New Shooting Optics For 2016

April 9, 2016

Firearms are a mature technology. Shooters are unlikely to see enormous technological leaps in the basic form or function of modern small arms. Capacity, caliber and weight will all be further optimized, but until solid projectiles are replaced with lasers, firearms will retain their current form.

The same cannot be said of optics, however.

Clarity and light reception have grown exponentially since the first optical gunsight helped a shooter place rounds on a distant target. Nowhere is this quantum leap more evident than at the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show, where countless vendors showcase thousands of upcoming products each year. This year, in particular, saw an explosive growth in new optics ranging from thermal and reflex sights to prismatic and traditional magnified telescopic options. There were nearly too many to count; thankfully we’ve compiled the top new choices from the 2016 SHOT Show.

AimPoint Inc.

AimPoint has a reputation in the U.S. as a military or law enforcement optics provider. However, this Swedish manufacturer is seen as primarily a hunting accessory maker in its home country and across Europe. Overseas it’s not uncommon to see AimPoint reflex sights on hunting rifles, revolvers and shotguns alike. Looking to better capitalize on this portion of the U.S. market, AimPoint announced the introduction of a new campaign and product line dedicated to North American hunters.

The first product the company introduced in this new line is the 3X-C, a standalone magnifier designed to function with AimPoint reflex sights. When used in conjunction with an AimPoint T-2 or PRO/ACO optic, the 3X-C converts the unmagnified reflex sight into a telescopic one. While AimPoint has offered magnifiers in the past, they lacked the adjustable diopter setting of the new models and were prohibitively expensive. The new 3X-C should be available early April 2016, with an MSRP of $307.

AimPoint hasn’t abandoned its military or law enforcement clients either, which is why the company has introduced a new 6x magnifier imaginatively named the 6xMAG-1. Retailing for nearly 300 percent more than its civilian 3x magnifier, the new 6xMAG-1 allows AimPoint reflex sights to function in the same role as fixed magnification optic like an ACOG, with more operational flexibility to function as a standard reflex sight. The 6xMAG-1 doesn’t have a concrete launch date yet, but AimPoint is looking to launch it sometime this summer for around $900.

Burris

Burris has enjoyed a dedicated group of fans and consumers thanks to its affordable, quality optics and binoculars. Straddling the fence in terms of quality between super high-end optics makers and budget-priced throwaway imports, Burris is like Goldilocks’ favorite bed — just right.

Even still, they’re not satisfied to simply remain the go-to brand for hunters, shooters and sportsman on a budget. They also want to capture the higher-end market, without the cost normally associated with premium brands. One of its latest attempts involves a few crucial upgrades to an existing deluxe optic: the X96 Eliminator III.

If that wasn’t already a mouthful, to be more precise, it’s the X96 Eliminator III with wind and PTT. The latter two additions signifying the presence of an on-scope wind meter and laser range finder. The really cool part? Both displays are integrated into the reticle itself, so shooters don’t have to come off the scope to read the wind or drop on a target.

Additionally, the Eliminator reticle allows shooters to enter their specific load and when combined with proper windage and ballistic coefficient, displays precisely where a shooter needs to aim to successfully engage a given target.
The Eliminator is available in several different reticle patterns including Horus H591, Mil Dot and Ballistic Circle Dot. So no matter what a shooter prefers, they can still utilize the new Burris optic without having to learn a new system.

Elcan

Canadian optics maker Elcan is the optics branch of military tech firm, Raytheon Inc. Their optics are known for their ultra clarity and durability in worldwide militaries. American soldiers often encounter Elcan’s fixed magnification LMG sight, the M145 atop the M240B machine gun. On that platform, its 7.62x51mm BDC allows gunners to effortless drop lethal rounds on top of enemy combatants.

The other sights the company is known for are its Specter DR series of prismatic gunsights. These utilize a rotating prism to allow the user to toggle between two magnifications at the flip of an exterior lever. While popular with special forces units, civilians often find their limited magnification and high price difficult to rationalize.

Seeking to expand its customer base, Elcan showcased its new three-step prismatic scope that allows shooters to choose either three, six or nine power magnification. Named the Specter TR 1-3-9x, the optic that first premiered in 2014 is now seeing increased production and availability to the civilian, military and law enforcement market. In that market it fits the unique role of being a perfect choice for shooters looking for variable magnification without sacrificing light reception or image clarity.

HoloSun

HoloSun is a Chinese optics maker that specializes in tactical, affordable alternatives to high-end military gear. The quality of its products lies somewhere between NcStar and Tasco — so not terribly durable. Still, the company can’t be faulted for not innovating as HoloSun showcased more than half a dozen new optics at SHOT Show 2016.

One that caught my eye is HoloSun’s new IR laser, tactical light reflex sight combo. Yes, it really is all three of these things. HoloSun says it’s not available yet, but will enter production soon and be available in two finishes: black and FDE. No specs were given on the output or battery life of any of the three devices, but they all appear to utilize independent power switches.

Additionally, the Holosun triple device seems to utilize two different power sources: one for the IR laser, tactical light combo and another for the reflex sight itself. Despite being a clone and hybrid of pricey American and European products, the new device still has a steep estimated MSRP of around $1,300.

While certainly not a bad price for a solid tactical light, IR laser and red dot separately, as a combined unit from a manufacturer that’s relatively new to the market, it’s unclear what the long-term durability might be. But it’s cool to see a company rolling together all this technology into one optic that takes up less real estate on a rifle than three separate units.

Leupold

The old “ring o’ gold” was still alive and kicking at this year’s SHOT Show. As in past years, Leupold arrived in Las Vegas with yet another strong product lineup. While not as varied or innovative as other smaller optic makers’ offerings, the new products unveiled at the show demonstrate a solid business sense and perhaps a conservative market strategy. While possibly the antithesis of “sexy,” the company’s strategy, like its products, are rock solid reliable and pragmatic.

Rather than design an all new optic from the ground up, Leupold instead sought to offer existing successful products in slight variations — though not simply on a whim, but as a response to consumer demands. For instance, its new VX-3i CDS scope shares everything down to the outer finish with the older model, except it includes Leupold’s new Wind-Plex reticle and new Custom Dial System turrets.

This new crosshair type is a modification of the original Duplex reticle introduced by Leupold in 1962. It features horizontal ticks one MOA apart, divided by a single narrow vertical line. This permits rapid, accurate shot placement with holdover options for windy conditions.

And the CDS turrets can be adjusted to match a specific bullet grain and caliber, giving shooters the confidence and capability necessary to engage distant targets with deadly precision.

Meopta

Relative newcomer Meopta continues to shatter expectations with its MeoPro and ZD series of rifle scopes. In fact, one of the worst kept secrets of the industry is how many high-end scope brands utilize Meopta components in their mid-level product lines.

With some of the brightest optics on the market, it’s no wonder Meopta is gaining a steady foothold with hunters in the U.S. Following in this tradition, Meopta announced its newest addition to the company’s optics lineup: the MeoPro 6.5-20×50 HTR.

The HTR portion of the lengthy title stands for “Hunt / Tactical / Range” describing the telescopic sight’s multi-role function. The new HTR optic is available in four different reticle patterns and features the MeoBright ion-assisted lens coating that gives the Czech optics such incredible light reception. It also features oversized turrets with audible “clicking” .25 MOA adjustments for a precise, repeatable zero.

Zeiss

German optics are known for their quality and clarity, and Zeiss’s new Victory V8 1.8-14×50 riflescope is no exception. Zeiss incorporates glass from one of the finest glassmakers on the planet, SCHOTT Advanced Optics. Using SCHOTT’s HT, or high transmission glass, the Victory V8 produces 92 percent light transmission, extending hunting time by up to 30 minutes.

Additionally, the new optic’s astoundingly wide range of magnification allows for use up close at 1.8 times magnification, while still being able to reach out and engage distant targets with a 14 times magnification setting. The 1.8x did have some distortion/fisheye, but it was still manageable.

Also, unlike many inexpensive brands of high magnification optics that suffer parallax issues when fully zoomed, the V8 incorporates a parallax adjustment knob allowing shooters to dial in the scope to their preference.

One of the more advanced features on the new V8 is the motion sensor inside the optic itself. This is tied directly to the illuminated dot’s power control, allowing the optic to illuminate when the rifle is shouldered while saving power when not in use. Shooters who wish for the illumination to either always be on or off, can choose so using the same control knob near the eyepiece.

