Parallax is marked down to 10 yards and I've tested it down to 8 yards at max mag. As the magnification is lowered the depth of field really expands making it possible to leave parallax set, let's say for 100 yards, and the image stays in focus for objects up close (25 yards) and far away (250 yards). Optically this scope is really well balanced for hunting.

Unlike many scopes with capped turrets, the turrets on the Midas HMR are tactile and solid with no play between detents - they feel like the turrets of a tactical scope that have been scaled down to fit under the caps. It doesn't have a zero stop, but the turrets are resettable. This makes it actually useful as a long-range hunting scope where you might need to dial for a ballistic solution. The parallax knob is very smooth and moves easily making it easy to dial out parallax and focus on the target. I can say that this scope has the best mechanical feel of any hunting scope I've used.

This is really an impressive package for the price, and IMO it may be the best value in a SFP hunting optic out there. And of course, it's backed by Athlon's outstanding reputation for customer service. I have zero regrets about buying this scope and recommend it 100% for a mid- to long-range hunting optic.

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog 

Price point:

MSRP = $649.99

Retail = $519.99 at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

Athlon Optics or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super Clear

  • Tactile click adjustments

  • Parallax adjustment

  • AHMR reticle

  • Illuminated reticle

Cons:

  • No zero stop

  • No Auto on or off for the illumination 

Score: 9.00 Amazing

,

Athlon Midas TSP1 Prism

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  I’m starting to convert some rifles over to 1x prism sights from red dots. This is because they offer a reticle without the need for a battery. Thus, the Athlon Midas TSP1 prism sight was right up my alley. Prism sights usually have an illuminated reticle option. As does the Athlon TSP1. The Athlon Optics Midas TSP1 prism sight has been out for some time now, I just finally have one I’ve been using, for about 3 months, with good results.

  Let’s start by why I am converting over to prisms. The main reason for this is that, if for some reason the battery happens to die, prism sights have an etched in reticle. Similar to your typical scope. Some prism sights, as with the TSP1, have a non-magnified option, or 1x. This makes them an ideal replacement for your everyday red dot optic. Prism sights are also usually pretty compact.

  The Midas TSP1 comes feature packed. Like any good scope these days, it has all the fancy lens coatings, is nitrogen purged, fog proof, shock proof, and waterproof. The TSP1 has a 21mm objective lens that gives good light transmission. It even comes with both hi and low mounts. Zeroing adjustments are made in 1 MOA click increments by using the top side of the turret caps. Just unscrew the cap, flip it over, and the flathead built into the cap fits perfectly into the adjustment screw slot. Lastly, it uses a single AAA battery for the reticle illumination.

  Most prism sights aren’t as small as a comparable red dot. However, the Midas TSP1 is not much larger than your current, tube style, red dots. For one, the TSP1 is only 2.7” long. Height is always determined by what mounting base you have on it. But with the high base, it measures 2.5” to the top of the battery compartment, from the mounting rail. I measured the width to be about 1.9”, this is from the battery compartment to the outside of the adjustment buttons. As you can see, it’s not very big at all. It also isn’t very heavy, weighing in at 6.25 oz’s. 

  Now for the most important part, the reticle. The Midas TSP1’s reticle is top notch. It is mainly calibrated for 223/5.56, but should work reasonably well with other calibers. For reference, I mounted it on a 5.56 AR15. The reticle design works really well. It is a horseshoe style with a few usable differences. The outer ring is 66 MOA, or the equivalent of an average size human at 100 yds. In the middle of the ring is a 3 MOA dot. Sight the 3 MOA dot in at 50/200 yds for the rest of the holdovers to work properly. Below the 3 MOA dot, is a 2 MOA dot. This is your 300 yd aiming point. Having a smaller dot below the main dot may seem odd, but it isn’t. The smaller dot actually makes it easier to see your 300 yd target because it doesn't obscure it as much. Below that dot, is a vertical line with a couple of hash mark lines. The top of the line is your 500 yd aiming point. It is also your human height range estimation for 300 yds. The wings on the edges of the reticle really just let you know how level the gun is, or where the center point is for range estimation. The actual MOA numbers for all the dots and lines are in the Midas TSP1 manual, or online, if you are curious. The TSP1 also has a fast focus eyepiece to get that reticle crystal clear.

