Category Archives: Gear Reviews

Training Aids

Hits Arms Laser Bullet Review

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I am a big fan of dry fire training. There is noting else that can return a greater value for the cost. There are times that dry fire can fix problems that live fire cannot. Any time I come across a product to make dry firing more effective or more interesting, I have to check it out. When Hits Arms asked me to look at their Laser Bullet, I accepted.

The Laser Bullet is a very simple product. It is a brass housing, shaped like a 9mm cartridge. In the tip is a lens and in the base is a switch. You insert the Laser Bullet into the chamber in the same manner that you would a live round. When you press the trigger on the firearm, the firing pin strikes the switch and the Laser Bullet shines the laser on your target for a fraction of a second. After re-cocking the firearm, you are ready to shoot again. Continue reading Hits Arms Laser Bullet Review →

News, Optics

Trijicon SRO First Look from NRAAM

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Trijicon announced the new Specialized Reflex Optic (SRO) several days before the National Rifle Association Annual Meeting. Almost immediately, the internet exploded with speculation about what the SRO is and what it isn’t.

Many shooters see the SRO as a successor to the combat proven RMR. Trijicon reps were quick to refute that. Trijicon intends the SRO to fill the needs of competition shooters and intends the RMR to continue its position as their slide mounted combat optic.

I had a chance to discuss the new optic with Trijicon reps at the NRAAM. At first glance it is easy to see how the SRO could be mistaken for a RMR replacement. The SRO boasts the same black forged aluminum housing as the RMR. The SRO window has very similar coatings and the footprint of the SRO fits current RMR mounts and slide cuts. Continue reading Trijicon SRO First Look from NRAAM →

Gear Reviews, Rifle Support Gear

Caldwell XLA Pivot Model Bipod Review

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A bipod is mandatory for precision rifle competition shooting. They are highly recommended on any rifle that needs to be easily portable and very precise. Bipod prices can range from dirt cheap to extremely expensive, with quality all over the spectrum. The Caldwell XLA Pivot Model falls somewhere in the middle at $35. Continue reading Caldwell XLA Pivot Model Bipod Review →

Tools

Gerber Shard Review

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Many times, I have found myself in a situation where I lack the correct tool for the task. The issue could be as simple as popping the cap of a beer bottle, or as important as tightening the screw on a weapon light. It doesnt take many of these instances before you search for a solution. My solution was the Gerber Shard. Continue reading Gerber Shard Review →

Handgun Parts, Illumination Tools

Olight Baldr PL-2RL Weapon Light with Red Laser

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Olight sent me one of their new Baldr PL-2RL weapon light to review. When I am outfitting a full-size handgun for defensive use, I will usually select a Surefire weapon light. They are durable and they have outstanding customer service. However, that does come at a significant cost.

I believe in spending money for quality equipment. That does not necessarily mean that you should go without if you don’t have a large budget. The Olight PL2-RL is an affordable option.

I don’t find lasers to be very useful on a defensive handgun. They can be useful for SWAT Officers carrying a shield. They may be useful for shooters with some vision problems. Outside of those situations, I prefer standard iron sights or a red dot optic. The PL-2RL is available without the laser, as the PL-2 Valkyrie.
 Continue reading Olight Baldr PL-2RL Weapon Light with Red Laser →

Illumination Tools, Skills

Weaponlight Carbon Solution

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If you train with firearms, cleaning them is a fact of life. There are few firearms cleaning tasks that are less enjoyable than removing the caked up carbon from your weaponlight.

Removing the weaponlight before training is a simple solution. However a weaponlight can alter the way a firearm handles. It can also affect how the handgun fits in a holster. If you carry a weaponlight, you should train with your weaponlight attached. That begs the question, how do you prevent the mess?

There are several products on the market to address the problem. Most take the form of stickers or lens caps. All of them cost money. Thankfully, you probably already have something in your range bag that can solve the problem. Continue reading Weaponlight Carbon Solution →

Optics

Too Much MOA

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I will admit that I have been spoiled by high quality, long range oriented optics. They allow me to get away with some things that would have caused problems years ago. This week I was reminded of one of those problems. Continue reading Too Much MOA →

Gear Reviews, Rifle Support Gear

Reasor Precision “Pint-Sized” Game Changer Bag Review

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Reasor Precision Solutions hit it out of the park with their original “Game Changer” barricade bag. The Game Changer forever changed the way that top level precision rifle shooters address barricades. Reasor Precision was not content to rest on their laurels.

The “Pint-Sized” Game Changer is an evolution of the original design. The straps have been deleted and the overall size of the bag has been reduced. This does not appear to have sacrificed any of its utility. In fact, the smaller size seems to open up more options for how the Game Changer can be used. Continue reading Reasor Precision “Pint-Sized” Game Changer Bag Review →

Rifle Parts, Triggers

Timney Triggers Ruger 10/22 Calvin Elite Trigger Review

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Timney Triggers has released another great option in their “Calvin Elite” line of triggers. The Ruger 10/22 Calvin Elite brings some interesting features to the Ruger 10/22 Rifle and Timney was nice enough to send one out to us so that we could review it for you! Continue reading Timney Triggers Ruger 10/22 Calvin Elite Trigger Review →

Rifle Parts

SHOT Show 2018 – American Rifle Company Nucleus Action

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American Rifle Company is quite well known in the precision rifle world for their novel approach to scope rings as well as their Mausingfield action. This year ARC released the Nucleus action. The Nucleus carries over the Remington 700 type footprint, controlled round feed and the Mauser type extractor of the Maustingfield, but is most certainly not just a Mausingfield update. The Nucleus uses a toroidal three lug bolt to deliver a smooth 72 degrees of bolt lift. This is considerably shorter than the Mausingfield and most Model 700 clones.

While three-lug bolts and short lift is nothing new, I am not aware of a single modern action that combines these features with controlled-round feed. The Nucleus also offers a Springfield Type internal ejector. This allows the shooter to easily control how hard the spent case or live cartridge is ejected from the receiver. This combination also reduces the chances of double-feed malfunctions.

The Nucleus is compatible with Remington 700 stocks and chassis and will accept Remington 700 triggers. The Nucleus is designed to feed from the center and will work with AICS type magazine systems like ARC’s own “ARC MAG” however it will not work with Accuracy International AW or AX double stack magazines.

The Nucleus has a very long list of features, this makes the list price of $1000 very appealing.