Arise Manufacturing’s Aegis Red-Dot Shroud System

By

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May 16, 2025

Arise Manufacturing Aegis Shrouds Red-Dots

Nowadays, most clued-in shooters will agree that mounting micro red-dot sights on handgun slides serves as a force multiplier. It augments both the shooter’s and the pistol’s basic capabilities. No, I’m not about to write another in favor of red-dots article, because I’ve already written that last year–and I am very much in favor of them!

Protecting Your Optic with the Aegis Shroud

I think most can agree on the consensus that with the right training and understanding of its use, the slide-mounted red-dot sight can serve as a cheat code.

In spite of the great benefits they provide, carrying a handgun with a mounted red-dot does come with the risk of damaging said optic from either dropping the pistol or bumping into a hard surface. Especially if the optic itself is on the larger side and/or it tends to ride on an open belt holster that sits on some kind of hanger, slightly away from the body. (Think either competition rig or Safariland 6000 series “bucket”).

To prevent damage and protect reflex sights from becoming duds, certain red-dot designs (the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro comes to mind) are organically designed with an outer metal shroud. I’m also aware that SIG-Sauer offers specific shrouds that are compatible with some of their own Romeo series red-dot optics.

However, Texas-based Arise Manufacturing is a notable outfit that provides a third-party, sophisticated, comprehensive, combined red-dot protective shroud and mounting plate solution for some of the industry’s most popular “big window” red-dot sights. This includes the Trijicon SRO and the Holosun HS507 Comp.

Arise MFG has been diligently developing different shrouds and newer plates for additional makes and models. But I’ve installed two of their classic offerings on two of my pistols—my Glock 34, which currently wears a Trijicon SRO, and my Canik Rival-S mounted with a Holosun HS507 Comp.

Currently, most of Arise Manufacturing’s plates serve either the Trijicon RMR pattern footprint or the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint.

The Arise Manufacturing Aegis System

Fundamentally, Arise’s Aegis System consists of a proprietary optics-mounting plate. It accommodates a specially shaped protective steel shroud over the optic for the purpose of providing an external barrel to protect the optic from impacts or blunt force.

Arise Manufacturing currently offers shrouds for the Trijicon SRO, Holosun 407/507, 507 COMP, Primary Arms Optics RS-15, Vortex Defender ST, and Vortex Defender XL. All shrouds are precision machined to allow clear access to the power/brightness buttons in addition to the dials. So, it does not interfere with the regular operation of the red-dot sight itself.

On the Holosun-specific shrouds sitting in front of me, even the right-side battery tray is accessible without having to remove the shroud.

Aegis mounting plates are machined from aircraft-grade aluminum while also being designed thicker than customary for standard optics plates. The extra material serves to provide enough space needed to drill and tap the four extra screw holes that exist to anchor the shroud in place.

Because they easily screw into place over those four corner edges of the Aegis plate, Aegis shrouds are designed to be easily replaceable. Arise Manufacturing officially recommends that if a shroud takes an impact large enough to dent or bend it, that it be replaced with a new one.

Aegis System Installation

Installing the Arise Manufacturing Aegis System is quite straightforward. Anyone with the skills to install and mount a standard optics plate and red-dot to a pistol slide can easily install the Aegis system. Don’t forget your thread locker and torque wrench!

Arise Manufacturing deserves some kudos for not only clearly labeling everything but also for including extra useful items like T8 and T10 Torx bits, paint pens for witness marks, and small vials of blue Loctite threadlocker. Their packaging is also quite attractive and is indicative of deliberateness, effort, and attention to detail.

Both of the Aegis kits I installed on either a Glock 34 or a Canik Rival-S showed signs of quality and a clean fit and finish. Keep in mind that when installing the Aegis kit, it is imperative to set aside all other hardware and screws and use only the hardware that Arise includes as it is specific to all of the Aegis’ components.

Shooting With The Aegis System

I’ve done most of my shooting with the Trijicon SRO-equipped Glock 34, starting back in early December when I attended a Glock Sport Shooting Foundation match south of San Antonio.

Post GSSF match, I carried this Aegis-equipped Glock in an AIWB holster some. I also brought it to The Way Forward’s Defensive Performance Handgun course, where I had another chance to shoot vigorously while pushing my own limits of performance in training.

Shooting-wise, I really don’t have much to add. The Aegis system is passively protective by nature. It stays out of the way and allows the end-user to shoot with their dots as they normally would. It functions as a guard to protect from blunt impacts.

Even though the Aegis specific optics plate is thicker and thus makes the optic sit slightly taller, the delta in height was imperceptible. In fairness, I seem to be shooting a different handgun and optic combination every other week. So, it would be hard for me to complain about the nuances in dot presentation with this system installed.

After shooting several hundred rounds aggressively in The Way Forward’s intensive 2-Day Defensive Performance Handgun course and at the GSSF match last December, I noticed no issues with the Aegis system on my Glock 34. Mind you, I properly torqued everything and applied thread locker as instructed, and nothing has budged.

For those interested, I run the standard factory RSA on my Gen5 Glock 34 and shoot standard pressure 115-grain or 124-grain range ammo. The “extra weight” of the Aegis shroud was no cause for concern. (I’ll admit I was curious about this, as I load my 115-grain training and practice ammo on the lighter side.)

Carrying An Aegis-Equipped Handgun

The Aegis system would not cause any issues when carried on an open holster off a hanger that can accommodate slide-mounted optics. Especially those holsters that are designed to be completely independent from the red-dot.

Due to my needs and habits, I tend to work from concealment almost exclusively. So, I made it a point to carry my Aegis-equipped Glock 34 in one of my AIWB holsters. I noticed that the shroud and screws had a tendency to dig in a little into the flab of my waistline. On the one hand, it’s not a critical issue because extra width from both edges of the shroud is something to expect. On the other hand, proper concealment is highly individual.

Depending on the person and their body, the propensity to print against a cover garment may or may not be exaggerated by the extra thickness of the shroud. It’s something to be aware of, that’s all.

The “Crumple Zone”

I am never one to deliberately abuse gear for the sake of a review, so I didn’t run over any Aegis shrouds with an armored personnel carrier. Gear is expensive, and there is no need for me to f___ around and find out and break it. Given how thick Aegis shrouds are, I am positive they will reasonably protect optics from most ordinary bumps, shocks, drops, and falls.

If mounted properly, Aegis shrouds are designed to leave enough clearance between their inner surfaces and the outer housing of the optics. In a sense, this spacing serves as a potential “crumple zone.”

A view from the rear which not only shows the thickness of the shrouds but their “crumple zone” gaps relative to the optics themselves.

Even though I did not use the Aegis system with a Safariland 6000 series holster, Arise informed me that the shrouds are mostly compatible. A handful of holster models may require slight modification.

The Takeaway

Arise Manufacturing prices the full Aegis kit at $169 retail. It’s not exactly cheap, and I’m sure readers might be wondering if it is worth it. I cannot make that choice for anyone. It would be wise for the end-user to consider the totality of their circumstances, the optic they are shooting with, and how they shoot.

For an exposed open-emitter red-dot sight like an SRO on a working beat cop’s belt holster, or maybe that serious competitor tearing up the local USPSA matches every weekend, the additional protective benefit of the Arise Manufacturing Aegis Shroud system makes some sense. Doubly so when the optic in question is an expensive model.

For the fairweather casual shooter whose handgun lives in a safe and only rides to and from the occasional range trip? Maybe they don’t really need it.

Think of it this way–what kind of phone case do you personally put on your phone? Apply that logic to your red-dot sight and decide accordingly.

For more detailed information about the different handgun models and optics compatible with the Arise Manufacturing Aegis Shroud system, please consult Arise’s website directly. Arise Manufacturing’s products are 100% American-made. They also source American-made raw materials and hardware and incorporate them into their finished products. Likewise, Arise Manufacturing stands behind its products with a solid warranty.

