Category Archives: Gear Reviews

Aimpoint Announces the New Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO)

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Chantilly, VA, October 20, 2014 – Aimpoint announced the release of a new lower-cost, carbine oriented optic. Coming in at a MSRP of $393, the Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO) is designed specifically for the AR15 and M4 rifle. The ACO comes out of the box equipped with a mount that will provide “absolute co-witness” with most AR15 iron sights. The ACO is completely waterproof and offers one year of battery life for the 2 MOA red dot from a single 1/3N battery. Branded Flip-cap covers, ARD and spare battery holders will be available to setup the ACO for your specific needs. Continue reading Aimpoint Announces the New Aimpoint Carbine Optic (ACO)

Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS 4.5-30x50mm T-Lok Turret Demo

We were at the range today wrapping up some testing on the Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS 4.5-30x50mm rifle scope. Since it will still be a week or two before we are ready to release the full review, I though we would give you guys a really short teaser video showing how to use the T-Lok turrets in a competition environment.

You will note that I leave the bolt open when transitioning between targets. This is a technique used in competition shooting. It does not translate to the real world. In the real world, you want to bolt up a fresh cartridge as soon as possible.

Enjoy the video and don’t worry, when we do the full review we will cover setting the Z-Lok Zero Stop.


Thunder Beast Arms 30P-1 Initial Impressions

Cadex Strike 30 with TBAC 30P-1Almost eleven months after paying for it, I walked out of my local FFL with the Thunder Beast Arms Corp. 30P-1 Suppressor. I can tell you that the wait was worth it.

The next day after picking it up, I was able to sneak out to the range for a short test run. The only bolt rifle that was threaded at the correct pitch AND had ammo on the shelf was the Remington 700 AAC-SD in a Cadex Chassis. I was slightly concerned because the 700 AAC-SD has not been a stellar performer. Continue reading Thunder Beast Arms 30P-1 Initial Impressions

SAP Two Round Holder Review

SAP Two Round HolderWe have all shot those stages where the mag went dry with one target remaining. Or maybe it was a stage that required you to run with a downloaded mag so you had to single load one or two. Regardless there is always the problem of what to do with those extra cartridges. You could stick them in your pocket, but some positions just don’t make that convenient. Wouldn’t it be nice to put them as close to the chamber as possible?

Short Action Precision makes a nifty little product that makes single loading from positions a cinch. Dubbed the “Two Round Holder” it does exactly that. It is a small piece of elastic and webbing that holds two cartridges wherever you want. The Two Round Holder is attached to the rifle by means of an included adhesive loop velcro patch. The holder also includes a non-adhesive loop patch that could be sewn onto any fabric item (stock pack or sling?). The placement opportunities are endless.  Continue reading SAP Two Round Holder Review

Safariland Adds 7TS Holster Fits for Glock and Sig Sauer Firearms

7TS 7360 Holster with Light

This week Safariland announced the expansion of their new “7TS™” Holster series. The new holster now has options for Glock and Sig models equipped with the latest Surefire and Streamlight weapon lights.

This announcement is very exciting for us. We have held off from looking at the new 7TS™ due to the lack of a weapon light option. When I first began using weapon lights on handguns I found it incredibly cumbersome to attach and remove the weapon light under pressure and in the heat of the moment. Anyone relying on a handgun as a primary weapon should have a light attached to it, and train to use it.

I have used the Safariland 6004 in a SWAT capacity and the SLS/ALS models in a uniform capacity for years. I currently use a Safariland competition holster for Steel Challenge. I love the quality and durability of their products. Although the 7TS™ is a very modern looking holster, I am looking forward to finding classic Safariland reliability. Continue reading Safariland Adds 7TS Holster Fits for Glock and Sig Sauer Firearms

ShootSteel.com 36″ Gong Stand and Magnum Auto Popper Review

ShootSteel.com 36" Gong StandI shoot a lot of steel. It’s fun to hear it ring, but it is even more enjoyable to see it move. Gongs are the least expensive way to add some motion to your target and support it at the same time. ShootSteel.com has a great setup that handles this with ease.

Recently my range time has gotten shorter and shorter. I need to get in, get done and get out quickly. Setup and teardown time often determines what target system I choose to shoot. When ShootSteel.com sent us one of their 36″x36″ Gong Stands and 10″ AR500 target, the first thing I wanted to see was how quick I could set it up. It actually took longer for me to cut the tape and unpack the boxes than it did to setup the stand and hang the gong. Continue reading ShootSteel.com 36″ Gong Stand and Magnum Auto Popper Review

Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm PCL Review

Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24 PCL
Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm PCL mounted in an Alamo Four Star DLOC 30mm Mount.

When Bushnell sent us one of their AR Optics 1-4x24mm PCL, I had mixed first impressions. The market is flooded with choices for low-magnification variable AR scopes for better viewing. However the more I looked at (and through) the AR Optics 1-4x, the more I liked it. The scope lists for $418 on Bushnell’s online store, but can be found for as low as $230 from online retailers like SWFA. It offers a pile of features for the price point.

Continue reading Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm PCL Review

Leatherman Skeletool CX Review

Leatherman Skeletool CX

Recently, Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. send us one of their slick little Skeletool multi-tools to review. This can be viewed as the little brother to the MUT we previously reviewed.

I have carried some form of knife in my pocket for most of my life. They have ranged from large defensive folders to small utility knives. Big knives are awesome, but the reality is that their size is a problem for most mundane tasks. I carry a medium sized lock blade for utility and a backup self-defense weapon. However, often a blade just can’t solve the problem at hand. We learn early on as boys that using a knife as a screwdriver can quickly ruin the blade, the screw and possibly the hand nearby. Knives are also totally useless for tightening nuts or bolts. For many tasks a blade just can’t cut it. Continue reading Leatherman Skeletool CX Review

Modular Driven Technologies LSS Chassis Review

MDT LSS ChassisThe market is currently flooded with chassis systems for the Remington 700 rifle. This is for good reason. Chassis systems offer several advantages over a traditional stock. One significant disadvantage to chassis systems is cost. Most are much more expensive than traditional rifle stocks. For this reason I was extremely excited when Modular Driven Technologies sent us one of their $399 LSS Chassis. Continue reading Modular Driven Technologies LSS Chassis Review

Raven Concealment Systems Phantom Holster Review

Photos by: John McQuay

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There are so many Kydex holsters on the market that choosing one can be mind boggling. Do you want an outside the waistband or inside the waistband model? Do you want clips, straps or belt loops? Which models allow for weapon mounted lights? What if you don’t have or don’t need a light? Raven Concealment Systems makes this extremely easy. Continue reading Raven Concealment Systems Phantom Holster Review