Gear

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Sightmark Presidio 5-30x56

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Sightmark Presidio

5-30x56 LR2 Review

  When it comes to magnified optics, prices and quality can range drastically. Sightmark is not new to these magnified optics and has various different product lines. Sightmark's Presidio line is somewhere in the middle of what they have to offer, which fits with what I was going to do with it. 

  I was looking for a fairly high power magnified optic. That is where Sightmark came in. They have a first focal plane Presidio in 5-30x56. It has a mil style Christmas tree reticle called the LR2. It was perfect for the Bergara I was reviewing. This much magnification makes it easier for my eyes to see targets at distance. So testing accuracy on the Bergara was easy thanks to the Presidio 5-30.

  The specifications of the Presidio 5-30 are really what make it a great optic. That 6x zoom makes it possible to see fairly close up and still reach out. Its large 56mm objective lens allows good light transmission so you can see your target, even at dusk on high magnification. The 30mm one piece body makes it easy to find scope mounts. The parallax adjustment is adjustable from 20 yds to infinity, so the Presidio can still work well on a PCP style airgun or even a 22 long rifle. It has an illuminated red reticle so you can see it better at dusk or dawn. Plus, if you want it, Sightmark throws in a throw lever. All the other details are down below in the Features and Benefit section.

  Sightmark uses their LR2 Mil reticle in the Presidio. This reticle is a pretty standard First Focal Plane Christmas tree style reticle (see picture). Since it is a first focal plane, the stadia marks of the reticle stay the same size throughout the magnification range. The LR2 reticle has windage and elevation marks at 0.5 mil increments, with mil numbers at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mils. Out at the outer left, right, and top are 0.1 mil marks. They are intended to give a more accurate range estimation, when using the reticle for determining the range to a target. The Christmas tree dots can be used to combine wind and elevation holds, giving you a precise reference on where to aim. Lastly, the stadia line thickness is 0.03 mils, so you get a super precise aiming point. If you want the full hash marked reticle in view, you can only adjust the scope’s power up to 18x. After that the reticle starts to get cut off in the window. At 30x, you get about 2⁄3 's of the reticle’s marked stadia. 

  When looking at optics in this price range, optic clarity is huge. The Presidio 5-30 pleasantly surprised me for a $500 optic. When looking through the optic, it is very clear and has very little chromatic abrasion throughout the magnification range. Eye relief is decent. However, I did notice a slight difference between 5x and 30x. The weird part is that 30x seemed more forgiving than 5x, Usually it is the other way around and the lower magnification is more forgiving on eye relief. The field of view, or the width of what you see looking through the scope, is a little narrower than some optics. So finding a target at the higher magnifications can be a little more difficult. I wouldn’t call this a deal breaker for sure, just something to note for some shooters. 

  Having an illuminated reticle on the Presidio is nice. It is not daylight bright, but it is not intended to be. If you are shooting in lower light, or even cloud cover, it works nicely. There are 6 brightness adjustments on the left turret. In between each level is an “off” resting spot. I really like having an off position between brightness levels. That way I don’t have to try and remember to turn the knob all the way to the off position. Sightmark says the battery life on the Presidio has a 150 hour average. So at lower levels you can get up to 500 hours. This may not sound like a lot, but that's basically a week of being turned on all the time, or more. 

  The Presidio 5-30 uses target style turrets. I think these style turrets were a good option for the Presidio. They don’t stick up too far and are large enough to get a good grip on. The turrets produce a decent click when adjusting them and it can be felt. Each click adjusts the scope by 0.1 mil. The elevation turret has numbers 0-9, with 10 hash marks between the numbers. Each number is 1 mil and each hash mark is 0.1 mil. The windage knob has a zero position, then it is marked either 1R, 2R, etc, or 1L, 2L, etc. Each number is also 1 mil with 0.1 mil hash marks between them. For example, if the bullet needs to go left, just move the dial toward 1L. Both the windage and elevation knobs can be set to zero once you are sighted in. On the left side of the Presidio is the parallax knob and the brightness knob. These are pretty self explanatory. A win for the Presidio is that it also comes with a zero stop. This is very uncommon for optics in the Presidio’s price range. The zero stop is also easy to install. 

Radio tower lamp is approximately 300 yds away

  As mentioned previously, I mounted up the Sightmark Presidio on a Bergara bolt action rifle. The rifle is a 308 win. I found the Presidio to perform well enough on that platform. The eye relief made it harder to get the scope forward enough with normal picatinny rings. If I had an extended pic rail mounted on the Bergara, that would have helped. One disadvantage of the Presidio is its 30 mm tube. Because of this, you only get 18 mils of travel out of it. With the Bergara’s 20 moa base, I still only get 12.5 mils of up adjustment in the Presidio. That means that I can only dial the optic out to a range of around 1100 yards with the 308 cartridge. I don’t expect to ever shoot this past that, but it is something that I feel needed mentioning. The Presidio 5-30 is heavy, like 2 pounds worth. I know it isn’t a small optic, and other optics in this price range weigh about the same, but I was hoping for a little lighter. Other than that, I have been happy with the Presidio. I just can’t get over how clear the optic is.

  If you are looking at a decent optic to get into longer range shooting, the Sightmark Presidio 5-30x56 may be it. It has great glass for an optic in this price range. The nice turrets and zero stop make it a great choice for whatever you are doing. Yes it has some performance limitations, but in this price range, that can be expected. If you are looking for that decent, entry level, long range optic, the Sightmark Presidio might be a good choice for you.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Variable power, budget friendly, high magnification first focal plane optic

Target Market:

Anyone looking for a quality higher powered first focal plane optic 

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Reticle brightness settings: 6

  • Magnification (x): 5-30

  • Objective lens diameter (mm): 56

  • Eyepiece diameter (in/mm): 1.74 / 44.1

  • Exit pupil diameter (mm): 36.6

  • Eye relief (in/mm): 3.7 / 95

  • Field of view (ft @100yd): 22ft - 3.7ft

  • Tube diameter (mm/in): 30 / 1.18

  • Parallax setting (yds): 20 - ∞

  • Mil adjustment (one click =): 1/10

  • Windage adjustment range (MRAD): 18

  • Elevation adjustment range (MRAD): 18

  • Zero stop included

  • Throw lever included

  • Maximum caliber: .338

  • Battery type: CR2032

  • Battery life (hours): 150 - 500 hrs

  • Shockproof, Fog proof 

  • 1st Focal plane

  • IP67 - waterproof and dustproof

  • Body material: Aluminum

  • Fully multi-coated lenses

  • Operating temperature (°F/°C): -20 to 160 / -29 to 71 F/C

  • Length (in/mm): 15.67 / 398.02

  • Width (in/mm): 3.79 / 96.25

  • Height (in/mm): 3.02 / 76.71

  • Weight (oz): 33 oz

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

3-18x50

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars from Randy on Optics Planet  

I was skeptical at first, decided to take a chance because it had a lifetime warranty and I watched a video on it from one the head tech/designer at Sightmark. I was impressed so I bought it. I wasn’t disappointed when I got it. This scope feels like a much more expensive scope. Turrets are solid, audible and precise. Has an elevation stop and removable turret caps to set back to zero when you’re done sighting. The throw lever on the magnification works really well. Clarity is very good, high and low. It weighs as much or more than scopes costing twice as much. I have it on an AR 50 A1 - .50 BMG and have put 12 rounds on it with no issues so far. As solid as it is and the few rounds I’ll shoot a lot of .50 BMG I don’t see any issues forthcoming.

Link to other reviews:

The Gun Zone  

Price point:

MSRP = $539.97

Retail = $449.97 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Amazon, SightMark, MidwayUSA, or your local dealer

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great clarity

  • LR2 mil reticle

  • First Focal Plane

  • Illuminated reticle

  • Target turrets

  • Zero Stop

Cons:

  • Long

  • Heavy

  • Long eye relief

  • Small elevation adjustment range

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Bergara B-14 Ridge SP Review  

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Civivi Buster FG

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Civivi Buster FG

Review

Over the last few years I’ve really come to enjoy collecting knives. They are so fascinating and the designs that people come up with are really interesting. One brand that I have found myself loving and trusting with an excellent build quality is Civivi. As I’ve collected knives I’ve noticed that I like larger folding knives. So when I saw the Buster FG, I just had to get one.  From the massive size of the knife to the new locking style, we’ve got a lot of great stuff to talk about. So let’s see what makes this knife my new favorite Civivi.

Handle:

The Buster FG features a coarse black G10 handle over a golden stainless steel frame to give it a great two tone look. I personally really wanted this color option because it reminds me of my favorite comic book crime fighter who dresses like a bat. The coarse G10 scales on the handle have a rough finish on them to give you the ability to get a really good grip on it. And with the handle being roughly 5 inches long, you can definitely get a great grip on this knife!  Plus it has a reversible pocket clip. Because of the handle material, it stays in my pocket really well. One of my only gripes about it, which is to be expected by a knife of this size, is when it's closed… it’s massive in your pocket. But again, when opened it's almost 10” long. So it’s a big one!

Blade:

One thing that makes the Buster FG different from a lot of Civivi’s knives is its size. This is one of the largest folding knives they have released. The blade on this knife is a sheepsfoot style that measures in at a whopping 4.2” / 106.8mm. To top that off, the blade material is Nitro V. Which is a really great steel for an everyday carry, particularly in corrosion resistance and edge retention. Nitro V is also a steel that can be sharpened very easily. I was helping a friend build some furniture and got the task of cutting down all the cardboard and styrofoam sheets. After slicing up multiple 5 foot sheets of cardboard and styrofoam, this blade is still wicked sharp! Like most folding knives, it has jimping on the back of the blade. When I first got the knife, I wasn’t crazy about it. It just didn’t feel rugged enough or like it had enough grip. But as I used it and really cut stuff, I noticed that it was actually a really great amount and helped me get good control of the blade.

Opening:

The opening on the Buster FG is quite smooth. I was very curious as to how Civivi’s new Super Lock would affect the opening. And just like every Civivi knife I own or have used, it opens really nicely and like I said… smooth. And that’s thanks to the caged ceramic ball bearings they use. For opening styles on the knife you get two thumb studs or you can pull back on the Super Lock and flick the blade out. That is something else about this knife, I wish it had a flipper for opening. But, with this new lock style, that just wouldn’t work because the flipper would get in the way of the lock.

The Lock:

For the Buster FG, Civivi used their new Super Lock. The lock works similar to a crossbar lock. On the backside of the handle there is a spring loaded bar with a finger tab sticking out. On the inside of the blade, near the bearing, there is a cut out slot. So when you open the knife, that slot lines up with the lock bar, then the spring pushes the lock bar into place, locking the blade. It’s a really great locking system that I have really come to enjoy and trust. It feels similar to a back lock, which is very common on Buck style knives. Once it clicks into place, it feels very solid like a fixed blade. I really like how easy it is to unlock. But it’s not easy to accidentally unlock it while using it. I would definitely like to see this lock more on other knives!

Summary:

Civivi has a lot of knives to offer ranging from big to small and in many different styles. The Buster FG has definitely become my favorite Civivi knife I own. It fits very comfortably in my hand and I really dig the new Super Lock. Plus, I love how massive it is (that’s what she said). If you are looking for a big folding knife to use as your everyday carry, I would highly recommend the Civivi Buster FG! 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame: 

A large folding knife with a unique, stylish design and a very convenient lock. 

Target Market:

Anyone who is wanting a large and tough everyday carry knife that has a unique look.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:
 

  • Overall Length: 9.65" / 245mm

  • Width: 1.72" / 43.6mm

  • Overall Height(Include Clip): 0.68" / 17.2mm

  • Blade Length: 4.2" / 106.8mm

  • Closed Length: 5.47" / 139mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.16" / 4mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.51" / 13mm

  • Knife Weight: 6.46oz / 183.1g

  • Blade Material: Nitro-V

  • Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC

  • Blade Grind: Flat

  • Blade Finish: Black Stonewashed, Satin Flat

  • Blade Type: Sheepsfoot

  • Handle Material: Coarse G10

  • Handle Color/Finish: Black

  • Back Spacer Material: Stainless Steel

  • Back Spacer Color/Finish: Black

  • Liner Material: Stainless Steel

  • Liner Color/Finish: Golden

  • Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, L/R

  • Clip Material: Stainless Steel

  • Screws / Thumb Stud Material: Stainless Steel

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Locking Mechanism: Superlock

  • Opener: Manual Thumb

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Neutral blue course G10 handle / Satin finished Nitro-V

Green canvas micarta / Black Stonewashed Nitro-V

What others are saying?:

Exceeded High Expectations

I was excited about this knife when I preordered it. You never really know how nice it is until you get it in your hand. This is the smoothest, sharpest knife (out of the box) in my collection. Flicking this knife open the first time was how I imagine every knife I order will be. Very few blow me an away like this one did. Especially in this price range. I haven’t seen any mark on the choil from the stop pin. Specx did an amazing job putting my mind at ease about that. Hair splitting sharp out of the box you really can’t go wrong. It was even bigger than it looks in the pictures. Same length as a Kizer Momo.

