If you are an avid hunter or just looking for some waterproof clothing, Beretta recently announced some new products you might want to check out.
Beretta Windstryke Hoodie
Beretta is pleased to introduce a new product to our versatile Xtreme Waterfowl Gear collection – the Windstryke Hoody. Ideal for any hunting or outdoor recreational activity, this men’s hoody is made of breathable and warm mid-layer insulating materials for all-day comfort.
Windstryke hoody in otter, front and back view. [Photo courtesy of Beretta]
The Beretta Xtreme Waterfowl Collection was born from an understanding of and created in collaboration with hunters who endure conditions where warmth and comfort are essential. All of the pieces in the Beretta Xtreme Waterfowl Collection feature technical performance fabrics that are windproof, waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and breathable in order to fulfill the specific needs and demands of today’s waterfowler.
This new zippered hoody is water-repellant and windproof with a 4-way stretch softshell design and a grid fleece lining to aid in body temperature regulation. The outer material is treated with a DWR – Durable Water-Repellent – treatment to ensure that you stay dry even in the worst conditions.
The Windstryke Hoody features an oversized comfort hood with drawstring regulation to protect against the elements, a large chest pocket with various compartment organizational options, secure zipper closure, and a raglan sleeve to aid in movement.
Designed with a neoprene placket under the zipper closure for added weather protection and drawstring regulation at the bottom to help guard from brisk wind, this hoody also includes an elastic band on the wrist and sleeve hem thumbholes for a more natural fit for all users.
Available in sizes S-XXXL and three different colors – Otter, Green Moss, and Ebony – the Beretta Men’s Windstryke Hoody retails for an MSRP of $149.
Thorn Resistant EVO Jacket and Pant
Thorn-resistant EVO hunting jacket. [Photo courtesy of Beretta]
Beretta is excited to introduce two new products from our FW21 Hunting collection – the Thorn Resistant EVO Jacket and Pant. Created specifically for hunting activities in which resistance to thorns and bushes is key, this jacket and pant are waterproof and breathable with improved durability thanks to its anti-abrasion inserts in critical areas.
The Beretta Upland Collection was born from an understanding of and created in collaboration with hunters who endure conditions where warmth and comfort are essential and need durable fabrics that can resist the wear-and-tear of various hunting environments. All of the pieces in the Beretta Upland Collection feature technical performance fabrics that are windproof, waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and breathable in order to fulfill the specific needs and demands of today’s upland hunter.
The main fabric of these new products is constructed with a high-density yarn that gives it exceptional solidity to stand up to the wear and tear of an active hunting lifestyle.
The Thorn Resistant EVO Jacket features a removable suspender that allows the wearer to go hands-free when the temperatures fluctuate in the field, a warm and comfortable microfleece inner collar for those chilly early mornings, and abrasion-resistant inserts for better brush protection on the arms and back.
This jacket includes a Velcro regulation band on the wrist and drawstring regulation at the bottom to aid in protection from the elements. With plenty of storage options built-in, the Thorn Resistant EVO Jacket features large side pockets, a large front pocket with internal organization for radio and other accessories, inner pockets with zipper and Velcro closures, and a washable, fully openable gamebag with a secure YKK zipper closure.
Available in sizes S-XXXL and two different colors (Green Moss and High-Visibility Orange), the Beretta Men’s Thorn Resistant Jacket retails for an MSRP of $349.
Thorn resistant EVO pant. [Photo courtesy of Beretta]
The Thorn Resistant EVO Pant features a stretchable inner lining to guarantee maximum freedom of movement, zippered ventilation openings on the outer leg to improve breathability, and an ergonomic waistband with high lumbar support and drawstring regulation for enhanced comfort during all-day wear.
With belt loops and inner buttons for suspenders, this pant has tons of storage options available, including front pockets on the left leg, two side pockets, and a back pocket with secure YKK zipper closures.
