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Mec-Gar’s 18rd Steel Glock Magazine

By
Tim Stetzer
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I imagine that everyone is familiar with Glock’s polymer mags with the metal lining. They work great, but some folks put their trust in steel. If you’re one of them, you may want to check out Mec-Gar’s new 18-round Glock magazines.

Mec-Gar Glock 17 18rd Magazine

The Italian firm of Mec-Gar has been making magazines since 1965. In fact they make a lot of the OEM magazines for major gun companies. Many folks only advise using factory mags for reliability. Well, Mec-Gar is the company that makes many of those “factory” mags. They also supply military magazines to a number of countries.

Point being, if you’re hesitant about buying aftermarket magazines, Mec-Gar isn’t exactly aftermarket.

Mec-Gar is making three different versions of their Glock mag. Currently, they’re available in 9mm and based on a Glock 17-length body. They’re made from heat-treated carbon steel, with an anti-friction black coating. They use a high-visibility bright green high-impact polymer follower and a high-tensile music wire spring. The baseplate is also made from high-impact polymer.

They are not compatible with standard Glock floor plates. The Mec-Gar mags will work with most guns that accept Glock mags, although they do note that they will not work with a Glock 19X.

Capacity is 18 rounds for the Glock 17 and Glock 19 models, and there’s also a 10-round version for ban states. With the standard capacity magazine, you pick up one extra round over a factory Glock magazine, and they still fit plush with the grip. The Glock 19 version is the same length as the other mags but features a high-impact polymer shroud to match the shorter Glock 19 grip.

The Mec-Gar mags feature dual magazine cutouts so that they’re compatible with any generation Glock. Another unique feature of this magazine is that, unlike other steel Glock mags, you don’t have to replace your factory magazine release. Other steel mags have sharp edges that wear down the polymer mag releases that Glocks come standard with. Generally, you need to replace those with aluminum ones if you want to use a steel mag. Mec-Gar has managed to make a mag cutout that works with the factory mag release.

Field Testing

I had two of the Glock 17 18-round models for testing. Like all of the Mec-Gar mags I’ve used, they were solidly built with excellent fit and finish. There are no sharp edges like you sometimes get on cheap magazines.

The dual-side mag release cutout was interesting. Rather than an actual cut, it’s an indentation with rounded edges. That allows it to lock into whatever generation Glock you’re using, and with the right side mag release button. The rounded edges prevent the factory plastic mag release from wearing down.

I tried the mags in my Gen 3 Glock 17 in pistol mode as well as in the FAB Defense AMP carbine conversion kit. My Glock is SBR’d. I also used it with a Glock 45, which is my current duty gun. For some variety, I also tried it in an SCT Glock 17 and 19 frame, a similar old Strike Industries 80% frame, two Polymer 80 full-sized frames, and an 80% Arms GST-9 frame.

Reliability

Reliability was 100% with a variety of ball and hollow point ammunition. That didn’t surprise me because I’ve been using Mec-Gar mags in my Beretta M9 for years, and have them for a few other guns as well. I’ve always had good luck with them. The mags locked in solid and dropped free in all of the guns, with two exceptions.

On my Gen 3 gun, one mag locked in fine, the other would lock in but could be pulled free, or would pop loose under recoil. I was initially concerned about this until I tested the mag in my other guns. This is the only one that it happens with.

In fairness, that’s my oldest Glock, and the mag release was likely already worn before I ever started using the Mec-Gar mags. I think it’s worn just enough that it isn’t grabbing the rounded edge of the Mec-Gar mag cutout. There must be some slight variation between the two mags because the other one works fine in that gun.

The other problem I had was with one of my Polymer 80 frames that has a flared magazine well. The base plate is just big enough that it keeps the mag from fully seating, as it interferes with the flare on the aftermarket mag well. I suspect this may be why Mec-Gar says that the mags aren’t compatible with the 19X as well. Not all aftermarket mag wells are alike, though, so your mileage may differ.

Wrap Up

If you’re a fan of steel mags, the new Mec-Gar Glock mags are right up your alley. They’re solid, well-built, and reliable. The fact that they give you one more round than a factory mag while still being flush fit doesn’t hurt either. MSRP is $29.00, which is pretty competitive with factory mags. Even better, though, is that I’m seeing street prices under $20 online. That’s a downright steal.

Currently, I carry a factory mag with a +3 extension for a 20+1 capacity in my Glock 45 for work. I carry two 17-round mags in my mag pouches for a total of 55 rounds. That’s a bunch of ammo. If I swapped out to the ec-Gars, I would still have the same 55-round ammo capacity but with a flush-fit mag in the grip instead of the extended one. Looks like I may need to buy a third Mec-Gar Glock mag now.

For more information on Mec-Gar’s Glock mags or other products, check out their website at Mec-Gar.com.

The Shot Timer: Beyond the Beep

By
Travis Pike
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Most folks who brand themselves “serious shooters” have a shot timer. We’ve shelled out what seems like a pocketful of cash for a piece of plastic with a Gameboy-era screen, and we’re proud of it! Shot timers are brilliant tools and are one of the few things, outside of ammunition and training, that can truly make you a better shooter.

Taking Full Advantage of Your Shot Timer

Most of us use shot timers in a fairly simple way: shoot the drill, examine the time, and try to be faster next time. For many things, that’s fine. However, you aren’t getting the most out of your shot timer just by doing that. In fact, to truly maximize its utility, you might need to grab a notebook and pen, or at least a notes app on your phone.

To give credit where credit is due, the idea of a shooting journal was first introduced to me by Rick Hogg of War Hogg Tactical. He provided a shooting journal at the class I took with him. He introduced me to the concept, and it’s been a must-have for most of my training. If I’m seriously trying to improve, I’m breaking out the shooting journal and the shot timer.

How I Used to Use a Shot Timer

Years ago, when I first purchased a shot timer, I used it fairly simply. The timer went “beep,” I shot my drill, looked at the timer, and tried to go faster. I typically had a good idea of how fast I could shoot a Bill Drill, a Failure To Stop drill, or my draw to first shot, and I just tried to be a little quicker.

When shooting a Bill Drill, I might check my draw-to-first-shot time alongside my total time, but that was it. If you shoot competitively, you often only get to see the end time because, at a match, that’s all that really matters. For a lot of people, that end time has become the number we all pay attention to.

When you only pay attention to that number, you’re leaving a lot on the table. A lot of what exactly? Data. Shot timers and targets provide data that can be used to diagnose shooting issues and to generally improve your shooting skills. The timer isn’t everything, but it does provide a ton of data that correlates with your target.

The Better Way to Use a Shot Timer

Targets and shot timers provide data, but if you don’t record your data, then it’s somewhat useless. Maybe you have a steel trap of a mind, but I don’t. Unless it’s a weird fact about a caliber that hasn’t existed since the 1960s, I’m not likely to keep track of it.

Recording data provides you with the ability to go back and review your previous performance and keep a track record of improvements, or observe if your performance is declining. The first step in getting the most out of your shot timer is to get a shooting journal and use it.

