Hornady’s Precision Hunter line of ammunition is built to be the ideal load in ANY hunting situation. With its Heat Shield tip, it provides constant levels of accuracy regardless of temperature.
Hornady® 2018 Precision Hunter
‘Hero’ Honored By White House For Walmart Shooting Arrested
And El Paso Police are saying he’s no hero, just was trying to survive.
Earnest Christopher Grant, who goes by Chris, wasn’t able to make it to the award ceremony held at the White House because he was detained by the U.S. Secret Service on an outstanding fugitive warrant when he showed up in Washington, ABC News reported.
You read that correctly. Chris Grant, 50, who told a harrowing tale that made it to the President and who was honored by the President in ceremony, gave an ‘exaggerated account’ shall we say.
No this is not the soldier with the concealed carry who was shepherding kids out of the line of fire. Grant supposedly held the gunman off for precious seconds to aid his fellow shoppers. According to El, Paso though…
“Nobody bothered to check with us,” El Paso Police Sergeant Enrique Carrillo told the Washington Examiner. “They would have been informed, as I am telling you now, that our detectives reviewed hours of video and his actions did not match his account.”
“The video evidence of the scene does not support his assertions,” Sgt. Carrillo told KFOX. “His actions were captured by surveillance cameras, but they amount to an act of self-preservation, nothing more, nothing less.”
Grant has a less than honest past, so why not take advantage of a little misplaced hero worship?
In 2016, he was sentenced to 18 days in jail for stealing televisions from a Sears store. He was also convicted of evading arrest that same year. In March, he was convicted of stealing a 2009 Mazda 6, and was sentenced to eight months in prison. It is unclear how many months of that sentence he actually served.
Grant began revving up and touting his supposedly heroic actions during a series of interviews in the wake of the mass shooting, he gave some of those interviews from his hospital bed which would undoubtedly lend emotional gravitas to his tale.
Petty exploitation of tragedy is nothing new, but I’m tickled he got to spend his award ceremony in Secret Service custody and had his name removed from the ledger.
Magazine Ban and Red Flag Laws Pass House Judiciary
Washington (CNN) – The House Judiciary Committee voted on Tuesday to approve gun violence prevention legislation as Congress faces pressure to take action in the wake of recent mass shootings.
A High Capacity Magazine Ban and Extreme Risk Protection Orders, colloquially called Red Flag laws, have passed the Democratic controlled House Judiciary Committee. This is the most forward progress we’ve seen on national gun control legislation in nearly a decade. Right beside the ERPO and Magazine bills, the former focused on incentivising states, a third bill amending background checks also advanced.
Incentivise States to pass ERPO
The red flag bill that the committee voted on Tuesday would establish a federal level grant program to incentivize states to establish red flag/ERPO laws. These enable a court to intervene and temporarily (allegedly) prevent someone who is in crisis (allegedly) from having access to a firearm. It would also create a federal extreme risk protection order program of unknown make up.
Democrats assure us that due process will be maintained in red flag legislation. In other news, if you like your healthcare plan you can keep your healthcare plan…
ERPOs, Red Flag Laws, are the crowd favorite gun control measure at the moment. They’re seen as the alternative, or perhaps an supplement to gun bans depending on the state. On the surface Extreme Risk Protection Orders sound perfect. Look at the name, “Extreme Risk”, it evokes the imagery of dire situations. “Protection Orders”, this is about safety and protection for everyone.
S.A.F.E Act, remember that one?
The title design is about trust. Trust that, granted the power to infringe upon several constitutionally protected liberties prior to any criminal charge or conviction, that the government will stop at that much infringement and never wrongly, whether deliberate or not, misuse this power.
Outlaw High Capacity Magazines
I cannot find the text on this bill, I will keep looking as it advances to the full House floor where Democratic control will likely see it passed to the Senate. Word is that the bill grandfathers current high capacity magazines, rendering it useless as all but an extreme annoyance and infringement upon the gun owners of the nation.
If this goes to the Senate we could see a run on high caps very quickly. The President has been nebulous about what he will be willing to support, some word is expected this week but what is a mystery.
