Lever-actions are regaining a foothold in the firearms world, and understandably so. These are versatile guns chambered in some heavy-hitting cartridges, making it no wonder they’re gaining a new following. In the interest of keeping up with the changing times and desire for aftermarket accessories, Midwest Industries has released a new Marlin 1895 Extended Sight System.
Troy Storch, Owner of Midwest Industries, had this to say about the company’s latest offering for lever guns: “We’re taking the classic lever-action rifle and making it tactical. It’s the best of old and new for Marlin owners. Shooters can bring the lever gun into the modern age with a sleek, sophisticated sight system.”
The Midwest Industries Marlin Extended Sight System was designed for Marlin 1895s. (Photo credit: Midwest Industries)
The Midwest Industries Marlin 1895 Extended Sight System gives shooters the best of both worlds by combining the company’s M-LOK handguard and ghost ring sights with a rigid, durable uppermost rail. Not only does this completely change the aesthetics of the Marlin, but it also gives functionality a significant boost. Everyone from target shooters to hunters to those using their levers for truck guns can benefit from the extra space giving them the ability to add their personal choices of aftermarket accessories. In addition, the Extended Sight System enhances the sight picture while allowing for quite a bit of adjustability.
The system gives shooters quite a bit more space for aftermarket accessories. (Photo credit: Midwest Industries)
Features of the Midwest Industries Marlin Extended Sight System
Fits the many Marlin 1895 variants
Heavy-duty ghost ring allows for rapid target acquisition
Windage and elevation adjustments are broad, which works well when needing to use different ammunition
Midwest Industries sight adjustment tool included
Steel rear aperture and front sight post for superior durability and resistance to wear
Designed for Marlin 1895 rifles with handguard cap (see image below for example)
Features a forward-mounted sling swivel for the use of standard, popular hunting slings
Includes one five-slot M-LOK rail section for even more real estate for accessories
Slim and lightweight for comfort and maneuverability
The ultra-rigid design provides multiple points of contact with the rifle which, in turn, provides stability and improves accuracy
Aluminum used is Hard Coat Anodized 5061 for extreme longevity
Features full-length uppermost Picatinny rail for aftermarket accessories such as lights and lasers
Handguard length: 13.625 inches
Handguard width: 1.640 inches
Patent Pending
Made in the USA
Lifetime warranty
Not compatible with XS Lever Scout Mount and 336Y Models
Fits on these known models with a forward handguard cap: Marlin 1895 (excluding the CB model)
An illustration regarding the compatibility of the extended sight with the Marlin. (Photo credit: Midwest Industries)
One of the downsides of lever-actions is the lack of customization, but this new system from Midwest Industries makes it possible for gun owners to add whatever accessories they desire to their levers.
Midwest Industries says a version for the Marlin 1894 will be released in the near future, broadening optic and light options for lever-action shooters even more. MSRP for the 1895-compatible model is $324.95.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you’ve seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master’s Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.
Rifle shooters are constantly on the lookout for aftermarket items to enhance the shootability and their own accuracy with their gun of choice. With unique customization in mind, Arisaka Defense has created the Stock Angle Adapter to make rifles even more ergonomic and comfortable to shoot.
The Arisaka Defense Stock Angle Adapter gives shooters the ability to customize their rifle’s stock even more. (Photo credit: Arisaka Defense)
Praecore Performance’s Mike Olivella has been in since the ground floor on the creation of the Arisaka Defense Stock Angle Adapter. Olivella had the following to say about the adapter:
“The Stock Angle Adapter is the first installment in a series of precision rifle focused, ergonomic upgrades. The geometry of most popular carbine stocks support a variety of shooting techniques and work well within those requirements. However, if we take a look at any modern, precision focused bolt gun chassis, you will note that all of them feature a 90 degree angle for the recoil pad. This isn’t by accident. This geometry promotes greater contact surface area for one of the critical alignment components of a shooter’s position behind the rifle.
Arisaka took my requirements and went a step further by incorporating a simple and lightweight solution to the critical fitting components of recoil pad height and cant. Different optic mount and shooter requirements have shown in testing there is almost no wrong configuration, but I do have my favorites. The finishing touch that can’t be overlooked is how Arisaka made this accessory to not only work with a few common carbine stocks but also allowed it to accept a popular aftermarket recoil pad. For gas gun precision rifle shooters, this upgrade offers your rifle a lightweight, custom fit solution for your recoil pad with an extra bump up in surface area for your rear support.”
