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Acronyms and other jargon are commonly thrown around the firearms world. That’s not a criticism, merely an observation. It’s a normal occurrence within a community of people who share an interest and talk about similar things. But with so many new gun owners joining the ranks, all those terms can be confusing. Today, we’ll look at PDW, what it means, and more importantly, what it is.

What is a PDW?

Personal Defense Weapon — that’s what “PDW” stands for. Now, obviously, any weapon used for personal defense could qualify for that, making the term somewhat ambiguous. But the term does have particular applications, both military and civilian. The military application goes back at least to World War II, and arguably to World War I. Let’s start there and move forward to the modern civilian take.

Military Origins

European warfare evolved into a mass industrial endeavor in the late 19^th century. American warfare, by extension, did the same, beginning with the Civil War. This escalation meant larger investments in and emphasis on logistical systems to supply modern field armies. By the First World War (1914-1918), the supply systems required manpower on an unprecedented scale.

These men often found themselves in combat zones, but heavy infantry rifles were impractical for truck drivers, load bearers, and the like. Rear area roads and infrastructure also needed constant maintenance due to heavy military traffic for which they had neither been designed nor intended. That maintenance required engineers, for whom an infantry rifle was also unnecessary and cumbersome.

The solution was to issue these men sidearms, which wasn’t a new concept. But before that time, sidearms were often personally owned weapons carried by teamsters and other support personnel. The demand for such weapons in World War I was so high that the US Army was caught short on the recently adopted Colt M1911 pistol.

That shortage prompted the adoption of the M1917 revolver, produced by both Colt and Smith & Wesson. A revolver was specified because the technology was more proven and both companies already had the tooling and expertise to make quality revolvers on short notice. The need was so urgent that Colt and Smith & Wesson each used their own designs, both of which were designated M1917. The only novel element was that they were both chambered in .45 ACP, like the M1911, to ease supply efforts. So, today, surplus M1917 revolvers are not all the same, based on the manufacturer.

Even then, there still were not enough sidearms. So, the Army hauled out mothballed Colt New Army/Navy revolvers, which had last served in the Spanish American War and the Philippine Insurrection. Many support personnel carried those old Colts to France.

A New Concept

By the mid-1930s, war was once again brewing in Europe and Asia. The United States adopted the new M-1 Garand in 1935, the most advanced standard-issue infantry rifle in the world at the time. But, once again, truck drivers, engineers, and rear echelon personnel didn’t need, or even want, the heavy Garand.

World War I had shown the need for what was by then being thought of as a “personal defense weapon,” but experience had also shown that pistols were less than ideal for the job. The Army recognized that pistols are much more difficult to fire accurately than long guns. Training soldiers to use pistols effectively required more time and more ammunition, meaning it was more expensive. That was a major concern as the military began gearing up for exponential growth in the late 1930s.

Pistols were also less effective in terms of velocity, accuracy, and range than long guns. So, the Army began looking for a handy, lightweight carbine chambered for a smaller cartridge than the Garand’s mighty 30.06 Springfield. The result was the M-1 Carbine, which turned out to be the most-produced American firearm of World War II, at over six million units.

The Carbine used the smaller .30 Carbine round, which is really just a glorified pistol cartridge. But it used 15-round magazines (later expanded to 30), was easier to shoot accurately, and had an effective range of between 200 and 300 yards, depending on the shooter and the prevailing conditions. Carbine training programs were significantly shorter than with the 1911 pistol and yielded better results.

The .30 Carbine round was unfairly maligned as being weak, but it hit with the same energy as a .357 Magnum at 100 yards. The cartridge wasn’t designed to rival the 30.06, a misunderstanding that led to much of the round’s bad publicity.

The Carbine performed well, despite being plagued by cheap magazines. It weighed an astonishingly light 5.2 pounds and was easy to deploy quickly. When I handle my Carbines, I still marvel at how light and handy they are. My friends have the same reaction. In fact, “handy” describes the Carbine perfectly.

It proved so handy that it was soon deployed to the front lines, where it served into the Vietnam War. I like to think of the Carbine, particularly the select-fire M-2 version, as America’s “proto-assault rifle.” But that’s another topic. As a personal defense weapon, or PDW, the Carbine delivered, establishing the concept moving forward, emphasizing handiness and close-to-medium-range firepower.

The PDW Resurgent

Despite the M-1 Carbine’s success, or perhaps because of it, The US military didn’t update its PDWs. The Soviets began moving toward what would become the AK-47 even before World War II ended, but the US Army clung to the battle rifle concept with the Garand and its eventual successor, the M-14. As a result, the M-16 was adopted nearly two decades after the Kalashnikov, and the M-1 Carbine soldiered on, despite being woefully obsolete by the mid-1950s.

You could argue that the CAR-15, sometimes called the XM-177, was a PDW, but it wasn’t used in that role in Vietnam. Instead, it was a lighter, shorter assault carbine issued to Special Forces soldiers.

The late 1980s saw a renewed interest in the PDW. It just so happened that FN introduced a new hotness in 1991 called the P90, a space-age-looking bullpup chambered in their proprietary 5.7x28mm cartridge. That last part was kind of a downside, cost-wise, but its ability to punch through soft body armor eased the pain. The P90 was a hit with law enforcement, including the US Secret Service.

The semi-auto civilian version, the PS90, became popular as well. Both rifles, though a bit dated, are still available. Some say the PS90, with its 16-inch barrel, doesn’t fit the modern PDW profile, but the bullpup configuration cuts the overall length to just over 26 inches, so it is indeed viable in that role.

2001 saw H&K release the MP7, which looked more traditional than the P90 and fit the modern notion of what a PDW is supposed to be. The MP7 is a sweet little gun, but like the P90, it has a proprietary cartridge, this time the 4.6x30mm, which is a problem. Of course, H&K has never been shy about sticking it to their customers. But I digress.

The Afghanistan and Iraq wars created a trend toward easily accessible cartridges that worked on multiple platforms, like 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout, and even 9mm. That was good news not only for military supply chains, but also for civilian shooters looking for a PDW of their own.

The Modern Civilian PDW

PDWs aren’t just for rear echelon soldiers or tip-of-the-spear operators anymore. The “truck gun” concept has fleshed out nicely over the last decade, with PDWs encroaching on the role once dominated by shotguns and lever action carbines. Many people have employed a 16-inch barreled AR-15 too, but something handier may be a better option.

After all, the PDW concept hasn’t changed much. It’s an easily deployable firearm, for a suddenly bad situation, that provides more firepower than a pistol. It’s designed to pull you out of a jam, thus facilitating an expedient withdrawal. Five or six years ago, I probably would have had a tolerant smile for that idea. That tolerant smile wavered in the spring of 2020. It was gone by the summer. Having a PDW like I just described makes a lot of sense these days. And unlike past eras, the hardware options are wide and varied.

Another advantage of modern PDWs is the ability to suppress them. Suppressors make a lot of sense for such guns, depending on your philosophy of use. If you envision your PDW as a home defense or truck gun, firing unsuppressed inside a house or vehicle is very loud. But modern PDWs are often suppressor ready.

I informally polled some of my peers on their choice for a civilian PDW. The answers were interesting and covered a range of possibilities. I think it may be useful to list those opinions here. These are not necessarily recommendations because everyone’s situation is different. But they may give you an idea of what might work for your needs. Remember also that this is far from a comprehensive list. So, with that in mind, here are their choices, along with any relevant comments that were included. They are listed in the order in which they were received.