Republicans in the Senate have made supportive noises about background check changes.
Mitch McConnell, Senate majority leader, has publicly stated he won’t bring any gun control out that the President won’t sign. The proverbial ball is in Trump’s court on what we could see become law.
The final passed item was an amendment to NICS adding misdemeanor hate crime convictions into the same disqualifying bracket as misdemeanor domestic violence. On the surface this looks fine. The question becomes what are the misdemeanor hate crimes? Are there any crimes on that list that, removed of the ‘hate crime’ descriptor should not result in temporary or permanent 2nd Amendment rights revocation?
We are people, a society, that holds too much faith in titles and headlines to convey the information we need. If the title of a bill sounds good and makes us feel good, it’s good. SAFE Act. Extreme Risk Protection Order. Titles that sound good, the procedures are written down for anyone to see and find the weaknesses of the rules and the potential for abuse. We are counted on not to look.
Is The Tavor 7 Accurate?
With the release of the Israeli Weapon Industries Tavor 7, their newest bullpup battle rifle, there has been an ongoing question on the rifle’s accuracy. This speculation has come from a couple of sources and was, in part, caused by of some of the perfectionists that IWI has on staff here in the U.S.
The Tavor 7 was a fully fleshed concept in IWI circles when inquiring parties made serious inroads into the prototypes for a mission profile. After those inquiries, the IWI team went back to the shop with a goal to tighten down the Tavor 7’s accuracy to a much greater degree than the original design had conceived. Comments were made about the GOAL of a 1 minute of angle gun.
Corners of the internet took this as the accuracy gospel according to IWI and when the truth emerged, they raged. This is the internet, what can you do?
Tavor 7 Comparative Accuracy
[TL:DR Version – It’s accurate and will have an effective range on man sized and medium game targets out to 600 yards or so. HINT: Don’t disrespect trigger control]
Testing criteria: Comparative grouping on 3 platforms to establish standards and information on the Tavor 7 using a 3x10rd format. Ammunition is M80 Ball, Federal.
Platform 1: M110 SASS, Operation Parts SR25 Conversion
– The M110 is the control, it has an established accuracy standard of 1.1 MOA with M118LR 175gr ammunition.
Platform 2: FN SCAR17s (Upgraded)
– The SCAR is a modern tech competitor in certain respects to the Tavor 7. Namely the barrels used in both rifles are just over 16″ with 1:12 twist rates, cold hammer forged and chrome lined.
Platform 3: IWI Tavor 7
Course of fire: From prone, supported, fire a 10rd group into the designated box. Switch weapons after each group to allow some cooling and not ‘dial in’ or fatigue on one platform. 3 groups were fired from each rifle total. Rifles had been fired and effective zero’s confirmed prior to the test.
Optics: Each rifle was wearing a different class of optic but all were shot at 4x to match the SCAR’s TA31 ECOS.
Stabilizers: Both the M110 and SCAR were fired from bipods. The Tavor 7 was braced on a bag.
Results:
All 9 groups plus a quick string of 3 headshots I did to confirm zero. The results tell the tale of the Tavor 7 and the accuracy finally achieved out of the box without sacrificing the rifle’s function (Note: It is known that the T7 hates TULA due to the crap consistency of primer depth and hardness)
The individual strings of fire varied as I switched off weapons. M110.. SCAR17.. Tavor 7.. Repeat next line down.
Pictured here, the middle sting of fire, is probably the most illustrative. It felt the best on all platforms and the groupings reflect that. I was fully warmed up to shooting all 3 and not fatiguing yet. Shooter fatigue is real, anyone who has shot a slow repetitive test like this will understand. It’s one of the reasons you don’t spend a long time chasing a rifle zero.
Conclusions based on results:
The Tavor 7 grouped the worst of the 3 rifles, yes. The T7 is not going to win your PRS match. Not it’s job and not its design.
