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Post By admin

Springfield Armory’s XD-S Mod 2—A Classic?

The Springfield XD-S is a kickass compact single-stack. That sentence may read, to some, like an oxymoron. I’m finding it harder and harder to justify carrying a single-stack, what with the absolute ubiquitous dominance of so many guns that are almost exactly the same size, but with bigger gas tanks.

Are we to the point where we can call all single-stack 9mms obsolete? I’m not ready for that. They are marginally lighter. They are marginally smaller, sometimes. Surely that still counts for something.

One thing the single-stack design has going for it is a thin mag. The guns are easy to conceal, and so are the mags.

And they’re marginally thinner. In a world that fights for absolutes—the world’s thinnest this, or the world’s lightest that—single-stacks still give those of us in marketing an edge. But what about the practical distinctions?

Springfield Armory saw the potential for the gun almost a decade ago. In that time, it has remained one of the most popular single-stack 9mms available—and certainly the most popular EDC .45 ACP that isn’t a 1911.

The genius of the design is easy to understand.

Even with the short barrels, these handguns run respectable concealed carry calibers. A small gun that can deliver on the promise of the .45 ACP was instantly appealing.

They’re small enough to fit in a coat pocket without drawing any attention. The Springfield XD-S is big enough to carry in a traditional OWB holster and small enough to carry in any of the traditional concealed carry positions (though it is likely too large for ankle carry on some).

Springfield Armory XDS with viridian e-series laser
The XD-S made waves because it was thin but still big enough to control.

The XD-S is small enough for EDC, but still large enough for effective ergonomics. When I picked up my first XD-S (one of the earliest .45s), I was cautiously optimistic about close-quarters accuracy. I shot with the aid of the sights—no problems. I ran all manner of drills—no problems. In short, it worked.

Even in its original .45 ACP configuration, the gun was relatively easy to control. There was much more muzzle-flip than you’d find on a 5″ 1911, but that was to be expected in a gun this light and small.

The sacrifices you make for size, no matter what gun we’re talking about, are real. And the Springfield XD-S provided an easily concealed .45 ACP, so long as you were willing to accept slighter slower split times.

The same could be said for the 9mm version, really. It is easy to conceal, though.

The  Springfield XD-S at long range

It wasn’t until I began shooting at distance that I realized the compact design would allow the XD-S to perform the tasks of a larger pistol. There’s enough working surface on the gun to get a solid grip and the sights, even in the first iterations, were good enough to hit a 12” plate at 100 yards—and easily.

Not that you’d ever need to make a 100 yard shot with an XD-S. That’s not the point. You can, though.

Breaking down the Mod 2

No discussion of the XD-S would be complete without a nod to the Grip Zone. When I have substantive conversations with gun companies about design elements, I warn against adding elements that will ultimately date a firearm design. The first XD-S guns had what I’d call a tire-tread-like texture to the grips and that didn’t age well.

But then Springfield Armory redesigned the grips. The texture was 100% better, but they did write Grip Zone on the grips. I wasn’t a fan of the nomenclature, but I liked the texture.

Much of the Mod 2, though, was familiar to fans of the XD-S. They jumped in and addressed the texture, which was the only thing many XD-S owners seemed to grouse about.

Springfield Armory Mod 2 XD-S new sights
The new sights on the Mod-2 XD-S. Very easy to see.

They also changed up the sights.

Something about fiber-optic sights has always felt fragile to me, but I carried an original XD-S off and on for ages, and I didn’t baby the gun. I never damaged a sight. They seem to hold up to the throw-it-in-a-bag kind of treatment.

Still, Springfield replaced that fiber-optic sight with a traditional front post on the new versions. The rear sight is also a step up. The muzzle side of the rear sight has a nice flat shelf.

Where most EDC sights are sloped down to the frame (including those on the original XD-S), these provide an extra working surface for one-handed manipulation. You can rack on a boot heel, or a table, or even the edge of a sturdy belt—all by catching that sight on something hard and pushing down.

Springfield Armory XD-S sight picture with new front sights and red Viridian laser
The glowing green front sight is easy to see, even when moving fast. Having the red dot of the Viridian laser makes it that much faster.

While you could argue about which set of sights might be faster for target acquisition, it would be splitting hairs. Both sights are reasonably fast. Both types of sights are easy to draw from a holster in concealment (as in they’re not so high that they drag). So it all comes down to personal preference.

Springfield has finished the Mod 2 line with Melonite. This aids in that knock-about ruggedness.