  The Athlon TSP1’s reticle is also illuminated. But not just your normal red illumination, the TSP1 also has green illumination. Most other prism sights only give you the option of one color. One can switch between the two colors by pressing both the up and down brightness buttons at the same time. I really like the options of green or red. I usually leave the TSP1 on green, as the reticle is clearer for me in that color. Not to be misunderstood, the red illumination is also clear, but I prefer the green in this case. To initially turn the illumination on, just push the brightness up button. To turn it off, hold the brightness up button for 3 seconds. Once it’s on, just use the +/- buttons to increase or decrease the reticle brightness. There are 10 brightness settings to choose from. Both colors are daylight bright and neither washed out for me in direct, bright, sunlight. The Athlon TSP1 also has a 6 hour auto off function. So if you haven’t pressed any buttons in that time frame, it will turn off. The TSP1 does not have an auto on function. Remember, it has an etched reticle, so you will still have an aiming point. Of course, once you turn the TSP1 back on, the brightness is where it was last left. The soft touch brightness buttons are large enough that I don’t have trouble using them, something I can’t say about some of the other optics I have used. 

  I am really enjoying the Athlon Midas TSP1. It is super clear. The etched, illuminated reticle also doesn’t affect my astigmatism like red dots do, so no “starburst”. Which is another reason I am switching over to prism optics. The somewhat limited eye relief didn’t seem to be a problem. When I say somewhat, the reticle is still visible at 12” of eye relief, it is just harder to locate because the window size gets smaller. The TSP1 also performed very well for me when I used it in a big local shooting match. Athlon doesn’t state battery life, but the initial AAA battery is still going strong. After all, the AAA batteries are super easy to find, even at a tiny store in the middle of nowhere.

  Athlon Optics did a pretty good job with the Midas TSP1. The MSRP may seem a little high, but street price is right on par for a 1x prism sight. Plus you get multi-colored reticles and it uses that AAA battery. If you are like me and want a good 1x prism sight, check out the Athlon Midas TSP1. It’s a good all around prism to replace that fully battery powered red dot.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1 power prism scope with green or red illuminated reticle

Target Market:

Those wanting a non magnified optic with the benefits of having an etched reticle

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Obj. Lens - 21mm

  • FoV ft @100Y - 66ft

  • Red or Green illuminated etched reticle

  • 1-10 illumination settings

  • Center Height - 0.88” Low mount / 1.50” High mount

  • 1 MOA windage/Elevation adjustment

  • AAA battery

  • Weight - 6.25 ounces - 7.8 ounces with high mount

  • Length - 2.7”

  • 6hr auto off

  • Multi-coated lenses

  • Has Aimpoint T1 mounting footprint

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

3 and 4 power 

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Athlon Optics  

Really nice optic. It needs more information,

A representative told me the mount is proprietary. It however does in fact work on Industry standard T1 Micro Style mounts. Fits good in an ADM Mount, RS Regulate for AKs, or even a low mount for Shotguns or PCCs like the Scorpion/Stribog.

Athlon if you were open about this tidbit, you'd sell a lot more! It's a prism scope with a similar size to other micro red dots and it takes T1 mounts. Almost perfect for what it is.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing worthwhile found

Price point:

MSRP = $337.49

Retail = $269.99 at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

Athlon Optics or Brownells 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Etched ranging reticle

  • AAA battery

  • Green or Red Illumination

  • T1 compatible mount

Cons:

  • Eye Relief

  • No auto on

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  JSD Supply

Nutrient Survival

  Nutrient Survival has come on the market with a huge variety of freeze dried products. These aren’t your everyday freeze dried products. They label them as “Special Ops Grade.” Essentially, Nutrient Survival enhances the  food with a plethora of essential nutrients. I received a variety of food options from them, all tasted pretty good.

  When you’re looking into freeze dried food, you essentially want something that lasts a long time. Nutrient Survival has just that. Most of their products have a shelf life of 25 years. Some of the more “grab and go” foods like their Chocolate Crunch bars and similar items are good for 18 months. They will still be edible after that time, the flavor and consistency may be a little off. Some of the food is Gluten-Free too.

  One of the big reasons I would choose Nutrient Survival is their “Special Ops Grade Nutrition.” What does this mean to you? Nutrient Survival has packed all of their food with 40 essential nutrients including 14 vitamins, 14 minerals, 9 Amino Acids (Protein), Omega-3s, Omega-6s and fiber. This is enough to meet the US military's requirements for Special Operations. But why would anyone care? Well, you will have everything, nutritionally, that you need for your body to function properly. 