But it didn’t lose by much nor was “winning” the shoot off the point of the test. The reason for the test was to gather shareable data so that an average of comparative performance can be established. I didn’t expect a $2,099 7.62x51mm stock bullpup carbine to beat $6,000 and $10,000 dollar systems, one of which was built from the ground up as a precision rifle.
The largest contributing factor to this accuracy, in my opinion, is the trigger. Once aftermarket 2-Stage triggers for the T7 become a reality we can see the accuracy gap close further. It’s never going to beat the M110 or SCAR, those rifles both have mechanical advantages that lend accuracy the Tavor can’t match as a bullpup and in how the system itself is put together and serviced.
Another illustration I included, the barrel/sight offset of the Tavor 7. Shots were at 10 yards with a zero for 50, done quickly while standing. (Yes, I like to pull shots left while shooting quickly. Thomas can roll his eyes at me later when I see him at the next Tavor Operator course.)
The Tavor rifles have a significant optic over bore offset 
Rounds fired close will impact low, low left if you pull.
The T7’s trigger feels like an old roller delayed H&K trigger, like the G3 and MP5, it’s a trigger you have to ‘roll through’. The trigger on both the other rifles in the test are 2-Stage triggers meant for very predictable and accurate breaks, something infinitely easier to accomplish in a standard trigger group without a long transfer bar. While the Tavor 7 trigger is good, the best of any bullpup I’ve shot stock, it isn’t a Geissele or Knight’s 2-Stage and when shooting for pure accuracy trigger break does matter. Minimizing sympathetic motion transfer to the gun is easier when the trigger is helping you out.
The 7 is a practically accurate rifle that can take advantage of the effective range on a .308. Rumors of its inaccuracy are exaggerated. Kind of a strange reversal of the M14‘s legendary status actually.
It will work well as a battle rifle, especially in any environmental parameter where being compact gets you those mobility bonus points, precisely as intended.
Remember to keep it fed once you find one too.
Widener’s is the place to do it.
Kimber EVO SP Custom Shop
Some follow the established code – others break the mold. The Custom Shop model of the Kimber EVO SP is the best you can get. Stiplex-inspired slide serrations cover the slide, front strap, and G10 grips. Upgraded sights and Kimber’s patented KimPro II finish ensure a long life for your firearm. It’s the ultimate choice for concealed carry.
Gun Confiscation? “Hell yes,”
“Hell yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47,” O’Rourke said, on the Democratic Party debate stage, for all to hear and see. “We’re not going to allow them to be used against fellow Americans anymore.”
Robert “Beto” O’Rourke, popular Democratic candidate (but far from front runner, Biden “Ban Multiple Bullet Magazines” is currently), stopped pretending at the latest debate in the attempt to secure the presidential nomination. Gun confiscation is the name of the game.
Whether they call it a “buy back” or continue the blunt honesty streak is yet to be determined. They are going to “take” your rifle.
“We’re not going to allow them to be used against fellow Americans anymore.”
Okay, Beto… just where are we allowing these to be used against fellow Americans? Point out this ‘Purge’ arena where anyone can bring their AR or AK and fire indiscriminately upon their fellow citizens? No? It doesn’t exist? You were just obfuscating the topic so much as to imply that murder was somehow allowed because of the ownership of firearms, but just the firearms that account for the smallest percentage of national homicides.
Right? That’s what we we’re doing. Taking out the source of epidemic violence responsible for 0.7% of the deaths the flu causes each year. (Sources CDC and FBI)
Yet no one is claiming we allow the flu to ravage our fellow Americans. It kills 138:1 compared to rifles and yet we praise the efforts each year to vaccinate and prevent the rapidly mutating strain from causing as much harm as we are able to (except anti-vaxxers, but they’re kind of self selecting into the 138 part). Simultaneously politicos and news heads are decrying the existence of rifles.
So now it is in the open, gun confiscation. They will take them. “Hell yes,” they will take them… at gunpoint with their own ARs is the only method that remotely pushes a percentage of compliance.
Gun owners here are tired of it. We’re sick of the double speak. Thank you, Beto, for at least being an honest idiot.
Good luck at your 1-5% depending on polls.