Link to other reviews:

Sharp Ends on YouTube

Price point:

MSRP - $115.00

Retail - $97.75 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Civivi or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great and secure locking system.

  • Fantastic grip on the handle

  • Very large, allowing you to get a good grip on it.

  • Awesome blade steel that has stayed sharp.

Cons:

  • When it’s closed and in your pocket. It’s almost a little too big. 

  • I wish it had a flipper on it. But I understand why it doesn’t.

Score: 9.00 Amazing

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Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HP-X

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Streamlight Protac HP-X

Weaponlight Review

  Weapon lights are something that I believe everyone should have on a long gun. There are various types and styles on the market today. They range from high lumen - low candela to high candela - low lumen. They all have different purposes. Streamlight has come out with a higher candela weapon light with a slightly lower lumen. That light is the ProTac Rail Mount HP-X Pro.

  Streamlight’s new HP-X is designed as a high lumen light. On High, Streamilight specs out a candela of 105,000 and a lumen rating of 800. This gives you, the user, a light that projects a narrower beam farther. However, having that lower lumen number makes the spill smaller. A smaller spill gives you less light close up. The HP-X still lights up stuff close and it does it well, it is just made primarily for distance. With the HP-X’s beam pattern, you can light up and identify targets at a much longer distance. The beam distance specification is stated as 648 meters. I could easily make out objects at 300 yards. 

  When you buy the ProTac Rail Mount HP-X kit, you get all the stuff needed to run the light. This is a real bonus in my opinion. The kit includes a 45 degree M-Lok mount, a pressure switch, wire management, zip ties, mounting tape, and a usb cord. The pressure switch is a momentary “on” style. It does not have a switch to keep the light on. However, the HP-X uses Streamlight’s “Jack-Cap” tailcap on the light. This tailcap lets you plug in the pressure pad and still have a button for use. So essentially, you get the best of both worlds. The tail cap button can be used in the momentary or click configurations. All this included stuff makes the HP-X a great deal. 

  Since the HP-X is made by Streamlight, it features their ten tap programming. Essentially, you tap the tailcap ten times and then it takes you to the programming mode. The HP-X has 3 different modes available: High/Strobe, High only, and Low/High. When operating the weapon light on the High/Strobe, tap the tailcap (or click) it once for high and then quickly again for strobe. The Low/High also works the same way. This extends over to the pressure pad too, press it twice quickly for Strobe, or High, depending on which mode you have the light in. 

  One feature, that I think is a must in any weapon light, is having the ability to use different types of batteries. The HP-X is Multi-Fuel. This means it can use the supplied SL-B26 USB rechargeable battery or 2 CR123 batteries. I also found that the HP-X will work with a 18650 style battery, even if Streamlight doesn’t mention it. Run times with the CR123’s is a little less, but I expect that. Run times on the HP-X with the SL-B26 battery are: High - 2 hours, Low - 26 hours, and Strobe - 2.5 hours. These are pretty standard for these types of weapon lights. 

Light at Dusk

Night, Target stands at 50, 100, & 200 yds

  Everyone needs a good mounting platform, aka rifle, for their weapon light. I didn’t hesitate to mount the Streamlight HP-X on the Global Monolith so I could put it through testing. The HP-X mounted up smoothly with the supplied M-Lok mount. If you don’t like the supplied mount, any “scout mount” can be used. I really like that the HP-X uses a readily available mount. Then the pressure pad went on with the zip ties. Followed by one of the rail management pieces. The system looks smooth. I used this light a bunch around the house to see how I liked it inside. Even though the HP-X is a long throw light, it still lit up rooms pretty good. If you have a place to reflect the light off of, like a light colored wall, it works a little better. The strength of the HP-X is the high candela. Outside the light shines for some distance. I could identify targets at 200 yards with ease. Another advantage to high lumens is the ability for the weapon light to punch through photonic barriers. Those barriers would include things like smoke, fog, or even other lights. I found the pressure switch to work nicely. The button on the rear tailcap works nice too, at least if the pressure switch is not plugged in. The plug for the pressure switch can get in the way of using the button. This is really my only fault with the light. This problem was really noticeable when running some drills with the light. Otherwise, I was happy with how the light itself performed 

  The Streamlight ProTac HP-X Pro is a nice weapon light. Especially if you want a light with more distance or need something to punch through some photonic barriers. At a street price of around $160 you really can’t go wrong with the HP-X. If you need that do everything type of light, the Streamlight ProTac HP-X Pro just might be it.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

High Candela, long throw weapon light

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a higher candela weapon mounted light

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Multi-Fuel: Uses (1) Streamlight SL-B26 protected Li-Ion USB rechargeable battery pack or 18650; also accepts (2) CR123A lithium batteries

  • TEN-TAP Programming allows for selection of three different operating programs:

  • 1) high/strobe  2) high only  3) low/high

  • High: 800 lumens; 105,000 candela; 648m beam distance; runs 2 hours (SL-B26); runs 1.5 hours (CR123A)

  • Low: 55 lumens; 7,600 candela; 174m beam distance; runs 26 hours (SL-B26); runs 18 hours (CR123A)

  • Strobe: runs 3.5 hours (SL-B26); runs 2.5 hours (CR123A)

  • High Lumens: 800

  • Beam Distance: 648 meters

  • Max Candela: 105,000

  • Battery Type: SL-B26 Rechargeable Battery Pack, CR123A Lithium, or standard 18650

  • Length: 5.63 inches (14.30 centimeters)

  • Weight: 6.40 ounces (181.44 grams) - 7.00 ounces (198.45 grams)

  • Includes remote switch, picatinny and M-Lok mounts, cable management, and mounting hardware

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Light only

What others are saying?:

Optics Planet   

Bright light

Wow this is a handy little tactical light with a beam that cuts through the dark, smoke, fog etc. Nice beam that has a strong column of center light and provides a wide peripheral viewing that allows you to light up a whole room when performing tactical maneuvers.

Link to other reviews:

Tiberious Gib YouTube  

Price point:

MSRP = $266.00

Retail = Around $160.00

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms, Brownells, or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Good light throw

  • Decent light spill

  • 10 tap programming

  • Comes with everything needed

  • Dual fuel - SL-26B or 2x CR123’s

  • Can use standard 18650 batteries

Cons:

  • Tail switch is hard to get to when pressure switch is plugged in

  • Doesn’t use standard plugs for pressure switch

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Global Ordnance Monolith Review   

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TCRT Targets

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TCRT Target

Review

  If you are into shooting, you understand the need for good targets. Reusable targets have always been an interest of mine. Who doesn’t want a target that lasts thousands of rounds? TCRT targets makes some of those reusable targets. They also make target stands to hang those targets. TCRT sent me one of their Torso Target Packs, which includes the target and target stands.

  I have used a bunch of reusable targets, but the TCRT ones are different. Or at least the Torso target one is. All of these types of targets claim to be “self healing”, which they are. So when you shoot the target, the bullet passes through and only leaves a very tiny hole. I’m a big fan of Torso style USPSA targets, which is basically what the TCRT one is. TCRT’s Torso is a solid rectangle rubberish target. TCRT then supplies a template to paint or draw on the USPSA target zone lines. What I really like about the TCRT Torso is how thin and lightweight it is. I used to have another brand, and it was over twice as thick and weighed a lot more. Physically, hanging and carrying the TCRT Torso is much easier. 

  The TCRT targets can be shot with just about anything. Rifles, pistols, you name it, they have probably been shot by it. These targets will take 400 rounds of 5.56 per square inch. So unless you are using a precision rifle, or can just shoot that good, you shouldn’t wear them out for a long time. I have shot mine with 308, 45acp, 9mm, 22lr, 556, and probably others. It still is going strong. You can even shoot the TCRT targets at point blank range without damage. It even makes a cool pattern on the target. 

Point blank range with 9mm

  TCRT’s Torso target is made to be painted. Which is part of the reason they include the stencil to mark out the zones. By painting the target you can see where the bullets are hitting. When the paint over the target gets shot, it produces a small splatter mark. Think of one of those bullet hole stickers, because that’s what it looks like. This makes it easy to see where you are hitting. When you get too many holes, just paint over them and start over. An advantage to paint is that you can use different colors if you want to. Different colors on the target can make training better or just more fun.

  Since TCRT sent the “Target Pack”, it comes with their RangeFlex Rack Stand Kit. This Rack Stand kit is TCRT’s target stand. The Rack Stand comes with 2 feet assemblies and 2 cross bar brackets. However, it does not come with the wood 1x2’s. The 1x2’s are used for the feet, uprights, and the crossbar. Instructions on what length to cut the 1x2’s are included. The feet brackets each get a 1x2 for the support legs, or feet. They also each get an upright. The 1x2’s, in all the brackets, are held in with bolts. Just snug them down, or tighten them with a wrench, once you get the wood placed where it is needed. The top cross bar is the same, it just doesn't have the extra spot for the feet. You don’t necessarily need the top crossbar with the Torso target, but it does help with some support. The cool thing about the Rack Stand kit is that it is modular. You don’t need to just make it the width of the Torso target, you can make it much wider. This is where the top cross bar brace does its job. Make the stand wide and you can hang a bunch of the round TCRT targets from it. The possibilities are pretty much endless. 

  The TCRT Torso target did everything one would expect it to do. I set it up, which is really easy using the Rack Stand kit. Then I just clamped the target onto the sticks. The Torso target doesn’t come with clamps, I bought mine at Harbor freight, but TCRT has a 4 pack for $10, so just add them to your cart when you are buying a Torso target and save yourself the hassle. I have painted the target different colors at various times. Colors tend to show hits better than white, since the target itself is a whitish color. I have shot the crap out of the Torso target and it doesn’t even look very used. I know it has at least 2000 rounds through it, mostly 9mm. The only problem I ran into was with the target stand. The leg 1x2’s tend to twist in the bracket sometimes. So instead of being straight, they are more “V” shaped instead of an “H” shape. I never had the stand fall over, so maybe it is just my OCD. The Torso target and stand are easy to pick up and move as a one piece assembly. So moving it around the range is easy to do. I really like the different target possibilities that the TCRT Torso target gives me.

  If you are in the market for a reusable target system, which you should be, the TCRT Torso Target Pack might be it. It comes with target stands, a USPSA/IPSC style reusable target, and a stencil to mark out the scoring zones. Just add some paint and 1x2’s and you are ready to hit the range. Being able to use the TCRT Torso target for years to come is probably its best attribute. So head over to TCRT and check out all their targets.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Reusable Torso target and stands

Target Market:

People who dislike buying targets over and over

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Target:

  • Re-usable

  • Comes with paint stencil

  • Rated for 400 rounds of 5.56 per square inch

  • Weight - 9.5 pounds

  • Dimensions - 15 × 20.7 × .5 in

  • UV and water-resistant

Stand:

  • Modular

  • Lightweight

  • Easy  Setup

  • Countless Configurations

  • Uses 1x2 wood sticks

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Hanging Round targets or Combo deals

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $175.98 for the bundle

$138.99 for just the Torso target

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

TCRT Targets

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Can take many hits

  • Easy to see hits when painted

  • Doesn't weigh a lot

  • Clamps to target stands

  • Comes with stencil 

  • Target stands are easy to set up

Cons:

  • Target is wider than standard USPSA one

  • Target stand feet tend to twist in base

Score: 8.00 Great

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Timber Creek Sig P320 Grip Module

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Timber Creek

P320 Grip Module Review

  Timber Creek Outdoors manufactures a ton of nice aftermarket parts. Their new Full size P320 grip module falls nicely into this category. As with most Timber Creek (TC) products, they come in all the fancy colors. I decided to go pretty plain, on the one they sent, and chose Tungsten as the color. 

  I had been looking at aluminum grip modules for the P320. So when Timber Creek came out with one, I definitely wanted to try it out. The metal grip modules just make the P320 feel and shoot differently. I opted for the “Full” size grip module. Timber Creek also has the “Pro” version and a “Carry” version. 

  The Full size TC P320 frame is what you would expect. It is a full length frame. So the dust cover and pic rail extend out to the end of a full length P320 slide. It also has a full length grip. So full size 17 round magazines are the minimum. The Sig 21 rounders also fit and look good in the TC grip module. 

  Continuing on with the TC grip module, we have the grip itself. The grip is slightly wider than a factory medium size Sig grip module. The TC measures 1.25 inches wide. However, it has some subtle grid style texture on the sides of the grip. On the frontstrap are some horizontal lines. Then on the backstrap, there is a frag pattern. I can definitely feel the frag pattern when gripping the pistol. The TC grip module also has a huge undercut trigger guard. The trigger guard also has an extra undercut in it so one can get your support hand up higher. There are also some small lines on the front of the trigger guard for indexing. The huge undercut is one of my favorite features on the TC P320 grip. Lastly, TC machined in a pretty decent mag funnel inside the grip. I might have done it a little larger, as there is some more material that could be taken off. But either way, reloads are pretty easy with the TC grip module. 