The extras

For those looking for something extra, Springfield has you covered. The newest versions are red dot-ready. With the right holster, an XD-S with a red dot would be even better for EDC.

Springfield XDs Mod 2 in DeSantis Mini Slide holster compatible with Viridian laser
DeSantis makes a Mini Slide for the XD-S with a Viridian E-Series laser.

Red dots, and lasers too, once seemed like gimmicks. Not anymore. Viridian makes dedicated lasers for the XD-S, and the small rail on the front allows for other multi-fit lights and lasers, too.

DeSantis OWB holster with Springfield XDs
The DeSantis is an OWB, but it is still concealable with the tail of a shirt.

It’s still a single stack

Capacity is always an issue. I’ve never carried an XD-S without carrying a spare mag. You shouldn’t, either. The 9mm holds 7 rounds in its standard mag, and 9 rounds in the extended version. The .45 holds 6 and 7 rounds, respectively.

DeSantis OWB holster with Springfield XDs
The XD-S mags are stainless steel.

For many, this is game-over. While better than a slim 5-shot revolver, it still can’t compare to some of the other guns out there.

And for those who want to get into the weeds about how thin the XD-S is, I’d challenge them to test, side by side, a 9mm XD-S and a Hellcat. I’ve yet to meet anyone who can claim, legitimately (and by this I mean practically, in a real-world sort of scenario) that the Hellcat is harder to conceal.

Springfield Armory XD-s
The XD-S is just barely big enough for OWB carry, but many still think of it as a backup option only.

What is the XD-S really good for?

When the XD-S first hit the EDC scene, it was popular with just about everyone. Remember—this was way before the Hellcat or P365. It was years before the G43, even. There were other prominent concealable single stacks–going all the way back to the PPK, if not before, but nothing quite like the XD-S (especially in .45 ACP).

Springfield Armory XDs sight radius
The sight radius on the XD-S is respectable. No milled channels here.

As guns have improved, there’s still a loyal fan base for the Springfield XD-S. I’d guess it is still dominated by those who carry it alone. Many others, myself included, really see this in more of a backup role. The XD-S is a reasonable one-gun type of gun. It is a better second gun.

The XD-S can go from the nightstand to the pickup to the small of the back. If your spouse, for example, keeps a close watch on the number of guns you own, the XD-S may be ideal. Or you may want to take a look at the smallest of the XD line, or the Hellcat (assuming you’re brand loyal).

Other versions?

The XD-S started something. The Mod 2 lineup now includes standard 3.3” guns, optics ready versions, 3.3” guns with external hammers, and 3.8” guns, and even a 4.5” version.

So long as the Springfield XD-S continues to perform and people keep carrying it, I can’t say it is obsolete.

But the XD-S still has a devoted following. I think this is easy enough to explain with the way the gun works. If you want more capacity in your magazine, the XD-S isn’t going to be your top choice.

Lately, I’m carrying the Springfield Armory Hellcat. It is a hell-of-a-gun and has even taken the starting spot from my old G19 for EDC. If there is an argument to be made for the classic status of the XD-S, I’d blame it on the Hellcat.

 

 

CategoriesSkills and Gunhandling
Post By admin

Jeff Cooper’s Drills – Old School Cool and Relevant?

Jeff Cooper has been described as the “father of modern handgun shooting”. His influence pushed shooting forward, and his contributions to modern handgun handling deserve notation. Over time we may have evolved, and tactics, techniques, and firearms change, but the way we see shooting in 2021 was built on the blocks of Jeff Cooper’s contributions. Today we are going to look at three of his drills.

These are part of a larger martial art called Combat Pistol Shooting which got its start in the early 1900s. It combines works from Cooper’s Modern Technique as well as contributions from Captain William E. Fairbairn and Sergeant Eric A. Sykes and their time in Shanghai as well as Rex Applegate, Jack Weaver, and many more. These drills were based on actual events, and Jeff Cooper applied what someone could theoretically do should they be armed with a pistol.

Mozambique / Failure To Stop Drill

You might argue this isn’t technically one of Jeff Cooper’s drills, but I’d argue it is. A mercenary named Mike Rousseau was fighting in the Mozambique War of Independence. During a particularly harrowing fight at an airport, he turned a corner and came face to face with an enemy armed with an AK 47. Rousseau engaged with his Browning Hi-Power and fired two rounds into the guy’s chest.

Jeff Cooper drill, Mozambique
The Mozambique drill only requires a chest and head target.