Possible PDW Recommendations

• “Hard to beat the Glock mag 9mm Stribog.”
• “The .300 Blackout Micro rifles are pretty damn capable.” When I asked if this person recommended supersonic or subsonic ammo, he replied, “Both depending on the role. If it’s suppressed and sneaky, then subs. But if I had to pick one, it would be supers but still suppressed. This would help with penetration and range [and] would punch through soft armor easily enough.” Popular examples of this are the Sig Sauer MCX Rattler, Q Honey Badger, and Q Sugar Weasel. Those guns are also available in 5.56 NATO, but the Q products in that caliber have 16-inch barrels.
• “Glock in a B&T [USW-G] chassis with a short can.” This is a cool option that turns your Glock handgun into a shoulder fired PDW.

  

• “M-1 Carbine.” This was tongue-in-cheek, though the Carbine is, admittedly, still a viable choice if that’s what you have. Maybe not the best option, but different people like different things and the Carbine has a familiar feel and easy controls. But the ammo is a little pricey and not as available as other calibers.
• “9mm PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine) in an AR platform.” This was suggested especially for newer shooters looking for something somewhat familiar with less recoil. And the 9mm can be potent from a PCCs longer barrel.
• “I personally like a Glock mag fed PCC because I carry a Glock — having a long gun (albeit in a small caliber) that takes the same mags as my pistol is a plus for me. Mostly on road trips.” Cross-platform ammo and magazine compatibility are indeed a plus.
• “FN P90.” Great choice but, unfortunately, actual P90s are not transferable to civilians, thanks to the 1986 addendum to the Gun Control Act. So, unless you already own one, you’re out of luck. But you can do the civilian PS90. As noted, it’s about 6½ inches longer than the P90, but it still works. You do you.

Those were the recommendations I received. Now let’s look at a few other choices left out from that subjective list.

Other PDW Options

There are other options out there. I don’t intend to recommend anything, but here’s a short list of PDWs that merit your attention, in no particular order. These fall into the small, easily deployable criteria. Some can even fit into a backpack if that’s what you want.

• Matador Arms MAT-9 upper in 9mm. This is actually a 9mm upper receiver that fits on an AR lower, giving you an instant PCC or PDW.
• B&T KH9 Covert in 9mm
• CMMG Banshee, in various configurations and calibers.
• Diamondback DBX in 5.7x28mm. The 5.7 cartridge is becoming more prominent and affordable thanks to being formally adopted by NATO.
• Masterpiece Arms MPA57DMG in 5.7x28mm
• Inland Manufacturing M30-P in .30 Carbine, if you want a 21st-century M-1 Carbine.

It’s Ultimately Up to You

The choice of PDW is ultimately up to the individual. There are many choices in many calibers and configurations. And many folks won’t feel the need for a PDW at all. That’s the great thing about being an American gun owner. What works for my situation may not work for yours, and vice versa. And despite the political and media bad actors, we have options. That’s because the gun industry is free to fulfill perceived needs. And fill them they do. If you have a perceived need, there is an excellent chance that you’ll find what you want to meet it.

So, do you have a preferred or dedicated PDW? If so, which one? If not, do you plan to include one in your system? Let us know in the comments.

The post Do You Need a PDW? appeared first on The Mag Life.

At some time or another in our youth, most of us have likely played “Cowboys and Indians.” In doing so, we needed to have a trusty lever action rifle. How many Western films have we seen with John Wayne wielding the trusty lever action? Or Chuck Connors in the series The Rifleman. Those guys shaped the minds of many youths back in the day. Sadly, one has to wonder how many of today’s youth would even recognize those names.

Fortunately, though, even most of the youth (and everyone else) these days would easily recognize a lever action as being a “cowboy gun.”  In fact, it would practically be un-American to not like a lever action!

Despite its origins in the Old West, the lever action still rides in the squad cars of some police departments even today. Despite more modern weapons being available, the older lever gun still has a lot to offer.

Lever actions offer a very fast cycling action for quick follow-up shots, which is one of their best virtues. They’re also usually short and light, making them easy to handle. The flat sides of the receiver make the lever gun one of the thinner rifles available. Their light weight makes them easy to carry. Because they’re short, they can be maneuvered well in tight quarters, whether that is a hunting blind, a tree stand in the woods, a patrol car, or a dwelling.

For the same reasons that the police sometimes use these rifles, the lever action also fits the bill well for the average citizen to defend life and limb with. I know a number of people who toss one in their vehicle when they’re out and about. The slim, light profile lends itself well to riding in a vehicle. Whether it’s protecting the ranch from predators such as mountain lions, dispatching a wounded moose, or repelling miscreants who just kicked the front door in, the lever action is up to the task.

These days, we’re seeing some lever action training classes available, which further cements the fact that people are taking a fresh look at the older lever gun. They’re willing to invest time and money into learning how to run it more efficiently, which speaks volumes.

In the legal system, a lever action will be seen as more benign than something with a long, curved magazine. On top of all of that, lever guns come in an array of calibers. .22 Long Rifle, .357 Magnum/.38 Special, .44 Magnum/.44 Special, .45 Colt, .45-70 Government, and .30-30, among others.

History of the .30-30 Cartridge

The .30-30 made its debut in 1895, being one of the first cartridges to enjoy the advances of smokeless powder. At the time, its nearly 2,000 feet per second muzzle velocity was considered to be a real screamer. Nowadays, that’s slow for a rifle bullet.

The .30-30 has been used on a huge variety of game over the last century, and was even favored by Teddy Roosevelt.

Pennsylvania hunters who go after white-tail deer have been happily using it since before dirt was invented. For the close confines of the thick woodlands that PA is known for, the .30-30 works as though it was explicitly created for those conditions. For 100 to 200-yard shots, it’s perfect.

Part of its popularity is the fact that so many of our ancestors have used it. The other part is that it works as well today as ever. I believe the combination of nostalgia and the effectiveness of the round are the main reasons for the allure. Many people enjoy using tools from long ago that are effective for tasks in our present day.

Federal Ammunition 150 Grain Power-Shok

Federal Ammunition is no spring chick, either, having been opened in 1922. That’s 101 years of producing some of the world’s top ammunition. Whether it’s for duty, hunting, defense, competition, target shooting, or any other activity, Federal has a round for it. Actually, they’ll have several rounds for whatever task you might dream up. I’ve used Federal ammunition on duty working for my agency and can report that I never experienced or witnessed any issues with it in all those years. Considering how much of that ammo we used, that’s saying quite a bit.

Recently, I had a chance to wring out Federal’s Power-Shok 150 grain Jacketed Soft Point Flat Nose loading in .30-30 caliber.

Federal states that these bullets are suitable for medium and big game. 150 grains is certainly a large enough bullet for deer and similarly sized game. It’s probably a little light for bear, but might be able to pass in a pinch if the bear happens to be not large. I’d certainly feel comfortable using them on white-tail deer and other similarly sized game.

The listed muzzle velocity is 2,390 feet per second. At 100 yards, it’s listed at 2,019 feet per second, and at 200 yards, 1,686 feet per second. The maximum range I’d count on using these rounds at is 200 yards, given the amount that the projectile drops at distance. Realistically, this is a 200-yard cartridge, for the most part. Used within realistic limits, it works beautifully.

These rounds have a flat point so that they can be loaded into the tubular magazine of a lever action without the danger of setting off the rounds in the magazine.

Federal emphasizes consistent, accurate ammunition. The bullets feature reloadable brass cases and non-corrosive primers. The Power-Shok 150 grain load isn’t a flashy, whiz-bang, new round; it’s been on the market for a while and has a proven track record. In fact, I’ve been using this particular load for a number of years.

