If you’re going to carry a gun for self-defense, you know you need a quality holster. Did you know you also need a well-made gun belt, and that without one, it won’t matter how fantastic that holster is? A good gun belt is a must-have and a vital part of your carry gear. If you’re trying to find the right belt for you, check out High Speed Gear’s Vigil EDC Belt.
Looking for a well-made, sturdy gun belt? Take a look at the High Speed Gear Vigil EDC Belt. (Photo credit: High Speed Gear)
High Speed Gear’s senior designer, Daniel Chaney, remarked on the time and effort that went into the creation of the Vigil EDC Belt: “We have been working on the Vigil EDC belt for over two years. Since many of us at HSGI and Comp-Tac carry every day, we recognized a need for an EDC specific belt and started from the ground up on this design.”
The manufacturer released the following details regarding the Vigil EDC Belt:
[It] is designed for everyday carry and daily wear. It is rigid enough to support both inside-the-waistband and outside-the-waistband holsters, yet flexible enough to be worn comfortably all day. The belt features a minimalistic design with a low-profile magnetic buckle that fits through standard belt loops. The Vigil EDC Belt is made with nylon webbing wrapped in durable Cordura fabric providing a clean and striking appearance. As with all HSGI belts, the Vigil EDC Belt features multi-line stitching for stiffness and durability.
The Vigil EDC Belt is available in a wide range of colors and patterns including Multicam. (Photo credit: High Speed Gear)
Thanks in part to the variety of colors and patterns it is made in, this is a lower-profile belt that could blend into your clothes. Even its buckle, which is rugged and designed for ease of use and secure retention, is streamlined to fade into the background rather than standing out as something that might seem tactical. Having a quality gun belt for everyday use that doesn’t blatantly stand out as a gun belt is an excellent plan for gun owners.
The High Speed Gear Vigil EDC Belt is sturdy, reinforced, and made to hold up to regular use. (Photo credit: High Speed Gear)
High Speed Gear Vigil EDC Belt Details
Rugged Cordura fabric and nylon webbing construction
Multi-line stitched for stiffness and durability
Hidden adjustment tail for a clean appearance
Low-profile magnetic buckle
Fits through standard belt loops
Berry Compliant
Dimensions: Length 28 to 52 inches x .13 inches x 1.5 inches (exact weight depends on size)
Dimensions, Metric: Length 71.12 centimeters to 132.08 centimeters x .33 centimeters x 3.81 centimeters (exact weight depends on size)
Available in Black, Coyote Brown, MultiCam, OD Green, Wolf Gray, MultiCam Black, and M81 Woodland Camo
Offered in sizes Small through 3XL
Yes, it’s absolutely vital to pair a good gun belt with your holster. The two pieces of gear work together for the best possible retention and concealment. (Photo credit: High Speed Gear)
Beretta is well known for designing and manufacturing high-quality firearms. That’s really not a surprise considering the Italian gun maker was founded in 1526, which means Beretta has almost 500 years of experience backing it and all that expertise was used in the creation of the APX A1 FS pistol. Whether you’re in the market for a home defense pistol or a range gun, the Beretta APX A1 FS was designed to get the job done reliably and accurately.
The Beretta APX A1 FS is a full-sized pistol made to perform to exacting standards whatever application it’s used for. (Photo credit: Beretta)
According to the manufacturer, the pistol is the “ultimate convergence of form, function, and fortitude” and a fantastic choice for a wide range of uses. Beretta went on to release some details about their latest pistol:
The APX A1 takes the proven ergonomics and reliability of the APX family to the next level with integrated features derived from feedback from military, law enforcement, and tactical shooters. It aims for the highest levels in performance, safety, and quality to operate for any shooter in the field. Beretta passed every stringent test of the US Army MHS program with its APX pistol candidate and is used by professionals on the ground in more than 20 countries.
The Beretta APX A1 FS is the ideal blend of form and function. (Photo credit: Beretta)
This pistol is the full-sized version of the company’s popular APX A1 Carry gun. It has an overall length of 7.5 inches, a height of 5.6 inches, and width of 1.3 inches. Empty, the gun weighs 29 ounces. These specifications mean that although it’s considered a full-sized gun it remains streamlined enough for carry use with the right holster and gun belt. The APX A1 FS is a striker-fired gun chambered in 9x19mm and has a capacity of 10, 15, or 17 rounds depending on the configuration. In addition, it’s an optics-ready pistol, a great feature for shooters interested in mounting a red dot to their guns.
The Beretta APX A1 FS has aggressive, angled slide serrations at the front and back of the slide. (Photo credit: Beretta)
Beretta’s Pistol Product Manager, Nicola Lorenzi, made the following statement regarding the APX A1 FS:
Building on Beretta’s knowledge and history of performance, the APX A1 offers the most competitive feature set available today on the market. The APX A1 takes the proven ergonomics and reliability of the APX family to the next level with integrated features derived from feedback from military, law enforcement, and tactical shooters. It aims for the highest levels in performance, safety, and quality to operate for any shooter in the field.