Walther Launches New Website Targeting Innovative Customer Experience and Education.
Walther launched a new innovative website that helps customers educate themselves on Walther history, products, shooting techniques, and where to buy.
One of the most significant changes is the integration of Walther Defense and Competition products. Customers can now go to one destination for info on the Walther Defense line of products (PPQ, PPS, P22, PK380, Q5 Match, and PPK) and the Walther Competition line (KK500, LG400, FP500, GSP Expert, SSP, and LP500).
Customers can experience a unique interaction with Walther products with new videos, articles, and augmented reality. Choose any of the Walther models by narrowing down products through the new Usage section of the website.
Experience the new Walther Campus by learning comprehensive cleaning and disassembly strategies for all Walther models and shooting techniques ranging from basics to competition shooting.
“We are very excited to launch this new website. As the performance leader in the industry, we wanted our website to reflect the performance that our products provide. Owning a Walther is an experience, and we want our customers to feel like they are part of our team. The Walther Campus allows our customers to learn from our employees, shooting team, pro-staff, and industry professionals. This overall experience helps new and existing shooters to have a better understanding of who Walther is.” Said Cody Osborn, Marketing Manager of Walther Arms, Inc.
About Walther
Walther is the performance leader in the firearms industry. Renowned throughout the world for its innovation since Carl Walther and his son, Fritz, created the first blow-back semi-automatic pistol in 1908. Today, the innovative spirit builds off the invention of the concealed carry gun with the PPK series by creating the PPQ, PPS and Q5 Match Steel Frame series. Military, Police, and other government security groups in every country of the world have relied on the high-quality craftsmanship and rugged durability of Walther products. Excellent service and superior quality will continue to be benchmarks of Walther success. In the future Walther will continue its long tradition of technical expertise and innovation in design and production of firearms. https://waltherarms.com
Zilis-Sacred Mountain Retreat: Sometimes you don’t know what you need until it’s presented to you…
Guest Post from a good friend of ours, Rob Winner. His son, Jase, is a writer here
Back in June I was invited to spend time with fellow Military, Veterans and First Responders at the Zilis-Sacred Mountain Retreat Center (Z-SMRC) in Deadwood, South Dakota. I can honestly say this proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
For years I’ve had a really good handle on my demons, both the good and bad ones. Enough so that others sought out my counsel in dealing with their own chaos. Well, this weekend at Z-SMRC was a pinnacle moment for me.
I spent time with, shared stories, laughed and cried with x8 amazing heroes. I watched strangers from different backgrounds with different stories and different scars come together to become friends and inevitably become a new family. Over the course of the retreat: Combat Vets laughed and cried about the excitement and chaos or war, LEOs laughed and cried about the dregs of society and EMS personnel laughed and cried about the whims of fate and the evil of the human spirit. Our group of x4 women and x4 men included: retired Dallas cop, retired USAF cop, an Army Trauma Nurse, an Army Infantryman, an Army Engineer, EMTs and a Fire Fighter/ Paramedic. We had a broad spectrum in our class which although from different paths had very similar scars of service.
The weight of the world is that of demons left unchecked and unsupervised. Through our peer-to-peer support and teamwork everyone walked away a week later stronger and wiser and more capable of quelling the noise. There are good and bad to every story, but this story ends with strangers building bonds that transcend friendship and created a lasting family. Different clans coming together as one tribe, a tribe of amazing people who believe in a higher calling, service before self and a dedication to this country that runs deeper than blood.
Enough good cannot be said for the amazing work that Jerrid Geving and Emily Kruger have done in putting together the Zilis-Sacred Mountain Retreat Center and this program. Hands on work to build up a team, Equine therapy because horses heal souls, blacksmithing knives from RR nails, Leather working to make sheaths, Yoga, group trips, etc. The ebb and flow of the Z-SMRC was spot on perfect and the cast/ crew was amazing. We had some pretty great folks pass through while we were on deck, fellow graduates of the program, supporters who brought their craft and trade with them for us to experience and a Gold Star family stopping by to say hello.