The Arisaka Defense Stock Angle Adapter. (Photo credit: Arisaka Defense)
Features of the Stock Angle Adapter include:
Alters the angle of the recoil pad, shifting it perpendicular to the bore axis
Makes the recoil pad adjustable for both height and cant
Use of the adapter makes the stock compatible with the use of Magpul SL pads
Ships with either the MOE SL Enhanced Recoil Pad or the Magpul SL Limbsaver Recoil Pad (one of the two pads must be used with this model)
CTR Bag Rider (additional pieces increase cost)
The CTR Bag Rider is an optional add-on to the Stock Angle Adapter. (Photo credit: Magpul)
The Arisaka Defense Stock Angle Adapter is designed to aid in the alignment and recoil management of semi-auto gas guns. This adapter was specifically made with models like the LMT MWS and KAC SR25 in mind. Being able to adjust both the height and cant means the shooter can customize fit more precisely to their own physiology. The end result makes the CTR stocks similar to a precision bolt gun stock. According to the manufacturer, an OEM CTR pad won’t work with the Stock Angle Adapter; rifle shooters must use our favorite, either the SL Limbsaver recoil pad or a Magpul SL recoil pad.
A closer look at how the Arisaka Defense Stock Angle Adapter is configured for use. (Photo credit: Arisaka Defense)
Base MSRP $59.00. Price increases when optional add-ons are included.
What’s worse than needing a specific tool and not having it? When you have the tool but it is… elsewhere. As in, not physically available to you where you need it when you need it.
Sometimes you need your gun tools when you’re out in the field or at the range. Heck, maybe you just want to make them part of your EDC because your work (or preference) demands it. That’s where Real Avid comes in with its Gun Tool AMP line. Instead of trying to come up with a solution using whatever materials may be close at hand, the Gun Tool AMP has your tools packed into a portable multi-tool configuration.
Cool, eh? The available models cover three popular platforms: the AR 15, 1911, and pistol.
The gun tool (this one is the pistol model) is configured like a multi-tool and comes in a holster. The pin punch folds out easily. And check out all of the bits stored in the interior of the holster, there are nine of them in all!
We recently obtained the model for pistols, so we’ll take a closer look at it. Before we get into the review, though, check out the video demonstration so you can see how the system works.
I used the Real Avid Gun Tool AMP to install a Tyrant Designs Magazine Extension and Extended Slide Release on my Glock 43.
The two-part system maximizes storage, function, and portability.
You wouldn’t think a multitool and holster combo with this much capability would be small enough to fit comfortably in your hand, but it does. And though it’ll add a little bulk to your belt if you decide to wear it, it isn’t enough to be cumbersome.
The multitool nestles snug into its holster. For the capability this offers, it’s surprisingly compact.
The Multi-Tool
I really appreciate the easy-to-deploy design of the multitool. It has a total of nine tools, including a bottle opener, knife blade, and a tap hammer for everyday tasks.
The multitool portion has stainless steel tools including:
2.6″ Wharncliffe knife blade
Laser/sight trigger adjustment Hex keys (.028″, .035″, .050″, and 1/6″)
2.5mm (3/32″) pin punch
Tap hammer
Flat carbon scraper for deeper cleaning
Metal file
Bottle opener
Angled pick to help access those hard-to-reach places in the pistol slide and frame
Nut wrenches (4mm, 5mm, 1/4″, and 5/16″)
The tools either have a black oxide finish or are made of titanium.
The Holster
Real Avid incorporated so much into this holster, I find it to be quite impressive. The belt clip is big enough to be used on wider belts and it’s also MOLLE compatible. And then, there’s the magnetic bit storage, multiple bit options, and the lever system to keep it all secure until you’re ready to use it.
The interior of the holster has a magnetic storage space with a nine-function bit set. The bit driver folds out for use.
The bit set includes common bits and screwdriver heads:
5/64″ Hex
3/32″ Hex
7/64″ Hex
T15
#1 Phillips
1/8″ Flat
3/16″ Flat
1/4″ Flat
9mm Flat
The belt clip can be worn on your belt, but it’s also MOLLE compatible. At over two and a half inches wide, it will accommodate multiple belt sizes. I’ve had some gear that came with holsters that only had a one-inch allowance for the belt strap, making them less likely to be used. It’s been an irritation to me so I thought this feature was worth mentioning. The width of this clip is just a simple, smart feature. The large red lever on the north end of the holster quickly deploys the bit driver and allows the multitool to be removed. The smaller red button on the south end allows the bit driver to fold back into the holster in its non-deployed position.
Switching the factory slide release out for the Tyrant Designs extended version was easy using the punch.
At first, it seemed like I need to pound the slide release pin with the punch to get it out, but I really didn’t want to use too much force for fear I might damage the gun, the pin, or even my fingers. I asked a buddy about it and he sent me this video showing how to remove it without using too much force.
Basically, if you press down on the spring that is pushing up on the slide release while pushing on the spring, you can use a punch and push it out. No hammer (or roll of tape as a platform) is required!