This is a modular pistol with three interchangeable, integral backstraps for customization to fit the shooter’s hand. (Photo credit: Beretta)
Beretta APX A1 FS Features
Best-In-Class Trigger
Serrated Combat Trigger Guard
Tritium Front Sight w/ White Outline
Red Dot Optic-Ready Slide
Aggressive Slide Serrations
Extended Beaver Tail
Ambidextrous Slide Release
Reversible Mag Release (left or right)
Straight Grip Profile
Multiple Backstrap Sizes Included in the Box
MSRP for all three available capacities of the Beretta APX A1 FS is $529.00.
In the last few years, there has been a large influx of new gun owners. A lot of those folks might be looking for some help with pistol shooting fundamentals. Patrick and Chris from Task & Purpose [YouTube channel] also wanted some extra help. While they are both former military, most of their training is with rifles, not pistols and they both feel they lack that same confidence with pistols. Wanting to learn more, they enlist the help of an expert instructor from USCCA to help them with some pistol shooting fundamentals.
Patrick and Chris from Task & Purpose [YouTube channel] are confident with rifles, being veterans, but they lack that confidence with pistols. They enlist the help of an expert instructor to help take them through some drills.
Handgun Fundamentals
First, they go over the basics, including a verbal briefing of the pistol, ammo, and the shooting process. The instructor stresses that once the threat is neutralized, the next threat to yourself is when you reholster your pistol. It is possible to shoot yourself during reholstering and shooting yourself sucks; don’t do it. Look your gun into its holster.
The next principle, and probably the most important for shooting fundamentals in general, is the importance of training how you fight. Most encounters happen between 9-15 feet, 86.2 percent to be exact. That zone is where people should be training.
According to statistics, most encounters happen between 9- and 15-feet distance-wise, so a key piece of advice is to train like you fight and train at that distance.
Their expert stresses that you shouldn’t focus on the target to start with. Rather, start with yourself and then work on getting the shots on the target. Make sure you have a proper base stance, which should include a solid grip on the pistol, trigger and breath control, and a natural point of aim. The typical stance in the industry is a low-ready, but according to the expert in the video, the high compressed ready position reduces arm fatigue and overall stress in your arms.
A high compressed ready stance is a great way to reduce arm fatigue and stress. A side benefit is that you can rotate your pistol to on-target and shoot without extending your arms if needed.
Additionally, you can shoot from high compressed ready and still probably hit your target. This is referred to as “unsighted fire” and it works because the firearm is held straight on your chest, pointing out, so it will be pointing at your target already. To better understand this idea, think about how you can aim when using a golf club or a baseball bat, neither of which have sights. It’s the same principle.
Chris appreciates how having hands-on, instructor-led training is a good way to improve your shots. Their instructor has them get into a stable base to repel any attack, with their arms out straight and locked, like a triangle. (This advice is debated in the video comments and by other instructors.) Chris notices that the first groups after getting instruction are good, but the following groups aren’t as good. Their instructor explains that repeating drills builds neural pathways so your body remembers. Start slow and steady until it becomes seamless.
Proper training and practice are key for pistol shooting fundamentals. Also, look your pistol back into the holster because shooting yourself sucks.
In drawing your weapon, start slow and steady to get a good grip, draw and use a biomechanical stop and rotate the weapon on target. Align the center front pad of your index finger with the trigger and press the trigger. The instructor tells them to listen and feel for the trigger to reset after the shot. You need to know your weapon because if you go past the reset, your finger can jerk or slip, and it will mess up your next shot. If you keep your finger placed properly on the trigger, you’ll be able to get more shots off quicker and more accurately.
Quick Takeaways
Don’t shoot yourself. It sucks. Look your pistol back into your holster when reholstering.
Train how you fight.
Get a solid base to repel any attack.
Watch The Task and Purpose video:
Overall, both Chris and Patrick feel they have benefitted from the course and highly encourage others to get training. In about 15 minutes of hands-on training, they were able to get their shot groups from peppering to a more concise grouping.
The mount you use to attach your optic to your rifle matters a great deal. Poorly-made or badly-designed mounts can make it impossible to hold zero or might fail entirely at the worst moment possible, so it’s a must to have a high-quality mount to go with your chosen optic. It’s always smart to go with a proven manufacturer. Trijicon is one such manufacturer and is well known and respected for both its optics and its mounts. If you’re looking for a solid quick release design, consider Trijicon’s Q-Loc Technology mounts.
Trijicon quick-release mounts with Q-Loc Technology are available for a wide range of mounts that are compatible with their extensive line of optics. (Photo credit: Trijicon)
Trijicon describes the Q-Loc Technology quick released mounts:
Q-LOC Technology is a patented quick release optics mounting system, featuring multiple proprietary recoil lugs to ensure total rail engagement. Shooters can easily remove and re-attach an optic with a Q-LOC mount without the need to confirm zero. Heavy-duty springs enable one-handed operation while also ensuring secure retention under hard and repeated recoil. Q-LOC mounts feature compact, circular knob designs to minimize the hazards of gear snags while also facilitating one-handed mounting and removal.