  Nutrient Survival sent me a bunch of different types and styles of their food. Some are the “grab and go” style, others are the “add hot water” style. All tasted pretty good. Some were outstanding, and one of the drinks was just so-so. Following, I’ll explain what I received and my thoughts about them:

Hearty Lasagna:

  If you like lasagna, you’ll like this. I mixed it as per the instructions and it came out perfect. The only downside is that the consistency isn’t like a square piece of lasagna, it’s more like you mixed it up. It’s dehydrated food, so I expected this. 1 package or 1 serving equals 1 meal. It is soy free.

Southwestern Medley:

  This is beans, rice, peppers, and southwest spices. Also very tasty with a hint of kick. I really liked this, it’s great for breakfast. Mixed as per instructions and it came out great. 1 package or serving equals 1 meal. This is gluten free and soy free.

Maple Almond Grain Crunch:

  If you’re used to eating cereal for breakfast, this is one of Nutrient Survivals' choices. Pour some milk over it and eat away. This is just as good, if not better than the name brand of this type. You can eat in plain if you like also. I was surprised at how well it filled me up. 1 package or serving equals 1 meal and is gluten free.

Triple Cheese Mac:

  As it says, this is macaroni and cheese. They use a 3 cheese blend that tastes pretty good. It takes a little experimentation to get the consistency how you like it. If not enough water, it can be a little chewy, too much water and it becomes soupy. The instructional amount is a good starting place. It also kid of turns into a little bit of mush, but still has some texture to it. 1 package or serving equals 1 meal and is soy free.

Liquid Nutrient - Lemon Lime:

  This is Nutrient Survivals hydration drink. It is not a meal like the rest of the stuff, it is to help hydration, focus, and muscle repair. Just mix the packet with 12-14 ounces of cold water and shake. I actually found the normal 16 9 ounce bottles worked well with this. Out of all the ones here, this is my least favorite. It just doesn’t have a very good flavor. I hear the mixed berry flavor is better, but I haven’t tried it to see. It is gluten free and soy free.

Chocolate Chip Cookies:

  The name says it all. These are chewy cookies, not the crunchy kind. Really good flavor, some might say a little salty. Also great for throwing in a bag for a quick meal. 2 cookies equals 1 meal and is gluten free.

Chocolate Crunch Bar:

  These are kind of like a chocolate rice crispy bar. Not near as sweet, but I really liked the flavor. Great to throw in a hiking bag or for trips to the range. These are very chewy when cold, much better if left in the sun for a bit. 1 bar equals 1 meal and is gluten free.

  If you are into food prepping, or just needing something to take hunting or camping, Nutrient Survival is a really good option. With their #10 cans, or their single packs, the variety is there for any option. I would definitely check out Nutrient Survival for all your hunting, prepping, camping, or just snacking needs. The food is great and nutritious.  

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Special Ops grade Freeze Dried food, that tastes good

Target Market:

Campers, Hunters, Preppers, or anyone wanting long term food storage

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 40 essential nutrients

  • 14 vitamins

  • 14 minerals

  • 9 Amino Acids (Protein)

  • Omega-3s

  • Omega-6s

  • Fiber

  • Up to a 25 year shelf life

  • Gluten Free Options

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Too many to list, visit Nutrient Survival

What others are saying?:

Very convenient, filling and pretty tasty - 5/5 Stars

Very good!  Easy to fix and tastes very good.  Really like the fact that so many vitamins and minerals are in every serving.

Optimized emergency rations - 5/5 Stars

Far more vitamins and, well, nutrients than freeze dried camping food. Much lighter weight and longer lasting than an MRE. Last but not least, tasty, too. Try the Southwestern Medley!

This food is absolutely good to go. Dry bag package is small and easily stores in your loved one's car trunk along with a backpack stove, mess kit, and some water bottles

Link to other reviews:

Ready To Go Survival 

Survival Blog 

Price point:

MSRP = $17.50 - $1770.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Nutrient Survival

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Most items taste really good

  • Lasts for 25+ years until opened

  • Has all essential vitamins and nutrients

  • Gluten Free options

  • Soy free options

Cons:

  • Not cheap

Score: 8.50 Great

Umarex Origin

 For some time, I had been thinking about getting into a high pressure air rifle. I was looking for something in .22 caliber, possibly for use on small game or anything else interesting. After looking around some, I came across the Umarex Origin. After a bunch of questions to Umarex, here we are with a great all around pcp air rifle. The Origin also comes in .25 caliber, if that’s your thing.

