Where Are All the SHOT Show Releases?

By

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January 13, 2025

It’s December 2024, and by now, I’m usually sorting out a dozen different press releases a day from companies advertising their SHOT Show releases. A lot of times, I’ve never heard of these companies, and they get my contact info from the NSSF. Websites are republishing press releases with commentary, and the Outdoor Wire is running nearly nonstop! Normally, I’d be making a detailed plan for the show to hit the big ones.

Yet, that’s not happening this year. Seriously, where are the new releases? What’s going on? We are in the digital age, and while there are still a lot of surprise releases at SHOT Show, most releases are shown to us months before or at least a month before. I’m almost positive the P365 was first revealed in October.

The digital era shows us what’s gonna be at SHOT early. Big surprises are great, but if all the releases happen at SHOT, then a lot would get lost in the shuffle. Slow releases near the end of the year blend interest, get the most eyes, and help writers like me target where to stop and shop.

None of that seems to be happening this year.

Where Are the SHOT Show Releases?

Seriously, where are they? Taurus and Rossi have given us a few already. Charter Arms of all people released a new .380 Coyote revolver. LTT is doing an A300 Ultima Patrol Shotgun, which is slick and cool. Of all companies, Ruger has the most releases, with new versions of the 10/22 and Precision Rifle, as well as the RXM.

That’s it. I mean, I’m sure I’ve missed some, but as far as guns go, there aren’t a ton of great releases that have people jumping up and down. I’m pretty sure the T-Mag from Magpul generated more interest than most of the releases we’ve seen so far. Well, besides the RXM.

Why So Few SHOT Show Releases?

I think we’ve hit a peak industry slump. Ever since COVID, it’s been a bit of a slump. The Trump election has also taken urgency out of firearm purchases since things like Assault Weapon Bans aren’t likely. We’ve seen companies collapse this year. Kalashnikov USA is gone, Polymer80 is gone(mostly), and so is Adams Arms.

People have their guns, and there isn’t a ton of innovation coming out. People are famously not fond of new cartridges, like .30 Super carry. There isn’t much more we can do with current technology. Add optics here or there, add more capacity, or maybe bring back a gun like the Hi-Power and rake in the cash from millennials who haven’t inherited their parent’s collections yet.

Still, even then, there isn’t anything crazy new or even that crazy. Sometimes, just crazy guns will garner attention, and I’m half convinced companies introduce or propose crazy guns to bring attention to their brand. It’s purposeful vaporware for guns that will never come out.

Sadly, since Taurus has had a big change in the marketing and leadership department, we are seeing less crazy stuff and more practical stuff. They used to be my go-to with guns like the Curve and View all those years ago.

What Will SHOT Show Be Like This Year?

There aren’t a lot of SHOT Show releases this year unless they are hiding them all and waiting for SHOT. Fewer companies tend to be attending SHOT. Troy hasn’t been for years. SIG does its own thing now, and maybe that’s why we don’t see the typical SHOT Show releases.

Ruger’s leading the way. I’m not trying to insult Ruger because they do make fine guns, but they tend to be conservative. They don’t often lead the new release charge. However, this year, they are killing it! I didn’t see that coming. I’m sure Taurus, Rossi, and Heritage will have some neat stuff out at the show. PSA always has some surprises.

I’m still looking forward to the show, but I’m curious how it will be this year. I guess we’ll find out in about a month. I’ll see you there.

Magpul Announces the EHG SG9 Grip for the SIG P320

By

Tim Stetzer

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January 12, 2025

Magpul made news recently with the Ruger RXM collaboration, but it also just released some new products for another popular pistol line, the SIG P320. The company just dropped four versions of the new EHG SG9 Grip module for SIG’s chassis-based pistol, as well as a new magazine release.

The EHG SG9 Grip

The EHG SG9 Grip series consists of four models. There are two each for the compact and full-sized P320 pistols. One for models with a manual safety, and one for models without, in each size. They’re made to work with SIG OEM P320 trigger modules and accessories. The grip modules are made from Magpul’s usual tough polymer and are available in black and FDE colors.

The EHG SG9 models have an integral “carry-sized” magazine well flare. The Compact models are designed to accept a SIG OEM or Magpul P320 15-round magazine. The Full-Sized grip modules accept SIG 17-round magazines as well as Magpul’s 17-round mag. The frames include a Picatinny rail for lights or lasers.

The frames come with the new Magpul-designed SIG P320 SG9 Magazine Release installed. The magazine release is made from steel and has a corrosion-resistant QPQ finish. The release is contoured and has custom jimping to facilitate magazine changes. It’s reversible for left-handed shooters as well. The Magazine release is also available by itself as an upgrade for other grip modules and has an MSRP of $24.95.

The EHG SG9 Grip frames have a ¾-scale TSP texturing for a positive grip, even in wet conditions. The frames are 1.25ʺ wide and weigh just over 4 ounces. They’re also equipped with a lanyard slot at the bottom of the frame’s backstrap for additional retention.

The EHG SG9 Grip modules are reasonably priced at an MSRP of $59.95 and will be available on Magpul.com.

EHG SG9 Grip Full Size W/O Manual Safety Specs:

SPECIFICATIONS:

7.1″L x 4.3″H x 1.4″W, max
4.3 oz. weight

COMPATIBILITY:

Fits all SIG P320-family full-size models that accept a 17-round magazine.

NOTE: This model (MAG1364) is for pistols without a manual safety. For models with a manual safety, purchase MAG1395.
Magazines: Compatible with OEM SIG P320 17-round and larger magazines or Magpul AMAG™ 17 SG9™ – SIG P320™/M17™ (MAG1331).
Holsters: Known fit with Safariland models 7390-7TS, 7362-7TS, 7360-7TS RDS; Bladetech Total Eclipse; Raven Concealment models Vanguard, Perun, Perun-LC; Blackhawk models ARC, SERPA CQC; and Fobus Evolution.
Lights: Compatible with Surefire X300 Family/XH Family, Streamlight TLR family, and LMD Pistol Enhancer (LMD-PE-IR-1).

EHG SG9 Grip Compact W/O Manual Safety

SPECIFICATIONS:

7.1″L x 4.2″H x 1.2″W, max
4.2 oz. weight

COMPATIBILITY:

Fits all SIG P320-family compact models that accept a 15-round magazine.

NOTE: This model (MAG1430) is for pistols without a manual safety. For models with a manual safety, purchase MAG1431.
Magazines: Compatible with OEM SIG P320 15-round and larger magazines.
Holsters: Known fit with Safariland models 7390-7TS, 7362-7TS, 7360-7TS RDS; Bladetech Total Eclipse; Raven Concealment models Vanguard, Perun, Perun-LC; Blackhawk models ARC, SERPA CQC; and Fobus Evolution.
Lights: Compatible with Surefire X300 Family/XH Family, Streamlight TLR family, and LMD Pistol Enhancer (LMD-PE-IR-1).

For more information, check out Magpul.com.

