Weapon mounted lights (WMLs) are a fantastic addition to any handgun – one most of here believe is an absolute muse on a defensive handgun. Whether you’re focused on self-defense, home defense, or handgun hunting, you can benefit mounting a light to your gun. The Streamlight TLR 10 G is a rail-mounted light with a green laser, making it a an excellent combination for handguns with accessory rails located in front of the trigger guards.
The Streamlight TLR 10 G is a rail-mounted light and (green) laser combo. (Photo credit: Streamlight)
Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah had the following to say about the TLR 10-G:
Tactical users will appreciate the TLR-10 G’s brightness, extensive range and solid peripheral coverage, while also benefiting from its powerful green laser. The laser improves users’ ability to focus on targets during daylight hours, as the color green appears brighter to the human eye than other colored lasers. And it fits a wide variety of handguns, making it ideal for first responder and tactical applications, as well as concealed carry use.
The Streamlight TLR 10 G is rail mounted and has both a light and a red laser. (Photo credit: Streamlight)
The manufacturer released details of the light-laser combo:
The TLR-10 G laser/light combination features a fast rail clamp for rock solid repeatability on a wide range of full-size weapons.
Powered by two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries, the TLR-10 G features three modes: Laser only, LED only and LED/Laser. The light provides 1,000 lumens and 10,000 candela over a 200-meter beam distance. The run time is 1.5 hours for LED only or LED/Laser; in laser-only mode, the run time is 11 hours. The strobe offers 3 continuous hours of run time.
Weighing just 4.62 ounces and measuring 3.87 inches long, the TLR-10 G includes a key kit to securely attach the light to a broad range of weapons. The light features a one-handed, snap on and tighten interface that keeps hands away from the muzzle when attaching or detaching it, and a safe-off feature, locking it to prevent accidental activation.’
Having a weapon mounted light on your handgun is a good way to add versatility and increase the ability to identify targets. (Photo credit: Streamlight)
Features of the Streamlight TLR-10 G include:
1,000 lumens; 200m beam; runs 1.5 hours (LED only or LED/Laser); runs 60 hours (Laser only)
Custom optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination; integrated 640-660nm red laser
Ambidextrous on/off switch
Uses two CR123A lithium batteries (included)
Safe off feature prevents accidental activation; saves batteries
Rail grip clamp system securely attaches/detaches quickly and safely with no tools and without putting your hands in front of muzzle
Securely fits a broad range of full-sized handguns
Durable, anodized machined aluminum construction
User enabled strobe function
3.87 inches (9.82 cm) long; 4.62 ounces (131g) with batteries
IPX4 water-resistant
Limited lifetime warranty
Assembled in USA
The Streamlight TLR-10 is a tactical light that produces 1,000 lumens. (Photo credit: Werkz LLC)
The Streamlight TLR-10 G has an MSRP of $503.50 and comes backed by the manufacturer’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Do you have a WML or light/laser combo on your handgun? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section.
TALON Grips, a family-owned industry leader in stick-on gun grips, has acquired ArachniGRIP, the creator of the SlideSpider patented stick-on grip for the slide. Both companies are Colorado-based grip accessory companies.
TALON Grips has acquired ArachniGRIPS, bringing together two Colorado-based like-minded companies offering some of the best in grip accessories. The after-market grip enhancements offer shooters another way to ensure a solid grip on their weapon.
ArachniGRIP was born from Bob Biedenbach, Co-Founder of ArachniGRIP, who returned to the sport and realized he was having trouble controlling the slide of his firearm due to reduced hand strength and arthritis. Don Hoekendorf, the Co-Founder of ArachniGRIP, was a range master at the time and a user of TALON Grips. Together, the two devised a plan to create a grip for the slide to reduce hand fatigue and improve grasp.
TALON Grips for pistol slide benefits all shooters. Adding this grip to the slide ensures that you get a firm grip in all conditions, especially in wet conditions, making it easier to manipulate the firearm regardless of hand strength. “Once the grip is applied, you are able to pull the slide back with minimal effort. You can immediately feel the difference whether you are a veteran shooter or new to the sport,” said Mike Morris, President of TALON Grips.
