The M1A is a fantastic rifle platform, one that’s been the gold standard as the semi-automatic, civilian version of the military’s M14 for years. Springfield Armory has the M1A designation trademarked and their M1A line is fairly extensive. If you are a fan of the M1A platform and want a rifle that’s built to blend in with its surroundings, Springfield Armory’s Two-Tone in Desert FDE is absolutely worth a closer look.
The Springfield Armory M1A Two-Tone Desert FDE rifle is a fantastic gun built for reliable performance with a finish so it blends in with its surroundings. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)
If you’re curious about the M1A platform, Springfield Armory supplied the following details about it:
The classic. The ultimate icon. The legendary hero. Descended from the M14 rifle, the M1A is a civilian-legal semi-auto version of that revered U.S. Military rifle that dominates the competition fields — and the heart of America.
From 1959 to 1970, the M14 served with distinction as the standard issue rifle of the United States military after the revered M1 Garand. When Springfield Armory made the civilian-legal variant in 1974, shooters across the land rejoiced.
The windage and elevation adjustable rear sight makes zeroing the rifle a pleasure, while the two-stage military trigger, detachable box magazine, op-rod, and roller cam bolt provide functional ease of operation and faithful reliability.
Well-suited for a day at the range, competition or hanging on your wall in front of an American flag, the…M1A is for the patriot looking to fill a special place in their collection.
The Springfield Armory M1A Two-Tone in Desert FDE is offered in two barrel lengths, including the pictured 18-inch model. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)
The M1A Two-Tone in Desert FDE is available with an 18-inch or 22-inch barrel as either the Scout Squad or Standard, respectively. Both rifles are chambered in 308 Winchester, have a two-stage trigger, and ship with two magazines (one 10-round and one 15-round). Other shared features include:
National Match 0.62 inch front blade sight
Military .0690 Aperture, MOA Adj. for Windage & Elevation rear sight
1 in 11 twist rate
The barrel is 6 groove, made from carbon steel
Two-Tone Desert FDE composite stock
Ships with OD Green cotton sling
The Springfield Armory M1A Two-Tone in Desert FDE ships with an OD Green cotton sling. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)
Length varies, which is understandable due to the different barrel lengths. The Scout Squad, which has the shorter 18-inch barrel, has a length of 40.33 inches; the Standard has a length of 44.33 inches. Interestingly, the empty weight of both rifles is listed at 8 pounds, 8 ounces. As for muzzle devices, the Scout Squad ships with a muzzle brake, and the Standard ships with a flash hider. If you prefer an optic to the iron sights the rifles come with, it is possible to mount a scope to the M1A platform using Springfield Armory’s mounts.
The rifles ship with two magazines: one 10-round and 20-round. (Photo credit: Springfield Armory)
These rifles are available exclusively through Nation’s Best Sport Distributor (NBS). MSRP for the M1A Standard Issue Two-Tone Desert FDE is $1,847. MSRP for the M1A Scout Squad Two-Tone Desert FDE is $1,980.
Today we’ve got a treat for ya. GunMag’s very own resident Wrestlemania fan is bringing out a full-auto AR-15 to do a little testing on ten different AR-15 magazines, “from the internet’s most favorite to the internet’s least favorite.” Who doesn’t love a full-auto mag dump?
So exactly how is he going to run this test? First, he’s going to drop test each magazine, twice. Once for impact to the baseplate and once to the feedlips. After the drop test, he’s going to run each magazine through the full-auto AR-15. He’s checking for a couple of things.
Fully loaded, do the magazines break or lose any rounds when dropped?
Can these mags feed as fast as the gun can cycle?
We’re going to let the results speak for themselves.
Jeremy is testing ten AR-15 magazines, from the internet’s most favorite to least favorite. Who doesn’t love a full-auto mag dump?
Here’s the list of mags included in the test, and how they perform.
1. Magpul PMAG Gen 3 M3 Window
Remember, we’re going from the internet’s most favorite to least favorite. So Jeremy starts with a Magpul, because, it’s a Magpul, duh. This is one of the most prolific, most common magazines out there. These mags have polymer feed lips, so they’re supposedly weaker than steel feed lips would be. Do they suffer any damage from the drop test?
Nope. Not a problem at all. And they feed the full auto beautifully.