How does this .30-30 ammo perform?

I ran through a few drills because I just can’t resist the speed and maneuverability of the lever action. It handles so well, it’s beautiful! Recoil on the Power-Shok 150 grain rounds is about average with other similar loads from most manufacturers. It’s certainly not excessive, especially when compared to other, more power calibers such as the .30-06, for example.

In the past, I’ve gotten good accuracy with this round. On this particular range session, I was clanging some steel targets and not going for group size. Suffice it to say, this ammunition is plenty accurate for steel or game animals. Out to 200 yards, and perhaps even a bit farther, this load will give shooters all the accuracy that they need in the hunting field.

As expected, this ammunition has always fed reliably through my Marlin, which is important, especially if dangerous game such as bear is in the area.

With the 150-grain Power-Shok being such a popular load in my area, there is plenty of feedback as to how it performs in actual use. Everyone I’ve spoken with thinks highly of it, as it drops deer reliably with good shot placement. As long as deer are hit in the heart/lung area, they usually don’t go very far (if at all) when hit with this load.

In Summation

Federal Power-Shok 150-grain Jacketed Soft Point ammunition is one of the more popular loads for the wildly popular .30-30. It’s a winning combination that will be loved for some time to come, just like it has been in the past.

At the time of writing, this ammunition sells for $34.99  per box at GunMag Warehouse. It represents a good buy for solid ammunition.

The post Federal Power-Shok .30-30 Ammo: Hits With Authority appeared first on The Mag Life.

Double stack subcompact pistols are all the rage right now, and for good reason. The best ones offer slimness, concealability, ergonomics, and surprisingly high capacities for such small handguns. None of these mighty mites offers better standard capacity than Israel Weapon Industries’ (IWI) excellent Masada 9S Slim. With 13 rounds of 9mm in the mag and one in the chamber, the Masada Slim’s capacity rivals some pistols in the next largest size category.

Quality Construction

The Masada Slim magazines are feature rich at a very attractive price. The heat-treated steel body has a corrosion-resistant anti-friction finish for smooth operation and long-lasting reliability. These mags are OEM produced by Mec-Gar of Italy for IWI, which is a good thing indeed. Mec-Gar is among the world’s leading magazine manufacturers, turning out high-quality mags for such names as Beretta, Walther, CZ, and others, as well as IWI.

That quality is evident even before hitting the range. The finish is slick, as are the rear witness holes, which are nicer than those on many mags costing far more. These mags can be had for around $30, which is significantly less expensive than similar magazines for Sig Sauer’s P365 series. And, honestly, owning a Masada Slim and a P365XL, the IWI mags are a little nicer. They just are. Plus, they hold one round more than the P365 X and XL. They are also every bit as reliable, which we’ll get to momentarily.

Masada Slim Magazine Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Capacity: 13 rounds
• Heat-treated steel construction
• Corrosion-resistant, anti-friction finish
• Anti-tilt polymer follower
• Precision-engineered feed lips
• High-tensile steel spring
• Removable polymer base plate
• Cut and textured base plate allows for easy grasping
• Not compatible with full-sized IWI Masada pistol

On the Range

I’ve owned my Masada Slim for seven months or so. I tested the pistol for review purposes during the last four months. I ran it hard, including not cleaning the gun or the mags. I only used the two mags that came with the gun. The mags, and the gun, burned through hundreds of rounds without a hiccup. Not one.

The Masada Slim mags performed flawlessly, despite being deliberately knocked around during mag changes, kicked through the dirt and mud, and never being serviced or cleaned. I ran 115-grain and 124-grain full metal jacket rounds, as well as some 124-grain jacketed hollow points. The ammunition brands varied, with the Masada Slim getting Federal American Eagle, Magtech, Blazer, Sellier & Bellot, and military surplus rounds. I mixed brands, but not loads. No problems whatsoever.

I also purposely covered piles of ammo with dirt before loading the mags, on occasion. As always, I did not try to induce failure by pouring dirt or whatever into the mags or the gun. But the gun ran the dirty ammo, and the mags fed it just fine.

Drilling With the Masada Slim

I’m fortunate to have a range where I can run drills, whether on steel or other targets. The pistol bays are lined with gravel, meaning there’s no real soft spot for ejected mags to land. Those bays are where I ran the Masada Slim most of the time, and I still do.

I’ve picked up several more mags for the pistol since the review testing, and they’ve been run just as hard as the originals. I’ve never had a single problem with any of them. I almost always incorporate mag changes into my drills, so the Masada Slim mags get knocked around. I see my mags as commodities to be used, so I don’t baby them, though I’ll admit to setting two mags aside for carry purposes. Those mags are tested, and I run them, but I don’t beat them up.

One feature I like about the Masada mags, the Slim and the full sized, is the shallow triangular cutout at the base of the grip. Were one of the mags to hang in the gun, these cutouts are designed to let the shooter grasp the base plate and pull it out manually. The base plates themselves are cut and textured to provide a place to grasp them. I’ve never had to do it, but I like that feature.

High Quality Magazines

All-in-all, the entire Masada line impresses me. Both the Slim and full-sized models are steals at their $400-450 price point. And the mags are priced similarly, going for around $30. IWI provides lots of value with affordable prices and high quality.

I feel like I should have something at least somewhat negative to say about the Masada Slim magazines, but I don’t. They haven’t given me anything to complain about. They are solidly constructed, eminently reliable, and they are nicer than their main competitor’s magazines. All for a better price. So, I’m not going to manufacture something negative, just to tone things down. Sometimes, products really are that good.

The post 13 Rounds in a Subcompact?!? IWI Masada Slim Mags appeared first on The Mag Life.

Setting up a new gun for home defense can be an interesting endeavor. You can get away with very little. In fact, a gun and a handheld light can be more than enough to defend your home. It’s not always optimum, but you can get away fairly well without overthinking it. That’s for other people, though. I’m going to overthink it. Today, me and my overthinking brought together what I think is my optimum setup for the Iron Horse Sentry 12 pump action shotgun. 

I love a good shotgun, and I’m not always picky. However, when it comes to magazine-fed shotguns, I can be quite picky. Many are not quite up to snuff, and only a few stand out. The Sentry 12 has been one that’s stood out to me quite a bit in the last few years. It really is one of the few American designs with some serious forethought to it. It is built from the ground up to be a magazine-fed, pump-action shotgun. 

It’s a tactical shotgun and a serious contender for a successful home defense shotgun. It’s not bad out of the box, but what can we do to make it a little better? 

The Iron Horse Sentry 12 

Well, first, let’s dissect the gun. It’s a pump action magazine-fed design. The gun is very AR-like in appearance. The stock is an inline design, and across the top is a healthy dose of rail. The guns feature ambidextrous controls, including the safety, magazine release, and pump release. Iron Horse made a number of smart ideas with the design. 

The length of pull is only 12.5 inches, making it compact and easy to control. You can square up with it much like a rifle. Your skills with a rifle will slide over fairly easily. The long rail across the top is your only accessory mount. The Sentry 12 has a fairly smooth pump action, and it’s a good amount of fun to shoot. 

The main downside comes from its single accessory rail and the rather smooth and small pump action. However, we aim to deal with both by the end of this article. 

The Mags 

The Sentry 12 comes with two five-round magazines. Five rounds are fairly standard for a pump-action shotgun. I think you can get away with the two five-round magazines. Shotguns are often referred to as low-capacity weapons, but for a home defense scenario, it’s simply not true.  If you shoot someone once with a 12 gauge with the right buckshot, you are effectively shooting them with eight rounds at a time. You aren’t laying down suppressive fire with a shotgun, so capacity isn’t the problem it’s made out to be with shotguns. 