ArachniGRIPS, known for its SlideSpider, was started by Bob Biedenbach and Don Hoekendorf in an effort to create a grip for a slide to reduce hand fatigue and improve grasp on handguns. Bob saw the need for grip help after suffering from arthritis while Don saw the need for the product as a range master and user of TALON Grips
“For years, we have worked with Don & Bob as our products complement each other nicely. It was a logical step for the brands to join forces. They built a solid foundation, and this is a great opportunity for TALON to use our knowledge and offer the best grip for the slide of the firearm, an area that many people struggle to control,” continued Morris. The grip makes it easier to control the firearm and keep the muzzle pointed down range while clearing or racking the slide.
Hoekendorf added, “I am very excited to see where TALON (Grips) will take this. They are the leader in this space and have become a household name in firearm grips.”
Adding a TALON Grip to a pistol ensures a firm grip in all conditions on the weapon. This makes it easier to manipulate the firearm and adds to shooter comfort, consistency, and weapon retention. It’s especially helpful for those that struggle with hand strength issues, like arthritis sufferers.
TALON Grips provide grip solutions for over 300 different firearms. Most are available in multiple material options like black rubber, moss rubber, PRO, and granulated-black. TALON Grips won’t move once installed but can be removed, the pistol can be cleaned and returned to factory condition. The life of TALON Grips is from 1 to 3 years of use.
A bonus of the acquisition, the SlideSpider was previously only available as a two-pack for about $20. But TALON Grips will be offering these as a single piece for under $10.
Empowering Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights with a wide range of holsters for any handgun, 1791 Gunleather offers several options for individuals who choose the Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ for everyday carry.
The BH2.1 Holster from 1791 Gunleather is an open-top multi-fit belt holster that has belt loops for safe retention and complete comfort for daily carry. The open-top design also allows for a faster draw of the carry weapon.
All 1791 Gunleather holsters are made from 100% Certified American Heavy Native Steerhide and incorporate four generations of professional leather artisans for beautifully crafted and functional holsters. There are several holsters that work well with the S&W M&P 380 Shield EZ, and here are a few to consider, with most available in left- or right-handed options. All 1791 Gunleather holsters have a lifetime warranty commitment.
BH2.1 – Open Top Multi-Fit Belt Holster 2.1
The BH2.1 features belt loops for safe retention and complete comfort and an open-top design for a quick draw of the micro-compact EZ 380. The BH2.1 is an open-top multi-fit belt holster that will hold the firearm snug to the carrier’s body while offering reliability and comfort for all-day carry. The open-top design allows for a quick draw of the preferred handgun.
Ultra Custom Concealment Holster
The Ultra Custom Concealment Holster features a Memory-Lok design that acts like Kydex to offer a snug fit and retention of the carry weapon with the comfort of a leather holster. It has a reinforced tuckable clip for IWB concealed carry.
The Ultra Custom Concealment holster features Memory-Lok technology to custom-mold and provides Kydex-like retention with the comfort of leather while allowing for quick draw via the open-top design. A reinforced tuckable clip allows for IWB carry with superior concealment. The Smith & Wesson M&P ShieldEZ 380 fits the Ultra Custom Concealment holster in size 4.
Fair Chase Holster
The Fair Chase holster is made from ethically hunted, fair-chase whitetail deer hide, which is said to have the perfect combination of resistance and flexibility. The deer hide is reportedly unmatched in any other type of leather, making the Fair Chase a comfortable yet reliable carry holster option.
The Fair Chase is constructed of ethically hunted, fair-chase whitetail deer hide and offers maximum concealability. The deer hide has a combination of resistance and flexibility that is reportedly unmatched in any other type of leather, making it the finest wild animal leather. The Fair Chase holster includes a strong American steel clip that is beveled for complete comfort in carrying and safest for retention, according to 1791 Gunleather. The 380 Shield EZ fits the Size 4 holster.
Smooth Concealment Holster
The Smooth Concealment Holster is strictly a concealable soft leather holster that has an open-top design for quick drawing of a weapon. According to 1791, it is the softest, most breathable, and most comfortable cowhide design available.