Ruger Leads The Charge into 2025

By

Travis Pike

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January 11, 2025

I like Ruger. I think their automatics are often ignored, but they are a solid budget-conscious choice in a sea of polymer plainness. Their revolvers are either tanks or the LCR, and there is hardly anything in between. Their ARs range from solid starter models to holy crap, this is a really small AR-10.

If you had told me that Ruger would seemingly be leading the charge for new releases into 2025, I would have laughed. Ruger makes solid guns, but they are rarely an innovator. Look how long it took them to get a PCC out the door.

Typically, Ruger takes time to release anything new. They don’t submit to the fads and whims of the gun industry. However, in the last few years, things have changed. I think the LC Carbine, LC 45, and LC 10mm have shown that Ruger is making changes. Coming into 2025, Ruger seems to be leading the charge into SHOT Show 2025. They have three notable releases

The Ruger RXM

Ruger’s biggest release has been the RXM. The RXM, or Ruger X Magpul, is a collaboration between Ruger and Magpul for what’s essentially a modified Glock Gen 3. Yep, Ruger is making a Glock. Specifically, they are making a 19-inch Glock. It’s a polymer frame, striker-fired 9mm, that’s compact and takes Glock mags. It’s compatible with Glock Gen 3 accessories and the aftermarket.

It’s not just a Glock Gen 3. The RXM uses a removable chassis system, much like the SIG P320. The RXM gives us the Glock compatibility, reliability, and everything we love about Glock, with a removable fire control chassis. This allows you to swap grip modules, which seems silly at first. Swapping from compact to full size is a bit overblown, but what about things like the Flux Raider?

Imagine having the Glock series of compatibility and reliability, with the ability to create a PDW? An SBR? A braced pistol? That’s all in the realm of possibility. The RXM has an interesting future, and it was quite the surprise.

Ruger Precision Rifle Gen 2

Ruger’s Precision Rifle created a legitimate precision rifle that is out of the box and could get you into precision shooting. It wasn’t fancy. It was heavy but reliable, very accurate, and perfect for entry-level long-range shooters. It’s been around for years now, and Ruger has finally decided to upgrade the gun.

The Generation 2 of the Ruger Precision Rifle will come in six calibers, including 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, and .338 Lapua Mag.

The Gen 2 Ruger Precision Rifle features a heavy contour, a cold hammer-forged barrel, an improved muzzle brake, a Magpul MOE-K2 vertical pistol grip, and a black DLC-coated bolt. The aluminum handguard is equipped with M-LOK slots for compatible accessories and also features an ARCA rail machined into the underside. The new stock is nice, and users of Gen 1 RPRs can swap it if they choose to do so.

Ruger Ultra Lightweight 10/22 Carbon Fiber

America’s favorite rimfire rifle, the 10/22 is getting a facelift this year. The new Ruger ultra Lightweight 10/22 series is cutting the pounds as its New Year’s Resolution. To do so, they’ve implemented a 16.1-inch cold hammer-forged tensioned barrel with a carbon fiber sleeve. The carbon fiber cuts weight while reducing vibration and improving accuracy.

Ruger is doing two of these ultra-lightweight models. One will feature a Magpul stock. The other will have a custom chassis from Grey Birch. Weight has been dropped to as little as 3.5 pounds. This makes these semi-auto rifles absurdly light. The BX triggers are also a nice touch. It shows that our old friend, 10/22, still has some room to grow and expand into a new market.

Ruger Leads The Way

Ruger is killing it this year. Who knows what SHOT Show will bring? I love it when companies take charge and move forward, and Ruger is doing just that. Maybe they’ll bring back the Ruger MP9 as a braced pistol? A guy can dream, right? Until then, maybe an LC Charger in 5.7 will make a fantastic PDW, and a Ruger RXM will be calling my name. Ooh, maybe a grip module based on the MP9? Just maybe!

Pull Start Fire — Get That Blaze Burning Fast!

By

Jim Cobb

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January 11, 2025

In many survival situations, fire is a critical need. My typical go-to fire-making tools at home or on the trail are a BIC lighter or a ferrocerium rod. But it’s always a good idea to hedge your bets when it comes to being prepared. That’s where Pull Start Fire comes in.

I came across this product a couple of years ago. It looked intriguing, so I bought a three-pack to play around with at home. I’ve been impressed with it enough to buy a few more boxes and keep them stashed in a few kits.

What is Pull Start Fire?

It’s a box that’s about the size of a small remote control. The box is wrapped in plastic to keep it from getting wet or damaged. At one end of the box, you’ll find a green cord. There’s a red one at the opposite end.

Here’s how it all works. Start by putting together a fire lay with some logs and kindling. You want at least one log that’s three or four inches thick, if possible. Remove the plastic from the Pull Start Fire box as well as the yellow safety tab. Loop the green cord around the log at the base of the fire. Brace that log with your foot, then quickly pull the red cord. You’ll hear a “pop” noise and smoke will start pouring out from the box. In a few seconds, the box will start to flame up.

Once ignited, the box will burn briskly for a long time, upwards of 20-30 minutes, in my experience.

Pros and Cons

I love that Pull Start Fire works without any additional ignition equipment. It’s entirely self-contained. There’s also no need for tinder, as this serves that purpose in the fire-making process. While it’s sealed in plastic, it’s essentially waterproof. The manufacturer states it’s perfectly fine to keep in a vehicle, even during the hot summer months. They’ve rated it as safe up to about 400F. Once ignited, it’s pretty much windproof and rainproof, though dousing it with water will put out the flame.

The manufacturer gives it a minimum shelf life of five years. They follow that up by saying, “That being said, there is no component that would suggest Pull Start Fire would have anything but an indefinite shelf life!” They also state that you can safely cook over their product.

But, it’s a little heavy and bulky to pack, especially as it’s a single-use item. The box measures about five inches long, two inches wide, and an inch thick. It weighs about 3.6 ounces. It’s also a little pricey at about $5.00 per fire, though that price goes down with the larger quantity packs that are available for purchase.

Recommendations

I keep at least one Pull Start Fire box in each of my vehicle emergency kits, my evacuation kit, and all of my hiking packs. I don’t look at this product as my primary fire-starting tool or method. But if I were in a bad situation and I desperately needed to get a fire going fast, I’d reach for Pull Start Fire without hesitation.

You can view videos of Pull Start Fire in action at PullStartFire.com. It’s available for purchase there as well as at Amazon.

Billy Waugh DEMO Knife

By

Reuben Bolieu

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January 10, 2025

GAT-DEMO (1) — RYP Design has partnered with two Special Forces legends to create the Billy Waugh DEMO Knife.

Two legends in the outdoors industry, Robert Young Pelton and William W. Harsey, honor a hero, Army Special Forces and CIA Paramilitary Legend Billy Waugh. The Billy Waugh DEMO Knife was born by honoring a Life Behind the Line!

“Which knives did you use, and what do you wish you had?” Robert asked. Billy replied that one of his favorites was an Army-issued stainless steel folding knife called the Demo.