2. Okay Surefeed E2
This Okay Surefeed magazine is made with aluminum and has dot-textured walls. It handles the drop test, easy peasy, with no dents or deformations. (Not that Jeremy expected any.)
The Okay aluminum magazine handles the mag dump just fine. “These mags are OK.”
3. HK Sand-Resistant Steel Mag
Made in Germany, the HK mag has all-steel construction: steel baseplate, steel body, steel feed lips, and steel follower. There shouldn’t be any issues with all-steel construction, right? Surprisingly, the HK mag loses a round with the first drop. “Once again, what you expect ain’t always what it is.”
Look at that brass fly.
4. Colt Sporter Aluminum Mag
Since the Colt Sporter magazine isn’t made of steel, it’s a little less strong but it is lighter in weight. It doesn’t have a problem with the first drop but loses a round with the second one. “Shoulda had a dirty thirty. Now it’s just 29. Just not the same.” How does it handle the full auto mag dump?
Just fine.
5. Duramag Stainless Steel AR-15 Magazines
Switching back to another steel magazine, the Duramag is obviously a little heavier. After the first drop test, Jeremy notices that the baseplate came up a little bit. The magazine also loses a round with the second drop. Jeremy asks, “Am I being unfair to expect it not to eject?”
As you can see in the middle image, the baseplate came up from the body of the magazine a little after the drop test. It handled the mag dump just fine, though.
At this point in the test, the AR is starting to heat up and smoke. Well, it’s to be expected, right?
6. ASC Aluminum Mag
ASC stands for Ammo Storage Component, which is kind of a genius name for a magazine since, technically, it does store your ammo. Until you do your ammo dump, that is. This particular ASC magazine is in the Flat Dark Earth color and has a high-visibility orange polymer follower. It loses one round with the first drop but none with the second.
The ASC does just fine with the full auto mag dump and Jeremy says he’s starting to feel the heat in his hand.
Jeremy says the gun is getting so hot he can feel the heat now.
7. KCI Polymer AR-15 Magazines
This is a very inexpensive polymer magazine. It comes with a dust cover and is windowed on both sides. Noticing that the baseplate is polymer, Jeremy wonders if polymer is better than metal at absorbing the impact of the drop test. Nope. The mag loses one round in the first drop and then loses three more with the second drop. So much for that theory!
The KCI mag has no problems with the full auto mag dump.
8. ETS AR-15 Magazines
ETS mags rank high in cool factor. Since they’re made of translucent polymer, they kees no secrets. The magazine loses one round with the first drop, none with the second, and performs just fine with the mag dump.
The ETS magazine loses one round with the first drop but handles full auto just fine.
Now, the AR-15 is getting so hot that Jeremy tries to waft some air over it to cool it off a little.
9. Hexmag Series Carbon Fiber Magazine
Is the Hexmag really made of carbon fiber? The paperwork says so.
The Hexmag handles both drops just fine and feeds the full auto like a champ. It also has a high visibility red polymer follower.
10. Promag AR-15/M16 Polymer Mag
The Promag handles the first drop just fine but loses two rounds with the second drop on the feed lips.
The Promag feeds full auto without issue.
The Takeaways
Hopefully, this test gives you some insight into these AR-15 magazines. The internet has its opinions on what’s the best and worst, but don’t take it as the gospel truth. Like Jeremy says, “Go out there and run it. Use your stuff. Get behind the wheel and drive. You’ll get better. You’ll see what works. And all the talkers on the internet can keep talking.”
Since the video ran on the GunMag TV channel in March, we’ve gotten some suggestions on other brands to add to the test. There were also a couple of suggestions on what to add to the test, like doing a stepped-on test and letting the magazines drop free after the mag dump.
All of the AR-15 magazines tested performed well for the full auto mag dump. Several of the magazines lost some rounds with the drop test, which Jeremy says is unacceptable under any circumstances. What do you think? Is he wrong?
Do you have more suggestions for future tests? Let us know in the comments below.
If you’ve followed GunMag Warehouse for any length of time, you’ve seen Jeremy. He’s in many of the videos on GunMag social channels, and when you combine his exuberant personality with blasters…well, he’s just fun to watch. Today, we’re going to watch Jeremy test out three magazines with one of his favorite guns on the planet, the H&K MP5. It’s highly probable that the MP5 is a favorite for lots of folks. It’s an icon, the world over.