I tend to write out the drill I’m shooting. I approach my training with a plan, or at the very least, I try to. My journal will have something like:

Bill Drill

Shot 1 – Shot 2 – Shot 3 – Shot 4 – Shot 5 – Shot 6 –

Record It

I’m recording every shot fired. I’m using the timer to review each shot, and each shot gets its own split time. The reason for this is that I can use this time to diagnose or notice trends. One trend I personally notice is that I always speed up the more I shoot. Shots 4, 5, and 6 are considerably faster than shots 1, 2, and 3.

I know the first shot comes after a draw, so it’s slower. However, if I can capture that same speed and control for shots 2 and 3, I can cut my time down drastically. Without using the shot timer to its full advantage, I wouldn’t know this. My “caveman mind” would just be saying, “Just go faster!”

I do this for various drills, and I make sure to break them down by target. If I’m shooting a FAST drill, I’m recording the shots a bit differently to accommodate the two different targets used. If I’m doing a multi-target engagement, I’m doing the same. This way, I can observe if my transitions to the right or left are faster or slower.

The shot timer is one aspect of data. As mentioned, the target matters too. If I have a miss, or let’s say my group is wider than average on my Bill Drill, I notate it. This way, I’m not leaving any data on the table.

Watching the Time

Use your shot timer to its full advantage. Shooting and skill improvement can be data-driven and should be data-driven. Record, observe, and learn from the data your shot timer provides, and you’ll get a bit better every range trip.

Pick a Card, any Grim Workshop Card!

By
Michael D'Angona
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Imagine carrying tools for hunting, fishing, fire-making, first-aid, lockpicking, and overall survival, just to name a few. Then have them fit conveniently inside your pockets or within your wallet. This isn’t only wishful thinking, it’s reality with the Grim Workshop’s vast array of card-sized tools. They excel at individual task-specific cards and fully themed mini kits.

Who Is Grim Workshop?

This all-American-made micro gear company excels at keeping tools that work extremely well on your person at all times. Here, we’ll dive deep into this company’s philosophy. We will explore Grim Workshop’s Texan, get-down-n-dirty approach to producing what’s needed. Finally, you’ll see their vast inventory and what you may need to complete your ultimate survival assembly.

The Grim Philosophy

Simply put, The Grim Workshop’s underlying philosophy is simple, direct, and what everyone should strive for in their gear. Specifically, being reusable, compact, and functional. You can remove all parts and return them to their original position, thanks to Grim’s ingenious Tool Retention System. You can also reuse them time and time again.

When it comes to compactness, you can’t get better than just 1 mm-thick cards. The cards store flat and are no larger than a typical credit card.

Functionality is where Grim Workshop takes the top prize. Their cards run the gamut of categories such as survival, hunting, and trapping. As well as minor sub-categories such as cooking, meal use, lock-picking, sewing, first-aid, and cutting. There’s no fluff here, only workable, hardcore tools that stand up to the rigors of heavy outdoor use.

Extensive Variety

What makes Grim Workshop’s products so invaluable to any adventurer is not just their durability or their ingenious design. It’s their sheer variety and the number of tools they offer. These cards are useful in dense forests, along a coastline, or navigating the streets of the concrete jungle. Simply put, they offer numerous tool cards that suit just about any environment.

They offer both individual cards and tin closable container kits (think Altoid-sized tins). The single card offerings include deep woods favorites like their spring snare and the fishing card. Grim’s signature survival card, their bushcraft card, and their highly interesting multi-spear card are deep woods essentials.

Some of the components of these cards include a spearhead, fishing hooks, and a small knife. While others offer lures, hooks, sharpeners, sewing needles, and much more. All are reusable and are constructed to take a beating out in the field.

Concrete jungle applications

Urban dwellers aren’t left out when it comes to useful, easy-to-carry gear, as their location-specific cards offer a variety of lock picks, universal handcuff keys, a bypass tool card, and escape and evasion tools, such as mini saws and “pry-bar” cards.

When it comes to kits, Grim gives you a handful of themed cards and gear, all contained within a durable metal containment tin. From a few cards up to a complete survival bundle, Grim Workshop truly does have something for everyone, no matter what outdoor activity they prefer.

Incredible Oddities

Aside from their card and kits, Grim Workshop has products that few other companies offer, and these can be classified as unconventional necessities. Their Cordage Making Dog Tag is one such item. This compact tool allows you to make usable cordage from plastic water and soda bottles. It’s lightweight, compact, and built to last under harsh outdoor use. The cordage maker is used to create dozens of feet of strong cordage using basically discarded trash found throughout most environments.

Grim’s glow card is another specialized addition that provides a pleasing glow for up to ten full hours. It’s rechargeable, waterproof, UV resistant, and like most of Grim’s card tools, fits easily inside your wallet.

In addition, the Firefly series consists of three tools designed to assist with fire building. And, like everything else in the Gim Workshop line, they all fit in your pocket.

Dog tags, weapons, and more!

Other unique items include tool-filled dog tags that hang around your neck, a slingshot card that can be used to acquire food in the wild, and a credit card-sized water purification kit (yes, it’s hard to believe) that contains a clear water purification bag and water purification tablet.

As they say, there’s more, much more when it comes to Grim’s extensive product line. Stash cards that hold various themed gear, matches that mimic the dimensions of a credit card, and survival cards that feature survival tips and tricks are all available for anyone who wants literal tools at their fingertips.

A brand you can trust

With Grim Workshop, the simple line, Made in the USA, isn’t just a throwaway cliche. The slogan isn’t a hook to market their products to prospective consumers, either. In reality, it’s their mantra. It correlates to superior quality, superior craftsmanship, and good old American reliability.

Keep in mind that the entire process, from an initial idea to the final product available for sale, is all USA-based. From conception to prototyping, to sourcing the steel and manufacturing, nothing happens outside the US borders, and that means a lot in today’s day and age.

Personally, I have used Grim Workshop’s cards with amazing success in the past. I will continue to do so in the present and in the foreseeable future. It’s time to pull the trigger and try some tool cards for yourself. Before you know it, you’ll have the best hand in town!

The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-9 – The High TEC 9

By
Travis Pike
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Bear Creek Arsenal is known for making some of the most affordable firearms on the market. They primarily produce AR-15s, but they’ve dabbled in the Glock Gen 3 platform a few times. They’ve also dabbled into “weird ARs.” This includes .410 shotgun uppers, bolt-action uppers, and things like this—the BC-9.

The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-9

The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-9 is a series of AR-type pistols and rifles that eliminate the need for a receiver extension. No receiver extension, no buffer, just a simplistic firearm. The BC-9 comes in several sizes, but as a PDW enthusiast, I went with the shortest, simplest model with a 5-inch barrel. With a five-inch barrel and a distinct lack of a receiver extension, I’ve labeled this gun the High-Tec 9.

As you’d expect, the BC-9 takes Glock magazines! Users can pick between left or right side charging handles. I went with a left-side design since it would be easier to manipulate with my non-firing hand. However, the right side design would work a lot better with folding stocks or braces since most fold to the left side.