My Glock 43 with the extended slide release installed. My Glock 43 is ready for the range with the extended slide release and magazine extension.
So after I made these modifications to my Glock, I took it to the range to try it out. Of course, I was glad to have the mag extension in place, because…more rounds is more better, right? But I was especially eager to see how the extended slide release would be, since I’ve only used the Glock with the one from the factory.
I was very pleasantly surprised. With the factory slide release, it was a little difficult (for me) to press it in when I wanted to field strip the gun. The extended slide release stands out and adds just enough surface area and texture to give my thumb a little more leverage, thus making the process easier to do since my thumb is way less likely to slip during the process. And that’s the whole point, right?
Who doesn’t love a multitool? Better yet, a multitool with gun tools! The Real Avid AMP now has a permanent spot in my range bag.
I’ve only touched the surface of what the Real Avid Gun Tool AMP can do, I realize. But as the needs arise, we’re glad we have this tool handy.
Choosing a holster for concealed carry doesn’t have to be difficult, but it can be. If you have a Sig P365 XL and are in the market for a new option for your EDC (EveryDay Carry), DeSantis Gunhide has you covered. The latest addition to their Pegasus Kydex by DeSantis line, the Uni-Tuk, is now available for the Sig P365 XL. Even better, it can be used with P365 XLs that have red dot sights mounted to their slides.
The latest holster from DeSantis Gunhide is the Uni-Tuk for the Sig Sauer P365XL, (Photo credit: DeSantis)
The DeSantis Gunhide Uni-Tuk is made with a durable Kydex shell and breathable, synthetic back component so gun owners get the best of retention and comfort. Thanks to the unique design of the back piece, airflow makes it through, preventing excessive sweating or skin sticking to the holster itself. This holster comes with the company’s proprietary Tuckable 360 C Clip, which is both height and cant adjustable with an impressive 360° of rotation. It also features a built-in Spur, a claw created to improve concealment.
The back side of the Uni-Tuk is designed for comfort and performance. (Photo credit: DeSantis Gunhide)
Molded Kydex shell for resistance to wear and greater retention
Multiple tensioning points so retention can be adjusted by the user as needed
The proprietary clip can be rotated 360 degrees
Red dot compatible
American made
Available for left-handed shooters
The new DeSantis Gunhide holster is made for the Sig P365XL. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)
DeSantis Gunhide has been in the business of making high-quality holsters for more than five decades. They’ve come a long way from their early days and remain, as always, a family-owned and operated business that produces its holsters in the United States using premium American steerhide. They are considered one of the top holster makers in the firearms industry.
Regarding their Uni-Tuk holster, DeSantis Gunhide had the following to say:
“The Uni-Tuk, #206, is the latest in our Pegasus Kydex by DeSantis line. This IWB holster features a precision-molded Kydex front married to a back component which is an all synthetic and a “breathable” platform. This allows airflow for a “keep cool” IWB carry. The Uni-Tuk features multiple points of tensioning for a customizable fit. It’s equipped with our proprietary Tuckable 360 C Clip, which can be adjusted for both height and cant with 360° of rotation. The built-in Spur which acts as a “claw”, is an integral part of the holster body, enhancing concealment.”
A left-handed version of the UNI-TUK is also available. (Photo credit: DeSantis Gunhide)
In addition to this latest P365XL/P365 w/red dot sight model, the Uni-Tuk is available for the Glock 43, 43X, 43X MOS, and 43X MOS (with or without reflex sight) and the Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP 3 inch or Hellcat 3 inch. MSRP $89.99.
Today were are talking Lithium, and I don’t mean the prescription drug or great Nirvana song. Nope I mean the Lithium PCC 9mm compensator from a company called Ultradyne. The company famously makes the C4 iron sights with their unique sight picture and design. They’ve also dived headfirst into the world of muzzle devices.
The Lithium PCC aims to tame the recoil of 9mm PCCs, most of which use a simple and reliable direct blowback design. It’s a solid, well-proven way to make a 9mm PCC or subgun, but the downside is recoil. A 9mm PCC recoils like a 5.56 caliber rifle. There is no reason we should accept rifle recoil in a rifle platform from a pistol cartridge. Heck, reducing recoil and muzzle rise is always a noble cause, and as such, the Lithium PCC compensator aims to make any 9mm PCC or subgun a bit more controllable.
Ultradyne Lithium Construction and Installation
Ultradyne constructs the Lithium PCC Compensator from 416 stainless steel and wears an ultra-rugged salt bath nitride finish to give it a dark black color. This salt bath nitride finish resists muzzle blast and maintains the finish regardless of heat and the exploding gasses it’s exposed to over and over again.
Six total ports reduce recoil and muzzle rise.