The SCH is a strictly concealable soft leather holster that offers an open-top design for quick drawing of the weapon. It is crafted from 100% certified American cowhide leather. The EZ 380 fits in the SCH size 4 holster.
1791 Gunleather’s 2-, 3-, and 4-way holsters in size 1 can also accommodate the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 380 for additional options.
Traveling with important documents or weapons can be a bit tricky if you aren’t careful. Hornaday has a good way to secure your items without the bulk and hassle of traditional methods. Enter the TrekLite Lock Box XXL, an advanced-security container with traveler-friendly features. The polycarbonate TrekLite XXL is about a third of the weight compared to the Standard Lock Box, which lightens the traveler’s load while offering heavy-duty protection.
Hornady Security has given travels a better option with its polycarbonate TrekLite XXL Lock Box that comes in at a third of the weight of other steel options. The TrekLite XXL is designed to hold 8.5” x 11” documents and can hold two full-sized handguns.
The advanced, impact-resistant polycarbonate forms the tough-as-nails shell of the TrekLite. At the same time, a durable, non-slip over mold provides added impact protection and prevents the container from shifting in travel. A 1500-pound rated security cable attaches the TrekLite to any solid object for additional security. And its patented cable connector maximizes precious cargo space and installs quickly.
Protects firearms, ammo, and other valuables while traveling or at home
Constructed of advanced, impact-resistant polycarbonate for exceptional toughness
Fits up to two full-sized handguns
Durable, non-slip rubber over-mold provides added impact protection and stability
Includes 1500 lb. rated security cable with patented cable connector that maximizes cargo space
Sized to fit 8.5 x 11″ documents
Heavy-duty protection at 1/3 the weight of steel
The dual 4-digit TSA lock offers added security with nearly 10,000 programmable codes. The locks offer additional security against prying or unauthorized opening. The TrekLite XXL has a durable non-slip rubber over mold that increases impact protection and stability.
The Hornady Security TrekLite Lock Box XXL fits two full-sized handguns, letter-sized documents, or other valuables. It includes egg crate foam padding on the lid and bottom that holds contents firm and protected.
Dual 4-digit TSA locks located on opposite corners of the container prevent prying and unauthorized opening. Meanwhile, TSA locks allow security check-point inspection quickly and hassle-free. The TrekLite Lock Box XXL comes in at $53.99.
TrekLite Lock Box XXL Specifications
Locks: 4-digit combination TSA
Exterior Dimensions: 12.2” x 10.1” x 3.3”
Interior Dimensions: 11.8” x 7.3” x 2.9”
Material: Impact-resistant Polycarbonate
Includes 1500-lb rated security cable
Patti Miller is one of the most awesome females in the tactical/firearm (or any) industry. Imagine a tall, hawt, dangerous Laura Ingalls Wilder type with cool hair and a suppressed blaster and you’ll be getting the idea. What’s interesting is that in addition to being a willing brawler and intrepid adventuress, she’s also an Ent/Ogier level gardener and a truly badass baker.
The empty gap in the back of your Glock’s grip has a lot of uses, but have you ever considered using it to turn your Glock into a fire starter? Refined Savages has a G-Spot Fire Starter Kit designed to fit right into that space, so you have the means to set things on fire wherever you carry your gun. Of all the ideas and products on the market made to utilize the Glock gap, theirs just might be the most unique and oddly useful.
The Refined Savages G-Spot Fire Starter Kit is designed to fit in the empty space in the rearward portion of the grip of your Glock. (Photo credit: Refined Savages)
Refined Savages released the following details about their fire starting kit:
Yeah, we know. But there is a little spot in your Glock that is just taking up space and we have the perfect use for it. Never go without a fire again with the G-Spot Fire Starter Kit. It fits discretely in the grip of your Glock and will stay there until you need to start a fire. When the occasion for a fire arises, simply remove the kit and in 30 seconds you can start warming up.
Secure and discrete, our Fire Starter Kit fits into the bottom of your Glock so that you will never be caught without fire again. Everything you need to get a crackling fire ablaze is included in our G-Spot housing. Simply remove the kit, fluff the cotton wicking, add some accelerant, and strike with the ferro rod.