While the gun ditches a receiver extension and uses a proprietary upper, it utilizes a standard AR-lower receiver. The big difference is an aluminum block that blocks the receiver extension and provides a 1913 rail for braces or stocks if you go with a rifle variant. The simplistic design uses fairly standard AR controls with a proprietary magazine release to accommodate the Glock magazine.

How The BC-9 Works

The BC-9 series are straight blowback firearms that use a proprietary bolt. It doesn’t look a whole lot different from a standard blowback AR-9 bolt. The front is still like the “pug” of bolt carrier groups, but the rear of the BCG has been trimmed off significantly. Up top, there is a recoil guide rod port.

The recoil guide rod connects to a recoil spring and another port in the block that attaches to the receiver extension cover of the BC-9. The system ditches the need for a receiver extension, and a straight blowback system doesn’t need anything crazy to function with your average 9mm round.

It’s simplistic enough. The gun uses a charging handle attached to the bolt, and the charging handle predictably reciprocates when the gun is fired. Additional features include a fairly short and simple M-LOK rail and a rather obnoxious and long flash hider that’s not necessary for a 9mm by any means.

The Bear Creek Arsenal BC-9 – In Hand

The BC-9 won’t blow your mind ergonomically. The AR-lower is what you expect. It features a swept-back magazine release that’s easily accessible and easy to engage with. The charging handle can present an issue when it comes to optics. We can get the old “SCAR knuckle” if you have an optic with a large bolt or QD lever hanging off the side. It’s easy to avoid these days, but it’s smart to be aware of.

The gun lacks a last-round bolt hold-open device, which slows reloads a bit. It’s like an MP5 but doesn’t cost obscene money. The BC-9 series has a bolt release, by the way, but it’s basically just for looks.

Other than that, it’s all AR. If it can work in a 9mm, blowback-operated AR, it can work in the BC-9.

To the Range

The BC-9 features a straight blowback design, typically imparting a violent recoil impulse. Surprisingly, the BC-9 handles rather well. The recoil is still a little stiff, but it’s not violent. I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the recoil impulse feels. It’s easy to shoot and control without a brace or stock. I can shoot it in high-tech style, as if I’m a gangster in the future.

The BC-9 is easy enough to control to drive a half-dozen rounds into a target without any difficulty. Even without a brace or stock, I made fifty-yard hits with a Holosun SCRS red dot. Just put the dot on and let it rip. I was pleasantly surprised by the BC-9’s accuracy.

It’s incredibly consistent. The BC-9 can hit an 8.5×11-inch target at 100 yards without a brace or stock. Just a steady hand and the gun can put those 9mm pills right where you want them. The BC-9 can punch a nice, tight hole at 15 yards that’s just a ragged hole. Combining a comfortable recoil impulse and accurate design makes it easy to shoot straight and fast.

Ultimately, my only complaint is that the gun has a little bit of trigger slap. You hit the trigger, and it hits back. It’s not bad; it’s not like a Cobray MAC clone, but it’s noticeable. If you can get past that, the BC-9 can land plenty of accurate hits in a controllable manner. Add a stock or brace, and it’ll get even better.

The Hitch

The BC-9 is accurate, it’s reliable, it’s easy to shoot for the most part, and it’s even easy to control. Admittedly, plenty of guns fit that bill, but the BC-9 offers you all that at a low price point. The entire gun retails for less than $600. That makes it a budget-friendly PDW that’s nicer than it has any right to be. BCA has made a fairly innovative product at an excellent price point.

Their First Knife – What to Give Them and When

By
Jim Cobb
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First Knife - lead image
Photo credit: DLT Trading.

Receiving their first real knife is a rite of passage for many children. Given that I’m a certified knife nerd, a fairly common question I receive is, “How old should my child be before I give them their first knife?” This is often followed by a request for recommendations.

Considerations for Your Child’s First Knife

The thing is, there is no magic age that somehow qualifies a child to carry and use a sharp knife, with or without supervision. I mean, if we’re being honest, I know middle-aged men who probably shouldn’t be allowed to carry a plastic spoon outside the house, let alone anything sharp and pointy.

So, if age isn’t an indicator, what is?

Maturity

Probably the single most important thing to look for when deciding when to award a child their first knife is maturity. Now granted, child and maturity aren’t words that often go together well. But the child has to be able to follow rules and instructions, as well as understand consequences.

There is a level of trust involved. You have to know that you can rely on them to treat it with the respect it deserves. Being responsible is an aspect of maturity.

Dexterity

If the child cannot hold and maneuver it safely and effectively, then it won’t matter which one you choose for their first knife. Their hands have to be large enough to maintain control of the knife at all times. While the child may lack the fine motor control necessary for intricate cuts, such as detailed carving, they should be able to execute basic whittling sorts of cuts.

Bear in mind that manipulating a lockback, liner lock, or other safety feature on a folding knife also requires a certain degree of deftness and finger strength.

First Knife Recommendations

I have a few requirements in mind when I consider whether a given knife would make for a good first-time blade for a young man or young woman.

First is quality. I’m not so old that I don’t remember how much abuse it will suffer in the hands of a child. Sure, even adults tend to treat their knives like rented mules, but when you’re a kid, I feel like there’s a tendency to use a knife for everything, including a pry bar and an improvised flathead screwdriver. With that in mind, I want to be confident that the knife will hold up.

At the same time, the first knife shouldn’t be too expensive. The thing is, kids tend to lose things. So, I’d say try to keep it under $50 or so. There are plenty of great options at that price point without sacrificing quality.

The first knife should also be relatively simple. By that, I mean avoid flippers or assisted open knives, along with automatics. If you want a folding knife, then a slip joint is the way to go. A fixed blade might be even better for some, as there aren’t any moving parts at all.

Let’s look at a few options that meet those parameters. We’ll include both folders and fixed blades.

Swiss Army Knife – Tinker or Hiker

First Knife - Tinker
Swiss Army Knife – Tinker. Photo credit: DLT Trading.

A Swiss Army knife makes for a great first knife option. They’re common, easy to find, easy to use, and quite handy. I prefer either the Tinker or the Hiker, with the latter having a great little wood saw on board.

First knife - Hiker
Swiss Army Knife – Hiker. Photo credit: DLT Trading.

Kershaw Knives Culpepper

First knife - Culpepper
Kershaw Culpepper. Photo credit: DLT Trading.

The Culpepper is one of my favorite inexpensive folders. It has just one blade, so it’s simple and easy. It’s also very comfortable in hand and holds up great with minimal care and maintenance.

Mora Companion

First knife - Companion
Mora Companion. Photo credit: DLT Trading.

The Companion is probably one of the most commonly recommended fixed blades around, and for good reason. It’s dependable, well-made, and punches well above its weight class. I like the bright orange model for visibility.

CRKT Minimalist Nessmuk

First knife - Minimalist Nessmuk
CRKT Minimalist Nessmuk. Photo credit: DLT Trading.

The Minimalist Nessmuk would be one more great first knife option. It is perfect for small hands, arrives razor sharp, and comes with a good sheath that can be worn on a belt or on a neck lanyard.

Holosun SCRS RD – Solar Supremacy

By
Travis Pike
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Would you buy a red dot that is powered by nothing more than a solar panel? No user-replaceable battery, just an internal battery powered by nothing more than a solar panel? It seems like an odd ask, but Holosun thinks you’ll buy it so much that they produced the SCRS RD, a red dot powered purely by the power of the sun!