  One advantage, or disadvantage, the Timber Creek P320 grip module has is its weight. It weighs in at 6 ounces more than a factory Sig grip module, or the Wilson Combat one I have. This weight helps reduce muzzle rise and recoil. Since my full size P320 is not a carry gun, I like the added weight. 

  Installation on the TC grip module is fairly straight forward. It installs just like any P320 grip module. Empty the firearm, drop the magazine, remove the slide, Remove the slide stop, lift the front of the fire control unit (FCU) up, and remove the FCU. Installation with the new Timber Creek grip module is just the reverse order. It really is that easy to install your new TC grip module. 

  Overall I thought Timber Creek did a nice job on the full size P320 grip module. I still shoot the Sig better than a bunch of other pistols. The grip module didn't seem to affect the shoot ability. It did seem to cut a little muzzle flip so I could get back on target faster. This was expected with the little bit of added weight. The grip module is a little larger than the factory medium size ones so the TC grip module didn't fit my hand as well. Nothing against it, just my small hands. I was a little disappointed in the lack of texture, the grip still seemed to move around a little. I would like more, or at least a sharper, texture. That Undercut trigger guard really lets you get a high grip on the pistol which really helps with a P320. The magwell does help with finding where to put those reloads. Quick mag changes were super easy. Now a quick FYI, the TC grip module does not come with a mag release. So you will have to take your old one out, or just buy a larger aftermarket one. Even with those few complaints, I really like what TC did with their P320 grip module. 

  If you are looking into getting an aluminum P320 grip module, the Timber Creek one might be worth taking a look at. After all, you can get it in all the pretty colors, even purple. The grip module is very well machined, in house, at Timber Creek's facility in Springfield, Oregon. Definitely try to get your hands on one and see if it is right for you. You can check the “Pro” version out on TC's website. The “Carry” and “Full” size ones are not on their website just yet. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Aluminum Sig P320 grip module

Target Market:

P320 users that want a metal framed pistol

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Aircraft grade aluminum 

  • Full size P320 grip module 

  • Available in 10 colors 

  • Undercut trigger guard

  • Textured frame

  • Full length picatinny rail

  • Made in USA 

  • Lifetime warranty 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Carry and Competition grip modules, all in a ton of colors

What others are saying?:

Nothing much found

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $449.95

Retail = $350 ish

I need it now! Availability: 

Optics Planet or AT3 Tactical

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Weight

  • Color options

  • Undercut trigger guard

  • Full length pic rail

  • Made in USA

Cons:

  • Slightly larger grip size

  • Does not come with mag release

  • Not very aggressive texture

  • Manufacturer's website lacks specifications 

Score: 8.00 Great

,

Kinisium KINI SafeAlert

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Kini SafeAlert

Review

   Most people with firearms in their home are concerned about safety. A new product from Kinisium might be able to help you with some piece of mind. That product is the Kini SafeAlert. The Kini is a small motion activated sensor that gives you “safety alerts” when it senses motion.

  The Kini SafeAlert is added protection against something that is already secured. I would not rely on it solely for the safety of a firearm, or any other dangerous device. However, it can be used to detect if someone is getting into one of those places, like a safe or liquor cabinet for example. 

  Kinisium uses a small motion activated transmitter. Physical size of the transmitter is about 2.25” x 1.56” x 0.75”. Not bad for something that has motion detection and wifi. The “Kini” alerts you through a text message or email when it detects movement. It does this by sending a wifi signal. It does not have any cellular capability, so it must be within a wifi area that has internet access. However, it does work very well in its designed area of use.

  When the Kini first arrives, Kinisium has you set up the device. First you have to create an account with their web based interface. The Kini has an activation code, so anyone can’t just set it up. Once you turn on the Kini and enter all the appropriate info, you are now ready to attach the Kini to something. Since the Kini is rechargeable, I would recommend charging it up first. 

  Now that the Kini is ready to go, find a good place to test it out. Kinisium supplies some hook and loop, as well as a small cable tether. I say try it out first because there are actually a bunch of settings for the Kini in the interface. You can set email or text alerts, or both. You can name what the alert will be called, for example: “Safe Movement”, “Motion Detected”, “Door Open”, etc. More important is the ability to set how much movement before the Kini alerts you. You can also set which axis you want to alert you, for example: X,Y, and Z or just X and Y. I just have it set for all axes. There is also a setting for how long until the Kini re-notifies you after the initial movement. Depending on where the Kini is located, this can be an important feature. The Kini will also let you know when it is low on power. That way you can charge it up. I charged mine when it was new. It has been 4 months and is still at 80% power. So I don’t see you needing to charge it very often. 

  The little Kini has a ton of uses for added security and piece of mind. You can install it anywhere you want, as long as there is a wifi signal. Or essentially, on anything that you want to be notified of, when it is being tampered with. Tool chests, liquor cabinets, safes, doors, medicine cabinets, breaker boxes, or anything else you don’t want messed with. The main reason I say “added security” is because the Kini is not a replacement for locks, especially when it comes to firearms. The Kini usually takes between 8-10 seconds for it to notify me, via text, of movement. So it is only a barrier. If a firearm were unsecured, even with the Kini attached, something terrible could still happen in the time it takes to get notified. The Kini is not a replacement for a good locking device, no matter what you install it on. The Kini’s best feature is that it can be used on anything imaginable.

  I mounted up the Kini to a safe door. It has worked well, essentially it sits inside the safe. I have it set so that if the safe gets bumped, it will notify me. Because of where it is mounted, it also alerts me when the safe door is opened. I will mention that this safe is fairly close to the wifi router. If I were to install it in my garage somewhere, I would want to make sure it consistently could send alerts. I have been very happy with how the Kini works. The battery life laso really impressed me.

  If you are looking for that extra added security, or should I say notifications, the Kinisium Kini SafeAlert might be worth looking into. It is nice knowing when someone, or something, is messing with your important stuff. Just remember it does not take the place of proper storage, it is just added security that enhances safety. Take a look at the Kini and see what you think.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Safety device that texts you when movement is detected 

Target Market:

Anyone wanting an extra degree of safety

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Small motion detector

  • Sends texts and Emails when moved

  • Adjustable

  • Rechargeable

  • Comes with tether

  • Charging cord included

  • On/Off Tool

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Red

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars at Kinisium.com

Great product!

The SafeAlert is a great product. It was easy to set up, and it definitely works. I was a little skeptical about putting it inside a safe (weak/no signal in there?) but it works just fine, even in a safe/drawer, etc. and gives a nearly instant alert (text message) when it is moved. It's very sensitive, as well...with it sitting on a table, jumping on the floor next to the table sets it off when it's on the most sensitive setting (and you can adjust the sensitivity, as well).

I recommend this, and am actually thinking about getting another one.

Link to other reviews:

Grit Daily

Price point:

MSRP = $75.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Kinisium

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Easy to set up

  • Sensitivity adjustments

  • Works inside a metal box

  • Attaches easily

  • Text and Email alerts

  • Battery life

Cons:

  • Lag time before notifications

  • Can be too sensitive sometimes

Score: 8.00 Great

, ,

ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8x24

, ,

ZeroTech Thrive HD

1-8x24 Review

  ZeroTech Optics sent Rusty and I one of their new Thrive HD 1-8x24 Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO). For a bit I was trying to decide what to put it on. Then SRU and Foxtrot Mike made the decision for me, by sending me a bullpup kit. The new Thrive HD was a perfect fit. ZeroTech’s new LPVO has some great features, some clear glass, and some other stuff.

  The ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8 is the first LPVO in the Thrive lineup. The Thrive series of optics is primarily built for hunters, but that does not mean that there is not crossover into other types of shooting. In fact, the bullpup kit I mounted it on probably won’t see a day of hunting in its lifetime. Unless the random coyote pops up when I have it on hand. Being that the Thrive HD 1-8 is a second focal plane optic, it does lend itself nicely to hunting. However, the way the reticle is set up also works well for run and gun type competition. I think it is more of a dual duty style of optic.

  Construction on the Thrive HD is somewhat simplistic. ZeroTech constructs the 1-8 using 7075 T6 aluminum. 7075 is stronger and lighter than the typical 6061 that a lot of other scope manufacturers use in their $450 price range LPVO’s. It weighs in at 22 ounces, which also falls right in line compared to other LPVO’s. As with most LPVO’s, the Thrive HD uses a 30 mm outer tube diameter. The adjustment turrets are of the capped style. This gives it a clean look. Since this is not a scope for long range work, the capped turrets do not detract from anything.

  ZeroTech throws a few “extras” in the box that are pretty nice. Up first is the Thrive HD’s flip up covers. These are not your everyday plastic ones. They are aluminum and screw on. Using the supplied tool, you can tighten them down to your preferred location. This is especially nice for the ocular lens with the fast focus eyepiece. Since you need to focus the eyepiece to your eye, you can then loosen the flip cap, align it, and re-tighten it, so it works correctly. The 1-8 also comes with a removable throw lever. This throw lever uses a little rail type attachment. So one just slides it on and tightens the little screw. Also included is a neoprene style one piece scope cover. It is a really nice cover.

  When looking at optics, the reticle can be really important. The Thrive HD 1-8 uses ZeroTech’s PHR 4 illuminated reticle. This reticle, for some reason, reminds me of the old German #1 reticle. It is not even close, but here is my best explanation. The PHR 4 has 3 fairly thick crosshairs, 1 up from the bottom and then 1 on each side. These then reduce down to 0.5 MOA thick lines. These lines extend 7.5 MOA out toward the center reticle. There is then a 2.5 MOA space until the center reticle starts. Yes, there is a center reticle. The center reticle is also the part that illuminates. They call this a floating reticle and is more akin to a standard small thin crosshair reticle. It measures 5 MOA. It also has a 0.5 MOA dot in the center. Of course all of these measurements are at 8x. There are 5 brightness settings on the Thrive HD. On/Off and adjustment are a little different than what you might be used to. On the left side of the scope is the battery cap. In the center of the cap is a button. This button is pressed to turn on the red illumination, in the last setting that was used. Just push it again to cycle through the 5 brightness levels. It cycles from brightest to darkest, and then repeats itself. Since the Thrive HD does not have any shake awake function, you will want to remember to turn it off when done. To do this you just hold the button down for about 3 seconds and the illumination turns off. The brightness is not daylight bright, but is very useful. ZeroTech does not sell the Thrive HD as daylight bright, so I was not expecting it to be.

  The Thrive HD 1-8 has capped turrets for adjustment. To adjust the LPVO, you must first remove the caps. Underneath are some decently nice knobs. These are easily adjusted with your fingers. The ¼ MOA clicks are a tiny bit mushy, but can be heard and felt easily enough. The ¼ MOA adjustments are a nice feature. A lot of 1-8 LPVO’s have ½ MOA adjustments. These windage and elevation knobs can also be set to zero, after the initial sighting in. That way you at least have a reference when making further adjustments.

  I was impressed with the clarity on the Thrive HD. Looking through it produces clear images with no detectable color differences. It did not seem to matter if it was at 1x or 8x, nothing seemed distorted. However, the eyebox on the 1-8 is unforgiving at 8x. You have to be in just the correct spot to get a good image. At 1x, I did not notice any problems getting a clear picture through the eyebox. This is my only real complaint about the Thrive HD 1-8.

  As mentioned, I mounted up the Thrive HD to a bullpup. This required me to put it in a higher optics mount. I used a Geissele 1.93 scope mount and it was perfect for the 1-8. You can read the SRU review to find out why the mount is turned around. I mention this so you get the idea of how I used the Thrive HD. This LPVO is really clear for its price range. I would compare it to some optics that are priced a couple of hundred more. It really shines at 1x with the PHR 4 reticle. Then the 8x gives you enough magnification to identify targets easily. The adjustment ring, with its optional throw lever, operates super smooth. Those flip covers take a little bit of getting used to, they are a bit stiffer than the normal ones I use. All those little add-ins are a nice touch too. The Thrive HD did everything I wanted it to do.