Schmidt & Bender

Founded in 1957 by Helmut Schmidt and Helmut Bender, Schmidt & Bender has been making top tier optics for the military and civilian industry for decades. While not a household name in the U.S., more people have seen and handled its products than realize it; after all, Schmidt & Bender made the integral rifle scope seen on the Austrian Steyr AUG bullpup military rifle.

Though Schmidt & Bender does much more than simply make fixed magnification combat sights for infantry, it’s also the go-to optic for ultra high-end precision riflemaker Accuracy International. Schmidt & Bender sights are also the optic of choice for Heckler & Koch’s famous PSG-1. Needless to say, if AI and H&K promote your product on their highest-end rifles, you’re doing something right.

So naturally, when S&B wants to capture even more of the high-end long range market, it simply modifies one of the company’s already outstanding designs to appeal to even more shooters. In this case, S&B takes the 5-45×56 PM II scope used by U.S. special operations command and adds the capability to accept digital instrument input — namely, windage and range.

The result?

The 5-25×56 PM II Digital BT features a 34mm tube, 5 to 25 times magnification and is a first focal plane 56mm objective lens scope. Featuring a 5.3m field of view and 90 percent light transmission, the illuminated scope is ideal for long range precision engagements. This is evident not only because of the high magnification level, but also in the wide range of elevation and windage adjustments — 14 MOA of windage and 64 minutes of elevation adjustment.

Trijicon

Anyone who’s paid even the slightest amount of attention to the past two decades has seen one of Trijicon’s ACOGs in action. These diehard fixed magnification optics are as common on U.S. service rifles as iron sights are — for good reason. The ingenious BDC crosshair and no-batteries-required tritium-illuminated reticle give soldiers a tangible edge over adversaries equipped with iron-sighted firearms.

Though not as many shooters realize it, Trijicon also manufacturers quality hunting and sporting optics. In this same vein, Trijicon unveiled two new non-ACOG products at this year’s SHOT Show.

The most talked about addition to its lineup is the MRO. The three MOA dot reflex sight looks like a miniature ACOG but is a true, unmagnified reflex sight. What separates the MRO from other reflex sights like Trijicon’s RMR, is it’s 1x25mm objective lens. This opens up the shooter’s field of view, preventing him from getting stuck with tunnel vision.

The MRO features multiple night-vision-compatible brightness settings, and with the brightness set to five, has an impressive five-year battery life. All the MRO’s windage and elevation controls are inset to prevent accidental shifts when dropped or banged on objects.

The other new product from Trijicon is a new AccuPoint scope, the 1-6×24. Featuring the same iconic adjustment wheel and super bright tritium-illuminated reticle, this new AccuPoint makes a great optic for shooters who love their ACOG but want something more appropriate for hunting.

While the optics market continues to evolve both for civilian and military consumers, the end result is the same: an increasingly crowded market full of options for every budget. While initially overwhelming, the competitive nature of this market ensures an abundance of high quality products will move off store shelves for the foreseeable future.

Source: http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/2016/03/11/new-shooting-optics-2016/

PPSS Slash Resistant Combat Shirt Review

248 Shooter

April 8, 2016

In Europe knife attacks are on the rise. Even in the USA, knives killed 1,490 people vs. 285 with rifles. Meaning you are more at risk of getting slashed by a knife then shot with the oh so evil AR-15.

https://www.fbi.gov/

Every day police, ems, and especially prison guards are at risk to stabs and slashes from assailants wielding knives. Traditional soft body armor is not designed to stop stabbing and slashing threats. Even if it was body armor leaves large portions of the body exposed in the trade-off of protection vs. mobility.

PPS-Group set out to fix this problem for security details, police, and everyday citizens. With over 35 years of combined frontline experience, building protective vests and clothing is part of their mission to keep the good guys safe.

We have been testing out the UBAC (Under Body Armor Combat Shirt). The UBAC is designed to provide slash protection at places left vulnerable while wearing armor and providing enhanced breathability in areas that typically retain heat like under your plates.

As just a combat shirt, it’s certainly not as stylish as some of the offerings available on the market, though the website does say they can work with units to develop color or mission specific offerings. It is however highly functional.

Notice sleeve pocket and Velcro. It's also very slimming. — Notice sleeve pocket and Velcro. It’s also very slimming.

Each sleeve offers a Velcro covered pocket for identification or blood type patches. The pocket will fit a small notepad and pen or other similar sized items. The sleeves are secured with a thumb loop to ensure the sleeves protection does not ride up in hand to hand fighting.

The black front and back are a 100% polyester breathable high-performance fabric much like a pair of yoga pants.

The magic of the shirt is provided in the gray material around the neck, sleeves and side panels that are made of patented Cut-Tex Pro slash resistant material.

How resistant is it?

Blade cut resistance
EN 388:2003 Level 5 (the highest possible)
ISO 13997:1999 Level 5 (the highest possible)
ASTM F 1790-05 Level 4

Abrasion resistance
EN 388:2003 Level 4 (the highest possible)

Tear resistance
EN 388:2003 Level 4 (the highest possible)

Robert Kaiser stands behind his product entirely. So much so that he takes a razor blade to himself in this video:

You can fast forward to 3 minutes if you just want to see him slash himself.

How does it feel?

A lot better than you would expect. The polyester black section stretches breathes and moves like most

Just add armor and your protection is complete. This is the AT Armor lightweight plates in their new plate carrier.

modern, high-quality combat shirts. The Cut-Tex Pro material on the sleeves is a bit rougher on the skin and certainly thicker than an ordinary shirt material. Even with the added thickness, it will not hamper movement, and it does not feel bulky.

One of the more interesting points while researching this shirt was the amount of damage incurred by officers due to mishaps during breaching or via broken glass in the process of arrests. This became very apparent to me personally when breaching doors in conjunction with Ubisoft, 5.11 and Omni explosives. It was evident how dangerous glass and even door splinters can be during entries.

Well, I drank the cool-aid and tried it out myself. I was unable to cut through the material with a razor blade or any of my knives. This thing is hard core strong.

A few things to note. These shirts offer slash and debris protection, not stab protection. PPSS makes a stab resistant vest and gloves for EMT’s, but you can still get a sharp point through this material with the force coming straight in.

There is no impact cushioning here so a forceful attack or flying debris can still cause broken bones and such. It is like going from bullets to UTM rounds; you won’t die from it but still not going to be fun to be attacked.

How To Get The PPSS Slash Resistant Combat Shirt

The UBAC (Combat Shirt) retails for $169.99 in Small – 2XL and $179.99 for 3XL-5XL. Shirts are available in the USA from http://www.bodyarmorusa.com/

You cna get the AT Armor plates and carrier from: http://store.appalachiantraining.com/

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/ppss-slash-resistant-combat-shirt-review/

Armorer Series Instructional Videos

248 Shooter

April 7, 2016

Are you tired of sifting through hours of Youtube videos trying to find installation or Armory tips for your pistol? We have heard your complaints on those other videos; “Why do I have to listen to a guy ramble for 20 minutes before getting to the point?”, “Why do all these videos shoot from the front instead of from my perspective?”, “Can Lone Wolf do a better video than the other guys?”

The answer is we can do a better video and we are excited to launch the first few that we have finished.

It is nearly impossible to show all the important details while filming traditional video. At Lone Wolf, we searched high and low and we ended up hiring a professional animator that formerly worked at Disney and Lucas Films. Animation is really the key to being able to show complex steps with the clarity needed for an viewer to understand.

We hope you get as much out of these videos as we put into them, we’d love to get your feedback on what videos you want next in the series. Email us your suggestions here.

Visit our animation installation playlist here.

TYR Tactical’s Huron Wind Shirt

Eric TGL

April 7, 2016

This week TGL Takes a look at TYR Tactical’s Huron™ Wind Shirt. The wind shirt packs a lot of punch in a small pouch. The features of the Wind Shirt are the following:

• DWR treated for water repellency
• Quarter zip for weight reduction
• Elastic Cuff’s
• Fitted collar with drawstring
• Drawstring waist
• Comes in a 9”x3.5” stuff sack
• Wt. 3.9 oz

Sizing is same as your T-Shirt and TYR offers the Huron from Small to XXL.
TYR’s Website: http://www.tyrtactical.com/products/details/featured-products/new-huron-wind-shirt/

Source: http://www.thegearlocker.net/2016/03/tyr-tacticals-huron-wind-shirt/

Hydrapak 1L Stash Bottle

Eric TGL

April 6, 2016

For more information and to purchase the Stash Bottle, please check HERE.