  Umarex has been making air guns for some time. In fact, they have all different types and styles, from spring air style through Pre-Charged Pneumatic, or “PCP” as they are commonly referred to. The Origin is a PCP style air rifle with a few unique attributes. The most notable attribute is Umarex’s “Ever Pressure Tank” system. The EPT allows you to fire a shot without having to fully charge the high pressure air tank. One might ask “How do you charge the Origin?” In this case, it’s from a high pressure hand pump. Think bicycle style air pump, but for pcp air guns. The Umarex Origin can be purchased with or without the pump. I received the version with the pump. Without it, you would need a high pressure air tank to get filled at an industrial or scuba store. Because it takes around 140 pumps to completely fill the Origin’s air tank, this is where the EPT system comes into play. If you only need 1 shot, you only need to put around 13 pumps into the Origin’s tank. If you completely fill the Origin’s tank, you can expect around 30-40, usable, full pressure shots.

  Even though the Origin is considered an entry level pcp air rifle, it is not. The Origin will do pretty much anything more expensive pcp rifles will do. For instance, it has a 1:19 twist rifled barrel that will shoot standard 22 caliber pellets, as well as 22 caliber slugs. The slugs are essentially a bullet and don’t have your normal pellet look to them. I did some experimentation and found that this particular Origin will fire up to, and including, 23 grain slugs with decent accuracy and velocity. More on that later. The Origin also has a built-in scope rail. This rail is unique in that it will accept 11mm dovetail mounts as well as standard picatinny/weaver mounts. A huge advantage of pcp air rifles is that any scope can be used. There is no need for a special air gun scope with a pcp rifle. Lastly, this not so entry level pcp has an adjustable trigger. You can adjust the trigger pull weight down to around 2.5lbs. It also has a “travel” adjustment, which is kind of like pre-travel. Then there is also an over-travel adjustment. Even with this adjustment, the trigger has more of an entry-level feel to it. It is not as crisp as I would have liked it to be. The Origin also comes with 2 ten round magazines. 

  Now that we have the general rundown of the Umarex Origin, let's get into it. The Origin is a side lever bolt action style, but only kind of. The cocking handle actually rotates out and back to cock the rifle. Pushing the charging back forward, loads one of the rounds from the magazine. When the magazine runs dry, the Origin won’t allow you to push the cocking handle forward, thus letting you know that it’s time to change magazines. The safety is behind the charging handle and is pretty self explanatory. The magazines worked well for me, though I do need to get 2 more of them, for a total of 4. The reason for more magazines is that I can get 40 full power shots out of a full air charge. The stock on the Origin is polymer and resembles a varmint style full length stock. I found the stock to be comfortable even though I don’t care for the semi-finger grooved pistol grip. The length of pull might be a tad long for some people. There are no sling studs or QD mounting points in the stock, so carrying it in the field might present a challenge. The complete rifle is fairly long also, at just over 43”. The air cylinder sits below the barrel and extends out to the end of it. It kind of gives the Origin an over/under shotgun look. The air fill port is on the bottom of the stock, just in front of the trigger. There’s a plastic dust cover that goes over it. The tab holding the cover from being lost, broke after about 5 uses. The dust cover still holds on, but no longer is attached when filling the tank. 

  The Origin performed far beyond my expectations. It is super accurate with the right velocities and pellet weights. I mounted up an Athlon Optics 2.5-15 and it is a phenomenal scope on the Origin. Part of the reason I chose the 22 caliber is the availability of pellets locally. The Crossman 14.3gr are everywhere. At full velocity, these can reach 1000 fps. Heavier H&N 21.14gr pellets average 950 fps. The Origin does have adjustable shot pressure so you can tune in velocities. I found accuracy improved if I backed this adjustment screw out 1 to 2 turns. These settings dropped the velocities about 50 fps, so not very much. Just like normal rifles, find the pellet or slug weight that works best for accuracy in your particular gun. I was getting under 0.5” groups at 25 yds with just about anything I put through the origin. With this accuracy, getting small game, like a rabbit, at 50 yds should be easy. My best group size was with 21.14gr H&N pellets. I shot a .258” 5 shot group with those. These shoot spectacularly out of the Origin. They also have a respectable velocity of 920 fps. The 21gr slugs also shot very well out of the Origin. They aren’t quite as accurate, but close. They have an average velocity of 880 fps. The slugs also have a way better ballistic coefficient. So much so that they are still going about 700 fps at 100 yds. For me, the 25gr and heavier slugs would keyhole at 25 yds, probably because of the barrel's slow twist rate. Because the Origin has little to no recoil, you can actually witness the pellet trace in the scope. PCP air rifles are not quiet, but they are hearing safe. The Origin is actually louder than I would have guessed, but it is not uncomfortably loud. It does have a built-in “moderator” which helps mitigate a little bit of the sound. 