To be honest I feel humbled and honored to have been a part of it. The transformation of folks involved was truly phenomenal. In a case or two we literally helped each other snatch a soul back from the edge. I’ll be returning to the Black Hills to help as often as I’m invited because I believe in their mission and goals 110%. The beauty of the Zilis-Sacred Mountain Retreat Center is that it is a No Cost program for the attendees. Airfare (or gas reimbursement), lodging, food, activities… all covered by the Z-SMRC program. Not all wounds can be healed, not all the screams can be silenced and yet it is the helping hands of family, friends and strangers that help guide the path forward through the darkness of uncertainty. Not all demons can be snuffed out but it is possible to control the demons and turn down the volume on the chaos. Contact the Zilis-Sacred Mountain Retreat Center if you, a loved one or a coworker/ friend are in need of these services. If you have questions or wish to recommend someone to attend the program, please reach out to Emily: SACREDMTN18@GMAIL.COM or Rob: ROBERT.WINNER.ZSMRC@GMAIL.COM
Colt is out… No more open market long guns
First spotted at TTAG
RSR Group, a major firearm distributor, is reporting that Colt’s Manufacturing LLC is ceasing production of long guns for the civilian market. Once the recognized standard for AR-15’s, the M16 and M4 were their babies. They were the recognized and respected leader for law enforcement patrol rifles.
If it wasn’t a Colt it wasn’t up to standards and it would probably fail.
The firearm industry giant has had a rough road in the last decade and a half. Poor decisions have led to bankruptcies (yes, multiple) and the old pony has lost ground and lost face in a market that has required rapid adapting since the late 2000’s.
Colt developed the reputation of not caring about it’s civilian customer base. This would prove cancerous to the brand as a whole, regardless of their quality. That quality was also surpassed and undercut by competing companies as Colt sat there… basically saying, “Oh, well we still build the M4… so suck it.”
Until…
…Colt didn’t build the M4 anymore, not exclusively. FN struck a devastating blow to Colt’s elitist pillar when they won a production contract for the M4, what they already had for the M16A4 but the Marine Corps was the buyer their. The Marines, being the little branch at only around 200,000 personnel, didn’t command the gravitas of buying power that the U.S. Army does. The buying of the cooler ‘more operator’ M4’s was seen as their claim to fame… still. Until it wasn’t. Remington Defense also received an M4 contract.
Colt was no longer exclusive. Colt hadn’t produced guns the civilian market really wanted in awhile either. Their last major product on the market for citizens was the 6940 model… and that was around 2010. Colt was no longer the name of the high end market. They didn’t own the entry level market either, low buget purchasers felt Colt saw them as too plebeian to purchase their products.
Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, and many others ate up those eagerly waiting AR dollars. The build your own market exploded… and Colt took no notice. Others did, Aero Precision is the titan of the build market… no pony in sight.
Is Colt done?
No. The company still holds hefty .Gov contracts for the M4A1 but those are fleeting things and far from exclusive. But after having tanked their civilian market appeal it’s a wildcard on how long Colt’s Pony can keep limping along. They didn’t adapt. They didn’t diversify. Colt didn’t listen to the people who wanted to give them money. The result is the DoD could retire them with the stroke of a pen… a new small arms contract.
Springfield Instant Gear Up
It’s a new kind of Gear Up! No more waiting for products in the mail – now you select an Instant Gear Up firearm from a list of qualifying models, contact your retailer, ask for “Springfield Instant Gear Up”, and pick up your new gun and free gear at the same time! It’s up to a $230 value FREE!
Aimpoint CompM4 & CompM5 with InRange
There’s a debate on the internet (shocker) over who is king of the red dot and reflex optics. The front runner is almost always one name. Aimpoint.
With the establishment of their CompM5 RDS, Aimpoint has blended their robust CompM4 optic and their highly popular micro dots. The CompM4 is the CCO for the US Army and exists as a durable reflex optic standardized on the M4A1 carbine. The Aimpoint micro dots, the T1/T2 and H1/H2 series, set the standards for small, light, and enduring red dots industry wide.