With all that said, the eight-round magazines are a nice upgrade. They provide you with more than 50% more firepower. A little more ammo has never been a bad thing. Eight rounds are most certainly enough, and it keeps the single-stack magazine far from being obstructive. 

The Ammo To Fill Them 

One of the most important choices you’ll have to make is your choice of ammunition. This is true with every defensive weapon, but especially true with shotguns. For home defense, we will 100% avoid birdshot unless you are being attacked by birds. There are lots of people out there who will talk about it ‘being a slug’ at close range. Keep in mind plenty of people have been shot in the face with birdshot and survived, including the ancient old man who hunted with Dick Cheney. 

That leaves us with buckshot and slugs. Slugs will work but aren’t necessary for home defense. Their main advantage is long-range engagements. They do tend to penetrate deep and fast and can easily sail right through the body of an attacker. They will shut a bad guy down, but I tend to stick with buckshot. 

The same folks who propose you use birdshot are worried about the mythical overpenetration. Well, I can assuage your fear, or at least a little, by suggesting Federal Force X2 buckshot. This nine-pellet 00 load features specialty cut pellets that are almost entirely split. When they hit a target, they finish splitting and widen up as two half pellets. 

This does two things. First, you have 18 wound channels rather than nine, which would be twice the chance of hitting something vital. Next, this changes the dynamic of the pellets and prevents overpenetration to an extreme degree. It’s expensive but capable. 

The Optic — Holosun 509T 

I like Holosun optics and have become a fairly big fan of them on my shotguns. I have three Holosuns on three different shotguns, and it’s all due to the multi-reticle system. Personally, I love the 32 MOA circle reticle for shotguns. It’s big, easy to see, and fast. Put the bad guy inside the circle and go. 

It also tends to pair well with premium buckshot loads. You can pattern the reticle to your ammo at specific ranges. When done correctly, you know exactly which ranges every pellet will remain inside the circle. 

On top of that, the Holosun 509T offers a solar backup, a Trijicon RMR footprint, and great big controls. I mounted the optic on a Trijicon RMR riser to get a good sight picture, and it’s a rock-solid option. The 509T is also an enclosed emitter optic meaning nothing can get between the emitter and your lens, so reliability isn’t a concern. 

The Light — Surefire 340U Mini Scout Light 

The new Surefire Pro models have completely changed up the mounting method for Surefire lights. The new mounting system allows you to change the angle of the light, making it perfect for mounting to the Sentry 12’s top rail. I can mount the light, then fold it over the side, closer to the barrel, and to the end of the gun. This optimizes it to reduce barrel shadow and make it easy to control while holding the pump of the Sentry 12. 

The Mini Scout light provides 500 lumens of light backed by 7,600 candelas. It’s bright enough for inside the home and casts a big wide beam with almost nothing but spill. This provides a bright and clear picture that fills your vision with light. At the same time, it’s compact and lightweight and won’t weigh your gun down. 

A Little Grip Tape 

Finally, last but not least, the pump is small and a little slick. To improve my control over the pump, I applied a little basic grip tape. This made it easier to grip and rip the pump without my hand slipping or flying forward. This was an $8 upgrade that was well worth the slight cost of admission. 

Pump Up the Volume 

The Iron Horse Sentry 12 is an excellent shotgun, which is one of the few options for pump action designs that are built for magazines. The Sentry 12 utilizes some smart design, and it features a lot of awesome features that work well for shotguns but mixes in the magazine seamlessly. What do you think? Would you rock an amped-up Sentry 12 for home defense? 

The post Turning the Iron Horse Sentry 12 Into A Home Defense Blaster appeared first on The Mag Life.

Handguns are difficult to shoot well compared to a long gun. One primary reason is the lack of a buttstock or stabilization brace to act as a third point of contact to steady the firearm and control recoil. The braced pistol, for all its legal challenges at this time, gives you the advantage of controllability while retaining the relative compactness that makes handguns so popular. Strike Industries’ Alpha Series Modular Chassis is one interesting modification for the Sig Sauer P320 that turns that popular pistol into a handy carbine. Our own Jeremy Stone from GunMag Warehouse had a chance to field test the chassis.

Traditionally, braces were limited to complete pistols. The Strike Modular Chassis, instead, uses a folding brace and a rear modular backstrap and frame that replaces the typical polymer frame of the Sig P320. To use the brace, all that is required is to remove the trigger module and slide assembly from the existing pistol and mate it to the new frame. The setup is topped by a multi-optic mount that sits between the brace and the backstrap. The mount is compatible with C-More, Delta Point Pro, Docter, RMR, Shield, or Sig reflex sights. To complete the package, the Strike chassis comes with a rubber-padded charging handle that can be mounted on the left or right side of the reciprocating slide. The chassis is constructed of 6061 T6 aluminum and comes in at a total overall weight of only 1 lb. 11 oz.

Jeremy’s used a stock P320 slide paired with a Silencer Co threaded barrel with a suppressor and a Surefire Scout TLR1 as a mounted flashlight. As with many of his range setups, Jeremy used a Holosun 509T holographic sight mounted on the optics plate. To push the limits of this cramped package, Jeremy added a magazine holder forward of the trigger guard. This required an extra Picatinny rail section in order to mount the flashlight securely.

The entire package, when folded, can be convincingly hidden under a generous jacket. When deployed, the SMC P320 is a handy and controllable PCC. But there are a few limitations to be aware of. The SB Tactical brace that is optional with the kit only folds to the left side. Strike’s proprietary brace can be folded to the left or the right. The braced P320 can also be problematic due to the cramped real estate around the pistol.

An optional magazine holder is a good idea to have more to hold onto with your non-firing hand. Without it, you will have to make do with a clamshell grip around the dust cover that might put your hand near the muzzle. You also must be wary of the reciprocating slide and charging handle that can whack your thumb if you try to take a traditional firing grip as you would if the pistol were not braced. It only took one smack for Jeremy to change his grip and carry on. Despite its drawbacks, the SMC kit is an interesting and useful accessory for turning an existing pistol part into a cool PCC.

The post The Strike Industries Sig Sauer P320 Modular Chassis appeared first on The Mag Life.

Have you ever seen a movie and wondered why no one is talking about this film? In 2023 that film is “Sisu.” I’m hoping it becomes a hit, at least a sleeper hit. I’m not expecting it to make “Avatar” money, but it deserves some attention. I saw a trailer for it months ago and waited patiently for its release. When I began searching for showtimes, I only found one theatre with a mere four showtimes on opening night. Of course, I jumped on one, and it’s one of the most fun movies I’ve seen in a long game.

What Is Sisu?

That’s the question I got a lot when I told others what I was going to see. Sadly the marketing hasn’t been huge. Let’s start with the word Sisu. Sisu is a Finnish concept, and it’s explained in the film that it’s a phrase that cannot be properly translated. Sisu is a Finnish concept described as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. The idea has a very long and interesting Wikipedia page that’s worth reading.

“Sisu” is a historical action film that takes place in 1944 in Finnish Lapland. It has a very simple story that’s almost impossible to really spoil. A Finnish veteran of the Winter War works as a prospector and eventually finds gold. The Nazis are using a scorched earth policy in Finland as the Russians close in.

Our nearly silent protagonist Aatami Korpi is making his way to a bank to cash in his newly found gold when he comes across a Nazi SS platoon. While they ignore him at first, it eventually leads to a very violent struggle between Aatami and this Nazi SS platoon. Throughout this conflict, Aatami shows that he lives by the concept of Sisu.