Work Sharp: Pro Precision Adjust Elite

By

Reuben Bolieu

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May 16, 2025

GAT-WS_Elite (1) — The Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust Elite Sharpener offers angles from 15° to 30° and features a digital meter, so you can easily customize your edge!

Alright, ditch the dull blades because the Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust Elite Sharpener is here to seriously up your sharpening game! This ain’t your grandpa’s rusty old stone; this sharpener actively puts pro-level edges on all your knives without needing years of practice!

Pro Precision Adjust Elite

The Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust Elite Sharpener is built for knife enthusiasts who demand precision and reliability. Whether you’re sharpening kitchen knives, hunting blades, or everyday carry tools, this system easily ensures razor-sharp edges.

Its solid metal construction keeps your knife steady and is developed for ultimate control. It features a digital angle indicator, while the adjustable angle system (15° to 30°) lets you fine-tune for different blade types. The Precision Adjust Elite System stands out with its impressive 10-abrasive system (1-inch x 6 inches).

The kit includes a variety of diamond plates ranging from coarse grits (220 to 800) and ultra-fine diamonds (1200 to 3000) for comprehensive sharpening. Additionally, it features a ceramic hone and a leather strop to achieve a polished finish. Whether bringing a dull blade back to life or fine-tuning an already sharp edge, this kit has you covered!

Designed for convenience, the rugged carry case keeps everything organized and portable, making it easy to sharpen on the go or store neatly in your workspace. Whether you’re a chef, outdoorsman, or knife collector, this sharpener delivers precision, durability, and ease of use in one elite package.

Ready to take your sharpening game to the next level? The whole system carries an MSRP of $449.95.

Work Sharp Setup and Use

Getting this sharpener up and running takes some time, but it’s not too tough. The instructions are solid. I found myself watching a few videos to get the hang of it. This one was the trickiest to set up out of all the sharpeners I’ve ever owned. However, trust me, it’s totally worth it.

So, don’t let the setup process scare you off! Spend some time getting to know the Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust Elite Sharpener and how it works. Once you do, you’ll come to appreciate it. Read the guides, check out the videos, and you’ll be a pro. Once you nail it, you’ll feel pretty proud of yourself!

Pro Precision Adjust Elite: Nailing the Angle

I got the gist of the mechanics, but wasn’t always sure of the manufacturer’s sharpening angle. Sometimes this info is on their website. Often, it’s not. I reached out to Work Sharp with a question: What do you suggest for someone who doesn’t know the exact angle/degree to sharpen a knife on the Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust Elite Sharpener?

“If you don’t know the exact angle to sharpen your knife, a good rule of thumb is to match the existing edge. On the Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust, you can do this by marking the bevel with a black permanent marker and lightly touching it to the abrasive. You’ve found the correct angle if the marker wears away evenly along the entire bevel. If not, adjust until it does. It’s a simple trick, but super effective—and helps ensure you’re not unintentionally reprofiling your edge.“-Kyle Owens- Work Sharp

The clamp support is excellent for larger knives, eliminating wobble and providing a solid workspace in the Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust Elite system.

This outstanding advice from Work Sharp helped me figure out the angle on several knives.

Quirks of the Pro Precision Adjust Elite

After sharpening several knives with the unit, I noticed something odd. Again, it could be user error, but it was consistent across the board. Once I clamped the knife in and tightened it, I used the digital angle indicator on the countertop surface. I zeroed it out, then attached it to the sharpening rod.

I dialed in 20° and started sharpening from hilt to edge. Once I felt the burr on the underside, I turned the knife over using the red lever. It wasn’t doing much. I took out the digital angle indicator and took a reading to find the angle was 19.50° or 19.75°. It seems I had to adjust it every time I flipped it to stay ahead of any variance.

The Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust Elite Sharpener includes a convenient knife attachment that uses magnets to keep smaller blades steady while you sharpen with your other hand.

I used a very narrow-bladed CRKT CEO in the regular clamp since it isn’t a small knife. After much sharpening, I noticed the diamond plates were grinding the clamp. Even with its 3-inch-long blade, I should have used the small blade attachment, which is usually for smaller knives. However, the CEO is narrow, so I soon figured it out. This was user error!

Finale

Everybody has that one knife that they can rarely get sharp. Mine was the KA-BAR State & Union lockback (S35VN steel). I used three other sharpening systems with zero luck. The Work Sharp Pro Precision Adjust Elite Sharpener worked like a pro! I used the 220 to 800 and then ultra-fine 1200 diamond. I went to the ceramic hone 20x on each side and ended with 10 strops of the leather.

Done! Razor sharp, shaving hair, and slicing packaging peanuts in short order. Bravo, Work Sharp!

The Return of the Taurus Model 58

By

Tim Stetzer

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May 15, 2025

Taurus announced the launch of the Taurus 58, a lightweight, high-capacity .380 ACP auto. It’s really a relaunch, though, because the original Model 58s were out back in the early 1990s. The Model 58 is designed for everyday carry.

The Model 58

The Taurus Model 58 is an aluminum frame .380 ACP pistol that looks like a shrunken-down Model 92. It has the same open-style slide and fat body aluminum frame. It accepts a capacious 15-round double-stack magazine. It’s very close to a Glock 19 in size. Just a touch bigger in all dimensions. A touch heavier, too, at 29.6 ounces empty. Although keep in mind this is an all-metal pistol, not polymer like the Glock.

The Model 58 is a double/single-action design. It has an ambidextrous frame-mounted safety and decocker like its big brother, the Model 92. The front sight is integral to the slide, and the rear sight is drift-adjustable for windage.

The new Model 58 is available with either a matte black or stainless finish. Grips are checkered black plastic and look to be a lot slimmer than the wood panels that came with the very first Model 58s back in the 90s.

Who is the Model 58 Meant For?

I can see some folks wondering why they might want a .380 that’s the size of a 9mm Glock 19. It’s a fair question, but I think it has a niche. My buddy had one of the original Model 58s, and I have to say, it was a joy to shoot. Being a fairly big gun for a .380, you had plenty to hold on to. The weight and 4-inch barrel made it a very soft shooter as well. It wasn’t quite like shooting a .22, but it was close.

For folks who are recoil sensitive, it would be a great choice. It’s not a bad choice for anyone who wants a gun that’s easy to shoot, fast, and still keeps hits on target. .380 ACP ammo has come a long way since the 90s, too, and there are some great defense rounds available.

The 4-inch barrel should give you a bit of a velocity boost over most pocket .380’s as well. Not to mention that you have 15 rounds on tap. Taurus used to make a 20-round extended mag for the 58’s, and I hope that makes a comeback. So while it’s not the subcompact that many of us associate with a .380, I think the Taurus 58 does have a useful niche. Plus, it’s kinda neat and should be fun to shoot.

Taurus Model 58 Specs:

Caliber	.380 AUTO
Capacity	15 Rounds
Front Sight	Fixed
Rear Sight	Drift adjustable
Magazines Included	2
Action Type	DA/SA
Barrel Length	4.00 In.
Overall Length	7.20 In.
Overall Height	5.59 In.
Overall Width	1.61 In.
Overall Weight	29.60 Oz. (Unloaded)
Twist Rate	1:16-in RH
Grooves	6
Frame Material	Aluminum
Frame Finish	Matte Black or Aluminum
Slide Material	Alloy Steel
Slide Finish	Matte Black or Stainless Steel
Barrel Material	Stainless Steel
Barrel Finish	Matte Black or Matte Stainless
Safety	Decocker
Manual Safety	Thumb Safety
MSRP	$604.99

How I’d Design the Beretta 20X and 30X Pistols

By

Travis Pike

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May 15, 2025

I’m a tip-up fan—a downright fanatic. I complained about the cost of classes while purchasing another Beretta 950 because it’s in .22 Short, and I don’t have that one. Beretta unleashed two tip-up pistols in as many years. The 20X and 30X make up the modern tip-up pistol genre. With that in mind, I didn’t fully agree with many of Beretta’s changes, but I understood them.