The Refined Savages G-Spot Fire Starter Kit has everything you need to get a fire going, and it fits in the grip of your Glock. (Photo credit: Refined Savages)
The G-Spot Fire Starter Kit includes:
Ferro Rod
Metal Striker
Flame Wicking Cotton
Accelerant Gel Packs
Features:
Discretely stored in our G-Spot Housing which fits into the grip of your Glock
Start a fire in adverse conditions
Easily reloadable for repeat use
Compatible with the following:
Glock 17
Glock 19
Glock 34
Glock 35
The G-Spot Fire Starter Kit from Refined Savages is certainly compact—and who doesn’t want the ability to get a fire going made easier? (Photo credit: Refined Savages)
Carrying your Glock for self-defense is about being prepared for the worst-case scenario, isn’t it? So isn’t it logical to also have the means to start a fire ready and waiting? Combining the two without taking up more real estate on your belt or in your pockets is a nice perk of this kit. Refined Savages made their G-Spot Fire Starter Kit easy to use, reloadable, and lightweight, so you’re prepared no matter what.
Refined Savage’s G-Spot Fire Starter Kit comes with everything you see here. (Photo credit: Refined Savages)
Would you put one of these kits in the grip of your gun? It’s a great use for what is typically unused real estate inside your Glock. Tell us what you think in the comments below.
MSRP for the Refined Savages G-Spot Fire Starter Kit is $49.99.
As a shotgun nerd, I laugh when rifle and handgun bubbas complain about the cost of .30 cents and .40 cents per round prices on their ammo. Even when ammo is cheap, shotgun rounds never get close to those price points. Especially when it comes to buckshot and slugs. For high-quality defensive buckshot, you’ll find yourself spending upwards of two dollars a round. However, Fiocchi’s relatively new Defense Dynamics buckshot loads promise a budget-friendly alternative to your home defense needs.
My shotgun load of choice is Federal’s eight pellet 00 load with the Flitecontrol wad. However, Flitecontrol loads can cost over two bucks a round, and when ammo demand is high greedy shotgunners like me gobble it up. I recognize that there are a lot of new shotgun owners out there looking for a defensive ammo option without breaking the bank.
This led me to experiment with several shotgun loads, and one of those loads is the Fiocchi Defense Dynamics buckshot. I think it might be one of the better options for a defensive buckshot load on a budget. I’ve gotten a case of it to find out anyway.
Not All Buckshot Is Equal
There are lots of buckshot loads on the market, and most will stop a threat. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t chase loads that are better tailored for defensive shooting. Let’s examine what separates a defensive buckshot load from every other buckshot load on the market.
First, we have to look at shot size.
For buckshot, the smallest shot size consistently penetrating 12 inches of ballistic gel is No. 1. No. 1 is easily the most efficient shot size for defensive shooting, but it’s often ignored. No. 4 buck is often suggested but is a poor penetrator and best used for coyotes and vermin. That leaves us with the tried and true 00 buckshot. These .33 caliber pellets penetrate deep and hit hard.
Affordable, defensive buckshot is a real option.
Second, we also want to balance recoil and power.
This leads us away from full-powered 1,600 FPS buckshot. It has a lot of recoil and no noticeable defensive value. On top of that, we tend to avoid 3-inch magnum shells for home defense due to the recoil and the loss of capacity. The use of 2.75-inch shells frequently allows for an additional round in your magazine tube.
So we have 2.75-inch shells with 00 buckshot loaded into them. Most common loads use nine pellets. That’s fine, but eight pellet loads, like the Defense Dynamics, tend to pattern more consistently. Nine pellet loads will often have a’ flyer’ separating from the main pattern by several inches.
What makes the Fiocchi Defense Dynamics different?
Looking at what we discussed above, let’s look at what the Defense Dynamics load does and compare it to what good defensive buckshot should be. First, these are 2.75-inch shells with a listed velocity of 1,325. Not exactly low recoil, but still controllable. They are guaranteed to run in any semi-auto, even if it’s a bit picky.