My non-spoiler review is as simple as this. It’s a great film. It’s absolutely beautifully shot, the action is fresh and fun, and you’ll squirm at the determination of our main character. He will do anything to survive and win.

Beyond here, you’ll find spoilers, so click off now if you want a spoiler-free review.

Sisu Makes Me Wann Visit Finland

Jalmari Helander is a Finnish director, and I think he really loves his country. He films it so beautifully. The big wide shots of Finnish Lapland are beautiful and make me want to visit the country. I’m not a film nerd, but I can appreciate the director’s art.

The film itself has a bit of grain to it, and as you watch, it becomes clear the movie is a fusion of ideas and inspirations. “Sisu” comes off as a mix of a war film combined with pulp-fiction grindhouse style and Western inspirations. The elements seem out of place, as I say, and you really have to experience them to understand.

The director credits inspiration from “First Blood” and the legendary Finnish sniper Simo Häyhä. It’s one man versus many, and the one man’s determination guides him onward.

The Story

I pretty much summed it all up. Man finds gold, Nazis want gold, and they fight for the gold. There isn’t much else than that. The Nazi platoon is constantly shrinking as Aatami kills his way through it. He seems unstoppable, but he’s not invincible. Some of the marketing brags that it’s the same studio that brought you “John Wick,” but the movie isn’t a Finnish “John Wick.”

Aatami isn’t necessarily the best fighter or warrior. What makes him different is his Sisu. He is determined to win no matter the cost to himself. He is wandering constantly throughout the film and spends most of the movie fleeing the Nazis and only fighting when cornered and forced. Although, when he fights, he’s capable and clever.

Some scenes are just so creative and out of this world you’ll laugh. For example, in one scene he’s stuck in a minefield but throws the mines at the enemy and uses them to cover his escape. Another time he dives into a lake, and the Nazis follow. He slits their throats and uses the air that escapes their bodies to remain underwater longer.

Another scene has him hanging from a noose, dying. He ends up pushing a leg wound into a piece of rebar to keep him alive and from suffocating. The movie is not afraid to be nonsensical and over the top. It’s not striving for historical realism by any standard.

The Cast

The cast is small, but the performances are solid. Aatami is mostly silent, but his face and body language portray some real emotion. From finding the gold to choosing not to give up, his face and body language let you know exactly what he’s thinking. The Nazi platoon is led by SS Commander Bruno and his right-hand man Wolf. Wolf is slimy and disgusting, a really bad guy. Bruno is brutal but seemingly exhausted and sick of the war. Both are true villains, and you really want to see them get their just deserts.

Anytime Nazis are portrayed, they are either villainous or cowardly, which is the best way to display Nazis. Rounding out the cast is a group of Finnish women taken hostage and abused by the Nazis. Aino leads this group, and they go from helpless to vengeful when given a chance. This isn’t a film with a ton of emotional moments, but the actors all do a fantastic job of selling their characters.

Aatami has an adorable dog that’s unnamed, and don’t worry. It doesn’t die.

The Guns

The guns are mostly historically accurate. We see Aatami with a Mosin Nagant on his side. He never uses it, but the weapon makes sense. The Fins used the Mosin, and he fought with one during the war. The Nazis carry mostly MP40s. They also have a smattering of Mosin Nagants as well. 

Wolf does carry a Mauser Kar98K with a scope. I’m not an expert, but the scope’s height and design resemble Nazi designs from the era. The platoon has a tank, but they use a Russian DShK. It could be captured, but how you mount a Russian heavy machine gun on a German tank is beyond me. Although to be entirely fair, it’s a Russian T-55 dressed up a bit to look German.

Sisu makes a mistake. A lot of World War 2 movies make and arm all the Nazis with Lugers. Sure, some Lugers were used by Nazis, but the main sidearm was the Walther P38. In this film, every Nazi uses a Luger as a sidearm.

Sisu — Go See It

If you want “Saving Private Ryan,” don’t watch this film. If you want something fun, exciting, and beautifully shot, check out “Sisu.” It’s a creative action flick that’s just fun, exciting, and often nonsensical. If you want to turn your brain off for 90 minutes, then “Sisu” is a great watch, and I’ll be buying it on Blu-Ray.

The post Sisu — Rage, Determination, and Killing the Enemy appeared first on The Mag Life.

I’m a huge shotgun nerd, and for some time, I thought I had the semi-auto shotgun I would main. Main being a term applied to something you’d primarily use above all others. That gun is the Benelli M4. I love my M4. It’s a reliable, fast-cycling, easy-shooting, semi-auto shotgun. Imagine my surprise when the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical hit the market and began edging its way into my heart. It’s lighter weight, more modular from the factory, and doesn’t require 922R compliance. The gun has slowly become my current favorite semi-auto shotgun, but it needed a few accessories to take it to the next level. 

The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical Rundown 

What makes the 940 Pro Tactical different is that Mossberg seemed to look at the shotgun market and examine what people liked and wanted on their shotguns. One of the things that have become a must is modularity, and Mossberg made the 940 Pro Tactical to be quite modular. They designed a gun that needs no internal upgrades. 

The stock is easy to adjust via a system of spacers to adjust the length of pull to a desired state. We get these massive oversized controls that make the gun exceptionally easy to control and crazy ergonomic. They opened up the loading port and made reloads a pinch-free affair. It’s sling ready, and even out of the box, it’s a great shotgun.

The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical has a 7+1 capacity with 2.75-inch shells and comes topped off with a huge fiber optic red sight. At the end of the magazine tube sits a tube clamp that’s got an M-LOK slot on each side and a sling port for a QD mount. My favorite feature is your numerous optics options. 

The gun comes with a red dot cut that allows the direct mounting of optics that have the Shield RMSc footprint. This allows the red dot to sit nice and low for easy use. The receiver is drilled and tapped for an optic’s rail, so if mini optics aren’t your thing, then you’re covered.

Inside and Out

Internally Mossberg revamped the Mossberg 930 systems to be more reliable and to run when filthy dirty. One of the issues with the 930 was that it often needed to be cleaned and couldn’t go more than 500 or so rounds between cleanings. The 940 series can go 1,500 rounds between cleanings. 

It’s a gas-operated gun and is surprisingly light. The reported weight is 7.5 pounds, but it feels light and it’s extremely balanced. The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical shoots like a dream, and it honestly blew me away. I liked Mossberg shotguns, but I love the Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical. 

To turn it from a plain old shotgun into my bedside bump in the night blaster, I needed a little help from my friends. 

What accessories took my Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical to the next level?

I kept it fairly simple and aimed to add a few tools to make it a more capable fighting weapon. 

Add a Red Dot -Holosun 507K 

You can’t have a red dot-ready firearm and not attach a red dot to it. Red dots work with shotguns exceedingly well. Shotguns are close-quarters weapons, and red dots are close-quarters optics. They make instinctive shooting very simple and give you the ability to use a target focus. That’s any red dot, but why did I use the 507K versus all the other options out there? 

The 507K features a multi-reticle system, and one of the reticles is a 32 MOA circle. This great big circle allows you to pattern your shot into the reticle. This makes it easy to have better pellet accountability of your chosen self-defense load. The big reticle works perfectly with premium defensive loadings like Federal Flitecontrol, Hornady Critical Defense, and Hornady Black. 

On top of all that, it’s a robust optic capable of withstanding the recoil generated from a 12-gauge shotgun. The 507K is a great handgun optic but is also an outstanding shotgun optic. 