  Filling the Origin with the included pump will help you burn some calories. The hand pump is easy to use, but requires a bit of actual strength to fill the Origin up completely. I actually had to put a bit of weight on the pump for the last 30-40 pumps. You are pumping up to 4500 psi in the Origin’s tank, so I get it. To attach the pump to the rifle, there is a little quick connect style fitting that you plug into the fill port. The Origin’s tank has a one way valve, so air in the tank won’t leak back out. I really wish the hose from the pump was longer, because you essentially have to lay the rifle on the ground next to the pump to fill it. The pump has a pressure relief screw on it. Take my word on it, release the pressure in the pump, with this screw, before removing the fill tube. Pressure will stay in the Origin’s tank almost indefinitely. So charge the rifle before you store it away. Then it will be ready to go when you want to use it.

  If you are looking at getting into PCP air rifles, you can’t go wrong with the Umarex’s Origin kit with the pump. It has everything you need to get started and costs under $400. The Origin is a fantastic air rifle with great accuracy. I am thoroughly impressed by what Umarex has done with the Origin. I never expected to like the Origin so much. If you are into air rifle hunting, or just want to have fun at the range, definitely go take a look at the Umarex Origin.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Entry level PCP air rifle with non-entry level performance

Target Market:

New PCP air gunners 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Super Easy to Use .22 Caliber Multi-Pump PCP

  • Patented Pre-Pressurized Air Chamber Design

  • Shoots at Full Power with Fewer Pumps

  • 120 Pumps Per Fill

  • 40 Shots Per Fill

  • Develops a Full Power shot with 13 Pumps

  • Automatic Overpressure Air Release

  • 3-stage, 4,500 PSI HPA Hand Pump and Fill Probe Included

  • (2) Auto-Indexing 10-Shot Rotary Magazines Included

  • Compact Side-Mounted Cocking Lever

  • Combination Picatinny and 11mm Dovetail Optics Mounting Rail

  • Two-Stage Adjustable Trigger

  • 1,000 FPS with .22 Caliber Alloy Pellets

  • Barrel length - 23 inches

  • Overall length - 43.1 Inches

  • 1:19 twist rifled barrel

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

No included air pump  

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Umarex.com

Perfect first PCP

"Coming from a .177 brake barrel to the Origin .22 has been really satisfying! The gun is a pleasure to shoot and having a rotary magazine compared to using a break barrel is game changing. I did have trouble at first when I double fed the gun so don’t be an idiot like me can be very careful not to **** the gun twice and push two pellets into the barrel. I suggest purchasing an air gun cleaning kit with a rod to go with your new air rifle. I shoot in my backyard at 25 yds the accuracy is a huge step up from my Benjamin Vaporizer. Recoil is virtually nonexistent and with a suppressor on the muzzle the impact of the pellet seems louder than it leaving the barrel. Pumping the gun from empty to full takes about 120 pumps and I get three mags out of it (30 good shots) before I need to top off. Using the pump is fairly easy but I can tell I’ll want a tank or compressor soon. Overall I’m very happy with my Origin .22 it is exactly what it needs to be. "

Link to other reviews:

Airgun Depot  

Price point:

MSRP = $379.99

Retail = Same on Amazon 

I need it now! Availability:

Umarex or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Includes hand pump

  • Ever Pressure system

  • Accurate

  • Combo scope rail

  • Price

  • Compatible with air gun slugs

Cons:

  • Trigger

  • Doesn’t include single shot tray

  • Fill port dust cover

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Boyds At-One stock review 

Powertac M5 G2

  Once upon a time, I wanted a new pocket carry tactical flashlight. I liked the Powertac light that they had previously sent for review, but it was physically longer than I wanted. Then, Powertac came out with their M5-G2. This was almost exactly what I wanted in a handheld light. High lumens, good candela, and a shorter package. So I purchased one. A few months later, I received another one because of Powertac’s affiliate program. 