So, let’s get right down to it. The three magazines he is testing are:
Century Arms 30-round steel magazine
ETS red polymer
Heckler & Koch factory
Which one is best for you?
The ETS polymer magazine gets some points for style, but ultimately that’s not very important. Reliability is the biggest factor Jeremy is looking for, and he’s thinking that the H&K factory mag should win out over the other two. However, he expects the results to speak for themselves.
To test the mags, Jeremy plans to shoot a few rounds in single-fire and then switch over to full auto for a mag dump. Oh, and by the way, Jeremy is wrong-handed, so you’ll see a lot of that. Don’t like it? Leave a comment!
The Century Arms magazine has a steel body and spring with a chrome follower. How well does the Century arms mag perform?
The Century Arms mag has a couple of hiccups with a failure to fire after a few single shots. Also, it fails to feed the last two rounds of full auto.
ETS H&K MP5 Red Polymer
The ETS magazine is the only polymer magazine that Jeremy uses for this test.
This affordable aftermarket magazine from ETS is made with an advanced UV-resistant, creep-resistant, translucent polymer body and steel internal springs. Does the fact that it’s constructed of polymer make any difference in its reliability?
The ETS mag doesn’t have any problem with either the single shots or with the full auto mag dump.
The HK magazine is made of steel with steel spring internals and anti-tilt follower. The HK mag is made to strict factory specifications, so Jeremy expects that it should perform better than any aftermarket mags.
As Jeremy expected, HK magazine performs like a champ. No issues whatsoever.
Which Magazine is Best?
Jeremy says he could use all of them, potentially, but he’d probably go with either the ETS or the HK mag. Unfortunately, Jeremy is unable to test the KCI mag because it was out of stock at the time of this filming. Too bad, because it would have been interesting to see how it compares to the others.
Of course, he says the best part of all of this was shooting the MP5 in fully automatic mode. Since customers ask all the time about the different products available at GunMag Warehouse, Jeremy and the rest of the GunMag crew plan to keep doing tests and comparisons like this one to showcase the products. Be sure and check out the ones already posted on the GunMag Warehouse YouTube channel.
Watch the video and leave us a comment. What other products would you like to see Jeremy test?
If you’ve been into shooting for any amount of time, you know that Aimpoint optics are considered by many to be the industry standard for red dots. They are also priced like it. Don’t get me wrong, I know you get what you pay for, but you also have to be able to pay for it in the first place. Today we’ll look at the Aimpoint Duty RDS.
Derek Walters of EuroOptic is impressed by the new Aimpoint Duty RDS red dot.
Well, if you’ve always wanted an Aimpoint but didn’t have the cash or couldn’t justify the cost, here’s your chance. In the video linked below, Derek from EuroOptic gives us a quick rundown of the new Aimpoint Duty RDS red dot optic, which he describes as “a more budget-conscious option to Aimpoint’s lineup.” Derek does allow that hearing the word “budget” from a company known for making high-end products might cause some skepticism. But he says the RDS is “well-executed and it does share some of its DNA with its siblings.”
The Duty RDS shares a lot of its DNA with the Micro T2 and Comp M5. (aimpoint.us)
Aimpoint Duty RDS Red Dot Features
First. let’s hit the features of the RDS from Aimpoint’s website:
2 MOA red dot
Battery type: CR2032 (included)
Battery Life: 30,000 hours (over 3 years) on setting 7
Mount: One-piece torsion nut
Advanced optical lenses for enhanced light transmission and ultimate dot clarity
Flush mounted waterproof windage and elevation adjustments
10 brightness settings: 1 off position, 4 night vision compatible settings, and 6 daylight settings.
Magnification: 1x – operationally parallax free
Submersible to 80 feet (25 meters)
Temperature span: -49 degrees to +160 degrees Fahrenheit
Weight: 3.8 ounces (sight only)
Length x Width x Height: 2.7 x 1.5 x 1.7 inches
Comparison
Derek compares those features with the proven, and expensive, Aimpoint Micro T2, Comp M5, and Comp M5S optics.
All share the 2 MOA dot.
The T2 has 4 night vision settings and 8 daylight settings, compared to 4 and 6 for the RDS.
The T2 and M5 optics have 50,000 hours of battery life compared to 30,000. Still, that’s a lot of battery life, and Derek says he thinks many people change them every year or so anyway. He also notes that some companies deceptively tie battery life to lower brightness settings. The RDS is rated on its highest setting.