Add a Light – Surefire M640U

Any home defense weapon should be ready to deal with the dark. You need a white light to establish something called positive identification. It’s extremely important that you identify the threat as a threat before you pull the trigger. That M-LOK slot on the barrel clamp is perfectly positioned to keep the light near the end of the barrel. 

The new Pro Series from Surefire implements a new mounting system that lets the light get closer to the gun and stick out less. This creates a lower profile light that clings to the gun and isn’t apt to catch on everything you run into. This mounting system comes with both an M-LOK and a Picatinny rail attachment system. I ran with the M-LOK mount of course. 

The Surefire M640U throws out 1,000 lumens backed by over 10,000 candelas. It throws a hybrid beam design that’s perfect for indoor use and on a shotgun. It’s bright, with edge-to-edge clarity that fills your peripheral vision with light. You can’t hide from it, and the Surefire M640U makes it easy to bump back in the middle of the night. 

Add a Sling – Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling 

Some argue a sling isn’t mandatory for home defense. While I think they have their reasons and points, I like that it adds a level of retention to my shotgun. Modern slings are tactical two-points with a quick adjustment system that makes it easy to run the gun any way you want to. This type of sling was made famous by the Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling, and it continues to be a dominant force. 

These tactical two points feature a rapid adjustment design that makes it easy to wear the shotgun any which way you want. It can be easily tightened and loosened on demand and easily adjusted to the individual shooter. It’s rugged, tough, and perfect for your tactical shotgun. 

Add A Side Saddle 

Finally, you need a side saddle. A side saddle carries a few extra rounds just in case you need to top off your shotgun. There are lots of great choices out there. The Esstac series of side saddles are some of my favorites. They are simple, cheap, and come in four-shot varieties. I like the four-shot for the more compact design that’s also a fair bit lighter. They are tough and rugged and make reloads fast and easy. Plus, when things go bump, it’s always nice to have extra ammo on the gun when your fighting uniform is your boxers. 

The Thunder Stick 

The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical is a mighty fine shotgun and the addition of a few accessories can make it an absolutely awesome shotgun for home defense and tactical use. In fact, when you add the cost of the Mossberg and my accessories, it’s still substantially cheaper than the Benelli M4. Now excuse me, it’s time for me to get my shuck-shuck on. 

The post The Mossberg 940 Pro Tactical – From Plain to Main appeared first on The Mag Life.

Did Hecker & Koch hit a home run with the USC Pistol Caliber Carbine, or is it a dud? Inquiring minds want to know, and as always, you’ve come to the right place for answers. We’re going to dig up the dirt and let you know what’s up. Merely the fact that you’re reading this marks you as an intelligent, discriminating reader.

Heckler & Koch

We won’t go into the fine details of H&K’s history, as it’s pretty much a household name among the gun community by this point. For most of us, when we think of HK, we realize that the weapon in question will be dripping with quality. They’ve been in operation for well over a half century and they’re synonymous with very high quality.

They made a massive splash on the world stage when SAS operators stormed the Iranian Embassy in London during the early 1980s to rescue hostages. Ever since people saw the special operators wielding H&K MP-5 submachineguns, they’ve been obsessed with H&K. And for good reason.

USC Specifications

These days, it can be difficult to keep up with new weapons releases, given the myriad of designs that manufacturers are cranking out at record pace. As such, we’re going to give a quick rundown of the USC (Universal Self-Loading Carbine) as far as specifications are concerned. After all, people like to know what they’re working with.

The first detail that some folks are going to enjoy is the caliber, which happens to be .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). But wait, you say, this is a German weapon! What gives?! They always use the 9mm! Well, apparently, the Germans decided to go all-American with this one in the caliber department. Our guess is that they wanted to appeal to the American market, and what better way to do that than to go with the hard-hitting .45 ACP cartridge? Hell, it’s more American than baseball and apple pie combined! Not to mention, it tends to hit hard and solve problems, so there’s that.

The carbine sports a 16-inch barrel, again aimed at the civilian market. The overall length is 35.43″ with a height of 9.75″.

Weight is a handy 6.13 pounds, so it’s not a heavyweight. Readers may have noticed that this carbine is a derivative of H&K’s UMP submachine gun. The operating system is a simple, blowback design. The barrel is cold hammer forged.

A Rant About Materials

Much of this weapon is constructed of polymers, which keep the weight down and have proven to be very durable. Let me interject for a moment here in regard to this: while it’s durable and lightweight, polymer, to me, seems so…cold. And I’m being hypocritical here because I have polymer handguns and I like them, they strike me as being “normal.” But when we are talking about a carbine or SMG-clone, I prefer the MP-5’s mostly metal construction. I acknowledge that I’m being “old-school” in my preferences, and they are just that – preferences. It doesn’t mean that I’m right or wrong, it’s just my opinion. Because from all accounts, this carbine works very well, and so the polymer is very functional.

Years ago, I got to play with a UMP. Our Hostage Rescue Team guys used them and I was able to try one out. It worked great and was efficient, but to me, it lacked warmth and life. My opinion was that it felt more like a piece of balsa wood than a real firearm. Perhaps that’s a slightly exaggerated opinion of it, but it gets the point across. Again, just my opinion.

Yes, I’m being super-critical here, but it’s an H&K, so it’s only fair. H&K is the nee plus of weaponry, and they can take it, they’ve got Big Boy pants. Lest you think I’m being overly critical, I’m an H&K fanboy, so just simmer down.

Ergonomics

The skeletonized buttstock features a rubberized cheek rest as well as a rubber recoil pad. Not that there’s going to be much recoil in a .45 caliber carbine.

Some shooters don’t really care for the thumb-hole type stock, instead preferring the UMP’s standard pistol grip. From what I can gather, H&K had to go with the thumbhole because of import red tape, so it’s really not their fault.

Trigger pull is crisp, but on the heavier side, and can exceed nine pounds in some cases, which is fairly heavy.

The cocking lever is located on the left side of the forward handguard, just like many other H&K weapons. It can be locked to the rear like the others, as well.

Recoil

The bolt is heavy and solidly made. That brings good news and bad news. It’s very durable, which is good. On the other hand, that heavy and solid weight causes an odd recoil impulse. It makes the recoil of the little carbine seem more pronounced than it really ought to be. With the rest of the weapon being made largely from polymer, the bolt recoiling can seem sort of magnified, for lack of a better term. It throws the balance off. It’s not a huge deal, but shooters are noticing this phenomenon.

Despite that, I’ve spoken with other shooters who don’t mind the recoil at all and state that it’s fairly light. Overall, the recoil doesn’t really bother most people.,

Handling

The carbine’s lightweight design and short length mean that it swings from target to target at close range quickly and efficiently. The aperture sight picks targets up quickly, so several can be engaged in short order.

Accuracy

The front sight is the typical HK post with a hood. It works well, but past 50 or so yards, the sight is thick enough that it will begin to cover smaller targets. Pinpoint precision is not the order of the day here at longer ranges with open sights. In all fairness, though, the carbine is intended for personal defense. It’ll easily shoot minute-of-bad-guy and is more than accurate enough.

However, those who mount optics on the USC have noted very impressive accuracy with the little carbine. Smacking tin cans at 50 yards is child’s play. I’d wager that, even at 100 yards and a little beyond, the USC would be more than accurate enough.

Reliability

The great thing we’ve all come to expect from H&K is the reliability that is legendary with their products. The USC is no different, feeding all types of .45 ACP ammo smoothly and reliably. It’s really no surprise, given the carbine’s pedigree. I haven’t heard any bad reports about the reliability, so that’s a good thing.