Next, they are an eight pellet load, which is desirable for more consistent patterns. It’s also a 00 buckshot load, so it’s perfectly capable of penetrating deep enough to stop a threat. The Defense Dynamics load scores high in the basics of being an excellent defensive shotgun option.
High brass paired with excellent velocity makes this load well suited for semi-autos.
We also get a round that provides a high brass casing. While most high-quality shotguns cycle most shells, some can be picky and require high brass to function correctly. Fiocchi went with a rolled crimp instead of a star crimp. Typically a rolled crimp increases the length of the shell exponentially and can often reduce capacity by a single round in magazine tubes.
The roll crimp doesn’t add any extra length to the shell.
That’s not an issue here. I can fit five in a five-round tube without a problem. The roll crimp does help prevent moisture from building in the shell, but I doubt that’s a concern for most defensive shotgun enthusiasts. Overall the construction of the Defense Dynamics load is solid.
Performance at the Range
While everything above sounds great, it’s all nothing more than a theory until we get to the range. So, to the range, I went armed with 200 rounds of Defense Dynamics and a variety of shotguns. To be fair, it was extended over several days, but you know what I mean.
The Defense Dynamics rounds delivered excellent consistency.
I tested the Defense Dynamics through a few different shotguns. Specifically, the most popular platforms on the market like the Remington 870, Mossberg 590, Benelli M4, and Mossberg 930 SPX. In terms of reliability, each gun ate every round of Defense Dynamics without so much as a burp.
Here is the pattern from the Benelli M4.
Unsurprisingly the 1,325 feet per second rating doesn’t make it the lightest recoiling round but still makes it plenty easy to control. I handled the rounds fine in a TAC-14 PGO. In a stocked shotgun, the Defense Dynamics rounds are fairly comfortable, especially in semi-auto platforms. Enough so that I can control quick double taps on multiple targets without losing my focus.
How do the Defense Dynamics rounds pattern? That’s a fair question. I took a few shots at ten yards from each gun and measured the performance. The 590A1 presented the tightest group, and I could cover the entire pattern with the palm of my hand. The loosest pattern was probably 6 inches or so and fired from the Remington 870.
The load performs exceptionally well for defensive shooting.
The Benelli M4 presented an impressive pattern as well, somewhere in between the two. Overall the Defense Dynamics rounds rill the role of defensive buckshot quite well. These rounds cost about a buck a pop, which is about half the price of Federal Flitecontrol.
What I’d Change
These rounds aren’t perfect. I’d toss in a Flitecontrol wad if I could. However, other than that, the only thing I’d change is reducing the velocity to reduce the recoil to make it even more controllable. Take it down to 1,250 FPS, and it’d be downright comfortable.
The Fiocchi Defense Dynamics loads promise and provide a comfortable, reliable, and consistent load for home defense shooting. The load offers enough power, penetration, and reliability to conquer any home defense task. It also won’t break the bank and is seemingly easy to find.
When you think about firearm optics, you’re likely to think of the color red—as in red dot sights or a red laser dot that hovers over the target. But red isn’t the only color option. Green is actually more visible to the human eye in a variety of lighting conditions, and optics companies continue to provide green dot and laser options. Streamlight is one of the most popular optics companies out there, and they have a couple of green laser options available for long guns—The TLR RM 1 Laser-G and TLR RM 2 Laser-G.
The TLR RM 1 LASER-G (left) and TLR RM 2 LASER-G (right) are tactical lights for long guns, each featuring a high visibility green aiming laser. According to the company and the kits have everything needed to mount these systems.
Each light includes a 510-530 nm green laser and an optional strobe feature with independently operating push-button and remote pressure switches. They’re also available in light-only models, with the TLR RM 1 LASER-G and TLR RM 2 LASER-G delivering 500 and 1,000 lumens, respectively.
As for power, the company says both systems have1.5 hours of continuous run time, 3 hours on strobe and 60 hours in laser-only mode.
Company President and CEO Ray Sharrah said, “In addition to the original TLR RM 1 and 2 which feature a red aiming laser, we now offer new models with an integrated green laser, which appears brighter to the human eye than other colored lasers, to improve focusing on targets. Like earlier models, they also have an ergonomic, multi-function tactical tail switch and dedicated toggle switch. And they deliver the same powerful beam, with extensive range and solid peripheral coverage.”