Butte softshell jacket in ebony. [Photo courtesy of Beretta]
Beretta is pleased to introduce a new product from our FW21 clothing selection – the Butte Softshell Jacket. Made of lightweight, stretchable, and breathable materials, this versatile jacket is ideal for any hunting or outdoor recreational activity. This new addition to our existing technical Upland collection is a lightweight version of the popular Gore-Tex waterproof Breakaway GTX Jacket. Both jackets are suitable for early season or mid-morning wear when water-repellency is not as much of a concern.
The Beretta Upland Collection was born from an understanding of and created in collaboration with hunters who endure conditions where warmth and comfort are essential and need durable fabrics that can resist the wear-and-tear of various hunting environments. All of the pieces in the Beretta Upland Collection feature technical performance fabrics that are windproof, waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and breathable in order to fulfill the specific needs and demands of today’s upland hunter.
With abrasion-resistant inserts in key areas, the jacket is also wind-resistant thanks to its BWR – Beretta Wind-Resistant – membrane bonded to its outer fabric. The outer material is treated with a DWR – Durable Water-Repellent – treatment to ensure that you stay dry even in the worst conditions.
The Butte Softshell Jacket features a warm and comfortable microfleece inner collar, a radio pocket with a hole for the antenna, and inner pockets with a zipper and a Velcro closure to secure your valuables during a long day out in the field. This jacket includes an elastic band on the wrist and drawstring regulation at the bottom for a more natural fit for all users.
Available in sizes S-XXXL and four different colors – Otter, Green Moss, Ebony and High-Visibility Orange, and Ebony – the Beretta Men’s Butte Softshell Jacket retails for an MSRP of $179.
Strike Industries announced today the release of their new multidirectional picatinny rail cover with cable management (6-pack). It “utilizes the patent pending SI Cable Management System (CMS) function which enables…storage of excess wire from a weapon light or any other cabled accessories.”
Multidirectional Picatinny Rail Cover with Cable Management. [Photo courtesy of Strike Industries]
More about it
Protect your Pic rail from damage and protect your hand or thumb from sharp Pic rail edges. Instead of tucking wire anywhere you can and using cable ties or tape to hold it down, this simple and cost-effective solution for messy wires gives you a way to route and/or contain loose wire up to 3.5mm (0.14”) diameter inside the cover cavity. Cables can be routed alongside the Pic rail, alongside, U-shape, Z-shape or across to the other side.
Cable Management. [Photo courtesy of Strike Industries]
Designed to be a low-profile (9.43mm (0.37”) height) and used in any orientation, this cover protects your hand or thumb and has a textured surface which gives the shooter more control while handling or firing of the weapon.
Rail Cover. [Photo courtesy of Strike Industries]
Made of durable and lightweight SI PolyFlex material, the cover only uses two (x2) Pic rail sections making it a compact and quick upgrade for the shooters hands while organizing and routing cables just about any way you want on a Pic rail. Available in a 6-pack, the Strike Multidirectional Picatinny Rail Cover with Cable Management will accessorize multiple Picatinny rails or weapons to not only add more weapon control but look good with wire management that is a quick installation and removal.
Package Contents:
Product Features
Add better weapon manipulation control
Built-in Cable Management System w/ excess wire storage (patent pending)
Cables can be routed: alongside, U-shape, Z-shape, or across
Protect Picatinny rails from damage and hand/thumb from sharp edge
Low-profile design to minimize snags (9.43mm (0.37”) height)
Accommodate wires up to 3.5mm (0.14″)
Quick installation and removal
Made from durable and lightweight SI PolyFlex material
Rail Cover with Cable Management. [Photo courtesy of Strike Industries]
Compatibility: 1913 Picatinny
Warning: 90-degree cable route will damage most wires because of sharp Picatinny rail edges
Heckler and Koch is well known for their high-quality firearms, and their PDWs (Personal Defense Weapons) are no different. In this video review, Ian of Forgotten Weapons discusses the HK MP7 — specifically, the MP7A1 and MP7A2 — going over their various features and, of course, their history. If you’re into gun history, there’s no YouTube channel better than Forgotten Weapons to teach you more. And even if you aren’t into it, you’ll be into this, because HK PDWs are awesome.