The man didn’t go down, and he continued to advance. As such, Mike fired a final shot to his head. He recounted this story to Jeff Cooper, and Cooper added the Mozambique drill to his drills folder. You surely recognize this as the classic two to the chest and one to the head.

It’s a very simple drill, and you’ve likely already figured the core of the drill out. Shooters face the target, and on the signal, they fire a double tap or hammer pair to the chest of the target. From here, they take a well-aimed shot at the head of the target. Headshots should be focused on the T zone of the target. This is the entire that ranges from eye to eye and down the bridge of the nose to the upper lip.

Travis Pike demonstrating Jeff Cooper drill, Mozambique.
Two to the chest and one to the head wins hearts and minds.

The drill is modular and can be fired at nearly any range with either a rifle or pistol. Shooters can start holstered or in the low ready, and a timer can institute extra stress. It’s a great drill that allows shooters to continually increase the difficulty of the drill as their skills increase. The Marine Corps still uses this drill, and they label it the Failure to Stop Drill.

The El Presidente

Undoubtedly as far as Jeff Cooper drills go, this is the most famous. The El Presidente drill came from a 1970s issue of American Handgunner. While training a South American security force, Cooper designed the drill to test shooters and gauge their skills.

The drill is simple. You’ll need three man-sized targets spaced a yard apart from each other. Shooters will stand 10 yards from the target. From here, they will face away from the targets, with their hands in a surrender position with their firearm holstered.

jeff cooper drill, El Presidente, three targets
The El Presidente Calls for three bad guys

You’ll need a firearm loaded with six rounds, and a magazine or speed loader also loaded with six rounds. A shot timer should also be present with a par time set to 10 seconds. On the beep, shooters turn, draw and engage each target with two rounds.

Once the gun is empty, they reload and fire two more rounds into each target. Shooters who score all shots on target in under 10 seconds have passed the drill. That’s a surprisingly generous par time, and this makes it rather easy. I’m surprised Jeff Cooper didn’t choose a tighter time.

Getting below seven seconds provides a more worthwhile goal. It’s more challenging and makes this page of Cooper’s drills more useful and practical.

Travis Pike doing rapid reload in El Presidente, a Jeff Cooper drill.
An El Pres calls for a rapid reload on the fly.

I also fire the drill from concealment. Concealed carry wasn’t a hugely popular thing in Jeff Cooper’s time. As such, the drill doesn’t force you to hide your piece. Adding a concealed carry garment makes the training more practical for the vast majority of us.

Shooters desiring a good challenge and a good time should give the ole El Presidente a try.

The Dozier Drill

In 1981 five Italian Communists kidnapped Brigadier General James Lee Dozier from his apartment in Verona, Italy. The kidnappers posed as plumbers, which leads me to believe they all looked like Super Mario. Anyway, they kidnapped him, held him for 42 days, and eventually, he was freed.

Dozier recounted the kidnapping and how one man pulled out an SMG from his tool bag and loaded it as another read some filthy commie statement. Dozier was prohibited from carrying a firearm at the time. In this Jeff Copper drill, you play Dozier, but you’re armed.

five targets, Dozier, Jeff Cooper drill
Now you have to face five Italian plumbers.

You’re facing five targets five to seven yards away. Cooper dictated they be steel poppers that fall when struck. However, that’s an expensive proposition. I think the A-Zone of an IPSC target works, as do Sage Dynamics free printable targets. Each target should be one yard apart or so. Start with the handgun in the low ready, and engage the five targets as fast as possible.

Add a Partner

Now, if you really want to kick it up a notch, have a partner behind the firing line going through the motions of retrieving a weapon from a bag, loading it, and making it ready. To keep things fair, use a toolbox or tool bag that closes.

Your goal is to shoot all the targets before your partner has the gun ready. Your partner represents the armed terrorist retrieving his weapon. This method of measuring time is a part of the original Dozier drill, but it often gets ignored these days. It creates a moving par time that’s never the same thing twice.

Travis Pike, modified Dozier drill
Make it tougher by taking a seat and starting from this position.

A friend and fellow Marine and I do this drill on occasion, and it often becomes quite competitive. It’s also a lot of fun with a buddy and motivates me to do better when I gotta beat someone else. To further alter the difficulty level, start with the handgun holstered or placed on a table in front of you. You can shoot each target once or use double taps, whatever floats your boat.