All Trijicon mounts with Q-LOC Technology are manufactured in the U.S. from 6061-T6 aluminum with precision-cut dimensions to accommodate any platform and ensure optimal placement on MIL-STD 1913, NATO, non-mil spec, and even damaged rails.
The Trijicon quick-release mounts with Q-Loc Technology have snag-resistant knobs. Their compact, circular design minimizes the hazards of gear snags. (Photo credit: Trijicon)
According to the manufacturer, the quick-release mount’s Q-Loc Technology allows for full rail engagement and a more solid base than many other designs. In fact, it’s so carefully designed that Trijicon states shooters won’t have to re-do zero when taking off an optic with this mount and then putting it back on the same rifle. Heavy-duty springs hold the mount securely to the rifle’s rail and proprietary lugs help keep it engaged.
Other features include precision-cut dimensions, rugged durability, and a matte black anodized finish. Trijicon’s quick-release mounts with Q-Loc Technology are available for a wide range of their optics including Bolt Action Mounts, Cantilever Mounts, ACOG/VCOG/Trijicon Electro-Optics Mounts, and Red Dot Mounts.
Trijicon’s quick release mount with Q-Loc Technology has a return to zero feature. Multiple proprietary recoil lugs ensure total rail engagement. Easily remove and re-attach without needing to confirm zero. (Photo credit: Trijicon)
John Trull, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Trijicon, had the following to say about the quick-release mount:
We are excited to bring a family of quick release mounts to shooters and hunters that are strong enough to match the durability of our optics. We’ve applied the same precision in our manufacturing process for these mounts as we do our optics, as well as put them through the same rigorous Science of Brilliant testing, to make sure we’re delivering mounts that meet the standard of Trijicon quality.
The mount is machined from 6061 aluminum for outstanding, repeatable performance. (Photo credit: Trijicon)
MSRP varies depending on the optic the mount is designed to fit.
Most of us wouldn’t mind owning an MP5, would we? Be honest now. Well, our options recently expanded with the HK-licensed MP5 in .22 Long Rifle from Umarex. Umarex has a good reputation and their partnership with HK makes me confident that the new gun is a quality product. In the video linked below, YouTube’s Todd the Gun Guy gives us a quick rundown of the HK MP5 22lr Umarex features and tells us what he thinks of it.
YouTube’s Todd the Gun Guy says Umarex “knocked it out of the park” with the .22 Long Rifle MP5 clone.
Before we get into that, though, let’s take a look at the specs from the HK website:
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Magazine Capacity: 25 or 10
Barrel length: 16.1 inches
Overall Length: 26.4 to 32.3 inches depending on how you set the telescoping stock
Width: 2.3 inches
Height: 11 inches
Weight (empty magazine): 7 pounds
Action Type: Blowback
Trigger: Single-stage
Todd says the Umarex is “flawless” and that it eats everything you put through it.
“It is flawless.” That’s one of the first things Todd says about the HK MP5 22lr Umarex, so I’d say we’re off to a good start. The gun has pretty much the same weight and dimensions as the actual MP5 and includes some nice features. It ships with one 25-round magazine (or a 10 rounder if you find yourself unfortunate enough to live behind the Blue Curtain) which is equipped with a thumb assist. That’s a nice touch.
The 25-round magazine includes a thumb assist, which is nice. No word on whether the 10-rounder has one too, but it’s likely.
There is a right-side mag release button and an ambidextrous paddle-style release underneath, just aft of the mag well. Todd says the mag well is a little tight, but it will likely loosen up with use.
You can use either mag release: the right-side button or the underneath paddle. Not fully ambidextrous, but close.
It has the famous MP5 charging handle so you can slap it to your heart’s content, though Todd says the slap is more difficult if you mount an optic on the Picatinny rail up top. The gun comes with standard MP5 sights, so you don’t have to if you don’t want to.
You can use the included iron sights, install an optic, or both, as Todd did. Just keep in mind the optic makes it harder to do the cool guy slap on the charging handle.
The Umarex is classified as a true rifle, thanks to the 16.1-inch barrel and the telescoping stock, so no NFA BS. It’s also available in a pistol configuration, though with the current ATF shenanigans, it remains to be seen how that one will play out. The barrel is equipped with a faux suppressor, but you can put a real one on if you want. Todd just says it looks goofy because it’s a pencil barrel. You can also suppress the pistol version if you want.
The telescoping stock on the HK MP5 22lr Umarex is easily manipulated with the catch underneath.