RYP/Harsey

RYP Design is a new venture where Pelton collaborates with designers and legends to create unique products, including books, graphic novels, and knives. He partnered with William W. Harsey, a renowned designer known for his legendary combat knives, including those he created with Colonel Rex Applegate and Chief James Watson.

Notable designs include the Neil Roberts Warrior Knife, dedicated to a fallen soldier, and the Yarborough Knife, presented to U.S. Army Special Forces graduates. With Billy Waugh’s extensive experience, they aim to produce exceptional knives like the DEMO, which embodies the spirit of RYP Design.

Billy Waugh DEMO Knife

The Billy Waugh DEMO is a robust medium-large EDC knife, measuring just over 9 inches when open. It features a 3.78-inch blade made from Böhler M390 steel, hardened to 60 on the Rockwell scale, and coated with stonewashed matte black PVD.

The handle is crafted from durable diamond-patterned 3D titanium and provides a substantial grip. With the IKBS (Ikoma Korth Bearing System), blade deployment is ultra-smooth and effortless.

Additionally, the knife includes a tungsten carbide glass breaker at the pommel and a replaceable flathead screw. The deep pocket combat clip, engraved with Billy Waugh’s signature, allows for easy, tip-up carry.

Talon Spike

The spike and awl were versatile tools for completing tasks.

This tool resembles a narwhale more than a typical Swiss Army Knife awl. Made from 440 stainless steel, it features a rounded and smooth design, making it more of a gouger than a driller. It splices rope and untangles knots more effectively as it expands gradually and doesn’t have a sharp edge, instead wedging the cordage without cutting.

The tool stays solid during use, has a wide thumb nick for easy handling, and operates smoothly on bronze washers, delivering powerful punctures.

Deploy It Right

The IKBS enables smooth blade deployment through various methods. While there’s no thumb stud, a recessed area transitions seamlessly into a fuller, allowing for a slow roll pinch opening. Although flicking the blade with the forefinger or middle finger can be quick, it requires practice, and I prefer the flipper. A simple wrist motion combined with pressing down on the flipper makes for rapid deployment, resembling an automatic switchblade.

In reverse mode (tip up), a middle finger flick with a wrist snap opens the blade quickly. The cutout allows for pinch-gripping and wrist flicks, and for a slower approach, you can use one hand to hold the knife while the other utilizes the cutout like a nail nick. Both methods work well for deploying the blade.

Make It Back DEMO Knife

The Billy Waugh DEMO knife exceeded my expectations during rigorous testing. Right out of the box, it easily shaved hair from my arm. For heavier tasks, I tested it on a thick rubber hose, where it sliced through effortlessly.

The blade effectively scraped the fatwood at a precise 90-degree angle, resulting in a pile that measured the size of a 50-cent piece.

Deploying the blade was smooth, thanks to well-designed bronze washers and a deep nail nick, allowing easy access even in low light. I tested its puncturing ability on an empty metal MotoMix canister, which it penetrated with ease, and then on a rubber tire, again demonstrating excellent comfort and performance. The sharp spike, which I prefer to call a talon, is a valuable feature of this knife.

A 500-pound length of tow strapping was successfully cut using the Billy Waugh demo knife.

During the blade tests, slashing, stabbing, and slicing were evaluated. The blade punctured light metal canisters, demonstrating solid performance. Using an icepick grip and leather gloves, the DEMO easily stabbed through the MotoMix canister, pivoting back and forth. The sharp blade sliced through the second canister just as effortlessly.

Next, the Böhler steel blade was tested on heavy nylon tow strapping, requiring a sawing motion to cut through. Despite the tough job, the handle remained comfortable, and the lock functioned well. Fatwood shavings were created at a 90-degree angle, producing small, thin curls ideal for igniting. I stabbed a rubber tire, then successfully created feather sticks, confirming the edge’s sharpness before the final challenge.

Feather sticks were easily made after testing the Billy Waugh demo knife without any touch-ups; edge geometry is key.

Finale

Slicing a tomato is a true test for any knife. After days of use, it cut through a tomato effortlessly, with a secure lock and no blade play. It proved a real fighter, just like its namesake, Billy Waugh!

The awl/spike was undeniably the ultimate puncture champion across all materials, excelling particularly with rubber tires.

Billy Waugh DEMO Knife Specs

Overall Length	9.13 inches/ 232 millimeters
Blade Length	3.78 inches/ 96 millimeters
Steel	Böhler M390
Rockwell Hardness	60
Blade Coating	Matte black PVD
Blade Thickness	.16″/ 4 millimeters
Handle Material	3D Titanium
Carry	Tip-up
Weight	6.80 ounces/ 193grams
Made in	Italy
MSRP	$495.00

For more information, check out STRAACK.

How to Carry a .32 ACP

By

Travis Pike

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January 10, 2025

I’m a big advocate for the .32 ACP. I don’t think it’s the best possible cartridge for concealed carry, but I think it’s the best option for a pocket-carry semi-auto handgun. It has half the recoil of a .380 ACP and offers one more round in most guns. When compared to a .22LR, you get centerfire reliability and deeper, more consistent penetration. In my opinion, it’s the best option for a pocket pistol.

However, it’s not as plug-and-play as other calibers. By the title of this article, you might be wondering why you need an entire article on how to carry .32 ACP. It’s largely a matter of proper ammo selection, and there are some factors you have to consider. In fact, when it comes to carrying .32 ACP, you have to ignore a lot of common knowledge to get an effective, man-stopping round.

Let’s dissect some of those intricacies and discuss how to carry a .32 ACP the right way.

Avoid Hollowpoints

Yep, you don’t want to use hollowpoints when it comes time to carry a .32 ACP. While conventional knowledge says that a carry gun needs jacketed hollowpoints, that’s not the case here. With a .32, we are going to avoid JHPs for two reasons.

The first is simply due to their effectiveness. Jacketed hollow points expand, which allows the cartridge to deal with more direct impact damage. However, it also slows down the projectile and prevents overpenetration.

With the .32, the expansion is not all that beneficial. The expansion can prevent the projectile from penetrating deep enough to reach something vital when fired from a short little barrel. We want good penetration but don’t get it from a .32 ACP.

Second, the .32 ACP can suffer from something called rimlock. This is a semi-rimmed cartridge. The rim makes it sensitive to overall length changes. A lot of JHP cut the tip off the billet, which creates a shorter overall length cartridge.

The shorter length allows the cartridge to move forward and backward in the magazine, which, when combined with the semi-rimmed cartridge, can cause one round to lock another in the magazine, which causes a failure to feed.

The Right FMJs

If we aren’t going with hollow points, then we are going with FMJs. Which FMJs? There are plenty out there. What we want is a heavy, fast round. The Europeans love the .32 ACP and love hotter-than-average rounds. The Spanish company I will forever mispronounce, Fiocchi, produces some of the best carry .32 ACP ammo.

The Spanish arms industry started with the Ruby pistol and World War I, a Spanish .32 pistol that was spread far and wide with the French. These guys know their .32s. The Fiocchi 73-grain FMJ is perfect for concealed carry. From a pocket pistol-sized barrel, the cartridge can still penetrate deep enough to meet the established FBI standards.