I was skeptical, so I had to give one a try. I did more than that; I tortured the absolute hell out of the SCRS RD. I could do the lame thing and make you wait until the end, but I’ll be nice. It works, it works well, it doesn’t break, and there are a few applications where it can exceed. Ultimately, it’s not as useful as their SCS model for handguns, but it has its place.

Dissecting the Holosun SCRS RD

The Holosun SCRS RD is a miniature rifle optic with an old-school tube format. It’s just way smaller than any other tube-style optic. Even compared to optics like the Aimpoint Micro series, the SCRS is smaller and lighter. The SCRS weighs 2.45 ounces and is only 1.7 inches long. Let me also stress that this is a rifle optic.

I mention that because the SCRS uses the 509T footprint. It will fit on a handgun, but the manual clearly states that you shouldn’t do that. The SCRS isn’t rated for the reciprocating effect of the slide moving back and forth. The 509T footprint does open you up for a few different mountings, and the optic comes with a lower 1/3rd mount. That mount has a nice big nut that makes it secure to your platform.

Holosun makes the SCRS in multiple varieties. There is a multi-reticle system option as well as the standard 2 MOA dot design. I have the 2 MOA dot for review. The reticle has twelve brightness settings and the option for an automatic mode if you don’t want to control the brightness level. I prefer a manual mode.

Up top is the solar panel that charges the optic and keeps it running. The battery reportedly lasts 50,000 hours from full. What setting that is isn’t apparent, but even if it’s half that at a usable setting, it’s plenty for most shooters.

Going Bang with the SCRS

The Holosun SCRS zeroed without a problem. The 1 MOA adjustments are broad and easy to use. The turrets provide excellent feedback and offer both audible and tactile feedback. I zeroed it on my Bear Creek Armory BC-9 and lit it up while testing the little PDW.

The BC-9 is a really big handgun. I think the preferred term is large-format pistol. That describes the BC-9 well. Since it’s stockless, the recoil means the gun is moving up and down and backward. As such, you could watch the dot and tell it doesn’t lag or have emitter issues. The refresh rate is tight. You can swing the gun left and right; the dot doesn’t lag behind.

The dot itself is quite crisp and round. It’s almost a perfect 2 MOA with a little bloom to it. There is nothing noticeable or detracting from the SCRS and its overall potential. The dot’s crisp enough to blend in with a magnifier and not be a hassle.

The optic has a slight blue notch filter, but it’s not bad by any means. It’s lighter than I typically see with Holosun optics. They might be lightening up a bit on their darker-than-average notch filter. The view through the optic is nice and clear, and the dot looks fantastic.

Beyond Shooting

I had heard somewhere that solar panels can be a weak point. Notably, when broken, they allow water to enter the optic. With that in mind and a keen eye to torturing the optic, I beat the hell out of the SCRS. I dropped it, I hammered things against it, soaked it with water, and even heated it up.

I thoroughly broke the glass cover on the solar panel. I dropped it against concrete, I used a Colt SMG magazine as a hammer to the glass, and then dropped it into a Tupperware container full of water and went to bed. The next morning, there was absolutely zero water ingress. I sprayed it with a hose for a more pressurized effect, but nothing happened.

The optic took plenty of abuse, but it still works just as well as it did on day one. Even with the broken solar panel, the automatic mode works without a problem. The SCRS can take some abuse and keep on ticking.

Where the SCRS Fits

Ultimately, I don’t like the solar panel-only power system for defensive or duty use. I wouldn’t want to grab it out of the corner to find that I didn’t charge the dot. I’d much rather replace the battery once a year than forget to put my optic in the sunshine. Where the SCRS will fit is in roles like competition.

It would be a stellar PCC or Steel Challenge optic. It would be great for plinking or even hunting. You’ll be outside and in the sun, so the battery is never an issue. The SCRS fits perfectly in those roles, and with its low price point, it’s easy to see its place in some of the less serious firearm roles.

The SCRS is a solid little optic, and it’s impressively small, while remaining durable and affordable. Heck, it might encourage you to go outside and touch grass.

Federal’s .25 ACP Punch Packs a Wallop

By
Tim Stetzer
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Back before the days of tiny .380’s and subcompact 9mm’s, the .25 ACP was actually a go to round. If you wanted a tiny back up gun it was that, or a .22LR. Unless you managed to get on the waiting list for a .32 ACP Seecamp. The .25 ACP was never a power house, but ammo improvements have finally made it a bit more viable. Federal’s new .25 ACP Punch load breathes new life into a 120 year old round.

The Federal .25 ACP Punch

The .25 ACP Punch

Back in the day, I used a Beretta 950BS as a pocket auto. It was a backup gun, and for carrying places where the utmost discretion was required. I knew it didn’t have much in the way of stopping power, but it was reliable and fairly accurate for what it was. I could have used a .22LR model 21A or similar, but the centerfire .25 ACP tended to be more reliable. The trade-off was less velocity, and thus less penetration.

You can read horror stories of .25’s not penetrating heavy clothing, or getting lodged in bone. I knew it wasn’t a big stopper, but I also figured it was better than harsh language. Most folks don’t want to take a magazine full of rounds to the face, .25 caliber or not. The flip side is, as a cop, I saw enough cases of people who got capped by .25’s to know it wasn’t totally useless. It could definitely be better, though.

It’s taken a while, but Federal has done just that with their .25 ACP Punch load. The Punch uses a solid 45-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 850 fps. That’s pretty good for a .25. It’s about 100 fps faster than the basic 50gr FMJ load and with a bullet optimized for penetration. The bullet itself consists of a lead core with a heavy nickel jacket. It’s loaded into brass cases and has a sealed primer. Federal claims that it outperforms any of its competitors in this caliber.

Hear What Federal Has to Say About the .25 ACP Punch

New Life to Old Guns

There aren’t a lot of new guns being made in .25 ACP. Actually, I’m not sure if any are currently being made. There are an awful lot of old ones still around, though, including the excellent Beretta 950BS like mine, and the Baby Brownings. If you have one gathering dust in the safe, it may be worth dragging it out and giving the Punch a try. Thanks to Federal, the .25 ACP Punch gives new life to Browning’s 120-year-old cartridge.

.25 ACP Punch Specs

Caliber25 Auto
Grain Weight45 gr
Bullet StyleSolid
Muzzle Velocity825 fps
Package Quantity20
UsageSelf-Defense
MSRP$24.99

For more information on the .25 ACP Punch load, check out Federal’s website.

Educate Yourself – Essential Reading for Preppers

By
Jim Cobb
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Essential reading for preppers

There are a ton of preparedness books on the market today. It seems like new ones crop up daily. Although, as of lately, you need to watch out for AI-written garbage. These are four books I’d consider to be essential reading for any budding prepper’s education. They provide a solid foundation, covering distinct areas while also overlapping and reinforcing the information found in each of them. These aren’t the only books to reference, but they’re a great place to begin the journey.