   The Thrive HD 1-8x24 is a good option for those looking for a LPVO. It is decently priced for the quality and clarity you get. It has a very useful illuminated reticle. The throw lever, to adjust the magnification, is super smooth. You really get a lot of optic for your money with the ZeroTech Thrive HD line. Go check out Zerotech’s line of optics, they might have something that fits with your shooting style.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1-8 power LPVO with a hunting style MOA reticle

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a LPVO in the 1-8 power range

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Focal Plane Second (SFP)

  • Reticle calibrated magnification power: 8x

  • Magnification Range: 1-8x

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm

  • Main Tube Diameter: 30mm

  • Main tube Material: 7075 – T6

  • Turret Index Value: 0.25MOA

  • Internal Elevation Adjustment: 90 MOA

  • Internal Windage Adjustment: 90 MOA

  • Parallax Adjustment Range: Fixed 100 Meters

  • Exit Pupil Diameter: Low: 8mm; High: 3mm

  • Eye Relief: 3.58-3.94 inches or 91-100mm

  • Field Of View @100 Meters: Low: 41.6 m; High: 5.1 m

  • Field of view @ 100 Yards: Low: 124.8 ft; High: 15.5 ft

  • Lens Coating: Fully Multi Coated (FMC)

  • Weight: 22 ounces or 624g

  • Illumination: Yes

  • Waterproof Rating: IPX7

  • Aluminum flip covers

  • Adjustment tool

  • Neoprene scope cover

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

G4 reticle    

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Precision-rifle.com

Price point:

MSRP = $449.00

Retail = Natchez Shooting Supply

I need it now! Availability:

ZeroTech Optics

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Good clarity

  • Easy to use reticle

  • Brightness adjustment

  • Throw lever

  • Premium flip covers

Cons:

  • Tight eyebox

  • Only 5 brightness levels

  • No shake awake brightness feature

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  SRU Bullpup Chassis review  

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Vaca Jerky

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Vaca Jerky

Review

  A while back I was asked if I wanted to try out a new kind of jerky. The answer is always yes when it comes to jerky. That company is VACA Jerky. They have hit the streets with a thin cut, crispy style jerky, and it's pretty good. 

  VACA Jerky starts with marbled beef. VACA says that the marbling makes the flavor. They are not wrong. They also double dehydrate the meat. This process ends up making a “crispy” style of beef jerky. It also enhances the flavors. 

  Currently there are three styles of VACA jerky to choose from. The “Classic”, which is your everyday smoke flavor. The “Mild”, which adds a little bit of spice, but not too much. Last is the “Spicy”, which as you can guess, is the hottest version. All of these are the crispy style of jerky that VACA makes. You can order them in individual 2 ounce packs, or a sampler pack. Of course the sampler pack has a bag of the three different styles for you to try. 

  I am not going to try to explain the flavor profiles, but I will tell you how my taste buds interpreted them: 

  • The “Classic”: Your regular smoke flavor. The one most people would recognize when you say the word “jerky”. I liked the bold flavor.

  • The “Mild”: This one has the same smoke flavor, but with a little bit of kick to it. Of the 3 flavors, the Mild is my absolute favorite. 

  • The “Spicy”: VACA named this one right. It has a big kick to it. So much so that it loses a little of the smoke flavoring. You can even see the pepper seeds on the jerky. I also liked this one, I would say it is my second choice after the “mild”. 

  The VACA jerky is different at first. Most of us are not used to crispy jerky. I had one friend relate it to crispy bacon, and I thought that summed it up pretty well, at least texture wise. However, once I got a taste for the VACA crisp jerky, I couldn't stop eating it. So much for saving some for later. I also hear it is Keto friendly and high in protein. 

  After eating pretty much all the samples, I can say VACA has some good jerky. The double dehydration just locks in that flavor. Then you get that signature “crunch”. Together it makes for a new jerky experience. If you want a “different” jerky, head over to VACA Jerky and give it a try.  

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Double dehydrated beef jerky

Target Market:

Anyone who likes beef jerky

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Thin sliced marbled meat

  • Keto friendly

  • Double dehydrated

  • High in protein

  • 3 flavor to choose from

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

3 different flavors

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

All Outdoor    

Price point:

MSRP = $10.99 per package

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

VACA Jerky

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Good flavor

  • High in protein

  • Crisp like bacon

  • Easy to pack around 

Cons:

  • Price

  • Hard to find locally

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Vosteed Raccoon Review

, ,

SRU SARB-15 Bullpup Chassis

, ,

SRU Bullpup Chassis

Review

  SRU Precision has brought out some pretty nice AR bullpup conversion kits. If you have been thinking about getting a bullpup, the SRU kit might be the way to go. The SRU AR15 bullpup chassis comes in a number of configurations to help you choose the right system for you.

  To sum up the SRU Bullpup Chassis, it is a 2 piece shell that wraps around an AR15. Not the full AR, just a mil-spec receiver and an upper. There is a stipulation on the style, or type, of upper receiver you use. A standard one can be used, but you will need to get a short recoil system. If you do not want to go this route, any bufferless upper should work. These include the Jakl, BRN-180, or what I used, the Foxtrot Mike Gen 2. The 2 piece shell is made from a carbon fiber infused polymer, which gives it extra strength and rigidity. 

  Installation of the SRU chassis can be time consuming. There are a lot of screws and pieces that hold the SRU Chassis around the AR lower receiver. Using the Foxtrot Mike upper made it a little bit easier. Luckily SRU has some detailed online instructions. Let’s just say that this is not the easiest kit to assemble. First, you have to take out most of the SRU Chassis’ screws. Then you will have both sides apart to start putting in the parts. Next install the short buffer tube into your lower receiver with the proper parts for your chosen upper. Then install the lower receiver assembly into the chassis. Make sure you have removed the trigger guard from the bottom of your receiver, or the SRU chassis will not work. Adjust the trigger travel screw. The SRU chassis uses a trigger linkage, which is why it needs adjustment. There is also a QD forward mount that needs to be installed and adjusted. This forward mount holds the bottom of the upper receiver in-line with the chassis. Now you can reassemble the two halves. Trust me, I simplified this for the review. I probably had the chassis apart 3 or 4 times to get all the parts adjusted correctly.

  The trigger system is what really makes the SRU Bullpup Chassis shine. Since the SRU kit uses an aluminum trigger linkage, you get a good trigger. Bullpups are notorious for having bad trigger pulls, but SRU seemed to solve this problem. Another advantage to the SRU kit is that you can choose any AR15 trigger to install. That is because the trigger is actually in your AR receiver at the rear of the bullpup. The SRU kit does add about 1 pound to the total trigger pull weight. I used a Black Talon Tactical 3.5 pound trigger and it ended up right at 4.5 pounds. SRU made the chassis with a flat trigger and a single sided safety. These are pretty decent. If you do not like them, you can change them out for any mil-spec trigger shoe or any AR safety that you like, including ambi ones. You can also take the triggers pre-travel out by shimming it, the instructions just don't explain how to keep the shim in place. 

  The SRU Chassis does not come with a pistol grip. This is not a big deal. I installed a Thril pistol grip because I like them. Even though it worked well, I soon realized that a more vertical grip would work much better. This is because there is not much room between the pistol grip and where the chassis drops down to accommodate the magazine, and the magazine itself. It is pretty minor, and I still have the Thril grip on it. I also found the length of pull to be long. SRU states 15.3 inches, which seems about right. If you have short arms, it might be harder to reach the trigger than with a standard AR. 

  I should probably mention a few differences when using the SRU chassis. The mag release comes to mind first. It uses a lever style behind the magazine, similar to an AK style. It works well for me, but it did take some getting used to. Another thing to note is that you may need a higher than usual optics mount. This is because your cheek rests on top of the receiver, on the little pic rail cover SRU supplies. First I mounted up a red dot. Then I went to the ZeroTech Thrive HD 1-8 in a standard cantilever mount with a riser. Lastly, a 1.93 Geissele mount was added. It put the scope up high enough to use without a riser. 

  Foxtrot Mike was kind enough to send me the upper for the SRU Bullpup. That way I could just drop in the upper and not have to worry about short stroke kits. The upper Foxtrot sent is their brand new monolithic style upper receiver. It uses their forward charging system and a built-in buffer/spring recoil system. This particular monolithic system uses a 1 piece barrel, gas block, and barrel extension. It also uses a 308 size bolt for more strength. The Foxtrot upper has a full 16 barrel and comes with a threaded on A2 flash hider. This system with the SRU chassis made a really nice bullpup. The barrel sticks out just far enough so that you do not feel like you are going to shoot your hand off. 

  Now it is time for the love-hate experience. Okay, more love than hate. I was not sure how I would like this bullpup in the beginning. It surprised me. I really like how compact it is. The forward charging upper with the SRU kit makes it easy to cycle with the gun up on your shoulder or while running the gun. Magazine changes are fairly quick, even if I can do an AR mag change faster. The whole thing weighs 7.25 pounds without a mag or optics. So it handled pretty decently for me. Plus the weight is toward the rear, so you are not trying to swing a heavy weight back and forth between targets. Since I did not shim the trigger, there is a bit of take up before you get to the trigger's break. I just did not want to take it apart again to shim the trigger. You will also notice in the pictures that the scope mount is turned around backwards. This was done on purpose so that the physical mount would not get in the way of the forward charging handle. You can turn it around to the normal position and it will work. I just didn’t like my hand rubbing on the mount. 

  If you like bullpups, or maybe just want to try one out, the SRU Bullpup Chassis kit may be a good fit. The quality of the kit is top notch. It probably has one of the best bullpup trigger systems around, at least in how it feels. The polymer chassis feels good and not cheap. I ended up really liking the SRU bullpup chassis. Head over to SRU and check it out.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Bullpup conversion for AR15 rifles

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a top quality bullpup 

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • LOP: 15.3”

  • OAL with 16” barrel AR15: 26”-29”

  • Kit OAL: 20” (without handguard) / 25” (with handguard)

  • Weight: 980g (without handguard) / 1320g (with handguard)

  • Shell: PA66+CARBON FIBER injection molded

  • Trigger Linkage System: 6061 T6 CNC machined

  • Short Buffer / Sling Mount Endplate: 6061 T6 CNC machined

  • Trigger / Safety Selector / Mag Latch / Rail & Front Adaptor: Metal Polymer

  • Stock Recoil Pad & Cheek Pad: TPU

  • Optional Front Handguard: Steel stamping

  • AR-15 Lower Receiver: Mil-Spec only

  • AR-15 Upper Receivers:

    • Bufferless complete upper, e.g., BRN-180 / FM-15 / JAKL

    • Mil-Spec Upper + short buffer BCG, e.g., DFA MCS 2.5” BUFFER / LAW TACTICAL ARIC / CMMG 5.56 to .22 conversion BCG

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black, Tan, with or without handguard

What others are saying?:

Nothing notable as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Recoil Web  

Price point:

MSRP = $429.99

Retail = same

I need it now! Availability:

SRU Precision

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Uses mil-spec AR lower receivers

  • Uses any AR15 trigger

  • Trigger system is top notch

  • Compact

  • Decent design

Cons:

  • Assembly can be tedious

  • Needs tall optics mount

  • Long length of pull

  • Extra safety selector at rear of rifle

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Foxtrot Mike FM-15 review   

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TIMBER CREEK ENFORCER 10/22 CHASSIS

,

TIMBER CREEK

ENFORCER 10/22 CHASSIS REVIEW

  We all go down rabbit holes sometimes, especially when we start trying to modify our firearms to be a symbol of ourselves. Well I did this with my Ruger 10/22. It took me a year to almost finish the build and I am now close to 100% complete with it. I received a Timber Creek Enforcer Chassis for the 10/22 rifle, as the title entails. Right off the bat I noticed that I had gone out to left field and was in trouble. So I put the chassis on the rifle and noticed that it was a lot lighter than my original wood stock version that came on my varmint edition rifle. I started making a list of things to change that would make the chassis suited for what I thought it deserved. This is the beginning of the rabbit hole. 

  The Timber Creek chassis itself weighs around 22 ounces. Now I don't know what a wood stock weighs but it is a heck of a lot more. The rifle with the original barrel seemed a little unwieldy. It had a long barrel so the forearm for the chassis system seemed short. This is where I ordered a new barrel from Byers Barrels. This barrel was a liner type, ultralight 16.5” barrel. This made the rifle better. Well I soon realized I needed a trigger system and reached out to TandomKross. I then received a trigger pack from them. I thought the 10/22 was complete, not hardly. Well, I needed an ultra light bolt, lightweight scope mounts, extended charging handle, and a Vortex optic. Now here is the fun part, do I use a buffer tube or does it need a folder on it? So stand by and I will tell you.

  The Enforcer chassis is a skeleton style system that is straightforward to install on any of the standard 10/22 rifle systems. Just take the barrel and action out and drop it in the chassis. Use the screws that come with it and you're done. Install your favorite AR style grip, then you get to decide how to finish off the rear of it. It has buffer tube threads on the rear, so you can install a tube and your favorite stock on the rear. I opted for a screw in folding adapter that I ordered for a TC rifle years back. I installed a buffer tube and a stock I had laying around. 

  Now to the good stuff and out of the rabbit hole. The chassis is machined out of aluminum and machined very well I might add. It has M Lok slots machined at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions for your favorite accessories. The chassis up front has a lot of machined holes to decrease the weight. Where the forearm meets the main body, it is machined at an angle and has 4 lines machined in it. I assume this is for resting the rifle on a barricade, a limb, or what have you to get a stable shooting position. Down the side it is a little thicker, this is where the action drops in, yet it is angled and radiused for a smooth feel. The rear of the system has direct holes machined through it. What for? I am not sure, but it is cool looking. Then the end has the threads for the buffer tube.