The faux suppressor makes the 7-pound gun very front-heavy, but Todd says it shoots great. The single-stage trigger has some take up with a heavy wall. For all that, Todd says it’s a nice trigger. “I’ll tell you what,” he says, “this thing is a shooter. I mean it is awesome!” The price isn’t bad either, going for around $479.
The HK MP5 22lr Umarex is less than 500 bucks? Not bad.
“She’s a keeper in my book for sure…Umarex knocked it out of the park.” Sounds like Todd likes it. What do you think? Does an HK-sanctioned .22 Long Rifle MP5 for under 500 bucks interest you? Let us know why or why not. Happy shooting, y’all.
The BUL Armory AXE line of Glock cloned pistols hit the market in April of 2022, and the lineup in this series is certainly interesting. There are a ton of Glock clones, knock-offs, and wannabes out there. Normally I say if you want a Glock, then buy a Glock. As a member of law enforcement, I carry a Glock daily. The only complaint I really have about them is that they’re so dang ugly. Glocks are reliable and because of their popularity, they are also extremely easy to find parts, accessories, and magazines for. So why buy a Glock clone that is nearly double the price of a Glock? Let’s look at BUL’s new line of AXE guns and you can decide for yourself.
AXE Series by BUL Armory
I have talked about BUL Armory before. Made in Israel, they produce mostly 1911, CZ, and AR clones. Their line of weapons is on the higher end and the price goes along with it. When I heard they were producing a line of Glock clones I was interested to see how they could dress up the reliable but simple Glock.
What they have done is create a line under the name AXE with several models that dictates how much “custom” work the gun has. They have marketed them as the Tomahawk, Cleaver, and Hatchet. The “C” designation is for compact or the equivalent to the Glock 19 and the “FS” is for full-size Glock 17. The Tomahawk has the most customizations, so that’s the one we are going to review and take to the range.
Quick Specs from BUL for the Tomahawk C
Barrel length: 102mm/4.02 inch
Slide: Tomahawk serrations with a weight reduction cut
Steel 3-Dot sights (Glock dovetail)
Optic ready: Trijicon RMR footprint
Fluted barrel
Magazine capacity: 15 rounds X3
Weight without magazine: 560g
3.5 – 4.0 LB trigger pull
Available colors: Black (PVD) / Silver (Natural finish)
Integrated flared magwell with side cuts
High grip beavertail
Trigger Guard with a high Double Undercut
Reversible magazine release
Extended Slide Lock Lever (stainless steel)
Ambidextrous integrated thumb rest
Flat face trigger shoe
1913 Picatinny rail
Aluminum guide rod
Dimpled stainless steel pin kit
How does the AXE compare to the Glock 19?
Side by side, the AXE (left) next to the Glock 19 looks like an extremely upgraded Glock. The fluted barrel catches the eye right away, which can be seen through the cut-outs on the top of the slide.
My first question when getting ahold of the AXE was how much of it is interchangeable. From a quick field strip, I could see right away that not all of it is. The AXE looks more like a gen 3 Glock on the inside. It has a standard single recoil spring (not the double recoil spring like the newer Glocks). The slide rails on the lower frame are slightly different so the slide from the AXE would not fit on my Glock 19 frame. This however was a gen 5 Glock and as I no longer have a gen 3, I was not able to see if the AXE slide would fit on an older Glock frame.
AXE’s slide (right) does not have the double recoil spring and has just a few other changes from the Glock 19 gen 5 pictured beside it.
The AXE barrel is identical to the Glock, and I was able to swap them without issue. The sights, magazine release, slide lock, and the slide backplate all appeared to be interchangeable with Glock parts. The big question, and most important to me was the magazines. I like Glock magazines more than I do Glock pistols so being not being compatible would be a big issue for me. There was no need to worry however as Glock mags will work great in the AXE line of pistols.
Glock mags from my Glock 19 worked just fine in the AXE Tomahawk.
The most notable difference in the AXE frame is the checkering on the grip. The finger guard has a slightly different shape to it, and they placed an aggressive serrated finger stop on each side for the shooter’s support hand.
On the Range
The AXE Tomahawk did well on the range, but I was a little disappointed that it didn’t have just a little bit lighter trigger. The trigger pull was great but comparable to my Glock. For the extra money, I was hoping to have just a little bit lighter weight and smoother pull. It did have a little more kick to it than the Glock due to the lighter weight of the AXE, but this was expected.
The checkering and serrations on the gun were comfortable for me. A few other people that shot it said the grip checkering was too aggressive for them, but I like having something that gives me a good grip on the gun.
I fired all three of the 15-round magazines that came with the AXE and then used some of my 15 and 17-round Glock magazines. I never had any issues with cycling and the magazine release was very easy to find. AXE flared out the mag well which made mag changes easy. The AXE magazines have a wide base to they can be pulled from the gun, but they fall freely so I’m not sure there was a need for that. I preferred using my Glock mags in the AXE as opposed to the ones that came with it.
The checkering on the AXE grip was very aggressive but felt comfortable to me.
