Author: 53gr
-
Camouflage: Fashion or Function?
I’ve seen a fair number of camouflage patterns in my travels. Of course, most were in Iraq. In late 2007, I got to see the Air Force unit I worked with transition to a ridiculous digital tiger-stripe affair called the Airman Battle Uniform. This abomination looked even worse than the US Army’s ACU, which is…
-
Triple Aught Design – Ranger Jacket LT
Twelve years ago, I bought a Croft and Barrow suede leather jacket. I’ve worn it in several different countries, including Iraq and Nepal. In southern Iraq, it served as a blanket when I had to shiver to sleep on an army cot in an unheated metal box during the winter. I’ll never throw this thing…
-
Camouflage Accessories for Armor
Flecktarn is an excellent camouflage pattern for temperate climates such as the one I live in. As stated in a previous article, I highly recommend surplus German gear in this pattern for its utility and low cost. However, there aren’t a lot of armor options for the Flecktarn pattern. So what do you do if…
-
Russian Flora Uniform and Vest
I’ve had a certain fascination with Russian culture and products ever since a Slavic buddy taught me to drink during my freshman year. This continued through my time in Israel (which is why I still speak Hebrew with a Russian accent) and to the present day. I was an AK man long before I had…
-
Accurate Sports LEAP Stock and Positive Lock Chassis
Accurate Sports has been in business since 2010 and specializes in precision bolt-action rifles and AR-pattern rifles. The owner, Kevin Neitzel, started doing machining work back in 1977. He began his gunsmithing experience by building Pennsylvania Long Rifles – black-powder flintlocks. It gave him his first taste for firearms customization. It was a long time…
-
Raine Canted MOLLE Tactical Holster
I don’t particularly care for drop-leg holsters, but I like to have a pistol handy. So what to do if you want to be able transition to your handgun? If you own and carry a Beretta, you can mount a Serpa S.T.R.I.K.E. platform to your chest, but I tend to stick with my trusty SIG…
-
Velocity Systems Steel Side Plates
Several months ago, Jim over at Deliberate Dynamics sent me a pair of Velocity Systems steel side plates for testing. They are multi-hit rated for 7.62x39mm. These are lightweight, low-profile plates made for military and law enforcement use. Unfortunately, Velocity Systems neither lists them on their website nor markets them to the general public. I count…
-
Black Dawn IonBond Bolt Carrier Group
It’s often hard to review a quality piece of equipment, especially when it is simple and serves a single purpose. Flowery language and ind-depth descriptions simply clutter up the page and detract from the simple, straightforward message of: This Thing Works. It works when hot, when cold, when lubricated, when unlubricated. It works when clean and when…
-
Samson Evo 12.37″ Handguard
When searching for a handguard for my Shashka carbine, I considered many different options and finally settled on the Samson Evolution Series 12.37″ free-float handguard. I’ve gone through several modular free-float handguards in the last few years. The Vltor CASV-M, Daniel Defense MFR, and Anderson Mfg to name a few. They increase accuracy, add points…
-
Shashka Carbine – Part 2 (Ballistic Advantage Barrel)
The heart of the Shashka is the Ballistic Advantage 14.5 inch barrel in Tactical Government profile. It’s slightly thicker than the standard government profile, which increases rigidity. The weight of the 14.5 inch barrel is identical to a 16 inch government profile; both coming in at 28 oz. Like the other barrels in Ballistic Advantage’s…
-
Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed M4 Chest Rig
Previously, I’ve written several articles on body armor and armor carriers. However, armor is heavy and not always appropriate to the situation. What if you want to run a chest rig unarmored and are looking to keep weight to a minimum? Enter the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed M4 Chest Rig. This ultra-lightweight piece of gear…
-
Scorpion Tactical Upper Receiver
Testing rifle components is a time-consuming and laborious process. It’s also one that requires a large amount of precision. And if there’s one thing that I’ve learned in testing various AR-15 components, it’s that you need a quality upper. Handguards, barrels, charging handles and bolt carrier groups are all routinely swapped out in my dedicated…
-
The Shashka Carbine – Part 1
If you look at some of the popular “tactical” AR-15 carbines that have come out over the last few years, it’s easy to notice a trend. Haley Strategic’s Jack Carbine, LaRue’s Costa Edition 5.56, the EAG Tactical Carbine, and Noveske’s Light Carbine and Afghan… all use a 14.5 inch barrel with a mid-length gas system.
-
Grand Power Duo – the K100 Mk7 and P1 Mk7
After they sent me the Stingray-C pistol, I got an email from Century International Arms, listing their new products. At first, I thought the email was simply an advertisement. Then I noticed they were asking which of their new products I wanted to review. I had to quell the urge to respond, “Everything.” My eye settled on…
-
Battle Rifle Company Disintegrator Flash Suppressor
Most of the time I shoot my AR-15, I use a muzzle brake or a compensator, something like the Surefire MB-556 or the Rainier Arms RMC. But what about the times I don’t want to deafen those shooting next to me, or the times I want to shoot in the dark? The standard A2 flash…