  The Timber Creek Enforcer 10/22 chassis comes in numerous colors from mild to wild. I opted for just the plain black anodized color. Timber Creek also has systems for numerous other style rifles, like the Remington 700 and AR 15. The website does not have all the specs that I would usually add to the review. I can tell you this chassis turns your rifle to a top notch plinker or something that is ready for your local .22lr precision match. This chassis system is just the base for what you can do. It is a great foundation to build a 10/22 to your heart's content. The only thing lacking here is your imagination for when you get started building. Again, I am not completely done with mine because there is always something more to add to it. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to fame:

Lightweight chassis system

Turns the ordinary rifle into a different style rifle

Target Market:

People that want AR style in a non AR rifle

Those that want personality in their rifle

Competitive shooters

Those whose choose quality and value

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Quality machined aircraft grade aluminum

  • Hard anodizing or Cerakote finish

  • Easy installation

  • Weight: 1.4 pounds

  • Uses AR buffer Tube

  • M-Lok mounting slots

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Numerous different colors

What others are saying:

First Impressions

The moment you pick it up, you can feel the premium quality. Made from lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum, the Enforcer chassis doesn’t just look good—it’s built to perform. And the anodized finishes? Chef’s kiss. Whether you’re into sleek black or want to make a statement with vibrant red or blue, Timber Creek has styles for everyone.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP - $399.99

I need it now! 

Timber Creek Outdoors or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • American Made

  • Lightweight

  • Great customer service

  • Easy installation

Cons:

  • I feel it needs a longer forearm

  • Website is lacking specs

Score: 8.00 Great

,

Traser P99 A Tactical Carbon

,

Traser P99 A Tactical

Watch Review

  A watch review was not on my radar. Then, Traser Watch sent me a press release. So I asked if I could review one of their new Tactical watches. Traser kindly sent me the new P99 A Tactical Carbon. It has tritium dials, an automatic Swiss movement, and a carbon fiber polymer case. 

  One might ask what a watch has to do with firearms, outdoors, or anything else we review? To start with, who doesn’t need to tell time? How are you supposed to know what time to meet up for the boogaloo, when to testify on the gun control hearing at the capitol, or more importantly, when to be home from the range for dinner. Either way, having a tacticool watch that winds itself should be reason enough. But mainly, if you are into the stuff we do here, there is a good chance that you are into quality watches also. After all, it is another piece of gear that helps you in your day to day life.

  The Traser P99 looks exactly like you would expect from a tactical watch. It has an outside bezel with corresponding 5 minute marks laid out around it. So every 5, 10, 15 minutes and so on. Inside the bezel it also has these same minute marks in a smaller font size. On the watch face, it has tritium vials at every hour mark. With the 12 o’clock mark being orange in color instead of green like all the others. Of course there are white minute marks going around the dial as well. Inside those are numbers 13-24, so if you use military time, Traser has you covered for that too. In the 6 - 9 o’clock space is also a date reading. This “date” shows a bunch of the day's numbers, but has a red chevron (arrow) pointing to the today date. The hour and minute hands are painted red but also have a green tritium insert in them to see them in darkness. The second hand has a little orange tritium insert in it. Besides just tritium inserts, the P99 also uses Super LumiNova luminescence, or glow in the dark. For the luminescence glow, there is a complete circle around the watch face along with the 15, 30 , and 45 minutes marks on the bezel. Covering all that is an anti-glare sapphire crystal. The P99 watch face is nicely designed and easy to read, day or night.

  Traser’s first watch was made in 1989. This watch was made for the US Army and was the first ever tritium watch. The first watch was made possible because of a company called Trigalight. They were the first to mainstream the manufacturing process of tritium into little vials, down to 0.3mm in size. These vials can be installed into anything that you want to glow. Trigalight probably produces tritium vials for most, if not all the manufacturers in the firearm space. Trigalight and Traser are sister companies under the MB Microtec umbrella, which helps explain the P99 watch from Traser.

Luminescent glow and tritium

Tritium only

  For the P99 A, Traser uses a Swiss automatic movement. The “A” after the P99 stands for “automatic”, if you have not picked up on that yet. The automatic movement winds the watch from movement in your wrist. So unlike solar watches, you don’t need light for it to keep time. It does have a power reserve of about 2 days, but also can be manually wound using the crown. I only wear a watch during the day and take it off at night. I have not had to ever wind the watch manually. One flaw with automatic winding watches is that they have a specification for how accurately they keep time. The Traser P99’s spec is plus or minus 30 seconds a day, with the best automatic watches being plus or minus 15 seconds a day. The P99’s movement is fully mechanical, so no batteries are ever needed.

  Surrounding the automatic movement is a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. This case also has a steel container to house the automatic movement of the watch. This carbon polymer case is what gives the watch its looks. It also has flake style carbon on the watch face itself. I am pretty hard on watches and I have not even marred the P99’s case. Hooked to the case is a choice of 3 different watch straps. You can either get a fabric NATO strap in grey camo or black, with the other option being a rubber strap. I opted for the camo NATO strap and couldn’t be happier. 

  The Traser P99 A has a few other features. The mechanical movement can be seen from the back of the watch, through a large clear window. All this really does is make it look cool and I am okay with that. The P99 A also has a water resistance rating of 20 ATM which is the equivalent of 200 meters under water. Helping to make this water resistance specification is a “screw down crown”. What is a “crown”? Well, the crown is the part of the watch that winds it, or adjusts the date and time. On the P99, to adjust the date or time, you must first unscrew the crown, which is the little dial thing on the side of the watch. Then just pull it out to the correct step and adjust what is needed. Push it back in, screw the crown down, and you will be back to getting wet and telling time, in no time.

  The bezel, or the outer ring of the watch face, on the P99 rotates. It rotates with a click for every minute. Why you might ask? It is so you can spin it to match up with the minute hand. Then you will be able to tell the elapsed time. So say you wanted to train pistol draw strokes for 20 minutes. Just turn the dial to the current minute hands position, then when the minute hand gets to the 20 on the bezel number, you know you have done 20 minutes worth. It is pretty easy and useful for certain things.

  I have worn the Traser P99 A for months now. It is not a small watch by any means, but it isn’t huge either. I like the size. There are a few aspects of the P99 that I do not care for, but they are minor. One is that this particular watch gains about 2-2.5 minutes a week. It is within the Swiss movement's specifications. I just turn it back 5 minutes every two weeks. Since it gains time, you will always be early for dinner. My only other complaint is that the bezel needs a stronger spring, or whatever is used in it for the detent positions. It moves sometimes. Like I mentioned, I am pretty hard on watches because I work with my hands, so the bezel is getting bumped and moved. On a positive note, I have yet to have scratched the crystal or marred up the watch case. A true testament on how rugged this watch actually is. I shoot with the watch on also. I have destroyed other watches while doing this, both analog and digital. The P99 has withstood everything I threw at it. The tritium in the watch is super bright. I really enjoy being able to tell time in dimly lit rooms easily because of this. The Traser P99 A Tactical has been a great watch

  If you happen to be looking for a “tactical” style watch that never needs batteries, the Traser P99 A might be for you. Its auto winding Swiss movement is nice. The tritium inserts are what really make this watch shine. They are super bright and placed just about everywhere on the watch. This watch is also almost indestructible. Maybe the most important aspect is that the Traser P99 A Tactical Carbon looks great. Go check it out, along with the other Traser products at www.traser.com. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Tritium watch with automatic winding Swiss movement 

Target Market:

Anyone wanting an analog tactical watch that never needs winding

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Trigalight self-luminous technology on the dial, hands and underneath the Traser logo

  • Luminescent glass seal

  • Trigalight cross insert in bezel, Super-LumiNova (SLN) marking on bezel

  • Luminescent ring on crown

  • Movement: Swiss made automatic

  • Size: Ø 46mm

  • Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire

  • Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer double case with internal steel container

  • Screwed-down crown

  • Transparent case back

  • Carbon fiber back face

  • Date window at 7.5 o’clock

  • Strap: Textile NATO strap and rubber strap

  • Water resistance: 20 atm / 20 bar

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Non Automatic, Different bands

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

A Blog to WATCH   

Price point:

MSRP = $1165.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Traser USA is your best bet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Tritium is bright! 

  • Luminescent dial

  • Carbon fiber case construction 

  • Automatic movement 

  • Water resistance 

Cons:

  • Gains time, so time needs reset every couple of weeks 

  • Bezel doesn’t stay in one place

  • Price

Score: 8.50 Great 

, ,

Triclops Sights

, ,

Triclops Sight Review

  I have a serious astigmatism and normal red dot sights are an issue for me. During one of our podcast episodes we discussed products from Triclops Sights. They manufacture, what can be best described as, an analog red dot. These are iron sights that contain fiber optics.

  The front sight is tall, like a suppressor height sight. The rear sight is a rectangle that has red fiber optics at the 12, 3 and 9 o'clock positions. 

  The sights are firearm model, caliber, and eye dominant specific. They have sights for the Beretta APX, Desert Eagle in 41 Mag, VP9, Smith & Wesson M&P line, CZ75 and many more. The pulldown menu is on their website. 

  I have a Glock 19. I'm right handed and right eye dominant. I received my sights in November 2023 and had them installed immediately. My friend Nick had a sight pusher. He got these sights installed quickly for me. All that was left for me to do was install the fiber optics by sliding them into place, cutting them to size, and burning the tip to keep them in place. It was quick and easy.

  The Triclops sights work due to your eye naturally centering the green front sight between the red rear fiber optic posts. I'll take a quote from Triclops Sights website, “Geometric centering is your eye's natural ability to find the exact center of a shape. This concept incorporated in the Triclops Sight allows you to aim and acquire your target faster than traditional notch and blade sights.” This new sight picture may take effort for some to run. It is simple if you don't overthink the sight picture. It is the same principle as centering your AR15 front sight post in the center of your rear sight aperture. 

  According to the company website, the Triclops sights help you fire with both eyes open. They help you shoot more accurately, faster, and assist in increasing your situational awareness when you're shooting.

  I planned on using these sights during different types of shooting and in various conditions. I used them at indoor matches, action shooting matches, Police Combat Competition, and training classes around the country. I fired the Triclops sights under the pressure of timed competition. I feel they were faster when shooting and transitioning from target to target than regular bladed sights. Close targets got smoked quickly!  The second I saw the green front sight anywhere on the target, I squeezed the trigger. When I moved back to the 25-yard line, it was easy to stay in the center of a B27 target or IDPA targets.

  I took the Dynamic Rifle 2 class with ROC Training at the South Jersey Shooting Club on a sunny October day. While running drills, we would transition to our handgun when our carbines ran empty. These sights really popped outside. Shooting and moving, firing weak hand, and from cover I was hitting the targets effortlessly.  During one training iteration at 50 yards, these sights easily equaled, or beat, other students that had more expensive pistols equipped with red dots. Sucseffully hitting a full size IDPA steel target five times in a row.

  My reviews generally are long term reviews. I've been using Triclops Sights for 15 months. They have been used and abused in training class, competitions, and practice. They are carried as my everyday carry in the Fattac Standard Holster. It also works in the JX Tactical Fat Guy Holsters and the Hailey Strategic G-Code Incog RMR tuckable holster. These holsters all have been designed for a red dot mounted Glock 19.

  I read concerns that the Triclops sight looked large. I saw comments that it looked as large as some red dots. I had the Vortex Defender CCW Micro Dot on hand. It has the Shield RMSc footprint. At 1.6 inches long theDefender CCW is considered a small red dot. It looks huge next to the Triclops Sight.

 The Triclops Sights have held up to my use, which is to put it mildly, rough. I have not broken the fiber optics. There is a small bit of surface rust on the side of the sight that lays against me while I carry. 

  Triclops Sights are what the website says and more. I believe these sights are in a category between traditional sights and red dots. Especially if you have astigmatism like mine. Which nearly every red dot looks like a rorschach test.

  These sights allow me to see faster, and shoot accurately faster, than regular bladed sights. My scores and times in competition reflect these facts. They cost less than all but the lowest priced red dots. They don't require batteries. They are tough. These sights have been used to rack the slide during one hand manipulation drills. There's been no damage or loss of zero. I recommend these Triclops sights to anyone that has astigmatism or just wants to try an “analog red dot” sight. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

This product is great for people with bad astigmatism. It's also a good alternative to suppressor height sights. It's a step between traditional sights and a red dot optic. 

Target Market:

It is faster than iron sights with much less of a learning curve than red dots. It has a smaller footprint than every red dot on the market with fast sight acquisition. Triclops Sights are less expensive than every quality red dot on the market. 

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product 

  • Triclops Sights are for people who have problems seeing traditional sights 

  • They are an analog red dot for people that have issues with astigmatism 

  • They help shooters shoot accurately faster due to a larger sight picture and faster sight alignment 

  • Constructed from 4140 steel. 

  • Red and green fiber optic rods are included

  • Available for a bunch of different handguns

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Much like Henry Ford's Model T, You can have it in any color. As long as that color is black. 