What I Like About The 20X and 30X

First, I just like tip-up guns. They have some serious charm, and I love the design. I also like .32 ACP and .22LR pocket pistols, so they scored high in my favorite niches. I like a lot of the changes Beretta made. Some are obvious, like the larger, easier-to-use sights that make these guns exceptionally accurate.

I like the new flat-faced trigger with its lighter overall pull and the relocated magazine release. Not to mention, Beretta released suppressor-ready variants with suppressor-height sights. The 30X Tomcat’s frame redesign was welcomed. The old 3032s had to use low-pressure ammo, and anything that exceeded 129-foot pounds could crack the frame.

That’s not a problem anymore. I appreciate that Beretta seems to know that the primary consumers of these guns buy them for their charm. Therefore, they make them look fantastic. While that might be the case, I’d love to pocket-carry my 20X or 30X pistols, but the current configurations are a bit tough.

Problems With the 20X and 30X

Beretta also made these guns bigger, more ergonomic, and easier to shoot. They are too big to be easily concealed in a pocket like the previous generations of these guns. They are shooters rather than deep-carry guns. With that said, Beretta has released several variants of the gun, and I think there is room for one more—one I’d call the Deep Cover.

How I’d Fix the 30X and 20X

All my fixes would be simple to implement and could reasonably be done with existing Beretta 20X and 30X pistols. I have a few ideas on how Beretta could make the Tomcat and Bobcat pocket rockets again.

Bob the Hammer

I love that these guns are micro-sized DA/SA pistols. I love DA/SA guns, but for pocket carry, I think Beretta should bob the hammer and convert the guns to DAO. The double-action trigger is enough for a pocket gun, with the lighter, smoother trigger.

Ditching the hammer would reduce a snag point and size just a bit. However, it would also likely help improve reliability with the 20X guns. I’m not the only person with a 20X who gets the occasional light strike when the gun fires in single action, only to have the round fire when you revert to the double action trigger pull.

Go back to Flush Fitting Magazines.

The extended magazine allows the guns to hold one extra round. More ammo is nice, and the longer, extended magazines act as a pinky rest, which is fine. However, it also adds almost an inch to the gun’s height. The swap would be as easy as changing baseplates. It would make the gun easier to conceal and less detectable in your pocket.

Much Thinner Grips

The G10 grips are quite nice. They feel great, look great, and provide that Beretta flair we know and love. However, they also make the gun excessively wide. We must accept the wider frame to prevent the 30X Frame from cracking, but it can be thinner. It also appears the 20X and the 30X frames are identical, or at least close. Producing one frame likely saves money, and I get it.

However, ditching the grip panels and replacing them with cheaper, thinner grip panels seems like a much better idea to me. Thinner, smoother grips make the gun more concealable and less sticky when drawn from a pocket holster.

The Undercover Models

These are my theoretical fixes to turn the 20X and 30X guns back into the pocket pistols we know and love. As the owner of the 20X and 30X, as well as the older 21A and 3032, I can say the size difference is massive. It makes a big difference when shoving the gun into your pocket.

I don’t think Beretta should abandon making these guns acceptable pocket pistols. With a few dedicated changes, we could have a fantastic and stylish pair of pocket rockets.

Modern Bowie Knife Revival

By

Reuben Bolieu

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May 14, 2025

GAT_Bowie_revamp (1) — The Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie XL is a modern twist on the classic Bowie. It has an AEB-L steel blade and a black stonewash finish, perfect for everyday use.

From the Old West to now, the classic Bowie hasn’t gone anywhere. These two modern Bowie knife revival blades are only a part of the big movement to recreate the Bowie knife pattern with contemporary materials.

Bowie Knife Revival

Heck, even the famed Rambo knives drew inspiration from a Bowie knife. Several production and custom knife companies have kept the timeless pattern from taking a backseat. From small neck knives to fixed blades of all sizes and materials, the Bowie knife isn’t going anywhere!

In his take on the revival of Bowie knives, Michael Jarvis of Auxiliary Manufacturing says, “I find that creatives will often look to the past for inspiration. Especially in a field like knife making, which is so rich in tradition. Combined with the American manufacturing spirit, the Bowie is a natural choice, even in its modern adaptations.”

Pocket Bowie XL

Several months ago, GAT Daily featured a review of the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie EDC.

Presenting the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie XL. It’s a sleek and modern twist on the classic American Bowie, designed to be your trusty sidekick for everyday adventures. This compact, pocket-friendly knife is as tough as it looks, ready to tackle any task. It features a razor-sharp Bowie blade with a stylish black stonewash finish, crafted from high-performance AEB-L steel.

The Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie XL is a compact, tough knife featuring a razor-sharp Bowie blade made from high-performance AEB-L steel and a stylish black stonewash finish, perfect for everyday adventures.

Grip it and go with the meticulously sculpted black G-10 handle that’s lightweight yet grippy, ensuring you maintain control even in challenging situations. Plus, the durable Kydex sheath with a belt loop means you can carry it conveniently. The reversible belt clip offers flexibility whether left or right-handed.

Be prepared with the Auxiliary Manufacturing Pocket Bowie for anything life throws your way—because who doesn’t want a trusty blade by their side? This knife is 100% worthy of the title, modern Bowie knife revival. MSRP:$299.00

The Thunder Bowie Knife

Meet your new favorite larger outdoor companion: the Thunder Bowie Knife from Bear Forest Knives. Think of it as The Power Bowie. With an impressive 15-inch Bowie-style blade, this knife slices, batons, and chops with unmatched agility. Crafted from a 10-inch High Carbon Steel blade boasting a Rockwell Hardness of 58-59, it’s tough and easy to sharpen, too!

The innovative design features a fuller and swedge that lightens the load without sacrificing balance. Its High Saber grind means you’re ready to tackle anything that comes your way.

The Thunder Bowie has an overall length of 15 3/8 inches and a robust thickness of .187 inches. The 90-degree spine adds versatility, while the Rock Tumbled Acid Wash looks ruggedly handsome!

With an overall length of 15 3/8 inches and a robust thickness of .187 inches, this knife means business. The 90-degree spine adds versatility, while the Rock Tumbled Acid Wash finish gives it a rugged aesthetic that stands out from the crowd. The handle looks and feels excellent, featuring an hourglass shape and micarta scales for a secure grip, even in slippery conditions.

The Thunder Bowie has a sturdy JRE Industries leather sheath—your trusty sidekick that protects it from the elements. Plus, it’s made right here in the USA, ensuring top-notch quality from start to finish.

So gear up and get ready to experience the thunder. This unrivaled Bowie knife revival will surpass your expectations!

Think of the Thunder Bowie Knife as your Power Bowie. This knife features a remarkable 15-inch Bowie-style blade, making it ideal for slicing, chopping, and batoning.

Conclusion

I can’t wait to see the next big movie or show that highlights this time-tested classic pattern. Just like the Goonies say, “Never say die,” the same goes for the Bowie knife!

For more information, check out Auxiliary Manufacturing and Bear Forest Knives!

The .32 Rifle – Why We Need One

By

Travis Pike

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May 14, 2025

As the resident .32 aficionado and subject matter enthusiast, I own a few dozen .32 handguns, but I want a .32 rifle. Specifically, I want a .32 pistol caliber carbine. That sounds a bit silly, and technically, the .30 Super Carry Hi-Point is a .32 PCC, but not the one I want. I want a low-powered, low-profile .32 rifle, and I have reasons!

