Sig Sauer 1911 .22 Review

Now I am a 1911 guy. I love all 1911’s. Unfortunately this is only my second one I currently own. I purchased the Sig Sauer 1911 .22 so I could train with “cheaper ammo”. I know, what 22LR? Well I have been able to keep a steady supply and its definitely cheaper than .45. Also my son is kinda fond of my Colt 1911 in .45 but is a little to small to shoot it yet. This on the other hand he shoots like a pro. It is a bit picky about ammo and needs the good stuff (hi velocity) tho cycle the slide reliably. Now as it turns out, this pistol is manufactured for Sig Sauer by GSG and GSG seems to sale for about $100 less. Why did I buy the Sig? Because I found it in the store. Also I feel the finish might be a little better compared to the GSG’s I have seem. Or maybe that is my justification for paying more. It came with only one magazine so I went online to purchase extra’s and found that they are about $30 dollars. I also discovered there are few nifty accessories and upgrades for the Sig Sauer/GSG. They make +4 followers for the magazines as well as +1 and +3 base plates. I also discovered an accurizing kit that replaces the guide rod and bushing with stainless parts. Although I have only had this for a short time, I have put 5-600 rounds through it with only a couple of misfeeds. I really like the fit and finish as well as the extended ambi-safety and extended slide release.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Quality, reliable firearms

Target Market:  Plinkers and Practice weapon

FNB's: (features and benefits of this product)

• 1911-22 Specifications
• Caliber - .22LR Hi-velocity
• Overall Length - 8.5 in
• Overall Height - 5.5 in
• Overall Width - 1.4 in
• Barrel Length - 5.0 in
• Sight Radius - 5.4 in
• Sights - Contrast Sights
• Weight w/Magazine - 2.2 lbs
• Frame Material - Alloy
• Frame Finish - PTFE
• Slide Material - Alloy
• Slide Finish - PTFE
• Magazine Capacity - 10 rounds
• Trigger - SAO
• Trigger Pull† - SAO 4.2 lbs - 5.6 lbs
• Features Skeletonized hammer and trigger

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Comes in Black and Camo.

What others are saying?:    Cabelas

Price Point:

• MSRP = $460.00
• Retail = I paid $365.00

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available at   GunsAmerica and Buds Gunshop

Our Rating:

+ Nice fit and finish + Feels like a standard 1911 + Weight almost the same as a standard 1911 + Most aftermarket 1911 parts are interchangeable + Magazines are comparable in size/weight

- Magazine lockout - Plastic guide rod - Odd looking beavertail grip safety - Requires Hi velocity ammo

Score: 8.5 Great

Wiley X Sabre Advanced Shooting Glasses Review

Eye protection is something that most people take for granted. I wear prescription glasses and have for years just wore them when shooting. Last year I decided it was time to get some proper shooting glasses to give me adequate protection. In the past nothing had ever happened to make me think about it. However a while ago I was shooting my Thompson Contender with some older rounds, I had the back of a case blowout and it peppered my face a bit. So I started looking for shooting glasses that allowed me to have a prescription and without breaking the bank. I came across Wiley X, high quality, reasonable cost and versatile. They offer many styles and lens colors. I took a liking to the Wiley X Sabre Advanced Shooting glasses line. It has a nice wrap-around design with interchangeable lenses. The lens choices are clear, grey, light rust, yellow and vermilion. I chose the three lens pack with light grey, rust and vermilion plus I bought a set of clear. This way I have two frames to put my favorite lenses in and swap the prescription inserts. The inserts are $20 plus the cost of the lenses from you local eye doctor.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Used by the military, high quality lenses and reasonably priced.

Target Market: Shooter and all those who like to do activities outdoors.

FNB's (features and benefits of this product):

• Exceeds VO Ballistic Impact test MIL-PRF-31013
• Patented adjustable Saber Temples can be customized for length or replaced with tactical strap
• 3.0 mm selenite polycarbonate interchangeable lenses for distortion free clarity
• Ultra foam brow bar prevents debris and sweat from entering field-of-view

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Interchangeable colored lenses.  WileyX

What others are saying?:

• Amazon Reviews
• Tactical Gear Reviews
• WileyX Customer Reviews : I went to Afghanistan, was in a convoy and got ambushed. The insurgents shot an RPG into the back of our Hummvee which caused shrapnel to hit me in the head. Due to me wearing the PT1's none of the pieces hit my eyes. I'm recovering now from my wounds, but I just wanted to say thank you for those glasses. If I hadn't been wearing them I might have lost an eye. 1SG David

Price Point:

• MSRP = $65.00
• Retail = $34.20 

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available on-line at places like Optics Planet and Amazon.