What others are saying?:

"I want to thank Sean at TriclopsSights.com for hooking me up with this sight system to test and evaluate. Pretty much an analog CCO and NVD capable. First 15 rounds with the sight were at 7 meters doing first round draw drills. First two were flyers b/c I wasn't using the sight correctly. I was skeptical at first but now all I can say is wow. Put the threat in the TV screen and squeeze.” - Colton Baitch

I took my small little sub compact to the range with my new Triclops sights. Started close around 7yds to get a feel for the sight. It happened quickly, around 5 shots before I was in a small ring. This was amazing as it is but what really surprised me was being able to shoot quite a long distance somewhere around 25 yards with my small little carry gun and be extremely accurate. I was also happy with how quickly I could now shoot my carry gun. I plan on trying these sights on one of my larger full size competition guns and can’t wait to see the results. So more to report later- Hope Lewellen

Link to other reviews:

Triclops Sights Review: New Sights for Old Glock

Price point:

MSRP = $119.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Triclops Sights

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • High-quality iron sights 

  • The sights are faster to acquire than traditional sights at close range 

  • The sights are faster and easier to shoot at long range than traditional notch and blade sights 

  • They are tough. I haven't been able to break them

  • They have no batteries

  • They double as suppressor height sights 

  • Fiber optics are inexpensive and easy to replace 

  • They are easier and faster to learn and acquire a sight picture to those untrained in the use of a red dot 

  • They are easier to conceal and are less likely to snag clothing because they have a smaller footprint than every red dot on the market 

Cons:

  • It looks unusual. Instructors and friends all have, initially, look at this with suspicion. 

  • It has a slight learning curve. It took a few range trips to understand how to get the most out of the product 

  • If you don't have one of the firearms models listed on their website you'll have to call the company to inquire if the sight will work on your firearm 

Score: 9.25 - Amazing

I think it's a sighting system between traditional sights and red dot optics.

, ,

Walker Defense Dark Matter BCG

, ,

Walker Defense Dark Matter

High-Polish DLC BCG Review

  The heart of an AR15 is the Bolt Carrier Group or BCG. A quality BCG can make your rifle perform like a champion. A mil-spec BCG might work, but will not perform as well, especially if you are trying to get the best performance out of it. Walker Defense Research has released their Dark Matter Bolt Carrier Group. This highly polished, fitted, and DLC coated BCG is of the utmost quality.

  When looking for a Bolt Carrier Group, either to replace one or for a new build, there are things to consider. Do you want cheap, or are you looking for top quality that will last forever? The Walker Defense Dark Matter BCG is in the top quality group. To start with, it is a M16 style full auto carrier. So if you are fortunate to have a full auto M16, M4, etc, it will work with that. More important is the fact that the M16 carrier has the full mass, which allows it to run more smoothly, at least in my opinion. This Dark Matter carrier is also made from 8620 tool steel for a lifetime of use. 

  The Dark Matter BCG has a bunch of hi-end specifications. Some of these I will describe more in depth later. This BCG is for standard calibers and for use in direct impingement guns. These include 5.56/.223/300 blk, etc. It weighs 11-⅝ ounces and is made to true mil-spec dimensions. On the front end it has a C158 bolt that is magnetic particle inspected and high pressure tested. The 4130 gas key is properly staked using Optimized Carrier Key Screws (OCKS). These screws are deeply knurled to allow the staking to dig in, making them almost impossible to come loose. Lastly, the Dark matter BCG is DLC coated.

  Walker Defense is all about small batch quality. Here is what they have to say about the Dark Matter BCG: “We’ve always leaned into our advantage as a company specializing in small-batch production, but we’re taking it further. Those extra touches of quality add up and give us the ability to do things that larger companies just can’t. A few quick tangible examples of this:

Each carrier is matched by hand to each bolt and cam pin to prevent tolerance stacking and to ensure ideal, consistent fitment as the bolt cams back and forth.

We also pair each bolt with its firing pin to confirm adequate protrusion for reliable primer ignition.

Using OCKS screws for ultra-aggressive staking of the gas key, so it won’t loosen at high round counts”

Those are just a few things Walker Defense does to give you the best BCG around.

  DLC, or Diamond-Like Carbon coatings have been around for a while, but the Dark Matter BCG takes it to a new level. DLC coatings by themselves are extremely hard, corrosion and wear-resistant, and very slick, which gives them low coefficients of friction and superior dry lubricity. Walker Defense takes this up a notch by aggressively polishing the bare metal, before it is coated. As with most machined parts, a BCG is only as good as its base metal. This polishing is a very labor intensive process which makes the Dark Matter BCG super slick and mirror-like shiny. Then after a high quality dark black DLC coating is applied, they polish the DLC coated BCG again. This makes the BCG even more slick (and also hard to take pictures of because of the mirror finish it produces). By polishing the BCG before and after coating, you get an extremely smooth surface that carbon has a hard time sticking to. Cleanup on the Dark matter BCG is super easy. One can literally just wipe it off with a rag. Carbon just doesn’t stick to this BCG.

  I am using the Dark Matter BCG in a 300 blackout AR pistol. This pistol ran suppressed for around 60% of the review. Why does this matter? Because the pistol gets a lot dirtier. The upper on this pistol is nothing special, just your off the shelf AR upper receiver. Before installing the Dark Matter BCG, I was running a Mil-Spec BCG. After I installed the Dark Matter BCG I could tell a smoothness difference. Not just in how the gun cycles under use, but also when hand cycling the action. The AR pistol is just way more pleasant to shoot now. Another thing I noticed was that the brass ejection was more consistent than with the mil-spec BCG. I attribute this to the action cycling smoother. After around 800 rounds, I can’t even really notice any wear on the Dark Matter BCG, a testament to that fantastic polished DLC coating. 

  The Walker Defense Dark Matter BCG is slick, pun intended. This BCG is of the utmost quality. It has all the standard features you would want in a high quality BCG: MPI and HPT tested, DLC coated, quality base metals, and true mil-spec dimensions. That does not even count the “extras” Walker Defense puts into these. One would be hard pressed to find a better, or smoother BCG. The price on these is very reasonable for what you get, definitely a high value to price ratio. If you are looking for the slickest, highest quality BCG around, definitely go look at the Dark Matter High Polished BCG from Walker Defense. These are literally super slick.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Super slick, high quality bolt carrier group that is easy to clean

Target Market:

Those wanting a superior BCG

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Coating: Highly-Polished DLC

  • Compatibility: M16/ M4 / AR-15 Using 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

  • Bolt: C158

  • Carrier: 8620 Tool Steel

  • Total Weight: 11 5/8 OZ.

  • True Mil-Spec dimensions

  • 4130 steel gas key

  • Staked with OCKS Screws

  • 4140 steel extractor and cam pin

  • Hard chrome ground 8740 steel firing pin

  • Magnetic particle inspected

  • High Pressure Tested (HPT)

  • Made in the USA

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Nickel Boron, Titanium, & Flat Dark Earth DLC

What others are saying?:

Couldn’t find anything as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

VSO Gun Channel on YouTube   

Price point:

MSRP = $269.99

Retail = $229.49 with discount code “Insider15”

I need it now! Availability:

Walker Defense or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super Slick mirror finish

  • Easy to clean

  • Deep black DLC coating

  • Properly staked OKCS screws

  • Polished before and after coating

  • M16 profile

Cons:

  • May not always be in stock

Score: 9.00 Amazing

,

Tactical Kinetics 300 blackout Barrel

,

Tactical Kinetics 300 blackout

Barrel Review

  Have you ever had something so long that you end up going down a deep hole of what you want to do with it? Well I did with this barrel. I had it on the shelf, looked at it, and wanted to do so many things with it that it soon became a thorn in my side. Now this thorn is me, not the barrel. The Tactical Kinetics 300 blackout barrel is fantastic. It is well machined and looks better than some of the big name rifle makers barrels. Tactical Kinetics sent me this barrel for review almost a year ago. No excuses but life happened and that's why it has taken so long to do this review.

  I mounted the barrel in a no name, unbranded, upper and put it on a PSA lower that has a Sylvan folding adapter. Fitment of the Tactical Kinetics barrel was plain and simple: great machining, the coating in the barrel looked good, and the threads for the barrel nut were properly machined. I ended up taking it apart three times, changing out gas tubes, gas block, and finally going with an adjustable gas block from Velocity Precision. 

  After completing the first build, it ate everything I fed into it when I was firing for reliability. Except for the subsonic 220 grain ammo I had for testing. I knew this was either a gas issue or a buffer weight issue. So back to the drawing board. Build two was now completed and the Tactical Kinetics barrelled upper was placed on a SBR lower. In a bout of frustration, it still would not run my subsonic ammo. So for the third and final time, I reassembled all the same parts. The rifle worked with all my ammo now. What a relief. Then I realized everything I had done, when I put all the parts together, was my fault. We won't go into that now.

  At the range, I took the little 8.5” barrel out and sighted it in at 25 yards. It fired all different weights of ammo. The barrel grouped best with 204 grain subsonics with a suppressor attached to it. I only had a red dot on top and was shooting from a rolled up jacket. Then I went to dumping magazine after magazine through it to see what it would do when it was hot. Well there was not a lot of shift in impact, maybe 1” and that was probably me. The accuracy was far better than a Bear Creek upper that I have with the same length barrel. Groups off the rolled up jacket were about 2.5 inches. For me and my intended use of this rifle, I thought it was great. 

  This is my first barrel review and it has been hard to do. What I can say about the Tactical Kinetics barrel is that the machining is quality, the rifling was good, and it grouped well. I know comparing it to a BCA upper is not fair, but that is all I had. 

  Would I recommend this company to buy from? Damn skippy I do. I already have a wish list going for a few 6.5 Grendel barrels they offer. Tactical Kinetics is one of the company’s you want to do business with. Quality parts, great customer service, and patience for not sending headhunters out for the review. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

The Tactical Kinetics 300 Blackout Barrel is recognized for its accuracy, reliability, and is compatible with various 300 Blackout rifle builds.

Target Market:

This barrel is ideal for shooters looking to upgrade or build a 300 Blackout AR platform. It’s particularly well-suited for home defense, tactical shooting, and hunting enthusiasts who value subsonic and supersonic versatility.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Material: Made from 4150 CMV steel

  • Medium profile

  • 0.750 Gas journal

  • Twist Rate: 1:8 twist rate, optimized for stabilizing both supersonic and subsonic loads.

  • Length: 85” also available in 5”, 7.5”, 10.5”, and 16” length

  • Gas System: Pistol-length gas system

  • Finish: Nitride coated

  • Threading: 5/8x24

  • Chambering: 300 Blackout

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different barrel length and twist rates are available

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing worthwhile found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $110.00

Retail = Depends on barrel length

I need it now! Availability:

Tactical Kinetics

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Reliable cycling with subsonic loads.

  • Durable nitride finish.

  • Accurate 1:8 twist rate.

  • Good price point for quality.

Cons:

  • Limited to one finish option.

  • May require fine-tuning with certain subsonic ammo and gas blocks.





Score: 8.50  Great

,

True Blue Suppressor Cleaner & Syrup

,

True Blue Cleaner Concentrate

and Suppressor Syrup Review

  I recently received some, new to me, True Blue Gun Lube products. Those products are True Blue’s Gun Cleaner Concentrate and Suppressor Syrup. I previously reviewed their Gun Oil and it performed great, so I was excited to see how this stuff performed.

  Both of these products are purposely built for suppressor cleaning. The Cleaner Concentrate and the Suppressor Syrup can also be used on regular firearms for cleaning and preventative maintenance.

  Let us start with the Cleaner Concentrate. As advertised, this is a water soluble cleaner and degreaser for firearms and suppressors. This is not one of those harsh chemical cleaners. Therefore it takes time to break down carbon fouling. True Blue says to soak the heavy carbonated parts for 2-3 hours to start, and increase soaking time if needed to break up the carbon fouling. 

  I used the Cleaner Concentrate on 2 different suppressors. One was sealed, and the other has removable parts. For the sealed suppressor, plug one end and fill it up with Cleaner Concentrate. True Blue states you can use it undiluted or diluted in a 5:1 ratio for best results. Since I was cleaning two suppressors, I diluted it to 5:1. I let both suppressors sit for around 3 hours. The carbon did not want to come off of the baffles on the one with removable parts. So I let both soak for another 12 hours. After sitting, the carbon gummed up and came off pretty easy with a wire brush. But it did not get all the carbon. So I proceeded to pour the mixture in my ultrasonic cleaner. I dumped all the parts in and turned it on for 30 minutes with heat. That took the rest of the carbon off of the baffles. My suggestion would be to use the Cleaner Concentrate in an ultrasonic cleaner for best results. However, I think soaking it for a full 24 hours would have done the same thing. For the sealed suppressor, I then just blew air through it to dry it out. From what I could see, it looked cleaner.