HK PDW love with Forgotten Weapons. (Photo credit: Forgotten Weapons)
How Does the MP7 Work?
One of the things Ian gets into right away is how the HK MP7 compares to other military chamberings:
“Let’s dive into how exactly the MP7 works, because its significantly more complex than FN’s P90 [which is a select-fire PDW carbine designed in the 1980s, chambered in 5.7x28mm, with a 50-round capacity].
“…let’s start with a cartridge comparison. There’s our magazine, and…a 5.56 NATO cartridge. Here’s the 4.6x30mm HK cartridge [which the MP7 is chambered in]. …ballistically, there are a number of different loadings for it, but it is essentially 31 grains of bullet — typically armor-piercing bullet because that’s what it was designed for — traveling at about 2350 to maybe 2400 feet per second, depending on the loading. I will point out, for the sake of comparison…FN’s 5.7x28mm cartridge…[has] virtually identical ballistics on paper — 31 grain bullet at 2350 feet per second. …they are not identical, because they do have different performance, largely because of the different bullet diameters and construction. …they are [also] both substantially smaller than the 5.56 NATO.”
So, how does it compare to the FN P90?
Ian states “One of the things that I find really interesting is the P90 is kind of a study in unorthodox design decisions, and the MP7 is exactly the opposite. [The MP7] is a really clever engineering attempt and success at taking all of the existing orthodoxy of firearms controls and design, and shrinking them into a very compact, very lightweight, and controllable package. So when it comes to the controls [of the MP7] this all duplicates exactly what we’re used to seeing on typical…military firearms. …the P90 is almost all very unusual controls.”
Interested in learning more about the MP7? Check out the video below:
HK MP7 Key Features
Lightweight
Highly portable
Easy to maneuver in close quarters
Somewhat concealable
Reliable
Ambidextrous controls
Standard military firearms features and design
Accurate
Can be carried in a drop leg holster
Folding aperture sights
A look at the internal workings of a modern HK PDW. (Photo credit: Forgotten Weapons)
Heckler and Koch list the following information on their website about this PDW:
“The MP7 is extremely compact, lightweight, can be used in very confined spaces, and is practically recoil-free. It can be carried continuously, making it the ideal personal weapon for the soldier of today. Those who carry it will be suitably armed for the broadest range of operations.
Comparing the calibres, the penetration and terminal effects of the 4.6 mm x 30 cartridge are several times those of the standardised 9 mm x 19 cartridge. By way of illustration: The new high-performance calibre penetrates the NATO CRISAT TARGET (1.6 mm titanium and 20 layers of kevlar) even at 200 m. One fundamental requirement: At the same time, the risk of overpenetration is reduced to a minimum.”
DRD Tactical recently announced the release of their newest pistol, the MFP-21. It is not expected to release until January 11th, 2022, but you can pre-order it now.
MFP-21 .300 Blackout. (Photo courtesy of DRD Tactical)
More about it
The MFP-21 Pistol features a newly designed lower with an integrated picatinny rail on the butt plate which allows you to mount a brace, sling or other accessories. Our patented technology allows you to run without the need for a buffer tube, giving you better maneuverability in close quarters or tight spots.
Caliber: .300 Blackout
Barrel: 8” QD barrel with 1/8 twist
Finish: Hardcoat Type III Anodizing
Muzzle Brake: 2-Flute, 5/8-24 threaded end
Charging Handle: Non-reciprocating left side charging handle
Controls: Ambidextrous Safety Selector & Bolt Catch *NY or CA compliant version are NOT available.
MFP-21.
MSRP for the MFP-21 is $2,500.