Jeff Cooper Drills

These drills will make a plain ole range day a bit more interesting. Now the big question is, are they out of date? They are admittedly not very difficult and can be done by most average shooters. With a little practice, anyone can do an El Presidente, but how many can do a Sage Dynamics Eleanor drill?

They aren’t necessarily useless as they do train valuable, defensively-minded drills. However, Jeff Cooper’s drills are a lot like his contributions to modern pistol craft. They act as building blocks and give shooters new skills they can build upon. Check ’em out, and let us know what you think below.

CategoriesSkills and Gunhandling
Post By admin

Three Steps To Develop Your Ability to Shoot Consistently Well

The ability to shoot consistently well is one of the most elusive and coveted goals of any defensive or competitive shooter. It provides both the technical advantage and skill-building platform upon which to further expand your shooting abilities. What steps can you take to consistently shoot well?

A common adage you often hear in the professional firearms training community is “First time is luck, second time chance, and third time is skill.” Traditional shooting standards such as the Bill Drill, the Wilson Five-by-Five, and the like, require the shooter to perform five or more consecutive repetitions Why? Because it demonstrates consistency in repeat shooting performance.

Bill Wilson, creator of the 5×5 drill, as a young, competition shooter. Photo credit: Wilson Combat.

The first step toward this coveted goal is to straight-up admit to yourself that you’re not yet at the skill level that you want to be. If you were, then you would be able to demonstrate it. Although that’s a jagged little pill to swallow, it is essential to find the motivation, discipline, and commitment required to reach that next level.

Only after you can hold yourself personally accountable (self-motivation, discipline, and commitment) may you then embark on that journey up the proverbial stairway to performance. Adopting this mindset, unleashing your motivation, engaging your discipline, and standing firmly in your commitment affords you the opportunity to pursue the lofty and worthy terminal objective of earning consistency.

Consistency in shooting well can be defined as “your ability to repeatedly perform at a known skill level.” In meeting the expectations of this definition, there are three steps that you can take to help develop your abilities to shoot consistently well: familiarity, comfort, and confidence.

1. Familiarity

The first stride on the road to repeatedly perform at a known skill level is to become intimately familiar with exactly what that level is. To find this line of demarcation is to differentiate between what works and what doesn’t work. Applying a correct shooting process is what works.

When you follow a shooting process such as “bring stability to alignment and break the shot without disturbing that alignment”, you find that it works every time. Completing each of the subprocesses within that process (minutiae) is what makes good hits and in acceptable times.

Should you take a mental approach such as ‘try to go fast’ or ‘try to be more accurate’ then you are trying and not shooting, something which is not recommended as part of your regular training regimen along with anything else that may pull you away from following the shooting process.

Clear your mind of all but the mental focus needed to stay in the shooting process. Know what works and what doesn’t work. 

train to shoot consistently well
Understand the shooting process, test the process, trust the process, and the more times you apply that same process without error, the greater your familiarity in applying what works.

2. Comfort

Once you have built this familiarization and can instinctively discern “right” from “wrong” — that is, doing what it takes to make that shot versus not doing what it takes to make that shot — you have established the yellow and white lines on the long and winding road toward comfort.

Why is comfort is such a critical step in the process? Under duress, you will default to your lowest level of comfort to ‘guarantee’ the shot.

In a defensive situation or in the heat of competition, you can’t afford to be reckless and push past your headlights so far that the wheels fall off your shooting process, and you crash. The converse is also true — you can’t be too conservative at the expense of time. The sweet spot is somewhere in between the boundaries of a guaranteed hit and the edge of your comfort zone.

The goal, of course, is to always step outside your comfort zone by pushing that envelop into uncharted ground. Forcing the wheels to fall off and learning from each mistake affords you access to uncharted territory. Once you have walked all over that new real estate you have moved that boundary marker a bit further, and in doing so have expanded your comfort zone.

Any shooter willing and able to put the work in needed to shoot well, must at some point also be willing to depart their comfort zone. 

Daniel Shaw, firearms training instructor
You can only step outside your comfort zone once you have set and identified its boundary markers.

3. Confidence

After identifying your comfort zone, it is strongly recommended by the best in the industry to push past your comfort zone. As per multiple world championship competition shooter Rob Leatham: “get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Upon attaining the confidence of identifying the markers of your skill level, the very next step is to assert the resulting confidence as a tool to push past those markers in reaching for that next level. You can only accomplish this task after you have built the familiarity and in doing so have attained confidence at your prior skill level. Without setting the bedrock of confidence you are not afforded the foundation upon which to build your next level of performance.