Source: http://www.thegearlocker.net/2016/01/hydrapak-1l-stash-bottle/

0241 Tactical’s Basha Review

Eric TGL

April 6, 2016

Craig from Swanson Media Group takes a look at the latest version of 0241 Tactical’s Basha/Tarp. The Tarp used in this review is their Medium version (120″ x 90″)

When you need something done right sometimes you just have to do it yourself. Two former military warriors pioneered and developed 0241 Tactical. They decided to create a special line of USA made products their mission is to provide affordable products that do what they say they will do. I have had the opportunity to use several of the 0241 products in the field and can attest to the slogan that 0241 Tactical attached to the 0241 Tactical name “Concealment from Sight, Protect from the Elements”. 0241 Tactical continues in the traditions of the military in their attention to details, product appearance, as well as superior quality. 0241 Tactical has product lines in the latest camouflage patterns that include all MultiCam variants, All-Terrain Tiger Stripe, A-TACS patterns, ERDL, CADPAT, MARPAT, and the Kryptek patterns. They serve a wide customer base including Special Operations units, conventional units of all branches, hunters, and airsoft enthusiasts. This is a company that means what it says and says what it means. When your life is dependent on the tools and equipment you have, 0241 Tactical has your six.

I want to share with you the most recent product I have had the pleasure of using and testing which is the Basha Shelter/Tarpaulin (tarp) by 0241 Tactical (0241). The one I am using is the medium tarp (120×90) which actual dimensions of the one I received is 119” x 89” approximately 9.92’ x 7.42’. This tarp weighs in at 2lbs 3.75oz. I know what you are thinking; “Wow that is heavy!” Yep, it sure is if you are comparing it to lets say a Hennessy that weighs 1lb 9oz. But these two tarps have two different service descriptions. The Hennessy is a rain fly and basically that is all it does while protecting you from rain, wind and sun. The 0241 Tarp is heavy but that means it is heavy duty and has many purposes and uses. This Basha/Tarp is made to work not just shelter.

0241 Tactical has three sizes they advertise with multiple patterns and colors. The other two sizes of tarps are 90”x60” and 180”x90”. The tarps have one inch “D” rings around the edges for tying out as a rain/concealment shelter or for staking down over gear. Depending on the size you get either 8, 12 or 16 tie down points. These tarps are made with a USA produced continuous piece of material. 0241Tactical uses two separate pieces of material, double stitched together, and the seam is sealed with a waterproof seam seal. The top of mine is MARPAT woodland and the underneath is a dark earth. The “D” rings are attached with heavy-duty webbing (dark earth). The web site shows the small, medium and large providing cover for one, three or five people as a simple lean to configuration. The tarp did not come in a bag so I am using a 9L dry bag, which gives me plenty of room for the tarp, a hammock, stakes, hammock straps and some cordage. This little shelter kit has come in handy many times.

I have used my tarp both in the field and at work, not only as a rain shelter blocking the rain but also creating shade from the hot Florida sun. The 0241 dropped the temperature from the direct sunlight on an extremely hot summer day by creating a shade which was 18 degrees cooler. That was definitely a lifesaver on that particular day. Another unique use I made of this tarp was when I went exploring with some friends on my pontoon boat. If you know anything about a Bimini top it offers only limited shelter. I have been caught in storms many times out on the water and in Florida it Forest Gump rains, down, up and side ways. We threw the 0241 tarp up in addition to the Bimini and not only did it protect us from the rain, after the shower passed, it gave a relaxing shade to sit in after hiking. We decided to leave it up while we changed locations and this was a testament to the rugged design of the tarp. While under way, I thought we may experience a tear or a “D” ring failure but that never happened. We brought the pontoon up to its full speed and the tarp held well with no malfunctions. I feel confident that in a heavy storm with wind, this tarp will perform well. I have had it in several rain storms and a couple of thunderstorms and it has consistently kept me dry. While sitting under this tarp I could see some very small pin sized holes which never leaked water but appear to let humidity out preventing condensation. This is yet another plus for this well designed tarp.

Getting back to the weight of this tarp. Due to the double layers, you are getting a tarp that is heavier than other hiking/camping rain tarps. But, thinking of this as a tool in addition to a rain tarp, it is well worth the few extra ounces. This basha has multiple ways of configuring shelter, cover or concealment. It could also be used as a litter. The company does not advertise this as a use but folded over would be four layers and able to carry what ever you need to haul out in an emergency. Hunters could also use this to haul out their game if needed. As stated many times the rugged construction with the multiple “D” rings make this a very useful addition to your kit.

If I was to modify or add to in any way I would add one more “D” ring to the middle of the tarp. This would improve setup when using a ridgeline and give a pull out when configuring in a lean to set up. I would also like to see the addition in the Basha line of tarps that has more ”D” rings, webbing and webbing handles as to truly be used as a litter or patient mover.

I have really enjoyed using and testing this 0241 Tactical Basha/Tarpaulin. I will continue using it in my adventures in the great outdoors and as previously mentioned, I am not shocked by the quality and usefulness of the 0241 Tactical products. They truly enhance the concealment from sight and protection from the elements. In some cases this could be the difference between life and death. Thank you 0241 Tactical for providing US made products and for supporting our troops.

Source: http://www.thegearlocker.net/2016/02/4973/

Notch Gear Hats

Eric TGL

April 6, 2016

Trampas Swanson of Swanson Media Group takes a look at Notch Gear and their hats

A few months ago while surfing the web, I stumbled across a Facebook page representing a company called Notch Gear Hats. Almost immediately, I was captured by the unique design. These hats were no ordinary team themed baseball caps, these were the first specifically made caps to address a common annoyance in the shooting sports world; the battle of the hat versus the eye protection! Those of you, who have ever worn both on the range know exactly what I’m talking about, for others, let me explain.

Coming from a law enforcement background, it was common to be required the standard “eyes” and “ears” to be worn on the range, but also caps. In our department, like most, the patrol guys had their traditional “campaign” hats but also low profile caps similar to the ones issued to me and my team on SWAT. Either way, everyone had to endure the squared eye protection either pushing the cap up unnaturally high or the hat pushing the eye protection down and causing vision problems. The main problem was always the brim of the cap. As a grown man, not wearing gold chains and having a rap album, I like to wear my caps appropriately with a good amount of curve in the brim to protect my eyes from any blinding light or flying debris. Even the slightest proper curve in a cap’s brim normally will engage with the top of the shooter’s eye protection and start to cause problems. The only ways to traditionally wear both items is to either wear the cap very high up and look like Gomer Pyle or to flatten the brim and look like today’s modern pseudo-male, Justin Bieber wannabe, who apparently never watched a John Wayne movie a day in his life and leans too much to his effeminate side.

What I saw on the Notch Gear website was a way around this little fashion battle through the use of the company’s “notch” system. These adjustable and flex fit caps made by Notch Gear feature a notch cut out on each side of the cap’s brim wear it would normally engage the top of common eye protection, thus allowing the curved brim to come down around the eyepro without obstruction. I immediately reached out to Notch Gear and inquired about field testing these hats on an upcoming trip to SHOT SHOW in Las Vegas. Within a week, I had a pair of the new operator FlexFit hats ready to go!

When the hats arrived, I contacted fellow writer and friend, Craig Reinolds about trying one of them out for himself. A few weeks later, Craig and I arrived in Las Vegas for the firearms industry’s largest event of the year. To kick the week’s events off; Industry Day at the Range was a full day of shooting stations from nearly every firearms manufacturer in attendance. What I discovered while wearing the Notch Gear hat for the entire day in combination with my Oakley Tombstone shooting glasses is just how comfortable the hat was over the course of events. The hat seemed to lock my eyepro into place so I didn’t have to worry about any adjustment at all. What I didn’t expect was the comfort while wearing hearing protection. Traditional hats have a metal button on the top of the crown, but instead, the Notch Gear caps are flat, buttonless with a small patch of Velcro on top for either IR ID patches or to work in conjunction with Velcro altered hearing protection bands. On top of working well, the hats simply look good. Throughout the day on the range and through the week on the show floor, people would stop Craig and I to ask about the hats. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from all of our firearms industry contemporaries assured us that Notch Gear was definitely on the right track!