There are a few small things I would have liked to see changed but overall, I think this is a great gun. BUL Armory has a good reputation for making quality guns and this one is a looker. The cut-out on the slide reveals the fluted barrel, which is the Tomahawk’s best feature, and I even like the red trigger safety they placed in the trigger. BUL Armory offers the Tomahawk with a gold barrel for those who want a little more bling. Because it’s lighter, it makes it comfortable to carry and the overall look to me is appealing compared to a Glock. If you see one in your local gun shop, check it out and see what you think!
The new BUL Armory AXE line of Glock cloned pistols hit the market in April of 2022, and the lineup in this series is certainly interesting. There are a ton of Glock clones, knock-offs, and wannabes out there. Normally I say if you want a Glock, then buy a Glock. As a member of law enforcement, I carry a Glock daily. The only complaint I really have about them is that they’re so dang ugly. Glocks are reliable and because of their popularity, they are also extremely easy to find parts, accessories, and magazines for. So why buy a Glock clone that is nearly double the price of a Glock? Let’s look at BUL’s new line of AXE guns and you can decide for yourself.
AXE Series by BUL Armory
I have talked about BUL Armory before. Made in Israel, they produce mostly 1911, CZ, and AR clones. Their line of weapons is on the higher end and the price goes along with it. When I heard they were producing a line of Glock clones I was interested to see how they could dress up the reliable but simple Glock.
What they have done is create a line under the name AXE with several models that dictates how much “custom” work the gun has. They have marketed them as the Tomahawk, Cleaver, and Hatchet. The “C” designation is for compact or the equivalent to the Glock 19 and the “FS” is for full-size Glock 17. The Tomahawk has the most customizations, so that’s the one we are going to review and take to the range.
Quick Specs from BUL for the Tomahawk C
Barrel length: 102mm/4.02 inch
Slide: Tomahawk serrations with a weight reduction cut
Steel 3-Dot sights (Glock dovetail)
Optic ready: Trijicon RMR footprint
Fluted barrel
Magazine capacity: 15 rounds X3
Weight without magazine: 560g
3.5 – 4.0 LB trigger pull
Available colors: Black (PVD) / Silver (Natural finish)
Integrated flared magwell with side cuts
High grip beavertail
Trigger Guard with a high Double Undercut
Reversible magazine release
Extended Slide Lock Lever (stainless steel)
Ambidextrous integrated thumb rest
Flat face trigger shoe
1913 Picatinny rail
Aluminum guide rod
Dimpled stainless steel pin kit
How does the AXE compare to the Glock 19?
Side by side, the AXE (left) next to the Glock 19 looks like an extremely upgraded Glock. The fluted barrel catches the eye right away, which can be seen through the cut-outs on the top of the slide.
My first question when getting ahold of the AXE was how much of it is interchangeable. From a quick field strip, I could see right away that not all of it is. The AXE looks more like a gen 3 Glock on the inside. It has a standard single recoil spring (not the double recoil spring like the newer Glocks). The slide rails on the lower frame are slightly different so the slide from the AXE would not fit on my Glock 19 frame. This however was a gen 5 Glock and as I no longer have a gen 3, I was not able to see if the AXE slide would fit on an older Glock frame.
AXE’s slide (right) does not have the double recoil spring and has just a few other changes from the Glock 19 gen 5 pictured beside it.
The AXE barrel is identical to the Glock, and I was able to swap them without issue. The sights, magazine release, slide lock, and the slide backplate all appeared to be interchangeable with Glock parts. The big question, and most important to me was the magazines. I like Glock magazines more than I do Glock pistols so being not being compatible would be a big issue for me. There was no need to worry however as Glock mags will work great in the AXE line of pistols.
Glock mags from my Glock 19 worked just fine in the AXE Tomahawk.
The most notable difference in the AXE frame is the checkering on the grip. The finger guard has a slightly different shape to it, and they placed an aggressive serrated finger stop on each side for the shooter’s support hand.
On the Range
The AXE Tomahawk did well on the range, but I was a little disappointed that it didn’t have just a little bit lighter trigger. The trigger pull was great but comparable to my Glock. For the extra money, I was hoping to have just a little bit lighter weight and smoother pull. It did have a little more kick to it than the Glock due to the lighter weight of the AXE, but this was expected.
The checkering and serrations on the gun were comfortable for me. A few other people that shot it said the grip checkering was too aggressive for them, but I like having something that gives me a good grip on the gun.
I fired all three of the 15-round magazines that came with the AXE and then used some of my 15 and 17-round Glock magazines. I never had any issues with cycling and the magazine release was very easy to find. AXE flared out the mag well which made mag changes easy. The AXE magazines have a wide base to they can be pulled from the gun, but they fall freely so I’m not sure there was a need for that. I preferred using my Glock mags in the AXE as opposed to the ones that came with it.
The checkering on the AXE grip was very aggressive but felt comfortable to me.