The top shooters use confidence as a power tool to push beyond their comfort zone to move into, and become familiar with, that uncharted territory. Building confidence is a necessary and incremental step in moving away from shooting at lower skill levels and toward shooting well.

Becoming intimately familiar with the shooting process and its minutiae is a required step in expanding your comfort zone. 

Using an AK 47 in non standard positions on the range.
Once you have established that zone and the ensuing confidence it produces, then challenge yourself to push past those boundaries and shoot consistently well.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases
Post By admin

MD-1505: Maxim Defense PDX In (Kinda) AR Style

The PDX from Maxim Defense has proven to be an extraordinarily popular design over the last few years, but it has (understandably) never been on the lower end of the firearm price point scale. They have now launched the “MD-1505”, to make a more affordable AR-15 style PDX available. Though similar to the PDX in size and capability, the PDX has MILSPEC forged receivers and a different handguard.

With the SCW stock, SCW brace, and SCW pistol system options, there should be a version available for most conceivable needs.

This is what Maxim Defense had to say about it,

Maxim Defense MD-1505

When you’re looking for Maxim Defense PDX ingenuity in a standard AR-15 package, the MD-1505 is your answer. The MD-1505 was engineered to bring our top-tier PDX package to an even more affordable price point.

Starting at the muzzle, each MD-1505 is equipped with the patented Maxim HATEBRAKE muzzle device, which reduces recoil, decreases flash signature, pushes gasses, and concussion wave downrange away from the operator. All of which improve overall performance in short barrel pistols and rifles.

Maxim Defense Hatebreak
Want to know more about the HateBrake? Maxim’s firearms are almost all equipped with the HATEBRAKE muzzle booster (seen here on an MDX). This patent-pending device significantly reduces recoil, decreases the flash signature, pushes gasses and concussion waves downrange away from the operator, and improves overall performance in short barrel pistols and rifles. Photo by @pnw_pew.

For increased comfort and versatility every MD-1505 features our free-floating Slimline Handguard. These handguards provide a monolithic-like upper receiver platform and M-Slot compatibility on five sides. At the rear, the MD-1505S is equipped with our SCW Stock for the ultimate in compactness, comfort, and versatility.

FEATURES:

  • MOA accurate
  • Free-floating Maxim Slimline handguard
  • Military-grade materials
  • SCW compact stock
  • Increased reliability due to included HATEBRAKE
  • Optimized for low flash signature
  • Ambidextrous magazine release
  • Ambidextrous selector

MD-1505

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • CALIBERS 5.56 NATO, .300BLK, 7.62×39
  • BARREL LENGTH 5.5” / 139.7mm
  • MUZZLE VELOCITY 5.56 NATO, 62gr: 1965 FPS avg. .300 BLK, 115gr: 1850 FPS avg. 7.62×39, 124gr: 1675 FPS avg.
  • OVERALL LENGTH 18.75” / 476.25mm

MD-1505

MD-1505 Models

» MD-1505S «

» MD-1505SPB «

» MD-1505SPS «

MD-1505

MD-1505 Affordability

MD is well aware that “affordable” is an extremely subject term. Those who will immediately react negatively to the MSRP, know this: Maxim Defense has never sacrificed quality for a reduction in cost. Their description says more affordable, not “easily affordable” or any other permutation thereof. In the specific case of the MD-1505 vs. PDS, it is more affordable. That said, quality speaks for itself. The price point will not be for everyone.

Maxim Defense: Not built for safe queens. 

Learn more at www.maximdefense.com/

CategoriesNew Gun Releases
Post By admin

M.A.R.S. Pistol Mag Pouches – Arbor Arms

Arbor Arms released their new M.A.R.S. (Magnet Assisted Retention System) Pistol Mag Pouches in an angled and a vertical option. Both are designed for quick and clean mag changes.

The angled pistol pouch “has a 30 degree rearward cant while incorporating a molybdenum bar magnet under the non-slip rubberized fabric in the back face of the pouch.”

“The Arbor Arms MARS (Magnet Assisted Retention System) Angled Pistol Pouch was designed for very fast clean mag changes. Taking lessons learned from the competition shooting community the pouch has a 30 degree rearward cant while incorporating a molybdenum bar magnet under the non-slip rubberized fabric in the back face of the pouch.” 

The vertical pistol pouch touts the same, but has a removable flap option.