The word “budget” might make you skeptical, but the Duty RDS looks to be the real deal.
The T2’s brightness is controlled by a rotary knob, while the RDS has up and down buttons. Aimpoint says those controls can be manipulated while wearing gloves, which Derek confirmed himself.
The T2 and RDS are submersible to 80 feet. “Pretty ridiculous there, from a civilian standpoint,” Derek says. But if you wanna get your SEAL Team cosplay on…
Derek spent a lot of time with the T2 and the RDS and he believes the glass quality is equal. That’s a big deal for a lower-priced optic. He also notes that turning up the T2, or any optic, too high creates a red halo around the edges that can be seen if you move your head around. The RDS does that on setting 7 but he says that outside “it isn’t even noticeable.”
The glass quality on the Duty RDS is equal to the Micro T2 and Comp M5.
There is a slight difference in mounting height because of the RDS’s different base. It has the same footprint as the other three Aimpoints, but it sits about a quarter-inch higher than the T2 and the Comp M5 because of that base. The RDS is very close, within a tenth of an inch, to the M5S. So, keep that in mind when mounting the RDS.
The Duty RDS mounts about a quarter of an inch higher than the Micro T2 because of its different base, but it’s very close to the same height as the Comp M5S (pictured).
Final Thoughts
“I like it a lot,” Derek says. “It gives you that same quality that you expect from Aimpoint, but it’s just not as bonkers as something like the Comp M5 or the T2 ($499 vs. $825-$928 for the Micro T2 and $1011 for the Comp M5). He notes that long battery life is expensive to engineer and produce but 30,000 hours really ought to be enough. “I’ll take the hit on the ridiculous battery life and still have something that’s pretty insane.”
The Duty RDS uses the same footprint as the Micro T2 and Comp M5 but be aware of base height differences.
Are you up for “budget” Aimpoint? Let us know in the comments.
William “Bucky” Lawson is a self-described “typical Appalachian-American gun enthusiast”. He is a military historian specializing in World War II and has written a few things, as he says, “here and there”. A featured contributor for Strategy & Tactics, he likes dogs, range time, and a good cigar – preferably with an Old Fashioned that has an extra orange slice.
The Korth NXR Hunter from Nighthawk Custom is designed to be the ultimate hunting revolver. Korth is known for their world-class revolvers and the NXR Hunter is no different. Chambered in .44 Magnum, the gun features a 7.5-inch cold hammer forged precision barrel wrapped in a vented barrel housing for faster cooling. The custom laminated wood grips give the gun a unique look along with a positive purchase in the hand. The new style Korth cylinder release and wide swinging cylinder make reloading easier than ever.
The Korth NXR Hunter is a world-class revolver. The Deluxe Hunter Package includes a bore-sighted Leupold FX-II 4×28 scope. (nighthawkcustom.com)
The NXR Hunter has three integral Picatinny rail sections: one on the frame’s top strap for a red dot optic; one on the barrel housing for a scope or red dot optic; and one under the barrel for a light or laser. If you prefer iron sights, the rear sight notch is adjustable for windage with a 14k gold bead with removable side panels up front.
The NXR Hunter features three integral Picatinny rails for optics, lights, or lasers. (nighthawkcustom.com)
The gun has an attractive and durable DLC finish.
The NXR Hunter has a 14k gold bead up front and adjustable rear sights. (nighthawkcustom.com)
If you like your setup ready to go out of the box, the available Deluxe Hunter Package includes a bore-sighted Leupold FX-II 4×28 Handgun Scope, Warne Maxima Scope Rings, and an all-weather TSA approved Nighthawk Custom hard case, along with the revolver itself.
Korth NXR Hunter Features
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Barrel Length: 7.5 inches
Single Action/Double Action trigger
Laminated wood grip
Three integral Picatinny rail sections
New style Korth cylinder release
Ventilated barrel housing
Wide swinging cylinder for easy reloading
Modern, slim design.
MSRP: $5,999.00
Deluxe Hunter MSRP: $6,999.00
The Deluxe Hunter Package may be the ultimate hunting revolver right out of the box. (nighthawkcustom.com)
Meet Night Fision Sights’ optics-ready ORS Series, cause making sure you’ve got irons is important. You know in case of batteries failing, unintended optic trauma, some sort of thermo-nuclear emp, or wild badger attacks. The ORS or “Optics Ready Stealth Series” will be available for select Glock, Sig Sauer, and H&K. Here’s what Night Fision had to say about the release.