The CompM4 and M4s were the best of the whole CCO series of optics from a logistics standpoint. The CCO integrates a commonly available power source, the AA cell battery, and their power endurance is measured in years. The debris resistance and immersion endurance of the CompM4 are industry leading.
The Aimpoint CompM5 blends the popular micro housing size with stronger 7075 T6 aluminum. It is the strongest and smallest sight in the Comp series. Power source on it is still commonly sourceable as a AAA cell.
But enough text, listen to the InRange guys address the Aimpoint optic current evolution.
The details on the CompM5 are below. I recommend pairing it with the Scalarworks LEAP mount in your preferred offset/height to match the rest of the ancillary and supporting equipment. I run half a dozen optics in Scalarworks bases and couldn’t be more impressed. The weight, strength, and ease of use on their quick detach systems is nearly peerless.
• 2 MOA Red Dot
• 5+ years of constant use @7 (Lithium AAA)
• 1 Off, 4 NV, and 6 daylight settings
• Non-magnifying / 18mm aperture
• Transparent rear / opaque front lens-caps
• Machined from 7075-T6 Aluminum
• Impact resistant front window
• Submersible to 45m (150ft)
• 10 year warranty
Springfield SAINT Victor Pistol
New for 2019, the SAINT Victor series of rifles and pistols from Springfield Armory are designed to give you everything you need on a premium defensive firearm, right out of the box.
Weighing in at 6.9 lbs, the lower receiver on the SAINT Victor rifle is Accu-Tite tension-bonded to a flat-top forged upper receiver and features a 16” CMV barrel that is Melonite® finished inside and out for the ultimate in corrosion resistance. The rock-solid, patent-pending M-Lok free-float 15” handguard protects the mid-length gas system and provides plenty of space for accessory attachment.
At the heart of SAINT Victor rifles is an M16 bolt carrier group that is also Melonite® finished, HPT/MPI tested, shot peened, and houses a 9310 steel bolt. With a fit, finish and feel superior to that of much higher priced AR options on the market, the SAINT Victor rifle is also available in a California-approved model for 2019, with a Strike Industries Featureless Grip and Magpul MOE fixed stock. An 11.5” SBR configuration is also available for LE and civilian use.
The SAINT Victor pistols are the most compact in the lineup, with many of the same features of the rifles, but in a stock-free, non-NFA pistol form with a 7.5” barrel in 5.56, and a 9” barrel in .300 BLK.
The 7.5” SAINT Victor pistol is equipped with an SA Forward Blast Diverter muzzle device, and the 9” pistol features an A2 flash hider, easily removed for suppressor use.
Built for CQB, the compact design of the SAINT Victor Pistol is an ideal choice for home defense and delivers rifle power in a small, fast-handling package. The rugged SB Tactical SBX-K forearm brace reduces size, stabilizes recoil, and enhances accuracy.
Just like the SAINT Victor rifles, the M16 bolt carrier group is precision-machined from 9310 steel, shot peened, HPI/MPT inspected and finished in super-hard Melonite®, as are the barrels, both inside and out. A staked receiver end plate features a QD mount for sling attachment.
The SAINT Victor series of rifle and pistols from Springfield Armory set a new standard for what you should expect from a defensive firearm.
Now available in these configurations:
SAINT VICTOR RIFLE
- STV916556B – SAINT Victor 5.56 MSRP $1,073
- STV916556BCA – SAINT Victor 5.56 CA Compliant MSRP $1,073
SAINT VICTOR PISTOL
- STV975556B – SAINT Victor Pistol 5.56 MSRP $1,015
- STV909300B – SAINT Victor Pistol .300 BLK MSRP $1,015
SAINT VICTOR SBR
- STV9115556B – SAINT Victor SBR 5.56 MSRP $1,073
The Steiner Mk7 Battle Light
Lights on a shotgun can be tricky. Surefire has the DSF series, Streamlight just introduced the TL Racker, but Steiner has had a little known light around for a few years now known as the Mk7. The Mk7 Battle Light is a dedicated shotgun weapon light that takes a novel approach to add a weapon light to your shotgun. Instead of attaching to the pump, or to an added Picatinny mount, it attaches to the magazine tube.