Arbor Arms vertical pistol mag pouch
“The Arbor Arms MARS (Magnet Assisted Retention System) Vertical Pistol Pouch was designed for fast clean mag changes, the pouch incorporates a molybdenum bar magnet under the non-slip rubberized fabric in the back face of the pouch resulting in excellent magazine retention with an additional removable flap option for added security if desired.” 

 

Side view of Arbor Arms M.A.R.S. vertical pistol mag pouch
Side view of the M.A.R.S. Vertical Pistol Pouch.
pistol mag pouch front view
Front view of the M.A.R.S. vertical pistol mag pouch.
vertical pistol mag pouch, on belt, coyote tan
M.A.R.S. Vertical Pistol Pouch in Coyote Brown.

Pistol Mag Pouch Options

Both styles are available in six colors and the price range is $37.99 – $39.99. They are available in three sizes.

•“G” Size G fits Glock (9/40) standard magazines as well as Staccato and similar 2011 type mags

•“D” Size D fits most common steel double stack magazines i.e. Sig 320/250/P series 9/40, Berretta 92/M9, CZ 75, M&P 9/40 or similar

•“S” Size S Fits 1911 single stack magazines as well as others with similar dimensions like Sig P220 or similar

About Arbor Arms, in their words:

“We are a disabled veteran owned business that believes in using our experience in SOF communities to push the boundaries of gear design for our brothers who are still fighting.

“Since the beginning of the Global War On Terror our founders have been bringing innovation to the battle field from sewing machines in their 3/75 Ranger and 1st Recon Bn. Barracks rooms.”

CategoriesNew Gun Releases
Post By admin

Custom Kydex Blackhawk Holsters Now Available

Blackhawk, known for its tactical equipment designed for law enforcement and military customers, has launched a custom Kydex holster program on its website. It allows consumers to create their holster or carrier with all the features they want to protect themselves. Here’s a bit of what they had to say about it and how to go about making your holster, and more!

Blackhawk Custom Kydex Holsters

OWB Kydex Holster from Blackhawk
Here’s one of the custom OWB holster’s Blackhawk offers.

Through the new Blackhawk program, consumers can now customize their holsters by choosing either the IWB or OWB, as well as custom-made magazine carriers and dump trays (for both pistol and rifle!). Then, go to Blackhawk’s website and select the model and make your custom holster.

Blackhawk Custom Kydex GIf

There are many options when making your holsters; you can customize pretty substantially. For example, you can set them up as left-handed, right-handed, or ambidextrous carry, as well as red dot compatible options, light-bearing models, belt loop size, threaded barrel compatibility, and more. You can also make your holster unique by choosing the finish on the front and back. Blackhawk has solid colors, carbon fiber colors, camo patterns, and specialty prints, all available.

 

OWB Kydex Holster from Blackhawk
Here’ another OWB with an American Flag print.

These custom Kydex holsters are made to order and are ready to ship within three business days. They feature a sleek design and are made from heavy-mild Kydex. Each holster is constructed from heavy-mil 0.08″ thick Kydex and utilizes an elegant design for a lifetime of reliable use. They feature a sleek design and are built with an undercut guard. An over-cut open face makes these holsters ideal for carrying multiple firearms and are designed to work with most firearms.

 

IWB Kydex Holster from Blackhawk
Here’s an IWB holster with the Blackhawk logo printed on it.
A Kydex dump tray from Blackhawk
Yo dawg, I heard you like Kydex, so I put Kydex in your dump tray so you can be tacti-cool while you’re not being tactical.

Custom IWB holsters start at $79.95, OWB holsters at $92.95, and dump trays at $59.95. Magazine carriers for various firearms start at $35.95, double magazine carriers at $59.95, and rifle magazine carriers at $69.95, all made inside of the U.S. Prices vary depending on materials and configuration. Their Facebook indicates that all orders over $100 get free shipping. To learn more about Blackhawk custom Kydex holsters or to build your own, visit their website.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases
Post By admin

The Mantis Blackbeard: New Dry Fire Trainer

Mantis announced the new Blackbeard recently. It seems to be an excellent addition to the Mantis range of products. It’s a peripheral that allows you to try much easier drying firing of your AR platform. It will enable you to take up to 10 shots per second, and it quickly resets the hammer between each shot. It also comes with a laser that adjusts for any desired training scenario.

Here is the Mantis Blackbeard inside of a rifle.

Here’s what Mantis had to say about it on Instagram:

“You know that dry fire practice is a game-changer, and the MantisX upended that game. Blackbeard goes a step further.