Any European-loaded 71 to 73-grain FMJ is the way to go. The Euros load the .32 a little hotter than us. Fiocchi is the most common load on the American market.

The Right Gun

There aren’t a ton of .32 ACP pistols on the market these days. Modern options come down to the KelTec P32, the Beretta 3032, the Beretta 30X, and the Seecamp LWS-32. If you’re choosing between one of these guns, avoid the Beretta 3032.

I love the little Tomcat, but the 73-grain European loads will crack its frame. Maybe not immediately, but Beretta specifically warns about using any ammo that exceeds 129 foot-pounds of energy.

Not So Simple

Shooting and carrying the old .32 ACP round isn’t as simple or as plug-and-play as 9mm, .380 ACP, or other cartridges. It takes a little research and a little planning. While it might not seem intuitive, the .32 ACP is an awesome cartridge for self-defense, especially if you want to carry a featherweight pocket pistol.

Bushmaster Releases the MUTA II BM556 Suppressor

By

Tim Stetzer

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January 9, 2025

It seems like everyone is involved in the suppressor game these days, including Bushmaster Firearms. That’s a good thing as far as I’m concerned, because that means the suppressor market is alive and thriving. They just released their MUTA II BM556, the next generation of the original MUTA suppressor line.

The Bushmaster MUTA II BM556 Suppressor

Bushmaster is touting the MUTA II as being lighter, quieter, and more compact than the original Bushmaster MUTA suppressor. It’s just 5.65 inches long and weighs only 12.25 ounces. It’s the lightest and shortest 5.56 dedicated suppressor that Bushmaster has made so far. The MUTA II BM556 reduces the sound signature on 5.56 NATO rounds by a 14.0% reduction at the left ear, a 15.4% reduction at the muzzle, and a 15.9% reduction at the right ear.

While compact, it’s built tough and designed to efficiently dissipate heat and deliver exceptional accuracy and repeatability. It’s made to maintain accuracy due to the suppressors’ concentricity being machined to tight tolerances. This also leads to a minimal point of impact shift. Bushmaster’s custom baffle design is made to help with felt recoil, flash, and enhanced sound reduction as well.

The MUTA II BM556 is 3D-printed with Inconel 625. Inconel 625 is a nickel-based superalloy that was designed in the 1990’s. It offers high strength properties and resistance to elevated temperatures, which make it perfect for suppressor use. The MUTA II has a rugged Cerakote finish to further enhance the durability of the suppressor. It has a threaded front cap and removable baffles, so it’s easily user-serviceable.

The MUTA II comes with a 1/2 X 28 thread pitch and is designed for 5.56mm and .223 Remington caliber platforms, and is full auto rated. MSRP is $709.95.

MUTA II BM556 Specifications:

Caliber	5.56 / .223
Thread Pitch	1/2 X 28
Material	Inconel® 625
Outer Diameter at Flare	1.815 inches
Outer Diameter at Suppressor Body	1.675 inches
Weight	12.25 ounces
Full-Auto Rated	Yes
MSRP	$709.95

For more information on the MUTA II BM556, check out the Bushmaster Firearms website at Bushmaster.com.

Training Vs. Reviews – Skills and Consumerism

By

Travis Pike

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January 9, 2025

I love reviewing guns. I started writing about guns because I like shooting them. The core work of reviewing a gun is shooting it. Rarely do I dislike the process of shooting a gun. Even a bad gun can be fun to shoot, and there is some thrill to uncovering the reason why a gun is bad. With that said, should the firearms and media apparatus disembark from the reliance on gun and gear reviews? Are all these reviews and review culture a net positive? Should there be a better focus on training?

Why Are Reviews So Popular?

It’s easy to see why reviews are popular. People like guns, people like new guns. Thus, people read reviews about guns. It shows across the internet. Ben Stoeger offers videos of his entire class for free, and some have less than 100K views. However, reviews of new handguns and rifles from popular creators explode.

Articles are the same way. Metrics on training articles are read less than gun and gear reviews. Some people read reviews for research purposes. Other people read reviews about guns after they’ve bought them to help reaffirm the purchase they’ve made. Some folks, like me, are just hardcore and enjoy reading and watching information about new guns.

Reviews are also easy on the viewer. They aren’t challenging you or pressuring you to do anything. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the content.

What’s The Downside of Gun and Gear Reviews?

Gun and gear reviews push what’s admittedly a consumerist mindset. Sometimes, people like buying and owning guns more than they like shooting them. Sometimes, this is for the free likes and upvotes on social media, so they buy guns purely for flex purposes. Other people just like to collect guns as a whole.

That’s fine. I don’t think owning lots of guns you don’t shoot all that often is bad. I have a small collection of S&Ws in .32 S&W Long that I rarely ever shoot. However, I don’t think gun media pushing consumerism is all that great. The firearms media has an influence on the entirety of gun culture, and if we are focusing entirely on reviews, we are propagating consumerism.

If we have the power to influence the gun community and gun culture, then should we be using that power to encourage more training?

Should The Gun Media Focus On Training?

Training isn’t easy, and it can be humbling. If you’ve only ever shot at your local range and have been the best shot in your friend group, then you might not realize your skill level as a whole. Go to a competition, and you’ll be humbled almost immediately. A lot of folks don’t realize how little they know about shooting until they’re tested.

Good training could propel the firearms culture forward. A focus on shooting and using your guns from the firearms media could help propel the idea forward with the general firearms world. I don’t think I, as an individual, have this steam.

I’m a small-time gun writer, so I’m not sniffing my own wanna-be influencer farts. I’m talking about the big guys, the big YouTube channels, Instagram gun guys, and the mainstream magazines like Recoil.

Having a community that’s just loaded to the teeth with guns and ammo isn’t as valuable as having a community that’s well-trained in marksmanship, weapon handling, and safety. Those hard skills are invaluable. If you have one less AR-15 in exchange for one carbine class, I think it’s a worthwhile trade.

It’ll also be better for gun rights. Better-trained shooters can make better arguments. Not only that, but the more people train, the more likely they will come together, and a community can be formed.

Gun And Gear Reviews Are Still Valuable

Gun and gear reviews are still great. I think they are needed, and I think they are better now than they’ve ever been. I don’t think we need to stop gun and gear reviews, and I don’t think people who write or film reviews are wrong.

My solution is just maybe to push more training articles and videos. Specifically, push more training to the end user alongside those reviews. Make training a part of your review even. This doesn’t remove the challenge of training and getting people ushered into it. That’s the difficult part of training.

Where do you start? Maybe we need more class reviews? Take classes from recognized instructors and publish those reviews. Make sure the class difficulty is part of the review, and much like guns, aim to point out who the class is for. These are just some simple ideas that have been occupying my brain housing group.

I think gaining and skill growth should be as focused as reviews, and as the gun media, we should make it happen.

The Nokbox – Get Your Affairs in Order

By

Jim Cobb

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January 8, 2025

Few people like to think about it, but face facts—nobody gets out of life alive. With that in mind, it’s important to plan ahead for your eventual demise, and the Nokbox is an excellent tool in that regard.