Our Rating:

+ Look Cool + Interchangeable lenses + Prescription inserts

- Lenses kinda hard to change - Inserts sit a little close to eye.

Score: 8.0 Great

Blackhawk SERPA CQC w/Matte Finish for a 1911 Review

 

About two years ago I decided that I wanted to start to open carry. It was a multi purpose decision, since I am unable to carry at work I needed a holster that was easy to get on after work and I did not feel like having to get all tucked in in the car beside adding a few pounds made it a little uncomfortable to carry IWB. I also decided I wanted some retention if i was going to open carry. The Serpa seemed to fit the bill. It come with both a belt loop and paddle attachment, I use the paddle. With the clips they provide, the paddle can be a bit of a challenge to remove witch is a good thing except when its time to remove. After a few days you learn just how to twist to get it to slip off. It offers a cant adjustment for forward, neutral or rear. Now I carry a 1911 officer and the holster is not made for that specific model. Basically the frame, trigger housing and such is the same on al 1911’s so the officer slipped right in  and locked in place. The holster was just about an inch too long for the barrel so I took the handy saw and cut the end off to make it flush. This is a nice well made holster tbut I would like the pistol to fit a little tighter, when the weapon it locked into place it will rock forward and back a bit. Not terrible but gives it the ability to rub on the finish. As far as retention goes I like it. There have been some stories of people having accidental discharges while drawing from this holster. Personally I think they need more training in finger control since the design allows you to lay your index finger along the slide as it should be as you draw. Overall I have been satisfied.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Holds your pistol at your waist with retention

Target Market: Conceal carry, range and anyone needing a solid holster with retention.

FNBs: (Features & Benefits of this product)

• Passive retention detent adjustment screw and SERPA® Auto Lock™ release • Reinforces full master grip and superior draw technique • Immediate retention and audible click upon re-holster for security • Speed-cut design allows rapid draw, target acquisition, and re-holster while keeping eyes on target • Includes belt loop and paddle platform • Increase your holster’s versatility with the SERPA® Quick Disconnect System Kit (sold separately)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black, Coyote Tan, Foliage Green and Olive Drab.  Sportster model comes in Gunmetal grey only and the Carbon Fiber model in black only.

What others are saying?:  "An excellent EDC holster.  The only reason i give this holster 4 stars is because blackhawk doesent make a model to fit pistols equipped with the streamlight or surefire lights which is just dumb , otherwise these are excellent holsters and very simple to draw from yet very secure during high activity levels."  LA Police Gear

Price Point:

• MSRP = $48.99
• Retail = $33.99

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available online at stores like LA Police Gear.

Our Rating: + Comfortable + Secure + Easy to operate

- Pistol fit is a little loose allows rubbing

Score: 8.0 Great

Sunwayman V20c Tactical Flashlight Review

I was turned on to Sunwayman flashlights by a friend of mine who had a similar model. I was looking for a good flashlight and I liked his. When I started looking at flashlights, I had issue with the multiple click programming to change brightness. Then I found the V20c, the button on the back just turns the light on and off. It has a collar behind the light head that changes the brightness from 0 to 430 lumens and strobe. I carry this flashlight everyday, at home and at work. I purchased two 18650 3000mah rechargeable batteries. I try and swap them out the 1st of the month so i always have a good battery. I have been running this light for over a year and have no complaints. I comes with a fairly well made canvass holster with a velcro enclosure. The belt loop is both permanently attached and velcro attached which allows you to put it on your belt without removing your belt.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Innovative, high output flashlights.

Target Market:  Anyone wanting a high quality, variable output flashlight.

FNBs: (features & benefits of this product)

• CREE XM-LED with a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours
• Digital Sensor Magnetic Control system - slightly twist the Rotator Ring from left to right to select desired mode from super-low current standby, output ranging from 0.5 to 438 lumens, to strobe function
• Constant current circuit, constant output
• Effective range of 300 meters
• Uses two 3V CR123A batteries or one single 18650 battery
• Working voltage: 3~8.4V
• High quality reflector maintains great throw distance and spread with an ideal beam pattern
• Dimensions: 134mm (length) x 32mm (head diameter) x 25.5mm (tail diameter)
• Weight: 120g（battery excluded）
• Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy
• Military Specification Type III- hard anodized body
• Waterproof, in accordance with IPX-8 standard
• Ultra-clear tempered glass lens resists scratches and impacts
• Tactical forward click switch with momentary on
• Tail stand capable- can be used as a candle
• Accessories: Metal tactical ring, lanyard, holster, O-ring, rubber cap

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: This is an aluminum alloy, hard anodized grey finish.