Other Features

There are points on the receiver to mount Picatinny rails so users can attach all manner of optics, lasers, lights, missile systems, and a partridge in a pear tree.

The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation. The safety and selector is ambidextrous. To make it easy to operate while wearing gloves, the trigger guard is oversized.

Magazines

As expected, the magazines are polymer. And they hold ten rounds. As far as I’m aware, in order to use UMP magazines in the USC, modifications would need to be made, with a number of shops doing conversions.

However, there are aftermarket magazines available that hold more than 10 rounds for the USC.

It’s unfortunate that H&K did not cater to the US Civilian market by offering standard capacity magazines, instead choosing to go for the neutered variety.

Price

Street price is usually found between $1,500 and $1,600, so it’s not an inexpensive proposition.

Conversions

For those who simply have to have a UMP clone, there are companies that will convert your USC for you. With the conversion, your USC will also be able to use standard UMP magazines and it will have the pistol grip without the thumbhole stock. I’m given to understand that a lot of shooters are taking advantage of these conversions and are happy with the results. Obviously, though, those will be additional expenses to an already substantial price tag.

Final Thoughts

Heckler & Koch has done a fair job approximating the UMP with their USC carbine. Import restrictions mandated the thumbhole stock, so it’s really not H&K’s fault in that department, they did the best that they could.

It delivers accurate, fast fire to targets at defensive ranges. And it does it while looking fairly cool and high-tech.

The ability to add optics or other sighting systems is a boon for speed and accuracy. A low-power optic or red dot will add to the speed and accuracy of the carbine, increasing its efficiency.

Is it a great Pistol Caliber Carbine or a blunder?

Our verdict is that the USC is a great Pistol Caliber Carbine.

The post H&K USC: Great PCC or Total Blunder? appeared first on The Mag Life.

If you’re a shotgun fan, you’ve likely looked at the optic mounting options available for rifles and handguns with some form of jealousy. Rifles, in general, have so many options, but shotgunners are stuck with Picatinny rails and mounts, right? Well, not anymore. Shotguns are finally getting some love. One of the first companies to show shotguns love is a little company called Scalarworks. They produce something called the Sync mount for all your premium shotgun options. 

The Sync mounts come for Benelli M2 and M4s, Beretta 1301s and A300, Mossberg 500/590 and 930 series guns, and of course, the Remington 870s and 1100s. They mount optics by their footprint and are compatible with the RMR footprint, the Aimpoint Micro footprint, and the ACRO footprint. The Sync mount is the shotgun red dot mount we’ve always wanted. 

Scalarworks seems to be expanding this lineup, which I’m grateful for. When I purchased mine several years ago, they only made them for the Mossberg and Benelli and only for the RMR. It’s nice to see them expand and hopefully continue to expand. 

My Sync Mount 

My Sync mount is designed for the Benelli series and uses an RMR footprint. I’m not using an RMR but a Holosun 507C optic. As a side note, the Holosun, with its 32 MOA reticle, is absolutely perfect for shotguns and the spread of pellets. The Sync mount does require your gun to be drilled and tapped, and guns like the 870 often do not come from the factory optics ready. 

The Sync mounts are made from 7075-T6 aluminum, and CNC machined for precision. It’s incredibly durable but also super lightweight. Models vary slightly, but the Benelli version is less than .64 of an ounce. For comparison, a Pic mount and Pic rail weigh 2.71 ounces. The Sync mount has a watertight seal, and a sealing plate isn’t required to keep the water out of the battery compartment. 

The Sync mount replaced the optic rail on the Benelli. Installation is very simple three-step process. Attach the optic to the Sync mount with the A screws. Use 15 pounds of torque. Attach the B screws to the receiver. The B screws do not go through the sync mount; they act as anchors. 

If you look at the bottom of the Sync mount, you’ll notice key slots. You slide the Sync mount over these key slots and lock it in place. Then you grab the C screws and fasten the Sync mount down. It’s not too tough. The instructions are mostly universal across the various platforms, but make sure you check your individual mount and shotgun’s instructions. 

Why the Sync Mount?

The Sync replaces the Picatinny rail often used to attach optics with a direct connect mount. Outside of having the receiver milled for an optic, this is the best way to mount an optic. The Sync mount lowers the optic significantly. Picatinny rails and Picatinny rail mounts often force the red dot to be higher than necessary. This results in a less natural sight picture and a raised cheek weld. It’s usable but not optimum. The Synt mount eliminates this extra height. On the Benelli M4, it sits low enough to co-witness with the Benelli’s ghost ring sights. 

Beyond lowering the optic, it reduces the platforms and screws required to mount an optic. You no longer have to worry about your attachment and torque to a Picatinny mount and then that Picatinny attachment to your optic’s rail. There is less to go wrong. Additionally, the chance of the Sync mount failing is lowered due to the innovative attachment design. 

The mounting system spreads side impacts across four different anchor points. This means it can take a mighty blow from the side and not bend or warp with the optic. With a Pic mount and Pic rail, this could bend one or the other. 

To the Range 

With the Sync mount and Holsoun attached, I hit the ground running. The immediate effect of the Sync mount is a natural cheek weld that makes it easy to find the dot upon presentation. It’s centered just perfectly in my vision and makes it easy to get the gun up and on target. There is no microsecond switch to a higher cheek weld to find the dot. 

On the Benelli M4, this optic works wonders when you use the proper collapsing stock. If you’ve never used the stock, you might not realize that not only does it extend, but it travels at a slightly downward angle. At the lowest setting, it’s ultra-easy to use the iron sights but often tough to use optics mounted to the Picatinny rail. With the Sync mount, this problem is eliminated. 

While you shouldn’t slave dots to irons, there is some benefit to being able to co-witness. When it came time to zero the optic, I could lower it to the iron sights for reference, and then zero much quicker with fewer of my expensive FliteControl loads fired. 

I’ve fired well over 2,000 rounds with the Sync mount attached to the Benelli M4. It’s never even gotten remotely loose. I did ensure the proper torque was applied, and I’ve yet to find a single issue. Not only has the Sync mount remained locked to the gun, but the optic has also remained locked to the Sync mount. I’ve had this setup rocking and rolling since 2020 with zero issues. 

Syncing Up 

The Scalarworks Sync mount provides shooters with the best option for mounting shotgun red dots. Plenty of shooters might scoff at the idea of a red dot on a shotgun and see it as an unneeded upgrade. Sure, beads are fast, and ghost rings are precise, but a red dot is both. I have the speed to win a CQB fight and the precision to allow me to make the most of Flitecontrol and slugs. It’s the best option for a shotgun sighting system, and the Sync mount is the best option for mounting a red dot. 

The post The Scalarworks Sync Mount: Shotgun Perfection appeared first on The Mag Life.

Practical firearms classes are a great way to test your firearm and equipment. At a recent two-day Galil/AK Operator Course from Isreal Weapon Industries (IWI), many students found that their gear fell short or even was nonexistent. This made their life tough when it came to getting through the class but also where it really matters—handling their weapon to the best of their abilities. Below are some recommendations on slings, magazines, pouches, tools, and range gear for an AK course.

Sling and Attachments

A two-point sling was essential for this course, especially with the ability to tighten and loosen with a simple pull. As always, safety is a must with any firearm. A one-point sling just doesn’t cut it as it swings around when not handled. A two-point sling with the ability to adjust tension throughout drills is necessary to properly handle a firearm, no matter if it is close distance or far. The ability to adjust the tension with a simple pull is also important. It will allow for extra recoil management when tightened to the body but also allow you to give the sling less tension when the gun is on the body or when multi-positional shooting is needed.