Essential Preparedness Reading

The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley

Why it’s essential reading: In this book, you’ll learn about how our bodies and minds are wired to react during stressful situations. Ripley spent considerable time interviewing experts in various fields as well as survivors from a number of different major events. She even underwent some research studies herself. All in an effort to figure out why some people survive a disaster while others don’t.

Some of the answers may surprise you. But all of the information here can help you better position yourself for survival when bad things happen. The newly released 2nd edition includes information related to the COVID pandemic. It also touches on the impact social media can have regarding disaster response.

Be Ready for Anything by Daisy Luther

Why it’s essential reading: This is one of the best general preparedness books available today. Luther provides great information on how to prepare for a number of different emergencies, including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and economic collapse. While many preparedness steps are fairly universal, such as food and water storage, there are also factors that are unique to each scenario and that should be addressed.

Few people can afford to just pull up stakes and buy a homestead in the middle of nowhere. Luther recognizes this and focuses her discussion on realistic things people can do themselves, even on a limited budget.

Becoming Bulletproof by Evy Poumpouras

Why it’s essential reading: You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone more well-versed in personal security than the US Secret Service. Poumpouras is a former Secret Service agent with a ton of field experience protecting presidents and their families. She digs deep into developing the proper mindset as well as how to read people through their words and actions, and how to properly assess threats.

She also goes into great detail about influencing people, both how to do it and how others will do it to you. Throughout the book, she concentrates on real-world examples of how the information she’s providing can be used.

Extreme Wilderness Survival by Craig Caudill

Why it’s essential reading: Caudill is a well-respected survival teacher and author. He and his cadre of instructors have taught thousands of students, from civilians to law enforcement and military to members of various three-letter agencies. This isn’t just one more volume on how to make a fire and build a debris hut.

In this book, he covers a range of topics, including the survival mindset, wilderness survival skills, and even moving into situational awareness and personal protection. Caudill is adept at breaking down complex topics into easily digested sections, so that the reader or student isn’t lost along the way.

Breaking Down Pump-Action Shotgun Generations

By
Travis Pike
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You can look at firearm genres and break them down by generations. You can classify handguns, rifles, machine guns, and more by generations. This can be useful to track technological progress and examine the past to figure out what the future might hold. Today, we are going to do that with shotguns, specifically pump-action shotguns. To me, there are three distinct generations of pump-action shotguns.

Pump Shotguns – Then and Now

We haven’t quite established what the fourth generation is or will be, but there are a few contenders fighting for the title. Pump-action shotguns originated in 1882 with the Spencer 1882. This is the same Spencer that created the Spencer repeating rifle, which was the first military metallic-cartridge repeating rifle.

The Spencer 1882 was the first successful pump-action shotgun, but not successful enough to keep the company afloat. Spencer sold the shotgun patents to Francis Bannerman, who would buy Spencer’s company and continue to produce the shotgun.

The Spencer 1882 is best described as a Gen 0 shotgun. It helped establish the basic layout for pump shotguns to come. The gun used a tubular magazine placed beneath the barrel that held anywhere from five to eight rounds, depending on the model. It was a simple design that was revolutionary for the time.

LIZ

When Winchester created the 1893 shotgun, Bannerman immediately leaped into a lawsuit against Winchester. This lawsuit helped spur the popularity of pump-action shotguns. Winchester went to extreme lengths to defend their weapon. Winchester dug through past patents and eventually found two and even recreated a pump-action, bullpup rifle to prove pump-action weapons already existed.

Bannerman’s suit was tossed, and any potential patents tied to pump-action designs were gone, which opened up the market for pump-action shotguns. Everyone could make one now, and everyone did.

First Generation

The first generation of pump shotguns is highlighted by the Winchester 1897. It was arguably the most successful of these pump-action guns. It was an improvement on the 1893 and proved to be fairly sturdy, reliable, and easy to use. It’s the most well-known shotgun of this era, and its military use specifically made it famous.

Beyond the Winchester 1897, guns like the Marlin 1898 and the Burgess Folding Shotgun exemplify the First Generation of pump-action shotguns. They had exposed hammers, and their actions were unique, often exposed when the pump was activated. The actions were somewhat rough. They weren’t smooth, and they weren’t particularly strong guns.

“Intricate” best describes this generation of shotguns. When called upon, they worked and did a fantastic job, but there was room for improvement, and that led to the second generation of pump shotguns.

Second Generation

The second generation of pump shotguns produced some of the most famous pump shotguns on the market, certainly the most legendary. This era started with John Pedersen’s Remington Model 10 in 1908. This gun incorporated a number of changes we’d see in the future of pump shotguns, namely enclosed hammers, stronger actions, and less intricate designs.

The Model 10 might have started the era, but the Winchester Model 12 emphasized everything great about the second generation of pump shotguns. These guns were built by craftsmen and featured incredibly smooth actions, robust designs, and often beautiful blued finishes. Reliability was amped up several notches, and these guns are often still used by hunters and sport shooters.

This generation encompasses guns like the Remington Model 31, the Ithaca 37, and various Marlin “teen” guns. Some were used in World War I, and many saw action into World War II, Vietnam, and even the first Gulf War. Guns like the Model 12 and Ithaca 37 were absolute tanks. These are often best described as heirloom guns.

These were arguably fantastic guns, but they did have some issues. Performance-wise, they were single-arm guns that could bind, which could affect reliability. The big problem these guns had was how hard and expensive they were to produce.

Third Generation

The third generation of shotguns was ushered in with the Remington 870. The Remington 870 introduced a shotgun that could be mass-produced by modern manufacturing methods. These guns were cheaper and quicker to produce, but still offered a robust and strong design. The 870 also introduced the concept of dual-action bars.

This new generation of pump shotgun gave birth to modern classics like the Mossberg 500 and the Winchester 1200/1300 series. It established the means of producing pump shotguns we see out of foreign sources like China and Turkey as well. This is the generation that currently arms most shooters and widely serves with police and military forces.

The third generation premiered in 1951, and over time, this generation has been adapted to modern needs. They’ve been modified with short barrels or extended magazine tubes. We see a greater degree of modularity with these guns and the adoption of lights and red dots.

What’s the Fourth Gen Look Like?

We don’t have a fourth generation of pump-action shotguns. At least not officially. There are some guns and concepts that could be the fourth generation of pump shotgun. My bet is on the Benelli Nova. A move to polymer makes sense to lighten weight and make production easier.

Maybe I’m completely wrong, and guns like the KelTec KSG and S&W M&P 12 will usher in a new era of higher-capacity shotguns in bullpup formats. I doubt it, but hey, I’m willing to play ball.

Maybe there won’t be a fourth generation of pump shotguns. Maybe semi-autos will finally take over, and the only pump guns will be third-generation guns. It remains to be seen, but I’m happy to see shotguns advancing, improving, and growing.

An OTF With Class – The CRKT Twist Tighe Compact Auto

By
Jim Cobb
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CRKT Twist Tighe
Photo credit: CRKT.

I owned the CRKT Twist Tighe Compact Auto for maybe four minutes. That’s how long it took for my wife to notice it. She grabbed the knife, fired it open and closed a couple of times, then slid it into her pocket while saying thanks and walking away. So, going forward, understand that this review and discussion are centered on my wife’s knife that she graciously allowed me to borrow for the sake of this article.