Mounting is super simple, and a crush washer isn’t required. What we get is a three-piece system made up of a timing nut, a collar, and the muzzle device itself. All a shooter has to do is hand-tighten the timing nut on the barrel, then install the collar on the muzzle device and hand tighten the device against the timing nut.
Here is where you’ll need two 13/16th wrenches. Index the muzzle device until it’s lined up appropriately, then hold it in place with a wrench. Take your second wrench and work the timing nut counterclockwise against the muzzle device. If you have a torque wrench, it should be 25-foot pounds.
Installation is quite simple and doesn’t require a crush washer.
Boom, you’re done. I did this at my kitchen island in about five minutes, with two minutes of getting it just right. I tossed mine on my super short and very handy CMMG Banshee Mk17 AR pistol. It’s a 9mm AR-type pistol with a radial delayed system that already delivers light recoil.
By The Numbers
How do you judge how well a compensator works? I mean, I can certainly tell you how it feels, and I will, but how do you judge raw performance? Well, the closest thing I can figure out is to use the Mantis X10 device. It has a “RecoilMeter” that tracks gun movements throughout a shot. I tested the recoil of the Mk17 with a bare barrel and with the weapon equipped with the Lithium PCC.
I used the Mantis to record the recoil differences.
Without the Lithium, the Mk17 had a muzzle rise of .62 degrees. Not bad by any means. The CMMG’s radial delayed system does a great job of reducing recoil and muzzle rise in general. After properly assembling the Lithium onto the Mk17, the muzzle rise went down to .24.
I used the same ammo, the same magazine, the same everything. The Mantis did not move between shots. Man, the Lithium did a fantastic job of cutting down recoil, and the numbers don’t lie.
The Ultradyne Lithium in Action
I set up a number of my favorite drills and ran them hard with the Lithium-equipped Mk17. I warmed up with box drills and moved into the VTAC 1-5 drills, reload drills, and even shot the old OPOTA SMG qual with the gun. Hot damn, did I see a noticeable difference to the point where I was a little slower than I needed to be. It took a warm-up for me to get used to the effects of the Lithium.
Make the tame, tamer.
The big device makes a big difference. It’s notably a stiller weapon. Judging by the movement of my red dot, the recoil is cut significantly. Watching that dot move even less on a gun where the dot already barely moves. Strings of rapid-fire are much easier to control. The Lithium uses two side ports to reduce recoil and four top ports to reduce muzzle rise.
I had zero issues with reliability. Easy with lower-powered ammunition. The Mk17 ate everything as always without complaint or issue. The Lithium won’t impair your gun’s ability to run ragged.
It adds a little length to the weapon.
The ports certainly do their job and reduce both muzzle rise and recoil. The effect on muzzle rise is most noticeable. While lots of people may use something like this for speed, the device does a great job of improving practical accuracy.
The Accuracy Difference
When I say practical accuracy, I don’t mean the device will tighten your groups up necessarily. A reduction in muzzle rise allows you to stay on target between shots. At 50 yards hitting a four-inch isn’t hard, but doing so quickly can be. A moving gong and a red dot moving between shots create the challenge. When we eliminate or at least minimize the dot’s movement, we can just account for the gong swinging, and that makes laying accurate round down much easier.
Side ports allow for recoil reduction.
The Lithium compensator does just that. I can focus less on recovering from recoil and more on hitting the slightly moving target. Small targets and PCCs are really more of a competitive game, but hey, you never know when it will translate over to the real world.
Downsides
In the spirit of no free lunch, everything you do with a gun is a trade-off. With the Ultradyne Lithium, the trade off’s aren’t huge. First, your gun will be a fair bit louder. That’s the nature of brakes on firearms. Not too big of a deal, but worth noting.
It’s big, beastly, and in charge.
Second, you do add about 1.5 inches of length to your gun. That can be considered a bad thing when you’re using a gun as small as the Mk17 Banshee. However, it might be worthwhile on a dedicated 14.5-inch barrel. You can pin and weld it to keep it at 16 inches with a muzzle device.
Going Wide
The Lithium isn’t a small device, but big effects come from big devices. It’s certainly beastly in size, but a little thickness never hurt anyone. The overall effects are by the numbers provable, and the reduction in muzzle rise and recoil can be easily felt. I think Ultradyne has done a bang-up job with the Lithium.
If you are looking to get into PCC competition, then the Ultradyne Lithium should be on your shortlist of awesome products. If you want to add an edge to your home defense PCC or subgun, then ditto. It’s a rock-solid piece of gear that installs easily and performs admirably.
One of the greatest challenges in selecting a holster comes when you try to find one made to fit your gun while it has a light or laser mounted to it. The good news is, if you have a Taurus TX22 with a Viridian E-Series laser, you can now get a holster to fit it from UM Tactical. The company’s latest holster maintains the quality and performance expected from their work and enables gun owners to include their Viridian E-Series laser on their carry guns (if it’s a Taurus TX22).