About the Company
DRD Tactical was founded in 2010 after being challenged to build a 7.62mm rifle that fit in a briefcase to meet the whitepaper request for the Clandestine Sniper Rifle project listed by Joint and Special Operations Program. After two years of design and testing, DRD Tactical went into production on the PARATUS. In designing the PARATUS, two patents were developed – quick barrel change and internal recoil system. These two patents would become the backbone of future rifles developed for DRD Tactical. DRD Tactical is built on a passion for building handcrafted American made firearms and developing innovative solutions. This isn’t a mass production operation where parts can be overlooked. We ensure maximum power, extreme range, and precise accuracy from start to finish by building each handcrafted rifle one at a time.That level of attention to detail through the manufacturing process ensures each firearm created is a masterpiece.
Like an artist’s signature on piece, DRD Tactical leaves its signature on every firearm built. The unique sculpting of the magwell in addition to the finger rest grooves machined above the trigger and hammer pins gives DRD Tactical its true authenticity.
The product offering expanded to include long distance sniper rifles, AR patterned rifles as well as machine guns. We set a new standard for covert, concealable, accurate firearms…. Discreet. Reliable. Precise.
“We wanted our first pistol optic to be geared toward everyday carry for self-defense,” said Rick Callihan, Ameriglo founder. “The new Haven red dot sight offers intuitive, real-world features built to perform in high-stress personal defense situations.”
Haven Red Dot Sight. [Photo courtesy of Ameriglo]
About the Haven Red Dot Sight
Designed from the ground up to fit the personal defense needs of American gun owners, the Haven is available with a 3.5 or 5.0 MOA dot, or as a Carry-Ready Combo which includes optic-compatible iron sights for the Glock MOS system. Using the proven Trijicon RMR footprint, the Haven red dot is ready for immediate installation on today’s most popular optics-ready pistols.
The combination of the Haven’s large window, bright red dot, and high-visibility vertical post on the rear deck create an immediate and intuitive aiming point for the shooter. The Haven is guaranteed to survive firing and recoil from today’s most powerful handguns due to its advanced electronics and enhanced opto-mechanical design. Developed for personal defense, the Haven is compatible with the most common IWB/OWB holsters used for concealed carry.
Haven Red Dot side-loading battery. [Photo courtesy of Ameriglo]
The Haven’s convenient side-loading battery compartment means there’s no need to re-zero the red dot when the battery is changed. Simply eject the old battery and slide in the new one for fast and easy replacement – not that batteries will need to be changed very often at all. The Ameriglo Haven runs on a single, common, CR2032 battery, which can last up to two years on the Low setting and one year on a Mid/High setting. Battery life is conserved thanks to the Haven’s Power Protect feature, which offers a 12-hour runtime and a 12-hour, motion-activated auto-on.
The Haven features 11 brightness settings, including 2 night-vision compatible options. The optic’s proprietary Carry-Loc mode fixes the illumination at the user’s desired setting and prevents unintentional button presses. Designed with precision-engineered adjusters for windage and elevation adjustments at 1 click per 1 MOA, the red dot has an adjustment range of +/- 45 MOA.
Haven Red Dot perfect zero adjusters. [Photo courtesy of Ameriglo]
The Haven is compatible with optics-ready pistols including the Glock MOS (excluding Slimline models), Smith & Wesson’s C.O.R.E., Springfield Armory’s OSP, Beretta APX RDO, Canik TP9SFX, FN 509 MRD & Tactical Series/FNX, CZ-P10 optic compatible models, the Walther Arms Q4/A5/PDP, and many more.
Features
Side-loading battery
Intuitive controls
Reliable construction
Power protect
Industry-standard footprint
Perfect zero adjusters
Rapid target acquisition
About Ameriglo
For 20 years, Ameriglo has been designing and manufacturing self-defense sights that offer proven reliability, absolute accuracy, and day-and-night illumination in the highest-stress environments. Ameriglo offers the largest selection of self-defense sights on the planet, so customers can find the perfect solution for accurate, reliable precision in every situation.
HatsanUSA recently slot88 announced the release of their first .50 caliber air rifle, the PileDriver. They say the PileDriver is designed exclusively for high-powered hunting applications.