The CRKT Twist Tighe

The Twist Tighe is an OTF automatic, a first for CRKT. Open, it runs 6.78 inches end to end, with a 2.69-inch blade. The handle is a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum. This results in an incredibly light knife, just 1.60 ounces.

The handle is about 0.875-inch wide and maybe 0.3125-inch thick. It’s equipped with a deep carry pocket clip that is reversible.

The MagnaCut spear point blade is double-edged and arrives with a keen edge on both sides. There are no serrations, and the blade has a stonewash finish. It’s available in three handle colors – green, black, or rose quartz.

CRKT Twist Tighe - available colors.
Photo credit: CRKT.

There is no safety switch or button on the Twist Tighe, as it’s unnecessary. The deployment button has a fairly long slide, so there’s virtually no chance of accidental openings. This is a double-action knife, meaning you push the button forward to release the blade, then pull it back to retract it.

The Twist Tighe was designed by Brian Tighe. He’s a highly regarded knife maker who has collaborated with CRKT on numerous projects. This knife is 100% made in the USA.

Twist Tighe Performance

During the stolen moments when I was able to sneak the knife away from my wife, I was very impressed with it. The Twist Tighe Compact is a fun automatic in that the action is quite snappy without much recoil. That’s probably one of the reasons she likes it so much.

The texturing on the handle provides a secure grip, but is quite comfortable as well. The carbon fiber side is mesmerizing in its beauty, too.

MagnaCut is still somewhat new, having arrived on the knife scene in 2021, but it’s been around long enough to establish a solidly positive reputation. It takes a wicked sharp edge and keeps it for quite a while.

CRKT Twist Tighe cutting
Photo credit: CRKT.

As a carry knife, it all but disappears in the pocket. It’s so slim and lightweight that you might forget it’s even there. And that’s part of what we want in an EDC knife, right? Most of us aren’t looking for a boat anchor that we’ll have to drag around all day long.

Now, the Twist Tighe isn’t the type of knife you’d typically use for heavy chores, especially bushcraft sorts of projects. It’s more dagger than it is carver. That said, it’s great for a lot of the more mundane and routine stuff around the house or office, like opening mail and packages, breaking down boxes, cutting cordage, and such.

The CRKT Twist Tighe has an MSRP of $300. You can find it at CRKT.

The Beretta 20X – The New Bobcat

By
Travis Pike
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One of the best things about reviewing anything in .22LR is the ammo cost. Good gosh, it’s a joy to break even when doing a gun review. I was excited for the Bobcat 20X; as a fan of tip-up Berettas, the new 20X and 30X were huge draws for me. The 20X Bobcat more or less snuck onto the market this year after being displayed at SHOT 2025.

Beretta 20X

Beretta sent me a 20X to test and review. I was incredibly curious to see if the 20X improved on the 21A, the previous Bobcat, which is now discontinued. I have two 21A Bobcats, and neither is reliable enough to be anything more than a plinker. Beretta needs to settle these issues and create a capable pocket .22LR for defense.

The tip-up barrel system allows you to directly access the chamber. You can easily clear or load the chamber with no hand strength required. I find tip-up guns to be extremely charming, and I do see their utility.

Let’s see if the Beretta 20X fits that role.

What’s New With the 20X

The 20X has received quite the facelift. It’s still a .22LR tip-up barrel system that retains the DA/SA design of the 21A. Other than that, the 21A and 20X don’t have a lot in common. Sure, both are distinctly Berettas with the open barrel design Beretta is known for.

Yet, the 20X series gets a hefty facelift. First, ergonomically, there are quite a few changes. The tip-up now activates via a button instead of a lever. Beretta moved the magazine release up to a more traditional location. The trigger is now a flat-faced design that features a much lighter pull overall.

The sights are now removable and adjustable. They are also much larger and easier to see. Beretta makes a few models of the 20X, including a suppressor-ready version. My example is the “You’re On Your Own” model, and it’s the standard, no-frills model. The grips are G10 and aggressively textured.

One of the biggest changes is the size. The 20X and 30X are now essentially the same frame. The 20X is much larger than the 21A. It’s wider, thicker, and heavier. The magazine now holds eight rounds and extends from below the grip, where it acts like a grip extension.

Shooting the 20X Bobcat

Reliability was what I was focused on. Will the gun go bang when I press that trigger? I brought a mix of ammo, and I wanted this gun to function with the cheapest ammo I had, which was CCI Blazer and Federal Automatch. I also brought Federal Punch, Velocitors, and CCI Mini Mags just in case I needed pricey ammo for it to work.

Heartbreak hit me hard in my first few magazines. There were constant failures to fire, failures to eject, and complicated malfunctions. Every magazine had problems. Light strikes were the most common. The gun always fired when it was in double-action, and the light strikes always came in single-action mode.

I hate the idea of a break-in period with a modern gun, but I’m glad I stuck it out. It took about 150 to 200 rounds before the issues cleared up. All the complicated malfunctions disappeared. I still had the occasional light strike, but the gun would always fire when it reverted to double-action.

The gun ate through the cheap stuff; in fact, it arguably did better. For some reason, the Velocitor rounds would fail harshly. They’d often get stuck on the feed ramp, so maybe it’s about projectile design more than anything else.

Beyond Reliability

What about everything else? Recoil is extremely mild. The gun barely moves, and it’s a ton of fun to shoot. You can quickly dump a magazine into a target without any control issues. Bill Drills can be done in a flash.

The sights are easy to see and use. You can get a flash sight picture and let the lead fly. The 20X turned out to be a surprisingly accurate weapon. Even at 25 yards, I could hit hanging gongs from six to ten inches quickly and easily. The new trigger with its reduced pull is fantastic.

The lighter trigger finally makes the tip-up make sense. If your hand strength was so poor you couldn’t rack a round into the chamber, then a heavy trigger isn’t going to be very beneficial. That’s changed, and the new flat trigger is a much lighter and better option.

I was not surprised when the gun started eating my hand. All of the Beretta tip-ups eat my hands. Big hands and little guns don’t always work that well. It’s a pain I’m used to. Other than that, the gun is built to be a shooter.

The wide grip and aggressive grip panels make it easy to hold onto. The limited recoil is not a problem, and the gun’s quite accurate. You can create surprisingly small groups. At ten yards, I could keep my groups under four inches. 

The Bobcat

Admittedly, the Bobcat is not a pocket pistol anymore. It’s grown a fair bit in size and weight. It’s not a pocket gun, but it’s a great shooter. I’m sure someone can shove one in their pocket, but it’s such a large weapon that it’s going to print a ton.

With that said, I still like the Bobcat. It’s fun to shoot, easy to handle, and surprisingly accurate. I see why Beretta made their changes, but I do wish it were a bit smaller and stuck to the Bobcat’s roots.

BREAKING: The Big Beautiful Bill Remains a Rollercoaster for Gun Rights

By
Travis Pike
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SilencerCo Hybrid .46 CAL
The SilencerCo Hybrid .46 CAL works great to reduce the sound of the rifle when out on the range or hunting.