My dad passed in 2019. He’d been in declining health for several years, having basically given up after my mom passed in 2008. I tried talking to him about his last wishes, estate information, and all that fun stuff several times over the years. All he would tell me was that everything I needed was in a file in his desk. When the time came and I pulled out that file, all that was inside was a two-page Will, nothing else.

It took my wife and me several months to sort through all of his accounts. It seemed like every day brought a new headache to the mix. The vast majority of the hassles could have been eliminated if we’d had the Nokbox set up ahead of time.

What is the Nokbox?

In a very real sense, it’s your life in a box. The Original Nokbox comes with everything you need to organize all of the information your Next of Kin (the Nok in Nokbox) will want after you’ve passed.

There are 15 color-coded file folders. These are set up as categories, such as Primary Residence, Vehicles, and Bank Accounts. Inside each of the category folders are various relevant subfolders. For example, in the Primary Residence folder, you’ll find folders for Mortgage or Lease, Utilities & HOA, Maintenance & Repairs, People, and Home Inventory & Other Information.

Each of those subfolders has a corresponding instructional sheet. On one side of the sheet, you’ll fill in relevant information. There is also a checklist of forms and other paperwork you’ll want to track down and place into the folder. On the other side of the sheet is where you’ll put specific instructions to your next of kin.

The level of detail in the Nokbox is remarkable. Looking at the instructions for the Mortgage or Lease sheet, it drills down everything from the mortgage lienholder or landlord and where those payments are made to detailing all accounts related to the property, such as home equity loans and homeowner’s insurance policies. Everything is straightforward and easy to follow.

A detailed set of instructions explains exactly how it all works. The folks at Nokbox have truly left nothing to chance. There’s no guesswork involved at all. There is even a Friends folder, so your next of kin knows who to notify about your passing.

Extra Security

The Original Nokbox comes with a couple of zippered pouches along with the file folders. One of the pouches is for Protected Documents. This is for things like your property deed and vehicle titles. As you go through the Nokbox instructions, they’ll tell you what to put into that pouch. You store the pouch in a safe or other secure location.

The second pouch is for keys and it comes with colored tags to keep it all organized. These will be spare keys for your home, outbuildings, vehicles, and such. Store this pouch with the Protected Documents one.

Not Legal Advice

It’s important to understand that the Nokbox is merely an organizational tool. Nothing here is legal advice. They aren’t telling you or your next of kin how to settle your estate. They’re just giving you an easy way to have everything they’ll need right at their fingertips.

This is a lot of work, especially if you’re not particularly well-organized. But I can tell from experience that this is something your family will truly appreciate.

For more information, please visit Nokbox.

Cartels Vs. JSOC

By

Travis Pike

-

January 8, 2025

MASS-3 Shotgun Range — (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniel Childs)

Brandan Buck of the CATO Institute recently wrote a piece on why it’s a bad idea to use ‘Special Forces‘ against the cartels. I assume when Mr. Buck says Special Forces, he means America’s special operations troops as a whole and not just the Army’s Green berets. He and I mostly agree. I think using Spec Ops to eliminate the cartel would be expensive, unproductive, and draw us into another forever war. A war where we might have all the watches, but the cartel has the time.

Where Mr. Buck and I disagree is his statement about the cartels being a ‘near-peer’ force to American Special Operations. Cartel violence is getting closer and closer to the border and becoming even more vicious. It’s true the cartels are well-armed and violent, but they would get smashed by American special operations forces. The cartel would quickly learn why the United States doesn’t have universal healthcare.

The Cartels and Their Weaponry

Mr. Buck points out that the cartel has armored vehicles, crew-served weapons, and the ability to use IEDs and UAVs carrying explosives. He also seems to state that cartels have surface-to-air missiles. In the link he provides, the USA Today story doesn’t seem definitive, but it’s a rumor, and let’s assume they do.

That doesn’t make them near peers. Their armored vehicles are armored trucks, not tanks and APCs. Their crew-served weapons are an impressive array of belt-fed machine guns and even RPGs and grenade launchers. Some of the cartels even have military training. That’s true, but that doesn’t make them a near-peer, especially to our best and brightest.

A picture of a soldier tells a lot. You can get an idea of his experience, training, and overall discipline. We have hundreds of pictures of cartel troops, which aren’t impressive. Some have body armor that looks as clean as Howard Hughes’ house. Clean gear means they haven’t trained in it.

Second, their plate carriers, belts, and general loadout look like a Wish.com pulled all over them. There are pouches everywhere and seemingly in nonsensical positions. They seem to believe more is better than less. The nonsensical loadouts also show they aren’t training with their gear.

Admittedly, their weapons vary. Many have modern rifles, but a quarter of them don’t have sights. The other quarter mounts optics to their handguards, and the last half might have a competent setup if it features a fixed carry handle and FSB. They certainly aren’t training that hard or shooting that much.

The Cartels – More Than Gear

Why do we have so many pictures of cartel members in gear? Because they have no concept of SIGINT or OPSEC. There are cartel Instagram pages a competent intelligence analyst could scrape for days. Say what you want about the Taliban, but they seemed pretty damn humble compared to the cartel. They post their little videos and pictures as a means to intimidate others but are giving away a lot of intel to a potential enemy.

Cartel soldiers do the job for money. Say what you want about the Taliban, but at least they had a belief system. Sure, they got paid, but a lot of them were true believers. How many cartel soldiers will pick up a gun when the money stops flowing?

Spec Ops and the Cartel

Let’s send the CIA, DEVGRU, CAG, SF, SEALS, and some Air Force PJs and MARSOC Marines at the cartel. The cartel and their fancy equipment aren’t much of a match. Your armored truck is great until a drone you can’t see or hear puts a Hellfire into it. Your crew serves. It doesn’t matter when a guy puts a laser you can’t see in your position, and a missile erases it from the face of the earth.

Your Instagram post leads a group of dudes with beards and Multicam to your bedroom, and a black bag is put over your face. Your money to pay troops starts to dry up as fentanyl and meth labs are destroyed.

Guys with the world’s best nightvision are coming in and cutting your balls off. In the first week of fighting, the cartel will quickly learn that they don’t stand a chance at night and will likely only fight during the day. This leaves ample opportunity for American forces to take advantage of the night for all sorts of situations.

The cartel forces regularly get their asses kicked by the Mexican Marines. Mexican Marines are tough dudes but don’t have the funding, training, or 23 years of experience with the Global War on Terror that American Special Operations has.

Not So Near Peer

The Taliban was toppled in days by US Forces, and the Iraqi Army was done in a month. I imagine the cartel would face the same fate. They would have massive losses very early and very quickly. Then, it’d develop into a quagmire we couldn’t solve. Ten years and three trillion dollars later, we’d leave, and the cartel would rise once again.

I don’t think military action would solve the problem, but I don’t think the cartel counts as a near-peer organization.