The PileDriver. (Photo courtesy of HatsanUSA)
From the Company
The PileDriver is Hatsan’s first .50 caliber air rifle, and the market’s most powerful production PCP rifle. Capable of producing over 800 ft-lbs. of energy in 50 cal, it is also available in a 700+ FPE-generating .45 caliber model. Although this rifle utilizes a 33-inch barrel, its bullpup design keeps the maximum length under 4 ft. The side lever cocking mechanism is easy to reach and operate. A 480cc carbon fiber bottle fills to 4350 PSI and will provide up to 6 high-powered shots on a single fill. The PileDriver’s unique, patented hammer design eliminates traditional steel coil springs in favor of a smoother, easier-to-cock, gas piston mechanism. This top-loading single-shot rifle also features an extra-large loading port that will accommodate ammo up to 34mm in length.
The all-weather synthetic bullpup stock features an ergonomic pistol grip with textured grip surfaces for enhanced feel and control. The soft rubber buttpad is both elevation and angle adjustable to ensure controlled recoil and a comfortable fit. An elevation adjustable cheek rest ensures proper sight alignment with any optic. The rifle’s 14-inch-long scope rail is cut to accept both Picatinny and 11mm Dovetail mounts, offering plenty of real estate for a wide variety of optics. Three Picatinny accessory rails are attached around the air bottle for added customization. The high-strength steel barrel is precision rifled for long-range accuracy, and the absence of a shroud allows for the use of sabot rounds, further expanding one’s ammunition options.
MSRP: $1,199.99
PileDriver Features
Genuine bullpup design, manual loading high-powered PCP air rifle
Available in .45 and .50 caliber
Long cocking lever for easy cocking action
Precision rifled steel barrel for long-range accuracy
480cc carbon fiber air bottle with 300 BAR (4350 PSI) fill pressure provides up to 6 high-powered shots
Ergonomic synthetic thumbhole bullpup stock
Locking elevation adjustable cheek rest
Elevation and fit angle adjustable soft cushioned butt pad
Combo Picatinny and 11mm Dovetail optics rail
3 Picatinny accessory rails mounted on air bottle
Includes quick-fill nozzle
.50 Caliber PileDriver. [Photo courtesy of HatsanUSA]
PileDriver Specifications
.45 Caliber
Max Energy: 700+ Ft-lb
Number of Shots: 4-6
.50 Caliber
Max Energy: 800+ Ft-lb
Number of Shots: 3-5
Air Cylinder Volume: 480cc
Fill Pressure: 300 BAR (4350 PSI)
Tactical synthetic pistol grip stock with adjustable cheek rest and butt pad
Overall Length: 46.5”
Barrel Length: 33”
Weight: 10.4 lbs
The PileDriver. [Photo courtesy of HatsanUSA]
About HatsanUSA
HatsanUSA is the exclusive distributor of Hatsan airguns and Escort firearms in the U.S. Recognized for craftsmanship and precision performance, Hatsan products provide an exceptional shooting experience. The brands are purpose-driven and renowned for outstanding power, performance, reliability, and value. Hatsan takes pride in its vertically integrated manufacturing process, which enables it to maintain the highest levels of quality, workmanship, and a competitive advantage.
Today we’ll take a look at the MOAB 2 Tactical Boot offering from Merrell Boots. Merrell has been making popular boots and shoes for a number of years, and many people swear by them. I’ve been a long-time customer.
I have worn this pair almost daily for over a year. They are well worn, but still have life left (although they are no longer waterproof).
For the past several years, I’ve been using these Merrell tactical boots, so I feel very confident in being able to give an accurate review of them.
Key Features
• Waterproof membrane • Rubberized mesh ankle upper for support • Heavy-duty YKK side zipper • Breathable mesh lining • Removable insole • Air cushion in the heel to absorb shock • Vibram TC5 rubber sole • Weight is two pounds, 11 ounces per pair
At the time of this writing, there are two colors available: black and tan. The boots I’ve bought over the years have been of the tan persuasion.
Let’s start with the good points first.
Comfort!