The new UM Tactical Qualifier Holster IWB/OWB Taurus TX22 with Viridian E-Series Trigger Laser. (Photo credit: Taurus)
This is a versatile holster that can be used for more than one method of carry including OWB (On the Waistband), IWB (Inside the Waistband), and Appendix. It’s also being produced in both right and left-handed models which is a great feature for many shooters. Not only does this cater to the many left-handed shooters in the gun world, it makes it possible for shooters to train mirror with their Taurus TX22s (meaning, for example, a right-handed shooter would shoot left-handed).
Carry method can be adjusted by using the included IWB clip for concealed carry and replacing that clip with the Qualifier Strip for OWB carry. Appendix carry can be done with either attachment although it’s most commonly done concealed.
The latest holster from UM Tactical can be used for IWB carry. (Pictured with a Glock, photo credit: Viridian)
From Viridian:
“UM Tactical’s Qualifier Holsters are handmade and constructed of 4332 Boltaron. Boltaron has a much wider temperature range before cracking under arctic cold or deforming under high heat, it also has an ultra-high impact resistance over Kydex. All our holsters are made in-house resulting in unmatched quality control. The user can easily and quickly convert from inside the waistband to outside simply by removing clip and installing the qualifier strap. The OWB Qualifier strap holds the holster tight to your body without sacrificing the manipulation of retention. Built for Taurus TX22 with Viridian E Series Laser.”
The new UM Tactical holster for Taurus TX22s with Viridian E-Series lasers can be used IWB, OWB, and Appendix. (Photo credit: Viridian)
This holster is made for the Taurus TX22, a 22LR-chambered, semi-automatic pistol. The gun has a capacity of 16 +1 and weighs 17.3 ounces empty. For gun owners who carry their Taurus TX22 daily and wish to do so with a Viridian E-Series laser for improved accuracy and rapid target acquisition, the UM Tactical design is an enormous help.
UM Tactical’s latest holster is made for the Taurus TX22. (Photo credit: Taurus)
Features of the UM Tactical Qualifier Holster for the Taurus TX22 with Viridian E-Series compatibility:
Made using 4332 Boltaron
Left or right-handed available
IWB/OWB convertible as well as appendix capable
Precision molded
Adjustable click retention
Conceals tightly against the owner’s body whether carrying IWB and OWB
If any handgun cartridge has seen significant growth lately, it’s 5.7x28mm. For those who are fans of the cartridge—and of FN America’s Five-seveN handgun—there’s a new silencing option available. B&T USA has launched a new product, the Five-SeveN Suppressor and Barrel Kit. The kit includes both the barrel and suppressor and is specifically made for FN’s Five-SeveN handgun.
The B&T USA Five-Seven Suppressor is now available from Arms Unlimited as part of a kit. (Photo credit: B&T USA)
Jon Scott, Vice President of Sales at B&T USA, had the following to say regarding the company’s newest offering: “With the recent resurgence in popularity of the 5.7x28mm cartridge, we’re excited to introduce B&T’s sound suppressor and barrel kit designed specifically to work with FN America’s Five-seveN handgun. In order to make this project work, and uphold the quality B&T is known for, we partnered with Jarvis Inc. who custom made a high-quality, match-grade, 10x1mm threaded barrel to our specific specifications. This barrel and suppressor combination matches the look, feel and reliability of FN America’s Five-seveN pistol, while extracting all the performance potential out of the gun and cartridge — all in a package that’s a whole lot quieter.”
B&T USA’s newest suppressor kit is made for the 5.7x28mm. (Photo credit: FN)
This B&T USA thread-on suppressor is made for specific use with the FN Five-seveN Pistol. According to the manufacturer, they are the OEM suppressor manufacture FN prefers in Europe.
Check out the video below for another look at the suppressor:
B&T’s suppressors have a reputation among many industry professionals for being high-quality and technologically advanced. They’re designed to be rugged enough to withstand rough environmental conditions and high rates of fire. Durability and longevity are vital for suppressors. When you’re choosing a suppressor for your handgun, quality matters, and B&T strives to design and manufacture products that stand the test of hard use.
The B&T USA Threaded Barrel for the FN Five-seveN. (Photo credit: Arms Unlimited)
The B&T threaded barrel is designed for use with the Five-seveN model suppressor. It’s manufactured using gun barrel certified chrome moly steel that’s been heat-treated to 40-44RC. The combination of the steel and heat treatment process is meant to give the barrel superior strength and durability. Having the barrel available as part of a suppressor kit means you don’t have to search for the right barrel to go with your new can; B&T USA did the work for you.