Night Fision Sights | Optics Ready
Night Fision’s ORS tritium sights are engineered to offer a lower ⅓ co-witness. Night Fision Sights, with the new blade heights, a more comprehensive array of optics and handgun combinations will see what is regarded as the best position for backup irons on a handgun with a slide-mounted optic.
ORS sights are designed from the dovetail up to work as backup sights for optics yet obscuring less of the optic window while still allowing three-dot sight as an alternative to repurposing Suppressor Height sights alignment if needed.
Night Fision is pleased to announce new blade height offerings for three manufacturers in their Optics Ready Stealth Series product line; Glock, SIG SAUER, and Heckler & Koch.
Comparison between the new Holosun 507C and the new Leupold DPP.
Optics Ready Stealth Glock Sights
Designed to work with pistol optics, these Optics Ready Glock sights offer the perfect 1/3 co-witness tailored to the shooter’s preference. Additionally, they are serrated for low glare, so you’ll never know they’re there until you need them.
Optics Ready Stealth SIG Sauer Sights
Designed to work with pistol optics, these Optics Ready SIG Sauer sights offer the perfect 1/3 co-witness tailored to the shooter’s preference. Additionally, they are serrated for low glare, so you’ll never know they’re there until you need them.
Comparison between their new Glock 17 MOSs.
Optics Ready Stealth HK VP9 Sights
Designed to work with pistol optics, these Optics Ready HK VP9 sights offer the perfect 1/3 co-witness tailored to the shooter’s preference. Additionally, they are serrated for low glare, so you’ll never know they’re there until you need them.
Night Fision Sights ORS FEATURES
Green Tritium Vials in front and rear sights are housed in a ballistic-grade polymer.
Thin ring size on front sight balances visibility without distraction.
Perfect Dot front sights have a domed lens to focus glow for crisp sight picture, and fluorescent rings guaranteed not to chip, crack, or break.
Rear sight available in blank or with black polymer ringed Tritium.
Serrated heavy-duty steel sight body complimented by a tough Nitride Coating.
Blade heights allow for various co-witness possibilities with different optic, plate, and milling-depth combinations.
Built-in the USA with Swiss Tritium
Comparison between their new SIG Sauer P320 RXPs.
These new sights are designed in a way that they are just high enough to clear the optic. Many shooters have used suppressor height sights to co-witness with an optic in the past. The problem is that it clutters the optic sight window and can become distracting to the shooter. With many pistol optic manufacturers making larger sight windows, why would we want to impede that with tall irons?
The new Optics Ready Stealth tritium sights are designed to sit right at the bottom of the pistol optic sight window, allowing you to take full advantage of the sight picture but still have co-witnessed irons as a backup.
“These additions to our most popular product line affirm that they truly are designed with our customers in mind,” said Rachel Maloney, Marketing Director for Night Fision, “that we can help our customers create their perfect sight picture and remove any barriers to both having the brightest night sights on the market mounted on their gun, yet avoid crowding their optic window when they aren’t needed.”
For more information on these products or other Night Fision Sights offerings, visit theNight Fision website.
If you run shotguns, odds are good you’ve at least heard of mini shotshells. Smaller in stature, these shorter shotshells offer shooters greater capacity with a solid performance, which is a win-win. Federal Premium Personal Defense Force X2 Shorty 00 Buckshot is a fantastic example of just what a short shotshell can get done.
Federal Premium Personal Defense Force X2 Shorty 00 Buck shotshells are shorter in overall length than standard 12 gauge. (Photo credit: Federal Premium)
Federal Premium offered details on the Force X2 Shorty:
Federal has combined the power of two of our newest technologies to create a shotshell option that changes the nature of self-defense. Force X2 Shorty shells measure just 1 ¾ inches but hold a payload of six 00 segmenting buckshot engineered to split into two equal pieces on impact. When used with firearms designed to cycle sub-length shotshells like the Mossberg 590S, the loads offer much higher magazine capacities with up to twice the wound channels over standard buckshot loads.