Dirty suppressor internals. Previously coated in Suppressor Syrup

  Now that we have the suppressors clean, it is time to use the Suppressor Syrup. The Suppressor Syrup is a thick, kind of sticky oil. Imagine that, they call it syrup for a reason. The Suppressor Syrup is meant to prevent carbon from sticking to metal parts. That means you can use it on adjustable gas blocks, choke tubes, muzzle brakes, suppressor threads, suppressor adapters, or anything else that might get carboned up. The one drawback to the Suppressor Syrup is that it has to be reapplied. When? Basically any time you do maintenance. So it really is not a big deal.

  The Suppressor Syrup worked well for me. After cleaning the suppressors, I followed the directions for application. On the sealed suppressor, I put 10 drops into the connection end of the can. One went on the threads since it is a screw on suppressor. Then I shot a couple rounds through it and looked for the end to be wet. It was, so I knew that enough had been applied. On the suppressor that can be taken apart, I put a thin layer on each baffle and reassembled it. Then off to the range I went. 

Same internals after 30 minute ultrasonic cleaner bath using Cleaner Concentrate. Wiped with rag

  Since I am not the sharpest tool, I didn't get any pictures of how dirty the baffles really were before I started this process. I proceeded to disassemble the suppressor again to take some pictures. It was not as dirty as before, but it also didn't have as many rounds through it. Or was it because of the Suppressor Syrup? Either way, I threw the baffles in the sonic cleaner for 30 minutes and then wiped them off. You can see a difference in the pictures. I do think the Suppressor Syrup made a difference in how easily the carbon came off. 

  The True Blue Cleaner and Syrup are a good option to help keep those suppressors clean. Especially if you want something safe. The Concentrate Cleaner also works on just about every aspect of a firearm. As for the Suppressor Syrup, it makes cleaning easier by helping to prevent carbon from sticking. Go check out True Blue Gun products and see if they have something that might help you. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Easy to use suppressor cleaner and preventative 

Target Market:

Anyone who hates to clean suppressors

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Cleaner:

  • Breaks down and removes carbon build up

  • Water Soluble

  • Safe on metals, plastics, neoprene, coatings used for firearms, suppressors, and knives

  • Ammonia free

  • Cleaner and Degreaser

Syrup:

  • Reduces carbon bonding

  • Eliminates Carbon Locking

  • Works on: 

    • Suppressor Internals

    • Compensators/Muzzle devices

    • Suppressor Barrel Mount

    • Modular Suppressor Threads

    • Shotgun Choke Tube

    • Threads

    • Adjustable gas blocks

    • Flashlight Lens

    • Any high carbon area

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Syrup:

Karl S. - Palmetto State Armory, from Truebluegunlube.com  

What we found in our testing was that applying the Suppressor Syrup to the screw of an adjustable gas block allowed us to keep the adjustment screw usable over the life of our testing. Without the Suppressor Syrup this screw tends to become carbon locked within about 300 rounds and we are sometimes not able to free it.

Cleaner:

Luke H. - Integrity Elite Firearms, from Truebluegunlube.com   

We soaked a suppressor in the Cleaner Concentrate for several hours and successfully salvaged this one that was heavily saturated with carbon to the point where it resembled a barrel extension. This stuff works wonders.

Link to other reviews:

Kids Safe Foundation 

Syrup review   

Cleaner review 

Price point:

MSRP:

Syrup = $18.99 - $26.99    

Cleaner = $24.99 - $99.99   

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

My Life @ Speed or your local gun shop

Our Rating:

Pros:

Cleaner:

  • Water Soluble

  • Safe for just about anything

Syrup:

  • Reduces Carbon build up

  • Makes Cleaning easier

  • Easy application

Cons:

Cleaner:

  • Not very aggressive at getting carbon off

  • Have to let sit for a bit

Syrup:

  • Must reapply periodically

Score: 

6.50 - Okay for the cleaner

8.00 - Great for the syrup

Favorite Link:  True Blue Gun Oil Review

, ,

Vosteed Parallel

, ,

Vosteed Parallel Review

  Vosteed has a brand new knife out and it’s called the Parallel. It’s designed to be a very thin and lightweight pocket knife. And let me tell you, they succeeded! So if you are looking for a tough, lightweight and thin knife. The Vosteed Parallel could be the knife for you.

The Handle 

  The Parallel features a non textured titanium handle complete with a lanyard loop. For this knife you can get in 3 different styles. I received the gray handled knife and I was completely blown away by how thin the knife is! Coming in at a thin measurement of 0.28”, I couldn’t even tell it was in my pocket sometimes. There were even a couple of moments when I actually thought I lost it, because I couldn’t feel it in my pocket. And that’s also due to the knife being so lightweight coming in at 2.29oz. When I first opened it, I was a little worried about it not having a textured grip handle. It wasn’t a problem for me at all. I can get a great grip on the knife without it trying to slide around in my hand. Having no gripping also helps make it slide in and out of your pocket very smoothly. But thanks to the very strong pocket clip, that can be swapped to either side of the knife, it stays clipped in your pocket really well. It is probably one of the strongest clips I’ve had on a knife. 

The Blade

  Now here is where it gets really awesome! The Vosteed Parallel has one of my personal favorite blade styles on it, a 2.90” reverse tanto blade. For me personally, I love that style of blade and I feel that it is one of the best for piercing and cutting. On the back side of the blade it has some really great rough jimping. This helps keep control when I’m cutting something up like boxes or plastic straps. I have had knives before with smoother jimping and it definitely takes away some of that control you get. The blade steel is 154CM and because Vosteed designed the knife to be thin, the blade is only 0.08” thick! I was worried about the blade breaking due to it being so thin, but it has proven to be way tougher than I thought. Plus it has stayed sharp for a while now. When the time comes to sharpen it, 154CM sharpens very easily. This blade steel is also highly corrosion resistant so you don’t have to worry about it getting ruined by harsh chemicals.

Opening 

  The Parallel comes equipped with only two styles for opening, that is a thumb stud and pulling back the crossbar lock and flipping it open. I personally like having more ways to open a knife like front and back flippers. Or being able to flip it open using a button lock. And this is one of my complaints with this knife. As you open the blade, the spring loaded lock parts move so that the crossbar lock can engage when the blade is fully open. This causes the blade to not want to smoothly open when you take your thumb off the stud while opening. It can kind of push the blade back towards your fingers. So you have to sort of guide the blade open with your thumb on the thumb stud. Or give it a flick when you start to open it. 

The Lock

  Something that is handy about this knife is you can adjust the stiffness of the crossbar lock and that also makes the blade opening a little bit easier. However, It does not fully fix that stiffness. It definitely helps though. You can do this by essentially taking apart the knife, which is not complicated, and moving both springs (one on each side) to 1 of 3 different pin holes. This can definitely help with making it lighter or stiffer to open. It just depends on how you like your knife to open. When I first opened the knife, the lock was very stiff to pull back when the blade was open. So I did that spring adjustment and that made it a lot easier to open and unlock. This is my first pocket knife with a crossbar lock on it, and I have really come to like it. The lock tabs have great gripping on them, so you can pull them back easily to fold the knife closed. 

Summary

  I have come across so many different pocket knives over time, but I have never come across one so thin and lightweight! I sometimes forget I have it because of how well it fits in my pocket. It has been through quite a bit of cutting and slicing. I work in an industrial environment, and this knife has been doing a fantastic job cutting just about anything I need it to. I do wish that it had more ways to open and not such a stiff lock. But that being said, it is still a great knife! This is my second knife from Vosteed, and both the knives have such great quality and designs. If you are looking for a knife that fits perfectly in your pocket and doesn’t have much weight to it, I highly recommend the Vosteed Parallel. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Super thin and lightweight folder

Target Market:

Those wanting a super thin pocket knife

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Blade Length: 2.90" | 73.85 mm

  • Overall Length: 7.04" | 178.90 mm

  • Blade Width: 0.96" | 24.50 mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.079" | 2.00 mm

  • Blade Material: 154CM

  • Blade Grind: Flat

  • Blade Style: Reverse Tanto

  • Blade Finish: Satin

  • Hardness: HRC 60±2

  • Handle Length: 4.13" | 105.00 mm

  • Handle Width: 0.92" | 23.40 mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.279" | 7.10 mm

  • Handle Material: Titanium

  • Color: Gray

  • Weight: 2.29 oz | 65.00 g

  • Opener: Thumb Stud

  • Lock Type: Crossbar Lock

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Pocket Clip: Reversible | Stainless Steel

  • Carry Position: Tip-up

  • Knife Type: Manual Folding

  • Backspacer Material: Aluminum

  • Backspacer Color: Green

  • Thumbstud Material: Aluminum

  • Thumbstud Color: Green

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

There are 3 different styles that you can go with:

Black titanium handle with a black SW blade.

Grey titanium handle with satin finish blade.

Black titanium handle with Satin finish blade.

What others are saying?:

Both from Vosteed’s website

“Only one major flaw, otherwise a very nice knife

Deployment is unpredictable for a crossbar lock. There is a place between the closed and open positions where the blade swings free. The lightweight blade often bounces back towards the handle as blade approaches the open/locked position. I can’t be sure blade is locked open without looking at it”


Great knife for the money

Super thin
Feels good in the hand no real hot spots
Super sharp out of the box
Great knife and super nice to carry with how thin it is, feels sturdy for its size. My only complaint is the springs are super stiff and you have to really send it to open and on my office hands it can be a bit uncomfortable to hold the cross bar back to have the blade drop closed. I opened it up, it has adjustable spring tension, three positions and it was in the weakest position. Definitely needs break in but will enjoy flicking it until it does

Link to other reviews 

Melissa Backwoods on YouTube

Price point:

MSRP = $129.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Vosteed, Amazon, or Blade HQ

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Love how thin and lightweight the knife is! It fits in my pocket so great. 

  • It cuts so dang smoothly and has held a sharp edge for a while now.

Cons:

  • I do wish it had more ways to open it than just a thumb stud or using the crossbar lock to flip it open. 

  • I don’t really like how stiff the lock is and that I had to take it apart to adjust that stiffness.

  • Because of the stiff lock, it makes the blade opening not too smooth. You kind of have to guide it out with your thumb otherwise it pushes the blade back towards your fingers.

Score: 6.50 Okay

,

Young Manufacturing Chrome BCG

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Young Manufacturing

Lightweight Chrome BCG Review

Written by: Buddy Murphy

  This is a review of the Semi-Auto/Full Auto M16 Complete Bolt Carrier Group (BCG), manufactured by Young Manufacturing Inc. This bolt carrier group is manufactured using MIL-SPEC quality steel and milled on their in-house CNC machines, ensuring precision and reliability in every component. The particular carrier in this review is their SLC (Super Lightweight Carrier), which they no longer have on their site, but can still be found for sale on 3rd party sites. All attributes from this carrier extend to their M-16 BCGs - except weight.

  Each bolt carrier undergoes a meticulous process of getting heat-treated, hard-chromed, and the bolt throat is then chrome-lined for enhanced durability and performance. They remove all sharp edges and rough finishes. Ensuring smooth operation and preventing any unnecessary wear and tear on your firearm.

  What does hard-chrome do for you? Well, it adds durability to the BGC and it makes the surface very hard so carbon has more of a problem sticking to it. Here are some before and after pictures. With half of a dry paper towel and about 10 minutes, this BGC went from this…

…to this.

  That carbon has been building up since Forgotten Weapon’s “Moons Out Goons Out” in March of 2024. It has done several other competitions and practices since – all suppressed in a direct impingement rifle. I have run Nitrided BCGs and they will get sticky (and NiB to a lesser extent) after getting a sufficient amount of carbon, this BCG did not get sticky. I have become a Piston AR snob because of direct impingement BCGs becoming inoperable without constant care, when shooting suppressed. But with this BCG, I am starting to question my own snobbery.

  Now, let me draw your attention to the innovative HMB Bolt by HM Defense, that is included in this carrier group. The HMB Bolt represents a significant advancement in bolt design by eliminating the traditional pass-through cam pin hole. Replacing it with a cam pin socket and radiused cam pin. This patented design addresses the inherent weak point in Mil-Spec bolts. It increases the amount of metal—and thus strength—at the cam pin location. The result? No more broken bolts, at least at the cam pin.

  Moreover, the HMB Bolt reduces contact between the cam pin and firing pin, allowing for smoother operation of the firing pin, bolt lugs, and aft gas rings. The cam pin socket also retains lubrication, ensuring extended operational performance.

  You may have noticed in the photos that the gas key is not staked, that is intentional. Here is a link as to why they don’t stake their gas keys from the Young Manufacturing President: Read it here. The long and short of it is if you do it well enough, they don’t need staking. The gas key is supported by a recoil lug, a feature designed to enhance overall reliability and function.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Very durable, easy to clean BCG, that still runs smooth even when filthy.