These are extremely, super, exceedingly, superlatively comfortable boots! It’s like they hug the feet and ankles in padded bliss, protecting them nicely. I wore them when I worked in a sawmill, which was a particularly unforgiving environment where plenty of opportunities existed to bang my ankles against lumber, boards, and such. These boots protected my feet very well. For comfort, they get a 10 out of 10.
These might be the most comfortable boots that the author has worn. Lots of padding in the uppers. The thick, padded tongue also contributes to the comfort level.
Weight
The MOAB Tactical boots are light on the feet, despite being 8-inch uppers. As mentioned, they are two pounds, 11 ounces for the pair. That’s pretty lightweight! As such, they don’t wear you out as if you were dragging around bricks on your feet. When hiking or taking long walks, this really means a lot. For being lightweight, they get a 10 out of 10.
Appearance
These boots simply look cool, and there’s no other way to put it. Merrell just did a smashing job designing these things to look…well, tactical! They’re constructed in an interesting way, and you can see from the photos that they have interesting architecture. This is, naturally, easier to see in the tan models, since the black color kind of hides the features. Because tan is lighter and allows more light to be reflected, you can just see it better. Cool factor: 10 out of 10!
They just look cool!
Traction
For gripping various surfaces, they work very well. Dirt, grass, rocks, wet floors, the Vibram soles grip it all fairly well. I’ve not yet been in a situation where the gripping quality of these boots failed, though the closest that would have been was on slippery, wet floors. Nevertheless, these boots do about as well as any other boots. 10 out of 10 in this department.
Aggressive tread helps them grab any terrain!
Price
At the time of this writing, these boots retail for around $150, which is pretty much in line with many other brands and models that are similar. They represent a decent value for the money.
Side Zipper
Initially, I did not view the zipper on the side of the boot’s upper as an advantage, figuring it was just one more thing to break. I was mistaken. Of the several pairs of Merrell Tactical boots I’ve had, not one zipper has failed. On the contrary, the zippers make it easier and faster to get the boots on and off, which is a big plus.
Merrell Tactical boots have a durable zipper that makes Taking them off and on easier.
What I didn’t care for
Durability
This is the only area that I’m not completely satisfied with the Merrells. They hold up reasonably well, although my chief complaint is that they lose their waterproof quality after several months. It just goes away. This is very irritating when I’m working in the rain or fording a low creek, and I see no reason why Merrell cannot rectify this issue. Plenty of other boot makers make boots that stay waterproof for years.
Merrell does offer a one year warranty on their boots, but if you intend to cash in on that, you will need your original sales receipt. And who keeps the sales receipt for their boots? Not me. So when I contacted them this time around, they refused to replace my boots. In the past, a receipt was not needed, and they did replace a pair that I had this issue with, but apparently that is no longer the protocol.
Yes, I’ve had this very same issue with a few other pairs of their tactical boots, so it is not a fluke. It’s the order of the day for these boots.
Aside from that, the stitching around the toes will also let go after a while. If they would make that stitching more durable, it would be swell.
One weak point is the stitching near the toe.
Now I don’t mean to imply that these boots self-destruct after two months of wear; they do not. You can count on a good year of wear for them, unless you are in the wilderness beating the hell out of them (not normally my protocol).
For durability, I give these boots a 7 out of 10. Could be better, could be worse.
Yes. The comfort level is just really off the charts and I love how they look. I can live with buying a pair every year or so. Next time, I’ll save my receipt.
Overall, the light weight also adds to the comfort in a big way, which is another factor in my continuing to buy them. Give them a try, I think when you slip your feet into these boots, you will have a smile on your face.
One of the more noticeable changes in the self-defense world in the last few years is the appearance of red dot sights (RDS) on carry guns. When RDS were new they were seen as something competitive shooters used and it took some time for that to change. From competitive shooting, they saw use among handgun hunters and now they’ve become common on everyday carry (EDC) guns.
The SwampFox Sentinel is a good red dot option for many shooters. (Photo Credit: SwampFox Optics)
In the video below, Lucky Gunner examines whether you really need a pistol red dot, and why.
Why do you want a pistol red dot sight?