  The M5-G2’s normal functions are pretty intuitive. The tail cap button turns it on or off. It also has momentary on, if you just push the button down slightly. The button is recessed into the tail cap. I’m really glad that Powertac did this over the E9. It allows the flashlight to stand on end with the light going up and out. This way you can light up a whole room by setting the light on a table or floor without it falling over. When I say the button is recessed, there are still cutouts on each side, so that you can have easier access to the button.

Tail Switch

Mode selector / strobe button

  I also want to say that this light is bright. On “turbo”, which is the highest output mode, it produces 2030 lumens with 27,225 candela. Because of the candela, the beam on this light is pretty focused. This is good for lighting things up at longer distances. It also produces a noticeable “spot” in the beam pattern. I really like the beam pattern as I like to see what the flashlight is pointed at. Because of how bright the beam is, it does still supply plenty of light spill outside the “spot”. It will definitely light up a room.

Vehicle High beams

M5 G2 on Turbo mode

Turbo mode

  Along with the “turbo” mode, the M5-G2 also has 4 other brightness modes. All the brightness modes can be cycled through using the side button. This is, of course, after the light has been turned on using the tail switch. The side button is located at the front of the flashlight. Just push it once for every time you want to increase the brightness, from “firefly” to “turbo”. Whatever brightness you have the light set on when you turn it off, is what brightness it turns on at. The strobe function also uses the side button. Just hold the button down for about 1 second and the light starts strobing. When you want to turn the strobe function off, just tap the side button and it will return to the regular light. 

G43 for size comparison

  As mentioned, the Powertac M5-G2 has 5 levels of brightness. These levels are using the supplied 18650 battery. 2-CR123’s can also be used. See the chart below for these runtimes and settings. I found the “firefly” mode to actually be very useful in full darkness. It gives me just enough light to see what I’m looking for, but not too much to be blinding. It may also work as a good task light under night vision. I usually end up using the “medium” setting for everyday use. I usually turn it to the “turbo” mode before turning the light off, just in case I actually need the light for identification. I never use the strobe function, but some might.

  The M5-G2 comes with a lot of standard EDC light features. First off, it has a removable and swappable pocket clip. It can be swapped from top to bottom for either light up or light down carry. I’m not keen on the pocket clip as it is a little flimsy. If you catch it on something, it can either bend or pull off of the light completely. It’s a good thing I don’t use the pocket clip. In the box is also a wrist lanyard that hooks into the tailcap. If you like lanyards, this one is pretty decent. I like that the M5-G2 uses a 18650 battery and that it is included. To charge the light, Powertac includes a magnetic charger cord. This cord plugs into a usb on one end and then snaps onto the magnetic charging port at the front of the flashlight. The charging port is on the opposite side of the mode button. When charging, the mode button turns red. When finished charging, it turns blue. The M5 is also waterproof down to 2 meters. So yes, it does actually work underwater. But probably more important is that it will work in rain and snow.

  At a little under 5”, the Powertac M5-G2 is a good size. The smaller size, of this light, is exactly what I wanted. At 1” in diameter, at its largest part, it is extremely narrow also. To top it all off, it only weighs a hair over 4 ounces with the battery and pocket clip!

  As you can tell, Powertac did a really nice job with the M5-G2. It is everything needed in a good pocket EDC light. It’s bright, has good light throw, and is lightweight. Did I mention it’s only 70 bucks. If you’re looking for a good edc light option, definitely go check out Powertac lights and the M5-G2. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Small, bright EDC flashlight

Target Market:

Anyone needing a good EDC flashlight

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 2030 lumen max output

  • 27225 max candela

  • 330 meter throw

  • Magnetic charging

  • 2.5+ hour runtime on high

  • Optional CR123 use

  • Tail Switch Provides Both Momentary And Continuous Modes

  • Integrated Side Switch For Quick Access Of Different Modes

  • 6 Different Settings That Include 5 Levels Of Brightness Plus A Strobe

  • Anti-Slip Knurling And Matte Style Finish For Firm Grip

  • Removable Pocket Clip

  • Auto Memorization For All Settings

  • Reverse Polarity Protection Protects From Improper Battery Installation

  • Machined From Aircraft Grade Aluminum With Type Iii Anodized Finish

  • Tempered Glass To Resist Breaking And Scratching Upon Impact

  • Mountable With Optional Remote Pressure Switch

  • IPX8 Waterproof Submersible Up To 2 Meters Under Water

  • Length: 124 mm or 4.88”

  • Bezel Diameter: 25.4 mm

  • Body Diameter: 23 mm

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Other models available   

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars on Amazon 

Solid made and powerful light! 