Target Market:

Suppressor host rifles, people who don’t clean their rifles, heavy use operators

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Mil-Spec

  • Hard-chromed

  • Advanced design bolt

  • Full-auto rated

  • Operates smooth when dirty

  • Easy, in-field cleaning

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

M16 BCGs are also available in Black Nitride, with or without the HMB bolt

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $299.95 for M16 

Retail = Same 

I need it now! Availability:

Young Manufacturing or KE Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Hard-chromed, including the bolt throat

  • Advanced bolt design

  • Recoil lug supported gas key

  • No sharp edges

Cons:

  • Price

  • Some people will require staking the gas key

Score: 9.00 Amazing

,

Gnat Warfare Tactical Pig

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Gnat Warfare

Airsoft RC Pig target Review

  If you want a fun training aid, that you may be able to do in your backyard, you need one of the Tactical Pig targets from Gnat Warfare. These are a radio controlled (RC) target that is intended to be used with airsoft guns for moving target practice. The “Pig” is a foam target that attaches to a 4 wheel drive RC car chassis. You will need a friend to drive while you shoot, but it is worth the enjoyment. We named our Tactical Pig Kyle, Gnat Warfare respectfully calls them “Kevin Bacon”, I will explain later.

  The Gnat Warfare Tactical Pig comes ready to go. All you need to do is charge the RC battery and install the supplied AA batteries into the controller. The Pig comes with a supplied charger to charge the RC battery. It charges relatively quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to start racing around the neighborhood. The instructions are awesome on how to hook everything up and pair the controller. These instructions have tons of pictures, so you hardly even need to be able to read. This process is so easy to get you up and going, that even a ten year old could do it.

  As for the size of the Pig, it is pretty standard for a 1/10th scale RC truck. The car part is approximately 13 inches wide and 18 inches long. The tires are 5 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide. This lends it to use in just about any terrain including backyards and shooting ranges. With the pig target, the total height is about 20 inches. When I first took the RC Pig out for a test spin, I was worried about it tipping over under sharp turns. Well, it did not. All it did was lift the front inside tire. 

  Kevin Bacon, as it is called, is essentially a small Javelina. This Javelina target measures about 22 inches long by 12 inches tall. It is made from 1 inch thick closed cell foam. This allows the airsoft pellets to stick into the target. If you are really close, they may go through, so as always, know your backstop. Especially since this is a moving target. Hitting the RC car part does not seem to affect it. The pellets just bounce off. The target just pushes into a “U” shaped piece on the RC’s frame. This makes changing it super easy. It also allows one to make their own targets and push them into the mount.

  Being this is an airsoft target, you will need an airsoft rifle or pistol to use it. I purchased a CO2 blowback one off of Amazon for $50 and it works well with the Tactical Pig. If you are looking for something to replicate the firearm you already use, I would look at what Umarex has to offer. Either way, this is not super expensive to get into, unless you want it to be.

  We call our Tactical Pig “Kyle”. Why? We had a neighbor once that was a motorcycle officer. He was on the short stature side, kind of like a javelina. So we thought the name was appropriate, lol. 

  Now that you know Kyle, we can talk about how he helps with training. Even though he is a small target, he does move, and move fast. These aspects help you train by shooting at moving targets. But not just moving in one direction like a lot of the moving targets we are used to. The advantage with Kyle is that he is unpredictable. You do not know what direction he will be moving, only the driver does. This makes him a vital training aid for real life scenarios, even if it is airsoft. If your airsoft pistol happens to be the same as your carry pistol, you can even do draw and fire practice. The training possibilities with the Gnat Warfare Tactical Pig are endless. 

  Everyone that shot, or drove, the Gnat Warfare Tactical Pig just loved it. It is so much fun to shoot at. Plus it gives you a fantastic training aid. If you have kids, they will love it also. Do yourself a favor and go check out “Kevin Bacon”, “Kyle”, or whatever else you want to call the Tactical RC Pig.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Radio Controlled airsoft target

Target Market:

Anyone who likes to have fun and shoot moving targets

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Everything is included except the airsoft gun

    • RC frame

    • RC Battery and charger

    • Pig target

    • Controller

    • AA batteries for controller

  • Replaceable targets

  • Aggressive off-road tires

  • 4x4 RC suspension

  • Hobby-grade 7.2v NiMh battery included

  • 2.4Ghz radio extended-range control

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out 5 stars at Gnatwarfare.com

Chris H.

I have had this pig target for almost 5 years. It has proven to be extremely well built and insanely fun to shoot. Our kids love airsoft and the large wheels, independent 4 wheel suspension and powerful motor lets us drive anywhere on our property, and it’s fast! The battery seems to last forever. I actually still have the original batteries in the controller. The foam pig Silhouette target has been hit 10s of thousands of times and is barely scratched. The BBs make a satisfying loud thud with each hit, which can be heard at long distance.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $299.00 

Retail = Same - Currently on sale for $99.99

I need it now! Availability:

Gnat Warfare or Umarex

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • FUN

  • Great training aid

  • Well made

  • 4 wheel drive

  • Large tires to go anywhere

  • Everything is included

Cons:

  • MSRP is a bit high

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Umarex Origin Review   

ShootingSight RPS Trigger

ShootingSight RPS AR15 Trigger Review

Written by: Buddy Murphy

  This is a review of the ShootingSight RPS Trigger upgrade kit. This kit features a 2-stage trigger and hammer configuration, compatible with the AR-15 and other platforms that utilize similar pivot pin spacing. This trigger is considered a National Match trigger and should be compared to others like the Geissele’s National Match.

  Should this hammer be black? No. That is carbon from heavy use suppressed in a direct impingement rifle. Does the trigger feel gritty? No, it is still very smooth.

  The sear surfaces have been meticulously lapped to achieve ultimate smoothness and feature a Nickel Boron (NiB) coating.  This makes the trigger highly resistant to wear and offers a low coefficient of friction, resulting in a smooth and consistent pull. Like most AR triggers, this is not adjustable.

  Let me take you back to High School physics class. Static friction is greater than kinetic friction because static friction acts when the body is at rest. Whereas in kinetic friction, an object is in motion. You can feel this in the trigger. Once the trigger starts moving towards the second stage wall, it feels less heavy than when you start moving the trigger. The reset is very positive and is just beyond the second stage wall, but not fully out to the first stages at-rest position.

  One of the standout aspects of these trigger/hammer sets is that they are CNC machined from alloy Rolled Plate Steel. Thus entirely avoiding the use of cast parts. The finer grain structure of this steel provides significantly greater tensile strength (about 10 to 20% stronger), better impact resistance, and less fatigue compared to cast steel. This allows for the sear edges to be precisely honed, resulting in an exceptionally crisp break that maintains its sharpness over heavy use.

  This trigger installs like any mil-spec trigger, nothing proprietary (look at you cartridge triggers). Which makes it compatible with any lower that accepts mil-spec triggers.

  Additionally, the RPS Trigger kit includes an extra powerful Wolff hammer spring, which delivers maximum ignition energy and an impressively fast lock-time of just 4 milliseconds. The second stage trigger creep has been virtually eliminated, ensuring a clean and crisp break with no felt travel in the second stage.

  I use this rifle for CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) practice every weekend (unless I’m trying out a different rifle), so this trigger gets a lot of use. I can tell when I am using a different trigger, it just isn’t as smooth, and my scores can tell too.

  The trigger pull weight is set at 4.5 (2.5/2.0) pounds, which meets the NRA/CMP minimum requirements for the Service Rifle class. Overall, the RPS Trigger upgrade kit is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance the performance and reliability of their rifle.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

A durable, smooth, and crisp National Match trigger.

Target Market:

People who want to hit what they are aiming at. Seriously though, this is a great replacement trigger for any AR user and it conforms with minimum trigger weight for CMP or NRA competitions.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Match trigger

  • 2 stage trigger

  • 4.5lb total pull

  • 2.5lb first stage

  • 2.0lb second stage

  • Standard mil-spec dimensions and install

  • Curved trigger

  • Heavy hammer strike force

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

These triggers come in either raw metal or several colors (Tan,Blue,Red,Green,Pink,Black).

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $215.00

Retail = Same

They do have sales from time to time, but otherwise the price is the price. They also have Military/LE discounts

I need it now! Availability:

 ShootingSight.com

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Smooth trigger, tactile reset

  • Strong steel

  • Standard install

Cons:

  • Price (but is comparable with other National Match triggers)

Score:  Great 8.50 if not 9.00

,

Vosteed Aluminum Raccoon

,

Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum review 

Years ago the only answers I wanted from knife reviews were “Is it sharp? Does it cut? Did it stay sharp? How much does it cost?”. The Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum folder is sharp, cuts well, stays sharp and is a great deal at $72 especially when you see how well it's built and works.

I was sent the Vosteed Aluminum Raccoon to review. This is the latest version of their Raccoon knife line. Chad did a review on the micarta version of the Raccoon last year. The difference between the two versions is the “Aluminum” has a Nitro-V blade steel and the CNC cut aluminum scales. 

The Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum uses a crossbar lock that you pull back to release the blade when it is closed. The blade can then be flipped open or dropped open. It also has a double thumb stud that is well designed. I like using the crossbar lock to release the blade. I don't know why, but I use that method most to deploy the blade.

The handles are CNC cut black aluminum arranged in a diamond pattern. The edges of the handles are rounded so they won't snag clothing or dig into your hand. The aluminum, diamond cut handles aren't aggressive like stippling on pistol grips, but my hands never slipped regardless of what I was cutting. The 3.25 inch drop point blade deploys smoothly due to the ceramic ball bearings.

   As you see from the included photos, I use my knives for food preparation. This knife chopped vegetables, deboned chicken thighs, sliced blocks of cheese, and easily cut large cardboard boxes into trash bag sized segments. Plus it still has a serviceable edge.

   One of the reasons I like being on the Firearms Insider Gun and Gear Review Podcast is because we actually use these products and tell the truth. This knife was used nearly every day for months. I would occasionally use a couple other knives that I am reviewing long term, but this was the main knife. It could use a good sharpening to bring back the razor sharp factory edge. However, I just peeled an apple with no issue. This Nitro-V blade steel holds an edge, I'm impressed.

   The knife shows some wear on the aluminum handles. Mainly because it has been smashed against my EDC light, the Streamlight Wedge. If you want a pristine knife, I am not the person to review it. You want a knife that is a good all around knife, that opens smoothly, and has a better than average blade steel for a good price, the Vosteed Raccoon Aluminum folder may be for you. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

An attractive, feature filled utility knife with good blade steel for a really good price.

Target Market:

Anyone wanting an attractive utility knife made with good steel that's very sharp under $75.

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Blade Length: 3.25" | 82.55 mm

  • Overall Length: 7.60" | 193.12 mm

  • Blade Width: 1.07" | 27.27 mm

  • Blade Thickness: 0.118" | 3.00 mm

  • Blade Material: Nitro-V

  • Blade Grind: Flat

  • Blade Style: Drop Point

  • Blade Finish: Black Coated

  • Hardness: HRC 60±2

  • Handle Length: 4.36" | 110.75 mm

  • Handle Width: 1.10" | 27.95 mm

  • Handle Thickness: 0.49" | 12.40 mm

  • Handle Material: Aluminum

  • Weight: 3.66 oz | 103.8 g

  • Opener: Thumb Stud

  • Lock Type: Crossbar Lock

  • Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

  • Pocket Clip: Reversible | Stainless Steel

  • Carry Position: Tip-up

  • Knife Type: Manual Folding

  • Backspacer Material: Aluminum

  • Backspacer Color: Black

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Orange, Blue, Purple 

What others are saying?:

Nick the Knife

5.0 out of 5 stars

The Racoon continues to deliver

The Vosteed Raccoon is hands down one of my most carried knives and I have hundreds to choose from. The handle is simple, but genius. It offers a comfortable grip that will work well for almost any hand size. The drop point blade is robust enough to go to work with and has good slicing geometry. Nitro-V steel is tough, and while not having the highest edge retention, is easy to sharpen.

This version comes in with Aluminum handle scales. Generally Aluminum is not my favorite choice and I have no idea why it has become thought of as premium. People seem to have forgotten all the $10 Aluminum S&W knives of 20 years ago... Anyhow this Aluminum is nicely anodized and the green/brown color spoke to me. The finish is smooth, making this a Raccoon that will likely see lighter duty than my G-10 or Micarta variants.

The action is what I expect from Vosteed. They put out smooth operators, and this is no exception. The button lock lets the blade drop effortlessly into the closed position. Thumb studs are spot on for deployment. You can also engage the button and give a little wrist action to deploy. If you like to fidget, it does that. I prefer the crossbar lock version as it is inherently stronger than a button lock, but as I mentioned, I liked the looks of this model and it only had a button lock in this color. C'est la vie.

Overall, you really cannot go wrong with a Vosteed Raccoon for EDC. It is definitely one of my top 5 for 2023.

Link to other reviews:

Iridium 242 YouTube Review  

Price point:

MSRP = $72.00 

Retail = $72.00 at Blade HQ

I need it now! Availability:

Vosteed or Blade HQ

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Very sharp

  • smooth opening

  • very good blade steel

  • affordable 

  • Blade Finish holds up well

Cons: 

  • The aluminum shows dings and scratches easily 

  • The jimping on the spine of the  is next to useless

Score: 7.50 Good

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