There are a lot of reasons to put an RDS on your carry gun. In fact, there are more pros than cons which makes it difficult to make a solid pro/con list. Benefits of using an RDS:
Target acquisition
Accuracy
Field of View
Adjustable dots
Low-light use
Easier to see
Feedback during dryfire
Getting shots on target at longer distances
If you’re thinking it would take you too long to learn to use an RDS, you might be surprised to find out that it is a fairly simple process. Yes, it takes some time to get used to looking for a red — or green — dot instead of lining up iron sights, but it’s also easier than iron sights.
Not long ago, RDS in a handgun class were the exception rather than the rule. Today they’re common. (Photo Credit: Lucky Gunner)
Once you master visualizing the dot as you’re getting on target you can focus on speed, and that’s where a pistol red dot sight gets even more impressive: rapid target acquisition. Basically, if you have an RDS on your carry gun you’ll shave some time off how long it took you to draw your gun and get a shot on target with iron sights. Seconds definitely matter when it comes to self-defense.
The SwampFox Sentinel is one of the RDS Chris Baker mentions in this video. (Photo Credit: SwampFox Optics)
Chris Baker from Lucky Gunner goes over the details of why you might want a red dot sight on your carry gun in the video below.
Are there any downsides?
On the con side of the list, Chris Baker said, “I think a lot of the most common criticisms of pistol red dot sights are overblown. Things like durability or battery life are kind of minor issues at this point if you’re careful about hardware selection, but there are some challenges involved in transitioning from iron sights to a red dot that I think deserve some attention. …two of the biggest challenges…one is a hardware issue, simply figuring out which pistol to mount an optic to and what method to use to mount it — that seems like it should be easy but it’s often not — [and] the other big challenge is more of a software, or training, issue. …that is, learning how to find the dot when you are shooting.”
Can these challenges be fixed? Yes, but it takes some time and effort.
It’s a good idea to take a red dot sight class to help you hone your RDS skills. (Photo Credit: Lucky Gunner)
In the video, Chris Baker suggests taking classes from experienced RDS instructors like Scott Jedlinski, which is a great idea. Being an informed shooter — and a well-trained one — is always a good thing. Watch the Lucky Gunner video to find out more about whether you want an RDS on your carry gun.
Not all optics are cut out for every application. Some work great for concealed carry, some for range guns, some for duty pistols. In this video, Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance reviews and ranks his favorite pistol optics for duty use. As a law enforcement veteran and tactical trainer, Yam has seen through pistol optic windows a few times and created a list of his favorite and least favorite red dots.
Like many of us, Yam started out shooting a Trijicon RMR, the first serious pistol-mounted red dot on the market. It more or less defined what red dots would be moving forward. It became so popular that all these years later, the RMR mounting footprint is the most common platform on the market. Almost all red dots offer an RMR-style mounting interface. Starting with that, let’s see Yam’s list of pistol-mounted red dot optics.
Yam starts with his basic criteria for what makes a good duty pistol optic:
Rugged and reliable
Low profile enough, particularly on the deck, to allow use of commonly available optic-height sights
A common footprint – do you need to modify the slide for an uncommon mounting footprint, or does the optic have cross-compatibility?
Should fit into common duty holsters without modification – some agencies don’t allow for modification
Good battery life, typically at least one year as the measurable standard
How easy is the battery to load in? Does it require removing the optic to change or can it be done from the top of side?
Trijicon RMR
Considered the gold standard of optics in its day, the Trijicon RMR has been surpassed in some areas.
Rugged, reliable, low profile enough to use common sights, the Trijicon RMR is the common footprint—the one that started it all. It fits most duty holsters because they are made around the RMR pattern. Battery life is more than one year. One major strike against the RMR is the bottom-loading battery compartment that requires removing the optic for replacement.
Leupold Delta Point Pro
The Leupold Delta Point Pro pistol optic has a couple of strikes against it.