Before we get into my reasons, let’s discuss which .32. I’m open to this. I’d like a rifle in .32 ACP or .32 S&W Long. I’d settle for a .32 H&R Magnum if it got me the gun. I’d be happy with a lever action, a bolt action, or, in the .32 ACP case, a semi-auto .32 rifle. I’m not exactly too crazy about the details.

You’re likely still wondering why exactly I want a .32 rifle.

The Benefits of a .32 Rifle

I see a .32 rifle being handy for shooting small game, varmints, and similar predators. It’s a bigger, heavier round and would more reliably stop things like rabbits, weasels, and nutria with a single shot. As a rabbit-hunting enthusiast, my options are a shotgun or a .22 of some sort. What started all this was a poorly placed shot on a rabbit.

I took the kids rabbit hunting this fall, and they placed a shot on a rabbit that sent it running. I would’ve thought it was a miss if I hadn’t found blood. So, we had to chase this thing down and finish it off. I felt terrible. I am a big advocate for single-shot stops on any animal. A .32 caliber offers me rifle range but more human error correction than the .22 LR or Magnum.

Optimistically, we’d all make headshots all the time, but sometimes that’s impossible. A little miss makes a big difference on small targets. I could see a .32 ACP or .32 S&W Long working quite well for killing medium-sized game. Additionally, the rifle can be tiny and lightweight. A .32 rifle in .32 ACP or S&W Long/H&R Magnum would be a great small game getter and pest remover, but could also be shot by young shooters.

Recoil wouldn’t be a problem, and .32 caliber rounds are fairly accurate. For my purposes, this would be a better option than .22LR or Magnum for things like rabbits, weasels, and anything smaller than coyotes but bigger than squirrels. It would also be a super-easy-to-suppress cartridge, which is great for hunting.

The Downsides

This would be a super niche rifle with expensive ammo. A .32 Rifle needs .32 ammo, and the various .32 caliber cartridges are costly. They cost more than 9mm and aren’t as useful as 9mm. The low demand and expensive ammo would be why this will never be produced. A .32 rifle sounds cool, but there isn’t a market for it. Is it possible for me to get one custom-built?

Maybe, but it’s going to be an expensive endeavor. Luckily, there are some options. They aren’t the best options, but let’s look at the existing options.

Existing .32 Rifles

Henry makes a .327 Federal Magnum Lever gun that could shoot .32 H&R Magnum and .32 S&W Long. However, it’s a bit heavier than I’d like. Also, when firing those shorter rounds, they must jump through some unrifled chamber, which could detract from the accuracy I need for tiny little animals.

There are two rare and obscure.32 ACP semi-auto rifles. We have the Armi Jager AP74, an AR lookalike that fired the .32 ACP. A few guns pop up in the States every now and then. I want one. Another is the Pre-WWI Tirmax semi-auto carbine, but good luck finding one of those.

Other than that, it seems like our hands are empty.

Ad-Hoc Solutions

Besides spending a ton of money to make a custom option or trying to hunt down a rare gun, we can try to find an ad-hoc solution. There are a few, and the first are adapters made to fire .32 ACP from .308, .303, and 7.62x54R. These are cheap and cumbersome to fire more than a round out of, but they work. It’s a shame the accuracy kind of sucks, which makes it tough to use for hitting small game.

Another option is a shotgun adapter. A company called Chaszel makes rifled adapters that fit into a shotgun barrel. I’ve purchased a .410 to .32 S&W Long adapter, which works surprisingly well. I’ll have a review up sooner rather than later. This seems to be the best way to make a .32 rifle. It’s affordable, accurate, and simple. All we get is a single-shot option in this case, but it is what it is.

A .32 rifle is a niche thing, but it’s an open market now.

Outdoor Element Brings the Heat: Checking Out the Scout Feather and Fiber Light

By

Jim Cobb

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May 13, 2025

I’ve been moderately aware of Outdoor Element for a while, but hadn’t really checked out their product line. Recently, one of the company founders asked me to try out a couple of their products. A few days later, a package arrived with their Scout Feather knife and Fiber Light fire starter. So far, color me impressed.

Scout Feather

The Scout Feather is one of Outdoor Element’s most popular knives. It’s small enough to qualify as an EDC option, but large enough to do actual work. It’s 6.58 inches long with a 2.65-inch blade. The handle is slim and contoured, so it really locks into your grip. The full tang construction is VG10 steel and features a ¼-inch hex driver at the end of the handle. An attached lanyard has a small signal whistle, which is a nice touch.

Outdoor Element didn’t skimp on the sheath. It is a hard plastic construction, and the knife locks in tight, with no wiggle at all. A steel clip will keep the sheath in place wherever you carry it. There is a small V-notch sharpener to touch up the blade in the field. Along the other side of the sheath is an attached ferrocerium rod.

The Scout Feather’s spine is sharp enough to scrape sparks from that ferro rod, and it does so incredibly well. I took a few quick swipes at the rod to remove paint, then it started spraying sparks in earnest.

Fiber Light

Fiber Light is Outdoor Element’s all-natural fire starter. It consists of finely ground wood fiber and wax. The round tin I received is about 3.25 inches across and an inch deep. It comes with a ranger band covering the seam, keeping the contents secure and dry, even when submerged in water.

To use, you simply pull out a pinch or two, fluff it up a bit, and then light it. While flicking a Bic will certainly get the job done, it seems more appropriate to use that whiz-bang awesome ferro rod on the Scout Feather sheath. The Outdoor Element Fiber Light ignites with even the smallest spark. Burn time is dependent upon the amount of material used, but is enough to cover a quarter burned for a few minutes.

What’s nice is that while it is very easy to light, this isn’t a flash-type tinder. It burns slow and steady, giving it time to ignite kindling. The wax content is sufficient to essentially waterproof the wood. I took a pinch of the Fiber Light and held it under a running faucet for several seconds, then squeezed out the excess water. It lit right up at the first spark and burned steadily. It’s pretty cool stuff.

Outdoor Element

Mike Mojica is one of the founders of Outdoor Element. He’s a proud member of the Pueblo Nation, Laguna Tribe. His native American name is Bodaway, which means Fire Maker. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that a fair number of Outdoor Element products are fire-centric. In addition to the Scout Feather and Fiber Light, they offer all sorts of gear designed to get your fire going fast.

.32 H&R Magnum vs .380 ACP – Pint Sized Power

By

Travis Pike

-

May 13, 2025

One of the reasons I love writing for GAT Daily is that they let me explore tiny niches of information that I and about a dozen other people find interesting. For example, which is the better mouse gun revolver round, the .32 H&R Magnum or the .380 ACP? Today, I want to dig into these two calibers and discuss which is better for your small revolver and why.

Why Compare .32 H&R Magnum and .380 ACP?

In the world of revolvers, these are both niche cartridges. The .32 H&R Magnum has been around since the 1980s, offering shooters a lower-recoil alternative to the .38 Special. While it didn’t receive a ton of popularity at release, it’s making a major comeback—or well, a major comeback as far as obscurish revolver calibers go.

The .380 ACP was never intended for revolver use—the A in ACP stands for Automatic. However, Charter Arms released a gun called the Coyote, a five-shot, snub-nose .380 ACP revolver that’s gained a fair bit of steam in the micro revolver world.

Both cartridges offer a lower recoil alternative to the .38 Special. They are soft shooters, and both offer a lightweight, easy-to-carry firearm that’s easy to shoot. With two options out there, we have to ask, is one better than the other?

.32 H&R Magnum vs. .380 ACP – Performance Differences

It’s all about performance, right? Which cartridge hits harder, penetrates deeper, and expands more? Which offers more capacity, and which is more affordable? That all matters for the end user, and it’s something we plan to explore today. You’ve come to the right place for a low-recoil revolver platform.