The Big Beautiful Bill didn’t make a ripple when it hit the public; it made a tidal wave. The Big Beautiful Bill initially promised to remove the tax on suppressors. The wording made it sound like they would remain on the registry, but the bill would remove the tax required to transfer them. That wording passed the House, and people were utterly shocked.

The Big Beautiful Back to the Drawing Board Bill

Caution was encouraged as the bill went to the Senate. They could alter the bill and kill the tax-free suppressors. Imagine the gun world’s shock when they did the opposite. They didn’t just remove the tax but were disassembling the NFA. The Hearing Protection Act stripped suppressors from the registry and eliminated the tax.

Oh, but wait, there’s more. They added the SHORT Act, which would remove short-barreled rifles and shotguns from the NFA as well. This was major news. Civil rights activists were astounded and cheered the bill on. I know I was. Anti-gunners made stupid Tweets displaying their complete lack of knowledge of suppressors. My favorite being an anti-Civil Rights activist asking if assassins were lobbying for suppressor removal.

Setbacks and The Byrd Rule

Speed bumps were hit. The public lands sell-off drew a lot of attention. This was a spot where the granola-infused hippies and the gun owners united. It turns out gun owners like to shoot on public lands, like to hunt on public lands, and generally like nature. We are a group that touches grass more than others. Luckily, the land sell-off of the Big Beautiful Bill was struck down, an undercurrent of timid excitement. That died this morning.

Sadly, the Parliamentarian of the United States Senate, Elizabeth MacDonough, ruled that the HPA and SHORT Act are not Byrd Rule compliant. The Byrd Rule restricts what can be put into a reconciliation bill. A provision can be judged as extraneous and not be included. The role of the Parliamentarian is the advisor on the Standing Rules of the United States Senate, which includes the Byrd Rule.

My Take and What Comes Next

I’m no legal scholar—hell, I’m not a scholar of anything but obscure .32 calibers. However, it seems like the Parliamentarian is saying the NFA isn’t a tax provision, which means that it’s regulation on a right and should be overturned by SCOTUS. Good luck on that happening, but I try to look at the upsides.

I let myself get excited over the Big Beautiful Bill, which was dumb since stocks in “Never Ever Happens” are currently skyrocketing. I’m also partial to the idea that Republicans only included it in the bill so Democrats would remove it, and they could blame them for it. That seems to be the usual game they play.

Luckily, it’s not over yet. We can and should start raising a racket. Make a fuss, call the Senate, contact your reps. Raise hell, be annoying as you can. It might not have any effect, but it will feel cathartic at the very least.

Grim Workshop Does It Again – Checking Out the Firefly

By
Jim Cobb
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Grim Workshop Firefly series
To be fair, the tools are black. The green tinge here is reflection from the tree above.

Grim Workshop is one of the most innovative companies operating in the outdoors arena today. Their products are unique and original, and sometimes a whole lot of fun. The Firefly series is their latest debut, and it ticks all of those boxes.

The Grim Workshop Firefly

One of the hallmarks of Grim Workshop is tools that are designed to fit in your wallet. The idea is that you’ll be able to keep them with you everywhere you go, so you’ll have them if you need them. Make no mistake, though. These aren’t gimmicky quasi-tools that will fall apart the first time you try using them. The quality of everything from Grim Workshop is exceptional.

The Firefly series consists of three tools, all of which are geared toward helping you get a fire going quickly.

Firefly Heat

Firefly Heat

The Firefly Heat is the smallest of the bunch. Rather than wallet-sized, it’s intended for a keychain. It consists of a small ferrocerium (a.k.a. ferro) rod that is stored inside a striker. This is then covered by a glow-in-the-dark silicone retention band.

To use, you slide the band off and pop out the ferro rod from the middle of the striker. To generate sparks, I found it easiest to hold the striker in place over the tinder and pull the ferro rod against it. This is a good quality ferro rod, and the shower of sparks it generates is impressive. Once the fire is going, you push the ferro rod back into place inside the striker and replace the silicone band.

Firefly sparks
Photo credit: Grim Workshop.

Firefly Blade

Firefly Blade

The Firefly Blade adds a handle to the Heat that then curves around into a sharp knife blade. The edge has a chisel grind, which would be easy enough to maintain in the field. It arrives very sharp right out of the package.

While it works well enough to scrape bark or shavings from a stick, I have to confess that I found it a little awkward and uncomfortable to use. It does the job, don’t get me wrong, and it’ll be fine in a pinch. But wearing a glove would reduce the discomfort considerably, I think. My fingers didn’t feel great after pushing hard against the inner part of the handle. Still, the idea is sound, and if you’re stranded without a knife, you’ll appreciate having this in your wallet.

Firefly Saw

Firefly Saw

The Firefly Saw is identical to the Blade, but with a sawtooth edge instead of a knife blade. I’ll admit that I gave it some side eye as I took it from the package. I had a flashback to the sawtooth spines of so many “survival knives” back in the 1980s that were just garbage.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Firefly Saw cuts through branches quite well. The product copy online indicates it also works on bone, but I didn’t have anything handy to test that claim. On wood, though? Aces all around. As with the Blade, gloves would make the endeavor slightly more comfortable. All in all, though, it worked great.

Both the Blade and Saw are about the size of a credit card or gift card. If you don’t want them in a wallet, I’m sure you can find a pocket or pouch to store them in. I recommend checking out Tuff Possum Gear for such products.

Firefly and gift card

Grim Workshop is currently offering the Firefly series via Kickstarter, with delivery expected in July. The Firefly Heat is just $9 and the Blade and Saw are each $19.

Light it Up: The 5.11 Tactical Deploy TL-USB

By
Travis Pike
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Let’s literally light it up with 5.11 Tactical’s Deploy TL-USB. I liked the PT-USB so much that I had to upgrade to this larger, more capable model. The 5.11 Tactical Deploy TL-USB features a flat form factor, delivering a lightweight and easy-to-carry EDC (Everyday Carry) option with more power than your average compact flashlight. Its size allows it to fit comfortably within the EDC realm without burdening your pockets.

The 5.11 Tactical Deploy TL-USB

The Deploy TL-USB is larger than the PT-USB but offers greater power and capability. Its dimensions are 4.875 inches long, 1.25 inches wide, and .625 inches thick. It’s remarkably flat, allowing it to slip into your pocket without the bulk of a typical round flashlight. The light is crafted from aerospace-grade machined aluminum, anodized in the same manner as AR parts.

The Deploy TL-USB includes a reversible pocket clip that can be completely removed if you prefer. The body of the light is textured and machined from aluminum, providing a solid grip even with gloves or wet hands. This robust construction offers 1 meter of drop resistance and an IPX4 water rating.

The Deploy TL-USB: Getting Clicky With It

The Deploy TL-USB features two buttons: a main rear clicky cap that activates the light, and a button on top that displays the battery life. Below the mid-button, a small series of LED indicators shows you the current battery level.