I use this light for night time jogging or checking backyard woods. The throw distance is awesome and you can see all details clearly in the dark! It comes with magnetic charging as well! It is a durable, powerful, solid built light! Definitely will recommend this light to friends!

Link to other reviews:

PNW Outdoor Reviews   

Price point:

MSRP = $69.95

Retail = $59.46 with code “GGR”

I need it now! Availability:

Powertac or Amazon 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Bright

  • Uses 1 - 18650 battery

  • Can stand on tailcap

  • Momentary on

  • Ultra low setting

  • Physical size

Cons:

  • Pocket Clip

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Atibal Optics

Expo Arms Patrol Series AR Upper

  Expo Arms has recently gotten into the AR-15 upper receiver market. They have a few options for pistols, SBR’s, and standard AR configurations. This particular upper is their Patrol series with a 16” barrel and A2 flash hider. If you didn’t know, Expo Arms is the in-house brand for Primary Arms and is sold exclusively through them.

  The Expo Arms Patrol Series is an everyday use AR-15 barrelled upper receiver. These do not come with a bolt carrier group (BCG) or charging handle. However when you order the upper, Primary Arms gives some drop down menus with discounted add ons, such as a BCG. The Patrol Series comes with a bunch of good specs: A 5.56 chamber, 1:7 twist nitrided 4150 cmv barrel, mid-length gas system, A2 flash hider, T-marked upper receiver, and a 15” M-Lok handguard.

  Barrels are an important part of any AR system. On 16” barrels, like this one, I like mid-length gas systems. They are smoother feeling and put less wear on components then a carbine length gas system. Being that the barrel is also salt bath nitrided, it will have a good lifespan and keep corrosion away. Expo Arms uses a SOCOM profile on the barrel. I like the profile as it gives strength and consistency without being heavy. Of course the muzzle is threaded and comes with an A2 flash hider installed. The barrel consistently shoots under 1 MOA for me with 69 grain match rounds. 

  Expo Arms uses their own T-marked upper receiver. This is a standard forged version made from 7075-T6 aluminum. It has a round style forward assist and a standard mil-spec port door. The whole upper is nicely machined and anodized. 

  To cover the barrel, and give you something to hold onto, is the 15” M-Lok handguard. This is a very nice, useful, no frills handguard. It runs a full top rail that is not sharp. The sharp parts of the rail have been deburred slightly. Along the other portions of the handguard are M-Lok slots. These M-Lok slots are every 45 degrees around the handguard, not just the standard of every 90. It’s a clamp on style handguard, but also has some anti-rotation tabs to keep it from rotating. I’ve never had a problem with these style handguards rotating on me, but the tabs are a nice addition. I really liked the Expo Arms handguard, I’d even consider it as a stand alone item. 

  If you’re looking for a good quality AR upper, the Expo Arms Patrol series might just be it. It has a lot of nice features for the price. In fact, I am still amazed at the 0.75” group I shot with it. Definitely go check out the Expo Arms series of stuff over at Primary Arms. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality 5.56 AR Upper receiver at a fair price

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a 16” AR upper

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 7075-T6 forged aluminum MIL-SPEC upper

  • 5.56 NATO chamber

  • T-Marked

  • 16" Patrol Series Nitride barrel

  • 41V50 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel barrel

  • SOCOM barrel contour 

  • Mid-Length Gas System

  • 1:7 Twist Rate

  • 15" Expo Arms Patrol Series M-LOK Handguard

  • A2 Flash Hider

  • No BCG or Charging handle

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Various

What others are saying?:

Nothing as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $349.99

Retail = Check Primary Arms for sales

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Nitride Barrel

  • T-Marked upper

  • M-Lok handguard

  • Full top rail

  • Accurate

Cons:

  • Doesn’t come with BCG or CH (options are available)

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Nero Review

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