There are a few small things I would have liked to see changed but overall, I think this is a great gun. BUL Armory has a good reputation for making quality guns and this one is a looker. The cut-out on the slide reveals the fluted barrel, which is the Tomahawk’s best feature, and I even like the red trigger safety they placed in the trigger. BUL Armory offers the Tomahawk with a gold barrel for those who want a little more bling. Because it’s lighter, it makes it comfortable to carry and the overall look to me is appealing compared to a Glock. If you see one in your local gun shop, check it out and see what you think!
Upgrading your Ruger Mark IV or Mark IV 22/45 pistol is easy with an Apex Competition Trigger Kit. Available with either a black or red anodized flat-faced trigger, that is adjustable for over-travel, the kit is a significant performance upgrade for one of the most popular .22LR handguns on the market.
The kit includes trigger, sear, and hammer, along with a safety plate that maintains factory safety values.
Designed, tested, and manufactured by Apex to provide an improved, more responsive trigger pull in the Ruger Mk IV pistols, the Competition Trigger Kit replaces the factory trigger, hammer, and sear with Apex components. When installed, the kit lightens the trigger pull weight to approximately 3.0 lbs., reduces over-travel by approximately 80 percent and overall trigger travel by 25 percent, resulting in a lighter, crisper trigger break that is ideal for both the competition and recreational shooter.
The trigger kit is easy to install and lightens the trigger pull weight to approximately 3.0 pounds and reduces the over-travel by roughly 80 percent and overall trigger travel by 25 percent for a lighter, crisper trigger break.
Features and Specifications
Reduces trigger pull to approx. 3.0 lbs
Reduces trigger over-travel up to approx. 80 percent
Reduces overall travel approx. 25 percent
Delivers crisp trigger break
Maintains factory safety values
Easy To Install
Apex Part #: 117-114 (Black), 117-154 (Red)
MSRP: $160.00
In the box is an Action Enhanced Trigger, Hammer, and Sear. Also included in each kit is a safety plate that maintains factory safety values, even when put through Apex’s extensive drop-testing process which is conducted from six feet onto concrete. Additionally, in each kit is a magazine safety delete, which when installed, allows the pistol to fire without the magazine inserted. Installing this component is optional, but Apex recommends it be used for competition purposes only.
Upgrading the trigger in a Ruger Mk IV and Mk IV 22/45 pistols is easier with the Apex Competition trigger Kit.
The Apex Competition Trigger kit is available with an MSRP of $160.
Patti Miller is one of the most awesome females in the tactical/firearm (or any) industry. Imagine a tall, hawt, dangerous Laura Ingalls Wilder type with cool hair and a suppressed blaster and you’ll be getting the idea. What’s interesting is that in addition to being a willing brawler and intrepid adventuress, she’s also an Ent/Ogier level gardener and a truly badass baker.
Do you love the FN SCAR? Interested in what is essentially a variant, or at least a close relative of the SCAR? Then you’re going to love the FN America Mid Range Gas Gun (MRGG) line. The MRGG lineup from the respected gun maker is currently made up of two rifles, the MRGG-A and the MRGG-S.
The FN America MRGG is, as its name suggests, a Mid Range Gas Gun. Although it has some SCAR-like features it is definitely a new model in its own right. (Photo credit: Soldier Systems)
The launch of the FN MRGG-A and MRGG-S was initially reported by Soldier Systems, who wrote:
Offered in two variants MRGG-A for Assault and MRGG-S for Sniper Support. The most glaring differences between the two variants are a 14.5″ barrel for MRGG-A and 20″ MRGG-S as well as different pistol grips and buttstock for the two versions. However, the side-folding adapter fits with an M4 standard buttstock so the shooter can configure the stock as he sees fit.
Controls are ambidextrous. Additionally, only MRGG-A offers full-auto fire. Otherwise, it’s semi and safe selectors for both, but it is more ergonomic than on the SCAR. There’s also a two-stage trigger which was designed in house.
The FN MRGG is designed for combat and is available as a full-auto or sniper model. (Photo credit: Soldier Systems)
Features of the guns include:
AR-style top-mounted charging handle
Non-reciprocating side charging handles
A combination forward assist and brass deflector
FN’s own two-stage trigger
Height adjustable bipod
Barrel lengths specific to their purpose (14.5 inch on MRGG-A and 20 inch on MRGG-S)
Highly customizable stocks and interchangeable barrels
Available in 6.5 Creedmoor and 7.62x51mm NATO
MRGG-A ships with a Gen 3 Vortex Razor 1-10×24 optic and a Badger C1 mount and Leupold Delta Point Pro backup sight
MRGG-S ships with a Gen 2 Vortex Razor 4-27×50 optic and a Spuhr 4002 mount with FN ELITY
The side-folding adapter on the FN MRGG fits with an M4 standard buttstock so the user can configure it to their specific needs. (Photo credit: Soldier Systems)
Interestingly, Soldier Systems also noted that there’s an “adjustable gas block with suppressed and unsuppressed settings while the Gas Regulator is now buried in the receiver assembly and redesigned to reduce flash while shooting under NODS.” This is a fantastic feature for FN to include in the MRGG’s design. From their high-quality overall design to the thought that obviously went into the controls, it’s clear FN created these rifles to be the ultimate combat-oriented Mid Range Gas Guns.