The Federal Premium Personal Defense Force X2 Shorty 00 Buckshot measures 1 3/4 inches in overall length. (Photo credit: Federal Premium)
According to the ammo maker, these shotshells contain pellets designed to separate and create significantly larger wound channels upon impact. Because they measure only 1 3/4 inches in overall length, more of these shotshells fit in the gun, giving the user significantly greater capacity. In addition, their shorter length means the risks associated with possible over-penetration are lessened. This suggested there could be major benefits to using Federal’s Force X2 Shorty shotshells in home defense shotguns. Not all shotguns will feed shortened shotshells, but many do and there are also adapters available for certain models.
The Mossberg 590S is a 12 gauge shotgun designed for use with short shotshells like the Federal Premium Personal Defense Force X2 00 Buckshot. (Photo credit: Mossberg)
Jesse Whiteside, Federal’s Senior Director of Product Management, made the following remarks about the company’s 12 gauge Shorty:
Shotgun platforms are evolving to be able to cycle 1 ¾-inch shells reliably. The Mossberg 590S is a great example of that. When Mossberg demonstrated the new gun to us, we immediately saw the potential of the increased capacity and terminal effects of Shorty Force X2 load.
The concept behind Force X2 is pretty straightforward. In a 6-pellet 00 FX2 Buck load you get 12 wound channels. And with the short size, you get more magazine capacity. It’s as simple as that.
There are adapters available for some models of shotgun to make them compatible with mini or shorty shotshells. (Photo credit: Midway USA)
Force X2 Shorty Shotshells — Features
Made using 12-gauge 1 ¾-inch six-pellet segmenting buckshot
FX2 copper-plated buckshot pellets are designed to split in half on impact to create a larger wound channel
Manageable recoil, especially when compared to standard length shotshells
Double the wound channels due to pellet design
Less risk of over-penetration
Muzzle velocity of 1245 feet per second, according to the manufacturer
Density of 11g/cc
MSRP for a 10-round box of Federal Premium Personal Defense Force X2 00 BuckShot is $28.99.
Have you tried mini or shorty shotshells in your shotgun? How’d it work for you? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
Using a suppressor on your gun protects your hearing and also the hearing of anyone around you. And if you’re a hunter, having a suppressed rifle is fantastic because it’s far less likely to scare off the game in the area. If the 5.56 NATO is your preferred platform, the Dead Air Silencers Sierra-5 suppressor is worth a closer look to drop the decibels produced by live fire.
Have a 5.56 NATO in need of quieting? Check out the Dead Air Silencers Sierra-5, a suppressor dedicated to 5.56 NATO chambered guns. (Photo credit: Dead Air Silencers)
Mike Pappas, Dead Air’s co-founder, made the following statement about the Sierra-5:
We’ve been working on this for a while. We’ve designed the Sierra-5 from the ground up to be a dedicated 5.56 suppressor. It sounds amazing. It’s lightweight and has uncompromising durability for the professional. We really feel this combination alone will appeal to hunters and tactical shooters alike.
The Dead Air Silencers Sierra-5 is available as either the Sierra-5 Xeno or the Sierra-5 KeyMo. The Xeno was designed to be compatible with the associated mounting system and the KeyMo works with KeyMo adapters. Both models are produced to Dead Air Silencer’s exacting specifications.
Suppressors are a great way to protect your hearing and the hearing of anyone around you. (Photo credit: Dead Air Silencers)
Dead Air Silencer also released details about the Sierra-5 suppressor:
From the beginning, our mission has been to give No Quarter in design, performance, and technology. The Sierra-5 stands true to that mission by giving you everything you want out of a dedicated 5.56 silencer.
This is a hard-use silencer. We are not cutting costs or decreasing lifespan by using stainless steel baffles. We are not sacrificing durability in search of saving a few ounces. The Sierra-5 is full-auto rated with no barrel length restrictions. Love or hate the knurling, it’s function over form, directly inline with our goal when developing the Sierra-5. Frankly, if you don’t get the Sierra-5 red hot each time you shoot it we might be offended.
Built for professional use, it offers the perfect balance of overall sound and flash suppression while maintaining a compact footprint and minimal weight. By utilizing HUB compatible (1.375-24”) mounting adapters, it can be configured to the end user’s specific needs and is available out of the box with either our KeyMo or Xeno mounting system.
Featuring the proven winning combination of welded Stellite baffles wrapped in a stainless outer tube, Sierra-5 is the last 5.56 suppressor you’ll need.