Dry fire with your AR-15 sucks. Until now. Without Blackbeard, you’re breaking position and running the charging handle. Blackbeard resets the trigger automatically as soon as the hammer falls, giving you the ability to train exactly how you would with live fire.”

What is the Mantis Blackbeard?

Do you want to be able to do dry fire practice with your AR-15 without having to run the charging handle between shots? The Blackbeard fixes that. It is not a drop-in trigger kit that you can swap with your trigger; it is a drop-in Bolt Carrier Group and magazine that works with your trigger.

Mantis Blackbeard
Here is the Mantis Blackbeard with a close-up of the bolt and the dust cover.

The assembly is designed to be quick and easy to install. Just remove the bolt carrier group, replace the pin, and install the Blackbeard magazine. Since this component is identical to the trigger group, it will not behave differently once installed. The Mantis Blackbeard allows users to take up to 10 shots per second, and it can charge up to 100,000 times on a single charge. In addition, it features a built-in rechargeable battery.

Mantis Blackbeard

According to Mantis, their team has worked on the project for over two years.

“This incredible product has been the culmination of over two years of countless prototypes and creative engineering,” says Engineering Manager Christopher Glabrous. “Dealing with additional challenges with chip shortages and supply chain delays,  the team has pulled off a remarkable feat.”

 

The Mantis Blackbeard Haiku

Mantis even sent out a “Haiku” in an attempt to make a more exciting press release. Unfortunately, the engineer who wrote it wishes to remain anonymous. Honestly, more people should follow their lead…

“Blackbeard in your gun

Dry fire magic is released

Pew pew pew pew pew”

 – Anonymous Mantis Engineer

Mantis Blackbeard

Mantis Tech was founded in 2014 to help shooters suck less. The company’s patented technology allows users to achieve a better, more satisfying shooting experience. If you want to check them out head over to their website here.

 

CategoriesNew Gun Releases
Post By admin

The RF/22 from Radical Firearms

With everything else going on, you may have missed the Radical Firearms RF/22 – a match-grade long rifle chambered in .22lr.  

The Radical RF/22.

Here’s what you missed. 

The RF/22 was designed with the shooting enthusiast in mind. It’s a sleek, solid, well-designed semi-auto you can use to plink, target-shoot, or bring doom upon the local varmint OPFOR using pretty much any sort of Ruger 10/22 compatible magazine available. 

Some of its features include an integrated Picatinny rail, a precision-machined bolt, and a match-grade barrel. 

Radical Firearms RF/22 Specs

• Precision CNC machined, heat treated 17-4 barrel mounting V-Block attached via pre-torqued hex screws at 20 inch-pounds.

• Match grade 16” six groove, 1:16 R/H twist, .920 diameter 1/2×28 threaded 4140 CMV steel barrel.

• Featuring a sport chamber, with an 11-degree match crown, fitted with an RF 7075-T6 pepper pot muzzle brake. 

• Guaranteed at one minute of angle or better accuracy.

The Radical RF/22 Specs

▪ Dual machined internal bolt tracks that eliminate bolt canting and binding, ensuring a precise receiver to bolt fit. 

▪ Precision CNC machined 17-4 stainless steel bolt featuring a round 17-4 stainless firing pin. 

▪ Equipped with a round 17-4 stainless charging handle, accepts standard and aftermarket Ruger 10/22 recoil springs and charging handles.

▪ Accepts standard and aftermarket Ruger 10/22 magazines.

▪ CNC machined hard anodized 6065 billet aluminum receiver.

▪ Integrated Picatinny rail. 

▪ Factory Ruger 10/22* BX-Trigger releases clean and crisp at 2.5 to 3.0 pounds.

The Radical RF/22

MSRP: $649.99

Learn more about it online at Radical Firearms.

 

The Radical RF/22
If you happen to be at the AUSA meeting this week, visit Radical Firearms at Booth #3707.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases
Post By admin

The Vehicle Hunting Gun Rack from Grey Man Tactical

Grey Man Tactical announced their new Vehicle Hunting Gun Rack RMP Package. It is set up to safely secure your hunting gear, rifles, shotguns, bows, etc. It looks to be a pretty solid addition to someone that likes to keep their truck or vehicle tidy. Grey Man Tactical also announced a pretty interesting partnership you might be interested in, we’ve got more about it below. Although the Gun Rack is being advertised primarily for hunters it looks like it would be an interesting addition for range day or even keeping some tools stowed away.  Here’s what they had to say about it.