It replaces the end cap and keeps your shotgun sleek and slim compared to other guns. I’ll go ahead and say it now, the Mk7 Battle Light isn’t well known for a few reasons. First, shotguns aren’t nearly as popular as they once were. Second, it has a lot of problems and the original over 200 dollar MSRP was a tough selling point when compared to the Surefire. The Surefire DSF is a more ergonomic option that’s nearly twice as bright for only a little more than the Mk7.
At over 200 bucks this light is a hard swallow, but at 50 bucks with free shipping, it’s much more digestible. Steiner is clearancing out their last few Mk7 Battle Lights for only 50 bucks with free shipping. The Mk7 Battle Lights are compatible with the Remington 870, the Mossberg 500(Not 590), the Beretta 1301 and Benelli M4 and Nova. The Benelli models are sold out, but there seems to be plenty in stock for the other guns.
Mk7 Functional Review
I grabbed one for my Remington 870 and have been handling it quite a bit as of late and have spotted a few strengths and weaknesses of the design. Functionally it’s a tough, dependable light. Regardless of its design or ergonomics the light itself is well made.
It’s bright and casts a white and clear light well beyond the range I need in my home, and beyond buckshot range anyway. The light casts a 10-degree beam and uses a TIR lens that optimizes the beam. The Mk7 is a 350 lumen light and has a relatively short 1 hour run time and it’s powered by a single CR123A battery.
The light is made from all metal and features a recessed lens for extra protection. It features two switches positioned on opposite sides of each other. The Mk7 only has one mode, constant on. There is no momentary switch. The light weighs only 4.1 ounces and is roughly 3.5 inches long. Installation is simple, it replaces the magazine spring cap directly. It’s a two-piece system the first piece attaches to the tube and holds the spring in place. The second portion is the flashlight and this threads onto the first piece.
The two-piece design makes it easy to remove to swap batteries without a spring flying out at you. The Steiner Mk 7 is a well made, fully functional light. How does it work in action though?
The Mk7 in Action – The Good
The Mk7 has a number of strengths outside of being a well-made light. From an operational standpoint the Mk7 is very lightweight and doesn’t weigh your shotgun down. One of the strengths of a shotgun is it’s close quarter’s use and a close quarter’s weapon should light and quick.
Compared to other weapon lights the Mk7 is very lightweight, especially when stacked up against lights like the Surefire DSF and Streamlight TL Racker. The Mk7 can be removed to be used at a handheld light without comprising the weapon’s functionality. Not all situations that require you a light require you to point your gun at everything.
Lastly, unlike most other light options the Steiner doesn’t move as you pump the weapon. The light remains in one constant place.
The Bad
The biggest and most apparent downside is having to reach forward of your pump to activate the weapon light. This can make it hard to reach for those with shorter arms. I’ve come up with my own means to reach the light while holding onto the pump of my Remington 870. I’m holding the very front of the pump and resting my index finger on the On switch.
On guns with extended tubes you may not be able to reach the light in a firing position. This specific Remington has a standard 4 round tube and that seems to be the perfect length for reaching the Steiner light.
As far as weapon lights go another downside is the fact the Steiner lacks a momentary switch. Another downside is that if you are running a tube extension you have to remove it to mount the Mk7. This means you could be dropping a 2 to 3 round addition. Shotguns already have a low capacity so sacrificing some rounds for a light may not be for you.
Parting Shots
The Steiner Mk7 is just another option in a field of options. It does certainly have its pros, and being lightweight, and easy to handle is one of the primary reasons I like the light. It keeps the gun balanced. My home defense shotgun and my home defense plan is to point my shotgun at my bedroom door and call the police. In this role, the light works perfectly.
Again, if the light still cost over 200 bucks I wouldn’t be a buyer. However, at 50 bucks this is the cheapest high-quality shotgun light currently on the market. It’s well worth 50 bucks and it’s unique design makes it noteworthy.