The clicky tail button allows you to switch between various modes. A quick on and off sequence changes the light’s power level. If you turn the light on, then off for a couple of seconds, it will return to the last saved setting. The modes are as follows:

  • High: 1,000 lumens backed by 2,540 candela. Battery life: 1 hour and 10 minutes.
  • Medium: 500 lumens backed by 1,180 candela. Battery life: 2 hours.
  • Low: 80 lumens backed by 150 candela. Battery life: 7 hours.

These are respectable outputs. This small light offers a fair amount of power for its size. The candela is somewhat low, so don’t expect long-range illumination from the Deploy TL-USB. It’s a close-range light, designed for use inside a room or building. It’s not intended for spotting threats in a wide-open urban environment.

The light offers both a momentary and a constant-on mode. A slight, half-press activates the momentary mode, while a full press provides a constant beam of light.

Size and Shape: It Matters

The Deploy TL-USB’s flat design makes it convenient to carry and easy to use in conjunction with other tools, such as a firearm. Its flat profile makes it easier to hold when using a handheld light in coordination with a firearm. It can also be held in your mouth, pirate-style, if you need both hands free. Furthermore, the flat design allows it to be set down in various places without rolling away when you need a stationary light.

While the light is considerably larger than the PL-USB, the extra power is well worth it. The TL-USB remains highly pocketable and convenient to carry thanks to its flat design. The ability to charge it via USB-C is also invaluable and incredibly useful for EDC purposes. It shares the same charger as my phone, which is, to say the very least, convenient.

The Deploy TL-USB offers a pocket-sized option with more “juice” than most other compact lights. It’s handy, ergonomic, and affordable. That combination is tough to beat.

Breaking the Darkness: 9 Helpful Field Headlamps

By
Michael D'Angona
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You can never truly understand the need for hands-free lighting until you’re trying to fiddle with a project or task in near darkness. That’s when a helpful headlamp comes to your rescue. This head-mounted lighting unit allows you to accomplish whatever needs to be done, without being limited by the sunlight conditions, an unexpected blackout, or just nighttime-related needs.

The headlamps below offer a cross-section of basic models, up to options that feature a plethora of useful bells & whistles. No matter which suits your personal needs and wants, one thing is certain: you won’t be left in the dark any longer.  

9 Helpful Headlamps

5.11 Response XR1 Headlamp

Whether you’re deep in the outdoors or within the concrete jungle, you need hands-free lighting. The answer to this is in the form of 5.11’s Response XR1 Headlamp. This lightweight headlamp offers multiple lighting settings, a comfortable fit, and a transforming design that allows a hand carry option.

The Response delivers up to one thousand lumens for two full hours in peak spot mode. Switch to flood light for six hours of steady runtime, and red COB light for discreet night vision integration. Small, compact, and powerful light wherever you need it, the Response truly responds to all illumination needs.  

MSRP: $84.00

5.11 EDC Headlamp

The EDC Headlamp is compact, easy-to-use, and durable enough to stand up to the rigors of the outdoors. Powered by two AAA batteries, you’ll enjoy a powerful fifty-six-meter beam directed exactly where you need it. The EDC’s outer casing is constructed of tough-as-nails polymer material, offering you superb bump and drop protection. Dual-mode switches, over two hours of runtime, and a full 183 lumen output, this EDC essential leads the way.

MSRP: $32.00

Ledlenser HF8R Signature Headlamp

Need an intelligent headlamp? Then look no further than the HF8R Signature by Ledlenser. This amazing illuminator offers automatic dimming and focusing with its ingenious Adaptive Light Beam technology. Add to this its effective and efficient cooling system that produces a longer run-time, and you have a helpful headlamp that far exceeds the norm. Its other features include a waterproof body, rechargeable long-life battery, and additional red, blue, and green front lights. At a whopping 2000 lumen output, nothing will be left in the dark.

MSRP: $169.95

Ledlenser HF4R Signature Headlamp

For the perfect mid-tier headlamp, the HF4R Signature steps up to the plate. This lamp delivers 600 lumens for both close-up and far-range illumination. This headlamp has a compact, slim design, is lightweight, and fully waterproof for when you’re caught in an unexpected rainfall. Its additional features include interchangeable red, blue, and green lights, a reflective headband, and its ingenious Magnetic Charge System. No matter if you’re out for a nighttime walk or trekking through the deep woods, the HF4R will keep you on the path.

MSRP: $59.95

Ledlenser HF8R Core Headlamp

The HF8R Core is just what you need for basic camping, hiking, and even dog-walking at night. It offers a lightweight, slim, and non-cumbersome design with a fully waterproof outer shell. The headlamp illuminates with two separate light sources, one for close range and the other for distance. Additionally, the fully waterproof lamp head also tilts for in-tent reading or map viewing when dusk comes your way. Also, the battery recharges easily during use if needed with a Magnetic Charge System. The HF8R’s 500 lumen output gets the job done.

MSRP: $44.95 – $149.95

Fenix HL45R-01 Headlamp

This helpful headlamp is a sheer pleasure to wear, operate, and get the results you need when the blackness of night comes your way. Featuring gesture-sensitive controls, simple flood to spotlight transition, and brightness adjusting with a single tap on the conveniently located side button. Surprisingly, the HL45R-01 delivers 1000 lumens with a staggering 722 ft beam distance, more than enough illumination for most outdoor activities.

The headlamp is powered by a rechargeable 1900mAh battery, with the option of using AAA batteries for maximum versatility. Impact resistance, a waterproof body, and durable aluminum alloy construction round out this headlamp’s amazing amenities.

MSRP: $79.95

Fenix HM70R Headlamp

Emitting an incredible 1600 lumens on high power, the Fenix HM70R shines like a true star in any urban or rural environment. The unit features a glove-friendly activation switch for toggling through neutral white light, red reading light, and a red flash safety light, and that’s only the beginning.

Furthermore, the outer casing is not only ultra-tough with an IP68 dustproof and waterproof rating, but it can handle accidental bumps and drops like a pro. A battery level indicator light, 2A charging port, and an intelligent memory function take this headlamp to top-tier status.

MSRP: $99.95

Fenix HP35R Headlamp (SAR Edition)

When it’s time to get serious with your illumination needs, it’s time to pick up the HP35R Fenix headlamp. This beast of blinding light offers a whopping 4000 maximum lumens with an equally incredible 500-yard throw. Additionally, the HP35R is powered by two built-in 5000mAh batteries, which also act as a power bank for other devices in a pinch.

Easy toggling between various levels of spotlight and floodlight is achieved via the headlamp’s convenient rotary and button combo switch. Finally, this unit offers a red safety light, a heat-resistant silicone strap, and a helmet mount and clip. Unquestionably, this unit by Fenix is designed for professionals who need both power and relentless reliability.   

MSRP: $229.95

Coghlan’s Trailfinder LED Multi-light

You don’t have to look further than this LED Multi-light from Coghlan when you need an economical, yet multifunctional lighting device. Powered by one AA battery, you’ll enjoy 20 lumens of light for basic tasks around the campsite. The helpful headlamp offers up to twelve hours of steady runtime, features a comfortable headband, and directs light where you need it with its convenient pivoting head design. Best of all, the Trailfinder can detach from its strap and be used as a conventional flashlight.

MSRP: $10.50

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