Pocket Carry EDC Knives

By

Reuben Bolieu

-

January 7, 2025

GAT_Pocket Carry EDC Knives (5) — In the pocket carry Chickpea made possible by Badger Claw Leather has a 3-inch fixed blade made of Nitro-V steel, which is corrosion-resistant and easy to sharpen. (Badger Claw Leather photo)

Everyday carry (EDC) knives are vital because of their versatility and practical applications, as they are crafted for a wide range of tasks. The methods of carrying Pocket Carry EDC Knives have progressed to enhance user experience, featuring options such as pocket clips, sheaths, and lanyards.

This ease of use benefits individuals by saving time, providing reassurance, promoting regular carry, and enhancing functionality. The growing popularity of EDC knives has driven innovation in their design and materials, resulting in a diverse market that meets various preferences and requirements.

Pocket Carry EDC Knives

Carry systems are essential as they impact the user’s experience and the practicality of knives in daily life. Everyday carry (EDC) knives symbolize a culture of preparedness and self-reliance, highlighting a trend toward functionality and efficiency in personal gear.

Big Idea Lookout

The TI Lookout Fixed Blade by Big Idea Design showcases precision engineering and high-quality materials, making it a must-have for everyday carry enthusiasts. Its M390 blade steel offers excellent edge retention and wear resistance, ensuring it maintains a sharp edge with minimal sharpening.

The TI Lookout Fixed Blade by Big Idea Design is the modern EDC Knife of the bunch featuring Grade 5 titanium scales, M390 blade steel, and an inside pocket carry system.

Featuring Grade 5 Titanium scales, the knife is both lightweight and durable. The lanyard hole adds functionality for easy attachment. Measuring 6.2 inches overall with a 2.2-inch blade and 3mm thickness, it provides a perfect balance of control and cutting power.

The knife comes with two Kydex sheaths for versatile left- or right-pocket carry, each with a titanium pocket clip for easy attachment. Consider it a gentleman’s fixed blade!

Utility Pocket Carry EDC

I tested the TI Lookout on various everyday tasks, including cutting through light-gauge metals, where it performed exceptionally well. However, it struggled a bit with thick cardboard. Despite this, it remained impressively sharp after slicing through cordage. Wire, 550 paracord, nylon webbing, and heavy leather were no challenge for the TI Lookout.

The Big Idea Design TI Lookout Fixed Blade Kydex sheaths offer versatile left and right pocket carry options and include a titanium pocket clip for easy attachment.

Overall, the TI Lookout Fixed Blade is a functional tool and showcases exceptional craftsmanship and material quality.

Knives By Nuge Chickpea

This knife is small enough to fit clipped to your pocket at 6.5 inches overall but powerful enough to cut through wood, cardboard, cordage, fish, and game. The Chickpea has a 3-inch fixed blade made of Nitro-V steel, which is corrosion-resistant and easy to sharpen. The blade has a curved edge ideal for slicing and skinning and a 90-degree spine that can strike a firesteel or scrape bark. The Chickpea can be purchased with a Badger Claw Leather in the pocket carry sheath fitted with an Ulti-Clip.

In Training

I participated in Randall’s Adventure & Training class in Alabama, helping with a parent-child session. I taught kids how to carve, make feather sticks, and start fires using the Chickpea knife. The 3.5-inch burlap micarta handle was comfortable for them to use.

Modern Day Pocket Carry EDC Knives are here. The Chickpea has a 3-inch fixed blade made of Nitro-V steel, which is corrosion-resistant and easy to sharpen. (Badger Claw Leather photo)

Soon after, we headed to North Carolina to teach a weekend wilderness survival class with training and active Search and Rescue personnel.

While the Chickpea excelled in quick cuts, It also handled utility tasks like cutting paracord and preparing food. The blade remained sharp, and overall, the Chickpea proved to be a reliable and versatile companion for outdoor adventures.

Modern pocket carry EDC knives are available. The Chickpea features a 3-inch fixed blade made from Nitro-V steel, known for its corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening. (Badger Claw Leather photo)

Get a pocket-friendly Pocket Carry EDC Knife and join the club!

For more information, please check out Badger Claw Leather, Big i Design, and Knives by Nuge.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30 FFP M5C3 Riflescope (Part 2)

By

P.E. Fitch

-

January 7, 2025

Leupold 2-10x30 Mark5 HD FFP M5C3 Riflescope

^{Title Picture: Admittedly, mounting the Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30 riflescope on a heavy-barreled 6.5mm Creedmoor bolt-action rifle is weird, but sometimes you take what you can get for a nice photo, especially given the cool high desert background.}

(Continued From Part 1)

Originally implemented as an improvement over the traditional mil-dot reticles that preceded it, the TMR replaces the old dots with evenly spaced hashmarks at 0.5 mil intervals. The TMR is best described as a “dialing reticle” since it lacks grids, dots, or extra reference points. To its credit, the centermost aiming point has negative space, which I find aids in precision aiming.

With the DOPE for one’s rifle and cartridge, it’s certainly possible to hold-over using the 0.5 mil spaced hashmarks. I did this often in the Green Ops course, especially at more distant steel targets. In fairness, I recognize that it’s no different than holding-over with the majority of standard LPVO reticles at top-end magnification.

M5C3 / M1C3 Turrets + Setting Zero

Ultimately, the TMR in the Mark 5HD 2-10×30 is meant to be dialed, and its M5C3/M1C3 elevation turret is designed to excel at that. The turret is easy to zero and set, and its “zero-stop” feature works well and provides physical cues. The turret’s markings and numbers are also very easy to track visually while shooting in position, especially prone.

The M5C3/M1C3s turrets also allow shooters to dial up to 0.5 mils down from their zero for added flexibility. The windage and side-focus/parallax turrets are similarly designed and also easy to precisely adjust.

For clarity, the “5” and the “1” are codes that denote MRAD (5) or MOA (1). The “3” refers to the fact that Mark 5HD’s elevation turret is capable of 3 full rotations of elevation adjustment.

Setting the zero is quite simple. Make the shots and adjust the windage or elevation turrets as needed. Then, undo two tiny Allen screws to remove the exposed turret’s cap and re-set it with regard to the new zero.

The turret cap features a flat button that locks the turret into the fixed zero position. To dial, one must depress this button, and once the turret is turned all the way “up,” the button mechanically recedes.

Among other things, it can signal the shooter that their turret is maxed out. For example, when I had the Mark 5HD 2-10×30 mounted on my 16-inch BCM upper and zeroed for 55-grain 5.56mm ammo at 100 yards, the scope maxed out roughly three clicks shy of that full 3 turn / 30 mil limit. Not bad.

Reticle Drawbacks

Similar to the Lucid Optics E7 shown riding next to the Mark 5HD in Part 1, here is a Gideon Optics Omega pulling the same type of duty. I think a supporting reflex sight mounted elsewhere on the weapon is mandatory when using a scope like this Leupold. The offset dot definitely covers the scope’s single biggest weakness.