TRL RM 1 Laser-G
The TLR RM 1 LASER-G offers 500 lumens, 5,000 candela, and a beam distance of 140 meters. It uses one (1) 3-volt CR123A lithium battery, measures 3.2 inches in length, and weighs 2.97 ounces.
Features
White LED illuminator and integrated 510-530nm green laser
500 lumens; 140m beam; runs 1.5 hours (LED only or LED/laser); runs 11 hours (laser only); runs 3 hours (strobe)
Mode selector toggle switch for laser only, light only or light/laser combo
Features independently operating push-button switch or remote pressure switch
Remote pressure switch exits at 90° providing improved wire routing option while preserving rail space
Safe off feature prevents accidental activation; saves batteries
Engineered optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination
Securely attaches to long guns with MIL Standard 1913 rails
Packaged as a kit offering everything you need to mount to your long gun (remote pressure switch kit, key kit)
Powered by one CR123A lithium battery (included)
IPX4 water-resistant
3.20 in. (8.12 cm); 2.97 oz (84.2g)
TLR RM 2 Laser-G
The TLR RM 2 LASER-G provides 1,000 lumens, 10,000 candela, and a 200-meter beam distance. It is powered by two (2) 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries, is 4.6 inches long and weighs 4.95 ounces.
Features
White LED illuminator and integrated 510-530nm green laser
1,000 lumens; 200m beam; runs 1.5 hours (LED only or LED/laser); runs 11 hours (laser only); runs 3 hours on strobe
Mode selector toggle switch for laser only, light only or light/laser combo
Features independently operating push-button switch or remote pressure switch
Remote pressure switch exits at 90° providing improved wire routing option while preserving rail space
Safe off feature prevents accidental activation; saves batteries
Engineered optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination
Securely attaches to long guns with MIL Standard 1913 rails
Packaged as a kit offering everything you need to mount to your long gun
Powered by two CR123A lithium batteries (included)
IPX4 water-resistant
4.60 in. (11.68 cm); 4.95 oz (140.3g)
The company further describes the TLR RM Green Laser systems:
The remote switch is designed to exit the weapon at a 90º angle, providing improved cable routing to preserve rail space. The lights feature three modes: Laser only, LED only and LED/Laser, operated by a side toggle switch. The face cap offers a safe-off mode to prevent unintentional activation.
The new models are designed to quickly and securely attach to any long gun with a MIL Standard 1913 or NATO rail, without having to put your hands in front of the muzzle. The lights offer highly accurate sight repeatability when remounting. Each light includes a key kit to securely affix the light onto a broad array of weapons.
IPX4-rated for water-resistant operation, both lights are constructed with durable anodized machined aircraft aluminum with an impact-resistant BOROFLOAT glass lens.
Both lighting systems are available in black and come with the Streamlight Limited Lifetime Warranty.
In an industry where innovation is key, the polymer dust cover for the AR platform seems to be the next upgrade. With many AR platforms using the more traditional steel dust covers, a high-strength polymer option has some benefits. It can help reduce any rust issues that could crop up as well as any potential warping or bending that can happen with traditional covers. That’s what we’re looking at here—the Strike Industries AR Ultimate Dust Cover for .223/5.56 – Texas Edition v1. This Patent Pending SI Ultimate Dust Cover (UDC) is reportedly one of the easiest to install, best sealing, lightest and quietest port door cover available.
Striker Industries Ultimate Dust Cover is reportedly the first commercially available quick disconnect ejection port cover that has an internal lip with True Seal Technology to seal against the elements.
The SI UDC is the first-to-market quick disconnect ejection port cover featuring an internal lip that provides a better seal against the elements (True Seal technology). It is made of a high-density SI Polymer Extreme material making it more durable and functional than the traditional dust covers, not to mention the slightest amount of weight reduction for the overall package. Not that traditional steel dust covers are heavy by any means, but when trying to make a lightweight rifle, a polymer dust cover gives another option to help reduce overall weight.