Penetration and Expansion

The .32 H&R Magnum takes a quick lead here. The .32 H&R Magnum can move a 90-grain projectile at 1,200 feet per second. The .380 ACP can move a 90-grain projectile at about 1,000 feet per second. We can talk about energy and foot-pounds, but with these two calibers, that doesn’t really matter.

The reason velocity and bullet weight matter is that they affect penetration. Handgun calibers only wound through direct contact. They don’t have secondary wounding mechanisms. With that in mind, the round must penetrate deep enough to reach the vitals. We typically measure that by penetration through properly calibrated ballistic gel.

Both the .380 ACP and .32 H&R Magnum can reach those depths. When fired from a revolver’s two-inch barrel, the .380 ACP has a harder time penetrating and expanding. The .32 H&R Magnum can both penetrate and expand from a short-barrel revolver. An FMJ from a .380 ACP with a short barrel is typically wise.

A .32 H&R Magnum can use a JHP or similar defensive round and penetrate and expand deep enough to matter. This gives the .32 H&R Magnum a slight benefit.

What About Recoil?

The .380 ACP leads the way when it comes to less recoil. When fired side by side through similar revolvers, the .380 ACP has less recoil than a .32 H&R Magnum. The difference is noticeable but not extreme. Both rounds handle much better than a .38 Special.

The lighter recoil of the .380 ACP makes the gun easier and faster to shoot, especially if we start talking about one-handed shooting. It makes a significant difference and should be noted as an advantage to a .380 ACP revolver.

Capacity

The .380 ACP uses a larger bullet than the .32 H&R Magnum and, much like the .38 Special, creates a five-shot small-frame revolver. The .32 H&R Magnum and its slimmer and trimmer bullet mean you get one extra round. Your typical five-shot snubby is now a six-shot snubby. One extra round isn’t much, but it’s an advantage worth mentioning.

Cost

Oh boy, let’s talk money. The .380 ACP is the way to go if you’re trying to save money. It’s cheaper and much easier to find. The .380 ACP round is very common, and multiple loadings exist. You can find various practice and defensive loads from all major manufacturers. They’ll be considerably cheaper than .32 H&R Magnum. Even when it comes to guns, the .380 Coyote is an affordable firearm.

So, Which is Better?

It depends on what you prioritize. I carry the .32 H&R Magnum. I like the additional round, the additional penetration, and the expansion. However, I can see the .380 ACP as the better option due to its price and availability for many people. You can spend less and train more, which can be a major advantage to the end user. Hopefully, we’ve given you the information to make the best decision.

Three Unconventional Manufactured Tinder

By

Reuben Bolieu

-

May 12, 2025

GAT_Unconventional_tinder (1) — Tindår Wick Kit and Tindår Tipi worked in tandem to secure a fire in the humid jungle of the Philippines.

Here are three unconventional manufactured tinder options when you need fire now! These aren’t your typical vaseline cotton balls. Instead, they are out-of-the-box ideas that work!

Natural and Manufactured Tinder

Natural Tinder consists of materials derived from organic sources, like dry grass, bark, or wood shavings, which ignite easily and burn quickly. In contrast, people create Manufactured Tinder from synthetic substances or processed materials, such as cotton balls soaked in chemicals or specially designed fire starters, which engineers design to catch fire more reliably and burn longer.

Uberleben Tindår Wick & Bellow

The Tindår Wick combines a cotton-rolled wick and brass sleeve, functioning like a giant matchstick and ready-made tinder. Made of KeroDry™ paraffin wax-infused hemp, the 2-inch aluminum sleeve is an oxygen sub-tractor and a bellow. Although it claims a burn time of one hour, I didn’t want to waste it to find out.

After using it for a few weeks, I stored it outdoors for three months in the rain. When I finally tested it, the Wick had swelled, making it hard to use. I flattened it with my hatchet, exposed about 1/2-inch of the wick, and utilized the Hexå Ferro rod to ignite it. Surprisingly, it caught fire easily even after months of exposure, and the aluminum sleeve remained cool to the touch. This Wick remains one of my most-used of the three unconventional manufactured tinder types.

The Tindår Wick excels at igniting fires in tight spaces, like wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. It’s perfect for reaching under logs during fire-lays, helping to create a more even burn. Weighing just one ounce, it’s a practical and reliable option for bushcraft and survival situations, offering a dependable alternative to a regular lighter while honing essential skills.

Unconventional Manufactured Tindår Tipi

The Uberleben Tindår Tipi resembles an Egyptian pyramid. Made from 4-panel Baltic birch, this kindling structure promotes optimal airflow and combustion for a robust fire. Standing 3.4 inches tall and weighing just 0.3 ounces, Uberleben designed it for easy assembly.

Putting the Tindår Tipi together felt like playing with grown-up Legos. It’s integrated fire dangler connects the panels and simplifies lighting. When I needed to start a fire, I paired it with the Tindår Wick, essential for tackling a jungle fire.

The Tindår Tipi worked flawlessly for three minutes of burn time, enough to help ignite the damp kindling in the jungle.

Creating a fire in humid conditions poses challenges, especially with insects buzzing around. Reliable tinder and kindling are crucial in the jungle. When the rain subsides, I quickly gather my materials and set up the tipi on a wooden base among rocks. Using a Ferro rod, I lit the Tindår Wick, effectively igniting the fire dangler. As the structure burned, I placed small to medium-sized kindling on top. The tipi burned for the claimed 3 minutes, resulting in a successful fire!

The Tindår Tipi is the least used of these three unconventional manufactured tinder options because it’s a specialty item of tinder.

Pyro Putty Fireballs

Fireballs are a type of fire-starting material designed for easy ignition and sustained flames, making them ideal for outdoor and emergency use. Pyro Putty engineered these compact balls from combustible materials, including wax, oils, and other safe-to-handle ingredients that ignite easily.

To use them, you simply expose the fireballs to a Ferro rod spark or open flame, such as from a lighter or matches. Once ignited, they produce a steady source of heat and flame for an extended period, making them perfect for campfires, barbecues, or emergency fires in cold conditions.

Their versatility allows them to perform well in various weather scenarios, making Pyro Putty Fire Balls a reliable option for campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those needing an effective fire starter.

The author used a Pyro Putty Fireball in a hobo stove with damp sticks for a cookfire with great success!

This is the newest of the three unconventional manufactured tinder items. I’ll use it more often for a future recap!

Slightly Conventional Home Manufactured Tinder

Vasoline cottonballs have been a staple for decades. It’s a cheap and super effective tinder you can make at home, store in a waterproof container, and hit the trail. However, I have a twist for the backpacker or trail hiker who is weight and bulk-conscious.

Carmex is a multi-use life tool. It’s for lip protection, but you can use it for various applications. I prefer the plastic tube version for two reasons. One, you can take dry cottonballs, which pack down tighter than treated cottonballs. Make your Carmex cottonballs as you need them. The second reason I like the tube is that the tube gets smaller as you use the contents, resulting in less bulk.

Vaseline-soaked cotton balls and Carmex-soaked cotton balls make excellent, inexpensive homemade tinders.

Closing

Three unconventional manufactured tinder options give you flexibility. Take what you need to fit your trip and environment. Try them all and see what you prefer. More than anything, have fun doing it!

For more information, please check out Ube rl eben and Pyro Putty!

Five Things I was Wrong About

By

Travis Pike

-

May 12, 2025

I’m wrong about a lot of things. In a world where admitting wrong can be tough, I think it’s important to remember that being wrong isn’t necessarily bad, especially if you’re willing to learn and change your views and opinions based on data. At least, that’s what I tell myself because I’m wrong a fair bit. Today, I’m going to highlight five things I was wrong about.