Aside from making a great hat, the company is making a difference in the world as well. While researching the company, I came across this statement from Notch Gear discussing the background of its founder, why the company was started and what they contribute outside of the sport cap business.

“Our founder, Paul Cunningham, is a veteran of the US Marines who had always been frustrated with traditional hats because he loved to wear them and sunglasses but was never able to wear them together the way he wanted to; he was always forced to choose one or the other. Notch was born out of his search for an answer to this problem. A Yuma based company, Notch was also founded on the principle that it is better to give than it is to receive. So for every hat you purchase, you provide 5 meals to children in need through our partner, Children’s Hunger Fund. They’ve been rated as one of the most cost effective charities around by Forbes.com.”

Now the Swanson Media Group has spent a considerable amount of time wearing caps from Notch Gear, I can speak for us all in saying these hats are highly recommended for not just shooters but anyone who has to spend time wearing hearing and eye protection. The caps are comfortable and form to the wearers head quickly. Retailing between $24.99-$27.99, this is a best buy for the quality product offered. To find a Notch Gear hat that’s right for you, check them out at http://www.notchgear.com/.

Source: http://www.thegearlocker.net/2016/02/notch-gear-hats/

TLP 143 Nordic Nirvana

Talking Lead

April 5, 2016

Big news dropping in this episode of Talking Lead. Casey & Zach with Nordic Components joins Lefthand to make two really big announcements. We are very proud to announce Nordic Components as Talking Lead’s Main Show Sponsor! … and we’ve been waiting for months to make this B-I-G announcement … Nordic Components has released their own line of complete AR rifles beginning today March 7th 2016 in 5.56, 300 Blackout, .22cal, & .308!! Go to www.nordiccomp.com to pre-order yours now. The guys hang around for more fun with the Jackwagon Train & Zach gives us a new Fact To Fight The Myth. The Trivia winner for the MultiCam Trivia question from Episode 139 is announced, is it you? The High Threat Concealment Trivia is still up for grabs with a holster and belt going to that winner…plus Casey & Zach give us a new Trivia question with an awesome prize for some lucky LEADHEAD…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS

Source Article from http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TalkingLead/~3/-GSeWl7A_mc/

SHIPPING NOW! Magpul Dispatch T-Shirt

248 Shooter

April 5, 2016

Now shipping the Magpul “Dispatch Tee” inspired by the WW2 era when electronic communication was unsecure and at times unreliable, using “dispatch riders” was the most effective way to deliver orders, reports and maps between units. These brave riders faced machine gun fire, artillery attacks and hazardous trail conditions, in some cases deep behind enemy lines. An example of what it might have been like is featured in this excerpt from “Adventures of a Dispatch Rider” By British Army Capt. W.H.L. Watson.

“Then came two and a half miles of winding country lanes. They were covered with grease. Every corner was blind. A particularly sharp turn to the right and the dispatch rider rode a couple of hundred yards in front of a battery in action that the Germans were trying to find. A “hairpin” corner round a house followed. This he would take with remarkable skill and alacrity, because at this corner he was always sniped. Into the final straight the dispatch rider rode for all he was worth. It was un-pleasant to find new shell-holes just off the road each time you passed, or, as you came into the straight, to hear the shriek of shrapnel between you and the farm.”

Aside from a compelling story this t-shirt comes in fine cotton which has been designed and engineered from the fiber to finished garment to be the softest, most comfortable, mid-weight T-Shirt available.

Using 100% ring spun cotton and preshrunk, these T’s are constructed with a cut-n-sew pattern exclusive to Magpul. This method of construction features a side seam that controls twisting and torque and is finished off with our own rib collar and custom neck tape.

FEATURES

100% Ring Spun Cotton
Designed, Engineered, and Patterned by Magpul
Side Seam Cut-N-Sew construction
Printed in the USA

SMG Reviews the Vortex Crossfire Binoculars

Eric TGL

April 5, 2016

Craig Reinolds from the Swanson Media Groups gives us his review of the Crossfire Binos from Vortex.

Man is uniquely different from the other creatures on this planet and more specifically in being able to adapt and create with his mind to overcome obstacles. Although we may have limitations, comparatively speaking, with our vision, we have overcome by the fantastic tool we call binoculars. In the last several months I have had the opportunity to field test a pair of Crossfire Binoculars from Vortex Optics. I hope to interest you by sharing some of the knowledge I have gained and the wonderful experience I have had with such a great quality product from Vortex. First thing you should know is that I now have many products from Vortex Optics and I can say I am proud to roll with gear from such a well-respected company. This company provides a grade “A Plus” product and a customer service that is unsurpassed by any. The Vortex warranty on my binoculars states “Unlimited, Unconditional & Lifetime” what else can you say. If you can’t match quality, price, service and warranty with what comes from http://www.vortexoptics.com then you may as well sit down and shut up.

My first thought is to address our need for optics or in this case a binocular. Human beings rely on their senses and most of the time a combination of senses combined with experiences, this is how we interpret our surroundings. The animal kingdom normally has far greater senses than we have and this gives them the advantage unless we apply tools and techniques to the equation. Eye sight as far as hunting goes, this can be an animal or an enemy, is limited when it come to natural surroundings and camouflages. We also have to learn to interpret what we see without our mind playing tricks on us. We need a tool to help us break down and focus on the slightest detail. This is done through magnification, and preferably a product developed with these needs in mind. Our eyes don’t always by themselves see the details needed and our brain tends to fill in the gaps of our vision. A high quality binocular can give us a tremendous step in improving our abilities to see our prey or enemy what ever the case may be. Even outdoor hobbies of observing nature or sporting events are brought to a High Definition event through the lenses of a binocular.

The Vortex Crossfire binocular comes in as a very affordable binocular, but gives you a superior value for the price. Listed on the Vortex site as $219 with an accepted retail of $249. It is hard to find another binocular of equal price with the clarity, quality and technology of these binoculars. Throw in the warranty and there are no comparisons, competition void. The others may need a pair of Vortex binoculars to reveal how far off the mark they are as this company is setting a new standard in the industry.

These Crossfire binoculars have been engineered for pure performance; lets get the specifications and technical data out of the way:

Model # CF-4304
12 x 50 binoculars
Fully Multi-Coated – Anti-reflective lens coatings increase light transmission for greater clarity
Nitrogen Purged – Gas purged with O-ring seals delivering waterproof, fog proof performance
Streamlined Rubber Armor
Tripod Adaptable
Twist-up Eye Cups – Twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses

Size (H x W) 5.4 x 6.6
Weight 30.3 oz.
Eye Relief 15 mm
Close Focus 9.8 feet
Linear Field of View @ 1000 Yards 273 feet
Angular Field of View 5.2 degrees
IPD (Interpupillary Distance) – 60-76 mm
Roof Prism – Valued for greater durability and a more compact size
Center Focus Wheel – Adjusts the focus of both binocular barrels at the same time
Right eye Diopter – Adjusts for differences in a user’s eyes. Located on the right eyepiece

Accessories in the box:

Soft Carry Case
Comfort Neck Strap
Tethered Objective Lens Covers
Rain Guard Eye Piece Covers

Available accessories from Vortex to name a few are the harness chest strap, Archer’s strap, Binoc-loc hinge lock, Tripod adapters and many more.

Vortex Warranty as written on the box – We promise to repair or replace any damage or defect over the life of the product. Absolutely free, no matter the cause. Unlimited-Unconditional-Lifetime. The only thing that is not covered is if you loose it or it is stolen.

“What Else Could You Ask For?”

Now I may even let my wife and grand kids use them. So what if they break them?

Vortex describes the CROSSFIRE 12X50 ROOF PRISM BINOCULAR as follows:

Need a quality, performance-driven binocular that won’t break the bank? Enter the all-new Crossfire series—an entirely new optical system, housing, and aesthetic push into a realm previously unheard of at this price point. Fully multi-coated lenses promote impressive optical quality, while a wide field of view and enhanced depth of field ensure optimal subject acquisition. They may be the entry point in our roof prism lineup, but there is nothing entry-level about these binoculars. http://www.vortexoptics.com/video/crossfire_binocular

I can attest to this being a true statement from Vortex Optics and don’t just take my word on it, as the reviews across the board for the Crossfire are currently five, you read correctly 5 out 5 stars!