I wouldn’t be the first to point out that the biggest downside that currently affects the 2-10×30 Mark 5HDs is their lack of modern reticle options. Though classic and precise, the TMR reticle isn’t without its drawbacks. This reticle makes more sense for a stationary and prone-fired heavy bolt gun that you dial as opposed to that more modern and dynamic carbine meant for 0-800 meter shots, say, like any SPR or modern accurized gasser.

With basic dot-grids to facilitate holdovers and their considerably thicker outer stadia lines that are easier to see at low magnification, a reticle similar to either Nightforce’s FC-DMx (ATACR LPVO) or the Vortex EBR-9 (Razor Gen3 LPVO) would be a better fit on a scope like the 2-10×30 Mark 5HD. Because of this, on any “tactical” semi-auto carbine, I’d argue that an offset/piggyback reflex sight is “mandatory.” For closer distances, the first focal plane arrangement can present some challenges too.

First Focal Plane for CQB?

As I mention in more detail in my TMR write-up, the combo of the reticle being presented in a first focal plane format along with its thin, cross-hair style form leaves much to be desired when it comes to providing an easy-to-see and fast-shooting close-quarters reticle. Hence my bringing up the other LPVOs above. Even the Vortex I mentioned above gets its fair share of criticism when it’s set to 1x for the same reason. When I shot CQB drills at the Green Ops carbine class with the Mark5 HD 2-10×30, it wasn’t so much that I was limited to 2x minimum magnification that made CQB shots more challenging. Rather, it was the combination of the TMR being thin and dark, especially in a first focal plane format. Had we not been shooting in bright daylight, it could have been more difficult to see the reticle, hence my argument for an offset dot being mandatory for very close targets. Shooting with it on low power isn’t the end of the world, but it’s definitely not ideal.

However, I keep hearing chatter that Leupold is working on launching additional models with different reticles in the future. I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring us. The scope itself, its glass, the construction–it’s all superb.

The Takeaway

As a first focal plane scope in itself, the Mark 5HD 2-10×30 is a fantastic optic. Overall, it measures a total of 11.2 inches while only weighing 24 ounces. As a member of the Mark 5HD family, this 2-10×30 riflescope is built around a proven formula of strength, durability, optical clarity, and precision while maintaining a fairly light weight.

Be it turret clicks or the way twisting the zoom ring feels, this scope’s controls do not feel cheap and flimsy, something no one wants to feel on any scope. The Mark 5HD 2-10×30’s feature set and the way the scope is built—in the United States of America, by the way—provides the shooter with an extremely comfortable eyebox on both the lowest and top-end magnification.

According to the official details on Leupold’s website, the delta in difference between both extremes is only 0.10-inch. However, when shooting, it honestly feels imperceptible. Moreover, its eye-relief is in the same ballpark as high-end LPVOs.

Compared To an LPVO

Where the Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30 utterly (and predictably) dominates is shooting at top-end magnification. Since it’s not an LPVO, it’s not plagued by the shortcomings associated with LPVOs straining to shoot fully zoomed-in. The eye box hardly changes and I found I didn’t have to shift my face like I do with LPVOs to shoot fully zoomed-in.

I also had the benefit of both an exposed dialing turret and the side-focus knob to adjust parallax if I needed them. Once again, during the Green Ops class, it felt like I was basically cheating during the portion of the course where students were shooting at the furthest targets at full magnification. This scope takes after its DMR/SPR ancestors, after all.

Accurate tactical semi-auto rifles aside, I can see this scope working well on a modern light-and-handy bolt-action hunting rifle meant for intermediate distances. In this way, it’s like your grandfather’s old 3-9×40, but better.

For more information, please visit Leupold.com.

Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10x30 FFP Riflescop vs LPVO — Though this picture is from 2023, it represents the majority of my experience shooting with the Leupold Mark 5HD to date. Even with some of its drawbacks, it brings great functionality to gas guns in need of a more precise sighting system than a mere LPVO.

Tyrant CNC Snub Nose Grip Module for the Sig Sauer P365

By

Tim Stetzer

-

January 6, 2025

Tyrant CNC just released the CNC Snub Nose Grip Module for the popular Sig Sauer P365 handgun. The new grip module is compatible with all P365 variants and will work with existing holsters. Tyrant’s grip balances concealability and high capacity. So, if you’re rocking a P365 you’ll want to read on.

The CNC Snub Nose Grip Module

Tyrant CNC’s Snub Nose Grip Module is made from a blend of glass and carbon composites that combine light weight with durability. It features an X-Macro-sized grip that accepts 17-round magazines but is compatible with all P365 Slide & Barrel lengths. That allows you to have a full-service pistol capacity coupled with a compact 3.1-inch barrel and slide.

Tyrant says that they did intensive biomechanical research to come up with the optimized ergonomics on the grip module. The grip has a high undercut and medium-length beavertail to allow for a high, secure grip closer to the center line of the bore. It comes with medium and large-sized back straps to fit a wide variety of hand sizes. The texture consists of finely detailed 3D Tyrant logos, which is a neat touch. It’s been optimized for better grip, and has reduced texture heights on areas that are prone to being hot spots.

The Snub Nose Grip is compatible with all SIG Sauer manual safeties. It’s even California Complaint for folks who live behind the sunny curtain of West Coast socialism. It comes with a pre-installed extended magazine release. The grip profile is designed so that it’s still compatible with existing P365, P365x, P365xl, and some X-Macro holsters.

Tyrant’s Snub Nose Grip Module is available in black and olive drab directly through their website. An FDE version is available from GunMag Warehouse, and a grey version is available at Optics Planet.

Tyrant CNC Snub Nose Grip features:

High grip undercut
Trigger guard cut
Medium length beavertail
Variable depth texture to prevent hot spots
Redesigned ergonomics for comfort during extended operation
Medium and Large back straps included
Hard use approved proprietary composite material
Works with manual safety (pre drafted)

For more information on Tyrant CNC and the Snub Nose Grip Module for the SIG P365 check out their website at TyrantCNC.com.

The Leupold Mark 5HD 2-10×30 FFP M5C3 Riflescope

By

P.E. Fitch

-

January 6, 2025

The Leupold Mark5 HD riflescope family remains one of Leupold’s most pervasive product lines. All of them employ 35 mm maintubes and use first focal plane reticles. To date (1-6-2025), the 2-10×30 Mark5 HD is still the smallest scope in the Mark5 HD spread. When I first saw it at SHOW Show ’23 two years ago when the Oregon optics company launched it, this compact tactical riflescope immediately caught my attention because of my specific interest in lightweight and handy optics, such as LPVOs or 2-10x traditional riflescopes.

Moreover, this variant of the Leupold Mark 5HD called to me because Leupold developed this optic to be the “spiritual successor” of sorts to the classic Leupold Mark 4 LR/T scopes issued with Mk.12 SPRs, those famously accurized 5.56 mm AR variants of GWOT fame. My Mark 5HD 2-10×30 scope even uses the classic Leupold TMR reticle found on some Mark 4 LR/T models.