A look at the receiver and controls of the FN MRGG. (Photo credit: Soldier Systems)
Limited information is available regarding the FN MRGG-A and MRGG-S at this time. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.
What do you think of the MRGGs? Could FN eventually win the SOCOM contract that’s still up for grabs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
When I saw the compact size of the Tippmann Arms M4-22 Micro Pistol in the gunshop, it had my full attention. I mean, this thing is small!! It has a collapsible pistol brace, and if that’s not short enough for you, the brace actually folds to the side! We are talking seriously compact; it will very easily fit into a day pack with room to spare.
The Tippmann Arms M4-22 Micro Pistol will easily fit into a day pack with room to spare. Several hundred rounds and a few spare magazines would round out the package. The Tippmann is on the right, with a Henry Survival Rifle on the left as a comparison.
And that is what attracted me to it—the ability to throw it in a backpack. It would be especially useful for hiking in the backcountry to have a compact firearm along without anyone knowing about it (unless you wanted them to).
Another thing I liked is that it’s chambered in .22LR. Many people fail to take the .22 Long Rifle very seriously, but it certainly can perform a number of jobs. Poachers love it because it’s relatively quiet and can take game at close range with good shot placement. You can carry a lot of rounds, too. It would be nothing to throw a couple hundred rounds into that day pack and go hiking for the day, secure in the knowledge that you have a nice ammo stash along for the ride.
Another huge asset is that the .22 is not very loud, so shooting is more pleasant. And of course, it doesn’t recoil much at all, it’s barely perceivable. And right now, .22LR ammo is far cheaper than any other caliber out there, so you can do a lot of shooting for a reasonable price.
It’s difficult to tell that it’s “just” a .22LR pistol from a glance. This little firearm is seriously compact and great for training.
Tippman Arms MR-22 Compact Pistol Features
The overall weight is 4.4 pounds. Despite how light it is, the little AR feels solid. It should, considering it’s made from Aluminum. Despite the fact that it’s chambered in .22LR, it feels like you’re holding a standard AR-15. Here’s a closer look at all of the features.
Barrel
The seven-inch barrel is made of 4150 solid steel and the gun has a 5.5-inch M-Lok Handguard. The barrel is not exactly heavy, but neither is it pencil-thin, so it has a nice heft. The muzzle is threaded for a 1/2×28 A2 birdcage flash suppressor, so any muzzle device that will fit regular ARs will also fit this one, allowing the user to tailor this pistol as he wishes.
The flash suppressor is standard AR, as are the threads so that any muzzle devices that the user wishes can be attached to the Tippmann. The handguard is well thought out. Flip-up sights round out the package (they’re very similar to what Mag Pul produces).
Controls
A nice touch is that all of the controls you’d find on a “regular” AR are also on the Tippmann. The bolt release, magazine release, safety, charging handle, and even the forward assist all function exactly as they do on a standard AR-15. That makes the gun really nice for training because the controls translate perfectly to its full-size cousins. I’m told that aftermarket trigger groups will also fit the Tippmann (although I cannot verify this firsthand, as I did not drop in any trigger groups myself).
The controls of the Tippmann Arms M4-22 Micro Pistol are exactly like those of a standard AR-15; safety/selector and bolt release on this side of the gun, as well as the charging handle. Here we see the magazine release is exactly like that of a “real” AR-15, as is the dust cover. The forward assist even works!
Sights
There is a full-length Picatinny rail on top, and the pistol comes complete with front and rear flip-up “iron” sights. These sights look very similar to those manufactured by Magpul. The sights are excellent and easy to adjust to get on target. When not in use, they fold down to protect them from damage and make storage easier. They’re easy to use, as AR sights are. One neat aspect is that there is a small, fold-down aperture in the rear sight, so if you want a smaller aperture, leave the aperture in place. If you want a ghost ring type, fold the little aperture tab down, which opens up the aperture to a larger opening. Very ingenious!
The flip-up sights are very nice. Here we see the rear sight, adjustable for windage. There is also a choice of two apertures; small and large. The large is of the ghost ring variety. Here the small aperture is flipped down, allowing the use of the ghost ring. This was a really nice touch.
Bolt
The bolt is very simple, and field stripping is a breeze. Just remove the pin in the lower receiver as on a regular AR and tip the receiver up. Then, withdraw the charging handle, which brings the bolt out of the upper receiver. To clean, wipe down and lube the bolt, clean the barrel and chamber area, and you’re done. That’s it, there’s nothing else to do. The bolt is nickel-plated, which simplifies cleaning.