Right out of the box I was blown away with the very attractive, manly black case. It is a very clean, high quality material with a shoulder strap and pad. The strap has swivel clips for easy removal and preventing strap twist. On the back there is a thick strap you could run a belt through for waist carry. Inside you find a smooth material to prevent scratching and a net style pocket to carry lens cleaning products or what ever else you may desire. The binoculars come with a thick comfort strap that does just that, it allows the Crossfire to hang for hours of use without neck discomfort.

The first feature that was a home run for me was the twist-up eye cups. Whether you wear prescription glasses or plain sunglasses, it is always for me an aggravation to lift or remove your glasses to look through the binoculars. This can also be a tragic hindrance in spotting what you are looking for, with that lapse in time. With glasses on you just leave the twist-ups all the way in and raise the binoculars straight to your glasses and view what you want to see. If you are not wearing glasses just twist out the cups for normal binocular use. This for me is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Next just by going through the simple set up with the diopter it is the perfect focused view. You could not get your optometrist to fit you better with the correct lens for your vision then what Vortex has done with the Crossfire binoculars. Once you have correctly focused your binoculars to your eyes you just rotate the center focus wheel for the desired distance and focus. I found this to be a great tool when glassing areas not familiar to me. I would shoot with my range finder a large object like a tree at different ranges 100, 200 and 300 yards. Now all I had to do was focus on that tree at the desired range and could easily determine the distance of what I was looking at based on focusing in or out from that distance. This way I could glass and judge distances without switching back and forth between binocular and range finder. The next benefit to the Crossfire was being able to penetrate the brush. Scanning an area and being able to adjust focus seemingly looking through the trees and brush was awesome spotting game before they even reach an opening was a major hit. Another advantage was during sun up and sun down transitions. If you have ever spent time looking for game during those time periods you know your eyes can play tricks on you especially with the changing degrees of light and shadows. The Vortex Crossfire binoculars gives you your edge back during these crucial times. It is like your entire field of view has been placed into HD mode and what would trick your brain or even worse what may get by you is now under a microscope. The clarity and definition are remarkable. This can only be described in my mind how an eagle must view the world, with such high definition and nothing escaping the field of his vision.

No matter what you desire to view through binoculars, whether you are hunting, bird watching, sight seeing or attending a sporting event I am 100% confident these crossfire binoculars will supersede your expectations. Since I have had mine I have taken several people out on tours into the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. I get the greatest kick out of handing these Vortex Crossfires to a client and watching them react when they see a 12’ gator through them. Even when they look at a hawk or an owl it is like looking at a 4k live photo and you always hear a “whoooaaa…” when they get focused in on that bird. The details you are able to see are truly amazing. Thanks Vortex Optics for providing my crew those experiences.

The sleek rubber armored chassis of the Crossfire binocular are not only just for durability. This rubberized look is very handsome in appearance and makes them comfortable to use as well, as it gives you a good grip in foul weather too. The two-tone look makes these binoculars sharp in appearance. Just set them out where others can see them and watch how they are drawn to pick them up and look through them to another world. The reactions are priceless.

To sum it up I would like to say anything you get from Vortex would not disappoint you. I wish I had had these products from the beginning of my outdoor experiences. These binoculars far exceed the expectation for the price point. I can’t even imagine what you would experience from their high end products, but do you really need to spend that much to have the best experience? I think not at $249 and some times less, you are not going to get any better than the Crossfire for most applications.

Source: http://www.thegearlocker.net/2016/02/smg-reviews-the-vortex-crossfire-binoculars/

New Walther PPS Gen 2 Review

248 Shooter

April 5, 2016

Single-stack, 9mm sub-compact pistols are a market that has proven to have staying power, and Walther secured a spot as a top contender in this market with the introduction of their original PPS back in 2007. The new release of the PPS M2, however, changes characteristics that made the original feel like a European gun, and bring it more inline with American expectations.

The M2 takes the same overall dimensions from the original but with a slant towards modern carry requirements. Serrations have been added to the front of the slide, which adds extra gripping points during sweaty, muddy or bloody slide manipulation, as well as during press check operation.

The magazine release was moved from the European-style trigger guard location to a more common American-style thumb release button. For many of us the European interpretation of a magazine release is a no-go, as it requires a different set of muscle memory skills from the more traditional style found on most guns sold in the states.

The biggest change that the M2 brings is in the ergonomics department. Instead of the block design reminiscent of a Springfield XD found on the original PPS, the new M2 offers a contoured and highly textured grip, rounded and molded to better fit the hand based on the PPQ. When it comes to the M2’s grip shape, it feels light years ahead of the G43 and My Sig P938 in this author’s subjective opinion. To me if feels much like a slim H&K P30 or VP9, and being a long-time HK fan, this is home. If you’ve been hesitant to buy a sub-compact single stack pistol in the past due to less-than-ideal grip ergonomics, I would definitely suggest you check this gun out

Shooting the gun, I was as accurate as I am with any of my sub compact pistols. The trigger is set at 6.1 lbs. from the factory, which—in my honest opinion—is a tad on the heavy side, and lead to me having to be more conscious of trigger discipline when shooting. In a concealed-carry application, a trigger that resides on the heavier side of the scale isn’t always a bad thing from a safety aspect.

The steel sights are a nice touch, and much preferred to their polymer counterparts, but if you’re going to carry this gun you might want to consider buying the LE version that’s equipped with night sights. What I like most about the sights is their rounded profile…if your carrying inside the waist, they won’t poke or prod you in the belly or side.

With all these additions, there was one thing that was lost in the move to the M2: the integral lig

ht rail for mounting a white-light illuminator or laser. And, as of writing this, I have been unable to find any compatible lights or lasers for this gun, but I expect it’s only a matter of time before the aftermarket catches up.

The PPS M2 takes a mainstay pistol in the sub-compact market and updates it to the current demands of the American gun owner. It is more comfortable than many of the guns in this growing segment, and being a bit bigger, it will fill some shooter’s requirements better than other offerings. In the end, it’s a gun I can wholeheartedly recommend…especially if you’re among those that have felt the block-like ergonomics of the PPS M2’s competition simply weren’t for you.

The gun is currently available in gun stores and actually costs less than the original PPS, with a current MSRP of $469.00.

The Proper Feeding and Care of your Kalashnikov, enter Magpul

248 Shooter

April 4, 2016

The AKM series of rifles in the US has had a born again resurgence in popularity. Second, perhaps, only to the AR15 the Kalashnikov rifle has found a home in classic and modernized formats. It’s focusing on these modernized features and applications where I have completed an evaluation for your consideration on three pieces of gear from the polymer wonder wizards at Magpul.

The PMAG 30 AK/AKM M3, The PMAG AK/AKM Ranger Plate, and the MagLink Coupler PMAG 30 AK/AKM.

For those of us out here who love both the AR and AK platforms for their excellence in capabilities, it was a wondrous day when Magpul gave us the MOE version of the AK magazine. Even better, upon that introduction, they let us know up front that the M3 was coming and exactly why it was coming.

For those who do not know, the MOE AK mag, just like most of the PMag line, has an entire polymer body. This combined with the AK’s magazine locking mechanics presents a possible issue. All the pressure securing the magazine can coalesce on the magazine locking tab, and no matter how strong the rest of the magazine body is if that tab fails your mag is out of commission and headed to its grave. Magpul mitigated that risk as much a feasible by building up the polymer around that tab, but material limitations only make that so useful. It can break. It won’t break under normal or even hard use, but it can break under impact. If the rifle falls and lands on the magazine, if you fall onto the rifle, or if that magazine experiences an incredibly sharp impact that over stresses the polymer on that tab it will break.

This is an unlikely but catastrophic condition that the MOE AK Magazine can experience, and it was known by Magpul from the start. It’s a material limitation, and Magpul had the solution on the way, but they wanted it fully functional.

The PMAG 30 AK/AKM M3

The concept of the M3 was known from the moment the MOE was released into the wild. It uses a stainless steel cage to reinforce all the contact surfaces the magazine has with the rifle. The tab on the magazine is now steel, the front face of the magazine that latches onto the magazine well is steel, and the feed lips under the polymer are now steel. That highlights the differences between the MOE and the M3, the steel cage replaces the built up polymer and mitigates the material limitations of the polymer in the Kalashnikov magazine.