Mark 5HD 2-10×30 FFP Overview

The Mark 5HD 2-10×30 is built around a 5x optical zoom factor and a 35mm diameter anodized aluminum main tube with Leupold’s M5C3/M1C3 locking turrets. The rear half of this 2-10×30 has the exact same layout and feel as any other member of the Mark 5HD family. And like every other member of the Mark 5HD family, all 2-10×30 sub-variants are first focal plane riflescopes available in MRADs or MOA. They also possess the same wide ocular lens Mark 5 scopes are known for.

Unlike its larger siblings, the 2-10×30 has a very small objective bell that doesn’t take up much space. Because its footprint is so small, there is no risk of the bell clashing with the top of the rifle’s barrel or handguard. Likewise, because the entire scope is only 11 inches long, it doesn’t hog up much space over a rifle or carbine. Lengthwise, it’s comparable to most of the established LPVO models on the market.

Like every other Mark 5HD optic, the 2-10×30 is also assembled with Leupold’s Professional Grade Optical System consisting of the company’s highest tier of optical “high-definition” glass. Frankly, between this 2-10×30 and my other Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44, looking through their glass is an amazing experience.

There might be a tinge of chromatic aberration over bright daylight, but nothing outside of the norm at their price point. After racking up plenty of hours behind Mark 5HD scopes by now, their roomy eye boxes are very “comfortable,” especially during extended shooting sessions.

Mounting And Shooting the Mark 5HD 2-10×30

Even though 35 mm is a less common tube diameter than the “wide” standard of 34 mm, enough third-party companies that sell mounts and rings offer 35 mm options. Leupold offers some of their hunting scope models with 35 mm tubes as well, and they naturally offer hunting-grade and tactical scope rings for this diameter. In my case, I mounted the Mk.5-HD 2-10×30 to a 35mm 0-MOA Leupold Mark AR IMS 1.5-inch tall one-piece scope mount.

To date, I’ve been shooting the Mark 5HD 2-10×30 with this mount combination on different carbines for different tasks, reviews, and courses. So far, the most significant experience I’ve had with this scope was when I mounted it on a 16-inch 5.56 mm upper and took it to Green Ops’ comprehensive 2-Day LPVO class.

The course covers shooting with LPVO from 10 to 500 yards. So, this training event provided an abundance of opportunities to shoot targets at different distances with the 2-10×30 Mark 5HD. Shooting scenarios varied from running rapid-fire CQB drills, shooting and moving with a 2-point sling, and shooting at further distance steel targets from the prone.

In short, I was able to use the scope at high and low magnification to truly get a feel for it (and how it compares to an LPVO). Even though I had an offset auxiliary red-dot on-board, I made it a point to shoot with the scope at close distances, too.

Testing the Mark 5HD

When I reviewed the .22 LR S&W M&P 15-22, the shooting portion mostly consisted of grouping various types of .22LR ammunition at 50 yards off a bench. However, I also burned a few magazines of closer-in rapid fire, not unlike what I practiced with during my Green Ops course.

Shooting a rimfire rifle off a bench is hardly a challenge for a riflescope, but the Mk.5-HD’s glass and optical attributes provided a very comfortable experience. The scope worked so well that I almost took it for granted while I was focusing on my shots.

That afternoon was overcast and gloomy, yet the HD glass did a wonderful job of projecting a clear and bright image. By the end of the session, my vision didn’t feel strained in spite of the fact that I was shooting groups for nearly three hours.

At the time I pen this, the Leupold Mk.5-HD 2-10×30 and its Mark AR mount sit over a 5.56 mm Big Tex Ordnance/Hodge Upper Receiver with 12.5-inch Rosco Sage Dynamics stainless steel barrel.

Despite its shorter length, this AR-15 configuration shows a lot of promise, and this 2-10 riflescope is the perfect candidate for glass duty on this compact upper.

All About The Reticle: The TMR

A core feature of any magnified optic is its reticle. The Mark 5HD 2-10×30 is available with three different reticles: an MOA PR-1 reticle and two MRAD versions with Leupold’s classic TMR (Tactical Milling Reticle); one of these is illuminated.

My scope, SKU #179702, has the un-illuminated MRAD TMR reticle. The Tactical Milling Reticle, which is now old enough to be considered classic, has been a staple in many tactical Leupold riflescopes including the issued Leupold Mark 4 optics for the Mark 12 SPR.

To Be Continued In Part 2

Joe Biden Pardons Son, Hunter – What’s the Point of Gun Control?

By

Travis Pike

-

January 5, 2025

In a move we all saw coming, Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden. Hunter Biden, known crack addict, prostitute enjoyer, tax evader, and famous for filming every crime he’s ever committed, has had his conviction for lying on the 4473 pardoned. Hunter Biden, in the throws of enjoying crack cocaine, purchased a Colt Cobra .38 special revolver in 2018 from a Federal Firearms License holder.

As such, he lied on the form. All of us have filled out a 4473, right? The 4473 asks a very specific question. It’s question 11. E “Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?” Hunter Biden lied on the form and said he was not and received his firearm.

In an odd turn of events, Hunter Biden didn’t film this crime, which is unusual for him. However, on June 11th, 2024, he was convicted of three felony counts. Those counts are:

Making a false statement in The Purchase of a Firearm
Making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed firearms dealer.
Possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

Biden hadn’t made it to sentencing yet. He could have faced up to 25 years in prison, but that wasn’t a likely sentence. Part of Biden’s defense was that he only possessed the gun for eleven days. Okay, well, how’d he get rid of it? His girlfriend, also his brother’s widow, tossed it into a trash can. The Biden family sure enjoys some gun safety.

It’s Not the Crime – It’s the Hypocrisy

Joe Biden assured the American people he would not pardon his son in June 2024, but a short six months later, he retracted that claim and issued the pardon. To be clear, I don’t think Hunter Biden should be prosecuted for purchasing a handgun. It’s his right to keep and bear arms. He’s not been convicted of anything that removes that right, and a question shouldn’t disqualify him from exercising his Second Amendment rights.

It’s not the crime or the pardon that bothers me so much. It’s the hypocrisy. Joe Biden has continually pushed for tougher and tougher gun laws. He’s used the DOJ to enforce non-laws, he’s used Executive Actions, and the ATF has run wild during his administration. Yet, here he is, pardoning a gun crime just because it’s his son.

He claims Hunter Biden was targeted unfairly. He committed the crime. This wasn’t an odd interpretation of the law, but it was clearly written and clearly violated. If Biden truly wanted to pardon people who were unjustly targeted by the government, he could start with Matt Hoover. Matt Hoover, a YouTuber, was convicted of selling machine guns.

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, boards Air Force One at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York, U.S., February 4, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz Via CNN

In reality, he just said words. He took a sponsor from Auto Key Cards. Auto Key Cards sold little metal cards that could be cut into a lighting link or a machine gun part. To be clear, these were just metal cards, not actual lightning links.

What’s the Deal?

How can Joe Biden press so hard for stricter gun control while ignoring the problems in his own home? How can the democratic Party as a whole push for additional gun control and civil rights degradation while the head of their party pardons a gun criminal? This is absurd and shows why these aren’t serious people.