Here is the Gun Rack in use inside the cabin of a Truck.

The Vehicle Hunting Gun Rack

Hunters are always looking for ways to secure their gear during travel safely. The Gun Rack does just that. Made from injected molded glass-filled nylon, the RMP offers the rugged durability, sag-resistant, American-made craftsmanship that hunters seek.

Vehicle Hunting Gun Rack

The Vehicle Hunting Gun Rack RMP Package is just $299.00 and includes the following items (valued at $375.00 if bought separately):

Vehicle Hunting Gun Rack

 

  • 15.25 X 25 RMP
  • Top & Bottom Buckle Strap
  • Helmet/Backpack Hook
  • 8” Velcro Cinch Strap x2
  • 12” Velcro Cinch Strap x2

 

Vehicle Hunting Gun Rack

 

  • Buttstock Cup Kit
  • Extension Bracket
  • Handguard Clamp
  • Utility Pouch

Struttin Buck

In addition to the Vehicle Hunting Gun Rack, Grey Man Tactical is pleased to announce a sponsorship with the popular hunting show Struttin Buck. Since 2008, Struttin Buck has produced some of the most creative imagery and production captured, making them one of the most-watched shows in outdoor television.

“I am thrilled to partner with the fine folks at Struttin Buck. Their dedication to family, country and overall respect for conservation made them the perfect partnership for Grey Man Tactical,” said Paul Capdepon, CEO – Grey Man Tactical.

“Grey Man Tactical provides quality, American Made products used by our men and women protecting this country. Their product offers a safe and secure way to travel with all your gear. Every hunter should be using Grey Man Tactical for their gear,” said Heath Graham – Struttin Buck.

For more information on the Grey Man Tactical’s Gun Rack & the partnership with Struttin Buck, please visit Grey Man Tactical.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases
Post By admin

XS Sights New Night Sights for Springfield Hellcat OSP

XS Sights is adding to its sight offerings for the Springfield Armory Hellcat series. They’re releasing the DXT2 Big Dot and R3D night sights for the Hellcat Micro-Compact OSP. Thes XS Sights were designed for the Springfield Armory Hellcat series from the ground up and feature their proprietary Glow Dot technology. Here’s what XS had to say about their new release.

Both the DXT2 and R3D sets for the Hellcat OSP are XS’s standard height sights.

“We continue to see high demand for our Hellcat compatible sights and are happy to now offer our Big Dot and R3D night sights for the OSP model,” said Addison Monroe, Marketing Manager for XS Sights. “The benefits of our proprietary Glow Dot technology are recognized by new and longtime gun owners alike, and we will continue to roll out new models as quickly as possible to meet dealer and customer demand.” 

XS Sights Night Sights for Springfield Hellcat OSP

The DXT2 and R3D sets for the Hellcat OSP are both low-profile sights that will lower 1/3rd co-witness with the Shield SMSc red dot sight as an option for backup iron sights and help users find the red dot more rapidly on the draw. XS sights are visible day and night, thanks to the company’s proprietary Glow Dot technology, which activates even before the tritium glows, giving shooters a significant edge when it comes to fast target acquisition in any light.

DXT2 Big Dot

The Big Dot sight leads the industry in size. It has a self-illuminating tritium center surrounded by XS’s photoluminescent Glow Dot technology, which drives focus to the front sight. The V-notch rear has a vertical tritium stripe creating a dot-the-“i” sight picture and eliminating the possibility of confusing the front and rear sights in high-stress situations. 

XS Sights Night Sights for Springfield Hellcat OSP
Available in Optic Yellow or Optic Orange.

R3D

The R3D has traditional 3-dot tritium, notch, and post sight pictures. The rear sight is blacked out to increase contrast against the front sight, which is available in bright Orange or Green. The brightly colored Glow Dot in the front sight is a much more brilliant color differentiating the front tritium dot from the two rear tritium dots.

XS Sights Night Sights for Springfield Hellcat OSP
Available in Optic Green or Optic Orange.

A 10-year no-questions-asked warranty backs all XS sights as well as XS’s 30-day satisfaction guarantee. The MSRP is $110 to $132. For more information, visit XS Sights.

About XS Sights

For more than 25 years, the XS team has created some of the most innovative sights on the market today for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Whether used for personal defense or hunting, these sights are designed and built to be the best for their specific purpose. American Made. Texas Proud. 2A Strong.

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