Both MOE and M3 magazines have run without issue to put that as succinctly as possible. They feel identical in the way they run, and the M3 is only marginally heavier at 7.2 oz over the 6.5 oz of the MOE.

What does this mean for the end user? Pick up and run the MOE magazines that retail at $13.95 as your range mags and if one or two fails ever, oh well, $14 more and its replaced.

Pick up and run the M3 magazines as a lightweight primary/duty/self-defense magazine or rig magazines. Use the M3’s for the extra strength and the MOE’s for economical practice.

Or run all M3’s, they’re only $26.95 retail. Magpul brought their usual A-game with these magazines giving both a definitive purpose and focus. The MOE has economy and function, and the M3 adds robustness.

The PMAG AK/AKM Ranger Plate

The Ranger Plate from Magpul is nothing new, and it makes perfect sense that they would add it to the AK PMag accessories as an option. For any unaware of what the Ranger Plate is let me explain. Ranger Plates are a replacement floor plate for the Magpul magazines that add a polymer loop to the bottom. This a culminated evolution of Magpul’s original product… the Magpul, a rubber sleeve that wraps around the bottom of a magazine so it can be more easily extricated from your run of the mill nylon magazine pouches.

If you run magazines off of a shallow walled belt rig you likely have no use for the Ranger Plates, you can grab the full body of the magazine to perform a reload. But if you run closed top or high walled magazine pouches on any rig, bag, or vest where the only exposed portion of the magazine is the bottom then the Ranger Plate gives a straightforward extension to grab onto and free the mag from the pouch. To anyone out there who’s run around in a plate carrier you understand this is often a less than graceful process and the extra assistance from the Ranger, Plate is easy to appreciate.

The AK Magazine Coupler

The final piece of Kalashnikov Magpul gear I evaluated was the coupler, a simple two-piece polymer device that secures on the bodies of two Magpul magazines and links them side by side. I remember seeing set ups like this done in movies and with duct tape and maybe even a video game or two, and the practicality was suspect.

Let’s be honest, there is no practical purpose for running this on a rig, belt, bag, plate carrier, etc. The coupled mags are bulky in any configuration. I ran them parallel, inverted, with and without Ranger Plates, staggered, and so on but couldn’t find an overly smooth set up despite repeated reload iterations.

Coupling the mags will not make reloads faster. They can get in the way of side rail mounted optics depending upon how the magazines are together. The extra weight on the rifle of a loaded magazine off the rifle’s centerline and the increased difficulty of certain manipulations on the AK all negate the coupler’s usefulness when you’re carrying extra ammunition in a more conventional manner.

But that isn’t what the magazine coupler is for. It’s for when we are not carrying extra ammunition. If your Kalashnikov is your beside safeguard, a bump in the night gun, or “contact” rifle the coupler turns your 30 rounds of scooped up 7.62x39mm into 60 rounds (I ran Hornady 123gr SST in my bedside magazines).

If you end up in a situation where the fight is on right now, the coupler doubles the ammunition on deck for that fight. It’s not a graceful solution, that isn’t a graceful situation, and the AK isn’t a graceful gun. It’s simple and pragmatic and so is the coupler for doubling the rounds you grab up at a moments notice.

Final Thoughts

Keep up the good work Magpul.

Now that you’re behind the two most popular fighting rifles in the world you’ve brought your AK line in boldly and with pragmatic purpose to the products carry on.

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/proper-feeding-care-kalashnikov/

2016’s Bolt Gun Bonanza (Wood Is Back!)

248 Shooter

April 3, 2016

At the 2016 SHOT Show, held this past January in Las Vegas, gun makers rolled out their newest bolt action rifles for the hunting market. No big and obvious trends were apparent in the 2016 offerings. The new bolt guns were scattered across numerous price points with features many and varied, including a good mix of traditional wood and synthetic stocked versions, suggesting that wood was making a bit of a comeback in what had been a noticeable shift to man-made materials the last few years.

One small trend we noticed was that the 6.5 Creedmoor round is making a strong showing among new bolt guns.

Browning’s Newest X-Bolt: One “Hell’s” Of A Rifle

At SHOT Show 2016, Browning showed off its newest long gun, the lightweight X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Speed rifle. Built on the popular Browning X-Bolt platform, the Hell’s Canyon Speed offers significant upgrades, including a rugged composite stock done in the new Browning Speed AU camouflage pattern.

The barrel is fluted, while the receiver and bolt are Cerakoted in Burnt Bronze. The rifle comes standard with a threaded muzzle brake and will be chambered in all standard calibers from .243 to .300 Win Mag, including 6.5 Creedmoor and 26 Nosler.

The rifle looks cool and should appeal to many younger shooters. The better news? It actually shoots great.

I had the chance to try out a Hell’s Canyon Speed chambered in .30-06 SPRG on a recent deer hunt. Once sighted in, the rifle pegged three-shot groups at SUB-MOA all day long, at 100 yards. Then, after four days of hunting, I bagged a 200-pound mule deer with the rifle at about 125 yards with a single shoulder shot. The mulie dropped where he stood.

The bolt came up easily and racked back smoothly, while the 60-degree bolt lift kept my thumb and fingers clear of the scope when cycling the action. The Inflex recoil pad redirects recoil down and away from your cheek, while the muzzle brake further reduces felt recoil. I’d guess the combination of the recoil pad plus brake reduced the usual 30-06 recoil by 30 percent. The flat, Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish aids in concealment while protecting the barrel from the elements. The stock is textured for a secure grip from forearm to pistol grip.

The rifle is magazine fed, so hunters can carry an extra loaded magazine for a fast reload. Magazine capacity is four rounds for standard calibers, three for magnums. The Hell’s Canyon Speed does not come with sights, but it is drilled and tapped for optics.

The rifle weighs from 6 pounds 3 ounces up to 6 pounds and 13 ounces for heavier magnum calibers. Barrel lengths are available from 22 to 26 inches and the MSRP is $1,199.99 for standard calibers and $1,239.99 for magnum calibers.

Thompson/Center’s New Compass Points To Big Sales

With the new Compass, Thompson/Center jumps into the entry-level-priced hunting rifle market with a bolt gun that has many features you’d expect on a much pricier rig.

At the center of the rifle is the T/C Compass’ aluminum pillar bedding design, which positively secures and centers the receiver — and free-floats the barrel — for outstanding accuracy. In fact, T/C is so sure of that accuracy, the Compass is backed by the company’s Minute of Angle (MOA) guarantee. The MOA guarantee promises each rifle will deliver a 1-inch, 3-shot group at 100 yards with the use of premium ammunition.

The Compass features a three-lug push-bolt design with 60-degree lift. The bolt cycles smoothly — aided by an oversized bolt handle — and the 60-degree lift creates plenty of clearance between bolt and scope.

The T/C Compass’ user-adjustable single-stage trigger can be set for a trigger pull between 3.5 and 5 pounds, with minimal over-travel. The barrel is button-rifled in 5R rifling.

For fans of suppressors, each T/C Compass comes standard with a factory threaded barrel, which can also be used to attach a muzzle break or compensator. A thread protector is included.

To handle the worst field conditions, the T/C Compass features an ergonomic, lightweight classic stock design with modern contours and textured grip panels. Operating controls on the rifle consist of an easy-to-use three-position safety with bolt lock. The Compass is not only drilled and tapped for optics, but it also comes with scope bases. Ammunition is fed via a detachable rotary magazine (5+1 in standard calibers and 4+1 in magnum calibers) that fits flush with the stock.

The Compass is available in 204 Ruger; 5.56mm; .22-250; .243; .270; 7mm-08; 7mm; .308; .30-06 and .300 Win Mag. Barrel Length is 22 inches for standard calibers and 24 inches for magnum calibers.

All of this for an MSRP of $399.00? The Compass looks to be an outstanding value in a rifle that will be in stores by the end of summer 2016.

Mossberg Ups the Ante With An Upgraded Scout

Last year, O.F. Mossberg and Sons debuted the gun maker’s entry into the growing Scout rifle market with its general-purpose MVP Scout 7.62mm NATO (308 Win) bolt-action. This solid, compact rifle not only worked great, but it was also among the lowest-priced Scout models on the market — in some cases, half the cost or less than some competitors.