The Federal X-2 Shotgun Shells

I was not a fan when I first saw the Federal X2 shotgun shells. They made fishing sinkers into shotgun pellets. It seemed like the G2 Rip of shotgun shells. The promise was that the pellets would come apart when they hit a soft target, giving you 18 pellets. This creates 18 wound tracks.

I was skeptical of the pellets’ penetration and whether they would consistently break apart. Yet, testing in ballistic gel shows that the pellets offer adequate penetration and consistently break apart when they hit soft targets. The majority of pellets make the proper depth. I was wrong about the round’s performance.

The standard 2.75-inch shells work quite well, but the mini shells seem more suspect. If you want to double your pellet load, I’d stick to the full-sized X2.

Snub Nose Revolvers

My stance on snub-nose revolvers was one of pure ignorance. I saw them as a viable option, but an option people pick over guns like the P365 for a nostalgic purpose, or potentially a stylish option. I thought it was vanity, but after shooting a variety of snub-nose revolvers, I walked away, understanding why people chose the snub-nose revolver.

For one, they conceal exceptionally well. For deep carry, the curves and profile of a revolver seem less gun-like and print less altogether. I’ve found this to be extremely true for pocket-carrying a revolver. Speaking of, when pocket-carrying a revolver, the cylinder pushes the gun away from your body and allows you to easily grasp the grip.

Additionally, in a close-up fight, a revolver is a lot less likely to malfunction when you’re in a clinch. Additionally, the revolver is less susceptible to failures due to bullet weight and velocity, allowing for light recoiling loads. I find myself carrying a snub-nosed revolver often these days. It’s nice to be wrong and find something you like oh so much.

Pocket .380s (Kind Of)

There was a period when I completely hated pocket .380s. From 2014 to 2025, I thought it was the dumbest genre of pistols on the market. They had excessive recoil, crappy sights, and crappy triggers, and ballistically they weren’t worth the squeeze. While easy to carry, they sucked at everything else.

What changed my opinion of the pocket .380 was the S&W Bodyguard 2.0. It fixed everything that was wrong with the genre of pocket .380s. It had a great trigger and awesome sights, and the recoil was completely manageable. I was wrong about the genre of pocket .380s, but most pocket .380s still suck.

The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 led me to try the Ruger LCP Max, which also showed me that not all of them were terrible. Most were awful, but not all. The genre of pocket .380s seems to be changing fairly rapidly, fixing many of the problems I had with the older guns.

Shockwave Style Firearms

From the day they premiered at SHOT, I’ve been a big fan of the Shockwave series of firearms. There are tons now, with Mossberg, Remington, and a dozen other Turkish firms creating new models every year. With that in mind, for years, I saw them as nothing more than range toys. They weren’t serious-use firearms, but fun guns that gracefully skirted the NFA.

It wasn’t until guys like Rhett Neumayer put the time behind one that I realized they were more than range toys. They represented an ultra-compact but heavy-hitting option for personal defense. They take a lot of practice and skill to wield, and honestly, they aren’t for everyone. However, the ultra-small size still provides 12-gauge firepower.

They represent a PDW-type firearm in many ways. Sure, they might be the wrong option for recoil-sensitive shooters, but for those willing to learn, train, and be ammo picky, the Shockwave and similar-style firearms can be serious defensive firearms.

The Judge (Kind Of)

When I was young and dumb, I loved the idea of the Judge. A revolver shotgun pistol seemed so cool. Then I bought one and realized it was a terrible .410 and a pretty lame .45 Colt revolver. The patterns were terrible, and I would tell anyone who’d listen to avoid them. I’m still not wrong about the original Judge, but Taurus did prove they could make a viable revolver shotgun pistol.

I approached the Judge Home Defender with a lot of caution. I figured the rifled barrel would make it suck, just like the original Judge. Imagine my surprise when it didn’t suck. The patterns were consistent with most ammo types and capable of working like a shotgun. A very short and lightweight shotgun with the bonus ability to shoot a .45 Colt.

The Judge offers an alternative to the .410 Shockwave, and the double-action design offers a bit more capability than the Shockwave. It’s a capable .410 option. It changed my mind on the capability of rifled barrels.

Being Wrong

Yep, I’ve been wrong more than five times, but these are the five times I can remember most vividly. Being wrong is fine; just don’t get so stuck in your wrongness that you refuse to evolve and grow.

Analysis Paralysis – Stop Overthinking and Act

By

Jim Cobb

-

May 11, 2025

In the preparedness world, it can be easy to fall victim to analysis paralysis. This is when we fear making the wrong decision so much that we sort of freeze up. We’re afraid that we’re going to overlook a better solution, or that the option we’re leaning toward is simply incorrect. As a result, we don’t do anything at all.

This can happen when we’re researching a big purchase, like a generator or a home freeze dryer. It can also occur when we’re trying to make plans for how we’ll handle various scenarios, such as emergency evacuation.

Analysis Paralysis Symptoms

Here are a few signs to watch for that can indicate you’re falling into that trap.

Analysis paralysis - endless research — Research can be important, but you have to recognize when enough is enough.

Endless research – you feel compelled to continue reading reviews and seek out more and more information, even if you’ve been at it for quite some time already.

Difficulty in letting it go – you can’t stop thinking about it, to the point of distraction.

Analysis paralysis - anxiety — If you find yourself getting anxious or upset, it might be time for a break.

Anxiety – you might feel very anxious. You get sweaty and your heart rate increases. You might feel agitated or maybe even a little short of breath.

Sleep loss – you find yourself staying up until all hours of the night, tossing and turning, and unable to relax.

Analysis Paralysis Solutions

There are several approaches you can take to break out of the paralysis. If the first one you try doesn’t seem to work, move on to another. Over time, you might find certain solutions seem to work for you more often than others. That’s normal, as we’re all wired a little bit differently.

Try flipping a coin. Not so much to let the coin make the decision, but you might find yourself hoping for one result over the other. I know it sounds silly, but this can really work in many situations.

Commit and move on. Sometimes, the best way to tackle it is head-on. Meaning, give yourself permission to just pick an option and live with the decision.

Understand that it’s okay to be wrong. For the vast majority of decisions we make, the world isn’t going to come to a screeching halt if we are mistaken. It might be inconvenient, sure, and maybe it’ll cost us a few bucks to fix the problem. But in the long run, the experience we gain is probably going to be worth it.

Analysis paralysis - setting a deadline — Set a hard deadline for yourself to make the decision and commit to it.

Set a deadline for yourself, and stick to it. Give yourself a very specific amount of time to research and mull over the decision. Once that time limit is reached, make your move and commit.

Break the decision down into segments or steps. Sometimes, the problem or decision is just too complex to tackle easily. If we can parse it out a bit and take it a little at a time, that can help alleviate analysis paralysis.

You can also try to depersonalize the issue. What I mean by that is to take yourself out of the equation entirely. Look at it objectively and think about how you might advise someone else to handle it. Imagine if a friend or coworker came to you with the same problem. What would you say to them? Then, follow your own advice.

Analysis paralysis can happen to anyone. It isn’t rare, though some people tend to be more susceptible to it than others. Recognize it when it happens and try different approaches to break free of it.

Beefy All-around Survival Knives

By

Reuben Bolieu

-

May 10, 2025

GAT- Beefy Survival Knives (1) — The Demko Rhino Hybrid combines a machete, knife, and pickaxe with titanium-coated D2 steel. The TOPS Bushcrafter Kukuri 7.0 offers great chopping power with its traditional design.

These two beefy, all-around survival knives are designed for demanding tasks while still excelling at slicing and feathering. TOPS and APOC Knives have created two-weight forward choppers designed for adventurers. These tools offer the power of a hatchet combined with the versatility of a knife to save weight.