Product Features
Quick tool-less installation and easy disassembly using something as common as a pen
Patent Pending “True Seal” internal lip seals the port tighter than traditional dust cover designs
Patent Pending built-in adjustable spring-loaded detent set screw to compensate for wear on upper receiver plus easy installation and takedown
Made of high-strength SI Polymer Extreme material to not deform or get bent out of shape
Resistant to rust unlike traditional steel covers
Install AND remove the AR Ultimate Dust Cover in just 5 to 10 seconds
Product Specs
Length: 9.23mm (0.36”)
Width: 85mm (3.35”)
Height: 23.25mm (0.92”)
Weight: 0.39 oz (with packaging 0.50 oz)
The SI UDC is made of high-strength Strike Industries Polymer Extreme material that will not deform or bend out of shape. Additionally, it is resistant to rust, unlike other traditional steel options.
The unique internal detent rod design enables users to attach and detach the cover in 5 to 10 seconds with ease. It features an adjustable detent set screw to compensate for wear on the receiver and increase or decrease opening power. SI strongly encourages applying blue Loctite threadlocker to the ball-detent thread after it has been adjusted.
The SI Ultimate Dust Cover is compatible with AR-5 MIL-SPEC upper receivers, most billet AR-15 upper receivers, and the Aero Precision M4E1. It is not compatible with the VLTOR MUR (Modular Upper Receiver), ZRO Delta, Lantac Enhanced BCG (due to the carrier and bolt design), or the Bootleg Four Position Adjustable Carrier.
The tool-less installation design allows for easy disassembly and fast installation and removal, reportedly being done in under 10 seconds. The cover is available in Flat Dark Earth or Black color options.
MSRP for the Strike Industry Ultimate Dust Cover is $17.95 and is available in FDE and Black. As they say: DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS!
Patti Miller is one of the most awesome females in the tactical/firearm (or any) industry. Imagine a tall, hawt, dangerous Laura Ingalls Wilder type with cool hair and a suppressed blaster and you’ll be getting the idea. What’s interesting is that in addition to being a willing brawler and intrepid adventuress, she’s also an Ent/Ogier level gardener and a truly badass baker.
Red dot sights are commonplace now with a lot of shooters. One of the main selling points of these optics is the auto-on and auto-off functions. When speed and accuracy are needed, a sight that automatically turns on when it senses movement can make the difference on the range or with concealed carry. That’s where ZeroTech Thrive HD Reflex sight comes in with its advanced shake awake technology. It’s ready to go when you are.
ZeroTech Optics has upgraded its line of Thrive HD Reflex Sights with shake awake technology making it ready to go when the shooter is.
Built on a popular footprint, the Thrive HD Reflex will mount to most firearms and it’s available in both low and high mount options. It comes standard with a Picatinny rail interface, allowing it to fit on shotguns, lever rifles, AR platforms, and many more. By removing the Picatinny rail interface, the Thrive HD reflex sight can mount directly to pistols with a slide cut and many accessories designated for the direct attachment of a reflex sight.
The Thrive HD Red Dot Reflex Sights will mount to most firearms, thanks to the included Picatinny rail interface allowing for mounting on rifles, shotguns, AR platforms, and more. Without the rail, it can direct mount on pistols with a slide cut. (Shown here with the high mount option.)
The Thrive HD Reflex Sights have a 3 MOA Red Dot with 11 adjustable brightness settings. It runs on a side-loading CR2032 battery so there is no need to remove it from the mount to swap the battery and has a max 50,000-hour battery life (on the lowest brightness setting). The sight is guaranteed waterproof and shockproof and comes with a molded rubber cover.
The ZeroTech Thrive HD Reflex Sight, shown here with the Low mount option, has a 3 MOA Red Dot and an adjustable 11 brightness levels. It boasts a side-loading battery so there is no need to remove the mount to swap the battery—which won’t happen much with a max battery life of 50,000 hours on the lowest setting.
The AR lens coating is specifically developed to provide the least possible image distortion. It ships with either the low or the high mount, rubber protective cover, microfiber lens cleaning cloth, attachment tool, and manual. The Thrive HD Reflex Sight has a retail price of $249 for either model.