For 2016, Mossberg now offers the MVP Scout Vortex-Scoped Combo, selling the Scout as a package with the new Crossfire II Scout 2-7x32mm scope made by Vortex. If you put a scope on a Scout rifle of any sort, an extended eye-relief optic is required. Optics manufacturer Vortex stepped up to the plate and engineered the Crossfire II Scout with longer eye relief with Scout-type rifles specifically in mind.

The scope features Vortex’s V-Plex reticle, has fully multi-coated lenses and comes complete with resettable MOA turrets. Vortex Viper rings are provided to mount the optic on the MVP Scout’s extended top rail as well.

The MVP Scout rifle features Mossberg’s patented Dual Push bolt and patented Dual Latch designs that accept and reliably-feed from both M1A-, M14- and AR10-style magazines. Key features of a Scout rifle, as defined by the legendary Colonel Jeff Cooper, are standard on the Mossberg MVP Scout rifle, including an 11-inch receiver-mounted Picatinny rail and two side-mounted short Picatinny rails for the addition of optics and accessories, an integrated rail-mounted Ghost Ring rear sight paired with a barrel-mounted fiber optic front sight for added versatility and a compact 16.25-inch medium bull barrel, threaded and equipped with an A2-style suppressor (a protective thread cap is also provided).

MSRP for this ruggedly-built, all-purpose platform is $962.

Going Long: The ELR From Christensen Arms

For 2016, one new rifle being made by Christensen Arms of Gunnison, Utah, is the Enhanced Long Range rifle. The ELR is a carbon-barreled bolt-action that promises to limit your range as a hunter to the capabilities of your cartridge — and your own skills as a shooter.

The core of the ELR is Christensen’s proprietary machined twin-lug bolt-action, mated with a 22-inch 416 R Match-Grade, button-rifled Barrel with a 1:8 twist rate. The bolt operates smoothly and locks up tight. The target barrel is carbon-fiber wrapped to provide superior strength while reducing weight. An integral, full-length 1913 rail sits atop the receiver, providing a fast and easy mounting platform for optics.

“Our whole concept with this rifle — all our rifles, actually — is you buy one of our rifles and completely by-pass the gunsmith,” says Kyle Brown, Christensen’s marketing manager. “The rifle comes with a quality Timney trigger, two sling studs under the forearm, a high quality stock and our own muzzle brake. So forget the gunsmith and head right to the range or the field with the ELR.”

The rugged composite stock is built with an enhanced, higher-than-normal Monte Carlo cheek piece for a superior cheek weld. The machined aluminum hinged floorplate has a magazine capacity of four rounds. Average weight (depending on if the ELR has a long- or short-action length) is a nifty 7.5 pounds. The ELR comes in at an MSRP of $3,499.

Savage’s 16/116 Lightweight Hunter

When I lifted the rifle off the rack, I was sure I’d grabbed a .22 rimfire, which also meant the folks at Savage Arms who set up this gun rack at the 2016 SHOT Show had placed the wrong rifle in the slot meant for the Savage’s 16/116 Lightweight Hunter.

I was wrong — on both counts.

Savage’s 16/116 Lightweight Hunter is a true lightweight centerfire rifle, coming in at just 5.65 pounds in the rifle I got my hands on (chambered in .223 Rem.), and no more than 5.8 pounds for the larger calibers — perfect for a hunter hiking and climbing in rough terrain. Even with a full load of ammunition (four rounds, held in a detachable box magazine) and scope with mounting hardware, a hunter will be toting maybe 7 pounds of rifle.

This flyweight is compact, too. With its 20-inch barrel, the overall length of the 16/116 comes in at 40.25 inches — a great fit inside a tight hunting blind.

Even so, the rifle still has all of the standard features found on heftier Savage rifles, including a user-adjustable AccuTrigger, a stainless steel barrel and a rugged synthetic stock. The bolt on the model I handled worked smoothly and didn’t rattle a bit (something I noticed on older Savage models). But even then, most Savage’s I have shot have been damned accurate and I would expect no less from the 16/116 Lightweight Hunter.

A fair question is what the recoil might be like in the larger calibers, especially the .270 Win and .308 Win. I wouldn’t expect the recoil to be punishing in these calibers, but the laws of physics tell me it has to kick more than their seven and eight pound brethren. With the 20-inch barrel, I’d also expect it to bark pretty loudly in all calibers, though today’s safety-conscious hunters also don’t go afield without hearing protection. The rifle carries an MSRP of $729.

A Pair of Very Accurate Rifles From Bergara

For years, all we in the States knew about Spanish gun manufacturer Bergara was that it made some fine barrels, like the ones used on the various model of CVA Muzzleloaders. Last year, though, Bergara introduced complete rifles to the North American market in the form of the bolt-action B14 series.

For 2016, Bergara USA, a division of Blackpowder Products, Inc. of Duluth, Georgia, has added two new rifles and many new calibers in the B-14 Performance Rifle Series: The B-14 Woodsman with a traditional wood stock and the B-14 Hunter Synthetic.

I had a chance to use both and they are extremely accurate rifles. MOA groups were the norm in my time shooting the two rifles. But once I became familiar to the rifles, I was shooting ½-inch groups at 100 yards with both, with each of them chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.

The B-14 rifles feature the Bergara B-14 Performance action with a coned bolt nose and breech, ensuring consistently smooth feeding and a sliding plate extractor for proper alignment. The Bergara 4140CrMo steel barrel is finished in matte blue and is available in 22 inches (Short Action) and 24 inches (Long Action).

The B-14 Woodsman rifle is built on a classic style, oil-finished walnut stock, with a checkered pistol grip and forend. The Woodsman comes with either the Bergara B-14 Long or Short Action, a Bergara Performance Curved trigger and is available with a hinged floorplate or a detachable four-round magazine. Caliber offerings include .30-06; .300 Win Mag; .270; 7mm-Rem Mag; 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. Every Bergara B-14 Rifle is guaranteed to produce sub-MOA groups and have an MSRP starting at $945.
The B-14 Hunter rifle is essentially the same rifle as the Woodsman, with a rugged sporter-style synthetic stock, and it is also available with a four-round detachable magazine. The B1 Hunter comes in .300 Win Mag; .30-06; .270; 7MM Rem Mag; 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. Like the Woodsman, it is guaranteed to produce Sub-MOA groups. It comes in with an MSRP starting at $825.

Material: Stainless steel
Magazine capacity: 4

Montana Rifle Hits The Prairie

The new Prairie Runner by Montana Rifle Company is a looker thanks to the sleek lines of its Boyd’s Thumbhole Varmint Stock. Available in right- or left-hand models, the Prairie Runner is debuting in 22-250, with .223 Rem and other varmint calibers to come in the near future.

The barrel and action are 100 percent stainless steel, while the 24-inch, number 5 contour barrel with a 1:9 twist rate (and Montana Rifle Company’s fine reputation) promise this will be one tack-driver of a varminter. The barrel is also tipped with the company’s proprietary Flats Muzzle Brake.

The stock is offered in Forest Camo, Pepper or Nutmeg with an MSRP of $1,416.

Not Exactly New, But Improved

Several rifle lines have been upgraded for 2016, including Nosler’s M48 Custom, M48 Liberty and M48 Heritage, each of which will now be offered in the all-new 30Nosler chambering and the 6.5 Creedmoor.

Rifles from Savage Arms are getting a 6.5 Creedmoor shot in the arm, as the flat-shooting caliber is now an option in nine Savage rifles: The new 16 Lightweight Hunter; AXIS; AXIS LH; AXIS XP; AXIS XP Camo; AXIS XP Stainless; AXIS II XP; AXIS II XP Stainless and AXIS II XP Hardwood.

Remington Arms Company has taken its bargain-priced Remington 783 and further dropped the MSRP to $399 for the basic black model and added a scoped combo package to its 783 offerings, with the scoped 783 in black coming in at just $399.

Source: http://www.shootingsportsretailer.com/2016/03/17/2016s-bolt-gun-bonanza-wood-is-back/

NOW SHIPPING: Magpul Field and Executive Case for the iPhone SE

248 Shooter

April 3, 2016

In case you missed it we are shipping the new iPhone SE Field Case and Executive Case. See narrative below. These are also compatible with the older iPhone 5/5S so if you have an iPhone 5 Case already this is not for you.