Strike one: It is so tall that it requires unique sights and is incompatible with any of the sights that work with all the rest of the optics on the list. Good position of the battery right on top and easy to replace and service. Strike two: Only one button to toggle all the settings, which can be confusing and easy to get wrong. Ruggedness and reliability are spotty, based on field reports.
Aimpoint ACRO
The Aimpoint ACRO is optically accurate and durable with a side-load battery, but the battery life is lousy.
On full settings, the battery lasts around three weeks on the normal setting, which is way below the year threshold. It also does not fit into the Safariland ALS holster, so that’s a deal killer.
Trijicon SRO
Due to the forward structure, the SRO doesn’t fit into any duty holster.
Trijicon itself admits the SRO is not meant to be a duty optic because it does not survive the 6-foot drop test, but the oversized window and top-load battery make it appealing.
These check all the boxes with ruggedness, reliability, and great battery life with solar power boost, the common RMR footprint for 507C and 508T, and low profile for common sight compatibility. To offset the questions of reliability, Yam shows us the two he has mounted on his EDC and range guns.
The Envelope, Please…
What were Yam’s final results? Which ones did he like the best and least for a duty pistol? Find out here…
If there’s one product that’s made a huge leap from “rarely seen” to “enormously popular” — it’s the pistol red dot sight. It used to be you would sometimes see them in classes, but they were really more for competition shooters and handgun hunters. Now it’s not just normal to see them on the firing line, it’s common to see them mounted to people’s EDC (EveryDay Carry) guns and used for everything imaginable. In this video review, SuperSetCA takes a look at the Holosun 509T RDS (red dot sight).
Paul of SuperSetCA talks about the Holosun 509T RDS. (Photo credit: SuperSetCA)
Holosun 509T Details
Over the years, Holosun has gotten far better brand recognition and made a name for themselves for reasonably priced sights that perform well (always a good thing). In 2020, Holosun launched the 509T. It is a reflex sight with a titanium housing, making it more durable, and what they claim is a battery life of up to 50,000 hours. Various features include a multi-reticle system, Solar Failsafe, and Shake Awake, the latter of which is very nice to have on a carry gun. The RDS ships with an RMR adaptor — because we all know how many RMR-footprints there are on the pistol and RDS market — and uses a CR1632 battery.
How do the 509T’s profile and features compare to the older 508T features?
Paul of SuperSetCA goes into some details:
“Let’s talk about this in profile, first. Dimensionally, it’s the same as the 508T — it’s a little bit shorter in length, it’s a little bit wider at the base [508T dimensions are 1.78 x 1.15 x 1.15, and 509 T dimensions are 1.60 x 1.16 x 1.13] and the window size is a little bit wider, although looking at it you can’t tell.
“However, construction-wise, it’s the same as the 508T in that the battery tray is the same, the solar panel on top is the same. But, on the left side, the brightness controls…they’ve changed a little bit, post-Trijicon, but we’ll talk about that more [later]. And height-wise, like the 508T, it’s a little bit taller…like the Vortex Venom or one of the SwampFox [ones]…but you still shouldn’t have any trouble fitting it to any outside the waistband holsters.
“…weight-wise, I really think it’s surprising, even with the added glass panel and some additional titanium at the top it’s very close in weight, still, to the 508T. …even though it looks like it’s big…you really don’t feel it when you’re swinging your hand around.”
Check out the video to see what else Paul has to say about the Holosun 509T:
Why do you want a Red Dot Sight?
There are quite a few good reasons to get some trigger time with an RDS like the Holosun 509T. Yes, it’s a new operating platform to get used to, but it’s a lot easier than you might believe. Reasons to mount a red dot sight to your carry gun include:
Rapid target acquisition
Faster follow-up shots
Improved accuracy
Easier on many shooter’s eyes than iron sights
Work well in the dark
The Holosun 509T is a reflex RDS. (Photo credit: SuperSetCA)
If you can’t decide whether or not to try one out, I definitely encourage you to give one a shot (pun intended). In the meantime, watch this SuperSetCA review of the popular Holosun 509T.
Do you use red dots on your carry guns? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments below.