Features
3 MOA Dot
1x28mm
50,000 battery life on the lowest brightness setting Convenient battery compartment location. No need to remove the mount to change the battery (side loading battery)
Direct mount to pistols utilizing popular footprint for enhanced compatibility
Molded rubber cover
Auto shutoff
Auto ON (integrated motion sensor)
Adjustable brightness
Supplied with Picatinny compatible base
High and low rise mount versions (THDRS28H and THDRS28L)
Guaranteed Waterproof and Shockproof
AR lens coating specially developed for the least possible image distortion
Product Specs
Magnification: 1x
Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
Durability: Shockproof, Waterproof, and Fog Proof
Length: 45mm
Height: 28 mm (without mount)
Weight: 88 Grams with battery installed (approximate)
Patti Miller is one of the most awesome females in the tactical/firearm (or any) industry. Imagine a tall, hawt, dangerous Laura Ingalls Wilder type with cool hair and a suppressed blaster and you’ll be getting the idea. What’s interesting is that in addition to being a willing brawler and intrepid adventuress, she’s also an Ent/Ogier level gardener and a truly badass baker.
Glocks are one of the most customizable handguns on the market, if not the most, which is just one reason they’re so popular. There are practically endless aftermarket options designed specifically for Glocks. However, if you want to be able to install aftermarket parts and make repairs, you need tools. Unlike some handgun platforms, Glocks don’t require fancy tools, but they do require some basics. That’s where the Fix It Sticks Field Toolkit for Glock comes in handy. After all, you don’t want to permanently damage your gun trying to work on it using random, ill-fitting tools.
Fix It Sticks Compact Pistol Kit for Glocks comes with a wide array of tools that make repairing and upgrading your Glock simpler. (Photo credit: Fix It Sticks)
Fix It Sticks made the following statement regarding their Field Toolkit for Glock:
Designed specifically for Glock handguns, the [Field Toolkit for Glock] features the specialized tools necessary to maintain and work on Glock pistols including the Fix It Sticks Front Sight tool, Base Plate Removal Tool, and Channel Liner Tool. In addition to the specialized tools the kit also includes other components necessary for handgun maintenance. To maximize convenience and performance the kit also includes the Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Handle, the Mini All-In-One Torque Driver and the most common bits necessary for properly mounting optics on handguns.
Configurable Ratcheting T-Way Wrench with magnetic holders on all three ends that accept any standard 1/4″ bit. Reversible ratchet allows for quick tightening or loosening, even with limited clearance. (Photo credit: Fix It Sticks)
The Field Toolkit for Glocks comes with:
Ratchet T-Handle with locking hex drive
Mini All-In-One Torque Driver
3/32 inch Pin Punch
1/8 inch Pin Punch
Steel Pick
Cleaning Brush Bit
Channel Liner Installation and Removal Tools
Glock Sight Tool
Glock Magazine Base Plate Removal Tool
Battery Cap Tool
Two brass rods
Set of two 8-32 adapters
10 Electroless Nickel Plated Bits: T8, T10, T15, P1, H2.5mm, H.050”, H1/16 inch, H5/64 inch, 3/32 inch Extended Bit (for adjusting hard to reach screws on optics), SL6mm.
Compact Carrying Case
Custom bit designed to aid in the assembly and disassembly of Glock Front Sights. (Photo credit: Fix It Sticks)
Whether you need to swap out sights, field strip for cleaning, or place a new channel liner, there’s a tool in this kit for you. The compact carry case keeps it all in one place, so there’s no digging through a pile of random parts and tools, and it’s comprehensive enough it’s likely all you’ll ever need for your Glock. Don’t limit yourself when it comes to upgrading or repairing your Glock. All you need is the right tools and a little know-how.
Fix It Sticks Mini All-in-One Torque Driver. (Photo credit: Fix It Sticks)
MSRP for the Fix It Sticks Field Toolkit for Glocks is $184.00.
Do you handle the work on your personal guns? Do you have the right tools for the job? Tell us what upgrades you’d like to make to your Glock with these tools in the comments below.