MAGPUL™ FIELD CASE – IPHONE® SE ALSO FITS IPHONE 5/5S

The Magpul Field Case for the iPhone SE is a semi-rigid cover designed to provide basic protection in the field.

Made from a flexible thermoplastic, the Field Case features PMAG®-style ribs for added grip, snap-on design for easy installation and removal, and slides easily in and out of pockets without snagging.

Designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.! MSRP: $16.95

FEATURES

Compatible with iPhone SE as well as the 5 and 5s
Semi-rigid thermoplastic elastomer construction provides protection against minor bumps and abrasions
Compact design adds minimal bulk to the phone
Textured surface and PMAG®-style ribs for added grip
Raised lip protects screen when laid face down yet remains unobtrusive
Charging cable port, headphone jack, and ringer/silent switch are accessible with case installed (optimized for use with factory charging cable and headphones)

MAGPUL™ EXECUTIVE FIELD CASE – IPHONE® SE ALSO FITS IPHONE 5/5S

The Magpul Executive Field Case for the iPhone SE is a slim line cover designed to provide basic protection in the field.

Made from a flexible thermoplastic, the Executive Field Case features a slim and unobtrusive design, snaps-on for easy installation and removal, and slides easily in and out of pockets without snagging.

Designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.! MSRP: $16.95

FEATURES

Compatible with iPhone SE as well as the 5 and 5s
Semi-rigid thermoplastic elastomer construction provides protection against minor bumps and abrasions
Compact, slimline design adds minimal bulk to the phone
Textured surface and short, PMAG®-style ribs on the sides for added grip
Raised lip protects screen when laid face down yet remains unobtrusive
Charging cable port, headphone jack, and ringer/silent switch are accessible with case installed (optimized for use with factory charging cable and headphones)

Hey, I just bought an AR15. What should I add next?

248 Shooter

April 2, 2016

Hey, I just bought an AR15. What should I get for it next?

Ammo… Buy Ammo… And USE IT.

I saw the meme above a couple of days ago circulating social media from the SHOT SHOW 16’ remnants. Let’s make this picture worth the thousand word discussion and tackle the vast underinvestment in training.

That’s the most accurate way I can state the concern, an under-investment in training not an over investment in the firearm.

What we’re discussing is where your value per dollar can be best put to use. This is even more true for newer shooters but has validity at all experience levels. You cannot over invest in proper training. You can underutilize a firearm.

So right up front, I’m not telling you to skip out purchasing that SCAR17s, the premium Daniel Defense, Bravo Company, or LWRCi AR15, or any other top tier firearm. Having purchased a few of those rifles myself, I can confidently say they perform to their price level.

I can also attest that shooting and training with a more basic and less expensive rifle is worth far more to you and me than purchasing a premium firearm but having it remain an idle safe queen.

There is nothing wrong with safe queen firearms but the question is WHY did you pick up that rifle, to collect it just because or to put to a more serious and active purpose?

On the AR15, I got to ‘cheat’ a little. As a basic trained US Marine in 2007, I was handed an old M16A2 (About an $800 configured AR today brand new) and for about 3 months spent time and effort daily on the rifle. A full month of that time and about one thousand rounds were dedicated to nothing but the basic manual of arms practice with the AR15. The ‘cheat’ was money didn’t come out of my pocket to train.

Enlisting is one way to get some training for less. That comes with serious obligations and isn’t for everyone, not to mention the fact that it’s a job encompassing far more duties than just tactical training.

So that leaves investing our personal capital and time on training, which in my opinion and experience is a far higher quality training endeavor. This comes from my time in the USMC. The best training I had and the best training I later passed on was that which I took individual initiative to complete or that which we completed as small units. Anyone with a veteran background can attest to the mountain of other administrative tasks that must be completed day to day because it’s still a job, and that makes tactical training focus more difficult. Those facts make individual training exponentially more valuable.

So let’s take a look at these paths for training that are high value for the individual.

Back to the title… buy ammo.

Buy a case of ammo… not box, case.

Shoot through the case of ammo and buy another case.

Repeat.

Even with no other direction this real world use of the rifle, following the basic safety rules, will passively familiarize you with its operating characteristics. You will start to get used to it. Think of this as taking a car into an empty parking lot and just rolling around, the only thing you had known about the car before this was how to turn on the ignition, putting it into drive, the break, and the accelerator. Not structurally informative but you will passively pick up how the car works, your prior knowledge being limited to basic safety and not detailed operation.

This is the least useful form of individual level training. But it isn’t without value. If you or I picked up a $600-$700 dollar rifle and spent that same amount on ammunition and targets for repeated range sessions, you will understand that rifle better than picking up a $1200-$1400 dollar rifle that never fires a shot.

I did this several years ago with my first personal rifle. Younger and with far less money but starting to mold a career as a shooting safety officer and instructor I picked up a new tool. I spent $626 on an AKM rifle after doing some online research and had a budget of approximately twice amount that to round it out. So along with the rifle, a few magazines, and a rifle bag, came a couple cases of ammo. 7.62×39 was and is still very affordable, and that helped me out.

Did I just take the rifle to the range and figure it out from there? No, and you don’t need to either. We don’t live in a vacuum and the resources to help you learn the rifle start at the owner/operator’s manual and continue here online.

There is a wealth of instruction online that you can delve into. Operation, maintenance, manual of arms, traditional techniques, modernized techniques, accurate shooting basics, iron sights, adding optics, making adjustments, troubleshooting equipment, malfunction clearance, and more. All of it out here to be read and seen and assist you in learning to shoot safely and effectively. Take anything you read or see with a healthy dose of skepticism until it proves itself to you because not everything out there will work and flow around your natural body mechanics.

The point is you can reference and try out tactics, techniques, and procedures on your own initiative and start developing what works for you.

And with that, we’re back to buying ammo. Reading good theory and even practicing dry with an unloaded rifle can be value added training but nothing replaces live fire. But now by using references we have a direction for that training instead of just shooting for amusement. There is nothing wrong with having fun but we’re striving for increased competency and understanding of the rifle as the serious defensive fighting tool you intend it to be.

Now let’s look at further reinvesting to take it a step further. Take a weekend and spend the money to take a professional course. A few hundred rounds with other shooters of various skill levels under the guidance of a professional trainer or training group is the best way to keep pushing your skill sets and identify weak points to work on, hone, and refine.

We coddle ourselves as individuals at every skill level, and we must be willing to go and say “Self, you suck. It’s time to suck less.” Taking time to work on pushing our failure points to higher standards instead of repeating things we do well and patting ourselves on the back. A training course is the best way to do this by using a dispassionate set of professional eyes. The instructors are there to make you a better shooter not to make you feel good.

Now that I’ve spent my 1,000 words on the first picture I’ll leave you to ponder the next 1,000 on this last one.

Source Article from http://248shooter.com/index.php/hey-just-bought-ar15-get-next/

1...375376377...398 Page 376 of 398

AimPoint Inc.

Burris

Elcan

HoloSun

Leupold

Meopta

Zeiss

Schmidt & Bender

Trijicon

How resistant is it?

How does it feel?

How To Get The PPSS Slash Resistant Combat Shirt

The PMAG 30 AK/AKM M3, The PMAG AK/AKM Ranger Plate, and the MagLink Coupler PMAG 30 AK/AKM.

The PMAG 30 AK/AKM M3

The PMAG AK/AKM Ranger Plate

The AK Magazine Coupler

Final Thoughts

Browning’s Newest X-Bolt: One “Hell’s” Of A Rifle

Thompson/Center’s New Compass Points To Big Sales

Mossberg Ups the Ante With An Upgraded Scout

Going Long: The ELR From Christensen Arms

Savage’s 16/116 Lightweight Hunter

A Pair of Very Accurate Rifles From Bergara

Montana Rifle Hits The Prairie

Not Exactly New, But Improved

MAGPUL™ FIELD CASE – IPHONE® SE *ALSO FITS IPHONE 5/5S*

MAGPUL™ EXECUTIVE FIELD CASE – IPHONE® SE *ALSO FITS IPHONE 5/5S*

Ammo… Buy Ammo… And USE IT.

MAGPUL™ FIELD CASE – IPHONE® SE ALSO FITS IPHONE 5/5S

MAGPUL™ EXECUTIVE FIELD CASE – IPHONE® SE ALSO FITS IPHONE 5/5S