The B&T USA threaded barrel is made for the FN Five-seveN. (Photo credit: Arms Unlimited)
Specifications
Suppressor
Manufacturer: B&T USA
Caliber: 5.7x28mm
Length: 8 inches
Diameter: 1.4 inches
Weight: 12 ounces
Attachment: 10x1mm Right Hand
Barrel
Manufacturer: B&T USA
Fits: All Five-seveN models (MK2, USG, or IOM)
Thread Pitch: 10x1mm Right Hand
Thread Protector: Included
Recoil Spring: Factory standard weight
Twist: 1/9
Rifling: Conventional, button rifled
Material: 4140 Gun Barrel Certified Steel
Hardness: 40-44 HRC
Crown: Recessed 60-degree crown
B&T USA Five-seveN Suppressor Kit MSRP is unknown at this time. The kit is available exclusively through Arms Unlimited.
Savage Arms has been mostly a rifle company for decades, with a few shotguns along the way. So, when Savage released a handgun in 2021, it came out of left field — at least for me, it did. It was the company’s first pistol in, well, dang-near forever. I, like many, paid attention when Savage dropped the Stance. It was released in three colors: black, FDE, and grey, and some models come with night sights and other models with lasers. The one used for this model is the FDE model with standard sights.
Stance — Breakdown and Specifications
The Savage Stance keeps things rather traditional. Savage bills the Stance as a micro-compact 9mm, but that title doesn’t fit. The Stance is more akin to a single stack nine like the S&W Shield than a true Micro-Compact like the P365. The Stance comes with two magazines, one holds seven rounds, and the other holds eight.
It breaks down in a very simple manner.
The gun has a 3.2-inch barrel with an overall length of 6.2 inches. Height-wise, the gun sits at 4.6 inches tall. The widest portion measures out to .96 inches, making it quite thin and lithe. At twenty-two ounces, it’s a little heavy for its class of firearm but not heavy enough to make carrying it difficult.
Like a lot of modern handguns, the Stance uses an integral chassis system. The chassis contains the guts of the frame and can be removed from the frame. This chassis is the serialized portion of the firearm and is technically the ‘gun.’ This means frames and slides aren’t serialized and can be shipped without an FFL.
The Savage Stance uses a chassis system that has the potential for tons of customization.
Savage has said they plan to produce new frames for the pistol. This includes color, frames with rails, and likely various sized frames to fit larger or smaller magazines. Additionally, the interchangeable frames could allow for a wide degree of customization and new aftermarket options.
Take a Stance on Ergonomics
The Stance does a great job of presenting ambidextrous ergos. The slide stops and manual safety are ambidextrous, as is the magazine release. Not reversible, but truly ambidextrous. That being said, the slide lock and safety are both very small. Savage does make a model without a manual safety, and that would be my choice. The slide locks are just that — locks — and are not meant to be used as a release to reload.
Savage conquered the grip game with the Stance. The 18-degree angle is nice and comfy, and you get an additional backstrap to change the size of the grip to fit your hand. The grip is also thin with rounded edges, and it fits the handle very well. On top of that, the grip itself wears a very aggressive grip texture that covers everything.
The little gun conceals with ease.
The front, the sides, the rear, and even multiple index points for your trigger finger are all covered. Holy crap, it’s just everywhere. Not only everywhere, but it’s well done and very, very grippy.
That same grip is rather thin with a couple of very nice thin portions to accommodate your trigger finger and the top part of your hand. The slide features a few relief cuts to lessen weight and does make the gun have that modern, cool look to it. The front of the slide is beveled for easy reholstering, and the slide is melted and dehorned for easy concealment and a smooth draw.
At the Range
I put a few hundred rounds of Global Ordnance brass-cased 115-grain FMJs and some SIG 124 grain +P loads. I ran a variety of drills, including the iHack, the failure to stop drill, and a few reload drills. At that time, I found the weapon very easy to control. Like crazy easy to control. The Stance’s thin but highly textured grip doesn’t budge in the hand.
The slide locks actually work with my big thumbs!
Even with those hotter self-defense loads, the Savage Stance doesn’t shake its way out of your hand. The gun stays put without complaint. A lot of little guns will recoil and shift in your hand, especially when you rapidly fire several shots in quick succession. The Stance doesn’t move in your hand at all. Good on Savage for addressing a rather common issue with little guns.
The gun comes with a seven and eight-round magazine.
The Stance is plenty easy to control, even with a single hand, and even when that hand is your weak hand. Blasting through my ammo was never uncomfy. The recoil impulse is mild, and there isn’t any slide bite or pain between each shot. While it might not be ‘soft’ shooting, it does handle well for its size and class.
Shooting the Stance is an enjoyable experience.
Those recessed slide stops are nice. My big thumbs often pin slide stops downward, which ensures the slide doesn’t lock back to the rear after the last round is fired. That’s not an issue with the Stance, and it is the only small gun that I’ve shot that doesn’t give me a slide lock failure.