The Sierra-5 from Dead Air Silencers is made for tactical shooters and hunters alike. (Photo credit: Dead Air Silencers)
Sierra-5 KeyMo Specifications
Materials: Stellite baffles, Stainless Steel
Finish: High temp Cerakote, Nitride adapter, and mount
A Glock just might be one of the most customizable handguns on the market. It fires reliably right out of the box, but it can be nice to upgrade and create the ideal Glock for your use. Strike Industries carries a number of components made to upgrade Glocks and if one of the things you’d like changed is the barrel of your gun, they’ve got you covered. The Strike Industries Threaded Barrel is made for the Gen 3 to Gen 5 Glock 19 and 19X which might be two of the most popular models of the polymer pistol line.
Strike Industries threaded barrels for Glocks are available in three different colors. (Photo credit: Strike Industries)
What is the benefit of a threaded barrel?
Threaded barrels on Glocks make it possible to mount a suppressor or muzzle device to the guns. The great thing about suppressors is that they really do save your hearing and the hearing of anyone near you. As for muzzle devices, compensators are a good way to reduce felt recoil and mitigate muzzle rise, which, in turn, increases accuracy. So, having a threaded barrel ready and waiting on your Glock 19 or 19X increases its overall versatility and usefulness in a variety of applications
The Strike Industries Threaded Barrel makes your Glock 19 or 19X far more versatile, opening up possibilities for its use. (Photo credit: Strike Industries)
Strike Industries has the following to say regarding their Threaded Barrels for the G19 and G19X:
The threaded barrel end allows you to attach a 1/2″-28 TPI compatible threaded device or the included thread protector. The unique straight fluted design helps reduce weight and increase cooling with some SI styling. Using pre-hardened 416R premium grade stainless steel material and precision machining tolerances of exacting details, the barrel is corrosion resistant with high tensile strength. The Strike Threaded Barrel is a quick and simple direct drop-in installation. Pick between your choice of Black Nitride, Stainless Steel or Titanium Nitride (TiN) finishes, the Strike Threaded Barrel for GLOCK G19 should be your first choice in a new slide build or premium upgrade as the ultimate performance enhancer. Proudly Made in the USA.
Strike Industries Threaded Barrels have thread protectors for use when your Glock doesn’t have a device attached to its muzzle. (Photo credit: Strike Industries)
Barrel Specifications:
Barrel Length: 113.32mm (4.46″)
Chambering: 9mm
Threaded: 1/2″-28 TPI
Rifling: 1:10 6-Groove rifling with precision crown
Profile: Straight fluted
Material: Pre-hardened 416R Stainless Steel
Width: 15.40mm (0.61″)
Height: 24.33mm (1.96″)
Weight w/thread protector: 3.40 oz
Weight w/pkg: 5.00 oz
Compatible with: Glock G19/G19x GEN3-5
Not compatible with: With some non-OEM Glock aftermarket slides
The threaded barrels from Strike Industries come with three possible finishes and ship in solid cases for protection during shipping. (Photo credit: Strike Industries)
Product Features:
Thread protector included
Fluted to reduce weight and increase cooling
Drop-in installation
SAAMI spec chamber
Made in the USA
Available in Black Nitride, Stainless Steel, or Titanium Nitride (TiN) finishes
Do you have a threaded barrel on your Glock? What device do you use it for? Tell us about your Glock customizations in the comments below.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you’ve seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master’s Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.
There used to be a time when we said CZ USA was an underrated company. However, in the last ten years or so, it has climbed into the mainstream. It might not have the glory or police adoption Sig and Glock have, but the civilian market has embraced the CZ series of handguns. CZ USA used to be a company betrothed by the hammer-fired design, especially DA/SA firearms. The CZ P10C broke that mold with a striker-fired design, which grew into a family of striker-fired pistols.
It should be noted this isn’t the first CZ striker-fired pistol. They had the CZ 100 many years ago, but we often don’t talk about that gun. The CZ 100 was quite a failure, but the P10C did it right.
CZ could have done the coasting thing. They could have just released a simple, striker-fired compact pistol without much fanciness. Just toss it into the ether and let it go. That’s not what CZ did, though. They went hard and released a remarkable pistol. Let’s look at what makes the CZ P10C so special in the crowded world of compact pistols.