Introduction to the XD-E from Springfield Armory
Springfield Armory would like you all to take a look at the XD-E. The little Double Action/Single Action or Traditional Double Action (DA/SA or TDA) is among the various carry options offered by the Illinois based firearm manufacturer.
Available in 9mm in three different barrel lengths, 3.3″, 3.8″, and 4.5″. There is also a .45 ACP variant of the 3.3″ barrel. The XD-E kinda came out of nowhere, unasked for, and yet has gained a popular enough following that Landon Tactical is doing a rendition.
With an even better trigger, hammer, and night sights the LTT edition is one of the best indicators the XD-E itself is a valuable single stack base gun. It still has the “Grip Zone” though, as goofy an addition as that is.
There are some tools so basic, you can’t imagine being without them. But even essential tools can be refined and improved.
That’s the principle behind the new XD-E™: the best elements of the world-renowned XD® Series, condensed into a weapon so intuitive, comfortable and accurate, you can’t imagine being without it.
The XD-E™ sculpts unmatched Point And Shoot Ergonomics™ into a sleek frame just an inch wide, for hand and holster fit so satisfying you’ll take it everywhere. The low-effort slide practically racks itself, so handling’s a pleasure. The exposed hammer clearly shows gun mode, and the single/double action trigger shows respect for your shooting style, unlike other compacts.
Then there’s the grip: GripZone® provides active texture that matches your grasp like a handshake, improves stability, and feels incredible. Three magazine options let you personalize concealability and capacity. Impeccable feel, weight and balance launch the XD-E™ from invisible to impactful in an instant, for go-anywhere confidence unlike any you’ve felt.
New shooter or skilled gunner, wrap your mitt around the new XD-E™ and you’ll know. This is more than a hammer. It redefines what your hammer should be.
The hammer – the most important tool in the toolbox.
SPECS
CALIBER 9mm
RECOIL SYSTEM Dual Spring w/ Full Length Guide Rod
SIGHTS Fiber Optic Front, Low Profile Combat Rear (Steel)
WEIGHT 25 oz
HEIGHT 5″ w/ Flush Magazine, 5.25″ w/ Magazine X-Tension™
SLIDE Forged Steel, Melonite®
BARREL 3.3″ Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite®
LENGTH 6.75″
GRIP WIDTH 1″
FRAME Black Polymer
MAGAZINES 1 – 8 Round w/ Grip X-Tension™, 1 – 9 Round w/ Mag X-Tension™
TRIGGER PULL Double Action / Single Action
MSRP $542.00
Walther MPL, Bring it Back!
The little known sub-gun that Walther should bring back. The MPL.
Ian over at Forgotten Weapons brings out a little known Walther. We know Walther for guns like the classic PPK, their PPQ, or the race gun ready Q5. What we don’t have from Walther are PCC’s or carbines, and this is SAD. The Walther MPL deserves some revitalization.
This compact little 9mm had so much going for it that I think would make an amazing modernized PCC. Using more aluminum, add some M-LOK, closed bolt trigger system, and a redesign for brace or upgrade. Mostly I love the bolt and charging handle design on this thing. Walther’s MPL is exceptionally executed and is both simple and elegant.
Remake the upper to be M-LOK and QD sling compatible, but keep the general same shape for the bolt carrier and aesthetic. Add a top rail for optics and an upgraded set of iron sights. Go for a modernized magazine that can push button release… or perhaps CZ Scorpion magazine pattern for market compatibility, there are several options. Keep the flapper style release too for posterity. Make the pistol grip AR compatible with a retro looking grip as the factory option… or 1911 panels perhaps, adds some customization. Keep the bolt and charging handle system nearly untouched.
Heck, do two. A retro run of fully classic Walther MPLs that looks nearly identical to the old gun but with the updated finishes and materials, and a modernized MPL(M) that has all the fixings of a 21st century 9mm PCC. This Walther needs a second run in an era where it can shine. Retro is in, ask Brownells.