Trigger Time
The trigger, well, you won’t write home about it. It’s a long, spongy trigger pull with a fair amount of weight to it. The reset is also fairly long, and it has to come all the way back forward before it fully resets. It’s not fantastic, especially in the face of so many good triggers on the market.
The Savage doesn’t move in my paws.
Although it’s not so bad that it compromises your overall accuracy, Savage tossed on a great set of sights. The rear sight is two white dots, and the front sight is a big orange dot. They contrast well, deliver great accuracy, and are super easy to spin up and get on target. Finding the front sight is easy, and a good presentation gets you right on target. Plus, since they are easy to see, you can get lead on target quickly.
In terms of accuracy, it doesn’t stand out but is perfectly suitable. Headshots at twenty-five yards are not a big deal. Hitting those two-inch dots that make up a dot torture target isn’t very difficult either. Now, if I needed to make a fifty-yard shot on a ten-inch gong…well, I better have lots of extra ammo.
Going Bang
Did I have any flaws or reliability issues? Nope, not a single one. The Savage Stance ran and ran without complaint or a lick of lube. I ran it exactly how it came from the factory, and the Savage didn’t disappoint.
Global Ordnance supplied the ammo and made this review possible.
The Stance does lack the capacity of modern micro-compacts, as well as their efficiency. However, the price point is a fair bit lower, with an MSRP of 479. The street price will likely be even lower. That being said, I think the Stance missed the boat by not including a rail or an optic compatible model. I feel that makes the single stack nine design feel slightly more dated.
However, it’s a reliable and ergonomic pistol. Accuracy is good but not great. It’s a solid, well-made gun that will be a perfectly competent choice for concealed carry and defensive use.
Here’s something some gun owners might not know: all Glocks are not alike. Not only that, but their differences extend beyond various calibers and compact-versus-full-size. The Glock 43X is one of those different models thanks to its Slimline design and updated components. Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance Lab discusses what you need to know about the Glock 43X in the video review you’ll find below.
Hilton Yam gives viewers the lowdown on the Glock 43X. (Photo credit: 10-8 Performance Lab)
Should You Train with Your Carry Gun?
Short answer: yes. As Yam points out right off in this video, you should be training with your carry gun. Simply picking up the latest plastic fantastic pistol and carrying it around is never a good idea. Any gun you’re considering carrying should meet certain standards:
Reliability (more on this later)
Accuracy
Comfort
Durability
Factory parts (or factory trigger pull weight if you swap triggers)
Concealability
Before you start carrying a gun for self-defense purposes, it’s ideal to put at least 500 rounds through it. Those 500 rounds should cycle. If it fails, you’re back at round one.
Yes, you should be practicing with your carry gun. (Photo credit: 10-8 Performance Lab)
Ammunition used should be a combination of target rounds and your chosen defensive rounds, because defensive ammo is not the same as a target round. It’s understandable that it won’t always be possible to use that much ammo, but do your best to check its reliability. The last thing you need is a gun that might fail at the most important moment of your life (and remember, you can’t predict or schedule that moment). Remember, your magazine is your first point of failure, so check your mags first and be sure you have more than one.
Check out the video for more from Hilton Yam:
Favorite Glock 43X Feature?
The rear sight was one of the things about the Glock 43X Yam was apparently happy to see:
“So, the first thing I was pretty excited about is the rear sight has some serrations on the front and, of course, the ledge shape so that you can use it for catching on things to perform one-handed manipulations. So, my first victim was, of course, the bench…at the range. …one thing I kind of wanted to highlight is, it is very popular right now because it looks cool on YouTube or Instagram or whatever, is to take the gun and just smash it against something and hope something catches and racks it. However, I started in an era when we had wedge-shaped rear sights which you couldn’t catch on anything, no matter how hard you hit them, and that was by design. …we had to place the edge of the ejection port on the edge of our holster. We had to place it, and then rack it. …if you do the same with a sight or an optic…it’s a little less destructive.”
Yam demonstrates racking the slide using his belt. (Photo credit: 10-8 Performance Lab)
Because, Glock
There’s a reason Glocks are so popular. They are backed with decades of proof they’re reliable, they’re affordably priced, and they flat-out get the job done. The 43X was a great idea by Glock because the Slimline design — not technically a single-stack, but similar — makes it easier to conceal and fits a wider range of hand sizes while maintaining the gun’s reliability, durability, and performance.
Everyone needs a good flashlight and there are endless options out there to pick from. Writing or reading a review on a flashlight can be challenging. I mean what is there to say? Here’s how bright it is, here’s how long the battery lasts… That can usually sum it up. I must admit however, the Streamlight WEDGE is much different. Streamlight has always made good lights for law enforcement, and I have had one Streamlight model or another on me in my patrol car or on my tactical vest since I’ve been a cop, but none of them were comfortable to carry in your pocket on a regular basis.