 What others are saying?

• Candle Power Forums

Price Point:

• MSRP - $109.97
• Retail - $79.95

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available at stores like Amazon.

Our Rating:

+ Reliable + Comfortable + Easy to use

- Lanyard clip bends and comes off

Score: 8.0 Great

CMMG .22LR: AR Conversion

Earlier this month I received an email ad from MidwayUSA with this product on sale.  I found the carbon steel version with 3 magazines for $156.87 and  the stainless steel model with 3 magazines for $229.00.  I wanted the stainless steel version but decided to save the additional cost and get a few other items I needed in the same order.  Being that I live not too far away from Midway USA, my package arrived in just two days and I eagerly (with my son’s head in front of mine) opened the box to check it out.  I also decided to try out some FrogLube as well, so we proceeded to follow the Froglube guidelines to clean and lubricate the bolt carrier before initial use.  Saturday morning my son and I went out to our range with the AR, the carbine length barrel and gas system and dropped in the conversion bolt. The target was set at 50 yards and the scope was sighted for 100yds in 223.  We were shooting Federal white box and I was able to shoot the entire magazine without any issues.  I was also able to shoot a group approx 2.5 - 3 inches off hand at a fairly rapid pace.  My son has to use a bench (as he can’t hold it up) and was able to shoot similar groups.  I have not done any real accuracy testing, but initial opinion is that it will suit my needs and I will let my son shoot it more without burning the more expensive 223.  Other reviewers state that continued use of 22LR can block up your gas system and that you should fire some 223 through it regularly to blow out the gas tube.  In all, we shot about 200 rounds without any misfires and I am pleased with my purchase.

Firearms Insider 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Converts your standard .223/5.56 AR-15 upper to shoot 22LR.

Target Market:  Plinkers and trainers that want to shoot cheaper ammo.

FNB's (features and benefits of this product):

• Installs fast and easy
• Relatively accurate

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Carbon steel bolt group, matte black phosphate finish (appears discontinued) and a Stainless steel bolt group.  CMMG Inc.

What others are saying?:  "Conversion works exactly as described, drops in without modification to your AR-15. The slide doesn’t lock open as with the regular bolt carrier group, however the bolt does hang up on the magazine"..  Midway USA

Price point:

• MSRP = $229.95 - $349.95
• Retail = $131.80 (Clearance) - $362.99

I need it now! Availability:  Currently available at Midway USA on clearance.  The link is listed above.

Our Rating:

+ East to install + Reliable

- May not be as accurate as a dedicated upper

Score: 8.5 Great

Beretta U22 Neos

I was in my local gun shop when I saw this Beretta U22 Neos hanging on the wall. I found it interesting as a possible purchase for my son who was really wanting a pistol. I figured he would think it was cool looking. I decided to buy it for his birthday. The model I chose was the 4.5 inch, it also comes in 6 inch. It has a rail permanently attached to the barrel that has an adjustable rear sight, windage and elevation, and a fixed blade in front. The rail on it is for Weaver style mounts. The controls work well and are mostly convenient. It has an ambidextrous safety which is under my thumb and is kind of awkward to take on/off. There is also a carbine kit for it, you unscrew the barrel and remove the hand grip. Replacing both with a 16” barrel and a stocked grip assembly. The main issue with this kit is poor availability and it is priced the same as the original pistol.

 Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Ergonomic design, ease to operate controls

Target Market:  New shooters, Anyone

FNBs:  (Features and Benefits of this product)

• Easy to use
• Low cost
• Comfortable grip
• Cool, Pleasing aesthetics
• Integrated weaver rail for mounting optics
• Easy takedown
• Carbine kit available

 What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?  Only one finish available, and two barrel lengths.  It also has a carbine conversion kit.

What others are saying? Most reviews I found at the time I was purchasing were favorable:

• “Looks like a space gun”
• “Accurate and easy to take apart to clean”
• Gun Blast

Price point:

• MSRP = $299.00
• Retail = $249.00

I need it now! Availability: Academy has them.

Score 7.5