The Compact Pistol Genre
There is some debate over what makes a pistol compact. You ask me, and I’d say compact means easy to conceal. The firearm industry believes that compact is a smaller version of their full-sized guns. The P10C falls into that camp. As we all know, this genre of firearm is dominated by the Glock 19, and everyone else plays catch up.
It’s even a good-looking gun. CZ USA released the P10C with all the fancy features you could ask for. No need to upgrade or customize because the gun’s ready out of the box.
Before we dive in too deep, let’s look at the raw specifications of the pistol.
Barrel Length: 4.02 in
Overall Length: 7.3 in
Weight: 26 oz
Chambering: 9mm Luger
Magazine Capacity: 15+1
MSRP: $499
What the CZ P10C Does Different
First, unlike something like the Glock 19, they don’t sell the pistol with crappy plastic sights. They went with proper metal so it won’t break the first time you drop it. Night sights are an option, and as you can see, the P10C also comes with the option for suppressor height sights. Of course, optic-ready models are also available for the modern shooter.
The P10C is a stand out for CZ.
Sights might be the first thing you replace with a Glock 19, but the second thing is typically the trigger. Well, no worries here with the CZ P10C. CZ USA installs a flat trigger in the P10C that’s superior to most stock Glock triggers on the market. The flat trigger has a slight take-up that’s smooth and superior to most. After the take-up, you meet a wall, and it breaks evenly and cleanly. The reset is also super short and consistently clean.
The compact genre is crowded, but the P10C stands out.
CZ has always been a company that designs handguns with superior ergonomics, and the P10C is no different. The gun features a great trigger guard undercut and a high beavertail-like design. This gives you the ability to get a nice high grip on the gun and exercise better control over it. The grip texture is super aggressive and clings to your hand, and the well-placed controls are easy to access on the fly.
Blasting Away With the CZ P10C
The cold hammer-forged barrel helps with accuracy, as do the awesome sights and superior trigger. When it comes time to start blasting away, you’ll be surprised at how accurate the little gun can be. It’s easy to print tight groups at 25 yards, and with slow, accurate fire, you’ll keep groups within 2.5 inches. For a handgun, that’s fairly impressive. Decisive headshots at 25 yards are plenty easy.
The P10C fits the hand just right.
Back out to 50 yards, I could ring a 10-inch gong quite consistently. I won’t say it was close to 100%, but seven out of ten was fairly average. On big man-sized IPSC steel targets, I could go ten for ten at 50 yards. Not bad, at least not for me.
When things get a little more practical with speed shooting, we find that the CZ P10C performs exceptionally well. Shooting the 10-10-10 drill in 8 seconds with all the shots in the black was possible after a few warm-up rounds. I shot the failure drill in under two seconds and landed my headshot right between the guy’s eyes. The gun shoots better than I do by all accounts.
Controlling the Czech
That enhanced ergonomics and aggressive grip texture give the CZ P10C an easy controlling design. 9mm doesn’t offer much recoil in the first place, and the high, hand-filling grip doesn’t make it tough to keep the gun under control. It’s not a challenge to keep the gun on target.
It’s easy to drive the gun between multiple targets, as well as transitioning from shooting fast to shooting to maximize accuracy. Drills like the failure drill exemplify the need for speed combined with precision accuracy, and the P10C excels in both regards. Even with modern defensive ammo of the +P variety, the P10C doesn’t present much muzzle rise or recoil.
The controls are ambidextrous.
The thinner grip makes the gun very accommodating for smaller hands and makes it fairly simple for shooters of all types to control the weapon. It’s well suited for both new and experienced shooters. Getting on target and staying on target doesn’t present much of a challenge.
When you need the gun to go bang, it does. It’s plenty reliable and chews through aluminum cases, steel cased, and brass cased ammo without difficulty. Feed it, and it’ll eat. You won’t deal with it being picky.
The aggressive grip texture keeps the gun placed in your hand.
CZ Superiority
I think CZ went a long way in producing and steering compact firearms to a new level of quality and the CZ P10C presents shooters with a superior compact firearm. It provides a fantastic firearm fit, superior quality, and excellent ergonomics stacked on a great trigger and cold hammer-forged barrel. Hell, at $499, it’s a damn bargain. Oh, and did I mention the P10C fits in a number of Glock 19 holsters? Cause it does.