Two-Point Sling Options

The Blue Force Gear Vickers Standard AK Sling comes with attachments that allow for attaching to any AK platform. Another option is the Viking Tactics sling. It is an easy-to-adjust two-point sling, but it doesn’t have the Blue Force Gear AK attachment accessories.

Attachment Points

The AK platform doesn’t have the normal rail platforms that we are used to. That means different attachment points for slings and other equipment are necessary. The Blue Force Gear ULoop Sling Attachment accessory has a nylon-coated rubber loop that can be run through any type of rail system and create a strong sling point. Ensure that when purchasing you get the correct width of accessory for your sling.

If all else fails, extra paracord thrown into your range bag will always do the trick. This trick was actually used in the course when a sling that a student brought couldn’t be attached to their AK rail. Paracord was attached to the sling, attached to the gun, and the student had a practical sling on their firearm.

Magazine Pouches

This was probably the gear that people fought with most frequently throughout the class. AK magazines come in a lot of different shapes and sizes with large feed lips on the sides. Thus, it is difficult to find good mag pouches that allow you to pull them from your pouch and also allow you to put them back into your pouch without struggling. Some mag pouches can make this easier, though, by having a wider pouch while still having tension on the magazine so you don’t lose it. In a class, you will want to be able to stow your magazines with ease due to the type of drills that the classes often run.

Note: At the minimum, I recommend having two magazine pouches on your belt and another way to stow magazines on your body somewhere. Some drills downrange involve three magazines at a time before you can walk back to your range bag and reload. The amount of magazines recommended will usually be stated on the class notes as well. This class recommended four magazines at the least but did not recommend how to set up your gear.

My 7.62×39 PMAG was able to fit well in the .223 HSGI Taco Mag Pouch. Dependent on the type of pouch and magazine, you may want to try out both .223 and .308 mag pouches. Another option is the G-Code Scorpion Mag Pouch.

Chest Rigs

Instead of a battle belt, chest rigs are growing quickly as a popular item for shooting courses due to the amount of gear that you can place on the rig, allowing you to get the weight of ammo and magazines off of your hips. If you’d like to go this route, the instructor of this course was wearing the Micro Fight Chest Rig from Spiritus Systems with a 5.56 insert.

Dump Pouches

A dump pouch is simply a bag that sits on your battle belt that can be rolled to stow or unrolled to use. This bag is meant to carry empty magazines but you may hear the joke of people putting their snacks and other unnecessary things in there. This piece of equipment comes in very handy during firearms classes due to the large amount of ammo that is needed down range. While many instructors try to time their shooting drills to ensure that every student can get through it without running out of around four magazines of ammo, sometimes this just doesn’t happen. A dump pouch provides a way to carry more magazines down range and stow your old ones without having to fill your pants pockets.

Forewarning: Some instructors may harp on a dump pouch due to you either grabbing an empty magazine accidentally from the pouch or the pouch making a lot of noise as you walk. In my opinion, though, the juice is worth the squeeze and a dump pouch is great for practical shooting courses.

Personally, I like dump pouches that when fully rolled down the opening comes out wide instead of flopping down. This makes it easier to throw magazines into instead of having to fight the opening. In turn, though, it makes for a bit of a larger pouch.

Magazines

As said before, AK magazines come in a lot of shapes and sizes. There were a few that functioned very well during the course and some not so much. Most magazines that functioned well had steel locking lugs.

The two brands that functioned well in various AKs were Xtech Tactical and Magpul. The instructor also mentioned that his experience with Xtech AK magazines has always been positive.

Tools

If you’re going to a class with a high round count such as 600 rounds, as this one was, the mindset of “something on this gun may go down” needs to be in your head. With that, tools need to be brought to the class. While instructors will often have their own tools, students shouldn’t be relying on them to fix their equipment. Be an asset. To do that, a good kit with various attachments such as Allen keys for scopes or screwdrivers for magazine pouches is needed. Specialized tools for sight adjustments are also needed especially in an AK course.

The Real Avid AR15 Gun Tool Pro multi-use tool is stored in a small pouch that can be easily thrown into your range bag. It has multiple Allen wrenches that fit popular-size Allen screws for tightening scopes and other equipment that may come loose during a high round count class.

In the IWI Two Day Galil/AK course many students needed their iron sights adjusted but didn’t have the tool. This meant that the instructor needed to go to each individual to adjust their sights with his front sight tool. Bringing your own tool can help with your own knowledge of the system and speed up the zeroing process during the class.

Lubrication

With any firearms class, the gun should always be lubed the morning of the class to ensure proper functioning. In this specific class, we actually field-stripped our firearms in a classroom setting and learned about proper lube points and maintenance procedures, thus making having your own lubrication oil a necessity. I used Breakfree CLP, a multi-purpose cleaning, lubricant, and protectant, and had no issues with my AK.

Gloves

Gloves were NEEDED during this class. AK hands are a thing. The constant manipulation of the Krebs safety along with aggressive mag changes and charging of the gun makes for some sore and blistered hands. Not only that, but the gun gets HOT. I ran the course with one glove, support hand side for the hot rail. The right hand I left open for trigger manipulation but did have many blisters from the safety manipulations. Don’t be afraid to go gloved on both hands.

Pro Tip: Attach a small carabiner clip to a belt loop of your pants to hang your gloves off of when you’re not using them.

As a female that has small hands, I like to use PIG Gloves from SKD Tactical as they fight my hand tight.

Other Range Gear

Water, electrolytes, and snacks/lunch are a range MUST when it comes to shooting courses. Many times you won’t be able to leave the range to go find lunch. Due to this, some easy-to-pack items are needed, as well as a way to transport and store these food items.

The largest hack I have found especially when flying with ammo is to use your cooler as a checked bag. Stay with me. Checking your soft-sided cooler with all of your ammo in it takes the weight out of your other bags. This ensures that your bags are not overweight. After you arrive, you now have a cooler that you can use to keep things cold on the range. It’s hard to find a spot to pack a cooler anyway, so instead of going without it, just use it as a checked bag and store things in it.

While the instructors will have a full med kit on the range, it doesn’t hurt you to have, at the least, a tourniquet on your belt.

Pro Tip: A simple way to do this is to wrap two easy-to-break-away rubber bands around the tourniquet and your belt. Mount it in a place where both of your hands can reach it. I.e. the middle of your back or front of your belt. 

Some specific electrolyes that deserve a mention is the IGNITE powder from MTN Ops. It has concentration-boosting vitamins while giving you a healthy amount of energy. I take it in the morning before any shooting match or course. I notice a change in my focus and energy but without the jitters.

Maybe not at a pistol class, but binoculars are always a great staple to have in your car. In this AK class specifically, we were going out to 300 yards with red dots without magnification. The instructors only brought two pairs of binos. Those who didn’t have their own binos were out of luck until the instructor came by with theirs

Last but not least, a notepad is ESSENTIAL at a course. If you are not taking notes on what you are learning, what is the point of taking a class? No one can take in that amount of info in that small of time and remember everything. Not all classes are as gracious as IWI and supply you with the notebook at the beginning of the class. Don’t be afraid to take down some notes in between shooting drills. Plus, a real notepad always looks better than you typing into your phone.

Keep Learning!

Remember, don’t be too hard on yourself if you find that your gear setup still isn’t perfect during your next class. Part of the fun of these courses is seeing what other shooters are running and getting ideas on how to make your setup better. Put some rounds down range, have fun, and keep working hard towards finding gear that is the most optimal setup for you and your firearm.

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