Over the years improvements have been made and today’s lights are much better than they used to be. They are lighter, brighter, and of course, they are rechargeable. Remember the days when your light died, and you had to make a battery run? But after the big switch to LED, plastic, and reachable batteries, they are all different variations of the same thing: a round flashlight with a button on the front and rear of the light. But when I got this light, I was pleasantly surprised that it was not just another standard light to throw in your car or stick on your belt; it was, dare I say — cool!
So, what makes this light different?
The Streamlight Stinger (one of the most common-sized duty flashlights for carrying on your belt), next to the NEBO Inspector RC and the Streamlight WEDGE.
The most obvious difference with the WEDGE compared to other smaller tactical lights is the shape and the activation switch. At first glance, this light reminds me more of a pocketknife than it does a flashlight. The WEDGE is approximately 7/8” wide, 1/2” thick, and 5 ½” long. The square look makes it stand out from most other lights and tends to work better when carrying it in your pocket. This light isn’t meant to replace the duty light you carry in your patrol car but is the perfect size for an everyday carry light, on or off duty.
The “Toggle” Activation Switch
The WEDGE activation switch is a toggle style switch that is placed close to the top, making it easy for your thumb to push forward.
Most lights I carry can change lumens (brightness) during use. This is most often done by clicking the button multiple times to cycle from full-bright to medium/dim and strobe. I rarely use these settings, however, because once I am at a scene or looking for someone in the dark, I don’t want to start clicking through settings to get to the brightness I want. Streamlight’s newer model of the Stinger does have a switch above the button that allows you to toggle from low to high, but this ability is not a common option with most LED lights.
The WEDGE light can be temporarily increased to 1,000 lumens by pushing forward on the toggle switch once the light is activated. When released, the light will return to 300 lumens.
The WEDGE has a rotating lever on the side that is in the perfect spot for your thumb to push forward to activate the light. The light clicks on, and you have 300 lumens of constant light. From here you can then push further on the lever to send the flashlight to full-power mode and release 1,000 lumens of temporary light. Once you let off the pressure, the light goes back to the 300-lumen setting until you turn it off. Because of the size of the light, you can hold it in either the left or right hand and easily operate the lever with the thumb.
The first day I carried this light, I took it to a search warrant at a home that contained stolen firearms. We needed to search from top to bottom for these missing guns and there was very little light in the home. I found the momentary full-power option much more useful than clicking a button to cycle through brightness settings when looking under a bed, behind a dresser, or other dark places (and I found the stolen guns!).
Carrying the WEDGE for Everyday Use
The Streamlight WEDGE light feels just like a pocketknife in my front pocket. I was able to place keys and other items in my pocket without the light getting in the way. I carried the light in my left pocket and my knife in the right.
The WEDGE has a pocket clip on the back (charging side) just like a standard pocketknife. The clip is not so large that it gets in the way when using but has just enough size to keep it firmly affixed to the inside of your pocket. Because I always carry a knife in my right pocket, I carried the WEDGE in my left pocket. It is just a little narrower than most knives I carry so it did not get in the way at all with reaching other items in your pocket. It was comfortable, easy to grab and when pulled out of the pocket, your hand finds itself in the right place for your thumb to push the activation lever forward. After showing the WEDGE to my detectives, they requested the agency purchase these to issue to all plain-clothed personnel.
Charging
The Streamlight WEDGE light can be charged using the included USB-C cable. While there is no cover for the USB port, the light is still water poof.
The WEDGE comes with a charging handle and is charged with a USB-C port on the back of the light. This makes it very easy to charge in the car, office, or at home. A green light next to the activation lever tells you have plenty of charge for use. The same light will turn red when the battery is getting low and needs to be recharged. When my light turned red, it took just a little under three hours to charge. With a full charge, I carried the WEDGE for just over a week with intermittent use each day without charging it to see how the battery held up. On the 8 th day, the battery light was red and the next day I left it on until it died. This is a light that could easily be charged every few days unless you had an extended use.
Overall
The design of the Streamlight WEDGE makes it easy to hold on to and operate. The size and design were very important to me as I always carry a firearm off duty and the ability to grab a light and activate it with one hand is an important feature. The aluminum body makes it light but durable and the IPX7 water rating allows it to be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes and they back it up with a limited lifetime warranty.
The regular (constant) operation mode of 300 lumens could have been just a little brighter, but that would have also shortened the battery life and made the light grow hot when operating. If you know you will be out searching a field and want to light it up, then grab a full-size duty light. But for keeping a light on you all the time with good power and battery life, I can’t find anything to complain about with the Streamlight WEDGE.