Demko Rhino Hybrid All-arounder

The Demko Rhino Hybrid by APOC is a remarkable tool that ingeniously combines the functionalities of a machete, knife, cleaver, and axe, making it an indispensable companion for any outdoor enthusiast. Crafted from resilient titanium-coated D2 steel, its impressive 6-inch blade excels at cutting, hacking, batoning, and feathering with remarkable precision and ease. The robust full tang construction heightens its durability, while the ergonomically designed rounded G10 handle slabs provide a secure and comfortable grip, even during prolonged use.

Accompanying this masterpiece is a Kydex double-snap belt sheath, ensuring safe storage, convenient carry, and quick access whenever you need it. This versatile tool embodies the essence of a rugged all-around survival knife, ideally suited for challenging outdoor tasks and adventures. Whether you’re clearing a path, preparing a meal, or executing detailed woodwork, the Demko Rhino Hybrid decisively earns its place among the most formidable members of the beefy all-around survival knives club!

Working the Rhino

If a Japanese Nata Knife and a Rhino had a blade baby, this would be the Demko Rhino Hybrid. What looks like a billhook is not. It’s pretty much an unsharpened spike and hook.

The blade has an excellent forward position with a constant belly for slicing. The Rhino Spike adds weight for chopping and is an amazing brush grabber and dragger. This spike feature is excellent for yardwork and camp clearing.

Demko Rhino Hybrid has a remarkable spike, perfect for grabbing and dragging brush to help clear a camp.

Choking way back on the handle gives you way more power, similar to a Nata knife. A medium compact blade with a long handle is one of the more clever ideas the Japanese use. I’m a fan. The textured G10 handle adds security without needing an annoying birds beak on the handle’s end.

Beefy All-around Kukuri

The TOPS Knives Bushcrafter Kukuri 7.0 merges the traditional kukri design with modern bushcraft needs, offering impressive chopping power and versatility for outdoor tasks. Designed by Nicholas Fury III from L.V.I. Bushcraft and Survival, this Kukuri prioritizes strength, reliability, resilience, and adaptability.

Measuring 14 inches overall, it features a 7¾ inch recurved blade with a sturdy ¼ inch thickness, showcasing a black linen micarta handle and traction coating. Made from 1095 high-carbon steel, it holds a Rockwell hardness of 56-58. The durable MIL-SPEC Olive Drab nylon sheath includes secure closures and a small pocket.

With a deeper belly than traditional kukris, this knife excels in slicing and game processing. Its rich history dates back to the Nepalese Gurkha regiments, who used it for combat and utility. This blade is well-suited for the beefy all-around survival knives, as approved by Gurkhas.

Bushcrafting with the Kukuri

I picked up the knife at a knife convention in Georgia and took it into the backwoods the next morning. It felt right at home chopping through hard oak, dogwood, maple, and poplar. While the hardwoods of the Southeast typically suit a hatchet or axe, the knife’s compact size and inwardly curved blade provided a hatchet-like feel with added versatility.

The author shaves tinder from a section of poplar wood for a fire. The recurved section makes this task fun and easy to do.

After chopping some dead poplar wood, I propped it up and began shaving tinder. By gripping and pinching the blade’s spine, I created curly shavings, perfect for a tinder bundle. I made sure to keep those shavings from falling to the ground. After splitting the wood into finger-thick pieces, I stabbed the Bush Kukuri into a log and used it to make more shavings.

I then crafted a pot hook and tarp stakes easily with the blade. The weight-forward design allowed for precise control, making it simple to create notches. The Bushcrafter Kukuri proved versatile for chopping, splitting, and carving wood. Paired with a saw, it can handle any task in the woods! TOPS and Nicholas truly honored this time-tested design!

Beefy All-around Survival Knives Conclusion

These two, beefy all-around survival knives, did not disappoint in the chopping and versatility realm. Their heft and forward weight excelled when chopping and batoning. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for a tool that fits between a light hatchet and a beefy, bombproof knife!

The two beefy all-around survival knives tag-teamed and split wood for a bio stove.

FB MSBS GROT – Poland’s New Assault Rifle

By

Travis Pike

-

May 10, 2025

Poland has finally retired its AK platform. For quite some time, it had one of the best, if not the best, AKs in 5.56. Hell, with an adapter, it even took STANAG magazines. With the retirement of the Beryl, the Polish military is moving to a more modern platform known as the FB MSBS Grot. I speak Polish as well as Portuguese. So, not at all. So I can’t pronounce this, but thank God I can write it: Modułowy System Broni Strzeleckiej.

That stands for Modular Firearm System. Grot was added to memorialize Polish General Stefan “Grot” Rowecki. The firearm was developed by FB Radom, which is in the Polish military arms industry. At its core, it’s a modern firearm system that can be easily modified to fit various mission sets. Like most modern rifles, the MSBS GROT uses a short-stroke gas piston system lifted from the AR-18.

Since Poland is a NATO member, the rifle predictably comes in 5.56 mm, but the Polish also produced a 7.62x39mm variant.

What Makes the MSBS Different?

You could take a cursory look at the MSBS system and think it’s a fairly plain rifle. There is nothing spectacular about it. It looks cool but has a modular feature that most guns would never dream of. As far as I can tell, the MSBS Grot is the only modern military rifle designed to be easily alternated between a standard and a bullpup format.

Much like the SCAR, the BREN, and various other AR-18-derived guns, the upper is the serialized portion. With the MSBS, the user can remove the upper and swap it for a bullpup lower to make it a bit more compact. The MSBS Grot C FB-M2 is the standard series assault rifle with a standard layout.

A user can easily remove the upper and drop it onto the MSBS Grot B, a bullpup or bezkolbowy format. From a military perspective, this design can be useful. Your normal infantry and general-purpose troops can use the standard-format rifle and all its benefits.

The bullpup format would be quite handy when we get to mechanized infantry, armor units, and even pilots. It’s largely the same rifle, but drastically different formats. It bears mentioning that I can’t find an example of the Polish Armed Forces doing that. The Polish sell the rifle, so it might be an option for export sales.

Speaking of which, the Poles have donated 10,000 rifles to Ukraine and sold them in Rwanda. According to one interview with an employee of FB Radom, the USSOCOM purchased an unknown quantity. They won’t say how many or why, but the Green Beret weapons sergeant course is probably fun.

Besides Bullpup

Besides being able to convert to and from a bullpup format, the MSBS Grot is a fairly standard modern assault rifle. It is a selective-fire design with a 700-900 rounds per minute rate of fire. The barrel lengths vary quite a bit, and models with barrels as long as 20 inches and as short as 10 inches are in production.

The MSBS uses fully ambidextrous controls. The standard model has a folding and collapsing stock. The gun has a SCAR-like cheek riser for optics. The handguard has a bevy of M-LOK slots for accessory mounting and a long optics rail across the top of the gun that’s part of the monolithic top rail.

The controls on the lower receiver are very AR-like, with a top-mounted charging handle. Overall, there is nothing truly new, but it’s a thoroughly modern rifle. This rifle series is a family of firearms that fulfill multiple roles.

The MSBS Family

The MSBS is a family of weapons. Let’s briefly dig into each of these guns.

Assault Rifle – The standard assault rifle with a 16-inch barrel that can carry an optional 40mm grenade launcher.

Carbine – The carbine variant doesn’t play games with keeping things short. It has a ten-inch barrel and can also be fitted with a 40mm grenade launcher.

DMR – A designated marksman rifle fit with a precision-oriented 16 or 20-inch barrel and two-stage trigger group.

Automatic Rifle – An automatic rifle variant is also designed for squad suppression capabilities. It has a heavier barrel and flash hider with the bayonet lug removed.

Sniper Rifle – The Grot 762N is a semi-auto-only sniper variant that chambers the 7.62 NATO cartridge. It has either a 16- or 20-inch barrel and a two-stage trigger.