Here is the bolt. It comes out of the receiver in one piece and is nickel-plated for easy cleaning. Field stripping is amazingly easy.
Pistol Brace
I mentioned that there is a pistol brace on this pistol. It is set up very nicely with four notches so it can be adjusted to four different lengths. It will also fold directly to the side of the pistol, adding to the compactness. Major kudos to Tippmann Arms for the design on this!
The brace can telescope, has four different locking positions, and will accept a quick-detachable sling swivel. If the brace is still a bit too long, fold it to the side for an insanely compact package!
Magazines
The magazines for the Tippmann are a marvel in and of themselves. Outwardly they resemble standard AR-15 magazines so it’s difficult to distinguish the two from each other. There’s a small tab that you push in the upper corner, which allows the user to pull the top portion of the magazine up, exposing the guts. The magazine can now be loaded by pulling two tabs down, which compresses the spring, making it very easy to feed the bullets into the magazine. After it’s full, just push the guts back down into the magazine body and you have what appears to be a standard AR mag again. The magazines are surprisingly robust, too. They can be had from most places for about $25 each, making them a very reasonable buy.
To load the magazines, the tab is pressed, allowing the innards of the magazine to be pulled out the top (both halves remain attached to each other). Here we see the inside of the magazine extended. There are two tabs with which the magazine spring can be depressed, making it very easy to insert rounds into the magazine.
As an added bonus, these magazines insert and extract exactly as they would on a normal AR-15. And since their dimensions mirror those of standard AR mags, they will fit in all mag pouches, facilitating training.
Magazines for the Tippmann Arms M4-22 outwardly resemble those of full size AR-15s, so they can be used with the same magazine pouches, which further facilitates the training role.
At The Range
With great glee and excitement, I retired to the range with my new toy to see how it would fare. Initially, the sights were pretty far off at 25 yards, so I took some time to adjust them and get it zeroed. It wasn’t long before it was perfectly zeroed and we were off to the races.
The Tippmann Arms M4-22 handled like a dream. The compactness really made it fun, as did the lack of recoil.
I had several brands of ammunition with me, as I wanted to see how the Tippmann functioned with a cross-section of .22 LR rounds. I started off with Aguila, which has proven to be a great shooter in my Ruger .22 firearms. Unfortunately, the Aguila would not reliably feed all the time in the M4-22, so I had to stop using it.
I then switched to Armscor and that was even worse. It absolutely refused to feed the little Tippmann.
After that, I went to the old stand-by, the gold standard in .22 LR ammo, CCI Mini-Mag, which functioned perfectly. I’d also brought a supply of Federal Subsonic 45 grain .22 LR, and the Tippmann also functioned perfectly with those rounds.
I spent a goodly amount of time trying out the various rounds, and it was frustrating that it would not feed everything. To be honest, my Ruger 10/22s and MK IV have me spoiled, as they have fed every type of .22 ammo that I could stuff into them with supreme reliability. Granted, when the M4-22 worked, it worked beautifully. However, the lack of reliability compared to that of my other .22 firearms was intensely frustrating. After all the hype that I’d read about this pistol being so reliable, this aspect was the fly in the ointment, as my expectations were dashed.
As for how the M4-22 Micro Pistol handled, it was an absolute dream! Being so compact, it was perfect for close-range engagements and the maneuverability made it a real pleasure to use! Of course, there was virtually no recoil because of the .22 LR caliber being used.
Accuracy
Once it was zeroed in, the M4-22 was extremely accurate for a pistol. Groups at 25 yards came in at around one inch consistently. At 50 yards, they were around three inches. However, I’m convinced that the groups would have been smaller if my eyes were not aging as they are and perhaps an optic was used. Suffice to say that this pistol is more accurate than I am and I don’t think any of our viewing audience will be disappointed in that department.
Accuracy at 25 and 50 yards was quite good and would have undoubtedly been better if I had used optics.
In Conclusion
Because this AR feels and acts like a standard AR, it is especially useful for training purposes. Overall, the Tippmann Arms M4-22 Micro Pistol is a very neat firearm that allows the user to train as if he had a standard AR-15 in his hands (minus a slight amount of recoil) because the controls and feel are exactly the same as a standard AR-15. That training will be far cheaper using .22 LR than with .223/5.56mm also.
The cool factor of the Tippmann Arms pistol is off the charts. The side-folding, telescoping pistol brace contributes to it’s excellent handling characteristics as well as the ability to take it places where a rifle could not go unnoticed.
Now, if they could just get it to function 100% with varied ammo, it would be a slice of heaven. If you can get past the ammo sensitivity, this might be the perfect small firearm for you. For me, it was a tough decision. I decided not to keep the Tippmann despite the cool factor, because, frankly, I have other .22LR semi-autos that feed any ammo that I run through them. MSRP at the time of this writing is $649.95, but they can be found on gun shop shelves for considerably less — mine was under the $600.00 mark.