The S – The S is a semi-auto only model designed for civilian sales of the rifle. Maybe one day we’ll see one in the United States.

The Polish Paper Puncher

The MSBS Grot is a seemingly awesome rifle series. It’s tough to say if it is as reliable and accurate as it should be, but if so, the Polish have a very modern and capable rifle. It’s replacing one of the most legendary systems out there, so it has a big expectation to live up to. I hope we get our hands on a variant of the MSBS Grot one day.

The Ruger RXM

By

P.E. Fitch

-

May 9, 2025

Back in December 2024, roughly a month prior to SHOT Show 2025, the gun-Internet and social media went haywire after Ruger and Magpul announced the 9mm RXM pistol. The RXM pistol is the result of a collaborative effort between Ruger and Magpul. Both of these industry titans worked together to develop a very high-quality clone of the classic third-generation Glock 19, one of the most popular polymer-frame striker-fired pistols in the world.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. worked on the “metal” bits while Magpul Industries predictably took care of the polymers. In fact, the very first thing I noticed about the RXM is that the frontstrap, backstrap, and both sides of the grip have the exact same texture that’s found on some of Magpul’s best-selling AR-15 pistol grips like the Magpul K2 (my personal favorite for over a decade).

Once the patent for third-generation Glock pistols expired, the industry as a whole immediately began taking advantage of this situation. It didn’t take long before clones at different price points and levels of sophistication began showing up on the market.

During my original draft of this review, this entire paragraph ended up becoming its own short article, which you might have read here on GAT Daily by now. If you haven’t, I suggest you do in order to contextualize what the Ruger RXM is really about.

Another Clone?

Sure, the Ruger RXM is a 100% American-made, feature-rich, high-quality Glock 19 clone with an extremely competitive real-world retail price of around $400.

But I think beyond being a mere amalgamation of metal and polymer that can reliably fire 9mm Luger cartridges, I do believe that the RXM is also a symbol of sorts. Sturm, Ruger & Co. is the largest American manufacturer of firearms by volume. The company is so large that it has multiple manufacturing facilities across the United States, along with one of the most extensive product catalogs offering a vast amount of rifles and handguns (and shotguns in the past).

Even though Magpul is just barely old enough to legally rent a car in most states, its creativity, innovation, and expertise in polymers and polymer manufacturing have leveraged the company into the top tier of the industry in a relatively short period of time.

I’m just a humble firearms writer who enjoys writing about guns and shooting them; I don’t have any insider access to either Ruger’s or Magpul’s business strategy. However, I do think that both companies’ decision to collaborate and bring another Glock clone into the already excruciatingly competitive and tough market that is polymer-framed striker guns is quite telling.

The Modular Fire Control Unit (FCU)

Something that sets the Ruger RXM apart from the rest of the Glock-clone market is that this handgun was developed with a modular fire control unit (FCU) in addition to the rest of its features. FCUs aren’t anything new, but they typically get associated primarily with SIG-Sauer’s handguns, like the original P250, the P320, and the P365.

Folding the FCU concept into the RXM means that its modularity can be boosted. In fact, by the time this part of my RXM review gets published, Magpul will have launched two additional grip modules for the RXM during NRAAM 2025 held in Atlanta.

The Third-Generation In Hindsight

First and foremost, I think the Ruger RXM is a damn good third-generation Glock clone. And with good reason. Third-generation Glocks have been on the market for over two decades. We’ve collectively learned everything there is to know about third-generation Glock pistols. So, there’s no doubt that this collective knowledge has made its way into the Ruger RXM.

Moreover, at this point in time, the “recipe” that makes up the blueprint for the third-generation Glock is all but impossible to mess up, especially when the production and manufacturing are left to two of the biggest players in the industry.

I’ve since sold off all of my personal third and fourth-generation Glocks and fully switched to a fleet of ambidextrous fifth-generation models. However, my old Gen3 Glock 19 was one of the first firearms I started carrying and training with seriously. I still remember it well, especially its trigger.

In fairness, those classic mushy and spongy feeling Glock triggers were never their strong suit. Nonetheless, they were reliable and got the job done. So the first thing I did when taking home my RXM was to dry fire and get a feel for its trigger. A fancy Walther PDP trigger it is not. But its rolling break is more than reasonable for a $400 optics-ready clone pistol. In addition, it also includes a solid pair of taller, red-dot-friendly metal night sights.

Did I mention that the RXM also perfectly fits in all of my old Glock holsters from my Gen3 days? I’ve even carried it in some in my original Raven Concealment Eidolon that I’ve had for about nine years at this point.

To Be Continued In Part 2

My First Finch – Taking the Undertaker for a Spin

By

Jim Cobb

-

May 9, 2025

I chuckled to myself when I found the Band-Aid™ packed with the knife. But when I checked the edge on the Undertaker, I could see why they included it. This is one wicked sharp knife.

A couple of months ago, Finch Knife Company sent me a few knives to check out. I was passingly familiar with Finch, and I was eager to get my hands on some of their blades. The Undertaker caught my eye right away.

What’s In the Box?

In addition to the knife and the aforementioned Band-Aid, there were a couple of stickers, a warranty card, and a little piece of metal with a screw. That last one took me a bit to figure out. We’ll get to it in a minute.

The Undertaker is available in several different handle materials, including carbon fiber and micarta. The one I have is what they’re calling Sapphire micarta. The S35VN steel blade is 3.0 inches long, with a 2.75-inch cutting edge and a 1.0-inch maximum height.

The handle is 4.0 inches, giving the knife a total overall length of 7.0 inches. One of the reasons the Undertaker jumped out at me is the handle shape. It’s about an inch high at the tail end, tapering to 0.75-inch at the narrowest before ramping back up a bit.

Undertaker handle — The Undertaker has a very distinctive handle profile.

The Undertaker weighs 4.0 ounces. It’s not a ridiculously heavy knife, but there is a solidity to it, which I find appealing. It doesn’t feel flimsy or cheaply made. The pocket clip isn’t reversible, but it is removable.

That’s where that little bit of metal I mentioned earlier comes into play. It’s meant to cover the spot where the pocket clip attaches, giving the knife a smooth and finished look. I’ve not run across this before and felt it was a very nice touch.

Undertaker with pocket clip and cover — If you remove the pocket clip, you can conceal the resulting cavity in the handle with this included metal cover.

This is a flipper-style knife. There is an integrated liner bolster lock to keep the blade in place once it’s been opened. When the lock is released, the blade easily swings closed.

How Does It Perform?

Let’s start with what I like about the Undertaker. It’s an incredible slicer. It has a thin blade, and the geometry is on point. Paper, fruit, boxes, everything parted cleanly and easily when the razor-sharp edge was applied. S35VN is a great steel for pocket knives.

The blade deploys very fast with the flipper. Once locked in place, there is no wiggle whatsoever. The balance point is right about where the bolster meets the micarta scales.

The Undertaker’s pocket clip keeps the knife secure without being awkward when you pull it free. And I really like that they included a cover for the handle if you decide you want to remove the clip.

But I found the handle to be a little difficult to work with. The tail-end corners tended to dig into my palm. Now, I wear a L/XL glove, so someone with smaller hands might not have that issue. But it definitely detracted from my experience with the Undertaker.

I also wish the liner lock would engage a little more of the blade. While I didn’t experience any failure with the lock, I’d feel more confident if there was just a bit more liner involved with that lock. That said, no knife lock should ever be completely trusted.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I like the Undertaker. It’s a gorgeous knife, especially in this Sapphire micarta. It was hair-splitting sharp right out of the box. The knife is great for quick jobs, but I’d not want to spend long periods of time working with it. I wish the handle were either a bit longer or that the end corners were rounded just a touch. Either of those would bump the grade from a B to an A+ in my book.

Find the Undertaker at Finch Knife Co. or DLT Trading.